Places to visit in America

1. 60

   footynutposted 15 years ago

   I'm planning a visit to America this summer. Any suggestions on the best places to visit?

   replyreport
   1. 95

      Rochelle Frankposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Check out the hubs in the travel section for US.
      As a Californian-- I would recommend that you could easily spend several weeks in this state-- seeing mountains, deserts, seashore and historical sites , but there are a lot of wonderful and diverse  places to visit across the whole continent.  Where are you from? It may depend on if you want to see desert, mountain, something different?
      
      I personally thingKYosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful places on earth--- but other people have  have also made great suggestions. ALL of the National parks are spectacular.
      
      We have had European visitors come to visit us in California and think they can pop over to the Grand Canyon for a day--- You MUST take into account the actual distances (This is not Europe).

      replyreport
   2. 58

      Amuriel Hightposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      The west coast is amazing and while you are out there, take a trip up to the Far Northern California region, it is full of things to do and places to see.  Within about an hour of Redding, you can go to a bunch of different lakes, river rafting, hiking and to the Lava Beds National Monument where you can climb around in Lava Tube caves.  Don't forget the beautiful waterfalls in the area.
      
      If you are interested in any kind of outdoor activities, this is a little known jewl in America and has been called "California's Best Kept Secret"
      
      check out www.shastacascade.com for more info

      replyreport
2. 81

   bill komissaroffposted 15 years ago

   Ummmm....it's kinda big. 
   
   How long is your visit, where are you starting, and how far do you want to travel?

   replyreport
3. 60

   footynutposted 15 years ago

   The trip will be for 3 weeks. The plan is to spend 3 or 4 days in one place and then move on so we are planning on doing quite a bit of traveling. We definitely want to visit Las Vegas and The Grand Canyon. Is there anywhere that you think I should also visit during my stay in America?

   replyreport
4. 0

   Leta Sposted 15 years ago

   See the California coast since you'll be out west.  It's worth it!   Also, en route to the Grand Canyon, stop off in Sedona--red rock country.  Unusual landscape--probably will never see anything like it:
   
   http://www.sedona.net/

   replyreport
5. 91

   livelongerposted 15 years ago

   It really depends on what kind of experience you're looking for. Are you a city person, or do you like the outdoors/nature? Cooler, woodier climates, or hot deserts? Do you like skiing, hiking, etc? There are options along the West Coast and Southwest for all of these sorts of things.

   replyreport
6. 88

   Stacie Lposted 15 years ago

   Kentucky is defiantly a good place to visit. The parks are free here that have the most beautiful natural scenery around.lake Cumberland and dale Hollow are wonderful.
   You can rent a houseboat and cruise ,camp out or party in one of the coves with other visitors.
   
   Also Lexington gas horse racing,horse parks, and good restaurants.
   
   Louisville has many art museums and crafts people.
   
   Bowling Green is home to the Corvette museum.
   
   There are caves to explore in Monmouth cave and Horse cave near Glasgow.

   replyreport
7. 82

   kerrygposted 15 years ago

   LOL, why do all the foreigners want to go to Las Vegas? Nevada is the single most ugly state in the entire US, imnsho.
   
   If you're going to be in that area, though, you should probably stay on the West Coast. The US is massive - try to see too much of it and you'll wear yourself out.
   
   I'm not a desert fan (one reason for my utter loathing of Nevada) but Sedona and Santa Fe are among the neat areas in the Southwest. I don't like LA on account of the appalling traffic, but San Diego and San Francisco are both great. Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks are also really beautiful, though Yosemite in particular can be annoyingly crowded in summer. Further north, the Oregon Coast is amazing and Washington is full of great places, too. If you're more a city person, Seattle (WA) and Portland (OR) are beautiful. If you like nature, Mount Rainier, Olympic, or the North Cascades are among the many beautiful, beautiful national parks in that area. (If you aim for Olympic, be sure to stop in Port Townsend - really delightful little Victorian port town.)

   replyreport
   1. 60

      countrywomenposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the mention of Seattle(and surroundings of my home state). Btw yes Las vegas/Grand canyon since they are close by and well talked about happen to be a certainty in every tourist checklist..LOL. Btw of all the national parks Yellowstone  happens to be my favorite(I have never seen so many Bisons/Elk up close in there natural surroundings)

      replyreport
      1. 82

         kerrygposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         It's my favorite, too. I'm hoping to go there later this year - I haven't been since '05 and am suffering withdrawal! Last time we were there, I dragged my unfortunate husband out of his sleeping bag at 5 AM to go wolf-watching (saw four!) and later that day we rounded a bend in the road to find a black bear ambling its way across in front of us. One of the best days of my life!
         
