The United States remains one of the most popular travel destinations, attracting nearly 80 million international visitors in 2019. While COVID-19-related travel restrictions brought down these numbers in 2020 and 2021, tourist numbers will smash the pre-pandemic records in the coming years.
Almost all of these visitors will have the same question sitting atop their bucket list as they are planning their trip to the country: What to do during their time in the US? To help you build lifelong memories on this trip, we have selected the top things you must do during your stay in the country.
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Visit the Grand Canyon in Arizona
The Grand Canyon’s massive expense of ridges, gorges, and rock formations impress even the most skeptical of travelers.
Whether you’re hoping to go on a multi-day adventure or considering a scenic drive to view natural beauty that is unmatched throughout the rest of the world, Grand Canyon National Park gives you all the tools to build lifelong memories.
While images on the internet can give you an idea of the park’s size and beauty, they fail to provide the complete picture.
To get a lowdown on what the Grand Canyon hides within its massive expanse, explore the camping opportunities on offer, especially if you’re visiting as a group. Check out The Wild Guides for great information on outdoor activities and camping gear.
Embark on a Road Trip on Route 66
Also known as The Loneliest Route, Route 66 is a massive attraction point for those in search of hundreds of miles of solitude and adventure.
In addition to illustrating the evolution of American road, Route 66 provides a social and economic link between the Midwest and the West, offering its users the opportunity to change their lives.
The sparsely populated route will take you from Chicago in the Midwest and crisscrosses through the heart of the country before ending at the tip of Southern California.
April to late June and mid-September to late October are the best periods for embarking on a road trip on one of America’s most iconic drives.
Visit Niagara Falls
If you have time to do only one thing during your visit to the United States, let it be experiencing the force of nature that is Niagara Falls.
What makes Niagara Falls an attraction point for millions of visitors is the amount of water flowing over as well as the height from which it lands in front of your eyes.
Sure, there are taller falls elsewhere. But most of them have very little water flowing over them, depriving them of the spectacle that Niagara Falls entertains its visitors with.
You can explore its magnificence from close by taking a boat tour or marvel at one of the greatest sights on earth from observation decks located at a distance. Whatever you do, don’t forget to pack your raincoat for this trip!
Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is a symbol of America’s history as well as the leaps the country has taken in the field of science and technology over the centuries.
When it was completed in 1937, it was the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world, setting a precedent for suspension bridge design.
Even today, the bridge attracts millions of visitors from throughout the world who flock to the San Francisco Bay region to see an icon of America’s progress.
Visitors to the Golden Gate Bridge have their pick of activities to choose from – you can ride over the bridge, cruise San Francisco Bay or recharge your batteries at the Round House Café.
Spend a few days in Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis is the capital of Maryland, but with a population just below 40,000, it doesn’t overwhelm visitors as much as some of the other state capitals.
The city houses the headquarters of the US Naval Academy, so those of you who want to explore how America began its domination of the open seas might want to start from here.
Even if you do not consider yourself a military-history buff, the city’s beautiful waterfront and exquisite downtown will keep you within its boundaries for days.
If you have always wanted to visit a city where all roads lead to the water, Annapolis will make sure that you return again and again.
Explore Washington DC’s many landmarks on a Bike
Start peddling in Rock Creek Park, cruise along the Potomac, and end your short journey on the National Mall. See the Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial, Washington Monument, and many more landmarks of America’s history along the way.
Try to do all this in the spring when the sun is shining and millions of cherry blossoms are out there to greet you. The best times to visit DC are from March to May and September to November, as the sweltering heat would have taken a break and the frigid winter would be yet to arrive.
