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    DK USA
    DK USA
    DK USA
    Ebook1,740 pages13 hours

    DK USA

    By DK Travel

    3.5/5

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    About this ebook

    Get closer to the USA with DK Eyewitness

    Seeing the sights of New York City. Taking a road trip along Route 66. Epic adventures in the Grand Canyon. The USA offers enough bucket list experiences to fill a lifetime. Whatever your dream trip involves, this DK Eyewitness travel guide is the perfect companion.

    Our updated guide brings the USA to life, transporting you there as no other travel guide does with expert-led insights, trusted travel advice, detailed breakdowns of all the must-see sights, photographs on practically every page, and our hand-drawn illustrations, which take you inside the country's buildings and neighborhoods.

    You'll discover:
    • Our pick of the USA's must-sees and top experiences
    • Beautiful photography and detailed illustrations, taking you to the heart of the USA
    • The best spots to eat, drink, shop and stay
    • Detailed maps and walks that make navigating the country easy
    • Easy-to-follow itineraries
    • Expert advice: get ready, get around and stay safe
    • Color-coded chapters to each part of the USA
    • A lightweight format, so you can take it with you wherever you go

    Sticking to one state? Look out for our DK Eyewitness guides to Alaska, California, Hawaii, Florida, and many more.

    DK is the world's leading illustrated reference publisher, producing beautifully designed books for adults and children in over 120 countries.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherDK Travel
    Release dateJul 23, 2024
    ISBN9780593957219
    DK USA

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      Book preview

      DK USA - DK Travel

      DK

      USA

      Inspire / plan / Discover / experience

      Contents

      g Contents

      DISCOVER

      alt image

      t Yosemite National Park, California

      g Discover USA g Contents

      Welcome to

      THE USA

      alt image

      t Bustling 42nd Street, New York City.

      Dramatic and diverse, the star-spangled country that is the USA offers everything in excess. From the bright lights of its cities and quaint charisma of its rural towns, to the natural majesty of its national parks, this is a country of contrasts. Whatever your American Dream entails, this DK Eyewitness travel guide is the perfect companion.

      alt imagealt imagealt image

      Wherever you’re heading, the past awaits you. Cultures of Indigenous peoples permeate the USA, particularly in the Southwest where Indigenous heritage and spirituality is palpable. Follow in the footsteps of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and discover New England for yourself, or pay homage to those who fought for Civil Rights in the Southeast and Deep South. Adventure calls, whatever the sea-son; hike around the beguiling Grand Canyon in spring, kayak around the arcadian Florida Keys in summer, or watch the mystical Northern Lights dance across the skies of Alaska in winter.

      Craving the bustle of a city? You’re spoiled for choice. New York City has long been the busiest city in America and is a great travel starting point thanks to its plethora of superlative restaurants, world-class museums, and iconic landmarks. There’s much more waiting beyond the Big Apple. Perhaps you’re after the political pull of Washington, DC, or the architectural wonders of Chicago. Irresistible food and music continue to reign in New Orleans, while San Francisco is bursting with creativity and the arts. Then there’s Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia – the list goes on.

      With so many different regions and experiences on offer, the USA can seem overwhelming. We’ve broken the country down into easily navigable chapters, with detailed itineraries, expert local knowledge, and colorful, comprehensive maps to help plan the perfect adventure. However long you plan to stay, this DK Eyewitness travel guide will ensure that you see the very best that USA has to offer. Enjoy the book, and enjoy the USA.

      1 The snowy peak of Mount Rainier, Washington.

      2 Bayou Classic Parade, New Orleans.

      3 San Francisco’s historic working cable cars.

      g Discover USA g Contents

      Reasons to love

      THE USA

      Its scenery is spectacular. Its cities pulse with energy. It’s a diverse fusion of cultures. Ask any American, and you’ll hear a different reason why they love their country. Here we pick some of our favorites.

      1 Fourth of July

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      t Wherever you are, the US celebrates its Declaration of Independence with passion. Expect star-spangled parades, fireworks, and parties, particularly in the major cities.

      DISCOVER Reasons to Love the USA

      2 New York City

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      t The jewel in America’s crown, New York City is chock-full of icons, from Times Square and the Statue of Liberty to pastrami on rye and Carrie Bradshaw’s stoop.

