Did you know that, in total, Americans forfeit over 212 million vacation days annually? And in terms of lost benefits, this figure is equivalent to $62.2 billion.
Clearly, not many people realize the benefits of taking an adventurous holiday.
To start with, your health will improve drastically. You’ll get to enjoy feeling better, elevated brain functioning, stronger immune system, and massive mood improvement.
So, if you’re planning to go on an adventure, it’s definitely a worthwhile decision.
Here are several top places to visit in the U.S.
1. Yellowstone National Park
Located in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, Yellowstone was the first national park to get registered not only in the U.S. but also across the world.
It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts that’s full of dramatic peaks and pristine lakes. What’s more, there are hot springs with multicolored pools around them; verdant forest weaving past expansive meadows; and volatile geysers launching streams of water towards the sky.
All that unspoiled natural beauty makes it one of the best places to visit in the U.S.
Some of the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park include:
- Hiking basins and trails for striking views of alpine lakes, forests, and waterfalls in the park.
- Horse riding, fishing, and camping
- Wildlife watching
- Boating expeditions
You can also take nature walks in the park.
2. Maui
This central Pacific island is part of the Hawaiian archipelago.
It isn’t as small as Lanai, nor is it as vast as Big Island, as quiet as Kauai, or as bustling as Oahu. Nonetheless, this stunning island ideal any kind of vacationer, considering that it has an array of attraction and activities catering to every interest.
While visiting here, you can watch impressive wildlife, play along coastal fairways, snorkel among the sea turtles, or simply lounge enjoying your favorite beer along world-renowned beaches like Wailea Beach and Kaanapali Beach.
Speaking of which, you can gift yourself (or anyone else) excellent beer wherever you’re holidaying. Find out more here.
All in all, Maui is one of the best vacation spots in the U.S. You won’t regret visiting.
3. Grand Canyon
“Grand” doesn’t even do this canyon justice.
Measuring about 227 (river) miles in length, eighteen miles in width, and one mile deep, this northern Arizona massive chasm is legitimately a natural wonder.
The Grand Canyon has been expanding for the last six million years, thanks to the mighty Colorado River. As a result, tourists have for centuries traveled from all over the globe to gaze out over the massive, expanding orange and red grandeur.
On top of being popular with sightseers, the Grand Canyon is also one of the best vacation spots for hardcore hiking and backwoods camping.
4. Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is California’s most formidable natural landscape.
It’s basically 1200 square miles of land covered in sheer awe: millennia-old Sequoia trees, towering waterfalls, striking and daunting cliff faces, and unique rock formations.
Here, adventurers can hike, trek, and climb through various breathtaking trails. You can also ski or simply spend your days enjoying the park’s accommodation and amenities.
5. New York City
This is undoubtedly one of the best cities to visit in the USA.
New York is cool, crowded, cosmopolitan, constantly evolving, and an excellent place to experience the vibrant culture that permeates the city’s distinct boroughs and neighborhoods.
NYC is at the forefront of arts, food, and fashion. It’s also a place full of iconic bakeries, trendy coffee shops, indie boutiques, towering skyscrapers, and iconic landmarks.
On a typical day, you can spend the morning browsing designer racks in Fifth Avenue, the afternoon viewing striking art on displace at the Guggenheim or the Met, and the evening sampling the cuisines of Little Italy or China Town.
6. Oahu
Located in Honolulu, Oahu is a nice balance of beach and urban environments.
It blends breathtaking scenery and cosmopolitan luxury more than any other island in Hawaii.
Here, you can hike, snorkel, surf, or visit the local museum to soak up some history. Also, Oahu is full of World War II attractions like USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Pacific National Monument that’s homes to the World War II Valor.
One amazing thing about Oahu is that the weather is always excellent, meaning there is never a bad time to visit this island.
7. San Francisco
San- Francisco is a jumbled collage of beautiful views and colorful neighborhoods that draws the free-spirited types who have a zeal for adventure, a taste for creative cuisine, and an eye for exciting art.
To top that, this city boasts booming nightlife venues, cozy cafes, and jaw-dropping sites.
Bottom line? San Francisco is an excellent place for any curious wanderer, foodie, or outdoorsy type.
8. Lake Tahoe
The largest mountain lake in northern America is as mind-boggling as you like.
Resting on the Nevada- California border, Lake Tahoe is one of the best vacation spots in the U.S. simply because of its sheer beauty.
Visitors mostly get attracted by the crystal clear waters, towering mountain tops, and steep granite cliff side.
Funnily, you also find San Francisco-style dining and high-end shopping along Lake Tahoe’s northern shores.
9. Washington DC
As you know, Washington DC has long been a stuffy government-driven city full of high-profile politicos.
Due to this, many people have the notion that DC is inefficient and slow when it comes to living an adventurous lifestyle. But that’s hardly the case.
This city is an exciting and faster-paced eastern Coast vacation destination characterized by interesting neighborhoods, renowned museum, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and clubs.
Additionally, you can spend your time catching shows at JFK Center for the Performing Arts, or shopping in contemporary exhibits as well as vibrant farmers markets.
10. Glacier National Park
In as much as the glaciers are its main attraction, the two mountain ranges, multiple waterfalls, and over seven hundred lakes are equally impressive.
Expectedly, the most popular activity in Glacier National Park is hiking, but it’s also an excellent spot for fishing and canoeing.
Aside from the breathtaking geological features, the park is also full of historical structures. For instance, the scenic 52-mile Going-to-the-Sun-Road used to drive through the park is a historic landmark. Furthermore, many of the park’s hotels, chalets, and lodges got built in the (early) 20th Century.
11. New Orleans
This vibrant city is home to a unique mix of cultures with some of the major influences coming from Europe, the Caribbean, and other locales.
Here, music is almost a constant with rock ‘n’ roll, Zydeco tunes, blues, and Jazz always oozing from every city crevice.
Many people come to New Orleans because of Mardi Gras- a party with carnival traits like merriment, floats, masks, and loud music.
And if you don’t make it to Mardi Gras, you can still enjoy all-round good-time vibes, mouth-watering Creole cuisine, as well as street club parties.
Final Thoughts on Top Places to Visit in the U.S.
One fact is that the U.S. has a myriad of destination options for the adventurous traveler.
However, the above top places to visit in the U.S. should give you a taste of what’s on offer in the land of valid dreams. So don’t hesitate to pack your bags and pay a visit. You won’t regret it.
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