Bucket List: 10 Must-Visit Places for Animal Lovers in US

For animal lovers, travel isn’t just about visiting new places; it’s about experiencing the wonders of wildlife, connecting with diverse species, and understanding their habitats.

The United States offers a plethora of destinations where enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the world of animals. From sanctuaries and national parks to unique wildlife encounters, these locations should be on every animal lover’s bucket list. Here’s a detailed guide to some of the best places in the U.S. where you can satisfy your passion for animals.

The Bucket List

We are both animal lovers and some of our favorite trips across the world revolve around seeing wildlife. But let’s focus on some of our favorites right here in the United States. These places are all great opportunities to see wildlife – animals in their natural habitat vs captive animals. (With the exception of the Honorable mention.)

Alaskan Cruise

An Alaskan cruise offers unparalleled opportunities to experience the state’s diverse and abundant wildlife. Pictures are hard to capture with sea creatures and the ones we did get can not do it justice – unless your a professional photographer; which we are not.

Cruising through Alaska’s pristine waters, visitors can spot humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and puffins. Shore excursions provide the chance to explore Alaska’s rugged landscapes and observe wildlife up close, including bears, mountain goats, moose, and bald eagles. Glacier Bay National Park, a common stop on Alaskan cruises, is a highlight, offering stunning scenery and exceptional wildlife viewing. The combination of breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife encounters makes an Alaskan cruise a must for any animal lover. It never gets old scanning the beautiful views for wildlife.

Our favorite animals that we saw are:

Humpback Whales: Often seen breaching and feeding in the waters. You learn to look for their spouts in the distance and then use binaculars for a closer look. Our highlight was watching one flap its tail “working out” in preparation for a breath – and then taking the beautiful breach.
Orcas (Killer Whales): Known for their distinctive black and white coloring these are a favorite of cruisers visiting Alaska. One happen to come up right next to where we were sitting on the ship and let our a big sigh. We couldn’t believe how close we were to it.
Bald Eagles: Frequently spotted soaring above or perched in trees. The tip here was to look for “golf balls” as their white heads were easy to spot. They were everywhere.
Sea Otters: Playful and often seen floating on their backs and hold hands so they wouldn’t float apart. These were another species where they were abundant and everywhere especially in Glacier Bay. They were another one of my favorites.
Harbor Seals: Seen lounging on ice floats and rocky shores. We saw a couple playing or wrestling with each other in the sea as well.
Brown Bears: Occasionally visible on shorelines, especially near salmon streams. Unfortunately we didn’t see any while we were on land but were able to spot one afar from the boat.
Porcupine: They are tree climbers so look up in trees or around lakes. We saw one near a pond and actually came upon another during a hike. I let out a scream and off it scattered. Not sure who was more scared me or the porcupine.
Reindeer: The one we saw happen to be a pet but I’m sure people have seen them in the wild.

See our two different takes on an Alaskan Cruise.

Exploring Alaska: Two Perspectives on Must-Do Activities During Your Cruise

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Spanning over 2.2 million acres, this park is home to a variety of species, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk.

The Lamar Valley, often referred to as America’s Serengeti, offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can watch herds of bison grazing, spot wolves hunting, and see bears fishing in the rivers. Guided wildlife tours are available for those who want expert insights into the park’s ecosystem and its inhabitants. We hoped to see grey wolves but unfortunately did not. Land animals are so much easier to photograph.

Bison Crossing the Road at Yellowstone National Park

Here are our favorites that we saw:

American Bison: Roaming freely in large herds you can’t miss them.
Grizzly Bears: Commonly seen in backcountry areas but we were able to see one in the distance with a telescope in Lamar Valley.
Elk: Large herds, especially visible in the fall during rutting season. Not as many as bison but pretty easy to spot several.
Black Bears: We saw one foraging at the edge of the forests near the road. Probably a little closer than I would have preferred but at least a ranger was there supervising us.
Coyotes: Frequently observed in various habitats. We heard them but didn’t see any.

See our two different takes on Yellowstone National Park.

Exploring Yellowstone: Two Unique Takes on the National Park Experience

Grand Tetons National Park, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park, located in northwestern Wyoming, is a stunning wilderness area renowned for its majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Encompassing over 300,000 acres of rugged terrain, the park is dominated by the iconic Teton Range, a dramatic mountain range that rises abruptly from the surrounding valley floor. Visitors can explore scenic drives, hiking trails, and numerous overlooks that offer breathtaking views of the jagged peaks and crystal-clear waters.

The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with opportunities to see moose, elk, grizzly bears, and a variety of bird species. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature lover, or simply seeking tranquility in a beautiful natural setting, Grand Teton National Park offers a memorable and enriching outdoor experience.

