The best of the West: Five wish-list experiences across the USA
From California’s Hollywood highlights to the charming East Coast towns of Massachusetts and New York, there’s nowhere quite like the USA.
When it comes to travel wish-lists, the United States often deserves a spot right at the top for its sheer variety of breath-taking sights and unique regional highlights. Whether you’re a lover of all things Americana, or a newcomer to this vast country, there’s a lot to love – and even more to discover – in the USA.
Offering natural beauty, historic small towns, and neon-lit glamour in equal measure, North America never disappoints, and our team just can’t get enough of its breath-taking highlights. With that in mind, they’ve been busy thinking about the most memorable experiences that can be found stateside and have put together a definitive list of the five favourites.
1. Taking in the glitz of the Pacific Coast
While there’s a lot to love about the USA, we can’t help thinking of Hollywood when it comes to our favourite spots. Home to the silver screen’s biggest stars and relics from the golden age of cinema, this Los Angeles neighbourhood is a staple for any West Coast itinerary. To mark your West Coast holiday in memorable style, be sure to take a walk along the star-studded Hollywood Boulevard, and tick off its major sights from the hills’ iconic sign to the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. itinerary. To mark your West Coast holiday in memorable style, be sure to take a walk along the star-studded Hollywood Boulevard, and tick off its major sights from the hills’ iconic sign to the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. That being said, it isn’t the only essential sightseeing spot in California, and you can explore a number of other celebrity haunts, from chic Palm Springs to Santa Barbara, within easy reach of the city limits. California, and you can explore a number of other celebrity haunts, from chic Palm Springs to Santa Barbara, within easy reach of the city limits.
Our recommended tour: America’s Golden West & Las Vegas
2. Witnessing North America’s greatest natural wonders
If you can’t get enough of the great outdoors, rest assured that North America rarely disappoints with a number of truly memorable national parks spread across the USA and Canada. A particular highlight is scenic Utah with its exquisite red-rock formations, while Arizona’s world-famous Grand Canyon is also sure to impress. No western road trip would be complete, though, without a tour of the iconic granite peaks of Yosemite National Park. Whether you’re looking out for its dramatic waterfalls and towering alpine vistas or the diverse wildlife that resides in the park’s evergreen forests, Yosemite is a must-see for naturalists and casual tourists alike.
Our recommended tour: National Parks of the Great American West
3. Soaking up cowboy culture
Whether you’re a fan of the old Hollywood Westerns or keen to explore the home of cowboy culture, Texas is the perfect choice for a holiday with a difference. While exploring the Lone Star State, be sure to stop in San Antonio, the home of Tex-Mex cuisine, for a dining experience unlike any other or see Houston for its famous aerospace industry. For an authentic introduction to the state’s frontier-faring past, though, a stop in at cattle town Fort Worth is a must. Here, you can witness the old West traditions, which are still popular to this day, with mounted ‘cowboys’ herding Texas Longhorns through the city to its historic stockyards.
Our recommended tour: Texas, Presley’s Memphis & New Orleans
4. Following in the footsteps of America’s musical greats
It’s no secret that when it comes to show business, the USA is in a class of its own. From the Motown melodies of the Great Lakes to the rockabilly rhythms of the Deep South, some of the world’s favourite genres and stars have emerged from the United States. With that in mind, what better way to experience the Americana first hand than with a musical-themed tour, taking in the country’s most famous artistic hubs? Take in Memphis’ Graceland Mansion, once home to the late great Elvis Presley, visit RCA Studio B which saw some of the world’s highest-grossing singles recorded, and dance to the lively beats of Nashville’s famous honkytonks.
Our recommended tour: Deep South Rhythms, Key West & Bahamas Cruise
5. Travelling through the fall foliage
When it comes to holidays later in the year, few destinations are as memorable as North America in the autumn. Beset by its famous fall foliage, a sea of russet reds, purples, and oranges, there’s just something so comforting about New England in the autumn, and the region’s small coastal towns offer the perfect introduction to its fall traditions. Warm yourself with a hearty bowl of clam chowder in coastal Maine, experience Vermont in the throes of its Halloween festivities, and crown your journey an unforgettable trip to the ‘Big Apple’, New York City.
Our recommended tour: New England in the Fall
Live out your next American adventure with Newmarket Holidays
Ready to tick off your own travel wish-list? If you’ve been dreaming of a trip to the USA, we’ve got the ideal itinerary for you. Whether you’re ready to book, or simply want to discuss your options, give our friendly holiday planners a call today to get the ball rolling on your next escape. For more details on our US and Canada tours, check out our dedicated North America page, or browse our full range of worldwide destinations.
