USA trip ideas: Here are the best places to go in the USA

Posted on July 26, 2024 | Last Updated on October 24, 2024

Are you planning a trip to America and wondering where to visit?

There are various amazing USA destinations to consider for your trip, depending on your interests and the type of holiday you want to experience.

From busy cities to beautiful landscapes and nature, there’s no doubt America has many options that will appeal to many types of travellers.

In this article, we will outline a variety of trip ideas including some of the best places to travel in the USA, along with providing information on US visa requirements.
Let’s get started with our USA travel guide!

New York

Also known as the ‘Big Apple’, New York is certainly a place to consider for your USA travel plans.
Famous landmarks include the Statue of Liberty, which is a universally-recognized symbol of freedom, and the panoramic views of New York City from one of the tallest buildings in the world, the Empire State Building.

Another popular thing to do is visit Brooklyn Bridge, where you can enjoy stunning views, beautiful architecture and historical significance.
You can also enjoy the hustle and bustle of Times Square – one of the world’s busiest pedestrian areas which is known for its electronic billboards, neon lights and Broadway theatre.

New York also has various museums and art galleries to visit. It is home to one of the largest museums in the world, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Art lovers can expect to view art from all around the world that is up to 5,000 years old!

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, nestled in California, draws around four million global visitors each year, promising an unforgettable adventure.
At Yosemite, you can expect to see some of the most beautiful landscapes that California has to offer.

Some of the most famous attractions in Yosemite are the popular rock formations, Half Dome with its distinctive shape and El Captain which is over 3,000 feet tall and primarily composed of granite.

For those interested in hiking, there are many trails at the park to undertake and enjoy the landscape. However, all of the top attractions can be viewed without having to endure any long hikes.

You will also get to see one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, Yosemite Falls, which drops 2,425 feet! The waterfall offers spectacular views and it is one of the top attractions in the National Park.

There are also some famous trees located within Yosemite National Park, namely ‘The Grizzly Giant’ which is one of the most iconic features of the park. The tree is estimated to be over 3,000 years old and is 209 feet tall!

San Francisco

With a combination of historic attractions as well as breathtaking scenery, San Francisco is another popular place to visit among tourists.
During your trip, a visit to one of the most famous bridges in the world, Golden Gate Bridge, is a must! There are various ways you can take in the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Many visitors walk, cycle, or simply take a bus tour across the 1.7 mile long bridge.

Another great attraction to visit is Alcatraz Prison. Here, you can take a glimpse into its rich history. Formerly a maximum security prison that closed in 1963, it now welcomes over 1.5 million visitors each year.

Alcatraz is located in San Francisco Bay, with many ferries operating from Pier 33 to Alcatraz prison. So, not only will you learn about the history of the prison, but you will also get the opportunity to experience stunning views of San Francisco Bay.

Golden Gate Park, often described as one of San Francisco’s greatest treasures, offers an escape from the busy city. While at Golden Gate Park, you can visit the Japanese Tea Garden, de Young Museum, and the Conservatory of Flowers. There are also walking and cycling trails if you want to enjoy some outdoor activity.

Note: If you are planning to travel the USA, you will need to apply for an ESTA visa. Make sure you organize your visa first so that you can get your travel permit on time before your trip.

Washington, DC

Planning a trip to the East Coast? Why not add the capital of the USA to your list of places to visit. In Washington DC you can expect to learn more about the rich American history, with many famous landmarks and museums to add to your itinerary.

A tour of the White House is one of the most popular things to do among tourists. The tour offers a unique glimpse into the home of the President. If you are visiting Washington, it is a top attraction to visit.

There are also many world-renowned museums located in Washington DC. Popular museums include the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African American History and the United States Holocaust Museum. The good news is that a lot of the museums in Washington DC are free to enter.

Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon

Las Vegas is another popular place to visit in the US.
Although it’s famous for its exciting nightlife and entertainment, Las Vegas has a lot more to offer!
From luxurious hotels to world-renowned restaurants and amazing museums, you are sure to find something to suit everyone.

