Vacation Ideas That Let You See the United States on a Personal Level

When you think of vacationing in America, the first things that come to mind are probably places like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. These are all amazing cities with their own unique personalities and cultures. However, they’re also very densely populated areas that can be overwhelming for a tourist. We love these cities as much as anyone, but what if you want to get to know America on a more personal level? There are plenty of other places throughout the U.S. that offer a unique experience for visitors — mostly because they aren’t overrun with tourists like the aforementioned urban centers so often are. Read on for some great ideas for vacationing in America outside of its biggest cities.

Plan for Some Hiking

We’re not saying that New York doesn’t have any hiking trails — it does, actually. It’s just that you aren’t going to find them advertised outside of the Times Square information booth. Beyond the major cities, you’ll find endless trails and paths that have been used by hikers for years. You can walk through jungles, climb mountains, walk along lakes, cross deserts, and more.

According to Wild Bunch Desert Guides, a company providing Scottsdale hiking tours, “you’ll get a more personal look at the state as a whole, and you’ll get a better understanding of why certain places were chosen as they were.” If you want to learn more about trails near you, you can check out the National Geographic Hiking Map app. Alternatively, you can find your state’s Department of Natural Resources website, which will likely have more information than you could ever want on trails in your area.

Go to a National Park

If you want to see the United States at its most beautiful, you should visit one of its National Parks. There are over 400 spread across all 50 states — each one a unique and stunning sight to see. You can access guides for each national park by visiting the official National Park Service website. The website also contains information on nearby attractions, hotels, and other amenities that could prove useful during your trip. You can find a national park near you by checking out the official National Park Service website. You can also use the website to find information on nearby attractions, hotels, and other amenities that could prove useful during your trip.

Visit a Historical Site

Most of the major cities in America have museums or historical sites commemorating the past events that happened there. While these can be fascinating to learn about, they can sometimes be too crowded to feel like you’re getting a true experience. Beyond the major cities, there are also hundreds of other historical sites to visit across the country. You can learn more about what happened in certain places and see things you probably wouldn’t see in a major city. You can find a list of historical sites in your area by visiting the official National Park Service website. There, you can sort your results by your state or by the event that happened at the site in question.

Check Out the Local Food Scene

Food is something that’s celebrated in every part of the country. Find a city or town with a food scene that interests you and check the place out. You’ll likely get a more personal look at the area and the people who live there. You can find a list of restaurants in your area by visiting the official National Park Service website. There, you can sort your results by your state and the type of cuisine you’re interested in.

Take a Road Trip Through Small Town America

If you want to see the true side of America, you need to drive through the heart of it. You can do this by taking a road trip through the small towns that dot the country. You’ll see the different types of culture and customs that exist across the country that you might not have been aware of before. You can find a map of the most scenic roads in America by visiting the official National Park Service website. There, you can sort your results by your state to find the best place to start your trip. You can also find a list of places to stop along your journey on the National Park Service website. There, you can sort your results by your state to find the best places to stop along your journey.

Final Words on Traveling America

We can’t stress enough how important it is to get off the beaten path while you’re traveling in the United States. If you just visit New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, you’re only getting a sliver of the country. There’s so much more out there waiting for eager tourists like you to explore! If you want to gain a better understanding of how the rest of America lives, our suggestions above are great places to start. We hope you have an amazing time while you’re vacationing in the U.S.!