The United States is a traveler's paradise complete with diverse landscapes, bustling cities with huge skyscrapers, and iconic landmarks that make it a top destination for tourists from all around the world. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun on a beautiful beach, explore the great outdoors, or immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of a big city, the USA has something for everyone. In this blog, we'll take you on a virtual journey to 7 spectacular destinations in the country, each with its own unique charm and unforgettable experiences. So pack your bags, get ready for an adventure, and let's explore the best of America!
1. Rocky Mountains State Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful national park located in the state of Colorado in the western United States. We visited the Rocky Mountains State Park in October 2021 and instantly fell in love with it. The park is known for its towering peaks, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The best time to visit would be from April to October with summer being the peak travel season. Winters can be harsh with tons of snowfall, however, it will be a perfect time to visit if you like winter activities such as skiing, etc.
Here are some of the top things to see and do in Rocky Mountain National Park:
A. Scenic drives: The park offers several scenic drives that take you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Rocky Mountains, including Trail Ridge Road, which reaches an elevation of over 12,000 feet. We visited the Rocky Mountains State Park in October 2021. There was a landslide a few days before our visit, so Trail Ridge Road had to be closed. We could only drive up to an elevation of 5000 feet. The views were spectacular as you can see in the picture below but we couldn't go all the way to the top.
B. Hiking: With over 300 miles of hiking trails, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the park's beautiful landscapes on foot. Popular hikes include the Bear Lake Trail, the Emerald Lake Trail, and the hike to the summit of Longs Peak. We explored the Bear Lake trail and witnessed some frozen landscapes. It was breathtaking. The mountains had received fresh snowfall just a few days before our visit. As you can see in the picture below, we were hiking on snow-clad trails. The trail was slippery due to the ice melting. With its crystal-clear, shining waters, Bear Lake is often referred to as the "Caribbean of the Rockies" due to its stunning turquoise color, which is the result of the reflection of sunlight off the lake's unique limestone deposits.
C. Photography: With its stunning mountain vistas and abundant wildlife, Rocky Mountain National Park is a photographer's paradise. Be sure to bring your camera and capture some of the park's most beautiful moments. We took hundreds of pictures and wanted to take more. If you are a nature lover, the breathtaking landscape of rugged mountains, turquoise lakes, and glaciers will take your breath away.
2. Ocean City and Assateague Island, Maryland
Ocean City and Assateague Island are our favorite getaways from Baltimore, MD. Both are about a 3-hour drive from Baltimore and we like to do a day trip or a weekend getaway with family and friends. Ocean City is more of a tourist spot complete with the hustle-bustle of a mini city. There is a boardwalk consisting of numerous shopping and dining options coupled with an amusement park.
Assateague Island, on the contrary, is its polar opposite. It is a barrier island located off the coast of Maryland and Virginia in the United States. The island is known for its pristine white sand beaches, wild ponies, and diverse ecosystem that includes marshes, forests, and bays.
The wild horses of Assateague Island are a major draw for visitors. These horses are believed to be descendants of domesticated horses that were brought to the island by early settlers, and they have thrived in the wild ever since. Visitors can often see the horses grazing on the dunes and beaches of the island, but it is important to remember that they are wild animals and should be observed from a safe distance.
In addition to the horses, Assateague Island is home to a variety of other wildlife, including deer, foxes, and migratory birds. The island's beaches are also a popular destination for swimming, surfing, and fishing, while the marshes and bays offer opportunities for kayaking and wildlife viewing.
The island is also home to two parks: Assateague Island National Seashore and Assateague State Park. Both offer camping facilities, hiking trails, and ranger-led programs, as well as access to the island's stunning natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a beach vacation, outdoor activities, or cultural events, there's something to enjoy year-round in this popular seaside town.
3. Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls is a must-visit destination due to its sheer beauty and spectacular scenic views. It is a world-famous waterfall located on the Niagara River on the border between the United States and Canada. While the Canadian side of the falls is perhaps more well-known, the American side, located in Niagara Falls, New York, also offers visitors an incredible experience and spectacular views. We have visited the American side multiple times and we thoroughly enjoyed every time. We hope to visit the Canadian side soon as well.
