1

Coronado Beach, California

Image: KC Welch

Located in Southern California , Coronado Beach is one of the coastal areas that make up this list, and with good reason.

This beach is known for its golden sands that shine under the sunlight, thanks to the presence of mica, a mineral with reflective properties. Picture yourself relaxing there, watching a sunset that makes the sand sparkle ; it's dreamy! Plus, the calm waves allow you not only to take a swim whenever you want but also to practice water sports and activities.

To make your visit even more epic, you can stay at the Hotel del Coronado , a national historic landmark that stands out for its elegant Victorian style. With many years of existence, this hotel has hosted many personalities from our country and the world!

2

Coopers Beach, New York

Image: Jeremy Ricketts

Coopers Beach , in Southampton, New York , is a frequent name in national and global rankings for the best beaches.

In addition to its clear sand and quality water, this beach has another great advantage: its proximity to New York City allows you to explore many landmarks during your trip. Mixing walks in the bustling city with the tranquility of relaxing on the beach will create a unique balance during your vacation!

3

Wailea Beach, Hawaii

Image: Luke Scarpino

When discussing beaches, Hawaii must be part of the conversation. A destination that definitely makes this list is the spectacular Wailea Beach , located in Maui, Hawaii.

If landscapes are your thing, this is the right place for you. With its clear sands and turquoise water, Wailea Beach will not disappoint any beach lover.

Also, this beach in Hawaii is ideal for diving, as it has a wide and varied marine life.

4

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Image: Sneha Chandrashekar

Few places can compare to the natural beauty of Cannon Beach in Oregon.

If you want a picture that gets all the likes , Cannon Beach is the spot for you, as this place is home to the iconic Haystack Rock , an incredible sea stack that rises above the horizon. Imagine walking along those golden sands and tide pools at sunset or very early in the morning!

In addition, this Oregon location is popular among family travelers, and the locals are said to be warm and friendly to visitors.

5

Zuma Beach, California

Image: Jenna Day

With one of the most famous beaches in the country, Malibu , California could not be left out of this list.

Zuma Beach 's constant waves have made it one of the favorite spots for West Coast surfers, who have been gathering in Malibu for many, many years. So, if you want to see surfers doing their magic, you know where to go.

On the other hand, if you'd like to take pictures with celebrities, you should probably visit Malibu, as many movie and music stars have vacation homes in this coastal city.

But if all of the above isn't enough, let's also mention that Zuma Beach is one of the busiest places in the summer, making it ideal for meeting people!

6

Caladesi Island State Park, Florida

Image: Joanna Szumska

There is something that makes Caladesi Island State Park , Florida, a very special place: this beach has long preserved itsnatural stateand wildlife, making it ideal for those who wish to reconnect with nature. This site is only accessible by boat, which, added to its landscapes, promises tranquility, calm , and silence for its visitors.

Its white sand and turquoise water make it a paradise-like beach that can compete with the best Caribbean destinations.

7

Laguna Beach, California

Image: JK Jung

The clear water of Laguna Beach in California is simply captivating. For that reason, many tourists and locals choose this beach for diving and snorkeling.

In addition, Laguna Beach is committed to the care of the environment , promoting the reduction of plastic use and other polluting products. Thus, its beaches are always kept clean and pristine. What are you waiting for to pay a visit to this beautiful place?

8

Poipu Beach, Hawaii

Image: Laurence Gonsalves

The sun is almost always shining on beautiful Poipu Beach in Hawaii . If you are looking for sunny weather and great temperatures to relax on the beach, don't hesitate to visit this place.

Additionally, animal lovers will feel in paradise at Poipu Beach, as here you can find creatures like sea turtles , monk seals, and colorful birds that will make your visit magical.

Another point that makes Poipu Beach a popular destination is its location. Situated on the south shore of Kauai , it is easily accessible to tourists!

9

Main Beach, New York

Image: David Di Veroli

If you really want to live the East Coast beach experience, you can't miss Main Beach in East Hampton, New York.

This beach has the charm of New York State mixed with the sophistication of East Hampton, the purity of nature , and the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean; what more could we ask for?

Besides, Main Beach is known for its cleanliness and maintenance of its facilities, which makes all visitors want to come back.

10

Siesta Beach, Florida

Image: Theodore Poncet

We leave the spectacular Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida , for the end, considered by many specialists as the best beach in our country.

One of the things that make it so unique is its sand. It's not just its light color or its soft, powdery texture; Siesta Beach's sand is composed of quartz crystals! This keeps it cool even on the hottest summer days. In addition, the place hosts the annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival, which brings sculptors from all over the country to create works of art with this unique sand!

If you're planning to visit the Gulf of Mexico , Siesta Beach is the place for you, as it offers stunning views and perfect facilities that match every traveler's needs.