      DISCOVER Reasons to Love the USA

      3 Heritage of Indigenous Peoples

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      t Villages carved out of giant mesas, enigmatic petroglyphs, and lovely crafts: Indigenous history dates back thousands of years, all the way through to the present day.

      DISCOVER Reasons to Love the USA

      4 Fall in New England

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      t Come October, great forests of sugar maple, beech, yellow birch, and hemlock blaze with color from the Green Mountains of Vermont to the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

      DISCOVER Reasons to Love the USA

      5 Hiking in National Parks

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      t America’s national parks encompass everything from reserves of pristine wilderness and lofty volcanoes to wetlands hosting native animals. They’re all calling out to be explored.

      DISCOVER Reasons to Love the USA

      6 Southern Soul Food

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      t Shrimp and grits that melt in your mouth; fried chicken; collared greens and mac and cheese: soul food emerged in the Deep South and it remains one of the region’s biggest pulls.

      DISCOVER Reasons to Love the USA

      7 Mardi Gras

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      t Colorful and decadent, Mardi Gras in New Orleans is unlike anything else. Celebrations include raucous parades with float riders tossing strings of beads into the crowds.

      DISCOVER Reasons to Love the USA

      8 American Sports

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      t Grab a hot dog and join baseball fans in summer. Cheer a touchdown at a gripping NFL game. Admire the action at a hockey match, or try to keep up with players at a basketball game.

      DISCOVER Reasons to Love the USA

      9 The Pacific Coast

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      t America’s epic Pacific Coast begins in the redwood forests of the Northwest and ends at the vast southern deserts of California, passing misty cliffs and untouched beaches.

      DISCOVER Reasons to Love the USA

      10 American Road Trips

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      t Road trips are a huge part of the American psyche. Driving coast to coast is a classic rite of passage, a route that takes in snowy peaks, broiling deserts, wide rivers, and roadside diners.

      DISCOVER Reasons to Love the USA

      11 Hollywood and the Silver Screen

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      t Film studios and movie-themed attractions are a big part of Hollywood’s appeal, but you’ll recognize movie sets all over America – from the Empire State Building to Monument Valley.

      DISCOVER Reasons to Love the USA

      12 Musical Legends

      alt image

      t The blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, country, hip-hop – the US has produced it all. Sample hip-hop in Atlanta, electronic dance music (EDM) in Miami, techno and soul in Detroit, and country in Nashville.

      g Discover USA g Contents

      Explore

      THE USA

      The US is a vast nation of over 330 million people, and few countries have such a variety of landscapes. From the snowcapped Rockies and deserts of the Southwest, to the beaches of Florida and the endless prairies of Texas, each region has its own unique personality.

      n This guide divides the USA into 15 color-coded sightseeing areas, as shown on the maps here. Find out more about each area on the following pages.

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      New York City and the Mid-Atlantic

      New York City is the nation’s cultural capital. It’s a city that’s constantly reinventing itself, where pizza slices compete with celebrity chefs; contemporary art meets mesmerizing graffiti; and the streets hum with honking horns and hip-hop. Upstate New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania form the Mid-Atlantic, an area rich in natural wonders, from the scenic byways of the Hudson River Valley and thundering Niagara Falls, to the tranquil trails of the Catskills and Adirondacks. There are great cities here too, including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

      Best for Iconic cities, skyscrapers, food, art and culture, outdoor adventures

      Home to New York City, Philadelphia, Niagara Falls

      Experience A scenic cruise around New York Harbor

      Go To: New York City and the Mid-Atlantic i

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      alt image

      t A beach in the Hamptons, New York State

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      NEW ENGLAND

      America’s most historic region, New England is studded with charming clapboard houses, Revolutionary War sites, and handsome white-spired churches. There are festivals in the Berkshires, LGBTQ+ parties in Provincetown, and a plethora of hiking, rock-climbing, and sailing opportunities year-round. As for the fall foliage, it’s truly magnificent, with swaths of bright red and gold glowing in the forest canopy. All of New England’s tree-lined roads lead to Boston, a city loved for its rich heritage, successful sports teams, and illustrious universities.

