United States

Boasting a breadth of three thousand miles, spanning all manner of different climates and terrains, US vacations offer some of the greatest variety in the world. One week you could explore the red rocks and desert of Arizona, the next you could be in the wilderness of Alaska, and the next along the coast of Maine.

Alaska

As the largest state in the Union, you will find no greater stretch of wilderness within the United States than in Alaska. While the state does possess a few cities in Juneau and Anchorage, this isn't one of the best vacation spots in the US because of its bustling metropolises. No, Alaska's first, and best, attraction is its great outdoors. If you long to feel part of the natural world and all of its beauty, then Alaska will be sure to delight. From fishing and hiking in the southlands, to the frozen tundra and Mt. McKinley, there's something for every outdoors enthusiast who pick Alaska as one of their US vacation destinations.

Arizona

Arid, warm, and marked by miles and miles of spectacular desert. Arizona may not strike you as one of the better US vacation spots, but don't let that fool you—there's a wealth of fantastic options available. The foremost attraction must be the Grand Canyon. No trip to Arizona is complete without paying a visit to this impressive natural wonder. Once you see the sun reflected in its rocks, and gaze down into its depths, you'll understand why when people travel in USA they make a special trip to Arizona.

However, there's more to the state than the Grand Canyon. A myriad of outdoor attractions, including Arizona sightseeing tours and many popular golf courses can be found. The state also possesses a rich Native American tradition. The Navajo Nation Council makes its home in Arizona and many Navajo historic sites are located throughout the state.

Nevada

There's much more to Nevada than its famous city, Las Vegas. While many do plan their travel in USA based around the city, the rest of the state has much to offer. Possessing a beautiful landscape, hiking is always popular for those taking their US vacation in Nevada. Lake Tahoe and Mount Charles are favorites among hikers. Those interested in more secluded areas will have no difficulty finding trails that are off the beaten path. The adventurous will surely want to explore Nevada's beautiful backcountry. Nevada also has an impressive history, hosting many of the old mining towns that arose during the mid-19th and early 20th centuries—including the famous Eureka. Adding to the state's history are multiple museums and other historic attractions. You can find these from Reno to Las Vegas and make for excellent stops during your US travel.

Texas

The Lone Star State and has many attractive options for those that travel USA. Indeed, Texas has much to offer when it comes to vacations in the US. A large number of cities are located across the state, each offering a different flavor. From San Antonio, to Dallas, to Austin, to Houston—you'll find plenty to do and see.

When you think of Texas, you might think of great open spaces with cattle and cowboys. What you might not think of are the beaches. The Texas coast boasts over 600 miles of sand and surf. Galveston Island is just an hour from Houston. Meanwhile, Corpus Christi offers naval tours of the USS Lexington in addition to its soft beaches.

Camping is also another popular pastime. Spending a few nights in the Panhandle Plains or Big Bend National Park are excellent ideas for US vacation destinations. Other popular choices are Enchanted Rock State Park, Davis Mountains State Park, and Garner State Park.

Texas food is some of the best you'll find in any of the US vacation destinations. The Barbeque was invented there and has been refined into an art form. Each of the hundreds of places has their own secrets and styles to marinating and spicing the meat. You can't go wrong sampling the fine barbeque in Texas. However, that's not all there is. Chili is always popular and a yearly Chili Cook-Off is held in Terlingua. Tex-Mex is unique to Texas. It blends Mexican dishes with Texas style for a truly tasty experience.

Florida

When Juan Ponce de Leon set foot on the sandy coast in search of the fountain of youth, he named the land "La Florida" after Spain's Easter celebration "Pascua Florida" (Feast of Flowers) and the fact that it was covered in flowers. Florida has changed a bit since Ponce de Leon's day, but it still retains a strong draw for millions of people each year who travel in USA.

Of course, Florida is famous for its beaches: Daytona Beach, South Beach, Miami Beach, Fort De Soto, beach, and so forth. Whether you're on the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico, on your US vacations in Florida, you'll be able to bask in the warm sun and enjoy the gentle surf.

If you enjoy nature then you absolutely must take an eco-tour of the Everglades while you're here on your travel USA. Meanwhile, Orlando is always a draw for those fond of the numerous family-friendly theme parks; from Universal Studies to Walt Disney World to Sea World, there's something for everyone.

Maine

Tucked in the upper right corner of the nation, Maine is easily one of the best vacation spots in the US. Its summers are hot without being unbearable and its autumns are crisp and full of beauty as the leaves turn in color. Maine is most known for its outdoor attractions—featuring skiing, skating, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, swimming, and many more. If you love the great outdoors, then you'll love Maine.

Many select Maine as part of their US vacations because of its long coastline. Stretching for hundreds of miles, one can find both sandy and rocky beaches. The most popular of these tend, places like Old Orchard Beach, to be crowded during the summer, but if you're willing to do a little walking, you'll be able to reach some beaches that quite secluded.

But there's more to Maine's US vacation spots than the outdoors. There are also plenty of musical and cultural attractions in Maine, including: two symphonies, multiple theater groups, and art and history museums. The Bangor Symphony Orchestra is the oldest continuous orchestra in the nation, having performed since 1986. Shopping is also a popular activity with many going to Portland, Kittery, and Freeport.

New York

As one of the original thirteen colonies, and once hosting the nation's capital, New York has a rich and varied history. Of course, the state is one of the most popular US vacation spots because of New York City. This city is truly like no other on the planet. It's the city that never sleeps, and while you're visiting it's very easy to become caught up in the plethora of things to do and see. Each season offers something different. During the winter, go skating in lovely Central Park. Spring and summer bring the Yankees and multiple parades celebrating all manner of holidays and cultures. In autumn, New York hosts numerous art exhibits, Broadway musicals, as well as even more festive parades.

With the bustle of New York City, it might be easy to forget that the rest of the state has much to offer for US travel. Culinary delights can be found in food and wine festivals located throughout the state. Interested in culture? New York has a rich heritage featuring many museums and celebrations—from the Underground Railroad to the Iroquois Nation to the French and Indian War. Outdoors activities are also popular with hikes in the Adirondacks.

Washington, DC

Our nation's capital city has much to offer those who travel USA. Washington, DC is vibrant with the imagery of patriotism. There are plenty of free sights to see, and attractions to experience. Many of our most famous historic landmarks reside in Washington: the White House, the Capitol, the Washington Monument, the Library of Congress, and so on.

Beyond the historic buildings like the Jefferson Memorial, there is a wealth of museums to visit. The first and foremost among these are the Smithsonian Museums. You won't be able to visit all fifteen of them in one visit, so it's a wise idea to pick the ones that interest you the most and save the rest for your next US travel. Another museum of interest is the International Spy Musuem—featuring the role of espionage in both history and modern times. Those with a love of culture will want to pay a visit to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as well as Ford's Theater.

Las Vegas

When it comes to entertainment Las Vegas is one of the best vacation spots in the US. There's a wide variety of things to do in this Nevada city, nightclubs, restaurants, museums, shopping, and, of course, the casinos.

The Las Vegas Strip is the heart of the city and no US travel here is complete without paying it a visit. It's on the Strip that you'll find many of Vegas's famous shows. The Blue Man Group is often found performing at the Luxor while Elton John can sometimes be seen performing at Caesar's Palace. All manner of adult entertainment can be found too, from events at the Rio to the Planet Hollywood.

Another fantastic part of Las Vegas to visit is Freemont Street. Ten casinos, a free lightshow, and numerous hotels and restaurants make this one of the most popular places to visit in Vegas. Another nearby attraction is the Bellagio Fountains, located outside of the Bellagio Hotel.