istockphotoYou've waited for summer, you've counted down the days and now it's here—it's finally here! It's time to #YOLO with your besties and finally let loose and be fancy-free. But there's one tiny problem: What are you supposed to be doing exactly? You can only sit by your local pool for so long until the novelty wears off and you're already looking for your next big adventure.
Luckily, we here at E! take summer very seriously and have created the Ultimate Summer Bucket List! Check out all of the events this season that you can check off your list throughout the U.S.
Drive cross country: We are big believers that everyone has to do this at least once in their lifetime. Do it now while you have the time off from school and don't have to clock in everyday for a nine to five. Trust us, it is way easier to take these kinds of trips before becoming a working member of society. If you're able to take a picture in every state, added bonus!
Have a picnic in Central Park: If you haven't been to New York yet, you are missing out on one of the most amazing places on Earth. Find a spot, lay out a blanket and just sit for hours taking in everything the city has to offer. Once you're full, check out a Broadway play and shop on the famous Fifth Avenue. People will be confusing you for a native New Yorker in no time.
The Starboard's Running of the Bull: Delaware doesn't usually come to mind when trying to think of an amazing place to party this summer but most people have never been to Dewey Beach. Every year the popular Starboard bar hosts a Running of the Bulls on the beach. Of course the bull is fake and we can only assume that copious amounts of alcohol are involved, but this event brings out thousands of people every year who flock to see what this party town has to offer.
Cliff Jump: Elephant Butte Lake is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico and is one of the most beautiful cliffs that you can legally jump from. Climb up to the top for a gorgeous view of the desert and become instantly refreshed as soon as you jump into the pure lake water below! Not to mention the fact that New Mexico has the best Mexican food we have ever had! Seriously, the best.
Skydive: Want to keep up that adrenaline? One of the most notorious places to go skydiving in the U.S. is Utah! With options like Zion, Moab, Canyonlands and Bryce Canyon, no matter where you take the jump from, you are you guaranteed a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
Watch the sunset over the Grand Canyon: Over 277 miles long, the Grand Canyon is one of the greatest natural beauties that the U.S. has to offer. Enjoy the sprawling landscape and the sun hitting the crevice in just the right lighting. No matter who you are there with, you will always remember the feeling you had when you saw the Grand Canyon for the first time. We guarantee it.
Electric Daisy Carnival: From June 22-24, there is a music festival in Las Vegas that is not to be toyed with. Those who go to the annual event take it very seriously, accompanied by furry costumes and dancing to Tiësto that take them until sunrise. We repeat: this festival is not for the weak-hearted, but if you're looking to get your rave on, this is absolutely the festival not to miss! Not to mention...it's Vegas. It's hard not to have the best time ever in Vegas.
Comic-Con: If the neon lights aren't your thing, that same weekend Comic-Con is taking place in San Diego! Check out all of the latest in gizmos and gadgets, and get a sneak peek of the newest sci-fi movies coming out before anyone else. The elaborate comic book character costumes alone are worth the trip to SoCal!
Go on a camping trip: Did you know that there is a rainforest at the Olympic National Park in Washington state? An actual rainforest, people! The Quinault Rainforest is located just outside of the Park's service-operated campgrounds where you can pitch a tent and hike alongside the 20 different trails to really feel at one with nature. Fishing, kayaking, S'more making—the possibilities are endless!
The American Royal: Otherwise known as "The World Series of Barbeque," it is every Grill Master's dream come true and hosts one of the largest competitions in the world. Ranging from Open Meat, Sauce and Invitational Cook-Offs, this Kansas City staple has everyone yelling "yee-haw" year after year.
Lollapalooza: It has been said by many that Lollapalooza is the "Woodstock of our time." With bands like Eminem, Outkast, Arctic Monkeys and Calvin Harris, it's kind of hard to disagree. This musical masterpiece goes down August 1-3 in Chicago, so don't forget to take a picture with the world-famous Bean while you're there!
Lake Havasu: If you have ever wondered what it would be like to party on top of water—we now have your answer. "Lake Havi" in Arizona is known for its hot days and even hotter nights. Rent a boat for a week to fully experience the life of a rock star.
The Hollywood Cemetery: Every summer the famous landmark, which honors some of Los Angeles' most notable names, hosts a weekly outdoor event on the Fairbanks Lawn inside the cemetery. Watch some of the most classic movies under the stars with your friends and don't forget to pack snacks and drinks for when you're out there! Of course while you're in our glorious city, there are a ton of fun activities that just might make you debate ever going back home.
The Grand Ole Opry: Nashville, Tennessee is known for its music. Nashville has more music industry jobs than any other US city (fun fact for all of you new graduates out there!) The Opry is Nashville's most notable concert hall since it debuted in 1925. Take a tour to learn all about the rich history and see exclusive footage of some of country's biggest stars performing on the highly-coveted "oak circle."
Learn to Surf: Summer is a great time to take up some fun and new hobbies. This summer "hang ten" and learn how to surf with an instructor! Even if you don't get it right away, this is an amazing workout for every muscle on your body and gives you have an extra excuse to spend all day at the beach! On the West Coast Malibu is an amazing option while on the East Coast our favorite surf spot is Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.
Summer X Games: If dirt bikes, skateboards and gravity-defying stunts are your scene, look no further than Austin, Texas this June! Some of the sport's most popular athletes will be competing for the championship title as well as music's biggest artists! Throughout the X Games there will be a live stream of concerts being played throughout the event and this year Kanye West will kick off the celebration!
National Air and Space Museum: According to USA Today, this is America's number one most visited museum. Located in Washington D.C. and with over 5 million visits last year alone, we can see why! There is so much to do in our nation's capital so make sure to allow yourself at least two days to see it all! Don't forget that the White House and the National Monument are perfect backdrops for your 4th of July celebrations!
What's making it onto your summer bucket list this year? Show us and share your ideas with other E! fans! Tag your Instagram pictures with #ESummerHere for your chance to be featured on EOnline!