Just yesterday, I was planning my own trip around the U.S. when a friend asked me for travel tips – talk about good timing. I’ve spent years exploring different parts of this country, from busy city streets full of lights to quiet trails where you won’t see anyone for miles. What I’ve learned is that most travelers make the same mistakes, miss really cool places, follow boring plans and only go to the popular cities. The United States has many cool cities to visit, each with its own unique vibe and fun things to see and do. Let me share a different way to see America that will make your trip way more fun and exciting.
Best Cities and Urban Destinations to Explore
- You should check out Austin or Nashville if you love music, because they’ve live shows almost every night.
- Chicago is famous for its amazing buildings and delicious deep-dish pizza.
- New Orleans is a fun city with French-style culture and tasty Cajun food.
- For a lively night out, try the bars in San Diego’s Gaslamp District or Austin’s Rainey Street.
- Portland is known for its tasty food festivals and local art, especially in the summer.
- Don’t forget Memphis, where you can learn about blues music and see how the city is changing and growing.
Each city has walking tours that help you learn more about American history and culture.
Must-Visit National Parks and Natural Wonders
America’s natural wonders are truly amazing, from the stunning cliffs of the Grand Canyon to the tall, ancient redwood trees along the coast.
You should check out Glacier National Park, where there are over 700 miles of hiking trails. While you’re there, you might see mountain goats and bears. The views are incredible, with snow-covered mountains and huge glaciers.
Lake Tahoe is a great place to visit any time of year. You can hike trails like Rubicon, which are perfect spots for taking awesome photos of the blue water.
Don’t forget to visit Redwood National Park to see the huge redwood trees. It’s free to get in, and camping there’s really fun.
If you plan to visit several parks, you can buy an America the Beautiful Pass for $80. It lets you go to all national parks for a whole year. The best times to go are late spring or early fall because there are fewer visitors and the weather is perfect for exploring outdoors.
Getting Around: Transportation Options and Road Trip Planning
Exploring the U.S. by car gives you more freedom than trains and buses. I suggest renting a car because it lets you go wherever you want, but it can be expensive. To save money, book your rental early and compare prices from different companies. See my post Top Car Rental Companies for an overview of car renting in the United States.
You can also use public transportation like Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses to get between cities. Other regional buses I’ve used are
It’s also helpful to download apps like Google Maps (Android – IOS), GasBuddy, and Roadtrippers. These apps help you plan your stops, find places to eat, and locate gas stations. When going on a road trip, pack snacks, water, a first-aid kit, and keep a list of emergency contacts. Remember not to leave valuables in your car overnight so they don’t get stolen.
For fun and scenic drives, try coastal highways or mountain roads. Sometimes, taking a detour can lead you to hidden gems and cool spots you didn’t expect.
Budget Breakdown: What to Expect for Costs
Traveling across the U.S. can fit different budgets depending on your style. If you’re trying to spend less, staying in motels or hotels in the countryside usually costs less than staying in big cities.
Food prices change depending on where you are, cheaper options are often found at local diners and street vendors, but restaurants in places like New York or San Francisco can be more expensive.
How you get around also affects your costs. Renting a car gives you more freedom, but you need to pay for gas too. Using public transportation is cheaper, but it doesn’t work as well outside big cities.
Going on road trips through less busy areas can save you money.
The cost of visiting attractions includes things like national park fees. The America the Beautiful Pass costs $80 a year and is a good deal if you visit lots of parks. Many museums are free or ask for donations, so you can enjoy culture without spending a lot.
Optimal Timing: When to Plan Your American Adventure
When is the best time to visit the United States? It depends on what you want to do and what kind of weather you like. Spring and fall are great times to go because the weather is nice, and there aren’t as many tourists. Summer is popular for festivals and outdoor activities.
Here are some good times to plan your trip:
- Late spring (May-June): Best time for visiting national parks before it gets too hot, with pretty wildflowers and easy trails.
- Fall (September-October): Nice and comfortable weather, colorful fall leaves, and harvest festivals with local foods.
- Winter: Perfect for skiing at mountain resorts, and in the south, the weather is milder for exploring.
- Weekdays during off-peak times: You can save money and avoid big crowds at popular places.
Make sure to check the weather in different parts of the country because the climate can change a lot from place to place. Traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) usually gives you good weather and better deals.
Cultural Experiences: Food, Music, and Local Traditions
The United States has a lot of cool cultural experiences that will make your trip special, beyond just visiting famous sights.
Try the local foods wherever you go, like BBQ in Austin and Kansas City, spicy Cajun dishes in New Orleans, or fresh lobster rolls in Maine. The music scene is famous, especially in Nashville with country music and Memphis with blues. Cities like Portland also have lots of street art and galleries showing local artists.
You can join walking tours and food tours with guides who know a lot about the area. These tours help you learn about the local food traditions and the history of neighborhoods. There are also festivals during different seasons that celebrate jazz, food, and more. Don’t forget to check out food trucks in Portland or taco stands in San Diego’s Gaslamp District, they often have some of the best authentic flavors.
Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions
Beyond the famous landmarks in America, there are really cool places that most tourists don’t visit. I’ve learned that checking out hidden beaches, quirky museums, and secret gardens shows what the country is really like.
Here are some fun off-the-beaten-path experiences:
- Put-In-Bay, Lake Erie – This island mixes Midwest charm with a Caribbean vibe, with golf carts to get around and bars with sand floors.
- Maine’s Coastline – Visit pretty lighthouses and try fresh lobster rolls while exploring Acadia National Park.
- Kansas City – An underrated city with amazing BBQ, a famous jazz museum, and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
- Scenic Byways – Drive on lesser-known roads to find small towns and beautiful landscapes that show the local culture.
Festivals in these areas help you connect with the communities and get a real feel for the place, instead of just visiting busy tourist spots.
Accommodation Options Across the Country
While hostels aren’t as common in the U.S. as in other countries, there are still many ways to find a comfortable and affordable place to stay. Budget places like motels in the countryside usually have clean rooms and don’t cost too much. You can also check out different types of hotels, like big chain hotels or smaller, independent ones, each offering different amenities and features.
To save money when booking, try reserving your room during less busy times of the year, like winter or fall. It also helps to compare prices on different websites before you choose a place. Unique options like bed-and-breakfasts give you a more personal experience and local tips. If you’re visiting cities, staying a little outside the main downtown area can save you money while still being close enough to see all the sights.
Going on a road trip? Campgrounds in national parks are a cheap way to stay, and they offer amazing views, but make sure to book early in the summer because they fill up fast.
Safety Tips for Travelers
Traveling around the United States is usually safe, even if you’re traveling alone. But it’s a good idea to know some safety tips to help you feel more confident on your trip. Crime has gone down since the 1990s, but small thefts still happen, especially in busy tourist spots and big cities.
Here are some important safety tips for travelers:
- Keep your valuables safe: Don’t leave your valuables out in your rental car overnight, especially in city areas.
- Know how to get help: Dial 911 if you need police, fire, or medical help anywhere in the country.
- Learn the rules: Check the laws in each state you visit because they can be very different.
- Traveling alone: Trust your instincts and stay aware of what’s around you, especially at night.
Essential Passes and Money-Saving Resources
When you’re planning a trip across the United States, it’s a good idea to learn about passes and tools that can help you save money. Some memberships can save you a lot of money too. AAA offers roadside help and discounts on hotels and rental cars. Discount cards from groups like AARP can lower the costs of attractions and food.
For more savings, try visiting national parks during less busy times and take free walking tours in big cities. Using these tips can help you spend less on your trip.
Checkout my post The Best Travel Apps That You’ll Actually Use for more travel tips.
