The USA is a diverse and fascinating country. You could explore America’s vast lands for years and still only just touch its surface. With so many different States to choose from, in any season you can find the perfect vacation spot. Whether you want beaches or mountains, city sights or national parks, or are a history buff or music lover, here’s our pick of them.
A FOODIES PARADISE
As such a big and varied country, it comes as no surprise that American cuisine is about as diverse as it gets. Influenced by Europeans and Native Americans in its early history, each state offers a unique take on popular national dishes along with a tantalizing menu all of its own.
Traditional US dishes include the delicious Apple Pie. This sweet treat is a national institution that you simply must try, with people devoting a lifetime to its perfection. The USA is also the home of the hamburger, with New Haven in Connecticut recognised as its birthplace. Here in 1900, the hamburger was established at Louis’ Lunch, run by one Louis Lassen. And you have to try Clam Chowder. Whilst maybe not the most attractive looking dish its taste is divine especially when served in a sourdough bread bowl.
When choosing from the States for foodies, we recommend Louisiana. The home of Creole and Cajun cuisine. The state’s flavours are influenced by a myriad of cultures including French, African, Spanish and Native American, and from the general cuisine of the Southern US. Home to the famous gumbo, jambalaya and po’boys. New Orleans is home to some of the best Beignets found in the US and shouldn’t be missed.
FOR THE HISTORY BUFF
If you love history, then you will be spoiled for choice in the US. From monuments to museums, and historical sights to meeting the people that call these great landscapes home, every minute is a fascinating voyage to the past.
We recommend Washington DC for the ultimate historic exploration. As the national capital and one of the most famous locations in the US, Washington DC is an amazing place with so much history to learn about. View the most well-known house in all of the United States, the White House. Take a moment to stroll down the sprawling National Mall and view the striking Washington Monument. Reflect on the country’s most turbulent days at the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial.
Not too far off the National Mall is the intriguing International Spy Museum, which holds the largest collection of international espionage artefacts. The museum documents the tradecraft, history, and contemporary role of espionage. A perfect stop for all you James Bond fans and well worth a visit if you have the time.
A visit to the newest member of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, will allow you to explore the richness and diversity of the African American experience, what it means to their lives, and how it helped shape this nation. By visiting, you will also learn about the museum’s educational programmes and experiential learning.
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THE MUSIC LOVER
Known for blues, jazz, rock and roll, hip hop, house and country, the contribution of the USA to the world’s music scene is immeasurable. From its Native American roots to trail-blazing visionaries, America’s musical culture is a melting pot of influences.
If you love music, immerse yourself in Tennessee, one of the most musical American states. Must-visits are the beautiful cities of Nashville and Memphis. In Nashville, “Music City” and the capital of Tennessee, you will find the USA’s glittering centre stage. From the Everly Brothers’ “Bye Bye Love,” to Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman,” the streets are paved with talent.
While in Nashville take the time to visit the historic RCA Studio B, which is Nashville’s oldest remaining recording studio. Here you can hear the fascinating stories behind the legendary recordings. Featuring iconic artists such as Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison. Of course, you have to stop at the Grand Ole Opry while in Nashville it is the world-renowned country music stage and longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history. Be sure to take some time to visit the National Museum of African American Music, the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans.
A stop in Memphis is not complete without a stop at Graceland, the home of “The King of Rock ‘n Roll” Elvis Presley, and at Sun Studios where Elvis got his start along with many other greats. Another wonderful place to stop while in Memphis is the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The museum is part of The Soulsville Foundation, which aims to prepare young adults for life success and inspire future artists.
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SPECTACULAR NATIONAL PARKS
Spoiled for choice, the National Parks of the USA states could fill a lifetime of vacations. From the spectacular facades of Yosemite, the powerful geysers of Yellowstone, the vast forest of Smokey National Park, and everything in between.
