Are you tired of the same pattern: wake, work, eat, sleep, repeat? Is it time to get out of town for a few days, a week, or longer? If so, then what are you waiting for? Buy your tickets, book your reservations, pack your bags, and get going!
Still home? What’s the holdup? Is it your inability to choose a destination? If so, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves unable to decide on where to spend their next vacation. Oftentimes, this means settling for the places they’ve been before.
While there’s nothing wrong with revisiting your favorite destinations of the past, it’s a big, wide world out there waiting to be explored. The list of options is endless.
For simplicity’s sake, let’s zero in on the best vacation destinations across the United States:
Northern California
The northern part of the Golden State is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. From Big Sur to Yosemite, visitors will be overwhelmed by natural splendor. Northern California is also where San Francisco is located, as well as the state capital, Sacramento. Explore Alcatraz Island, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, and spend an afternoon at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Southern California
Compared to NoCal, the southernmost stretch of California is drier, warmer, and more rugged in terms of terrain. However, Southern California is also home to Los Angeles, San Diego, and Palm Springs. Visitors can stay at luxurious casino hotels, explore iconic neighborhoods, eat at excellent restaurants, and visit world-class theme parks. There are also plenty of beautiful beaches stretching from Chula Vista to Malibu.
Las Vegas
In many ways, Las Vegas is an anomaly. There’s no reason for a city that size to exist in the middle of the desert. It took the construction of the nearby Hoover Dam and the resulting access to water for this oasis of neon to blossom. While Vegas is commonly referred to as Sin City, the days of sordid stories and mob ties are mostly over. Las Vegas is now a family-friendly destination with something for everyone.
New Orleans
Another American city with a reputation for adult-oriented activities, New Orleans is also rich in history and culture. Walking through the French Quarter is like taking a trip back in time. While most visitors flock to New Orleans for Mardi Gras festivities, there’s plenty to see and do throughout the rest of the year. We encourage travelers to visit the National WWII Museum, ride a riverboat, and pop into one of the several historic cemeteries.
Chicago
With a population of 2.7 million, Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States. The “Windy City” is home to iconic skyscrapers, world-class museums, theme parks, sports venues, lakeside parks, and high-end shopping districts. The famous Chicago ‘L’ train provides visitors with fast and easy-to-navigate transportation across the metropolitan area, making it feasible to criss-cross the city in search of new sights and sounds.
Orlando
Once a swampy town with only a few thousand residents, Orlando is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire world. The reason is simple: Orlando is where you’ll find Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios. The development of these famous theme parks led to an array of tourist-friendly offerings across the city, including Medieval Times, Madame Tussauds, and Fun Spot America.
Washington, DC
The nation’s capital is densely packed with many things to see and do. While this destination is more for the museum-going type than someone looking for fun and excitement, Washington has a surprisingly vibrant nightlife scene and kid-friendly attractions to keep the little ones entertained. One of the best things about visiting Washington is the number of free things you can do, such as visiting the Lincoln Memorial and Capitol Building.
New York City
You could spend ten years in the Big Apple and still not experience everything this amazing city offers. Manhattan is home to hundreds of popular attractions, including famous skyscrapers, parks, and museums. There’s also almost always a concert, sports event, or festival happening across the five boroughs.
There you have it. Eight fabulous American vacation destinations waiting to be explored. What are you waiting for? Get going! And bring back souvenirs!
Julie Steinbeck is a freelance writer from Florida. She enjoys covering topics related to business, finance, and travel.