         Yellowstone's kind of tricky to get to, though, unless you're specifically planning a trip around it. Totally worth it if you do, of course! There's lots of other cool stuff in the general vicinity (by which I mean within a 10 hour drive or so), such as the Bighorns, Devil's Tower, the Black Hills, and the Badlands to the east, Glacier to the north, Salt Lake City and Utah ski country to the south, and some pretty parts of Idaho to the West.
         
         BTW, CW, didn't know you live in Seattle. Man, I could have visited you last month! My mom's originally from Ballard and we were back there visiting her parents and siblings in Jan/Feb.

         replyreport
         1. 84

            wychicposted 15 years agoin reply to this

            And here I thought I was just biased since Yellowstone, Devil's Tower, the Bighorns, etc. are in MY home state

            replyreport
8. 73

   AEvansposted 15 years ago

   Beautiful Red Rock Country , Sedona Arizona or if you love beaches and little coffeshops, maybe some nightlife visit Southern Cali, as there is so much to do. The south is breathtaking and bluegrass country will leave you speechless, as it really does look like bluegrass, so cruise to Kentucky.

   replyreport
9. 66

   Journey *posted 15 years ago

   I agree with kerryg. Given the time you will have, it might be most sensible to stay out mostly west. I love San Diego and recommend it for a visit. You might also want to see Seattle.

   replyreport
10. 66

    RKHenryposted 15 years ago

    Maine.  Portland, Maine is gorgeous in the Spring.  Maine is gorgeous period.

    replyreport
    1. 60

       Raven Kingposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I'd recommend eating at the Lobster Shack at Cape Elizabeth, Maine because the view is gorgeous and you can sit on huge logs of petrified wood.  Super tender clams.

       replyreport
11. 60

    footynutposted 15 years ago

    Thanks for all your suggestions They were really helpful and I now have a few more places in mind to visit during my time in America. 3 weeks just isn't long enough!

    replyreport
    1. 66

       RKHenryposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Out of curiosity, where you thinking of heading off too?

       replyreport
12. 79

    kiwi91posted 15 years ago

    If you're headed to the Grand Canyon and you're into National Parks, Bryce and Zion National Park aren't too far away, as well as Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef.
    
    I've been to all of the parks in that area, and by far my favorite, too, was Yellowstone. It adjoins with Grand Teton National Park, which is also incredible. We were there a few years back, driving through the worst thunderstorm I've ever seen, but it was gone just as quickly as it came. Some of the best photos I've ever taken were of Yellowstone scenery. Yellowstone is unique, too, because you can't escape the wildlife. It's not the type of place that you have to go hunting around to see animals, they're everywhere.

    replyreport
13. 57

    Dame Scribeposted 15 years ago

    I like hearing about those countries that pass the *Most Courteous* test that gets done but some these places just sound great I say..pay attention to how the iceshield had created the landscape ..that is awesome too! k..strange yeah, lol

    replyreport
14. 64

    johnb0127posted 15 years ago

    TEXAS!!!! O, and if you do, you can read my hubs on Texas!  See if you are interested!  HaHa, jk.  Hope your trip goes well!
    
    --John

    replyreport
15. 59

    Orchid Eyesposted 15 years ago

    Oregon - Crater lake
    Take a drive all the way up highway one from San Diego to Seattle. Best drive ever. Oregon is by far the most beautiful state. Not sure what you're into, but the National Parks are all spectacular. If you like city life then New York is good. Miami great nightlife.

    replyreport
    1. 0

       wordscribe41posted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I agree about Crater Lake.  Or, the Oregon beaches are lovely, especially the southern beaches like Yachats.