      Best for Colonial history, seafood, beaches, fall foliage

      Home to Boston, Salem, Acadia National Park

      Experience The Red Sox playing at Boston’s Fenway Park

      Go To: New England i

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      alt image

      t A misty valley in rural Vermont

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      WASHINGTON, DC AND THE CAPITAL REGION

      Capital of the nation, Washington, DC is crammed with world-class museums and grand monuments. The state of Virginia is rich in Colonial history and natural beauty, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the quiet backwaters of the Chesapeake. Gritty Baltimore has a lively waterfront, while Delaware features beaches and opulent country mansions. Rugged West Virginia is all about the Allegheny Mountains, white-water rivers, and wild forests.

      Best for National monuments, museums, Colonial and Civil War history

      Home to The White House, Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown

      Experience The Blue Ridge Parkway’s 469 miles (755 km) of snaking roads and awe-inspiring views

      Go To: Washington, Dc and the Capital Region i

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      alt image

      t The United States Capitol at dawn

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      THE SOUTHEAST

      America’s Southeast has transformed in the past 100 or so years. North and South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky now feature lively college towns, a growing number of stylish museums, Civil Rights monuments, and contemporary restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs. Its singular attractions remain, however; unspoiled Outer Banks beaches, charismatic churches, BBQ dinners, country music, and lively, musically rich cities such as Atlanta, Lexington, Nashville, and Memphis, the home of the blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and Elvis.

      Best for Southern food and BBQ, history, music

      Home to Charleston, Atlanta, Memphis

      Experience A country music show at the Grand Ole Opry, or a live blues show in Memphis

      Go To: The Southeast i

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      alt image

      t The midtown skyline of Atlanta, Georgia

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      FLORIDA

      The aptly named Sunshine State is incredibly dynamic and diverse. The northern half of Florida features old-fashioned Southern charm, plus Daytona, Disney, and surfing to boot. The south, meanwhile, is home to ultra-hip cities such as Miami and Palm Beach, and a vibrant Latin American culture. The watery grasslands of the Everglades, as well as the quirky, Caribbean-like communities on the Keys, feel like different countries altogether. Wherever you go, expect orange groves, grazing manatees, irresistible Key lime pie, conch fritters, and miles and miles of gorgeous, sugary sands.

      Best for Beaches, Latin American and Cuban culture, theme parks

      Home to Miami, Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort™

      Experience A simulated launch into orbit at the Kennedy Space Center

      Go To: Florida i

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      alt image

      t Sunrise in Downtown Miami

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      THE DEEP SOUTH

      The states of the Deep South – with their vast plantations draped in oak trees, soul food traditions, and a brutal history of slavery – offer a very different perspective on American life. Music lovers flock to the Mississippi Delta to listen to the blues, while history buffs head for the thought-provoking Civil Rights memorials dotting Alabama. Louisiana serves up Cajun culture, and New Orleans, one of the nation’s most beautiful and fiercely idiosyncratic cities, seduces with its jambalaya, jazz, and indulgent culture of drinking, dancing, and general merrymaking.

      Best for Southern food, music, Civil Rights and African American history

      Home to New Orleans, Alabama, Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

      Experience A hedonistic night out on Bourbon Street, New Orleans

      Go To: The Deep South i

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      alt image

      t A swamp in Mississippi

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      THE GREAT LAKES

      The states of the Midwest hug the shores of the five Great Lakes, providing countless opportunities for boating, fishing, and sunbathing in summer. Outdoor adventures also dominate in lake- and forest-filled Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, though all three states further attract foodies thanks to their farmers’ markets, cheeses, and microbrews. Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana feature vibrant cities, with Chicago in particular home to iconic artwork, live blues, giant skyscrapers, and those irresistible thick-crust pizzas. And don’t forget Detroit, a city on the rise after decades of decline.

