The United States of America is one of the largest and most diverse countries in the world, and boasts an unbelievable range of tourist destinations. From the tropical islands of Hawaii, the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, to desert landscapes – America has it all. World class cities, history, art and culture, people, food, nature – there is a large spectrum of places that cater to whatever your vibe is.
If you are planning a trip and need vacation ideas in the US, here is our list of 11 best places to visit!
1. Hawaii – The Aloha State
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Off the coast of California lies the breathtakingly beautiful Hawaii. Magnificent beaches, stunning landscapes, rich food, and cultural heritage are among the many amazing things that make Hawaii one of the top vacation spots in the US.
Hawaii boasts a plethora of wonderful places to visit. The Napali coast, Waimea Canyon, and Waikiki beach are among its most popular places to visit.
The Napali coast is a place of extraordinary natural beauty. The emerald-hued cliffs with sharp ridge towers above the Pacific Ocean, reveal beautiful beaches and waterfalls that plummet to the lush valley floor. The Waimea Canyon State Park overlooks one of the state’s most scenic treasures – the deep colorful gorge of the Waimea Canyon. Waikiki is one of the most popular beach destinations in the US, known for its beautiful golden sand beach that stretches along the oceanfront.
Overall, there are plenty of outdoor activities to do in Hawaii like hiking on the volcanoes, surfing the golden beach, and snorkeling above the coral reefs. It’s a full tropical package!
2. Las Vegas – Sin City
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A glittering city of lights, in the middle of the desert in Nevada, home to some of the world’s most famous casinos – welcome to Las Vegas!
We don’t really need to mention all the casinos. Instead, look towards the main street, the Strip, where there are several impressive fountain shows, restaurants, a replica of the Eiffel Tower, and an Egyptian Pyramid among other landmarks. If you’re a golfer, then you’re in luck because there are a staggering 55 golf courses in and around Vegas!
Just outside the city is Lake Mead, which offers a variety of water sports like wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing among other thrilling options. There are several state parks around Vegas where you can go on hiking trails and rock climbing. Death Valley, despite its ominous name, is a beautiful area of the desert and one of the top national parks in the US. Sand dunes, salt flats, mountains and craters make for some of the most spectacular scenery in the Southwest!
3. Grand Canyon – Arizona’s Big Canyon
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The Grand Canyon is all kinds of magnificence. Gazing over the Canyon walls at the endless horizon and the unfathomable depth below is one of the key highlights of this place. Awe-inspiring landscapes, wildlife viewing and adventure activities are some of the perks of visiting one of the world’s most famous natural wonders.
The Southern Rim of the Canyon is the most popular and most frequented by tourists. There are historic sites like El Tovar Hotel, and Grand Canyon Railway depot, while the Havasu Falls is another popular attraction – a spectacular waterfall that falls 120 feet into a natural swimming pool of turquoise water.
A more intimate experience of the Canyon is found at the Horseshoe Bend. A half a mile hike to the overlook point will reveal to you the Colorado River in a horseshoe-shaped incised meander, a sight to behold! Along with the incredible views, a must-visit place during this trip are the Navajo regions around the eastern end of the Canyon.
4. Yellowstone National Park – Wonderland
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This national park houses over 10,000 exhibits of geysers and hot springs, alongside being the first park in the built that was built with a focus on conserving wildlife.
The most famous of the geysers is the Old Faithful. True to its name, this geyser is one of the most predictable offerings on earth, erupting with regularity, every 91 minutes.
Another breathtaking feature of the park is the Grand Prismatic Spring, the biggest of them all, which puts on a vivid show of colors thanks to the microbes of different pigmentation that grow around it. The colors range from green to red, a chaotic bit of nature’s beauty that is hard to escape, and barely fathomable when you first witness it. And if all that wasn’t enough, Yellowstone is also home to one of the finest wildlife habitats in North America.
5. New Orleans – The Big Easy
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New Orleans is a melting pot of primarily French, African and American cultures. Rich in history and diverse culture, the city’s architecture is one of its main draws. Charming old neighborhoods, riverboat cruises and carriage rides are some romantic ways of experiencing this beautiful city.
