6 Best Destinations For An American Vacation
When it comes to travel destinations, nothing beats the amount of wonder, exquisiteness, and variety the United States of America has to offer. It is, as quoted by Woodie Guthrie, a land for everyone. Traveling across its humungous landscape cannot only make you appreciate your country’s wanderlust but also offer you a break from the humdrum of daily life.
And while that seems awesome, where should you even go? Sure, some places are beautiful all year (hello, Hawaii), but getting the timing right can make a decent vacation great. We understand how annoying it is to arrive at a destination you’ve wanted to visit only to discover you’ve missed the most amazing events of the year. But you shouldn’t let that get you down as there are plenty of other places in the United States that entertain all year round.
And to assist you in that matter, we’ve created a list of all the amazing American destinations you can visit and feel safe in the great, wide open. So let’s get to it.
1. Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg, located at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains, is worth a visit in 2022. This family-friendly mountain town in eastern Tennessee is one of the country’s best-kept open secrets and vacation spots. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy everything this small town offers, from the breathtaking scenery to the adrenaline-pumping activities. Horseback riding, ziplining, whitewater rafting, and biking are just a few of the activities available in Gatlinburg for the entire family.
It’s also linked to 600 miles of hiking trails, making it ideal for hiking and photographing some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. You should also visit Pigeon Forge while you’re nearby to visit the world-famous Dollywood. So, look for Pigeon Forge hotels online, and make this trip to the south well worth it. Furthermore, The region transforms into a snowy paradise during the winter, with plenty of snowboarding, skiing, and tubing. You’ll get a taste of the country’s wonderful and rural core no matter when you visit.
2. New York
New York City is unlike any other city globally, and it must be witnessed to understand it fully. Walking the streets can feel like walking through a movie set for first-time visitors. You’ll be enthralled to witness landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the Rockefeller Plaza in all their splendor. And let’s not forget the Statue of Liberty!
Sightsee by day, see a Broadway show by night, make time for shopping or a stroll, and unwind and reminisce over a delicious meal. It’s New York, and with far too much to see and do in a single day or weekend, this is a city worth returning to.
3. The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of those you-have-to-see-it, bucket-list destinations that has drawn tourists for generations. Staring blankly out over the canyon walls to an unending horizon and an unimaginable depth below is on every American’s bucket list. The Grand Canyon is easily accessible as a day trip from Phoenix or Las Vegas and some smaller towns nearby, such as Flagstaff or Sedona. Another option is to include a visit as part of a larger driving trip through Arizona and neighboring states. You can also take a train from Williams, AZ.
4. Chicago
Chicago grew from a small buying and selling outpost to America’s third-largest city, partly thanks to its location on the western shores of Lake Michigan. It is a fantastic city, and visitors cannot help but be impressed by everything it has to offer. Whether you’re looking for great food, recreation, architecture, or something else, Chicago has it all.
The Chicago River is also something to see. It runs through the city’s heart, and the Chicago Riverwalk’s network of walking paths provides some of the amazing sights of the city’s incredible skyline. You can get on and start walking right away, or you can pick and choose which sections to walk depending on where you’re going.
5. Savannah
While Atlanta receives a lot of attention, coastal Savannah should not be overlooked. There is a wide range of artistic tastes and styles on display. Begin your tour in Forsyth Park, where the closely packed summer canopy creates a relaxed setting. Savannah College of Art and Design is located near the park’s northeast corner.
The exhibitions are jam-packed with works by gifted students who push the limits of various artistic forms and attempt to make a name for themselves. You can also tour the nearby Mercer Williams House Museum to witness the mansion that inspired John Berendt’s best-selling novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. And finally, set aside some time to discover this most Southern of towns and absorb its great artistic sensibilities.
6. The Berkshires
So why should you visit the Berkshires? This rural region of Western Massachusetts is brimming with family-friendly sights, pure nature, and farm-to-table dining cuisine. Add in its proximity to New York and Boston, and it’s easy to see why it’s remained one of the best-underappreciated vacation spots in the United States.
Sightseeing is one of the most popular things to do in the Berkshires. It is home to Mount Greylock, Massachusetts’ tallest mountain, from which you can see five states on a clear day. When the weather is nice, people go canoeing, ziplining, kayaking, and when it is cold, they go snowboarding and skiing. Another must-see season is autumn when the foliage is at its peak. The Berkshires also has several unique museums, such as the Hancock Shaker Village and the Norman Rockwell Museum.
Conclusion
There are far too many “must-see” locations to explore in the United States to list in a single blog post. After all, the country has an area of 9.834 million square kilometers. However, for those searching for a starting point to explore this vast terrain, this list should point you in the right direction and keep you busy! Just be sure to get off the highways and explore the small towns to find your favorites. The best of the United States is always found away from the major arteries in small no-name towns with quirky shops, friendly people, and diners.