Visitors to Niagara Falls, New York can witness the stunning power and beauty of the falls up close. The American side of the falls offers several vantage points from which to view the cascading water, including the popular Prospect Point Observation Tower and the Cave of the Winds, where visitors can walk along wooden walkways just feet from the rushing water. Another major attraction is to take a boat tour to the base of the falls on the famous Maid of the Mist.
The surrounding area also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, and fishing. There are several parks and nature preserves in the area, including Niagara Falls State Park, also famous for being the oldest state park in the United States.
4. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts is one of our favorite cities to visit. Some of our closest friends live in this historic city which gives us more than one reason to drive down there often. Boston is located in the northeastern United States. It is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and bustling city life.
There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation activities in nearby state parks and preserves including hiking to some of the most scenic views you will ever see. One of the most popular attractions in Boston is the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walking trail that takes visitors through 16 historically significant sites in the city, including the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere's House, and the Old North Church.
Boston is also home to several world-class museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the New England Aquarium. Visitors can also catch a game at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, or enjoy a stroll through Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States.
In addition to its cultural offerings, Boston is also a hub for higher education, with several renowned universities located in the city, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
The city's culinary scene is also a draw for visitors, with a range of restaurants offering everything from traditional New England seafood to global cuisine.
Boston is a vibrant city with a rich history and a wealth of cultural offerings. Whether you're interested in history, the arts, or simply exploring a dynamic city, Boston is a must-visit destination.
5. New York City, New York
No travel list can be complete without mentioning New York City, commonly referred to as NYC. NYC is one of the most famous and populous cities in the United States. Known for its iconic landmarks, diverse culture, and vibrant energy, NYC is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world and is a must-visit destination on any traveler's bucket list.
One of the most recognizable landmarks in NYC is the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and opportunity that has greeted millions of immigrants as they arrived in the United States. Visitors can take a ferry to Liberty Island to get up close and personal with the statue or enjoy the view of it from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan.
Another iconic landmark in NYC is the Empire State Building, which offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck.
The Empire State Building has two observation decks where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of New York City.
1. Main Deck (86th floor): This is the Empire State Building's most famous observation deck, offering stunning views of the city from 1,050 feet (320 meters) above ground. The Main Deck features both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, with high-powered binoculars available for rent. There are also multimedia exhibits and historical displays that tell the story of the building's construction and significance.
2. Top Deck (102nd floor): The Top Deck is a smaller and less crowded observation deck located 200 feet (61 meters) higher than the Main Deck. It offers panoramic views of the city, including Central Park, the Hudson River, and the surrounding skyline. The Top Deck is open to the elements, so visitors should dress accordingly.
Other must-see attractions in NYC include the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Central Park, Times Square, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Times Square is arguably the biggest attraction of NYC. It is home to a variety of attractions, including theaters, restaurants,
shops, and entertainment venues. Some of the most popular attractions include the TKTS Discount Booth, which offers discounted tickets to Broadway shows, and the Hershey's Chocolate World and M&M's World stores. Times Square is a major attraction on New Year's Eve when it draws approximately a million visitors to watch the annual Ball Drop to welcome the new year.
NYC is also a cultural hub, with a range of museums, theaters, and music venues offering a diverse array of experiences. From the Museum of Modern Art to Broadway shows to the jazz clubs of Harlem, there's something for everyone in NYC's cultural scene.
The Harry Potter store in New York City is a must-visit destination for fans of the Harry Potter franchise. It is located at 935 Broadway in the Flatiron District of Manhattan. It is just a short walk from Union Square and Madison Square Park. The store features a wide variety of Harry Potter merchandise, including clothing, accessories, home decor, and souvenirs. You can purchase everything from Hogwarts house robes to wands, and from plush toys to jewelry.
NYC is famous for its exemplary cuisine. From classic New York-style pizza to haute cuisine, there are countless restaurants, food trucks, and street vendors offering delicious and diverse cuisine. Our favorite food truck is The Halal Guys, offering delectable falafel, chicken over rice, lamb with rice, and wraps. The serving size is good and the price is reasonable. They are located on 53rd Street and 6th Avenue, near the Radio City music hall. There are a lot of other Halal Guys food trucks claiming to be the best but the best and the original one is located on 53rd Street and 6th Avenue.
