Experiences in USA
Great Honeymoon Destinations in the USA
The venue has been chosen, the photographer’s been hired and the band is booked. Now for the fun part – planning your honeymoon.
The best honeymoon destination is preferably somewhere neither of you has been, someplace that offers plenty of romantic accommodations, as well as attractions and activities aimed at couples – in short, somewhere you can make lasting memories together. The USA is chockfull of perfect honeymoon spots to suit every taste, from iconic to surprising. Take a look at these great honeymoon locations and start planning. Of course, there’s no need for these to be once-in-a-lifetime trips – anytime is a good time for a romantic getaway.
The Majestic Wonder of Niagara Falls
In Niagara Falls, New York, the mesmerizing falls get well-deserved top billing. Seek out romantic accommodations and dining with views of the falls and their colorful nightly light displays. Splurge on a helicopter tour of the Whirlpool Rapids and American Falls, descend into the Niagara Gorge to feel the power of the falls from the Hurricane Deck and take a day trip to the charming and picturesque Finger Lakes wine region.
Glitz, Glam and Indulgence in Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada, has long been known as a honeymoon capital of the USA, with its iconic luxury resorts, world-famous shows, glitzy casinos and fine-dining restaurants. Pamper yourselves with sumptuous spa treatments, a gondola ride on a Venice-inspired canal and a helicopter tour of the incomparable Grand Canyon.
Tropical Island Escape in Maui
The second largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Maui tempts honeymooners with tropical weather, powder-sand beaches, lush foliage and palatial resorts. Discover hidden coves and waterfalls on a jeep tour, hike in Haleakala National Park and tour plantations to taste fresh pineapple and other tropical fruit. In the evening, sample Hawaiian foods and watch a hula performance during a traditional luau.
The Festive Flair of New Orleans
“Let the good times roll” is the unofficial slogan of New Orleans, Louisiana, where every day is a reason to celebrate. Listen to jazz and blues in intimate clubs and on street corners, sample authentic Creole and Cajun food, and explore charming, historic neighborhoods on foot or by streetcar. Enjoy a jazz dinner cruise on the Mississippi River, and join in the parade during New Orleans Pride or a second line.
Mountain Retreat in Jackson Hole
Beyond its fame as a winter playground less than 8 kilometers from Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a year-round honeymoon destination. In winter, snuggle together during a horse-drawn sleigh ride around this mountain retreat or go snowmobiling through undisturbed backcountry. In summer, take in stunning panoramic views on a private hot-air balloon ride at sunrise and ride horseback through scenic valleys carpeted with wildflowers. Relax after it all with a soak in a hot spring.
Offbeat Island Vibes in Key West
At the southernmost end of the Florida Keys, Key West is a walkable, fun-loving town with luxury resorts and charming inns. Check out historic sites including the Hemingway House and nearby lighthouse, or attend the Pride celebration in summer and Fantasy Fest in October. Come evening, watch the sunset from Mallory Square or take to the water on a tall ship, then join in the lively nightlife on Duval Street. To really get away from it all, take a ferry or seaplane 113 kilometers west to Dry Tortugas National Park to snorkel, birdwatch and explore Fort Jefferson.
From Coast to Vine in Monterey Bay
Big Sur’s dramatic cliffs make for a stunning backdrop in Monterey County, California. Rent a convertible and go for an epic drive down coastal U.S. Highway 1, stopping for a hike and picnic amid redwoods at Limekiln State Park or a stroll on tranquil Pfeiffer Beach. Keep an eye out for soaring California condors and humpback whales offshore. Sign up for a fabulous wine and food tour, followed by a spa treatment at a quaint inn.
Vieques: Tiny Island, Endless Adventure
Vieques, a small Caribbean island 11 kilometers east of mainland Puerto Rico, is prized for its secluded beaches lined with white, golden or black sand. Swim and snorkel on colorful reefs in crystal-clear water or take a kayak tour in Mosquito Bay to see bioluminescent microorganisms glow in your wake. Wander around the 19th century Spanish fort and museum, tour the ruins of a sugar plantation or join locals as they gather at the old pier in the small town of Esperanza on Sunday afternoons.