1

Lewis & Clark

Image: James Lee

Also known as the Corps of Discovery Expedition, the Lewis and Clark Expedition crossed the newly acquired western portion of the country after the Louisiana Purchase . This group of U.S. Army and civilian volunteers under the command of Captain Meriwether Lewis and his close friend Second Lieutenant William Clark set out from Illinois, on May 14, 1804.

They crossed the Continental Divide of the Americas near the Lemhi Pass, eventually coming to the Columbia River, and the Pacific Ocean in 1805. The return voyage ended on September 23, 1806.

2

George Wheeler

Image: Alex Moliski

The leader of the Wheeler Survey, George Montague Wheeler, was an American pioneering explorer and cartographer who led one of the major geographical surveys of the western United States in the late 19th century.

In 1872, the US Congress planned to map the portion of the country west of the 100th meridian . This plan became known as the Wheeler Survey, which lasted until 1879 when the Wheeler, King, and Powell Surveys’ combined work was reorganized as the United States Geological Survey.

3

The Donner Party

Image: Naithen

The Donner Party was a group of pioneers who migrated to California in a wagon train from the Midwest. Delayed by a multitude of mishaps, they spent the winter of 1846-1847 snowbound in the Sierra Nevada .

While the journey west usually took between four and six months, the Donner Party chose to follow a new route called the Hastings Cutoff, which delayed them greatly.

4

Mark Twain

Image: Jim Strasma

Mark Twain was never one to shy away from adventure. Roughing It was published in 1872. It follows his travels through the American West from 1861 to 1867, when he joined his brother Orion Clemens, appointed Secretary of the Nevada Territory, on a stagecoach journey west.

5

John Muir

Image: Mathilda Khoo

The "Father of the National Parks" was a Scottish-born American explorer, naturalist, author, botanist, and early advocate for the conservation of the nation’s wilderness.

After spending much of his youth traveling across the country, Muir visited Yosemite and was enthralled by its natural beauty . Later on, he worked as a shepherd for a season in the valley, built a cabin, and began advocating for the creation of a national park to protect the area.

6

Jack Kerouac

Image: Ana Viegas

Probably one of the most famous entries on this list, Jack Kerouac’s 1947 cross-country hitchhiking round-trip became the basis for On the Road , a freeform travelogue that became the bible of the Beat Generation.

His roundtrip started and ended in New York, passing through Chicago on the way out to California, following the West Coast south before returning east.

7

John Steinbeck

Image: Jack Anstey

In 1960, John Steinbeck decided to travel across America setting out from his Long Island home aboard his camper van, dubbed Rocinante, and accompanied by his French poodle, Charley . In 1962, he published Travels with Charley: In Search of America .

Their 10,000-mile-long trip passed through New England, then via Niagara Falls along the Canadian border, hitting Chicago and continuing to Seattle before turning south towards the Salinas Valley, then to Texas, New Orleans, and a huge chunk of the Deep South.

8

Tom Wolfe

Image: Geio Tischler

Long before writing The Bonfire of Vanities , Tom Wolfe embarked on a trip across the country with a group of psychedelic enthusiasts known as the Merry Pranksters. The trip produced his 1968 nonfiction book, The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test .

9

William Least Heat-Moon

Image: Aaron Huber

William Least Heat-Moon lost his wife and his job as a professor in a short period of time, which prompted him to embark on a soul-searching journey across the country . The result was 1982’s Blue Highways , a novel that describes the experiences he had during his travels, including conversations with colorful characters, the towns he visited, and his adventures on the road.

10

Michael Paterniti

Image: Tim Trad

Imagine driving across the country with the brain of one of the world’s most celebrated geniuses in the backseat . That is exactly what Michael Paterniti experienced and shared in his 2000’s Driving Mr. Albert: A Trip Across America with Einstein’s Brain .

The author started his quest in New Jersey, driving the doctor who performed Einstein’s autopsy and afterward refused to give up the brain which, eventually, was delivered to an Einstein heir in Berkeley.

1

Goldfinger: Aston Martin DB5

Image: Ulf Meyer

The ultimate Bond ride came dressed in silver-gray elegance, blending timeless style with secret-agent swagger. Beneath its polished curves, it packed a clever arsenal—hidden machine guns, retractable defenses, and even an ejector seat! Tipping the scales at roughly 3,300 pounds, it could push up to 145 miles per hour, a thrill worthy of 007 himself. And while that famous red eject button looked ready for action, it was all Hollywood magic—no villains actually took flight.

2

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: Ferrari 250 GT California

Image: Joshua Koblin

Even though the Ferrari in John Hughes’ popular teen comedy, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, was actually a replica —made to protect the real $250,000 classic from any on-set mishaps—it looked every bit as stunning as the genuine Italian beauty. With its smooth, elegant curves and that unmistakable engine roar, it captured the hearts of viewers and brought pure charm to the big screen. The Ferrari 250 GT California is as much a star as Ferris himself.

