When you visit the United States, you are in for an exciting time. With fifty different states, varying climates and terrains, and a wide range of wildlife, there are plenty of things to do. You can go shopping, relax and enjoy a good meal, or simply visit some natural wonders. Here are the top 10 things to do in the USA as well as specific places you can enjoy each activity.
There are plenty of casinos spread throughout the United States and you will actually find at least one in almost every major city. Las Vegas, Nevada is the best place to go if you want a lot of options, but Reno and Atlantic City are also good choices. There are also multiple casinos on Native American land, including the Mohegan Sun in the Connecticut foothills, This casino is one of the biggest in the country and even features an on-site hotel.
Address: Bellagio Hotel and Casino,
3600 S Las Vegas Blvd,
Las Vegas, NV 89109
With thousands of miles of coastline in various areas of the country, there are beaches for everyone. If you want warm sand, sunshine, and palm trees, head to Florida or Hawaii. Hulopo'e Beach on the Hawaiian island of Lana'i and is known as one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the world. While in Hawaii, you can also enjoy Kauna'oa Bay. Those looking to enjoy a beach within the continental US can visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for gorgeous weather or Nantucket, Massachusetts for an experience resembling a fairytale. Don't rule out northern beaches if swimming isn't your goal and you just want to take advantage of beautiful scenery.
Americans are known for their roller-coasters and other thrill-seeking activities. You can find family-friendly amusement parks like Disneyland in California and Disneyworld in Orlando, but there are also other options geared more towards adults. Six Flags has several locations across the country and offers rides for all ages. Cedar Point in Ohio calls themselves the "roller coaster capital of the world" and it truly is one of the top amusement parks.
Address: Walt Disney World Resort,
Orlando, FL 32830
The United States is home to a diverse landscape, with mountains, rolling hills, gorgeous lakes, and more. This means that you can find thousands of places to go camping without any problem. If you are in the northeast, head to Acadia National Park in Maine, which features two different campgrounds to choose from. You can also go camping on Assateague Island in Maryland to enjoy a beach, Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah to enjoy a forest, or Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota if you prefer to feel isolated.
For a great time enjoying the nightlife the United States has to offer, you best options are typically larger cities or tourist areas. That said, Miami Beach and Las Vegas are both top options for things to do after dark. Both feature plenty of nightclubs, especially the South Beach neighborhood in Miami Beach. For true variety in terms of nightlife, head to New York City where you can sip cocktails, go on a bar crawl, or sing some karaoke.
Address: Times Square, Manhattan,
New York, NY 10036
America is also known for its large shopping malls as well as cities that can appeal to shoppers of all interests. For strolling around the city and visiting a range of stores, head to New York City or Chicago. If you want to go to a large mall that is one of the top in the country, then visit the Mall of America in Minnesota. The mall has 520 stores as well as 50 restaurants and an amusement park which is completely indoors. There is even a tourism office. While on the east coast, visit the King of Prussia Mall just outside Philadelphia is has three million square feet, making it the largest along the east coast.
Address: Mall of America,
60 E Broadway,
Bloomington, MN 55425
Although the United States may not have been well-populated for as long as Europe, it still has its share of historic landmarks and sites. A large number of these can be found in the eastern portion of the country since that is the oldest part of the USA. In Hartford, Connecticut, for example, you can visit the Mark Twain House, which is next door to Harriet Beecher Stowe's home. Also consider visiting the French Quarter in New Orleans with its unique architecture and history. Gettysburg, PA and Independence Hall, Philadelphia are also key historic landmarks worth a visit.
Address: 1195 Baltimore Pike,
Gettysburg, PA 17325
If you want something to do with nearly unlimited options, then find a museum to visit. There are art, science, history, and other types of museums. Some are free, while others are not. The Smithsonian in Washington, DC is not only one of the most famous in the world, but it is also free to visit. Fashionistas will enjoy the Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, while families should stop by the Children's Museum Indianapolis. Those who appreciate art should consider heading to Chicago for the Art Institute of Chicago, where you can easily spend a full day.
Address: Central Park West and 79th St, New York, NY 10024
As people expanded, more and more buildings were constructed, but there are still plenty of natural wonders that show you America's beauty. Most people will think of the Grand Canyon in Arizona or Niagara Falls in New York when picturing natural wonders, but there are many more than this. If you are lucky enough to visit Hawaii, check out Kilauea or see how beautiful the desert can be in Monument Valley, Utah. You can also head to Redwoods, California to see some of the tallest trees in the world.
A great deal of the food in the United States was inspired by international cuisine, but you will also find some unique items. New Orleans is the best place to try Creole and Cajun style food, but you can also find authentic Vietnamese there. Portland, Oregon is home to many creative chefs, giving you unique items you won't find anywhere else. Or a trip to Louisville, Kentucky will give you the chance to try many different types of food based on bourbon, from cocktails to slushies.
