The United States is a big country that’s full of different landscapes, cultures, and history. Arguably one of the most diverse countries, the tourist destinations differ from coast to coast, and even state to state, depending on the neighboring states. Unless you’re road tripping across all corners of the country, it’s probably impossible to see everything in one trip.
Of course, your itinerary is based on and built from your personal interests, but here are a four activities to consider when you visit America.
1. Eat Locally
A lot of states have their own style of cuisine, based on historical contexts and perfected over many years. Louisiana’s Cajun food is a popular tourist draw, as is the barbeque in Texas. Head to the west or east coasts for amazing seafood, or visit metropolitan cities like New York and Los Angeles for some of the best fine dining in the world. Surprisingly, Portland, Oregon has some of the best food choices in the country, and it’s all available by food trucks, which makes it that much more interesting. So skip the chain restaurant or well-known fast food joints and try a restaurant owned and operated by a local.
2. Watch Sports
Americans love their sports. From basketball to baseball to hockey to the quintessential sport of American football, there is no shortage of sporting events in almost every state in the country. Even if you aren’t a big sports fan normally, attending a game in person is another experience entirely. Imagine screaming and cheering in unison with thousands of fans, drinking and eating as much as you can stomach, and getting rowdy when the home team scores, all while sitting in a massive stadium under the evening lights and stars. It isn’t just about the sport itself anymore, but the experience you have from being there.
3. Visit Nature
While America is known for its metropolitan cities, the different landscapes across the United States are full of natural wonders. From glaciers and snow-capped mountains to swamplands and beaches to deserts, forests, waterfalls, and canyons, there’s something to interest and impress everyone. No matter which part of the country you’re in, there’s bound to be some natural beauty close by that’s worth a detour or day trip out to see.
The most popular destinations are places like the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, the Florida Everglades, Carlsbad Caverns, and the Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park. They are popular for a reason: they’re stunningly beautiful and need to be seen to be believed. However, don’t overlook the smaller or lesser-known destinations, as they can be just as breathtaking and may not have the same crowds as other popular spots.
4. Go Shopping
Fashion trends and styles from the US reach around the globe, so why not visit the fashion centers like New York City or Los Angeles or Florida and shop for yourself? While the Mall of America is impressive in its own way, when it comes to high fashion, it doesn’t stand a chance next to the streets of Hollywood or New York. Shop where the stars shop and put your best foot forward in some quintessential American designer brands.
Shop where the stars shop and put your best foot forward in some quintessential American designer brands. SOHO and 5th Avenue in New York are well-known shopping meccas. A stay at Westgate New York Grand Central will put you right in the middle of these locations and make shopping sprees a breeze.
Try some fish and chips at Chef Tami’s Harlem Seafood Soul food truck on 125th Street in New York City:
