Picking the best places to travel in the USA, is no easy task. America’s the third-largest country in the world, and full of diverse cities, any type of national park you can imagine, and unforgettable opportunities whether you’re a solo traveler, backpacker, or on a family vacation.
The USA is a vast country and each state has its own unique personality, culture, and sights.
You can spend an afternoon on top of the Empire State Building in New York City and by the next day be relaxing on Venice Beach in California or jamming to the fantastic music scene in Austin, Texas.
The United States is so big and packed full of sights that you need at least three months to get the feel of the country.
Before ever traveling overseas, I traveled America extensively, and every month I am still discovering quirky festivals and odd sights to add to my bucket list.
Let’s talk about some cities, and parks that are the best places to visit in the United States.
Note About Traveling During Covid-19
We are trying to stay updated with the latest travel restrictions during this crazy time, of the coronavirus, that has hit the tourism industry hard.
But as rules for visiting a destination change quickly, it is important to check with your government websites to see the latest travel restrictions, requirements, and travel advisories.
They will have updated information on the latest covid 19 vaccine, whether or not you need to present a negative covid 19 test.
Travel Plans can change quickly, I’ve had 4 flights canceled, so stay updated with the latest travel advisories before you start booking things in your destination.
Table of Contents
Best Cities to Travel in the America
Miami, Florida
Miami is on the list for all beach lovers out there, but it is also the gateway to beautiful Southern Florida!
Southern Florida is the closest that the American mainland gets to the tropics.
With year-round sunshine and a host of budget-friendly activities, visitors to Miami are sure to have a fantastic time.
Miami boasts beautiful beaches right in the heart of the city making it incredibly easy for backpackers to enjoy a beach holiday.
There are also many other things to do in Florida. The state has some of the best theme parks in the world, from Jungle Island to Disney World, visitors can high-five Mickey Mouse or observe vibrant pink flamingos up close. Another perk is that the Florida Keys is a short drive from the city. These little islands are an experience unto themselves and one of my favorite places in America.
Key West Florida
The beautiful southern city of Key West is a hot tourism destination in Florida. And while beautiful beaches, breathtaking vistas, and an active nightlife scene lure most visitors to the southernmost point in the continental United States, pictures and words can’t do Key West justice.
A vacation destination that’s as diverse as it is historically unique, Key West is fast-paced and alive with vibrant art and culture, with no shortage of things to do.
New York, New York
Of course, New York is at the top of the list!
The Big Apple, the city that never sleeps is a marvel to behold with its towering skyscrapers, colorful locals, and fantastic food.
Whether you’re on a solo travel adventure or traveling with friends you will feel right at home among the city’s diverse population.
Grab some delicious and cheap food from of the popular street vendors and wander along the High-line or through the East Village and you fall in love with the New York vibe.
From Central Park, to the lesser-known Highline Park, New York is home to a host of free activities so travelers can experience a lot of the city while spending very little on sightseeing.
However, New York isn’t the cheapest place to travel because of expensive accommodations, but no trip to the USA is complete without visiting the Big Apple! During the winter the atmosphere of the city completely shifts making New York is also a perfect winter getaway; well, If you don’t mind the cold.
It’s one of the most beautiful place you can travel to in the world with an incredibly diverse population, rich traditions, and an impressive sense of style.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is home to some of the country’s best food, including fusion fare with influences from around the world. Whether you’re into surfing, shooting photos, or strolling through art galleries, there’s something for everyone in San Francisco. Its melting pot of residents ranges from artists and performers to writers and musicians, not to mention the peace activists, political junkies, architects, and historians who reside among them.
So, if you’re looking for an urban adventure with endless things to do in San Francisco. And there are a lot of famous San Francisco Landmarks to visit. Of course, San Francisco is the gateway to napa valley. So wine lovers will want to plan a road trip to the rich wine country of Napa Valley.
Austin, Texas
Home to what is fast becoming known as one of the best music festivals in the world,
South by South West (SXSW), Austin is carving out a name for itself.
The city has become synonymous with words like incredible music, delicious food, and loveable locals.
Whether you’re in town for the festival or just passing through, Austin is a taste of Texas that backpackers are sure to love.
There are lots of cheap options here for food, accommodation, and entertainment, and it’s not unusual for backpackers to end up staying in Austin longer than expected.
The fact that Austin is full of culture, great music, and is cheap makes it a fantastic city for backpackers!
