The United States of America has some of the best and most popular travel destinations in the world, from New York City to Miami and Las Vegas. While large cities are great, it’s amazing what you can see and experience when you get off the well-worn tourist path. From natural beauty to history and culture, below are five US travel destinations you may not have thought of.
Yosemite National Park, California
This breathtaking park features majestic peaks, thunderous waterfalls, flower peppered subalpine meadows, ancient giant sequoias, and beautiful wildlife. There’s something for everyone here, from hiking one of the numerous trails to climbing the monolithic El Capitan. If you’re more of a water lover, grab a kayak, canoe, or raft and explore the national park from its rivers. If you need a break from the outdoors, head into Yosemite Village to explore restaurants, shops, the Yosemite Museum, and the Ansel Adams Gallery.
Boston, Massachusetts
Home to the world most famous Boston Marathon, a visit to this city will offer you an exhilarating experience you won’t find anywhere else. Home to championship sports teams such as the Boston Bruins and Boston Red Sox, the city also hosts several festivals throughout the year and has a thriving art and entertainment scene. In addition to its modern culture, the city has an important place in the history of the country, playing host to many of the decisive events of the American Revolution including the Boston Tea Party of 1773 and Paul Revere’s midnight ride. To get a real sense of the history of this iconic city, you can follow the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile long path that passes 16 historically significant locations.
Central Coast, California
Often overshadowed by its neighbors San Francisco to the north and Los Angeles to the south, the Central Coast offers stunningly beautiful scenery and laid back relaxation. This stretch of the Pacific Coast has cliff-top lookouts, hidden coves, sea lion colonies, the fabled Hearst Castle, and Spanish missions as well as the laid-back beach towns California is known for. The region is also home to several internationally acclaimed wineries such as J Lohr and Guglielmo.
The Jersey Shore, New Jersey
Perhaps one of the more famous parts of the state, the Jersey Shore stretches from Perth Amboy to Cape May Point and features a sparkling shoreline and plenty of resort towns to suit every taste. The shore is a favorite destination for local visitors with lots of activities and attractions to experience, including great beaches, historical lighthouses, amusement rides, delicious food, fishing, and more. You can also try your luck in one of the many casinos in Atlantic City.
Kansas City, Missouri
Straddling the Missouri River, Kansas City is proclaimed as the world capital of barbecue, which is evident by it’s more than 100 barbecue joints; they even host one of the world’s biggest barbecue contests. Aside from its gastronomical delights, the city has a vibrant blues and jazz music scene dating back to the 1930’s. Throughout the city, there are numerous live music venues where you can sit back and experience local and international jazz and blues artists.
Outdoors, Kansas City has 132 miles of parkways, boulevards, and outdoor amenities to explore. It’s largest park, Swope Park, is over 1,800 acres and features a nature and wildlife rescue center, golf courses, lakes, a zoo, lots of picnic areas, and an amphitheater – the perfect way to work off all the barbecue and relax in this urban oasis.
Know of a place that’s off the beaten path in the US? Let us know in the comments!