Looking for an in-depth USA travel guide?
Then you’re in the right place!
Whether you’re a born-and-raised American or exploring the country for the first time, the United States of America makes for an incredible trip.
From stunning national parks to vibrant cities, the USA truly has something for every kind of traveler.
Plus, there are so many ways to see the country. You can plan the ultimate road trip in the USA, circumnavigating the contiguous 48 states to get a comprehensive look at the nation, or just stick to one region, exploring the beauty and quirks of the area. There are also plenty of solo road trip ideas in the USA if you’re traveling alone.
The options are truly endless, so we’re here to help you plan the best USA vacation for you.
There are lots of ways to look at a map of the USA, but most experts generally break the country up into five major geographic regions, including the:
- Western Region
- Southwest Region
- Midwest Region
- Southeast Region
- Northeast Region
The West, stretching from California to the Rocky Mountains, is home to many of the country’s most-visited National Parks. These each offer something different and you’ll definitely want to visit each one at some point in your life.
You can explore the desert in California’s Death Valley National Park, hike through the mountains of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, visit Old Faithful at Yellowstone National Park, marvel at the mountain view at Yosemite National Park (especially from the Nevada Falls Loop and Glacier Point), see out-of-this-world trees at Olympic National Park, and discover ancient cliff-side dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado.
You can also hit many of these parks on a west coast road trip in the USA, driving through California up to the Canadian border.
Prefer the beach?
Opt for a California coast road trip, complete with incredible ocean views — especially when driving Big Sur — and a few stops at the state’s famous wineries via a Paso Robles weekend getaway (just don’t drink and drive!).
Of course, the great states of Hawaii and Alaska are worth their own adventures, boasting some of the best sights in the nation.
The Southwest Region — made up of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma — offers a mix of old and new with incredible desert views, vibrant culture, and so much to see over just a few states.
Texas is worth a trip on its own for its incredible natural wonders and rich history. And did we mention the barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine? No trip to the state is complete without it!
In Arizona, you can visit the famous Grand Canyon as well as other incredible sights like Monument Valley and Saguaro National Park.
New Mexico offers both desert adventures and incredible ski trails, making it a perfect destination all year round.
And don’t forget to get your kicks on Route 66 in Oklahoma!
The Midwest — a vast region spanning from the Dakotas in the west to Ohio in the east — offers much more than just corn fields.
South Dakota alone is home to some of the country’s top attractions, including Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park. Get a taste of Southern Hospitality in the Southeast, a vibrant region stretching from Virginia to Louisiana. The region is home to some of the country’s best Atlantic beaches as well as some of the most delicious food you’ll ever eat. The picturesque city of Charleston in South Carolina offers incredible seaside views, colorful buildings, and a rich history worth exploring. Over in North Carolina, you can explore the Appalachian Trail, drive the Blue Ridge Parkway or pretend you’re part of the 1920s elite at the Biltmore in Asheville. We also can’t forget to mention Florida, one of the nation’s top tourist destinations for its gorgeous beaches, world-class theme parks and Latin American cultural influences. The region’s warm weather also makes it a perfect place to visit all year round (particularly if you’re trying to escape a gloomy winter!).
You can do some buffalo spotting in North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park, featuring miles of some of the best hiking trails in the world and some of the most spectacular views of the stars you’ll ever see.
Need some city energy? Head to Chicago, an incredible city on Lake Michigan featuring some of the world’s top museums and cultural institutions.
Speaking of the Great Lakes, you’ll find most of them in the Midwest as well as plenty of ways to enjoy them.
Finally, there’s the mighty Northeast, spanning from Maryland to Maine.
This region is home to some of the most bustling cities in the country, including the capital of Washington, D.C., Boston, and New York City. From museums to vast city parks to chic boutiques, you won’t want for things to do in these world-class cities that attract tons of tourists every year.
There’s also much more to the region than just these bustling metropolises, though.
Stroll the boardwalk at the New Jersey shore and enjoy some frozen custard while you lounge on some of the country’s top beaches.
Or head up to New Hampshire to tackle Mount Washington — or just ride the Cog Railway up to the top.
And you can’t miss Acadia National Park, the jewel of Maine, with miles of rocky Atlantic coast and incredible foliage views in the autumn.
Wherever you choose to go, you’re bound to have a good time in the USA!