      Best for Architecture and skyscrapers, outdoor adventure, microbrews

      Home to Chicago, Detroit, Cincinnati

      Experience Craft beer trails in the likes of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and Grand Rapids

      Go To: The Great Lakes i

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      alt image

      t Lake Michigan icing over along Chicago’s shoreline

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      THE GREAT PLAINS

      The heartland of the country is dominated by the Great Plains, home to iconic sights including Mount Rushmore, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and the Wild West town of Dodge City. Though often overlooked as the flat flyover states of conservative Middle America, the landscape here is utterly stunning and road-trippers in particular will enjoy the scenery while motoring along Route 66. After passing through its rolling hills and vast grasslands, the likes of Omaha, Tulsa, and St. Louis come into view, home to dynamic art and culinary scenes.

      Best for Road trips, Indigenous cultures, classic American food

      Home to Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, St. Louis

      Experience Route 66 as it sweeps through Midwest Americana

      Go To: The Great Plains i

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      alt image

      t Carhenge in Alliance, Nebraska

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      TEXAS

      Texas really is big – bigger than most European countries. It promises legendary BBQ restaurants and plenty of Stetson-wearing cowboys – and cowgirls. Though the state is peppered with small towns, rolling plains, cattle ranches, and lesser-known sights such as Big Bend National Park, it’s the cities that attract most visitors. San Antonio brims with Mexican culture, while Austin is a liberal enclave loved for its live music. Dallas and Houston are sprawling, intensely modern cities, home to great art, restaurants, and America’s fascinating space program.

      Best for BBQ, live music, cowboy culture

      Home to Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Houston

      Experience White-water rafting in Big Bend National Park

      Go To: Texas i

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      alt image

      t Fort Davis Drug Store, Texas

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      THE SOUTHWEST

      The cultures of the Hopi, Navajo, and Apache peoples, among others, is especially prevalent in the Southwest, and the desert landscapes are home to some of the most mesmerizing scenery on the planet. Here lies the utterly mind-bending chasm of the Grand Canyon, the stunning Zion and Arches National Parks, and the gargantuan fingers of rock at Monument Valley. And who can forget the region’s ancient Puebloan ruins, its clutch of charming Spanish cities, and the neon behemoth Las Vegas, where hedonism reigns.

      Best for Indigenous cultures, desert landscapes and canyons, national parks

      Home to Las Vegas, Grand Canyon

      Experience Hike to the bottom of the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon

      Go To: The Southwest i

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      alt image

      t Spectacular Monument Valley, Arizona

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      THE ROCKIES

      Stretching from the Canadian border to the deserts of southern Colorado, America’s rugged spine encompasses geyser basins, lava flows, arid valleys, magnificent snowcapped peaks, and huge sand dunes. Remote mountain ranges lace Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, not forgetting the utterly magical Yellowstone National Park. Thrill-seekers come to America’s playground for white-water rafting and hiking, while those looking for a more relaxed experience can indulge in some of the country’s best microbreweries and a burgeoning arts scene in Denver.

      Best for The great outdoors, craft beer

      Home to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Denver

      Experience A thrilling jet-boat ride in Hell’s Canyon National Recreation Area

      Go To: The Rockies i

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      alt image

      t Reflections of Sawtooth Range, Idaho

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

      Oregon and Washington states are anchored by two enticing cities – pop-culture icon Seattle, star of the silver screen and home to coffee chain Starbucks, and increasingly hip Portland, a leader in farm-to-table produce, organic wineries, and superb microbreweries. The real appeal of the Pacific Northwest, however, lies outdoors. Every way you turn you’ll find pristine wilderness, glacier-fed lakes, forests of giant Douglas firs, and snow-topped mountains. Hike, bike, kayak, or climb in the likes of Columbia River Gorge, Crater Lake, Olympic National Park, or the lava-scraped landscapes of Mount St. Helens.

      Best for Coffee and craft beer, organic dining, cool cities

      Home to Seattle, San Juan Islands, Mount Rainier National Park

      Experience Modern masterpieces at Seattle Art Museum

      Go To: The Pacific Northwest i

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      alt image

      t Astoria-Megler Bridge disappearing in the fog, Oregon

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      CALIFORNIA

      The Golden State packs a real punch. California’s coast is synonymous with surf and beach culture, while Los Angeles is the home of Hollywood, Disneyland, and Beverly Hills. To the south, San Diego has broad beaches and numerous museums, while the Victorian houses and steep hills of San Francisco make this one of the world’s most distinctive cities. Inland things change dramatically, from the deserts of Death Valley and the craggy peaks of Yosemite, to the ghost towns of the Gold Country and the redwood forests of the north. Whatever you’re after, you’ll find it in California.

