Many Americans might desperately want a holiday. Because of restrictions abroad, however, a European vacation might not be an option. At least, it might not be something that you’d feel comfortable with just yet. Having a staycation instead could be your best option.
Traveling to a different state – or simply another part of your state – for a holiday has been an American tradition for quite some time. After all, it could be argued that the United States invented the cross-country road trip.
While there might be a few obvious staycations to think of, not all of them are. Many people might also want to avoid some of these. What are the best places in America for a staycation? While there’s a wealth of options, a few stand out more than others.
The Best Places For An American Staycation
San Francisco
Set on a peninsula in Northern California, San Francisco is famous for quite a few things. Its natural and man-made sites, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, are some of the more obvious. There are quite a few for you to see, however. You could try the historic cable cars, for instance.
These will give you a unique way of seeing many of the main tourist attractions across the city. It’s also a relatively easy way to get around the home. Walking around could also be an option, as the ethnic neighborhoods and Victorian homes offer some breathtaking views and sites.
Chinatown is well worth a visit, thanks to its colorful markets and shops.
What if you fancy nature parks? A few hours from the city itself is Lake Tahoe, and while it defeats the purpose of staycation but at least having options ain’t that bad, right? You might’ve heard of it but this website should give you some good argument to at least consider it.”
Denver
Colorado is full of historic cities and sites. Few of these stand out as much as Denver. Part of this is because of the stunning mountain scenery that you can take in. Coupled with that are the multiple things to do in Denver.
While some of these will be related to nature, such as the multiple outdoor activities, many are much more urban. There’s quite an active nightlife, which will be a great option for many night owls. The Denver Beer Trail forms part of this, so you can explore many local breweries.
If you’re looking for a more cultured holiday, there’s also the Kirkwood Museum of Fine and Decorative Art, the Golden Triangle Creative District, and more options on offer. You should have something to keep you occupied for the entire holiday.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park has been a historic place to visit for quite some time. It’s the first national park primarily to be dedicated to looking after thermal areas, such as geysers and hot springs. That gives it quite an unreal feeling when you’re there, as it’s unlike anywhere else that you could visit.
The wildlife that populates this area adds to the rugged appeal of the park. Should you visit Yellowstone National Park, you should spend some time at the Old Faithful Geyser. As the name would suggest, the geyser goes off in a predictable fashion. In this case, every 91 minutes.
Make sure to pack some swimwear while you’re there.
Chicago
Located on Lake Michigan, Chicago has been known as the ‘Windy City’ for quite some time. Don’t let the moniker fool you, however; there are quite a few reasons to visit. The iconic Sears Tower, the futuristic Millennium Park, and the Navy Pier are all recommended places to visit.
If you’re a fan of music, then you wouldn’t be let down with Chicago. House, jazz, and blues, alongside multiple other genres, are known to be played across the city. You can take in a new style every night without running out of anything new to see.
Then there are the historic sites, such as Old St. Patrick’s Church. This is one of the few larger buildings to survive the Great Fire of 1871. If you’re a history buff, then this could be worth visiting, alongside some of the more prominent buildings in Chicago.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles has been well-known around the world for decades. That’s primarily driven by Hollywood and the countless celebrities who populate the city. Outside of being the ‘entertainment capital of the world,’ L.A. has multiple other things to offer.
Venice Beach could be an option if you want something a little more laid-back and bohemian. There are quite a few street performers across the area, giving you quite a few entertainment options. Santa Monica is another recommended option, as it includes aquariums and an old pier to relax on.
If you’ve got a family, then Los Angeles is an option, as it’s the location of the world’s first Disneyland. That should make the city quite an attractive option for many people.
Washington, D.C.
Every American should visit the capital at some point or another. The center of the country’s democracy, there’s a wealth of history to take in here. You’ll naturally think of some of the more notable landmarks, such as the Washington Monument, Capitol Building, and the Lincoln Memorial.
And that’s without even mentioning the White House itself. Then there are several of the other monuments to take in, including the Vietnam War Memorial. Many of these are located on or near the National Mall, making them well within walking distance of each other.
Coupled with these are the many museums, zoos, and other amenities for you to take in.
Getting Ready For Your Staycation
If you’re planning a staycation, it’s best to be prepared. As stress-free as the holiday itself will be, the preparation mightn’t be. You’ll have to worry about plane tickets, hotels, getting to and from the airport, and much more. And that’s without even considering what goes into a road trip.
Doing all of this as early as possible is recommended. Knowing where you’ll be staying, what you can do, and much more will help ensure that everything goes smoothly. Alternatively, you can take things as you go. Make sure to keep what activities you can enjoy in the back of your mind, however.
Booking things early should also mean that costs will be relatively low. That could add up to a significant amount of savings.
