Planning to visit the United States? Get ready for one of the most beautiful journeys of your life!
You’ll be amazed by the diversity of landscapes, breathtaking panoramas and breathtaking wilderness. Comprising fifty states and seventeen times the size of France, the USA is the ultimate road-trip country. With its 6 million kilometers of roads, you’ll be transported to Far-West settings, red rock canyons, lush rainforests, impressive swamps, towering mountain peaks and sandy beaches. Its nickname « America the beautiful » is richly deserved.
Do you want to live your American dream and wonder what to do in the USA? Here’s our selection of must-see sites when you plan to visit the USA.
1. The Grand Canyon
Photo Credit: Flickr – screaming_monkey
Located in northern Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park is one of the country’s most famous national parks. It is the quintessential image of the American West. Founded in 1919, the park boasts 4931 km2 of protected space and geological wonders sculpted by the Colorado River over several millennia. It’s home to the Grand Canyon massif, with its superb layers of red rock that bear witness to a long history of geological development.
The best way to contemplate the canyon is to take the Rim Trail, which takes you to several exceptional viewpoints.
2. New York
Photo credit: Unsplash – Oliver Niblett
Known as « The Big Apple », New York is one of the most attractive cities in the USA. This eclectic megalopolis is brimming with historical, tourist and cultural landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, theEmpire State Building, Times Square and Central Park, and exudes a unique atmosphere not found in any other American city. To fully immerse yourself in New York culture, book your tickets for a Broadway musical.
3. Monument Valley
Photo credit: Unsplash – Jasper van der Meij
Fans of westerns and John Wayne films, you can’t miss a stop at Monument Valley, one of the most beautiful and iconic landscapes in the American West. Located on the border between Utah and Arizona, you can wind your way along a 27-kilometer trail, between sandstone buttes, geological formations called mesas and panoramic views.
4. Route 66
Photo credit: Unsplash – Jakub Gorajek
Named in 1926 and 3943 kilometers long, Route 66 or Mother Road crosses the United States from east to west, linking Los Angeles, California to Chicago, Illinois.
At the time of its creation, this famous road was used to encourage westward immigration. Nowadays, the route is criss-crossed by enthusiasts, and includes villages, service stations and historic restaurants.
5. Yellowstone
Photo Credit: Flickr – Jerry and Pat Donaho
No trip to the USA is complete without a visit to Yellowstone Park. What to do in the USA and what to visit in this famous national park? Established in 1872 and covering over 3500 square kilometers of wilderness, Yellowstone was the first park in the world to be named a national park. It’s renowned for its wildlife, waterfalls, rainbow-colored hot springs and legendary geysers that erupt regularly, such as Old Faithful.
6. Golden Gate bridge
Photo Credit: Flickr – Vincent Moschetti
Located at the mouth of San Francisco Bay, the famous Red Bridge has become the emblem of California. Inaugurated in 1937 to link San Francisco and Marin County, the bridge still fascinates visitors today with its modernity and elegance. With a length of 2.7 kilometers and a height of 67 meters above the waters of the bay, you can cross the Golden Gate Bridge by car, bike or on foot.
7. The Everglades
Photo credit: De Sonja Filitz / Shutterstock.com
The Everglades wetlands are a must-see when you’re planning a visit to the USA. At the southern tip of Florida, you’ll find over 6,000 km2 of incredibly diverse flora and fauna in Everglades National Park, reputed to be the largest subtropical wilderness area on the North American continent. Climb aboard a hydrofoil and discover protected species such as alligators, manatees and turtles.
8. The U.S. Capitol
Photo credit: Unsplash – Louis Velazquez
Located in Washington DC, and topped by a golden dome, the U.S. Capitol is a symbolic landmark for Americans. Built in 1793, the building, which serves as the seat of Congress, has been the emblem of America’s legislative power and democracy for over two centuries. The Capitol and its Dome are open to visitors free of charge, and offer a fascinating insight into American history.
9. Antelope Canyon
Photo credit: Unsplash – Justin Roy
What to do in the USA if you’re looking for a change of scenery? When you decide to visit the USA, don’t miss Antelope Canyon, the country’s most photogenic spot. Located in northern Arizona, this site is made up of two distinct canyons: Lower Antelope Canyon and Upper Antelope Canyon: Lower Antelope Canyon and Upper Antelope Canyon, belongs to the Navajo Indians. This geological wonder, sculpted by wind and torrential rains, can only be discovered on guided tours.
