There's always something special about getting together with the guys you've known for years and years. Unfortunately, all my best friends live far away - in different states, countries, and even continents in some cases! So when we manage to get together, I really want to make it count. Sure, it's fun to hang out at the local bar and relive old times, but there's also something to be said for finding some truly epic US destinations for guys' trips and crossing them off the ol' bucket list. Whether you're getting everyone together for a bachelor party, a high-school reunion, or just a rare occasion when you all have some free time, these are some of my favorites - fantastic camping retreats, recreation resorts, conventions, natural adventures, and so much more all waiting within the borders of our great country!

Best Destinations For Guys Trips In The Northeast

1. Elysburg, Pennsylvania

Let's start with a destination I actually visited only a few weeks back - this tiny Pennsylvania town flanked by mountains. It's home to one of the most unique amusement parks in the world - Knoebels Amusement Resort, which is the largest free-admission park in the United States. It's run carnival-style, so you can pay with tickets or buy an all-you-can-ride wristband. With unique dark rides, thrilling wooden roller coasters, and the legendary "Skloooosh" - the wettest water ride in the world - it's a perfect place for guys who are still kids at heart.

But that's just the start of the fun here. Knoebels isn't just an amusement park - it's a full-fledged campground, with rustic but fully furnished cabins that make for comfortable extended stays for the whole crew. The park is also adjacent to a golf course, if the guys are ready for some more grown-up fun. The amusement park has some fantastic food, too - dozens of stands offering everything from deep-fried bacon to apple cider slushies. There are two larger restaurants - the acclaimed Alamo Diner, and the mess-hall-style Oasis Cafeteria, where Fridays are all-you-can-eat fish frys. For those who wish they were in Vegas, they can even do a bit of gambling at the Fascination parlor - a skill-based Depression-era game that feels like a combo of skee-ball and bingo.

2. Asbury Park, New Jersey

Another of my favorite getaways, Asbury Park is by far the most culturally diverse town on the Jersey Shore. This town is one of the world's best music hubs - home to the legendary Stone Pony bar, where Bruce Springsteen got his start. It just celebrated its fiftieth anniversary! During the summer, the Boardwalk is hopping - but many of the town's best attractions, like the Silverball Pinball Museum are open year-round.

The dining scene in Asbury Park is fantastic, too - ranging from boardwalk classics like the iconic boardwalk fries and lemonade to high-end restaurants serving top grub and brews like the Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten - one of New Jersey's best German restaurants. This is an ideal getaway for guys who would rather spend their time in a city with a hundred things to do, rather than devote their vacation to one big activity.

3. Lincoln, New Hampshire

Many of these spots are perfect any time of year, but for Lincoln, New Hampshire, we're definitely partial to the fall. This is an amazing spot when the fall foliage is in full color. A small town of only 1,600 people, this is a great little escape complete with an acclaimed winery for tastings and the famous Loon Mountain ski resort.

But the reason we're ranking this place so high is because of one attraction - Alpine Adventures. This thrilling adventure park is perfect for outdoor recreation lovers who want a big thrill in a safe environment. The ropes courses, zip-lines, and slides here are the perfect way to get an incredible birds-eye view of one of the most gorgeous towns in the northeast.

Best Destinations For Guys Trips In The South

4. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Nestled in the mountains in eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a tiny town of only 3,500 full-time residents that's best known as one of the most popular resort towns in the south. Part of the Sevier County trio of towns including Sevierville and Pigeon Forge (home of Dollywood and dozens of other attractions), Gatlinburg is the one that's home to the most natural beauty and serves as the region's gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains - home to some of the best hiking trails and vistas in the world.

So clearly, this is a fantastic destination if you and your crew love nature. The heart of the town is Anakeesta, a thrilling treetop resort filled with rope courses, trails, skylifts, and restaurants. The main street of Gatlinburg is packed with shops, restaurants, and unique attractions like the Gatlinburg Axe House - try your hand at axe-throwing! If this town has a signature restaurant, it's definitely Crockett's Breakfast Camp - a massive, logging-themed pancake house serving up massive skillets and hearty breakfast meats. It's the perfect place to give you the energy you need for a day of adventure.

5. Destin, Florida

Part of the "Floribama Shore" region of the panhandle bordering the Gulf of Mexico, Destin, Florida is an out-of-the-way resort town offering fun on the water at a fraction of the prices of places like Miami and Galveston. For your home base, consider staying at The Henderson Park Inn - only feet from the water, this adults-only resort is the perfect place for rest and relaxation after a day of recreation on the water.