If you’re short on time but want to visit as many National Parks at once, visit Utah. There are 5 National Parks: Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches, Capital Reef, and Zion. Two of which are pretty much right across the road from each other. All five boast a plethora amount of hikes and scenic views, but they all offer something unique. Arches National Park has well arches and is home to the infamous Delicate Arch. Canyonlands is like a mini Grand Canyon (which is also not too far away from Zion National Park if you have a little bit more time). Bryce Canyon is known for its crimson-coloured hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations. Finally, there is Zion National Park, which is probably the most famous one out of the bunch and it’s got beautifully steep red cliffs and is home to incredible, yet terrifying, Angels landing hike. This hike isn’t for the faint of heart as there are sections where they’ve put up chain ropes for people to hold onto as it can get quite narrow and a bit steep in places. However, if you are up for the challenge, the view at the end is an amazing reward.
For those with a bit more time on their hand, there are numerous ways to see a lot of the various National Parks whether it’s cruising around California or driving from Phoenix up to Montana (or perhaps even further and venturing into Canada). Maybe the East Coast is more your style and you want to take a hover boat to explore the Everglades and then work your way north to Shenandoah National Park and beyond. No matter where you go in the US (and even Canada) a National Park can be found.
There is one special National Park that lies on the border of Utah and Arizona, the magnificent Monument Valley National Park. Although the name says valley, this place is not actually a valley, the park is a wide, flat landscape peppered by magnificent red buttes and spires rising hundreds of feet into the air. This place is a popular place for filming classic Western films but the area holds so much more to the Native American tribe, the Navajo. While here you can learn about their history, culture and heritage from your as you travel deep into this unique landscape.
While here be sure to take the time to try some local delicacies prepared by the Navajo like traditionally prepared steak and Navajo tacos, with tasty vegetarian options, all served with fried bread, corn on the cob and beans, and enjoy them as you take in the beauty of their land.
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FOR THE BEACH LOVER
Boasting some of the world’s most stunning and famous beaches, the USA is a haven for lovers of the sand and sea. Look no further if you want surfing, swimming, rugged coastal drives or just a chance to mix with nature.
And for some of the best that the US has to offer, you can’t beat Hawaii, the world’s largest island chain. Its beaches are some of the most diverse in the world. You can find white sand, black sand, red sand and even green sand, as well as rocky beaches. Explore beaches, snorkel the warm waters and get to know the islands and their history intimately while having time to relax at your oceanfront resorts.
If you are up for more of a drive then be sure to cruise the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway (aka Highway 1), which will take you from California up through Oregon and into Washington. A drive that is full of those classic Southern Cali beaches, rugged coastlines, and stops in San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Seattle. You can also visit Portland, Oregon, which is just a slight detour along the way.
UNMISSABLE CITIES
The USA is home to many of the world’s most iconic skylines and renowned cityscapes. Fuelled by Hollywood the whole world knows the Empire State Building, the Seattle Tower, the White House, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
The US is home to many great cities and although they are all unique for various reasons that are some that stand out above the rest. New York City is home to the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Central Park. This city is packed with diversity and is well known for its bagels, pizza, and cheesecake which are all the rage here.
Out west you have the beautiful, sunny Los Angeles in California which is home to gorgeous beaches, Hollywood, Disneyland and so much more. Stroll along Rodeo Drive and shop till you drop or bask in the beautiful sun on Venice Beach. Take a walk on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and maybe you will see a celebrity.
To the north of sunny LA is the Golden City of San Francisco where you’ll find the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the world’s widest road, and
In the middle of the US lies The Windy City of Chicago. If sports is what you are after then Chicago is the city for you. They have two baseball teams: Cubs and White Sox, one American football team: Bears, one ice hockey team: Blackhawks, two football teams: Fire FC and Red Stars, two basketball teams: Bulls and Sky, and those are only the professional ones. Chicago is also home to a variety of museums and activities like the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier, Millenium Park (home to the glorious Cloud Gate aka “The Bean”), the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Brookfield Zoo, and the list goes on and on. No matter what you are interested in there will be something for you.
With how expansive the United States is there is bound to be something for everyone. You are spoiled for choice and it doesn’t matter if you’re a concrete jungle explorer or a nature enthusiast you will find a place you truly love and it might not be what you expect. There are so many surprises and adventures to be found that you just have to jump on a plane and head over and you will have the time of your life.
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