3

The Love Bug: Volkswagen Beetle

Image: kampfmonchichi

"Herbie" wasn’t just a car—he was a character with personality, spunk, and a soft spot for underdogs. Painted bright white with bold racing stripes and the unmistakable number 53, this little Volkswagen Beetle won hearts on and off the track. And here’s the charming part: no fancy computer wizardry brought him to life. Every wink, bounce, and "expression" you saw was pulled off with clever mechanics and old-school camera magic.

4

The Graduate: Alfa Romeo 1600 Duetto Spider

Image: emkanicepic

This bright red convertible became nearly as iconic as the tune "Mrs. Robinson" itself. Sleek, nimble, and full of charm, it could glide along the road at around 118 mph, turning heads wherever it went. More than just a prop, it became part of the film’s personality. And here’s a little nugget of trivia: before filming began, Dustin Hoffman had never driven a stick shift. Once he got the role, he had to master the art of shifting gears in record time, adding a dash of real-life nerves to those on-screen drives.

5

Bullitt: 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390

Image: Zhiqiang Wang

Steve McQueen and this dark green Mustang delivered pure cinematic thrills on the steep streets of San Francisco. The chase ran close to 10 full minutes—a rumbling, tire-squealing ballet that filmmakers have tried to imitate ever since. Under the hood, a growling V8 provided the muscle, while McQueen himself slid behind the wheel for many of the hair-raising maneuvers. Every jump, skid, and sharp corner helped cement it as one of cinema’s all-time great rides.

6

Ghostbusters: 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor

Image: voltamax

The Ghostbusters’ unforgettable Ecto-1 was based on a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance/hearse. For the movie, it was transformed into a quirky, gadget-covered ghost-chasing machine, complete with flashing lights, sirens, and a roof stacked with mysterious equipment. This Cadillac became as much a character as the crew itself. Its over-the-top look made it instantly recognizable and turned it into a pop culture legend.

7

Back to the Future: DeLorean DMC-12

Image: Joel Muniz

With its brushed stainless steel body and those dramatic gull-wing doors that unfolded like a bird in flight, the DeLorean already looked futuristic before the time-travel magic began. On screen, it came equipped with the now-legendary "flux capacitor," a gizmo that, sadly, was pure movie magic. Even so, the rules of the story were clear; if you wanted to bend the laws of time, you had to floor it to exactly 88 mph. And yes, fans still quote that number like gospel.

8

Smokey and the Bandit: 1977 Pontiac Trans Am

Image: Photogon (Warren Valentine)

Burt Reynolds and that sleek black Trans Am—complete with the glittering golden firebird splashed across its hood—were a match made in movie heaven. With a top speed around 110 mph, it wasn’t just for show; this car had the muscle to back up its attitude. The stunt work was just as daring as it looked, with jaw-dropping jumps that thrilled audiences. Of course, the landings weren’t always smooth—more than a few Trans Ams met their end for the sake of those unforgettable scenes!

9

The Spy Who Loved Me : Lotus Esprit Series I

Image: Andras Stefuca

In the 1970s, more sleek, wedge-shaped sports cars replaced the curvy styles of earlier years. Cars like the Lancia Stratos and Lamborghini Countach changed the game with their sharp, futuristic look. Following that trend, Roger Moore slid behind the wheel of a white Lotus Esprit Series I in The Spy Who Loved Me . But what people remember the most about it is when Bond drives it straight into the sea, where it morphs into a fully equipped submarine! Fins and stabilizers pop out as it glides underwater, then it drives back onto the beach, leaving onlookers truly amazed.

10

The Italian Job: Mini Cooper S 1275

Image: Alex P

Compact, nimble, and unmistakably British, the Mini Coopers in The Italian Job didn’t just drive—they darted. On screen, they bounced down staircases, squeezed through narrow alleys, and even sped through tunnels like they were built for it. The funny part? British Motor Corporation wanted nothing to do with the film, so the production had to buy 36 cars outright. And here’s a bit of trivia to impress your friends: despite being the star, Michael Caine never once drives any of the Minis in the movie .

11

Vanishing Point: 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T

Image: Jonathan Nabais

This powerful white muscle car tore through the roads from Denver to San Francisco, racing against the clock. Weighing roughly 3,800 pounds, it packed a mighty HEMI engine under the hood—enough raw power to leave most challengers in the dust. With speed, grit, and sheer determination, it pushed the limits, turning the journey into one thrilling, high-octane ride to remember.

12

Batman: Lincoln Futura

Image: Bull-Doser, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Before it became the legendary Batmobile we all know, this 19-foot futuristic prototype was showing off its sleek lines at auto shows. Then, in just 15 days, American designer and builder of Hollywood custom cars, George Barris, worked his magic. He added those unforgettable fins, jet engines, and clever gadgets that turned the Lincoln Futura into a TV icon. What began as a simple concept became one of the most recognizable cars in television history.