With 50 states and several territories, the United States offers vacationers a virtually unlimited number of fabulous options ranging from tropical islands and expansive deserts to the tundra and metropolitan cities – and everything in between. No matter what you have in mind, the United States delivers. Not sure where to start? The following ten places to visit in the United States are sure to delight.
Whether you’re into history, politics, performing arts, or science, the capital of the United States is a must. Tour the White House, check out the monuments, or spend the day (or several days) wandering the halls of the Smithsonian.
The Big Apple offers something for everyone from Broadway shows and a vibrant nightlife to Central Park and Times Square. Whether you want to explore the city by foot, subway, taxi, or limousine, the hustle and bustle of this magnificent city is part of its charm. Climb to the top of the Empire State Building or spend some time quietly reflecting at Ground Zero.
Yosemite National Park
Getting to Yosemite National Park involves some serious driving on twisting mountain roads. The payoff becomes evident as you round that final corner and the incredible Yosemite Valley reveals itself. It’s breathtaking! The views alone are worth the trip, but you’ll want to get out and experience its wonders firsthand. Lodging inside the park ranges from campsites and tent cabins to the luxurious Ahwahnee Hotel.
Another American landscape that you won’t want to miss is the Grand Canyon. Much more than just a mile deep crevasse, the Grand Canyon offers camping, hiking, horseback riding, and white water rafting as well as numerous viewpoints, ruins, museums, and visitors centers.
Experience a “Rocky Mountain High” and feel as if you’re on top of the world at Rocky Mountain National Park outside of Denver, Colorado. The park is home to the Continental Divide and the headwaters of the Colorado River. If you’ve ever witnessed the power the Colorado River (which carved the Grand Canyon), you’ll be amazed at the gentle headwaters springing from the earth.
Denali National Park
Alaska’s Denali National Park features six million acres of wilderness and is home to North America’s tallest mountain, Mt. McKinley which soars over 20,000 feet. Denali National Park is open year-round and offers a full menu of activities including hiking, backpacking, dog sledding, and “flightseeing” trips to glaciers.
Visit the scene of one of the Civil War’s historic battles and immerse yourself in American history by visiting Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. After touring the battlefield, enjoy the charming town and nearby attractions.
Seattle, Washington
In the shadow of Mt. Rainier you’ll find a thriving city surrounded by wilderness. Seattle, Washington has its vibe, with coffee houses, fish markets, art galleries, and breweries aplenty. Side trips include Olympic National Park or a ferry ride into Victoria, British Columbia.
Warm weather, crystal clear water, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, and an island lifestyle make Key West a fun place to visit. Not only is Key West the southernmost point in the continental United States, Key West is accessible by car.
The Big Island, Hawaii
Hike along the rim of an active volcano in Volcanoes National Park one day and swim with dolphins the next when you visit Hawaii’s Big Island. While Key West, Florida represents the southernmost point in the continental U.S., Hawaii’s South Point is the southernmost point of the United States.
From islands and deserts to soaring mountain landscapes, the U.S. features thousands of fun and amazing places to visit. Where will you go?