Travel Alert : Middle East Conflict. Learn more
Win* a Big Fat Greek Holiday. Learn more.
10% Off* Travel Insurance! Limited time only. T&Cs apply
The United States of America (often shortened to the USA or the US) is one of the most diverse and exciting travel destinations in the world.
From the northeast’s historic landmarks to the west’s jaw-dropping natural wonders, there’s something for every type of traveller and this complete guide covers the best things to do in the USA, region by region.
Ask ten Americans and you’ll get ten different answers, but New York City consistently tops the list. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, legendary food scene and round-the-clock energy, it’s the ultimate introduction to the USA – and a destination that rewards repeat visits.
That said, the USA is enormous and depending on what you’re after or what you enjoy (or when you're going), cities like New Orleans, San Francisco and Miami all make a strong case for the top spot.
The USA has an extraordinary range of activities on offer; here’s what the country does better than almost anywhere else.
Road trips: From Route 66 to the Pacific Coast Highway, the open road is a quintessential American experience.
National parks: With 63 national parks covering everything from geysers to glaciers, the USA’s natural landscapes are unmatched.
Live sport: The NFL, NBA, MLB and NASCAR draw enormous crowds and make for an unforgettable day out.
Beach culture: From Malibu to Miami’s South Beach, the USA’s coastlines are as varied as they are stunning.
Music and festivals: The birthplace of jazz, blues, country and rock ‘n’ roll, the USA’s live music scene is legendary.
Theme parks: From Walt Disney World to Universal Studios, the USA invented the modern theme park experience.
City breaks: New York, Chicago, New Orleans and Las Vegas each offer a completely different flavour of urban adventure.
From the neon lights of Las Vegas and the streets of New Orleans to the geysers of Yellowstone and the beaches of Malibu, these are The One Things you simply must do when you visit the USA.
Like we said above, hitting the open road is a quintessential American experience. With miles of open road through stunning backdrops, it’s easy to see why so many travellers choose to explore this way. And there are multiple iconic road trip routes already mapped out – from Route 66 to the Pacific Coast Highway. Choose what you want to see across the states and there’s probably already a route ready to go!
Tipping in the USA is not optional; it’s an expected part of the culture and a significant portion of many workers’ income.
As a general rule, 15-20% is standard at restaurants, and tipping is also expected for bartenders, taxi and rideshare drivers, hotel housekeeping and tour guides.
It can feel like a lot as us Australians are not used to it, but going in prepared makes it much less daunting. A good rule of thumb: if someone has provided you with a service, a tip is expected. Budget for it accordingly and it’ll become second nature pretty quickly.
The northeast is the political and historical heartland of the country. Washington DC, the Declaration of Independence, and almost half of the USA’s national historic landmarks are all found here.
Many people begin their US adventure in New York, and it’s not hard to see why. With its world-famous skyline, extraordinary cultural institutions and relentless energy, there is almost too much to do. Top picks include:
Statue of Liberty: 19th-century statue gifted to New York from the people of France, sitting in New York Harbour and one of the most iconic things to do in the USA.
The Met: One of the greatest museums in the world and host to some of its most glamorous events, including the Met Gala.
Central Park: A 2.5-mile green strip through the heart of the city, offering a rare moment of calm in one of the world’s busiest places.
Empire State Building: No longer the world’s tallest building, but still a stunning part of the New York skyline with views to match.
And don’t leave without grabbing a slice of New York pizza or a proper bagel!
Washington DC – the capital of the USA and home to the White House – has been the seat of American power since 1800. Alongside the official residence of the president, the city is home to the US Capitol, the Supreme Court and the Washington Monument. Several Smithsonian museums, including the Air and Space Museum and the American History Museum, are free to enter and well worth a visit.
Mount Washington State Park is home to the highest peak in the northeastern USA and forms part of the legendary Appalachian Trail – a hiking route that stretches over 2,180 miles across 14 states, from Georgia all the way to Maine. If you love hiking and adventure, this is an essential stop.
Often called America’s Heartland, the Midwest is home to cities like Chicago, Minneapolis and Detroit, as well as landmarks including Mount Rushmore and the Mall of America – the largest shopping mall in the country.
Chicago – sometimes called the ‘Windy City’ – is renowned for its architecture, rich history and diverse culture. Must-sees include Cloud Gate (known as ‘the Bean’) in Millennium Park, the city’s iconic jazz and blues venues, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
For the best views of the city, take a river architecture tour. And before you leave, make sure you try a deep-dish pizza. Chicago is also the starting point of the world-famous Route 66, making it a natural launch pad for a classic American road trip.
Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes – alongside Lakes Superior, Huron, Erie and Ontario – which straddle the border between the US and Canada. Sometimes called America’s Third Coast, Lake Michigan is one of the few places in the landlocked Midwest where you can enjoy a proper beach.
Its shores border Chicago, Milwaukee and Grand Rapids, and the lake offers great fishing, sailing, surfing and camping.
The USA has a deep love of motorsport, and the Indianapolis 500 is one of the most prestigious racing events in the world – part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monaco Grand Prix.
Held annually over Memorial Day weekend at the end of May, it draws celebrities, drivers and hundreds of thousands of fans from around the world. For motorsport lovers, it’s one of the most thrilling things to do in the USA.