       replyreport
16. 60

    Colebabieposted 15 years ago

    I suggest do the West Coast this time, and the East Coast next visit. When you do the East Coast trip I can give you plenty of places to go

    replyreport
17. 60

    vishalg8posted 15 years ago

    If you have time, go to Mt Rushmore. Its amazing. Second best to Niagara Falls in US.

    replyreport
18. 71

    earnestshubposted 15 years ago

    I have seen a fair bit of America and Canada, and as an Australian I am used to a flat arid land full of beauty, yet I was amazed at a the beauty and diversity of America's wonderful volcanic lakes, huge internal waterways, and desert wonderlands of rock and sandstone that look like high rise apartments at a distance, it's tropics and cities, I love most of what I have seen so far, especially the mountains, as ours are very small. America is a wonderful place to visit!

    replyreport
19. 67

    B.Z. Alixandreposted 15 years ago

    If going to Vegas (which really, Nevada sucks as a tourist unless you're a gambler) you MUST see the fountains at the Bellagio.  Ceasar's palace is pretty fun to.  The Lexor is just cool from the outside, so don't worry about going in, and the show at Treasure Island is kinda hokey, but totally worth the feeling of dorkiness.  The dragon fight outside of Excaliber isn't really unless you are already passing by.  New York, New York has a rollercoaster inside of it, but the best roller coaster is the one on the skyscraper, I forget what it's called.
    
    Grand Canyon area, the southern part of Utah is beautiful and if you get the chance to go to Arches, you won't regret it.  Zion is nice too, but Arches is spectacular. In Arizona, Tucson is better than Phoenix though quite a ways from Vegas.  The Chiricuah mountains (spelling's probably wrong) are a nice break from unending desert.
    
    If you're meandering into Cali, the 101 Pacific Hwy has some great spots and the Redwoods are breathtaking.  For cities in Cali, I'd limit it to San Diego and San Francisco (I'm a sucker for Frisco, pier 49 and all that).  In central Cali on the coast they have a spot where you can usually see some elephant seals, extremely close.  That's one of my favorite spots on that trip...if you want some pics message me, I have about 60. Monteray Bay is the best aquarium in the West, and better than lots of East Coast ones, though I haven't been to them all.
    
    Heading up Yellowstone way you find yourself in my neighborhood, Idaho has tons of places to have outdoor fun.  The tetons are supposed to be great but I haven't been there.  The sawtooths are gorgeous though.
    
    If you find yourself in the Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washinton) just north of Florence are the Sea Lion caves, another awesome wildlife encounter (no pics of that though).  Seattle is lovely, and if your under 21, a small trip to Vancouver is a good booze trip (and I hear rumors that Vancouver is 420 friendly, but I don't know that for a fact). 
    
    I hope that gets you through the continental west.

    replyreport
20. 61

    Lisa HWposted 15 years ago

    If you were at all thinking of the East coast, there's New York City and Washington D.C.  I live in New England, and I have to say that even though there are lots of pretty places in New England, I don't think I'd particularly recommend anyone use up their vacation time/money here.   We have our oceans, mountains, museums, and whatever; but - in all honesty - nothing that compares to something like the Grand Canyon.   

    replyreport
21. 60

    awesomeness79posted 15 years ago

    I went to Vegas In January and although I thought Vegas was cool, we hired a Hummer and drove out to the the Grand Canyon instead of going via helicopter. It was awesome because if we had got a chopper we would have missed the amazing sunset, scenery etc. Well worth it. Also booked it online before we went.
    
    Enjoy your trip!

    replyreport
22. 60

    awesomeness79posted 15 years ago

    P.s someone gave us a great tip when we were in Vegas and that was to go up the 'Eiffel Tower' at night and time it so you see the Bellagio Fountains at night! Spectacular!

    replyreport
23. 83

    DonnaCSmithposted 15 years ago

    NC's Outer Banks!

    replyreport
24. 60

    PerfumeFanposted 15 years ago

    Try NYC. Get a tour guide to get you started. You'll appreciate the sights if somebody explains them to you.

    replyreport
25. 60

    The Ropeposted 15 years ago

    So where did you go?  and how was it?

    replyreport
26. 60

    sannyasinmanposted 15 years ago

    Harbin Hot Springs.

    replyreport
27. 80

    manlypoetrymanposted 15 years ago

    Grand Canyon, Miami/Southern Florida, San Francisco/California Pacific 1, New Mexico/Colorado Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Yellowstone Park, Mt. Rushmore and the whole Black Hills Area, New York City, Niagra Falls, Washington D.C., Nashville/Memphis, Tennessee, Complete tour of the Ol' Colonial America (Upper N.E.States), and miles and miles of Texas. These places would give you a sample of how great a country America is...and give you a little perspective of her uniqueness and beauty!
    
