Best Places to Travel in the United States

The United States is an incredible place to travel, offering diverse landscapes and experiences. From big cities to natural wonders and beaches, the U.S. has something for every traveler. Here are some of the best places I have enjoyed visiting in the United States.  

Los Angeles

Arch of books
The Last Bookstore in Los Angeles

LA is the city I have visited the most and I never run out of things to see and do. The City of Angels has it all, beaches, shopping, culture, sports, adventure, and theme parks.

Things to do in LA

Some of my favourite things to do:

  • Griffith Observatory
  • The Getty
  • Hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains
  • Beaches: Santa Monica, Huntington, and my favourite, Dockweiler
  • Rent a bike at Santa Monica beach and ride along the beach pathway
  • The Last Bookstore
  • Disneyland
  • Universal Studios

Things to Watch Out For in LA

Things to consider:

  • Biggest challenge of Los Angeles is how spread out everything is and the lack of public transportation. You either need to rent a car or book tours.
  • The traffic is terrible. Try to organize your activities by location to reduce the amount of driving between sites.
  • Some attractions, like The Getty and Griffith Observatory are free but there is a charge for parking.

Seattle

Multi colored glass discs
Chihuly Glass

I really enjoy visiting Seattle. The Pacific Northwest is beautiful and it’s a vibrant city. Glass blowing is popular in Seattle. Unlike Los Angeles, Seattle does have decent train service.

Things to do in Seattle

Some of my favourite things to do:

Things to Watch Out for in Seattle

Things to consider:

  • If you’re booking a hotel downtown and have a car, check the parking fees because they can be quite high.
  • If you like aquariums, Seattle does have a decent one on the waterfront but it is quite small. It would be a great activity for younger kids.

New Orleans

Path lined with tombs in a graveyard.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

New Orleans has a culture unlike anything else in the United States. The city is full of culture, history, music and good food.

Things to do in New Orleans

  • Bourbon Street is the place to drink and party. It gives Las Vegas a run for its money.
  • French Quarter
  • Jackson Square
  • Visit one of the graveyards. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is one of the most famous.

Things to Watch Our for in New Orleans

  • Wandering around the French Quarter and Bourbon Street was great and we did not feel at risk but we would not wander too far. I recommend booking tours to see and experience more.
  • Have a drink or two on Bourbon Street and then try some of the smaller bars just off the street for a different and cheaper experience.

Florida Keys

Piece of key lime pie with meringue on top.
Amazing key lime pie from Blue Heaven

Now to get away from the big cities to experience something completely different, the Florida Keys. The Keys offer the laid back, tropical, ocean life with a unique drive over the 7 mile bridge.

Things to do in the Florida Keys

Things to Watch Out for in the Florida Keys

  • Transportation is the biggest challenge. You pretty much need a car rental to get around.
  • Hotels in Key West can be expensive. We stayed in Marathon and it was a lot of driving.

Sedona

Mountains with red rock and water flowing.
Slide Rock State Park

Like New Orleans but for different reasons, Sedona is a unique place to visit. It almost feels out of this world. The red rock formations and dark sky designation create a mythical desert setting.

Things to do in Sedona:

Tips for United States Travel

  • Research and Plan Ahead: The United States is vast, so it’s important to plan your itinerary carefully. Consider the distances between destinations and allocate enough time to fully enjoy each location. If you want to do a road trip and really capitalize on your US travel, click here to read tips and tricks for an amazing road trip.
  • Consider the Season: Different destinations have varying peak seasons. For example, Los Angeles and the Florida Keys are great year-round, but Sedona is best visited in the spring or fall to avoid extreme temperatures.
  • Transportation: Renting a car is often the best way to explore, especially for places like Los Angeles, the Florida Keys and Sedona, where public transportation is limited.
  • If you’re planning on visiting a lot of attractions, check out this article on the value of Go City passes.

The United States offers an endless array of travel experiences, from bustling cities to serene natural landscapes. Whether you’re exploring the cultural riches of New Orleans, soaking up the sun in the Florida Keys, or marveling at the red rocks of Sedona, your adventure in the U.S. will be one to remember. Happy travels!

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