Pacific Northwest Perfection in the San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands are a rocky archipelago set in the Salish Sea off the northwestern coast of Washington State. Take a car or passenger ferry to reach the four main islands – Lopez, Orcas, San Juan and Shaw. Once there, honeymooners can take a sea kayaking tour, go zip-lining through the forest and look for orcas from Lime Kiln Point State Park. Walk around the compact, vibrant seaport of Friday Harbor, visit iconic lighthouses, eat fresh seafood and sip West Coast wine.
Places to experience native American culture
Across the United States, an effort is continually made to preserve and share the storied and often tragic history of Native Americans in North America.
Indigenous cultures on the continent have thrived for thousands of years, and visitors have the opportunity to learn about them by viewing exhibits, visiting living history museums, attending events, exploring ancient sites and talking with Native Americans. Here are five premier places and events in the United States where you can experience Native American culture.
National Museum of the American Indian
The first national museum in the United States dedicated solely to Native American heritage, the National Museum of the American Indian, highlights over 12,000 years of history across more than 1,200 indigenous cultures. The museum features one of the world’s most expansive collections of American Indian arts, artifacts, and photographic and media archives. Permanent exhibitions delve into native religions and ceremonies, as well as native communities’ contemporary struggle for identity. Located on Washington, D.C.’s National Mall in a curved limestone building designed to represent a rock formation, the NMAI regularly hosts cultural festivals, concerts and symposia. At the museum’s Mitsitam Native Foods Café, visitors can eat indigenous and contemporary cuisine from across the Americas such as tortillas and buffalo burgers.
Cherokee Heritage Center
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
In the foothills of Oklahoma’s Ozark Mountains lies the 18-hectare Cherokee Heritage Center, dedicated to preserving the culture and artifacts of the Cherokee tribe. Walk through Diligwa, a living history exhibit that depicts a 1710 Cherokee village and allows visitors to experience craft-making demonstrations, storytelling and daily life in the early 18th century. Next, visit the center’s representation of a late 19th-century rural Cherokee village, Adams Corner. Don’t miss the Trail of Tears exhibit, which delves into the forced removal of Cherokees from their ancestral lands in the 1830s to what is now present-day Oklahoma. The center also offers cultural classes that promote traditional Cherokee arts, such as pottery and basketry, and holds annual art shows featuring traditional and contemporary Cherokee works.
Gathering of Nations
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Billed as the largest powwow in North America, the annual Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, attracts thousands of indigenous people representing hundreds of tribes. The multiday event’s festivities celebrate and promote Native American cultural heritage. Highlights include traditional song, dance and drumming competitions, which feature over 3,000 performers representing more than 500 North American tribes. Attendees can also buy paintings, jewelry and pottery from more than 800 Native American artisans, and eat traditional foods like fry bread, deep-fried quick bread served with honey or taco toppings.
Taos Pueblo
Taos, New Mexico
Learn about ancient pueblo life, culture and history at Taos Pueblo, which has been continuously inhabited by members of the Taos tribe for more than 1,000 years. Set against a backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage site centers around the San Geronimo chapel and two large multistory buildings constructed in typical pueblo style with mud and straw. Today, nearly 150 people call the pueblo home, and visitors can take guided tours, learning about the village’s culture, history and people.
Heard Museum
Phoenix, Arizona
The Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, exhibits ancient artifacts and contemporary art and is dedicated to preserving the culture and heritage of Native Americans in the Southwestern United States. About 44,000 objects, including Navajo textiles, Zuni jewelry and contemporary Indian art, comprise its collection. Noteworthy exhibits include an acquisition from former U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater of more than 430 Hopi Indian kachina dolls. Take a free guided tour and check the events calendar to attend educational classes or the museum’s annual arts expo, the Indian Fair and Market.
