America hasn’t received a lot of good publicity in the past year, but there are still good reasons to visit the USA. In addition to checking the big cities and landmarks off your bucket list, you can expand your horizons and go somewhere off the beaten track. America is such a geographically and culturally diverse country. After all, it’s more important than ever to experience everything it has to offer.
Yes, there are a few political issues currently taking place, but the chance to see history happening before you is too important to pass up—especially if you’re lucky enough to qualify for an ESTA visa. If you want to see a different side of America to appreciate its diversity and unique flavour, here are a few unique american travel destinations to consider visiting this year.
Unique American Travel Destinations to Visit This Year
Portland, Oregon
Foodies rejoice! There is now a place where you can congregate and meet people just as food-mad as you. Portland in Oregon has earned its hipster reputation—but most people come here to try the creative, and affordable, culinary concoctions. You can sample several eateries such as Gastro Mania, home of the $8 foie gras burger, or stop at the legendary Voodoo Doughnuts, where the creative doughnut craze first originated.
Sedona, Arizona
Everyone has Arizona on their bucket list, mostly because of the Grand Canyon. However, there is more to this desert state than one—admittedly impressive—landmark. Sedona is just as beautiful as the rest of Arizona, but without all the hype and tourism associated with such a popular city. Beautiful red rock formations are waiting you to explore on foot, by bike and from scenic overlooks while driving around in your car. But you shouldn’t leave without checking out the Sedona Heritage Museum, which focuses on the work and lifestyles of the Sedona pioneers, from 1876 to today.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
With among the highest concentrations of Native Americans in the country, New Mexico is a great place to learn about Navajo and Zuni Pueblo culture. Santa Fe is definitely worth a visit, as it’s home to one of the most vibrant native art scenes in the country. If you’re visiting in August, try to catch the Santa Fe Indian market, where more than 170,000 people gather each year to learn about and buy contemporary Native American arts and crafts.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Believe it or not, New Orleans is awesome even when it’s not Mardi Gras. Even on an average Tuesday during the most ordinary time of the year, the live music on Frenchman Street competes with the best in the country. The city’s French cultural influence is prominent, and the French Quarter is obviously its crowning jewel, with some buildings dating far back to the Louisiana Purchase. All the major tourists hotspots are here, so don’t miss it. But of course, the best thing about New Orleans has to be the dive bars—no pomp, or frills, just good old fun and drinking, with a contagious atmosphere.
This ‘Unique American Travel Destinations’ post was contributed to The Lady-like Leopard.