      Best for Beaches and surfing, food and wine, national parks

      Home to Los Angeles, San Diego, Death Valley National Park, San Francisco

      Experience The local grape on a Napa Valley wine tour

      Go To: California i

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      alt image

      t A skate park in Venice Beach, Los Angeles

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      ALASKA

      Far to the north is Alaska, a truly vast wonderland of great mountains, glaciers, and untouched wilderness. The charmingly remote islands and rugged coastline to the south can be reached only by air or sea, making for delightfully remote getaways. Visitors arrive here to take to the waters and explore its historic ports, ice sheets, and wonderful whale-rich bays. From Anchorage it’s possible to travel to captivating Denali National Park by road, and even reach the Arctic Circle on the Dalton Highway. It’s here where you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

      Best for Wilderness adventures, mountains and glaciers, unique wildlife

      Home to Anchorage, Denali National Park, Fairbanks

      Experience The truly breathtaking Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, in the skies above Fairbanks

      Go To: Alaska i

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      alt image

      t Kayaking out of an ice cave in Valdez

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      HAWAII

      Vibrant and verdant, Hawaii is America’s holiday paradise, a chain of tropical islands cast in the central Pacific and famed for legendary surf breaks, Polynesian culture, and (very) active volcanoes. Most sun-seekers arrive by air in Honolulu on the island of O‘ahu, the state capital, home to iconic WaikĪkĪ Beach and Pearl Harbor. Small, lush Moloka‘i and volcano-smothered Hawai’i itself – the biggest island – are more rustic destinations. Kaua‘i arguably has the most spectacular scenery while Maui – still recovering from the devastating 2023 fires – offers lively resorts.

      Best for Beaches and surfing, Polynesian culture, rest and relaxation

      Home to Pearl Harbor, WaikĪkĪ Beach, Honolulu

      Experience O‘ahu’s North Shore from a surfboard

      Go To: Hawaii i

      GETTING TO KNOW THE USA

      alt image

      t Lush Waimea Canyon, on the island of Kaua’i

      g Contents

      DISCOVER USA ITINERARY

      alt image

      t Western Plains, Oklahoma.

      g Discover USA Itinerary g Contents

      Discover USA Itinerary

      2 weeks

      Coast to Coast

      This two-week road trip gives a taster of the USA’s most iconic cities and landscapes, from the East to the West Coast. Starting in New York State and ending in Los Angeles, it passes along sections of the historic Route 66.

      Discover USA Itinerary

      alt image

      t Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate.

      g Discover USA g Contents

      USA FOR

      SPORTS FANS

      The USA is one of the world’s great sporting nations, with American football, baseball, basketball, and ice hockey ruling the domestic sports scene. The country also hosts some of the world’s biggest golf tournaments, horse and motor races, and tennis championships.

      alt image

      t The Boston Bruins playing at TD Garden, Boston

      Pass the Puck

      The National Hockey League (NHL) season is October to May and games are notoriously boisterous, extremely fast, and often bruising – fights can break out among players. Teams compete for the venerable Stanley Cup. You can watch the likes of the Boston Bruins play at TD Garden (www.tdgarden.com) and the New York Rangers play at Madison Square Garden (www.msg.com).

      Touchdown!

      American football is the USA’s No. 1 sport, and the February Super Bowl is the event to watch. New England Patriots, based in Boston, are one of the most successful teams, but there are plenty of others. Visit Hard Rock Stadium (see Miami Sports), home to the Miami Dolphins, or go to a sports bar to enjoy a game.

      Cheer a Home Run

      Cheering for the local baseball team, with a hot dog and cold beer, is a summer tradition. Iconic stadiums include Boston’s Fenway Park, Chicago's Wrigley Field, San Francisco’s Oracle Park, and Yankee Stadium (see The Bronx) in the Bronx, New York City. Baseball-related museums include the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri , and the Louisville Slugger Museum in Kentucky, which celebrates the baseball bat.