Explore the USA’s malls, outlet centers, designer boutiques, markets and more.
It’s the thrill of finding a major deal on a designer dress, or the simple joy of discovering the perfect gift in a local artisan’s store. From city streets and massive malls to independent boutiques and bustling markets, the USA is a destination with limitless possibilities for discovery and enjoyment – especially when it comes to shopping.
Amazing places to go surfing in USA
Surfing isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life along the USA’s coastlines.
The sport that began in the Hawaiian Islands and migrated to California more than 135 years ago brings people from around the world to the USA’s sandy shores. Surfing destinations in the USA include a diverse group of great places to catch a wave, from Pacific Ocean islands and beaches to epic Atlantic Ocean surf breaks on the East Coast. No matter your experience, you’ll find a scenic spot to match your skill level. Look for surf shops lining boardwalks and beaches to rent gear and schedule lessons.
Hawaii, a Popular Haven for Surfers
You’ll be astounded by the backdrop of lush mountains, endless beaches and Polynesian culture in the Hawaiian Islands, where surfing can be traced back to the 4th century. There’s no shortage of places to surf, but among the most revered are Oahu and Maui. On Oahu, well-known surf spots include the famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu and the heralded Haleiwa on the North Shore. At Waikiki Beach, surfers are just steps from hotels lining the popular beach. Sign up for a lesson, then paddle out into the clear blue water to catch a wave at one of the surf breaks. Most of them are gentle, which makes Waikiki Beach a great choice for beginning surfers. About an hour away, ramp up the action – and level of difficulty – at Haleiwa on the North Shore, known for huge waves that challenge even professional surfers. Time your visit between November and February to watch one of the many competitions along this stretch of shore.
On Maui, go to the small town of Paia and head to Ho’okipa Beach Park to try out big waves or simply marvel at skilled surfers. The park is known for its consistent surf breaks and stunning views of the action from an observation area. Look closely and you’ll might spot sea turtles and seals resting in the sand.
Along California’s Pacific Coast Highway
Along the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as California’s Highway 1, you’ll be delighted to discover a few can’t-miss surfing spots. Three Hawaiian princes, brothers Jonah, David and Edward Kawananakoa, first surfed Santa Cruz’s waves in 1885. Learn more about the sport’s history and culture at the waterfront Santa Cruz Surfing Museum in a lighthouse adjacent to Lighthouse Field State Beach. Get tips at the museum, then follow the shoreline for about 10 kilometers, stopping to put your board to use at several top surfing spots, including Cowell Beach, Pleasure Point and Capitola Beach.
Head farther south to Ventura and Malibu, two legendary beaches just an hour away from each other. In Ventura, enjoy Silver Strand Beach’s great waves breaking from a sandbar, then catch more waves at Malibu Point and Zuma Beach in Malibu. End your California surfing tour at Huntington Beach, also called Surf City USA. See a bronze statue of Hawaii native Duke Kahanamoku, known as the “Father of Modern Surfing,” at the International Surf Museum. Watch the U.S. Open of Surfing competition, see where world records were set and take a lesson or two from experts.
More Amazing Places to Ride the Waves
Narragansett, Rhode Island: Go to the center of town to access the Atlantic Ocean waves at Narragansett Town Beach, flush with amenities and a sandy beach. At popular Scarborough State Beach, enjoy a pavilion, boardwalk and observation tower while you’re not in the water.
Montauk, New York: At the eastern tip of Long Island, head to Ditch Plains, Turtle Cove or Shinnecock Inlet. Check with local outfitters about surf conditions as the long waves at these spots are usually appropriate for experienced surfers.
Newport, Oregon: Witness unpredictable breaks among natural rock formations along the beach at Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area. Beginners should plan to just watch from the shore at this location. The churning Pacific Ocean makes this break ideal for professional and highly experienced surfers only.