In the midst of all that beauty sits its vibrant nightlife, which is complemented by a unique cuisine that typifies its historical diversity. The annual Mardi Gras celebration embodying its festive spirit is a popular late-winter carnival known for its raucous costume parades and street parties. Although this is an annual celebration, the city is known to have a party going on at any given time of the year!
6. Colorado’s Rocky Mountains – The Rockies
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Aspen, Colorado is one of the most significant entry points in North America to experience the Rocky Mountains, otherwise called the Rockies. The weather, small mountain towns, waterfalls and snowcapped peaks – more than 50 of which are at a towering height of 14,000 feet – makes this place an absolute delight for sightseeing and ruminating on the vagaries of the Rockies Life.
While hiking and mountain biking are some of the summer activities, skiing is the main attraction in the winters. One the edge of the Rockies, is Mesa Verde National Park, a must-visit UNESCO world heritage site with Native American cliff dwellings.
7. Washington, D.C. – The District
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Washington, D.C. is best suited for a family vacation in the US. This city’s main offerings include some of the most famous landmarks in America like the White House, the Capitol Building, the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. The beautifully landscaped parkland, the National Mall, forms the perimeter around most of these monuments and is one of the most visited sites in the city.
Outside of all this is the plethora of Smithsonian Museums, historical churches and a grand spread of colonial architecture. The hop-on-hop-off trolley provides a rustic method of experiencing this city.
8. New York – The City That Never Sleeps
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Life’s simple here – walk the streets feeling like you’re in a movie set, turning from the Empire State Building to Rockefeller Plaza, Times Square, Central Park and of course, the Statue of Liberty. Catch a Broadway show followed by a fantastic meal – this is New York, the crown jewel of urban cities in the world.
New York is also home to some of the most distinguished art galleries and museums, like the Guggenheim Museum and American Museum of Natural History. Manhattan’s theater district is renowned for its collection of Broadway theatres, where the city comes alive with flashing lights and sparkling billboards at Times Square.
Surrounded by all the glamour and busy rush of the city sits the sprawling Central Park, with calming green spaces, gardens and walking paths to let off some steam. New York is a must visit bucket list city in the US.
9. Chicago – The Windy City
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Chicago is known for its towering skyscrapers, upscale malls, sports teams and the famous Pizzas. Another popular attraction of the city is its numerous hot dog stands selling the distinctive beef frankfurter.
Rich in American history, the Old St. Patrick’s Church which survived the Great Fire of 1871 is a must visit in Chicago. Another popular historic site is the Cadillac Palace Theatre, which has been presenting Broadway shows since its opening in 1926. The theater is worth a visit for just its exquisite interiors alone.
10. San Francisco – The Golden City
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This charming West Coast city is a perfect getaway for a family vacation in the United States. Picturesque views, beautiful streets, famous sites and charming outdoor dining are what make San Francisco a great vacation destination.
Undoubtedly, the city’s main attraction is the Golden Gate Bridge on which tourists can walk or ride a bike, or drive by while stopping to soak up the stunning views. The historic cable cars are a great way to experience some of the city’s tourist attractions. Take a cruise on San Francisco Bay, wander around Fisherman’s Wharf, or take a ferry to Alcatraz Island to tour the infamous prison.
11. San Antonio – The Alamo City
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Located in South-central Texas, San Antonio is one of the largest cities in the United States. Steeped in rich history and modern-day appeal, the jewel of Texas is best known as home to the Alamo. The Alamo is the city’s top attraction, a historical mission in which famous American folk heroes died while defending it in the 1836 Battle of Alamo. The San Antonio Mission National Park preserves four more historic Spanish missions in addition to the Alamo.
Riverwalk is a beautiful, vibrant pedestrian scene with food and entertainment venues stretching along the San Antonio River. Plenty of museums offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the city’s Spanish, Mexican and Cowboy heritage. The city is also famously known for its helicopter rides and ghost-hunting tours.
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