The best time to visit NYC is year-round with multiple activities and events happening all the time. New York City is a city that offers endless possibilities and experiences. Its energy and diversity make it a unique and exciting destination for travelers from all over the world. New York City is a magical place to visit during the Christmas season. The city is adorned with holiday lights and decorations, with some of the most iconic displays at Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and the storefronts on Fifth Avenue.
6. Austin and Houston, Texas
Austin is the capital city of Texas. It is located in the central part of the state and is the fourth-most populous city in Texas. The Texas State Capitol, which houses the offices and chambers of the Texas Legislature and the office of the Governor, is a popular tourist spot located in downtown Austin.
The city is surrounded by beautiful parks and natural areas, including Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park, and Barton Springs Pool, where you can hike, bike, kayak, swim, and enjoy the outdoors. It has a rich history and culture, including the Texas State Capitol, the Bullock Texas State History Museum, and the LBJ Presidential Library.
Austin is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts as well, with plenty of natural beauty to explore and enjoy.
Houston, Texas is a vibrant and diverse city located in the southern United States. It is the fourth-largest city in the country and is known for its thriving energy industry, rich history, and world-class cultural attractions.
One of the most popular attractions in Houston is the Space Center Houston, where visitors can learn about NASA's space program and even see astronauts in training.
The NASA Space Center in Houston, Texas is the official visitor center for the Johnson Space Center, the home of NASA's astronaut corps and the center of human spaceflight activities for the United States.
At the NASA Space Center, visitors can explore a variety of exhibits and displays that showcase the history of space exploration, the science of spaceflight, and the technology used to make it all possible
The Astronaut gallery features a collection of spacesuits, artifacts, and personal mementos from NASA astronauts and the Starship gallery features the actual spacecraft that have flown in space, including the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo capsules.
Another must-see attraction near Houston is Galveston Island, a barrier island located just south of Houston, Texas, in the Gulf of Mexico. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with a wide variety of attractions and activities to enjoy. It can be easily reached via the Galveston Island Ferry which is a free ferry service that operates between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula in Texas. The ferry is free and visitors can drive their cars onto the ferry, or park in the ferry terminal parking lot and walk on board. The ferry ride takes about 18 minutes each way and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico (pictured above), as well as the chance to see dolphins, pelicans, and other wildlife.
Houston is also a foodie's paradise, with a diverse array of restaurants offering everything from classic Texas barbecue to international cuisine. The city is also known for its vibrant music scene, with venues ranging from honky-tonks to world-class concert halls.
Houston and Austin are popular tourist destinations for all age groups due to its warm climate, friendly locals, and diverse attractions.
7. Washington DC
Washington, D.C., is the capital city of the United States, located on the East Coast. It is a must-visit destination for any traveler's bucket list due to its great historical and political significance, with numerous landmarks, monuments, and museums to explore. We live in Baltimore which is about 90 minutes from D.C., depending on traffic and day of the week. We love to take the MARC train from Baltimore Penn Station to the Union Station in D.C. and we prefer the train ride over driving any day of the week. It is much more convenient and enjoyable because you don't have to worry about getting stuck in traffic or finding parking in D.C. which can be pretty challenging.
One of the most famous landmarks in Washington, D.C. is the White House, the official residence of the President of the United States. Visitors can take a tour of the White House and learn about its rich history and significance.
The National Mall is another must-see destination, featuring the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the United States Capitol.
Washington, D.C. is also home to a number of world-renowned museums, including the Smithsonian Institution, which houses a vast collection of art, science, and history exhibits. Other notable museums include the National Air and Space Museum.
Washington, D.C. is a vibrant and diverse city, with a thriving food and arts scene. The city is home to a range of restaurants, from food trucks to Michelin-starred eateries, and a variety of theaters, galleries, and music venues.
For those looking to escape the city, the nearby Potomac River offers opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and biking. Spring is our favorite season to visit D.C., due to the cherry blossom (pictured right) trees in the city's parks and along the Tidal Basin that are a sight to behold.
Overall, Washington, D.C. is a city of great historical, political, and cultural significance, with something to offer for visitors of all ages and interests.
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