And there is so much to do here! The beaches of Destin offer some of the bluest water you've ever seen, and Henderson Beach State Park has some great spots for camping if you're in the mood for a more rustic getaway. But if you can't wait to get back to civilization, a delicious meal awaits you at Boshamps Oyster House - a massive seafood restaurant that offers southern specialties like crispy gator bites and fresh gulf seafood. Destin is a unique combo of the culture of Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana, and that's what makes it a perfect getaway.

6. Owensboro, Kentucky

Sometimes, a town only needs one thing to put it on the map as a perfect getaway location for guys interested in a themed trip - and that's exactly the case for Owensboro, Kentucky, which happens to be one of the barbecue capitals of the United States. This mid-sized city borders the Ohio River, so there are some great views. But you'll want to bring an appetite, because there are multiple world-famous barbecue restaurants within the city borders. Owensboro, in addition to all your favorites like brisket and pulled pork, specializes in something unique - Kentucky mutton barbecue.

Old Hickory Barbecue has been here for more than half a century, and this traditional barbecue joint is the most acclaimed and versatile restaurant in town. There are several other newer spots in town as well, like Old South Barbecue and Tri-Tips Hawaiian Barbecue, but if one place sums up this town, it's probably Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn. This old-school place offers the only barbecue buffet in town, allowing you to sample almost the whole menu for lunch or dinner. The barbecue is so farmous, they even run a mail-order business shipping it nationwide!

Best Destinations For Guys Trips In The Midwest

7. Branson, Missouri

One of the most spectacular small-town getaways in the country, Branson is the perfect place for a group of guys who want a little of everything on a week of adventure. Branson is located in rural Missouri, and this town of around 13,000 people has developed into a massive tourist hub. Best known for its western theme park Silver Dollar City - complete with some of the wildest coasters in the whole country - it's also surrounded by gorgeous trails and rivers perfect for a day of hiking and exploring.

You could easily spend a whole week here and still barely scratch the surface. You'll want to dedicate a whole day to SDC and to The Shepherd of the Hills - a sprawling adventure park with zip-lines and mountain coasters offering incredible views. While you're in Branson's main hub, make sure to stop by Dick's 5 and 10 to buy some sodas of unusual flavor. And if you're looking for a fun, affordable place to fill up, Billy Gail's is our favorite restaurant here - it's known for big food, and the pancakes are bigger than the plate!

8. Amana Colonies, Iowa

Looking for a more laid-back getaway? You'll find it in the Amana Colonies - most of the time. This German village hidden in rural Iowa only a short drive from Cedar Rapids is known for having some of the best German food in Iowa. That's the heart of a trip to Amana - a culinary adventure.

The oldest restaurant here and one of the best, the Ox Yoke Inn, is known for an extensive menu of German classics as well as an all-you-can-eat family style option for the whole table - perfect for big appetites. Then there's the Millstream Brau Haus - a newer beer hall that offers a massive selection of local beers. After all, it wouldn't be a trip to a German village without some beer. Amana is usually pretty sleepy - but if you want to see it at its wildest, make sure you're here for the best Oktoberfest in Iowa.

9. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Dells are one of those towns that need no introduction. Taking its name from the gorgeous rivers and rapids that spin off from the Wisconsin River, this is one of the best paddling spots in the entire country. Nature lovers will find no shortage of places to camp by the water, and adventurous types can even take a sunset river float.

But nature is just part of the appeal of the Wisconsin Dells. This is a "tourist trap" in the best way - in that it's so full of attractions that you won't want to leave! Some of our favorites include Margarita's, an adults-only waterpark with a swim-up bar located in Wilderness Resort; and the Wisconsin Ghost Trolley Tours if you want to know some of the darker legends about this place. And of course, a day of adventure here calls for some big meals - so make sure to fill up at Paul Bunyan's Cook Shanty, a quirky lumberjack-themed restaurant offering all-you-can-eat brunch plates and country-style dinners.

Best Destinations For Guys Trips In The Southwest

10. Las Vegas, Nevada

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas - but we're telling you all about it. Yes, it wouldn't be a list if we didn't include the granddaddy of all guys-trips locations. This city of 665,000 people is the heart of Nevada and the closest thing we'll ever get to a futuristic pleasure dome. There are dozens of hotels in the Las Vegas Area, suited for every budget and interest - everything from opulent casino resorts to budget motels. If you're here looking for gaming opportunities, well, you're certainly covered - but there is so much more to this city of glitz and glamor.

