25 unmissable US travel experiences
Vast, varied and blessed with natural beauty, the US is a destination you can return to time and again, with each trip offering a different experience. To mark the nation’s 250th anniversary – or semiquincentennial – on 4 July, here are 25 experiences that capture the American spirit, from iconic road trips and national parks to baseball games and jazz-filled nights out.
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Things to do in the US
1. Witness the sun rise over the Grand Canyon
Set up a cosy spot along the South Rim to experience this natural wonder. As the sun rises, the light paints the canyon walls with soft hues, revealing its scale in stunning detail.
2. See the Statue of Liberty up close
At 93 metres tall, this symbol of freedom marks the entrance to New York Harbor. Take a ferry to Liberty Island, where you can explore the museum and climb to the crown.
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3. Cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge
For sweeping bay views and a cool breeze, cycle across San Francisco’s Art Deco-inspired suspension bridge, then trace the coast through Sausalito, take a detour among redwoods and stop for lunch at Sam’s Anchor Café .
4. Cruise along the Pacific Coast Highway
Set aside a day or two to follow this oceanfront highway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, where winding cliffs, gorgeous beaches and charming towns make for a memorable journey.
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5. Catch live jazz on Frenchmen Street
Feel the soul of New Orleans along Frenchmen Street, where intimate indie clubs are packed with music lovers tapping their feet to live jazz, blues and funk.
6. Explore Philadelphia, the “birthplace of America”
In Philadelphia, step inside Independence Hall – where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, followed by the US Constitution a decade later – then stroll along Old City’s cobbled streets.
7. Visit Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate in Memphis
The near-six-hectare property offers a glimpse into the King of Rock ’n’ Roll’s life, with well-preserved rooms and more than a million personal artefacts – including jumpsuits, cars and even jets.
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8. See Old Faithful erupt in Yellowstone National Park
This Wyoming geyser shoots thousands of gallons of boiling water 46 metres into the air. Time your visit with a predicted eruption for a chance to catch it in action.
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9. Spot wildlife on an Everglades airboat tour
In the Unesco-listed sawgrass wetlands of southern Florida, step onto an airboat and look out for alligators below the surface, as well as wading birds and turtles as they move through the marshes.
10. Experience life on a ranch in Montana
Head to the Wild West, where daily horse rides cut through alpine meadows and river valleys. Experience cattle work, fly fishing and archery under wide-open skies.
11. Crack open a Boston lobster
For a taste of New England, roll up your sleeves and break into a buttery steamed lobster at a no-frills waterfront spot like James Hook & Co. or The Barking Crab .
12. Sip cabernet in Napa Valley
Home to more than 450 wineries, the US’s premier wine region is synonymous with its ruby-red pours, gorgeous views and gourmet bites at historic estates like Stag’s Leap , Château Montelena and Inglenook.
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13. Sample Texas barbecue in Dallas
Smoky, peppery and served with white bread and pickles, Texas barbecue can’t be beaten. Head to a classic smokehouse, like Sonny Bryan’s , for brisket and ribs in all their meaty glory.
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14. Take an architecture cruise through the heart of Chicago
On a sunny day in the Windy City, glide down the Chicago River, mimosa in hand, as landmarks like the white terracotta Wrigley Building and the 108-storey Willis Tower soar overhead.
15. Hit up a food truck in LA
One of the most diverse food cities in the US, Los Angeles is home to more than 4,000 food trucks, serving everything from Korean BBQ to birria, burgers and late-night tacos.
16. Try a New York bagel
When in the Big Apple, don’t miss this essential morning ritual: a freshly baked bagel layered with smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers and tomato at local institution Barney Greengrass .
17. Eat your way through Pike Place Market
Seattle’s lively waterfront market offers everything from fresh seafood and cheese to pastries and edible souvenirs. Come lunchtime, try the Dungeness crab omelettes at Lowell’s or Beecher’s famed mac ’n’ cheese.
18. Discover Washington DC’s world-class museums along the National Mall
From the National Gallery of Art to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington, DC’s National Mall is the best place to explore American history and culture.
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19. Go stargazing in Big Bend National Park
Home to some of the country’s darkest skies, this Texas park showcases the Milky Way in all its beauty. In August, the Perseids meteor shower is at its most active.
20. Trace Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica
Mark the route’s 100th anniversary this year with a road trip across the western half of the US, stopping to take photos under the Gateway Arch in St Louis, try quintessential American diner fare in Oklahoma and admire desert views in Arizona.
21. Drive through peak fall foliage in New England
For the ultimate autumnal adventure, cruise along Vermont’s Route 100, where winding roads pass through covered bridges, tiny towns and rolling hills ablaze with hues of rust and gold.
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22. Experience “America’s pastime” at Fenway Park in Boston
Step into baseball history at the oldest Major League Baseball stadium in the US. Built in 1912, Fenway Park promises old-world charm, Red Sox lore and that all-American game-day experience.
23. Take a Hollywood studio tour
See how your favourite shows and films came to life. Whether it’s family fun at Universal Studios or the recreated Friends sets and backlot at Warner Bros. , each tour offers a different experience.
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24. Wander through the Met’s new wing in New York
An iconic institution, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York recently reopened its renovated Rockefeller Wing and unveiled updated galleries – part of a multi-year overhaul set to continue through 2030.
25. Catch a concert at Colorado’s Red Rocks
Set between towering sandstone formations, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre in Colorado combines natural acoustics, sweeping views and a world-class entertainment programme, making it one of the most memorable live music experiences you’ll ever have.