Perhaps you and the family have some time off coming up, and you’re thinking about taking a vacation somewhere. Still, you might not want to plunk down the amount of cash it will take for a cruise or a trip outside of the United States… Not to worry! In case you haven’t noticed, the United States is one large country, and there are plenty of amazing trips you can take without having to go too far.
On the list below, we’re going to share 15 trips that every American should take in the United States. From serene cruises up the Gold Coast to experiencing the finest of New England and everything in between, it’s all here. So, if you and yours need a vacation and you don’t want to go far, check out these amazing U.S. trip ideas!
1. Whale Watching off Cape Cod
There’s much and more to see in New England itself, but for the quintessential New England experience go whale watching. The tours from Provincetown are ideal!
2. Washington Cherry Blossom Festival
You might have heard that our nation’s capital was built upon a swamp. That might be true, but you wouldn’t know it when the cherry blossoms are putting on their fullest display.
3. See Flowing Lava in Person
First, go to Hawaii. Period. Second, make sure you see the flowing lava at Volcanoes National Park once you’re there!
4. Old Time Charleston
If you really want to feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine and into the past, a trip to Charleston, one of the finest cities in the world, is in order!
5. Yellowstone National Park
You and your family will have to get your pictures taken in front of Old Faithful eventually, so why not make this year the year?
6. Ride the Mississippi
To this day, there are still steamboats going up and down the Mississippi river. Do yourself a favor and book a trip on one! It’s great fun.
7. Visit Austin Texas
You think you know Texas, but Austin will teach you that you barely know this grand state at all. Bonus points if you visit during SXSW or Austin City Limits.
8. Take a Hollywood Studio Tour
The making of film and television seems like arcane magic to most. Witness how it’s made first-hand is an eye-opening experience to say the least.
9. The Grand Canyon
It’s simply one of those things to which pictures do not do justice. Go and see it for yourself, and step out onto the glass-bottomed Skywalk Platform… If you dare!
10. See Fallingwater
Frank Lloyd Wright is the quintessential American architect, and seeing his magnum opus, Fallingwater, is a great trip to take in Pennsylvania.
11. Drive Through Vermont During Fall
Leaf peepers descend on New England every year from late September through October. If you want to join them, make sure you hit the roads of Vermont during peak foliage.
12. The Route 66 Road Trip
There’s another road trip at the end of this list, but when it comes to the iconic American road trip, accept no substitute to getting your kicks on Route 66.
13. See a Show in Las Vegas
For most, Las Vegas is all about gambling, drinking and eating. What really stands out about this town, though, are the crazy shows you can see!
14. The New York City High Line
Some people visit this city tens of times, never knowing that this incredible public park is just overhead. Don’t be one of those people!
15. Cruise the Pacific Coast Highway
Stretching all the way up the California coastline from Los Angeles to San Francisco, there may be no more beautiful drive in the country than this!