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina: You’ll soon see why the Eastern Surfing Association tournament takes place in the Outer Banks. Avalon Pier is the most popular place to find challenging waves. From there, check out the swells at the less-crowded First Street and Third Street beaches.
Folly Beach, South Carolina: This barrier island in the Charleston area is known for its big waves. Go to The Washout area or the Folly Beach Pier to find surfers riding waves that are rolling in one after another.
Cocoa Beach, Florida: Visit the Florida Surf Museum inside Ron Jon Surf Shop or catch a competition, including one in conjunction with the annual Easter Surf Fest. An hour north, enjoy laid-back vibes and smallish waves for beginners in New Smyrna Beach.
Galveston Beach, Texas: Several piers on the west end of the island make this a near-perfect destination for beginning surfers. Surf conditions can be choppy, but top spots to check out include Pleasure Pier in addition to the jetties at 25th, 37th, 47th, 51st and 61st streets.
Follow Nevada’s Great Basin Highway to discover desert and forest landscapes with eons-old rock formations, pristine alpine lakes and historic settlements.
Travelers who know Nevada for the bright lights of Las Vegas will be amazed by the sights encountered along U.S. Route 93, which traverses Nevada’s eastern edge from Las Vegas to Ely. Although the straight-through route would take 5.5 hours to drive, road trippers will want to explore the outdoors at a more leisurely pace. Spend several days discovering one national park, eight state parks and several welcoming communities along the way.
Valley of Fire State Park, Overton
The star attractions here are the natural red sandstone formations and petroglyphs carved by ancient cultures. Also notable are the abundance of 225-million-year-old fossilized trees along the Petrified Logs Loop. Learn more about the park’s geology by viewing exhibits in the Visitor Center.
Kershaw-Ryan State Park, Caliente
Enjoy a change of scenery in this park, an oasis in northern Rainbow Canyon. Explore the lush valley and natural springs. Admire grape vines, wildflowers and koi ponds in pretty gardens. Keep an eye out for deer and wild horses while hiking or mountain biking.
Beaver Dam State Park, Caliente
Explore streams and waterfalls on hikes through pinion and juniper forests throughout this remote park. See wildlife such as porcupines, foxes and great blue herons living among rugged rock areas caused by volcanoes erupting long ago. Bring your fishing pole to the Oak Knoll Trail to catch rainbow trout.
Cathedral Gorge State Park, Panaca
Discover spires and clay patterns caused by erosion and volcanic activity millions of years ago in the canyon and Meadow Valley. Hike 1.6 or 6.5-kilomter trails to walk among the formations and access scenic overlooks. Jackrabbits, packrats and gophers might share the trail with you.
Echo Canyon State Park, Pioche
About 1,000 years ago, the Native Fremont people came here to hunt and fish, and American pioneer settlers later farmed the rich land. Today, you can enjoy boating or fishing for trout, bass and crappie in this 26-hectare reservoir. Or, hike the 4-kilometer Ash Canyon trail on the valley’s rim. From the shoreline to steep canyon walls looming over Dry Valley, the backcountry is both rugged and beautiful.
Spring Valley State Park, Pioche
Ancient volcanic activity created this valley, resulting in canyon peaks tinged in gray, pink and white. Go fishing in the Eagle Valley Reservoir, tour the Ranch House homestead from the 1800s and hike to George Washington Rock, believed to be used as a lookout perch by people living here 7,500 years ago.
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, Ely
Learn how the park’s namesake cone-shaped structures were used as ovens in the 1870s to process silver found by miners and later became great places for outlaws to hide. Surrounded by the Egan Mountains, this site is also home to forests filled with deer, grouse and elk. Cast a line for trout in Willow Creek, which is fed by mountain spring water.
