Things to do in the USA

Hawaii

In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is a sun-drenched, palm-fringed fragment of heaven. Revel in the brilliant beaches, blue lagoons, rainforests teeming with wildlife, gushing waterfalls, and a volcano with bubbling lava.

But alongside the peace and tranquillity of island life, you can also savour Hawaiian culture and history, vibrant cities, shopping, dining, and nightlife.

Autumn in New England

Fall foliage is reason enough to visit the US during the autumn months. The states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut put on a colourful show, unlike anything you might have witnessed.

The entire region is covered in red, yellow, golden, brown and orange hues, making a trip to see the colours of autumn one of the best things to do in the USA.

Las Vegas

Bold and bright, Las Vegas is a testament to the ambition and creativity of humankind.

Go casino hopping and take in the grandeur of Las Vegas’s entertainment shows—just some of the reasons that make the city one of the most popular tourist attractions in the USA. Wine, dine and live life king size—this is Sin City, after all.

San Francisco

Walk or take a bike ride across one of the country’s most iconic symbols, the Golden Gate Bridge. For the best views of the bridge, head to Crissy Field or Hawk Hill or take a ferry ride to Alcatraz, the famous abandoned prison.

Hop on a cable car, visit Chinatown, trendy Mission District, Fisherman’s Wharf, and then head to North Beach—San Francisco’s “Little Italy” with its charming cafés and bars. There are lovely museums, art galleries, parks and a fantastic culinary scene to explore in the “Golden City”.

Yosemite National Park

Three hours east of San Francisco, Yosemite National Park is a dream come true and one of the best places to visit in the USA for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Hike the many scenic trails that showcase the park’s incredible landscapes.

Soak in the beauty of its waterfalls, look up at the towering sequoias at Mariposa Grove, and make your way to Glacier Point, an overlook with drop-dead fabulous views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the High Sierra.

Pacific Coast Highway

Driving along the spectacularly scenic Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most memorable things to do in the USA.

The drive, stretching from San Francisco to San Diego, showcases the sparkling brilliance of the California coastline. Roll down your windows, dine at charming towns, and pause at breathtaking viewpoints.

Napa Valley

From fine-dining and sampling exquisite wines to shopping at art galleries and flying in a hot air balloon, the experiences in California’s Napa Valley are as varied as they are wonderful. Tour the wine region, tasting world-class wines at intimate family-owned wineries.

Stay at one of the many boutique hotels in the area and indulge in the finer things of life—a trip to Napa Valley is a treat and one of the nicest things to do in the USA.

Grand Canyon

There are many ways to explore the Grand Canyon besides via the traditional visitors’ centre. A helicopter ride around the canyon provides a fabulous perspective of the scale and size of this natural wonder.

Fly over the North Rim, the Dragon Corridor, the Colorado River, and Hoover Dam and admire the rock formations that have resulted from millions of years of geological action. You can also raft down the Colorado River, take a horseriding trip, hike a short canyon trail, or view the canyon from the Skywalk.

New Orleans

Nicknamed the Big Easy in the 1960s for its laid-back vibe, New Orleans sparkles with its vibrant nightlife, delicious Creole food, and eclectic music spilling out of every street corner. Head to Bourbon Street or Frenchmen Street and enjoy an evening of jazz and blues music.

Explore the French Quarter, the heart and soul of New Orleans, and take in its distinctive art, architecture, and music. And if you happen to be around at the end of February, you can dive into the celebrations for Mardi Gras—a week of music, parades, floats, and exciting events.

Yellowstone National Park

The oldest national park in the US, Yellowstone National Park has a fascinating landscape of hot springs, mud pots, geysers, fumaroles, forests, lakes, and mountains. A drive through this park reveals a plethora of wildlife, from herds of bison to bears and bald eagles.

Make multiple stops at various observation decks and boardwalks to admire the many natural wonders—Old Faithful Geyser, Mammoth Hot Springs, Grand Prismatic Spring, to name a few. Make your trip to Yellowstone even more memorable; try to snag a room and overnight at one of the excellent lodges inside the park.

Miami

Soak up the sun in Miami’s stunning beaches such as Lummus Park Beach, South Beach and Crandon Park Beach.

Visit edgy art galleries, restaurants and designer stores in Wynwood, the city’s art hub. The neighbourhood is known for its striking street art and murals. Stroll through Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, home to a staggering variety of tropical plants, or spend some time at the engaging Frost Science Museum that’s equally fascinating for kids and adults!

Nashville

Nashville is the undisputable country music capital, and a visit to the Country Music Hall Of Fame and Museum is one of the best things to do while you’re here. See Johnny Cash’s guitar, Elvis Presley’s Cadillac limo, and a range of interesting artifacts on display here.

Dive deeper into the city’s music legacy as you take a backstage tour at Grand Ole Opry, where country music performances are frequently held. Spend the evenings bar-hopping along Broadway and catch a few live acts.