United States On World Map
The United States is a melting pot of cultures, landscapes, and experiences. From the bustling cities of New York and Los Angeles to the remote wilderness of Alaska and Hawaii, the country offers something for every type of traveler. To help you plan your trip, we have created a comprehensive travel guide that covers the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
The United States is home to some of the world’s most iconic attractions, including the Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Grand Canyon. Other must-see attractions include the Empire State Building, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Space Needle. If you’re a history buff, don’t miss the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., or the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas.
Hidden Gems
While the top attractions are certainly worth a visit, there are also plenty of hidden gems to discover. Some of our favorites include the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, the Oregon Vortex in Oregon, and the Glass Beach in California. For a truly unique experience, check out the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia, which features a collection of medical oddities.
Food Scene
The United States is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of cuisines to choose from. Some of our favorite foodie destinations include New Orleans for its Creole and Cajun dishes, San Francisco for its seafood and sourdough bread, and Chicago for its deep-dish pizza and hot dogs. Make sure to also try some regional specialties, such as lobster rolls in Maine, barbecue in Texas, and clam chowder in Massachusetts.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling in the United States can be expensive, but there are ways to save money without sacrificing the experience. Consider visiting during the off-season, staying in budget accommodations like hostels or camping, and using public transportation instead of renting a car. Many museums and attractions also offer free admission on certain days of the week.
Outdoor Adventures
The United States is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with countless opportunities for hiking, skiing, kayaking, and more. Some of the top outdoor destinations include Yellowstone National Park, the Rocky Mountains, and the Grand Tetons. For a unique experience, consider camping in the Florida Everglades or taking a hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley.
Historical Landmarks
From the Revolutionary War to the Civil Rights Movement, the United States has a rich history that is reflected in its landmarks and monuments. Some of the top historical landmarks include Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii.
Family-Friendly Activities
Traveling with kids? There are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained. Some of our favorites include visiting Disneyland in California, taking a tour of the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and exploring the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. For a unique experience, check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Florida.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something truly unique, consider exploring some of the lesser-known destinations in the United States. Some of our favorites include Marfa, Texas, which is known for its art installations and UFO sightings, and Sedona, Arizona, which is said to have healing energy vortexes. For a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, head to the ghost town of Bodie, California.
Natural Wonders
The United States is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders, from towering mountains to cascading waterfalls. Some of our favorites include Yosemite National Park, Niagara Falls, and the Great Smoky Mountains. For a unique experience, check out the bioluminescent waters of Mosquito Bay in Puerto Rico.
Vibrant Nightlife
Looking for a night out on the town? The United States has plenty of vibrant nightlife scenes to choose from, whether you’re into live music, craft cocktails, or dancing. Some of our favorite nightlife destinations include New Orleans for its jazz clubs and Bourbon Street, Las Vegas for its casinos and nightclubs, and Miami for its beach bars and salsa clubs.
Local Markets
One of the best ways to experience the local culture is by checking out the markets. From farmers’ markets to flea markets, the United States has plenty to offer. Some of our favorites include Pike Place Market in Seattle, the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco, and the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia.
Beaches and Mountains
The United States is blessed with both stunning beaches and majestic mountains. Some of our favorite beach destinations include Santa Monica in California, South Beach in Miami, and Waikiki Beach in Hawaii. For a mountain getaway, head to Aspen, Colorado, or Lake Tahoe in California.
Cultural Immersion
If you’re interested in learning about different cultures, the United States is a great place to do it. Some of our favorite cultural destinations include New York City for its museums and ethnic neighborhoods, San Antonio for its Spanish colonial heritage, and New Orleans for its African-American and Creole cultures.
Art and Music Scene
The United States is home to some of the world’s most vibrant art and music scenes. Some of our favorite destinations include Nashville for its country music, Austin for its indie music, and New York City for its museums and galleries. For a unique experience, check out the Burning Man festival in Nevada.
Walking Tours
One of the best ways to explore a new city is on foot. Many cities offer walking tours that will take you through the historic neighborhoods, architectural landmarks, and local hotspots. Some of our favorites include the Freedom Trail in Boston, the French Quarter in New Orleans, and the High Line in New York City.
Architectural Marvels
The United States is home to some of the world’s most impressive architectural marvels, from towering skyscrapers to historic landmarks. Some of our favorites include the Empire State Building in New York City, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and the Space Needle in Seattle. For a unique experience, check out the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Fallingwater in Pennsylvania.
Historical Sites
If you’re a history buff, the United States is a treasure trove of historical sites. Some of our favorites include the Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Hawaii, and the Little Bighorn Battlefield in Montana. For a unique experience, check out the ghost town of St. Elmo in Colorado.
Biking Routes
Biking is a great way to explore the outdoors while getting some exercise. The United States has plenty of scenic biking routes to choose from, whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride or a challenging mountain bike trail. Some of our favorites include the Katy Trail in Missouri, the Mount Tamalpais Loop in California, and the Maah Daah Hey Trail in North Dakota.
Wellness Retreats
The United States has plenty of wellness retreats to help you recharge and relax. Some of our favorites include the Miraval Resort & Spa in Arizona, the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Massachusetts, and the Canyon Ranch in California. For a unique experience, check out the hot springs in Colorado.
Adventure Sports
The United States is a playground for adventure sports enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, surfing, and more. Some of our favorites include skiing in Aspen, Colorado, surfing in Hawaii, and rock climbing in Yosemite National Park. For a unique experience, try skydiving over the Grand Canyon.