Cave Lake State Park, Ely
Reel in trout, hunt for crawdads and swim in the 13-hectare reservoir, then hike or mountain bike on trails ranging from easy to challenging. For a strenuous outing that rewards with views of the lake and surrounding forest and hills, follow the 7.2-kilometer Lake Overlook Trail. Winter months here bring opportunities for ice fishing, skating, sledding, snowmobiling and skiing.
Great Basin National Park, the Gem on the Scenic Highway
End your journey near Baker at the remote and peaceful Great Basin National Park, home to majestic Wheeler Peak in the Snake Mountain Range. Watch for wildlife such as bobcats, coyotes, elk and rabbits under the cover of bristlecone pines, the longest-living tree in the world. Go underground into the impressive Lehman Caves to see formations and other creatures. It’s definitely worth staying overnight for stargazing in this International Dark Sky Park. Outside of camping, you can drive to the town of Ely to spend the night.
Famous for the Strip’s bright lights and glitzy nightlife, Las Vegas, Nevada, is also an amazing destination for nature lovers.
These scenic hikes less than an hour’s drive from Las Vegas are a great way to explore the stunning landscapes near this entertainment mecca. Hikers will come across desert sands and cacti, of course, but also forested mountains, cool waterfalls, fascinating petroglyphs and otherworldly rock formations. These are day hikes, meaning you can leave your hotel in the morning and be back for a shower before the lights start coming up on the Strip, although timing a hike to take in the sunrise or sunset can make for especially awesome memories.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Just 35 minutes west of Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is known for its towering red sandstone peaks and a 21-kilometer Scenic Drive, which leads to trailheads for numerous awesome hikes.
Perfect for families, the Petroglyph Wall Trail is an easy out-and-back trail (only .3 kilometers) that leads from the Willow Springs Picnic Area to a cliffside with both petroglyphs (artwork chiseled into the rock) and pictographs (paintings) at least 800 years old. The Calico Tanks Trail is a 3.5-kilometer moderate out-and-back trail that leads to hidden water and great views of Las Vegas. Looking for another fascinating perspective? The Las Vegas Overlook Loop, also known as Muffin Ridge, is an easy 6.4-kilometer loop that offers commanding views of the Strip and surrounding mountains.
Valley of Fire State Park
With outcroppings of red Aztec sandstone set against gray and tan limestone, it’s clear where Valley of Fire State Park, just under an hour northeast of Las Vegas, gets its name. One of the area’s most photogenic trails, the Fire Wave Trail – 2.5 easy out-and-back kilometers – leads to swirling red sandstone formations that become even more vibrant around sunset. Hike along the easy 1.8-kilometer White Domes Loop to colorful rock formations, a slot canyon, mysterious caves and an abandoned movie set.
Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
Drive just 45 minutes west of Las Vegas to reach Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, which incorporates low meadows, the 3,636-meter Mount Charleston and plenty of scenic landscapes in between. Learn about the area’s unique desert plant life while hiking the Bristlecone Loop Trail, a 10-kilometer loop rated as moderately challenging partly because it’s at higher altitude. The namesake bristlecone pines can live to be thousands of years old. (Get quicker access to the bristlecone pine groves via the Upper Bristlecone Trailhead.)
Waterfalls in the desert? You bet. Hike the Mary Jane Falls Trail – a moderate out-and-back 6.4 kilometers – to a seasonal waterfall in cool Kyle Canyon. Water flows most abundantly in spring but often continues through summer. A more difficult trail extension leads to the spectacular Big Falls.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area – the nation’s first and largest national recreation area – is just 30 minutes east of Las Vegas. Head to this massive playground to see the Hoover Dam from the waters of Lake Mead, marvel at night skies illuminated by the Milky Way or hike through tunnels along the lake’s edge and into dramatic canyons.
The Arizona Hot Springs Canyon Trail is a 9.5-kilometer moderate loop. This sunny desert hike (it’s closed from late spring through early fall because of the summer heat) leads to a veritable pot of gold – four hot spring pools hidden inside a slot canyon. A ladder leads down to the cool, clear Colorado River.