      It's a Slam Dunk

      The National Basketball Association (NBA) season runs October through June, and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) starts in May and ends in September. Catch a game at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York or the Crypto.com Arena in LA. The Basketball Hall of Fame is in Springfield, Massachusetts.

      SPORTING EVENTS

      Nothing beats the thrill of a live sporting event. The Masters takes place in April in Augusta, Georgia, the first major golf tournament of the year. The Kentucky Derby is a prestigious horse race that takes place in Louisville in May. Also in May is the Indy 500. This is the world’s oldest major motor racing event, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indiana. In Queens, New York City, the US Open Tennis is held around August and September, while the iconic New York Marathon, in November, is the world’s largest, with 50,000 finishers.

      DISCOVER USA Your Way

      Top5Things-icon

      SPORTS LEGENDS

      Babe Ruth (1895–1948)

      The greatest baseball player joined the Yankees from rivals the Boston Red Sox in 1919.

      Jesse Owens (1913–1980)

      African American track and field athlete who won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games.

      Billie-Jean King (1943–)

      Winner of 39 Grand Slam titles and an advocate for gender equality.

      Michael Jordan (1963–)

      A basketball star in the 1980s and ‘90s, winning six championships.

      g Discover USA g Contents

      USA FOR

      Road Trips

      Road trips have been an indelible part of American culture since Henry Ford rolled off his first Model-T in 1908. Traveling across North America on wheels has been immortalized in books like Jack Kerouac’s On the Road and movies such as Thelma & Louise. Where will the road take you?

      alt image

      t Driving along scenic Route 66, replete with nostalgic signage

      The Mother Road

      Few road trips have captured popular imagination like Route 66. Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, it passes through eight states but – perhaps more potently – it transports roadtrippers back in time, thanks to the kitsch motels and faded road signs that punctuate the route.

      Beautiful Blue Ridge

      The serpentine Blue Ridge Parkway crests the Appalachian Mountains for hundreds of miles through Virginia and North Carolina. In the fall the slopes erupt in a blaze of gold, copper-colored, and ruby-red leaves, while the scent of barbecued pork wafts up from wooden roadside shacks. The route meanders past rugged mountains and through pastoral landscapes for some 469 miles (755 km), the southern end anchored by Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

      Fabulous Florida

      US-1 connects Key West to the Florida mainland, a tantalizing highway that seems to run straight toward the middle of the open sea. Long bridges glide over the enticing lagoons of the Florida Keys, an island chain that juts into tropical waters just north of Cuba. Along the way you can visit the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary for injured birds, sunbathe at Bahia Honda State Park, and spot deer on Big Pine Key.

      Arresting Alaska

      The vast, untouched wilderness of Alaska is prime road-trip country, with long, winding roads slicing through forests and skirting snowy peaks. The Alaska Highway itself lies mainly in Canada, but scenic Alaska Route 1 runs from Homer, through the Chugach National Forest, all the way to Tok, southeast of Fairbanks. It passes through Anchorage and snakes up the gorgeous Matanuska River valley.

      California's Captivating Coast

      In California, Hwy-1 – aka the Pacific Coast Highway – makes a superb drive between Los Angeles and San Francisco, with the sublime, canyon-cut landscape of the Big Sur coast as its undisputed highlight. Here the road twists and turns through dense pine forest, high above isolated beaches speckled with lounging seals and sea lions.

      DISCOVER USA Your Way

      Top5Things-icon

      ONE DAY-DRIVES

      Going-to-the-Sun Road

      This 50-mile (80-km) route offers mesmerizing views as it cuts through Glacier National Park.

      Northern Pueblos Tour

      This 45-mile (70-km) route snakes between Santa Fe and Taos, and also passes eight Indigenous pueblos.

      Crater Lake Rim Drive

      Dazzling ride around the entire rim of Crater Lake in Oregon, some 33 miles (53 km).

      g Discover USA g Contents

      USA FOR

      National Parks

      From the jaw-dropping vistas of the Grand Canyon to the wetlands of Florida’s Everglades, America’s 63 national parks abound in captivating scenery. The immensity and diversity of the country’s wide-open spaces are truly staggering – and they're waiting for you to explore.

