The Best Things to Do in the USA
The United States spans a whole continent, its vast terrain stretching some 3000 miles from east to west and 1650 miles from north to south – and that’s not including Alaska and Hawaii.
It’s impossible to see every corner of such a huge place; however, with such variety, opportunities to experience something truly new beckon. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, a relaxing beach getaway, a city jaunt, or a deep dive into history and culture, you’ll never find yourself at a loss for things to see and do in the USA. Here are 11 of the best ideas.
1. Take an Adventurous Road Trip
As the birthplace of the automobile, the US literally invented the modern road trip. An intricate network of highways and byways crisscrosses this vast country, creating endless itineraries to tackle. Get your kicks on historic Route 66 from Chicago to California, or retrace the route of 19th-century migrants across the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. Drive the magnificent Pacific Coast Highway, or make a circuit through the West’s spectacular national parks. On the East Coast, the backroads and byways of New England reveal picturesque towns and farms set among hills and valleys that burst into famously glorious color each autumn. Further south, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Natchez Trace Parkway offer a captivating mix of scenery, history, and local culture.
2. Marvel at the Desert Wonders of the American Southwest
Few desert landscapes can compare with the diversity and sheer magnificence of the southwestern US. Hike among sandstone cliffs eroded into dramatic shapes in parks like Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Arches. Explore the red-rock country of Sedona, Arizona, on foot or mountain bike, and feast your eyes on the awe-inspiring vastness of the Grand Canyon, with its multi-hued layers carved by the Colorado River a mile below the rim. Climb the massive dunes of New Mexico’s White Sands National Park, then take a float down the meandering Colorado River beneath the soaring red walls of Glen Canyon. There’s fascinating plant life to be discovered too, from towering saguaro cactuses to the fantastical Joshua trees found in the Mojave Desert.
3. Catch Live Music Gigs
Rock and roll, jazz, blues, country, bluegrass, gospel, hip-hop…the US has given rise to musical genres that captivate the world. This incredible legacy means music-loving travelers are in luck, with outstanding options for a music-centric trip available in every corner of the country. Austin, Texas, bills itself as the Live Music Capital of the World, while Tennessee is another musical hub, with blues, soul, rock and roll, and gospel all rooted in Memphis, with world-famous Nashville as the heartland of bluegrass and country music. Jazz was born in New Orleans, and annual events like Jazz Fest are a can’t-miss for fans of the genre.
4. Relax and Play at the Beach
Beach lovers will find beautiful stretches of sand along the USA’s coastlines, offering places to soak up sun, enjoy ocean dips, and admire some of the finest coastal views. Florida and California are quintessential beach destinations. Florida’s beaches boast warmer water, flatter terrain, and more humid air temperatures, while California’s offer varied coastal scenery and better surfing waves, albeit with chillier water.
5. Go Wildlife Watching in Parks and Reserves
America’s varied landscapes house a plethora of wildlife, many of which are protected as national parks and reserves. Yellowstone, Glacier, and other parks in the Rocky Mountains contain large populations of moose, bison, elk, and bears. Alaska offers chances to see majestic wildlife almost anywhere, while Maine is home to over 60,000 moose. Paddling the Florida Everglades provides opportunities to spot alligators, and each spring, a million migrating sandhill cranes stop along Nebraska’s Platte River.
6. Explore History and Uncover the Stories of the Past
Though a relatively young nation, the US brims with fascinating history. Visit ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park, or learn about early English settlements in Virginia and Massachusetts. Deepen your experience in places like Philadelphia, where the US Constitution was signed at Independence Hall. Tour Civil War battlefields, and pay tribute to the sacrifices of later American soldiers at memorials in Washington, DC.
7. Soothe Your Soul with an Island Escape
Hawaii stands out as the ultimate island destination. This Pacific archipelago combines stunning scenery with the welcoming spirit of aloha. The San Juan Islands in Washington State are known for abundant wildlife, while Southern California’s Catalina Island offers charm and outdoor adventures. On the East Coast, islands like Mount Desert Island in Maine and Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts are popular for their picturesque villages and stunning coastlines.
8. Catch a Baseball Game at a Legendary Ballpark
Nothing epitomizes American culture quite like a day at the ballpark, complete with classic stadium food and the singing of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Historic ballparks like Fenway Park in Boston and Wrigley Field in Chicago offer a unique experience filled with history and tradition.
9. Climb a Mountain (or Just Admire the View)
The US boasts many breathtaking mountains, from the ancient Appalachians to the glacier-studded Rockies and Cascades. Standouts include Mt Rainier in Washington, Grand Tetons in Wyoming, and the Sierra Nevada range in California. The hiking possibilities are endless, with many ascents accessible by road.
10. Try the Diverse Cuisine Across America
The diversity of the US is most evident in its food, which ranges from deeply rooted regional dishes to an ever-evolving array of international cuisines. From spicy Cajun and Creole dishes in Louisiana to New York City’s classic pizzerias, the flavors are as varied as the landscapes.
11. Get Your Urban Fix in a Vibrant US City
From the bright lights of New York City to the foggy hills of San Francisco, America’s cities pulse with energy, their diverse neighborhoods packed with top-notch restaurants, museums, and historic sites. Experience the national capital, Washington, DC, with its impressive landmarks and museums, or discover the unique vibes in cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, and New Orleans.
This article has been updated to reflect the best experiences across the USA, where every corner beckons with unique adventures and cultural richness.
