The United States of America is one of the biggest countries in the world, and most Americans don’t even get to see all of it in their lifetimes. “From sea to shining sea,” the U.S. is a diverse land, with bustling cities, wide-open farmland, magnificent coastlines, and incredible national parks and monuments. Sure, everything’s “bigger” in the United States, but where else can you find a country with so much to offer? From the immigrants that made the country a unique melting pot, to the breathtaking landscapes that make it so beautiful, don’t you think it’s time to do a tour of the USA? Whether you try to see as much as you can or you just want to focus in on one city, it’s time to get packing! Here are the top ten things to do in the United States.
1) Take On the Big Cities
One of the main reasons tourists can’t wait to visit America is because of its big cities. From the skyscrapers in New York, to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, to Hollywood in LA, Philly Cheesesteaks in Philly, Cajun Cuisine in New Orleans, and all the cities in between, each city has its own flavor and so much to do.
2) Hike the National Parks and Visit National Monuments and Landmarks
The cities are great to see and all, but one of America’s best features is its national parks, also known as “America’s Best Idea.” The parks offer countless opportunities for outdoor activities, whether you’re looking for something family-friendly or a backcountry challenge. Try the Appalachian Trail, look for bison in Yellowstone, go rafting on the Colorado River… tours will take you where you want to go! If you just want to check the sights off your list, you can also organize tours to national monuments and landmarks, like the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, Mt. Rushmore, or the Statue of Liberty.
3) Do a Road Trip
One of the best ways to see the U.S. is by car. Domestic flights can be expensive, and they don’t let you see America up close and personal. A classic road trip of America is what families would do back in the 70’s, and you can stop by the World’s Tallest Thermometer, the first drug store, the Corn Palace, the Spam Museum, etc. America has all kinds of wacky sights that are best visited by car. Of course, if you do a road trip, you can also drive up to Niagara Falls!
4) Explore Indian Reservations
The Native Americans have a difficult history in the USA, and those who survived now live on Indian reservations. If you want to get a taste of what the U.S. was like before the Europeans moved in, head to one of these remarkable places. For example, in the Navajo region, you can do a guided jeep tour of Monument Valley and stay overnight to learn how tribes like these have held onto their roots and culture through it all.
5) Taste Anything and Everything
It’s no secret that the U.S. is known for having some of the biggest food portions in the world. If you’ve never been to America before, be warned that a meal for one can actually feed at least three people. But, beyond that, America’s food, while unhealthy, is certainly delicious. And, each region is known for something unique. In New York, it’s pizza and bagels. In California, there’s everything from Korean food to Mexican food. In the South, barbecue. In Louisiana, Cajun. From diners and ice cream shops to pizza parlors and hot dog stands, there might be a lot of weight for you to work off by the time you leave!
6) Attend a Sporting Event
America has a lot of pastimes, and no doubt, the biggest one is sports. Attending a sporting event (in-person) can be a lot better than watching it on TV. Americans love everything from football, to basketball, to baseball, to hockey. (Sorry, soccer, or real “football,” not so much.) Your tour guide can help you arrange tickets to a sporting event while you’re visiting the USA.
7) Visit the Capital, Washington D.C.
Unlike the other big cities, Washington D.C., though also pretty large, is definitely one-of-a-kind. Not only can you see the past, present, and future of the United States right in front of your eyes, you can also visit the Smithsonian museums, the Cherry Blossom Festival each year, and monuments like Ford’s Theatre, where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.
8) Go to the Amusement Parks
If there’s one thing you must do on a tour of the USA, it’s the amusement parks. Many people come to the U.S. just to visit Disney World or Disneyland, but if you have more time on your hands, there’s so much more to see. Cedar Point in Ohio, Dorney Park in Pennsylvania, or Busch Gardens in Virginia, just to name a few. But, Universal Studios, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Islands of Adventure, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, are even more reasons to visit the United States.
9) Stay Up All Night in America’s Party Towns
If you’re tune is Hannah Montana’s “Party in the USA” then this category will be relevant to you when it comes to choosing the tour that’s right for you. America has some massive party cities, that are ALWAYS a great time. Check out destinations like Las Vegas, New Orleans, Atlantic City, Miami, etc. Whether you gamble, go clubbing, or drink the night away, remember, whatever you do here, stays here!
10) Don’t Forget About Hawaii and Alaska!
Don’t just do a tour of the contiguous United States! You should also very well visit Alaska and Hawaii, or even the U.S. Virgin Islands. Alaska has so much to offer. Catch the Northern Lights, or hike in the national parks where you can see tons of wildlife. If the cold isn’t for you, a tour of Hawaii is pretty much the opposite, with warm weather and stunning beaches.
Make it easy to see all the amazing things this country has to offer. Book your tour of the United States now!
Hana LaRock is originally from New York, though has called other places around the world her home for the last two years. She currently lives in South Korea as an English teacher and freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her dog, and of course, traveling. You can find her at www.hanalarockwriting.com.