10. The French Quarter in New Orleans
Photo credit: De f11photo / Shutterstock.com
A trip to the USA isn’t complete without a stroll through the quaint, atypical streets of New Orleans’ French Quarter, founded in 1718. Nicknamed the Old Square, its architectural and culinary heritage reflects both French and Spanish influences. Enjoy a unique experience as you wander the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter to find colonial homes with wrought-iron balconies and flower-filled patios.
11. Yosemite National Park
Photo Credit: Unsplash – Aniket Deole
Nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite Park was created in 1890 to protect a wilderness that spans nearly 3,000 km2. Thanks to 1,200 kilometers of marked trails, you can admire granite peaks such as Half Dome, dizzying waterfalls such as Bridalveil Fall and majestic cliffs.
12. Arches National Park
Photo Credit: Unsplash – Josh Soriano
Located on the border between Colorado and Utah, this superb site boasts the largest concentration of natural arches in the world. The 2,000-plus arches that rise up from the national park create an enchanting and mysterious setting. Discover the world’s largest arch, Landscape Arch, and marvel at its natural beauty. It’s a must-see when you’re planning a visit to the USA.
13. Pacific Coast Highway
Photo credit: De Doug Meek / Shutterstock.com
Considered one of the most scenic and beautiful roads in the world, the Pacific Coast Highway runs along the Pacific Ocean for over 1,000 kilometers. From northern California to the south, you can admire a multitude of landscapes and cruise through sequoia forests, coastal villages and Napa Valley vineyards. To make the most of the ocean views, we recommend you take the Pacific Coast Highway from north to south.
14. Lake Tahoe
Photo credit: Unsplash – Artur Westergren
Tucked away at an altitude of over 1,867 metres in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe– whose name comes from the Indian word washoe, meaning lake – is a natural jewel with crystal-clear waters and pine-forest-lined beaches. Covering more than 500 km2, this natural wonder is the largest alpine lake in North America. The panoramic road that encircles the lake passes through alpine forests with snow-capped peaks, giving it a Far North feel.
15. The Wave
Photo credit: Unsplash – Robert Baker
Located in Vermilion Cliffs National Park, near the northern border of Arizona, the Wave is a sandstone rock formation shaped by the wind. The Wave is considered one of the most exceptional and harmonious geological formations in the American West. To protect this extremely fragile area, entry is restricted to 20 people per day. A special permit will be issued to the lucky ones to access this unforgettable site.
16. Venice beach district
Photo Credit: Unsplash – Ash Edmonds
The famous Los Angeles district is a must-see in the USA. On the boardwalk that runs along the Pacific Ocean, you won’t want to miss the sportsmen and entertainers who keep the locals entertained. Venice Beach is renowned for its conviviality and dynamism. Stroll along the canals for a taste of the dolce vita.
17. The Keys
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What to do in the USA if you’re looking for an original destination? TheKeys archipelago, located at the southern tip of Florida, is a destination for diving enthusiasts. This chain of islands stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean is renowned for its seabed, which is among the most spectacular in the world. The five main islands that make up the archipelago are linked by a series of bridges that offer exceptional views of the azure ocean.
18. Zion National Park
Photo credit: Unsplash – Zach Betten
In southern Utah, over 593 km2, stands Zion National Park, offering an exceptional panoply of diverse landscapes characteristic of the American West. Thanks to legendary hikes such as The Narrows and Angel’s Landing, you’ll penetrate the bowels of the park and see canyons lined with ash and poplar trees, splendid waterfalls and towering red sandstone cliffs.
19. Universal Studios Hollywood
Photo credit: Unsplash – James Lee
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Uncle Sam’s country and are looking for something to do in the USA to entertain young and old alike, make a detour to Los Angeles to discover Universal Studios Hollywood, a movie-themed theme park. Visitors find themselves immersed in former Hollywood film studios and the iconic worlds of The Simpsons and Harry Potter.
20. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Photo Credit: From Alexander Demyanenko / Shutterstock.com
Located on the Big Island in the Hawaiian archipelago, this national park is one of the few places in the world where it has been possible to observe one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea, since 1916. Frequent eruptions have created a near-lunar environment of wild terrain, craters and deserts.
Map of hotels and accommodations – United States