Vicky Places To Visit In The USA
Travel has been so difficult over the past few years. This is due to the travel restrictions put in place due to Covid. When Covid first hit, and all air travel was banned, it broke my heart. I hate being pinned down in one place and I felt slightly suffocated because I couldn’t be free. Even now, two years into Covid and it is difficult to travel. I had plans to try to travel to the top cities in the USA. Obviously, that didn’t happen.
One of my dreams was always to take my daughter, Tilly, to different cities in the USA. Something that we haven’t achieved. But some awesome bloggers from the USA have got together and collaborated with me to share their top cities to visit in the USA. Please click the links to visit their travel blogs to open your world to more USA destinations.
Washington DC
The nation’s capital is high on the list of best places to visit in the USA. while Washington D.C. is known for politics and history. There is also a wonderful city to explore with interesting neighbourhoods and, surprisingly, a lot of nature. It is a great city for families, couples, solo travellers, and multi-generational travel as well.
Many of the DC landmarks popular with tourists and locals alike can be found on the National Mall. These include presidential monuments like the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, White House, and Capitol Building. It’s also very easily bikeable and a great spot to relax. The Smithsonian museums are also on the National Mall as well as around the city with 18 museums and many parks. A hidden gem is the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum. Which has a lot more than stamps and is located by the historic Union Station.
Many are surprised to learn that DC has some beautiful natural areas. Rock Creek Park has over 2000 acres of trails and creeks within the city limits. Just outside the city, Great Falls on the Potomac River is stunning with multiple waterfalls and rapids. And if you are travelling with kids, DC has some incredible playgrounds and museums for them!
Finally, no trip to DC is complete without checking out the vibrant neighbourhoods. From Adams Morgan and late-night jumbo slice pizza to U Street with incredible restaurants, including Ethiopian food to H Street with some incredible Taiwan and Japanese spots. There is so much to enjoy!
San Francisco
San Francisco is known as one of the quirkiest cities in the USA. As you can guess some of the best things to do in San Francisco involve the famous Golden Gate Bridge – you can cycle over it, cruise under it and even fly over it in a helicopter. Of course, Alcatraz prison is a must-visit whilst in San Francisco but Lombard Street – known as the windiest street in the world is also worth a visit. As is Chinatown which is home to some of San Francisco’s best restaurants including Delicious Dim Sum on Jackson Street
As mentioned, the Golden Gate Bridge is an icon. I highly recommend cycling or walking the bridge instead of driving so that you can stop and admire the views along the way. You can rent a bike from Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rentals on Lombard St, top tip – you can also rent an electric bike here to make the ride easier on your legs.
Not forgetting the famed Alcatraz prison which was once home to Al Capone. In fact, one of the most popular things to do in San Francisco is a cruise to Alcatraz and an audio tour of the prison there.
As for the best places to eat in San Francisco – check out the many awesome restaurants in Pier 39. Spending a couple of nights in the city is a must to see and do all the amazing things on offer here, a popular hotel in the CBD is the West St Francis at Union Square.
Las Vegas
Some people think only of casinos and gambling when they talk about a vacation in Vegas. But as a city stop, there are many delights for the family to see. This part of America is very popular with those making a road trip. After the vast expanse of the Nevada desert, Las Vegas is like a shining and glittering marvel – a complete contradiction to what came before.
It’s a great place to make a stop after a long leg of your journey. Enjoy the entertainment in one of the hotels, or check out what events are being held that weekend. The legendary Las Vegas Strip is home to the world’s most exciting hotels and casinos. Nothing spells out American excess quite like a visit to Sin City.
Las Vegas is humming at any time of the day, especially on the strip. On any given night of the week, you can expect to see gamblers, tourists, entertainers, and celebrities under the bright lights in and around the hotels. Road trips are part of what makes America great. It’s important to make the most of those obscure little places you might ordinarily pass by. It’s also important to experience the best places in the USA that just happen to be en route! Written by Dave from Silverbackpacker
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park, the jewel of California’s majestic Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, is one of the best places to visit in the USA. Each season brings a different beauty to this park, from wildflowers and waterfalls in the spring to a snow-capped wonderland in the winter. Yosemite welcomes an average of 4 million people each year and has amazing conservation and educational programs.
One of the most popular things to do in Yosemite National Park is to visit the iconic Yosemite Falls. Reaching heights of 2,425 feet, this massive waterfall is one is the tallest in North America. Visitors can take a mild hike to the base of the falls or can take the more challenging hike to the top. Yosemite Falls is at its fullest in the spring and early summer months, providing perfect photo opportunities from just about anywhere in the valley.