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      t Hiking through Grand Canyon National Park

      Incredible Canyons

      The mother of all canyons is within Grand Canyon National Park, measuring a mind-bending one mile (1.6 km) deep and 277 miles (446 km) long. Farther along the Colorado River, Canyonlands harbors smaller, but impressive, canyons. Utah also contains Bryce Canyon and Zion Canyon, while lovely Santa Elena Canyon lies in Big Bend National Park.

      Just Deserts

      The deserts of the Southwest are rich in myth, Indigenous cultures, and scenic land-scapes. Death Valley is a vast basin of sun- blasted rocks, saltpans, and furnace-like temperatures, while giant cacti star in Joshua Tree National Park and Arizona’s Saguaro (see Saguaro National Park), part of the Sonoran Desert. Vast mountains of golden sand are piled within Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado.

      Tectonic Terrain

      The godfather of mountain parks is Yosemite, studded with granite monoliths and plunging waterfalls. Grand Teton is laced with jagged, snowcapped peaks, while Trail Ridge Road traverses Rocky Mountain National Park. Alaska’s Denali National Park has the nation’s highest peak, at 20,310 ft (6,190 m). Out in the Pacific, Haleakalā National Park contains the giant East Maui Volcano, while lava and craters dominate Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Yellowstone is a huge volcanic caldera, littered with geysers and bubbling pools of mud and sulfur.

      Forests and Wetlands

      The leafy giants of Redwood National Park tower above California like skyscrapers, with trunks wider than buses. Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks have their own super-size sequoia groves. In the east, the Everglades of Florida contain forests of a different kind: tropical wetlands of hardwood hammocks, pines and cypress, sawgrass prairies, and mangroves.

      Captivating Caverns

      New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a vast underground wonderland of chalky white calcite columns and spiky stalactites. Its Big Room limestone cave is an astounding 4,000 ft (1,219 m) long and 255 ft (78 m) high. Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave is the longest known cave system in the world, a limestone labyrinth draped with flowstones melting into the cave walls.

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      ALTERNATIVE NATIONAL PARKS

      North Cascades, Washington

      Backpack among alpine lakes at this park.

      Shenandoah, Virginia

      The waterfalls here are similar to the Great Smoky Mountains (see Blue Ridge Parkway).

      Saguaro, Arizona

      Visit its cactus forests over Joshua Tree.

      Lassen, California

      The geothermal activity here rivals that at Yellowstone.

      Capitol Reef, Utah

      The canyons here are reminiscent of Zion.

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      USA FOR

      Music Lovers

      America has created some of the world’s greatest musical genres, and they live on today. New Orleans for jazz; Nashville for country; Memphis for the blues and rock ’n’ roll; Detroit for soul and techno; and New York City for everything else. Where will you tune in?

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      t Rapper Nas performing in New York City

      From Soul to Hip-Hop

      In the 1960s, artists like Otis Redding preceded the explosion of talent that defined the Motown era of soul music. Learn more at Detroit’s Motown Historical Museum and Memphis’ s Stax Museum (www.staxmuseum.com). Then, in the 1970s, rap and hip-hop emerged on the streets of the Bronx and spread across New York City and on to LA. Today, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, and Miami have cool hip-hop scenes.

      I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll

      Rock ‘n’ roll surfaced in the early 1950s, when the likes of Elvis Presley blended blues, gospel, and country. Memphis is home to Graceland, the lavish Presley home, the Memphis Rock-N-Soul Museum, and historic Sun Studio. Read up at Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture (www.mopop.org).

      Take Me Home, Country Roads

      Nashville, Tennessee, is the capital of country music. Its Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame serve as central pilgrimage points, while the Johnny Cash Museum (www.johnnycashmuseum.com) honors the life of the country superstar. Eastern Kentucky is also rich in country customs; Hwy-23 is known as the Country Music Highway. The state is home to a style of country music called bluegrass.

      All That Jazz

      Jazz emerged in New Orleans in the early 1900s. Blending African traditions with western techniques, it’s a distinctly American art form. Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Billie Holiday remain household names. Jazz is still flourishing in New Orleans today (see New Orleans Jazz), though scenes also exist in New York City and Chicago. The New Orleans Jazz Museum offers a great introduction.