    And the best part would be driving the highways...all across this land.

    replyreport
28. 0

    Wendi Mposted 15 years ago

    San Antonio and the Hill Country in Texas, the beaches and mountains of New England, and if you get the chance...Anchorage and all points south in Alaska (by far the most beautiful place I've seen!)

    replyreport
29. 60

    sannyasinmanposted 15 years ago

    Montana.

    replyreport
30. 0

    Wendi Mposted 15 years ago

    I got a speeding ticket in Montana, while driving to Alaska.
    
    I still want to visit the state, slowly, some day!

    replyreport
    1. 84

       wychicposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       A small tip for the less populous states...don't speed, the police are all very bored!

       replyreport
31. 60

    sannyasinmanposted 15 years ago

    Boston.

    replyreport
    1. 0

       Wendi Mposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Love Boston...just spent last weekend there with my mom, who was visiting from Medina, TX.

       replyreport
       1. 60

          sannyasinmanposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          I haven't been there for a few years, and I don't know it well, but I liked it very much . .

          replyreport
32. 65

    prettydarkhorseposted 15 years ago

    since nevada is very  near to california, you need to go there, if you choose a more city life, vist LA, Holywood etc, but then if you want bodies of water go to malibu..

    replyreport
33. 71

    NaomiRposted 15 years ago

    If you can make it to some of the national parks in Utah, like Bryce and Arches and Canyonlands, head there. Arches is one of my very favorite places.

    replyreport
34. 48

    Wisco99posted 15 years ago

    These two suggestions are arount 1450 miles apart but well worth seeing.
    #1 The Wind River Canyon in Northwestern Wyoming is a majestic place. Also close to mineral springs and great INN's, Cody and Lander, Wyoming both have great Pioneer museums.
    
    #2 Very unknown the hidden Gems on the backroads of the Shawnee National Forrest in Southernmost Illinois 400 mile South of Chicago. It is known as "Little Egypt" The land between the Mississippi and the Ohio Rivers.
    
    Just google Garden of the Gods or Camel Rock both in the Shawnee National Forrest. Alsto Pass is also a gorgeous place.
    In 1825 the bank os Shawneetown, Illinois refused to loan Chicago $25,000 because "It will never amount to much!" of course the opposite happened but that is okay the beauty of the south remains. The Southern Hospitality(sic) remains intact.
    
    Travel Safe and enjoy yourself.

    replyreport
35. 69

    lrohnerposted 15 years ago

    I admit that the west coast is beautiful and that you could easily spend a month there an not see enough. That said, the east is a must-see as well. I would do anywhere on the coast of Maine, then drive through New Hampshire on your way to Boston, Masschusetts. From there, you can take the Mass Pike and drive through Connecticut on your way to New York City, or shoot over to see Cape Cod and then head down to Newport Rhode Island. When you leave Newport, head on over to Block Island for a taste of island life! It's a quick day trip and a ferry will take you over there.
    
    But you can't visit the US and not see New York City! From there, it's a quick and easy train or car ride through New Jersey and Maryland on your way to Washington DC. Most of the New England states are relatively small, so traveling between them is no problem. Within 2 hours, you've been through all of Connecticut!
    
    I, personally, love Pennsylvania, Virginia and the Carolinas as well. But take a look at my hubs on travel in New England. And safe travels!

    replyreport
36. 0

    Denno66posted 15 years ago

    Go to Maine! It's beautiful here! Ocean, mountains, lobsters! Yeah!

    replyreport
37. 58

    Amuriel Hightposted 15 years ago

    Check out the Columbia River Gorge on the border between Oregon and washington, Multnomah falls is seriously one of the most beautiful places in the world in my oppinion, and just south of there, check out McKenzie river at Three Sisters (three mountains in the more mideastern part of Oregon) for the clearest, bluest water you've ever seen!!!

    replyreport