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is one of the most visited destinations, and has some of the best glamping in Southern California, and for good reason. Four hundred miles of coastline – and beautiful beaches – gives travelers endless options when it comes to seeing the sights. Downtown features shops for all your shopping needs, including treats like Sugarfish, which has become a West Coast legend.
The Santa Barbara wine country covers over 2,000 acres of vineyards with more than 20 wineries that produce award-winning wines. And after spending the day exploring, enjoy a relaxing evening at the historic Arlington Theatre or the newly restored State Theatre, home to concerts and ongoing performances of “The Wizard of Oz.”
The city offers visitors a variety of museums and performing arts venues, including the historic Lobero Theatre and a wide range of museums from art museums celebrating American Indian heritage to history museums that explore Spain’s settlement in California.
Savannah, Georgia
What can I say about Savannah? I visited this gorgeous city for the first time last year, and I completely fell in love. From the city’s beautiful waterfront and small tree-covered parks to the alcoholic slushies and carefree vibe, I simply couldn’t get enough.
Savannah has a beauty, unlike any other U.S city. And it lists time traveling back to the 1800s. Even though it is an old city, Savannah is still wheelchair accessible. And one of the best cities in the states and one that offers many tourist attractions.
Los Angeles, California
I’m sure I will get a lot of complaints about putting LA on the list, but there are a few things that make L.A. fantastic for travelers.
One reason is the location. You can get to so many places from Los Angeles it makes sense to stop in the city for a few days.
From the city of angels, you can easily visit all the places in Las Vegas , San Diego, Mexico, or San Francisco .
Of course, we all love movies, and for a sampling of the glitz and glam of Hollywood, LA is worth a stop.
You can enjoy walking under the palm tree-lined streets of Beverly Hills, and people watching the collection of curious characters in Venice Beach, and marvel as you stroll down the sidewalks full of history on Hollywood Boulevard.
While the more glamorous side of town might be slightly out of the financial reach of the average backpacker, there’s still tons to see and do around town on a reasonable budget.
With the Pacific coast on your doorstep and a city full of celebrities, sometimes just going for a walk can be a day’s worth of entertainment. L.A needs to be added to any California road trip itinerary .
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio has become a favorite tourist destination in the last few years. And not only because I love visiting the best breweries in San Antonio.. It is the seventh largest city in the United States. It’s also home to many historic sites, top-notch restaurants, and the Riverwalk, the popular urban development along the banks of the River.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nicknamed “The City Into The Mountains,” Colorado Spring is a beautiful city with a mountainous backdrop to the west and Pikes Peak to the south. And near the best lakes of Colorado.. In fact, there are ten mountain peaks that can be seen from the city!
Yes, Colorado Spring is home to the US Air Force Academy. But there’s so much more to do and see here! Just a few of our favorite things about this amazing city include:
Attractions:
- Garden of the Gods: Perhaps the most popular attraction in the city, Garden of the Gods boasts awe-inspiring red sandstone walls and towers. The park is also home to many films and TV shows, including films like the recent blockbuster hit, Star Trek: Into Darkness!
- Pikes Peak: This 14,000-foot peak is visible from almost everywhere in the city (and you can even drive up it!). The peak is home to a famous Manitou Incline that’s perfect for all levels of hikers – but you definitely need to take it slow when climbing this mountain!
- Cave of the Winds: Another popular attraction close by is Cave of the Winds, a large cave located underneath Cheyenne Mountain. Each year, thousands explore and enjoy the cave’s beautiful rock formations and underground waterfalls.
San Diego, California
It is easy to get around in San Diego.
When you visit, make sure you see the San Diego Zoo. It is amazing to see all of the animals there. You can also go on a tour of Balboa Park. There are many things to see and do there.
San Diego is an old city with lots of history behind it.
I love to visit Old Town San Diego . It has restaurants where I can get Mexican food, shops where I can buy souvenirs, stores where I can buy clothes, and even a theater where I can see a play or a movie.
San Diego is full of different neighborhoods for you to explore. Each one has its own unique flavor so you can have many great vacations there without seeing the same things.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
This east coast town in Cape Cod is unlike any other city in America, and within driving distance to some of the best beaches in Rhode Island.. In some ways, it feels like traveling back in time to the golden age of pirates.
Provincetown sits in the famous cape cod area and is an artsy complex of colorful shops, restaurants, inns, and bed-and-breakfasts with a funky harbor vibe.
This east coast town has an eye-catching blend of noncommercial art galleries, not to mention whale watching cruises, walking tours that focus on architecture, hiking trails that lead to coastal views, harbor cruises, and good seafood restaurants.
