We all know that there are so many cool countries all over the world we would like to travel to, often forgetting how vast the United States is. There are so many wonderful places to visit that offer a wide variety of experiences.
Here are 10 places in the United States that I think you should travel to (not necessarily in order):
10) Twin Cities, Minnesota
It has been several years since I went to Minnesota, however I still remember how cool the trip was. Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes, and you’ll soon see why. Minneapolis and St. Paul form the iconic Twin Cities.
When visiting the Twin Cities, you have to check out the Mall of America, located in Bloomington (a suburb of Minneapolis). It is the biggest mall in the US and the 7th largest in the world. It holds Nickelodeon Universe (a massive indoor amusement park), SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, the Museum of Illusions, and several more impressive attractions! Aside from the Mall of America, check out the Stone Arch Bridge, catch a Twins game, or hike to Minnehaha Falls. There is so much to do in Minnesota.
9) New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a place I think everyone should visit at least once. NOLA (as it is known) is full of incredible food, music, culture, and history. It is truly unlike any other city in the world.
When traveling to New Orleans, don’t miss out on the World War II Museum, the well-known St. Louis Cathedral, or Cafe Du Monde, the cafe famous for its beignets (although I prefer their delicious coffee). No matter your age, there is something for everyone in this one-of-a-kind city in Louisiana.
8) Hawaii
On most Americans bucket list is the iconic island state of Hawaii. Hawaii is truly an incredible place to visit. There is so much history, culture, adventure, and of course beautiful beaches. The only con is how difficult it is to get there, but once you’re there, you’ll never want to leave.
No matter which island you choose to visit, there is so much to do and see in Hawaii. Don’t just spend the entire trip at the beach. While in Hawaii, you must attend a luau. Learn about the incredible culture and history of this Polynesian island state. There is also no shortage of adventure to be had in Hawaii, whether through a helicopter tour, ziplines with breathtaking views, hiking up to a volcano, or driving the famous Road to Hana in Maui. Hawaii is a place you will want to visit again and again.
7) Point Clear, Alabama
For a closer beach vacation to most in the continental US, consider Point Clear in Alabama. This small town overlooks Mobile Bay in the Gulf Coast and has so many things to do.
If you can, you should definitely stay at The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa owned by Marriott. This historic hotel was opened in 1847 and has served a vital role in military operations of our country. This resort is incredibly family friendly and appeals to kids and adults of all ages. History buffs will enjoy the replica cannon that fires each day at 3:45pm. Families will enjoy the opportunity to bike through the resort and to neighboring houses overlooking the bay. There is truly something for everyone. Outside from the resort, check out a little town called Fairhope. Fairhope boasts all the charm of other beachside towns such as Seaside in Florida, but it is less overrun by tourists. Point Clear and Fairhope are definitely worth a visit.
6) Austin, TX
As a native Texan, I have visited Austin several times. Austin is a super cool city that can appeal to all kinds of people.
Austin is definitely the most outdoorsy city I’ve been to in Texas. Whether it’s by taking a dip at Barton Springs (a natural springs pool), paddleboarding or kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, throwing a frisbee at Zilker Park, or hiking one of the many trails throughout the city, there is no shortage of ways to stay physically active while on a trip to Austin. The best part is, all of these are located right within the city itself.
For those that aren’t as interested in getting their workout in, there are several other things to do such as visiting the Texas State Capitol, shopping on South Congress, and more. Also if you love food, Austin is the place for you (check out Homeslice Pizza on South Congress or one of many food truck parks).
5) New York City, New York
If you haven’t been to NYC yet, you are missing out. New York City is probably one of the most famous cities in America and for good reason. Whether its by seeing a Broadway show, watching the New York City Ballet, visiting Central Park or the Statue of Liberty, NYC is worth a visit.
When visiting New York, get around the city by riding the iconic Subway. These underground trains make for great public transportation. Check out Times Square and catch a Broadway show. Visit the Statue of Liberty and Central Park. Go to one of the many amazing art museums and eat some famous New York style pizza. Also, make it a priority to visit Ground Zero, the site where the Twin Towers once stood. Visit the memorial for all the brave people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
No matter what you choose to do, New York will be a trip to remember.
4) Park City, Utah
I thought I should include one ski town on this list, and I think Park City is the one to visit. Even if skiing or the cold isn’t your thing, Park City is also a great place to visit in the summer.
Whether skiing or snowboarding in the winter or hiking and mountain biking in the summer, there is no shortage of outdoor adventures in Park City. If you’re a golfer, check out its stunning golf courses with scenic views. Don’t miss the historic Main Street for food and shopping. No matter what time of the year, Park City is the place to be.
3) Dunedin, Florida
Another seaside city that I think is worth the trip is none other than Dunedin, Florida. I prefer Dunedin over most popular tourist destinations in Florida because of its unique charm, and it is less overrun by tourists than the typical Florida beach city. Just 30 minutes outside of Tampa, Dunedin is a great place to be.
As one of the oldest cities in the Sunshine State, Dunedin is a charming beach town near Clearwater. It boasts beautiful white-sand beaches, a lovely downtown with quaint shops and delicious eateries, and several bike-friendly trails. When visiting Dunedin, you must take a ferry to Honeymoon Island State Park or Caladesi Island (or both). There are also a variety of events that take place here, including the Dunedin Highland Games where you can enjoy bagpipes and Highland dancing, food, games, and more. Dunedin should be on your list of places to travel and your first choice when going to Florida.
2) Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, NC is one of the coolest cities I have been to, and it’s in one of my favorite states. Asheville boasts beautiful scenery, vibrant culture, great weather (all four seasons), and incredible food.
Nestled in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, the views in Asheville are hard to beat. Asheville is also home to some of the best food in America. Enjoy great restaurants and cute cafés while on your trip to Asheville. For those of us who crave adventure, go whitewater rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, or just hiking through the beautiful scenery. Wanting to check out a museum? Visit the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned house in the United States. The arts culture is also very vibrant in Asheville. Home to the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival, artists of all kinds from all over the country come to Asheville to perform.
1) Washington D.C.
The nation’s Capitol is a must-see for all Americans and people from all over the world. Home to endless museums and incredible history, see the heart of this wonderful nation.
There are hundreds of things to see in Washington D.C., so it will be hard to narrow it down for one trip. Some of the most famous sites include the Washington Monument, the White House, the U.S. Capitol building, and the Lincoln Memorial. Other must-sees include Arlington National Cemetery, the National Mall (not a shopping mall), the Korean and Vietnam War memorials, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, and countless museums. Some of the museums I recommend include the Holocaust Museum, the African American History museum, the Smithsonian American History museum, the Natural History musuem, and the Space museum. There are several museums that I haven’t visited that I’ve heard amazing things about as well. If you have time, I’d also say it’s worth it to visit Monticello (Thomas Jefferson’s house) in Charlottesville, VA (about a 2 hour drive). You could spend weeks in Washington D.C. and still not see all there is to offer.
So there you have it. 10 places in the United States that I think are worth a trip!
Vagabonds 