The USA is as diverse as it is enormous. Often portrayed as slightly brash, the states certainly isn’t a shy place – but it’s surprisingly charming. From sightseeing in slick city New York to cycling through verdant scenery and spotting bears, there’s so much ground to cover that you’ll be lucky to see a third of it.
1.Walk the High Line, New York City
The high line is a massively popular attraction in the city, and it’s no surprise. The public park is set on an old freight rail line above Manhattan’s West Side, so the views are great and there’s a great feeling of doing something slightly odd and off the beaten track – even though you’ll no doubt be surrounded by lots of other tourists when you go.
2.Visit the Neon Museum, Las Vegas
Vintage signs, bright glowing lettering and a museum totally different from anything else you’ll see, The Neon Museum is well worth a visit. It’s the stuff photographs are made for – the best bit being a space known as the “neon boneyard”, where all the vintage signs from days gone by are kept. Top spots include the Treasure Island skill and sign for the Golden Nugget.
3.Explore the Venice of America – Greater Fort Lauderdale
Water is the key word when it comes to exploring Greater Fort Lauderdale, which is known as the ‘Venice of America’. Inland waterways abound – there are more than 300 miles to be explored, and myriad ways to explore them. Adventure-lovers can try stand up paddle boarding, while it’s also possible to hire a water taxi or yacht to explore.
4.Take a trip to the Grand Canyon State – Arizona
There are hundreds of reasons to visit deserty Arizona. Top draws in the state include the Grand Canyon, which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and a chance to drive the only remaining section of the original Route 66. Tourists will also find resorts and spas, for a bit of glamour, as well as ranches and shopping.
5. The National Mall, Washington, DC
Not, as its name suggests, a massive shopping centre for the nation, The National Mall is in fact a park. And it’s a pretty impressive one. Choc a block with historic monuments (including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and World War II Memorial, as well as the Lincoln Memorial featured in 90s flick Forest Gump), a walk through the park is like a mini history lesson.
6. Chill out in Key West, Florida
So popular with tourists, even Americans vacation here, the tropical climate in Florida is perfect for a lazy, sunbathing holiday. Of course, you don’t have to lounge around, and there’s plenty to do in the laid back area. Tourists can celebrate sunset in Mallory Square or visit the house where Hemmingway wrote To Have And Have Not, to see how inspiring the area can be.
7. Hang with the bears at Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
There’s something pretty spectacular about spotting animals like grizzly bears and wolves in the world, although it has its terrifying moments too. In Yellowstone National Park, there are also bison and elk, which are far less scary, and every bit as exciting to see, plus the country’s largest hot spring and spectacular, note-worthy views.
8. Explore the French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana
French vibes aren’t necessarily the first thing that most people associate with Old Orleans, which is far more noted for its exceptional jazz music, Louisiana cuisine and Mardi Gras. But the city has so many different influences, and the French Quarter is great fun to explore. Tours of the area range from spooky haunted guides to foodie tours and even ones laden with cocktials.
9. Walk the Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts
Visitors can check out Boston’s most important landmarks on this easy-to-navigate trail, which takes visitors through almost 400 years of American history. The almost three mile trail, which is guided by a red line in the pavement, can be taken by guided audio tour or group tour, and most landmarks along the route are free to get into.
10. Visit Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
One that will appeal to road trippers and outdoorsy types, the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 252 miles along the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. Along the route, there are picturesque places to hike or bike, plus the rather intriguing Linn Cove Viaduct, which appears to be almost suspended in mid-air along the southern face of Grandfather Mountain.
The USA is as diverse as it is enormous. Often portrayed as slightly brash, the states certainly isn’t a shy place – but it’s surprisingly charming. From sightseeing in slick city New York to cycling through verdant scenery and spotting bears, there’s so much ground to cover that you’ll be lucky to see a third of it.
1.Walk the High Line, New York City
The high line is a massively popular attraction in the city, and it’s no surprise. The public park is set on an old freight rail line above Manhattan’s West Side, so the views are great and there’s a great feeling of doing something slightly odd and off the beaten track – even though you’ll no doubt be surrounded by lots of other tourists when you go.
2.Visit the Neon Museum, Las Vegas
Vintage signs, bright glowing lettering and a museum totally different from anything else you’ll see, The Neon Museum is well worth a visit. It’s the stuff photographs are made for – the best bit being a space known as the “neon boneyard”, where all the vintage signs from days gone by are kept. Top spots include the Treasure Island skill and sign for the Golden Nugget.
3.Explore the Venice of America – Greater Fort Lauderdale
Water is the key word when it comes to exploring Greater Fort Lauderdale, which is known as the ‘Venice of America’. Inland waterways abound – there are more than 300 miles to be explored, and myriad ways to explore them. Adventure-lovers can try stand up paddle boarding, while it’s also possible to hire a water taxi or yacht to explore.
4.Take a trip to the Grand Canyon State – Arizona
There are hundreds of reasons to visit deserty Arizona. Top draws in the state include the Grand Canyon, which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and a chance to drive the only remaining section of the original Route 66. Tourists will also find resorts and spas, for a bit of glamour, as well as ranches and shopping.
5. The National Mall, Washington, DC
Not, as its name suggests, a massive shopping centre for the nation, The National Mall is in fact a park. And it’s a pretty impressive one. Choc a block with historic monuments (including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and World War II Memorial, as well as the Lincoln Memorial featured in 90s flick Forest Gump), a walk through the park is like a mini history lesson.
6. Chill out in Key West, Florida
So popular with tourists, even Americans vacation here, the tropical climate in Florida is perfect for a lazy, sunbathing holiday. Of course, you don’t have to lounge around, and there’s plenty to do in the laid back area. Tourists can celebrate sunset in Mallory Square or visit the house where Hemmingway wrote To Have And Have Not, to see how inspiring the area can be.
7. Hang with the bears at Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
There’s something pretty spectacular about spotting animals like grizzly bears and wolves in the world, although it has its terrifying moments too. In Yellowstone National Park, there are also bison and elk, which are far less scary, and every bit as exciting to see, plus the country’s largest hot spring and spectacular, note-worthy views.
8. Explore the French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana
French vibes aren’t necessarily the first thing that most people associate with Old Orleans, which is far more noted for its exceptional jazz music, Louisiana cuisine and Mardi Gras. But the city has so many different influences, and the French Quarter is great fun to explore. Tours of the area range from spooky haunted guides to foodie tours and even ones laden with cocktials.
9. Walk the Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts
Visitors can check out Boston’s most important landmarks on this easy-to-navigate trail, which takes visitors through almost 400 years of American history. The almost three mile trail, which is guided by a red line in the pavement, can be taken by guided audio tour or group tour, and most landmarks along the route are free to get into.
10. Visit Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
One that will appeal to road trippers and outdoorsy types, the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 252 miles along the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. Along the route, there are picturesque places to hike or bike, plus the rather intriguing Linn Cove Viaduct, which appears to be almost suspended in mid-air along the southern face of Grandfather Mountain.
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