Are you planning a family vacation in the USA? Looking for cities, national parks, and beaches to visit the next time you travel in the States? The United States has some of the most beautiful towns and picturesque landscape views. No matter where you go, there will surely be national parks, bustling city streets, and family-friendly attractions to see across the country.
Here are ten beautiful places to visit in the US:
Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is arguably one of the most popular national parks in the United States. This national park encapsulates over 2.2 million acres between three states: Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. However, over 96% of the park is in Wyoming.1 Once arriving in Wyoming, you'll see one of the world's oldest active volcanoes, Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Norris Geyser Basin. This beautiful place is also home to over 900 miles of hiking and biking trails, making it a must-visit for nature lovers, families, and adventurers!
Zion National Park is located in southwest Utah. Zion has a diverse wildlife, unique slot canyons, waterfalls, and stunning views. The entire national park can be found inside of an expansive canyon. The canyon is roughly 2,200 feet deep and over 30 feet wide in some park areas.2 Here, you'll find family-friendly hikes, viewpoints, and scenic views from cliffs overlooking the canyon. Some of the best hikes in Zion National Park to consider are The Narrows, Emerald Pools Trails, and Angels Landing Trail. The best time to visit this beautiful place is during the spring and fall. The temperatures are relatively mild, and you won’t need to worry about too many tourists.
If you're more inclined to experience a busy, bustling city - make sure you add New York City to your bucket list. New York City is the largest city in the United States, and it's broken up into five different boroughs. Each borough has a diverse culture, world-class restaurants, and must-see iconic attractions. After an afternoon stroll through Central Park, you can view the city from the new heights of the Empire State Building. At night, you can watch the city lights come to life in Times Square and enjoy the chaos of Grand Central Terminal. Fall is arguably the most popular time of the year to visit NYC. However, if you want to experience an authentic American winter, consider visiting for Christmas or New Year's to see the city come to life during the holiday season!
There's a reason San Diego is considered America's Finest City. With over 70 miles of beaches, 92 golf courses, and endless family attractions, you'll always enjoy visiting this beautiful place in the United States. San Diego is also home to many neighborhoods worth visiting on your next trip, including the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, North Park, Pacific Beach, and Hillcrest. If you're looking for family-friendly attractions, consider adding the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, or LEGOLAND to your itinerary.
Big Sur is located on the California coastline. This scenic spot offers stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and redwood forests. In this national park, you'll get to see the Bixby Bridge, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and Andrew Molera State Park. This is a picturesque spot you should add to your itinerary, especially if you plan to take Highway 1 from Northern to Southern California.
Yosemite National Park covers over 1,200 square miles of California.3 Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of waterfalls, meadows, canyons, valleys, and more. There are many activities and attractions that both beginner and professional hikers and campers can enjoy. Some of the most popular attractions include hiking Half Dome, viewing Bridalveil Falls, and taking a stroll through Mariposa Grove.
Maui is one of the seven islands in Hawaii. It's known for its stunning beaches and beautiful views of tropical rainforests. It's considered less touristy than other parts of Hawaii, making it a great spot for an island getaway with loved ones and friends. After spending a few days soaking up the sun at Wailea or Kapula, you can rent a car and drive up The Hana Highway to see some of the stunning views of tropical landscapes. The Hanan Highway is a 64.4-mile-long road that passes by rainforests, waterfalls, oceans, and more.
Are you looking for family-friendly attractions? Make sure you add Walt Disney World to your list! Walt Disney World resides in Orlando, Florida. The amusement park opened in 1971 and continues to be one of the most popular attractions on the East Coast. Walt Disney World encapsulates over 25,000 acres and includes four theme parks, two water parks, and two mini-golf courses.
Take a trip down south to experience New Orleans, Louisiana. New Orleans is known for its next-level restaurants and breathtaking architecture. One of the most beautiful places to check out on your trip is the French Quarter. In this busy part of the city, you'll also find French and Creole cuisine and the vibrant nightlife on Bourbon Street. Consider visiting New Orleans during February so you can experience the city coming to life for Mardi Gras.
If you're obsessed with coastlines and beaches, Key West is the place to be on the East Coast. Key West is located in the Straits of Flordia. It's known for its world-class scuba diving, pristine beaches, and historical landmarks. After you spend a day soaking up the sun on Smathers Beach, you can visit Ernest Hemingway's House in the city.
Ready to start planning your next vacation? We recommend adding any of these ten places to visit in the USA to your travel itinerary. From the city streets of New York that never sleeps to the southernmost tip of the US in Key West, Florida, GovPlus can help you skip the travel lines with our TSA PreCheck service!
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