Where to begin? Clearly the dining scene in Las Vegas is fantastic, complete with some of the largest buffets in the world - our favorite is The Bacchanal. If you're interested in sampling some great craft beers, Las Vegas' Brewery Row is pretty close to heaven. For those with more offbeat interests, the interactive art installation Area 15 is the kind of place you can spend a whole day exploring. And if you're really here on a blowout trip, a concert at The Sphere - one of the most famous structures in the world - is the perfect way to end it with a bang.

11. Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz, not far from San Francisco, is pretty much the perfect beach town and is known around the world as one of the best surfing spots in the USA. The climate is pretty temperate here, so it's the perfect place to go camping - and the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA has a lot of great amenities to help you enjoy your trip.

But Santa Cruz is much more than just a wonderful nature spot - it's a city of 62,000 people and is always hopping. Santa Cruz Wharf is one of the best hubs of shopping and dining in the state, and it's no surprise that the seafood here is fantastic. If you're looking for a truly iconic dining experience, we recommend The Crow's Nest, where you can indulge in Happy Hour alongside some amazing crab cakes. The premiere attraction in Santa Cruz is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, one of the best boardwalk parks in the world. Full of unique dark rides and thrilling carnival rides, plus a wide array of fair-style foods, it's the ideal spot to just relax, kick back, and feel like a kid again.

12. Moab, Utah

Moab is actually a pretty sleepy town, with only 5,300 people. It has a great small-town vibe with a lot of unique tourist attractions to keep people coming back - like this dinosaur museum with a cafe. The dining scene in Moab is pretty unique, too - with Spoke on Center being maybe the only cycling-themed restaurant we've ever seen and serving up delicious burgers.

But the real reason to come to Moab on your guys trip is because this is one of the best spots for adventure in nature in the world! Moab is actually at the gateway to two national parks - the famous Arches National Park, known for its red rock arches; and the laid-back Canyonlands National Park, which is more remote and offers great hiking opportunities amid some stunning rock formations. If you want to push your adventure to the next level, consider a rafting adventure with Moab Adventure Center, which has been organizing tours since 1961.

Best Destinations For Guys Trips In The Northwest

13. Mount Hood, Oregon

Mount Hood isn't really a city, but it might just be the best getaway in Oregon. This stunning active stratovolcano is one of the most incredible sights in the Pacific Northwest, as well as the best hub of recreation in the state. The perfect base for your adventures here is one of the area's incredible mountain Airbnbs.

There are several ski resorts in the area, including the massive Timberline Resort. During the winter, these slopes are packed with skiiers, tubers, and snowboarders. But that doesn't mean Mount Hood isn't worth visiting as the weather warms - this is the area with the longest ski season in the United States, and during the summer the Mount Hood Ski Bowl turns into an epic tubing adventure.

14. Bellingham, Washington

Bellingham is a mid-sized city within driving distance of Seattle, and it provides incredible views of the Pacific Ocean along with amazing festivals throughout the year. What sets Bellingham apart is its unique dining and drinking scene - starting with a meal at Horseshoe Cafe. This is actually the oldest diner in Washington, and was serving westward pioneers in the 19th century. Today, it's a popular spot for college students and tourists to dine on heaping brunch plates and massive burgers.

Bellingham's biggest claim to fame is its incredible brewery scene, being named the best town for beer in Washington. There are dozens of breweries and wineries around town, but one of the highlights is Paws For A Beer - the first dog-friendly brewery in Bellingham, with a private dog park on the grounds. You can even stay on the grounds of a brewery with a stay at the guest house at Stones Throw Brewery.

15. Juneau, Alaska

If you're up to a truly epic adventure with the boys, why not take a plane or boat to Juneau, Alaska - the northernmost state capital, and certainly one of the most stunning. Flanked by mountains and with a unique cultural scene driven by the area's rich fishing culture, Alaska is called "The Last Frontier" for a reason, and is best suited for those with a sense of adventure. While there are plenty of hotels in the area, we encourage you to embrace the spirit of the area and book a mountain cabin.

From there, you'll get more out of Juneau if you leave the city center. This area is home to some incredible adventures, including a hike to Nugget Falls, a gorgeous two-tiered waterfall found near Mendenhall Glacier. But your time at the glacier doesn't end there - you can even hike inside Mendenhall Glacier with the right guide. After an adventure like that, you'll be up for a hearty meal - like the one at Gold Creek Salmon Bake. All-you-can-eat broiled salmon, chicken, sides, and dessert make up the unlimited menu here.

Have you visited any of these bucket list destinations with your best friends? What are your favorite US destinations for guys trips? Let us know in the comments section! If you're planning some adventures of your own across the United States, make sure you're well-stocked with all your essential road trip supplies before you head out - and consider visiting RV Share to find the perfect vehicle big enough for the whole crew!