Many people choose to take a day trip to the Grand Canyon as part of their trip to Las Vegas. It is a four-hour drive away from Las Vegas, and you can even visit the Hoover Dam along the way to see another famous attraction.

There are also many types of tours that operate from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, including helicopter tours.
The Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it has a lot to offer. For those who like outdoor adventure, there are many hiking trail opportunities.

There are also incredible museums where you can learn more about the history of the Grand Canyon. Or many people visit to simply take in the breathtaking scenery that is on offer.

The Grand Canyon attracts almost 6 million visitors per year, with many people choosing to travel to the USA specifically to tick the Grand Canyon off their bucket list!

It truly is a top attraction, and one of the best places to visit in the USA.

Yellowstone National Park

Often considered the best place to travel in the USA for those interested in outdoor adventure, Yellowstone National Park is another popular choice to add to your list of USA destinations to visit.

Primarily located in Wyoming, many people travel to the USA to experience all that Yellowstone National Park has to offer. From spectacular views, numerous hiking trails, various wildlife, geysers, hot springs, and more!

Yellowstone National Park is home to the famous Old Faithful geyser. The geyser attracts a lot of visitors, erupting approximately every 90 minutes as water shoots up to 180 feet high!

That’s not all though – you can also expect to see many waterfalls throughout the National Park.
It’s certainly a location where you will need your camera on hand!

Orlando

Orlando is another great destination to consider visiting while on your USA travel visa. It is a popular place to travel to in the USA, especially for families due to the theme parks on offer. From Walt Disney World Resort toSeaWorld and Universal Studios, it is certainly a trip that will create magical memories to last a lifetime!

Beyond the thrill of Orlando’s theme parks, there are a wide range of places to visit, including famous shopping malls, top-rated golf courses to enjoy a round of golf in the sunshine, or take in the stunning views of the gardens and lakes at Harry P. Leu Gardens.

The Orlando City Stadium, located in downtown Orlando is another top attraction that is popular among sports enthusiasts and is home to the Orlando City SC team.
You can ensure a fun-filled trip if you plan a visit to Orlando!

Lake Tahoe

Known for its outdoor activities, picturesque landscapes, and crystal clear waters, Lake Tahoe spanning the border between California and Nevada, is another place to consider for your trip to the US.

Lake Tahoe is an ideal location for those seeking a blend of relaxation and outdoor activities.

Sit back and relax on pristine beaches, take in the picturesque views of the mountains that surround the lake, or for those interested in outdoor activities there are opportunities for skiing, hiking, kayaking and boating.

Overall, there are various amazing US destinations to consider for your trip to the USA. Whether you travel around the USA or choose one location to visit, you can enjoy a blend of rich history, iconic landmarks, breathtaking scenery and fun-filled outdoor activities.

Now that you have discovered some of the best places to go in the USA, it is important to understand what your travel requirements to the USA are when visiting for a holiday.

What are the US visa requirements?

Before you travel to the USA for tourist purposes, you must have a valid ESTA visa.

What is the USA ESTA?

The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a digital visa that allows you to travel to the USA.

The ESTA is valid for a maximum of 90 days for each trip you take to the USA. Once authorised, the ESTA can be used to take multiple trips to the US for up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

To apply for your USA ESTA you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• You must hold a passport from an eligible country
• You must intend to visit the USA for tourism or business purposes
• You must intend on staying in the USA no longer than 90 days
• You must not be in current possession of a visitor’s visa to the USA

How long does the ESTA take?

With Visa First you can apply for your ESTA visa easily online. The processing time for the ESTA visa is generally 72 hours.

How much is an ESTA visa?

When you apply with Visa First, the ESTA visa cost starts from €60.

How can Visa First help?

At Visa First, our experienced team of visa experts can organize your USA ESTA visa for you.

Our team will handle the US visa application process for you from start to finish, leaving you more time to focus on planning your perfect trip to the USA.

Why choose Visa First?

• Fast and convenient service
• Stress-free process, we take care of the paperwork for you
• Over 20 years of experience and we organise over 10,000 visas annually