America is enormous, and each of its 50 states has something to do and see. It can be challenging to plan an itinerary for a trip to a country with so much to choose from, but this list of 18 things you should always do when visiting America might help.
Visit a national park
Exploring the stunning variety of natural beauty in parks like Yosemite, with its beautiful waterfalls and ancient sequoias. While there, the National Park Service recommends engaging in any number of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. Your breath truly will be taken away!
Enjoy a Broadway show
Broadway is a must-see for any theatre or musical lover while in America. Catch a performance in the renowned theater district of New York City and experience the pinnacle of American theater arts, which is a significant part of the country’s cultural heritage.
Try the local cuisine
As with any country, did you really visit America if you didn’t try the local food? You should sample regional dishes like New England clam chowder, Southern barbecue, or Pacific Northwest salmon. Attend local food festivals, if you can, to experience a wide variety of dishes and cooking styles unique to each area.
Go see a game
When visiting America, you have to experience our iconic sports culture by attending an NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL game! Even if you’re not into sports, you will feel the spirit and camaraderie among fans, which is an integral part of American sports.
Shop at local markets
Shopping at local markets supports small businesses and gives tourists a glimpse into the area’s local culture and crafts. You can chat with the sellers about their items and find unique souvenirs to take home as gifts or to remember your trip. Don’t just spend all your money on Walmart and Target!
Participate in a festival
Engage with America’s diverse cultural fabric at festivals celebrating everything from heritage to local produce. Go to the annual Mardi Gras festival in New Orleans, which National Geographic tells us is the ultimate carnival, or enjoy seasonal events like autumn pumpkin festivals or spring flower blooms in various parts of the country.
Enjoy some music
Visit cities known for their music scenes, such as Nashville, New Orleans, or Austin, to enjoy live music ranging from country to jazz and rock. Consider timing your visit to coincide with major music festivals like Lollapalooza, South by Southwest, or the New Orleans Jazz Fest.
Take the road trip of a lifetime
America is known across the world for its long highways and huge cars. If you’re a motorhead, don’t miss out on driving iconic routes like Route 66, which stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica. Road trips like these give you the flexibility to explore small towns and hidden gems at your own pace.
Visit a museum
Museums in the U.S. offer a range of exhibitions, from classical art to interactive science displays, catering to all interests. While there, spend time in museums such as the Smithsonian in Washington D.C., the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, or the Getty Center in Los Angeles.
Eat in a real American diner
A trip to America isn’t complete without visiting a classic American diner for some quintessential American food like waffles, bacon and eggs, grilled cheese, and burgers and fries, all washed down with coffee or milkshakes. You’ll love the nostalgic atmosphere with jukeboxes, neon signs, and traditional diner booths.
See some whales
Don’t miss out on a whale-watching tour in Hawaii. You’ll likely see a humpback whale, which the DLNR says is the most famous baleen whale in Hawaiian waters. Alternatively, take one in Alaska or on the coasts of Massachusetts and California to see some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures up close.
Visit the landmarks
Another must-do when visiting the States is taking a boat to see the Statue of Liberty, which has always been America’s symbol of freedom and democracy. There are countless other landmarks, though, such as San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge and Niagara Falls, which sits on the border between New York and Ontario.
Explore some famous cultural neighborhoods
Explore neighborhoods known for their specific cultural identities, such as Chinatown in San Francisco, said to be the largest Chinatown outside of Asia, Little Havana in Miami, or the French Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans. These are truly unique locations that you won’t find anywhere else!
Visit a vineyard or two
Touring one of America’s famed wine regions, such as Napa Valley in California, Willamette Valley in Oregon, or the Finger Lakes in New York, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! You’ll enjoy delectable wine tastings with experts and learn about winemaking processes directly from the vintners; what’s not to like!?
Check out our amusement parks
How could you visit the US without checking out some amusement parks!? This country has some of the most famous amusement parks in the world, such as Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Six Flags. It doesn’t matter if you hate rollercoasters; these parks have tons of family-friendly attractions, shows, and experiences for anyone.
Learn to square dance like a local
If you’re looking to blend in down South, take part in square dancing. This unique part of American folk culture is accompanied by lively music and often traditional attire. At these dances, visitors can enjoy a fun, communal activity that is great for meeting people and experiencing a local tradition.
Explore the Great Lakes
After visiting our national parks, you should also visit America’s Great Lakes region, which offers stunning views and a range of outdoor activities, including boating and fishing. The region is made up of five huge lakes, which, as noted by Britannica, represent the largest surface of freshwater in the world.
Try out some barbecue food
Finally, you simply have to sample American barbecue food when visiting. Each has its own techniques and flavors, and everything from Texas brisket to Carolina pulled pork is mouth-wateringly delicious. You’ll also get to experience the unique social culture of an American barbecue, which is as much about community and fellowship as it is about food.
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