The town is also known for its touristy side, which includes plenty of T-shirt shops. The Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum, at the tip of the harbor, is a testament to the Pilgrims’ landing in the area in 1620.
It houses a re-created Mayflower ship cabin and lots of Pilgrim artifacts.
Portland, Oregon
Situated in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest; Portland, Oregon is a picturesque and modern city for the foreign backpacker. With a whole range of budget-friendly restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops.
Portland has a cool counter-culture that lives life to the fullest on a shoestring. From the charming streets to the surrounding wilderness,
Portland is a great city to visit for solo travel, and is famous for its odd, hipster vibe. But also a good place to settle down for a bit, unwind or explore the Oregon coast.
The Oregon coast is insane! And worth exploring!
Lake Tahoe, California
If you’ve ever been, you know that Lake Tahoe is special.
The lake makes it just right, the woods are beautiful, the folks are welcoming, and it’s just far enough away that you feel like you’re getting away from it all.
The people who live in Lake Tahoe are some of the best people on the planet.
But, if you asked them what they loved most about their community, they’d probably say things like “the lake”, “the outdoors”, or maybe “the small town vibe”. This is a hidden gem when traveling in the USA.
palm springs, California
In Palm Springs, a hip desert oasis in California’s Coachella Valley, you can go from sandy shores to the snowcapped San Jacinto Mountains in a day. The city is a top-notch vacation destination for a weekend getaway, a week’s vacation, or a quick winter escape.
The city is a popular travel destination with an outdoor-oriented culture and a diverse array of things to do. You can enjoy golf, tennis, hiking trail, mountain biking, and fishing in the area. If you’re looking for a bit of culture with your vacation, indulge in events such as the annual Palm Springs International Film Festival and the International ShortFest. This year’s iteration of the festival runs from Jan. 3 through Jan. 15 and will feature more than 200 shorts from over 30 countries.
Mammoth Lakes, California
Talk about a hidden gem.
If you’re seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, you’ve come to the right place.
As the saying goes “it’s all good.”
Massive Lake Tahoe is home to several spectacularly glistening lakes (Maloney, Crystal, Fallen Leaf, Echo, Upper and Lower, Gladys). But there’s one lake hidden among them all. And it’s mammoth.
We’re talking about mammoth Lake california near tahoe City. It’s our favorite lake in California (and we’re not alone).
Mammoth Lake California is beloved among the local community who call it home. The tranquil shores vary between 856 to 856 feet in depth and are perfect for fishing, water sports, and camping.
Best National Park to Travel in the USA
Grand Canyon National Park
So, why head to the best views of the Grand Canyon?
The Grand Canyon is a breathtaking sight, spanning over 277 miles from end to end. It’s the result of millions of years of erosion caused by the Colorado River as it cut down through the layers of rock that once formed the bottom of an inland sea. The canyon exposes 1.7 billion years of geological history, and its sheer size is enough to inspire awe in anyone who sees it.
Despite its popularity, only 6% of all visitors actually take the trip down into the canyon. The rest are content with just looking at it from the rim, not realizing that there is so much more to see than what meets the eye.
The Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It’s the largest hole in the ground in the entire Universe. And it’s home to virtually every variety of flora and fauna in the USA.
The Grand Canyon is one of the most amazing natural wonders on Earth. But it’s also a place where you can feel truly isolated from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Grand Teton national park
There are more than three million acres of public land at grand Teton (A parks that could rival some of the best national park in Hawaii) that are open to the public for recreational activities. Some of the most popular activities that travelers can do at this park include hiking, camping, fishing, whitewater rafting, and wildlife viewing.
Grand Teton national park is the largest of the 39,000 protected acres in the Teton mountain range. The park provides a variety of recreational activities throughout the year.
– Go skiing or snowboarding in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
– Hike along the trails of the national park
– Go camping at Colter Bay
– Go fishing in Jackson lake
Not only will you find tons to do within Jackson hole, but Jackson is also home to many great restaurants and shops. Find that perfect souvenir to remember your trip.
sierra national park
Sierra is a perfect place for visitors who love nature and hiking. This park is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California state. Actually, there are three main parts of this park. The first one is a mountainous area, while the other one is a rocky region. The last part is flat grassland. All the parts have their own unique scenery and offer some things to do.
Visiting the grove of giant sequoias is one of the best things to do in the national park. This grove of giant sequoias has been made into a protected area since 1908, and it is also public land. It means that you can visit the grove of giant sequoias freely.
