Popular North American Destinations
The United States is a melting pot of cultures and landscapes. The country boasts world-class attractions like Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, the Grand Canyon in Arizona and Pike’s Peak in Colorado. Some of the most visited cities are listed below but make no mistake, there are adventures around every corner in this land of opportunity.
Our neighbors to the north, Canada, and south, Mexico, also offer a variety of interesting destinations and cultural experiences.
The Last Frontier
Alaska is the largest physical state in the US and mostly untouched wilderness. Its capital is Juneau with access only by air or boat. There is an abundance of activities for outdoor enthusiast and treasures waiting to be found for the history buff. Cruise ships are a great way to see Alaska with adventure waiting at every port. There are also many tour packages available that will maximize your time in this beautiful state. The adventure seekers may want to take advantage of the many inland guided tours.
The Golden State
California is known for warm sunny days, beaches filled with surfers and sun-seekers, and luxurious mansions. Los Angeles is a high-energy city with attractions such as Universal Studio’s and Disneyland. It is known for its film and entertainment industry. San Francisco is known for the Golden Gate Bridge, the island of Alcatraz and steep, winding streets. Just outside of San Francisco you’ll find rolling vineyards, picturesque towns, and giant redwood trees. The incredible scenery of a road trip down Pacific Coast Highway 1 will leave you breathless.
The Miracle Mile
Chicago has a vibrant downtown with incredible shopping on the Miracle Mile, breathtaking views from the Willis Tower, a variety of museums, theaters and activities on the Navy Pier. Take a dinner cruise on Lake Michigan or ride a bike along the shoreline. Try some Chicago style pizza or chocolate from Ghirardelli’s!
Although it can be very cold and windy in the winter with gusty winds blowing in off the lake, there isn’t really a bad time to visit Chicago.
Rocky Mountain High
Colorado is an outdoor paradise with towering mountains and arid desert highlands. Not only do people flock to Colorado in the summer for incredible hiking, camping, whitewater rafting, and charming village festivals but they come to the mountains in the winter for world-class skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. A vacation to Colorado will leave you with memories for a lifetime.
The Sunshine State
Florida is known as a snowbird state but there is plenty to do for all ages. From historic Saint Augustine to eclectic Key West there is adventure for the entire family. The Gulf Coast panhandle is home to pristine white sand beaches and smaller towns lined with quaint shops. You’ll find luxury homes, cruise ship ports and Cape Canaveral on the east coast, quaint islands and calmer waters on the west coast and loads of entertainment for the kids with Disney World, Universal Studios and other adventures for the young at heart in between.
Aloha
The Hawaiian Islands are filled with action-packed cities, pristine beaches, rain-forest adventures, and active volcanoes’. Oahu is the gateway to the islands for many. Cruise ships launch from its ports; there is an abundance of museums and cultural centers and plenty of hiking and beach activities. Each island has its own personality and vibe. From the world-renowned telescopes on top of Mauna Kea on the big island to the lush rain forests and laid-back lifestyle on Kauai, all are worthy of explorations.
What Happens in Vegas…
Las Vegas is brimming with flashing lights, theme-park-type rides, live entertainment and of course, gambling. It’s a great place for all ages to find something to do.
Pure Michigan
Michigan is an outdoor enthusiasts’ dream. There are lakes for fishing, rivers for canoeing, hiking, hunting and many more outdoor adventures to be found. From the beat of Motown in Detroit to the solitude of Mackinac Island and the vineyards of the Old Mission Peninsula, Michigan is a great destination for all types of travelers.
I ♥ NY
New York is filled with quaint villages and rolling landscapes to the north and New York City to the south. New York City is one of the most populated cities in the world. It is known as a fashion mecca, melting pot of cultures and was once the gateway for those coming to the States wanting to call the US home. The iconic Statue of Liberty stands in New York harbor. There are museums abound and theaters around every corner. It’s hard not to get caught up in the energy of New York City.
Monuments and Memorials
Washington, DC is the capital of the United States and is teeming with politics and museums that hold the nation’s treasures. It will take days to explore all the district has to offer. Just outside of the city, the suburbs are home to world-renowned medical research facilities, national cemeteries, shopping malls, and great cuisine. All the areas around Washington DC are connected by a well thought out public transportation system making it easy to get around.
The Great White North
Canada is the second largest country in the world with vibrant cities and vast frozen tundra’s. It’s a country of beautiful scenery and nature abound including the Canadian Rocky Mountains home to a variety of winter sports and a multitude of national parks to explore. Its cities are clean, well maintained and offers diverse cuisine sure to please any palate.
A World of its Own
Mexico is the home of unique cultures and vibrant cities; it has endless miles of coastlines, which are home to beach resorts and fabulous food. The landscape of the country is diverse from mountain peaks to lively cities. The people are friendly and much of the countryside untouched by development. There are tropical rainforests to explore, and ancient Mayan temples to discover. With all that it has to offer, Mexico is a popular tourist destination.