Yosemite’s towering sequoia trees, rushing rivers, beautiful hiking trails, and an array of wildlife keep visitors coming back year after year. It really does showcase the array of the beauty of the country, making it one of the best places to visit in the USA. From rock climbing and rafting to bird-watching and photography, Yosemite has something for everyone. Written by Olivia from the Girl With Blue Sails travel blog
Honolulu
Honolulu is hands down one of the best places to visit in the USA for its stunning beaches, historical landmarks, and gorgeous tropical climate. Situated on the island of Oahu, Honolulu is the capital and principal port of Hawaii. It is warm year-round, making it not only an amazing summer destination but also one of the best warm winter vacations in the USA.
The main attraction of Honolulu is Waikiki Beach, the perfect place to sunbathe, surf, paddleboard, and enjoy the nightlife. There are also many hotels overlooking this beach, and it’s a great area to base yourself in. You can also snorkel and spot sea turtles at this beach, and for a cultural experience, don’t miss a hula show at the Hyatt Regency Beach Resort.
No trip to Honolulu would be complete without hiking up Diamond Head. Only a 15-minute drive from Waikiki Beach, this hike offers spectacular views over the whole city and the stunning coastline. It takes between 40-60 minutes to reach the summit, and it’s an easy hike that anyone can do.
Finally, don’t miss the iconic Pearl Harbor Memorial in Honolulu. There, you can see the sunken battleship and learn more about the 1,177 sailors who were killed during the Pearl Harbor attack. Note that tickets are given on a first-come, first-serve basis, so be sure to get there right when it opens at 7 am if you don’t want to miss a chance to see this memorial.
New York City
I went to New York when I was 15. It was awesome. There is so much to do in New York, we went for a week and couldn’t fit everything in that we wanted to do. New York really is the city that never sleeps and there is something for everyone.
One of the things I would recommend in New York is visiting the Statue of Liberty. We got the ferry to the Island and Lady Liberty is more magnificent in real life. Since I visited New York they have opened a Statue of Liberty Museum where you can see the story behind the statue and see artifacts including the original torch.
If you are visiting the Statue of Liberty, you must also visit the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Here you can learn about the history of immigration to New York City and how the process worked. You can also walk through the halls that those immigrants walked through hoping for the American dream. Seeing what they saw and trying to understand how they felt.
The Empire State Building is known for its amazing views but we visited the Rockefeller Centre instead. It is a little cheaper and can be less busy. The Rockefeller Centre’s observation deck is called Top Of The Rock and offers amazing 360-degree views over 3 floors. The Views amazed me. You could see for miles. It shows how big New York really is. Some of the things you can see include The Empire State Building, Central Park and The Hudson River. I would defiantly recommend going up and seeing the views for yourself. Written By Kim at Me, My Life And The Tardis
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, lies one of the most charming cities in the USA, Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This little mountain town is known for its magnificent scenery, delectable restaurants, and endless outdoor activities. In fact, there are so many things to do in Gatlinburg, it’s difficult to choose. Start your day with the best breakfast food in town at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp. Their cinnamon roll is to die for! Then, if you looking to get outside and explore, drive the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This scenic loop stops at hiking trails, historical buildings, and viewpoints. It’s only 10 km (6 miles), but there are so many things to see, it can easily take an entire day. And for those looking for an adventure, hike to Rainbow Falls. It’s 2-hours uphill, but worth the effort. In the afternoon, the sun bounces off the main waterfall, creating a beautiful rainbow.
Of course, no trip to Gatlinburg is complete without taking in the views of the Smoky Mountains. For the best spot, head up to Clingman’s Dome. And make sure to get there in the morning when the fog or ‘smoke’ rises over the mountains. It’s nothing short of jaw-dropping.
Los Angeles
Can it be a more captivating place in the US than magical La La Land?
No one can deny, Los Angeles is one of the most amazing places to visit in the USA. The City of Angeles has it all: from vibrant LA downtown with art museums, trendy restaurants, and clubs, to famed Beverly Hills with upscale Rodeo Drive shopping street, and famous Melrose Avenue. At the same time, iconic Hollywood with Hollywood Boulevard, Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and Dolby Theatre are some of the most famous sites in the USA, while Hollywood Sign in Hollywood Hills is probably one of the most famous landmarks in the world.
When in LA, a visit to Universal Studios with The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter and Warner Bros Studio in Burbank grants much fun. And, visiting MGM Studios, Amazon Studios, and Culver Studios in Culver City is always a good idea as well. In addition, one of the best areas to visit in LA is West Hollywood with Sunset Strip, Melrose Avenue, and many independent vintage shops, fancy boutiques, nightclubs, and rooftop bars with live music. If you want a relaxed day on a beach, bohemian and colourful Venice Beach is a great choice. But if you prefer less touristy beaches, you will enjoy Manhattan Beach or pristine Redondo Beach.
However, for the ultimate Californian experience, go for the scenic drive from LA to San Francisco, and California will steal your heart forever!