There are about 300 giant sequoias in the grove, and some of them have a height of more than 100 feet with a diameter of more than 20 feet. They are so big that can reach even taller than two-story buildings. The natural beauty of these tall trees never gets old.
Bryce national park
The Bryce Canyon is one of the most popular national parks in Utah. Well one of the most popular in the United States. Its fascinating geology, an awe-inspiring landscape, and awe-inspiring views make it a wonderful place for family vacations and photography enthusiasts.
Bryce Canyon is set in a high basin and offers a splendid display of rock formations and a natural amphitheater.
The popular natural features here include the Tower Bridge, Bell Rock, and The Fairyland Arch.
Its breathtaking scenery can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Bryce Canyon is worth stopping by for a day trip or some mountain biking?
Yellowstone national park
Get the most out of Yellowstone National Park with these great tips! Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular destinations in the US, and if you’re planning a trip to this beautiful and enormous park, you’ll want to be sure not to miss anything.
There’s just so much to do and see that it might be hard to keep track of while you’re there. Yellowstone National Park is more than just Old Faithful geyser – the main tourist attraction – and bison sightings.
For example, make sure to watch the sunset on Inspiration Point! We recommend taking a drive up to Inspiration Point at dusk and enjoying the view of Yellowstone Lake far below.
Yellow stone is known for its larger-than-life landscape, fall foliage, and unlimited choice of hiking trails. It’s also a popular winter vacation destination.
Have a camera ready and get creative with the different types of pictures and selfies you can take with the picturesque landscape behind you.
Yellowstone is hands down one beautiful place to travel in the USA and a must-see attraction, even if it is just a scenic drive or long road trip.
Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier is a huge national park in Washington state, where there are so many different things to do. If you want to get out of the city and get some fresh air, this is a great place to visit.
The park is actually made up of two peaks. The lower peak is called Mount Rainier and the snow-capped Mount Rainier. It has a wide variety of wildlife and a lot of hiking trails throughout the forested areas. There are a few different sections of the park that can be accessed by roads, but one of the most beautiful sections in Paradise.
While it’s not too far away from Seattle, you should still try to get there early in the morning to avoid the crush of tourists. The road to get there can be steep and windy, so make sure your vehicle is in good condition before you head up to the top. You can also book a tour for transportation or carry your own camping gear to stay overnight.
And since you are nearby, tick off our list of things to do in Vancouver Washington as well.
Rocky Mountain National Park,
The Colorado rocky mountains may be one of my favorite places in America and is a must-see when in the Front Range. Check out our favorite things to do in Rocky Mountains Colorado Park below:
If you visit Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado, know that the park is one of the most popular in the country. It’s also one of my favorite national parks.
Topping our list is hiking trail Ridge Road. This 11-mile arc through the heart of the Rocky Mountains is an engineering marvel, scenic drive, and an epic road trip destination in and of itself. Here’s how to get there:
Take Trail Ridge Road from Fall River Entrance. The drive begins at 9,345 feet and ends at 12,183 feet at the highest point on Trail Ridge Road near Forest Canyon Overlook.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is a great place to go if you’re looking for a unique place to visit without having to go too far from home, and there is some great camping in Death Valley National Park. If you’re an outdoorsy type of person and love hiking, camping and photography – it might just be your next vacation spot. This national park is the largest in the United States and is one of the hottest and driest places in all of North America.
Best State Parks to Travel in the US
Big Sur State Park, California
Big Sur is the land of scenic, winding roads leading to secluded bays and beaches. And there is some great glamping in Big Sur..
It’s where you can dip your toes in the Pacific, go hiking in the redwood forest, soak in hot springs, and hike beside waterfalls.
For travelers, Big Sur State Park is a must-see along California’s Big Sur Coast. Its a great place to go camping or stop by for a day trip (Wherever you are traveling always plan a day trip, whether it is in the best places to travel in the USA. Or the best day trips from Copenhagen ). If you know someone into visiting National Parks, then there are here are the best gift for a traveler that will give them an edge in the wilderness!
glacier state park, Montana
When you travel it pays to go away no one else will do. Glacier State Park is a great place to spend some time. It is the most visited State Park in Montana. And for good reason, too. There are so many things you can do and see when you spend time at Glacier State Park
Glacier State Park is one of the best places to visit in Montana. It was originally named Lake Glacier National Park but later renamed. When you visit Montana you have to see the park.
Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, Arizona
Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed attractions in Utah, but it’s also one of the most underrated. Located in Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park in Arizona; Antelope Canyon is an absolute must-see for any travel enthusiast.