Moose: Frequently seen in wetland areas and along rivers and definitely in Moose Junction.
Elk: Roaming the meadows, especially visible during the fall rut.
Grizzly Bears: Commonly seen in forested and mountainous areas. Tip: Follow Grizzly 399 on Twitter to see where she has been spotted.
Black Bears: Often spotted foraging in various parts of the park.
Bison: Grazing in the park’s grasslands.
Pronghorn Antelope: Seen grazing in open areas. We called these “white butts” because the white hair on their behind made them easy to spot.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Badlands National Park is a stunning landscape of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires, offering a unique habitat for a variety of wildlife. Visitors can spot bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and the endangered black-footed ferret. The park’s rugged terrain and expansive prairies provide ample opportunities for wildlife watching and photography. The park also offers ranger-led programs that provide insights into the park’s ecology and the conservation efforts to protect its inhabitants.

Bighorn Sheep: Often seen on rugged terrain and cliffs but also along side of the road basking in the sun.
Prairie Dogs: Found in large colonies in grassland areas. Just GPS Roberts Prairie Dog Town and you’ll get to a huge colony.
Bison: Roaming the mixed-grass prairies.
Pronghorn Antelope: Frequently seen grazing in open areas.

Check out our two different takes on Badlands National Park.

Western South Dakota: Badlands, Custer State Park, and Mount Rushmore

Road to Hana – Maui, Hawaii:

The Road to Hana is a legendary drive that takes you through some of the most stunning scenery on Maui, Hawaii. This winding route, officially known as Hana Highway, stretches for about 64 miles from Kahului to the town of Hana. Along the way, travelers are treated to lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking ocean views. One of the highlights of this journey is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles(Honu).

Ho’okipa Beach is popular spot where sea turtles can often be seen basking on the beach or swimming near the shore. It is known for its large population of green sea turtles. Swimming with sea turtles is a magical experience that allows you to connect with the marine life of Maui. The clear waters and vibrant coral reefs make it a perfect spot for snorkeling and observing these incredible animals.

Keep a respectful distance: Maintain at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from sea turtles. It’s essential to avoid touching or disturbing them.
Do not feed the turtles: Feeding sea turtles can disrupt their natural diet and behavior.
Avoid loud noises and sudden movements: These can startle the turtles and cause them stress.
Observe the turtles quietly: Enjoy watching these majestic creatures in their natural habitat without interfering with their activities.

The Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii is teeming with diverse wildlife, offering numerous opportunities for animal lovers to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the island. Since whales go to Hawaii to mate, they are often more active in Hawaii than in Alaska where they go to eat.

Green Sea Turtles (Honu): These gentle creatures can often be seen basking on the beaches or swimming in the clear waters of places like Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach and Honaunau Bay.
Dolphins: Spinner dolphins are frequently spotted off the coast, especially in areas like Kealakekua Bay and Honaunau Bay.
Whales: Humpback whales migrate to the Hawaiian waters from December to April. Whale watching tours from Kona offer a chance to see these majestic animals.
Reef Fish: The coral reefs around the island are home to vibrant fish species like the yellow tang, parrotfish, and triggerfish. Snorkeling spots like Kahaluʻu Beach Park provide a close-up view of these colorful inhabitants.

Check out our full blog on our different takes on The Big Island of Hawaii.

Double Take on Hawaii’s Big Island: Adventures, Relaxation & Family-Friendly Escapes

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina

The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for black bears, providing one of the best opportunities to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The refuge’s diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and swamps, support a wide variety of wildlife, including red wolves, otters, and numerous bird species. Visitors can explore the refuge on guided tours, by kayak, or along its scenic drives and hiking trails. The refuge’s educational programs and interpretive exhibits offer valuable insights into the region’s wildlife and conservation efforts. Again we tried to see wolves, this time red wolves but were not lucky enough to see them.

American Alligators: Commonly seen in the refuge’s waterways.
Black Bears: Frequently observed in forested areas.
White-tailed Deer: Commonly spotted throughout the refuge.
Various Bird Species: Including waterfowl, wading birds, and raptors.

Crystal River, Florida

Crystal River, Florida, is one of the few places where you can legally swim with manatees. These gentle giants flock to the warm springs of Crystal River during the winter months, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for animal lovers. Guided snorkeling tours provide the opportunity to interact with manatees in their natural habitat while learning about their behavior and the importance of protecting their environment. The area’s crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings make it a beautiful and serene destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Manatees in Crystal River, FL

Book a Tour: While you can technically do it on your own, we recommending a tour. Choose a reputable tour operator that adheres to the “Manatee Manners” guidelines.
Be Gentle and Respectful: Manatees are gentle giants. Move slowly and avoid touching, chasing, or disturbing them.
Float, Don’t Swim: Use slow, quiet movements to float near the manatees. Rapid movements can scare them away.
Stay at the Surface: Keep your feet up and avoid standing on the riverbed to protect the sensitive ecosystem.
Observe from a Distance: Maintain a respectful distance and let the manatees approach you if they are curious.
Stay Calm and Quiet: Speak softly and avoid splashing to maintain a peaceful environment.

Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia

Assateague Island is famous for its wild horses, which roam freely along the seashore. These horses, known as Assateague ponies, have adapted to the island’s harsh environment and have become a symbol of the area’s wild beauty. Visitors can explore the island by hiking its trails, kayaking through its waterways, or simply relaxing on the beach while watching the horses. The island is also home to a variety of bird species, making it a great destination for birdwatchers.

Popular Viewing Areas: The North Ocean Beach and Bayside Peninsula areas are known for frequent horse sightings.
Use the Wildlife Loop: This driving loop is a prime area for spotting wild horses and other wildlife.
Maintain a Safe Distance: Stay at least 40 feet away from the horses to ensure your safety and avoid stressing the animals.
Bring Binoculars: Binoculars or a zoom lens on your camera can help you get a closer look without approaching the horses.
Stay Quiet and Move Slowly: Sudden movements and loud noises can startle the horses, so keep your distance and observe quietly.
Do Not Feed or Touch: Feeding or touching the wild horses is prohibited and can be harmful to both you and the animals.

If your considering checking it out, get more information in our blog.

Two Takes on Virginia Beach: Relaxation and Adventure

Everglades National Park, Florida

Everglades National Park is a unique ecosystem that supports a diverse range of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and the elusive Florida panther. The park’s vast wetlands are best explored by boat, offering close encounters with its inhabitants. Airboat tours provide an exhilarating way to navigate the waterways while spotting alligators and a variety of bird species. For those interested in a quieter experience, kayaking and canoeing are also popular options. The park’s visitor centers and ranger-led programs offer educational insights into the importance of wetland conservation.

We took a tour and unfortunately did not see any Alligators in the wild but did enjoy the captive ones.

If your heading down to South Florida, check out our blog.

Two Takes on Miami & Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Exploring Dade County – Beaches & More

HONORABLE MENTION: Discovery Cove – SeaWorld, Florida

So this one is not wildlife as the animals are captive but it was one of our favorite animal experiences in the United States hence the honorable mention. Discovery Cove in Orlando is a tropical oasis that offers unique animal encounters. Visitors can swim with dolphins, snorkel with tropical fish and rays, and hand-feed exotic birds in a free-flight aviary. The park’s all-inclusive experience includes unlimited access to all attractions, meals, and beverages, ensuring a relaxing and immersive experience. Discovery Cove’s focus on animal care and conservation education makes it a top destination for those looking to interact with marine life in a responsible and ethical manner.

Dolphins: Opportunities for interactive experiences and swimming.
Stingrays: Swimming with and feeding these gentle creatures.
Tropical Fish: Snorkeling with a variety of colorful species.
Exotic Birds: Aviary with numerous species from around the world.
Sea Otters: Playful and engaging in their exhibits.
Sharks: Viewing opportunities through snorkeling or aquarium tanks.

Check out our blog for more details on different takes on Orlando, Florida.

Two Takes on Orlando, Florida: Theme Park Magic to Local Discoveries

The DINKs Top 5

This is so difficult to put in order and because most of these involve wild animals, there is a different experience every time.

Alaskan Cruise: At one point an Orca came up for air right near the boat and let our a sigh. It was simply one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Another time, a whale was “working out” it’s tail muscles flapping and flapping. The guide was like wait for it, its warming up to practice a breach. And sure enough, the whale dove deep and came up for a perfect breach.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: I thought waiting around to see animals would get old but there is basically professional animal watchers out there and as soon as they spot something, they excitably ask everyone around to come look through their telescopes. Bison and Elk were everywhere. Love the classic, roadblock as the Bison crossed the road.
Discovery Cove, Florida: We never fork out the expense to swim with animals but this deal included so much for what it would cost for just the swim with a dolphin in the Caribbean or Hawaii. But it included swimming with stingrays, tropical fish and ray sharks.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota: This happen to be the first time seeing a lot of wildlife in the midwest including first time seeing Bison, big horn sheep and Praire dogs.
Crystal River, Florida: Such gentle creatures it was amazing being so close to them.

The Family Top 5

Alaskan Cruise
- Check out full blog at AfforbaleFamilyTravel.com.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
- Checkout our full blog at AfforableFamilyTravel.com.
Big Island of Hawaii
- Check out our full blog at AffordableFamilyTravel.com.
Discovery Cove, Florida
- Check out our full blog at AfforableFamilyTravel.com.
Crystal River, Florida

Summary

From the wild landscapes of Yellowstone to the marine wonders of Monterey Bay, the United States is rich with destinations that celebrate and protect its diverse animal inhabitants. Whether you’re passionate about big cats, marine life, or native wildlife, there’s a place for you to connect with nature and learn about the importance of conservation. These destinations not only offer unforgettable experiences but also inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the efforts to preserve it. So pack your bags and set out on an adventure that will satisfy your love for animals and leave you with lasting memories.

Doubletake Travel

US Bucket List: 10 Must-Visit Places for Animal Lovers in the United States