There’s no better way to take in the scenery and the culture of the United States than by taking cross-country road trips.
You’ll get a chance to take in some of the smaller sites and experiences on the way to the big-name destinations, and that’s all part of the journey. Below are ten of my top off-beat places to visit on your US road-trip. You’ll be thrilled you made a detour off the highway, trust me.
#1 Arizona Canyons
When on the quest for natural beauty, it’s hard to overlook the magnificent canyons in Arizona. Be sure to check out Upper Antelope Canyon, a beautiful structure that’s known for its unique rock formations, brilliant light beams and bright colors that will take your breath away.
Horseshoe bend is another must-see canyon in Arizona that shows off brilliant bluish green water in a large horseshoe formation at the center of a canyon formation. While the canyons require a bit of hiking on your part, it’s worth the walk to see the beauty they have to offer.
#2 The French Quarter in New Orleans
Mardi Gras isn’t the only reason to head down to Near Orleans. French Quarter is home to some of the best cuisine that the south has to offer, while being an amazing party town.
Try out one of the many Jazz clubs, take a stroll through the sculpture garden, consider taking a river boat cruise along the Mississippi, and make sure you try out at least a few of the eateries while you’re there, the beignets are to do for!
#3 Yosemite National Park in California
Yosemite national park is renowned for its beautiful views, the lush forests and wildlife and its massive mountains. Visiting is nearly a rite-of-passage for Americans and it’s a lot of fun for multiple days.
If you enjoy nature and don’t mind doing some hiking you can get a lot of enjoyment spending some time in this massive park.
#4 Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada
What better place to get involved with some exciting nightlife, take in gorgeous architectural features and to pack as much fun as you can into a few days than Las Vegas? The city located in the Mojave Desert is famed for its gambling, its lights and the spectacular features that it has to offer. Take it all in and get some gambling fun in while you’re there.
You’ll be able to enjoy a wide variety of gambling options, deals and game types here in Las Vegas, making it a gambler’s paradise. If you’re new to the gambling world and want to get a feel for the games before you go, there are plenty of online casino providers which offer games like slots and poker, so that you can develop your skills before you go.
#5 Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming
Yellowstone is a massive sprawling national park with so much to see that you’ll never get it all in in a day, but it’s home to some of the coolest natural features of the United States that you can’t pass it up.
Check out Grand Prismatic Spring to see a beautiful double rainbow hot spring, and while you’re at it make your way through the whole Upper Geyser Basin to some of the coolest water features you can see in the world.
#6 Lake Tahoe in Nevada
For some on-the-water fun there’s no place better to stop in than Lake Tahoe. The massive lake between Nevada and California is home to boating, ziplining, rock climbing, parasailing and many more adrenaline-pumping activities.
It’s a picturesque site and South Lake is home to some excellent dining and clubbing venues when the day winds down into night.
#7 Montana’s Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is another beautiful road destination with snowy capped mountain peaks, Icey blue glacier pools and curvy rock formations. It’s home to excellent hiking and biking trails and an excellent opportunity for beautiful photos.
#8 Washington D.C.
While in D.C. you can take the time to visit the White House, see the Air and Space Museum, check out the National Mall, visit the Capital building and check out a great collection of restaurants and shops along the way.
Even if you’ve seen some of the monuments in person before, there’s nothing like a personalized tour of our nation’s capital that includes everything that you’re interested in personally.
#9 The Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado
Take in the largest sand dunes in the United States at this beautiful national park in Colorado.
You’ll feel like you’ve been teleported to another planet in these dunes, and you can use the opportunity to try out sand boarding or sand sledding and to really have some fun outdoors, just make sure that you cover up pretty well to try and keep some of the sand out.
#10 Willis Tower in Chicago
Take in all the culture of Chicago and the food while visiting the city and make sure you climb to the top of Willis Tower while you’re there.
As the tallest tower in Chicago you can get a look of the entire city all the way out to Lake Michigan. While visiting you should take the time to go on an architectural boat tour through the city as well, there’s really no better way to experience the city.
Do you have any favourite off-beat destinations ideal for a US road trip? Share your comments below.