Spanning the Mountain and Pacific regions, the west is home to some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the country. It’s also a hub of technology and innovation – Silicon Valley, Seattle and Los Angeles all call this region home – as well as Hollywood, the heart of the global film industry.
Las Vegas needs little introduction. The world’s entertainment capital delivers casinos, shows, world-class restaurants and a skyline unlike anywhere else – including its own versions of the Eiffel Tower, Trevi Fountain and Statue of Liberty (replicas, but impressive ones).
Vegas is also a serious food destination, with some of the world’s best chefs operating restaurants on and around the Strip. As they say, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
California’s coastline is extraordinary, with iconic beaches stretching the length of the state, from Venice Beach and Santa Monica in LA to La Jolla Cove in San Diego. But Malibu remains the standout: famous for its natural beauty, surf culture and celebrity residents, it’s appeared in more films than most actors.
And while you’re in California, a drive through Hollywood and Beverly Hills is one of those classic things to do in the USA that never gets old.
The west is home to some of the greatest national parks on Earth; the Rocky Mountains, the Grand Canyon and the Garden of the Gods among them. But Yellowstone is in a category of its own.
Sitting atop one of the world’s largest active volcanic systems, it contains over 10,000 geothermal features including the famous Old Faithful geyser. Established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, it’s home to bison, elk, grizzly bears, wolves and moose, and offers world-class hiking, fishing, camping and photography. It’s one of the most unique things to do in the USA and shouldn’t be missed.
The southern states are the cultural soul of the United States, known for their warmth, hospitality and extraordinary food. Country music, jazz and blues were all born here, and the region’s live music scene remains among the best in the world.
New Orleans is unlike anywhere else in the USA. Founded in 1718 – making it older than the country itself – the city’s architecture, cuisine and music reflect centuries of French, Spanish, African and Caribbean influence.
Widely regarded as the birthplace of jazz, its music scene is legendary. New Orleans also has a rich spiritual and supernatural culture, from voodoo traditions to haunted cemeteries, and ghost tours offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s spooky side. It’s one of the most culturally rich things to do in the USA’s south.
Florida has more coastline than almost any other state, and South Beach in Miami is its most iconic stretch. Famous for its white sand, pastel art deco architecture, vibrant nightlife and Cuban food scene, Miami is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the USA and well worth exploring beyond the beach.
The south is home to remarkable natural landscapes, including the Florida Everglades – one of the largest tropical wetlands in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But the most visited national park in the entire USA is the Great Smoky Mountains.
One of the most biodiverse regions in North America, it’s home to an extraordinary range of plants and animals, as well as scenic drives, hiking trails and stunning views of ancient forests and waterfalls, making it one of the best outdoor things to do in the USA.
Beyond the national parks and city breaks, the USA has a wonderfully weird side. Here are some of the most unique things to do in the USA that you won't find anywhere else:
Ten Cadillacs buried nose-first in a Texas field, covered in layers of spray paint by visitors over decades. It sounds strange (and it is!) but it’s become one of the most visited roadside attractions in the country and a rite of passage for Route 66 road trippers.
Located in the redwood forests near Santa Cruz, the Mystery Spot is a gravitational anomaly where the laws of physics appear to stop working. Balls roll uphill, people stand at impossible angles and compasses spin. Whether you believe the explanations or not, it’s a genuinely baffling experience.
Stonehenge, but made entirely from vintage American cars. Built in 1987 as a tribute to the artist’s father, Carhenge sits in the middle of the Nebraska plains and draws thousands of visitors every year. It’s odd, it’s charming and it’s quintessentially American.
Every August, a temporary city of around 80,000 people rises from the Black Rock Desert in Nevada for one of the most extraordinary events on Earth. Equal parts art festival, music event and social experiment, Burning Man is unlike anything else, and nothing quite prepares you for it.
Home to over 20,000 banana-related artefacts, the International Banana Museum near the Salton Sea is exactly as gloriously absurd as it sounds. Admission is $1, but a banana gets you in free.
Public transport varies enormously across the USA. Some major cities are well set up – New York’s subway system is extensive – but others, like Los Angeles, have limited infrastructure despite their size. For long distances, hiring a car is often your best option. Check what’s available in the areas you’re visiting before you go.
In the United States, the right to keep and bear arms is protected by law, though regulations vary significantly by state. Places like New York and California have stricter gun laws, while other states are more permissive. If this is a concern, research the laws in the specific states you plan to visit and stay aware of your surroundings as you would in any unfamiliar destination.
Australia is part of the USA’s Visa Waiver Program, which means most Australians can visit the USA for up to 90 days without a formal visa.
But you will need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) before you travel. It’s a straightforward online application but must be completed before you board.
Read more about USA visa requirements for Australians here.
Make sure you get 1Cover Travel Insurance before you jet off. It’s the One Thing you need when One Thing goes wrong.
Find out more insider tips about other destinations: read our entire 'One Thing' series here.
New Zealand is the ultimate adventure playground, but here are our expert tips.
With our guide, you'll know exactly how to act like a local.
Make the most of your UK trip, with our insider knowledge.
Everything you need to know to stay safe and make the most of your trip to the UK.
NZ
AU