For the last year we’ve all been dreaming about our next vacation. Now that life is returning to normal, we can once again travel! And while the exotic beaches of Thailand or the pyramids of Egypt might be calling, the United States is home to some of the world’s best vacation destinations.
Whether you are looking for adventure in the great outdoors or dying to try a Michelin-star restaurant in a historic city, check out our top three choices for your next stateside vacation.
Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
A trip to the Grand Canyon will leave you in awe. The massive chasm was carved out by the Colorado River and became a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
It encompasses 277 miles and its majestic river and red-rock views are revered across the world. The Grand Canyon has endless activities for travelers of all ages but is most famous for its hikes, Colorado River raft trips, helicopter and mule rides. No matter how you choose to explore, the area is so vast that you’ll have to strategically plan; the South Rim is the most popular among tourists and hikers while the North Rim is ideal for backwoods camping. Grand Canyon West attracts visitors to its impressive Skywalk, a glass walkway that extends 70 feet over the canyon. Summer is peak tourist season so if you want to avoid the crowds (and the heat!) visit from March-May or September to November.
Big Sur – California
Big Sur, located off the famous Pacific Coast Highway, boasts one of the most beautiful coastlines in the country. The stretch of California’s central coast is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Santa Lucia Mountains to the east.
If you’re a lover of nature, this destination is a one stop shop for all things outdoors. You can hit the beach, camp on a hill overlooking the ocean, and hike one of its 20 trails. Pfeiffer Beach (aka the “purple sand beach”), McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (one of two California waterfalls that plunge directly into the ocean), and Point Sur Lightstation (the only complete and public 19th century lighthouse complex in California) are just three attractions you can’t miss. And when you’re ready to get cleaned up and enjoy a nice meal, check out the Post Ranch Inn, perched 12,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean on a cliff.
Big Sur gets more than 300 days of sunshine a year and is most popular for tourists between April and October. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting between September and November.
New Orleans – Louisiana
“The Big Easy” often conjures up thoughts of Mardi Gras and warm beignets, but there’s so much more to this historical city. The truth is New Orleans is a top vacation destination all year round. The architecture is amazing, the culture is rich and the food is to-die-for. You’ll love the tunes radiating from the French Quarter and the jambalaya sold on every street corner. And once the sun sets you’ll want to head to Bourbon Streetto experience the epic nightlife (and of course their world famous Hurricanes!). New Orleans has a fascinating history with many believing it is one of the most haunted cities in America. While most of this is based on legend, you’ll still love the variety of tour experiences, to cemeteries and swamps that tell the tales of ghosts roaming the city.
New Orleans is still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, but locals have worked hard to rebuild this incredible city and are ready to welcome you whether it be for Jazz Fest, Mardi Gras or a Saints game. Just come hungry!
Photo Credit: Flickr, Pixabay