      Singing the Blues

      The blues grew out of the African American experiences of slavery and poverty in the Mississippi Delta, with traditional African and gospel music merging in the late 19th century. By the 1930s the blues followed the Mississippi to Memphis, and on to other cities. Beale Street, Memphis, is still a live blues hub today. You can also visit the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale and Buddy Guy’s Legends.

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      BLUES FESTIVALS

      B.B. King Homecoming Festival

      One of the oldest and most popular of the many Deep South summer blues festivals, in May/June (www.bbkingmuseum.org).

      Chicago Blues Festival

      A June festival featuring three days of performances by acclaimed blues musicians (www.chicago.gov).

      The Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival

      This August festival is held in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the Birthplace of the Blues (www.sunflowerfest.org).

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      USA FOR

      Coastal Charm

      The coast has always played a huge role in American life, from 18th-century harbors and whaling ports to modern beach resorts. Today the American seaboard features iconic beaches and surf breaks, wildlife preserves, wetlands, sand dunes, towering sea cliffs, and fishing villages.

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      t Sun soakers in Hanauma Bay in O‘ahu, Hawaii

      Life’s a Beach

      Southern California is especially linked with a laid-back beach culture, and beaches between San Diego and LA are crammed with sunbathers and volleyballers. Miami’s South Beach is perhaps America’s most glamorous beach resort. On the Gulf Coast, Pensacola and Padre Island attract boisterous students during Spring Break. Hawaii, of course, is in a league of its own.

      Idyllic Islands

      Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are short ferry rides off the coast of Cape Cod, with atmospheric ports, cranberry bogs, and clapboard churches. Remote coastal islands in South Carolina and Georgia have quiet beaches and wildlife preserves. The Florida Keys are sub-tropical gems, a haven for snorkeling, diving, and seafood. On the West Coast, the tranquil San Juan Islands can be explored by bike, while California’s Channel Islands offer pristine reserves.

      Take to the Water

      Windsurfing shouldn’t be missed on Maui’s Hookipa Beach and North Carolina’s Outer Banks. South Padre Island, Texas, and even the Columbia River Gorge are also great for windsurfing. Glaciers make sea kayaking extraordinary in Alaska, and kayaking around the San Juan Islands, or along the Florida Keys, can be equally magical. Sailing is popular in Newport and San Francisco Bay.

      Under the Sea

      Whales can be spotted feeding off the coast of California or Washington. Gentle manatees bask along the coast of Florida, and you are likely to spot dolphin pods all along the coast, not to mention sharks and rays from the bridges of the Overseas Highway. Colonies of seals and sea lions are especially common along the New England and Californian coasts; you can even kayak with sea otters near Monterey.

      Sensational Seafood

      Delicious seafood is offered along the USA’s coastlines. Crab is king in Maryland, with steamed blue crabs and spicy soft-shells around Chesapeake Bay, while stone-crab claws are a specialty in Miami. New Englanders feast on giant Maine lobsters, and any trip to Louisiana should see you slurping raw oysters. Generously sized salmon grace the menus of the Pacific Northwest, with snow crabs renowned in Alaska.

      Surf’s up

      Hawaiian legends such as Duke Kahanamoku introduced the ancient Polynesian sport of surfing to California in the 1920s. Modern surf culture went mainstream in Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Oceanside in the late 1950s. Movies like Gidget (1959) instigated the genre known as beach party films, as well as the surf music of Dick Dale and the Beach Boys. Today, Hawaii and California remain at the heart of the US surf scene, though you’ll find plenty of surfers along the East Coast, from Florida up to New York and Rhode Island.

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      USA FOR

      HISTORY BUFFS

      North America has been inhabited for at least 15,000 years but the United States was created relatively recently, in 1776. It might be a comparatively new country, but there is much to be remembered, and wherever you go you’ll find well-preserved buildings, battlefields, and museums.

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      t Independence Hall, Philadelphia

      Revisit the Revolution

      America’s defining moment is remembered at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, preserved as if time had stopped in 1776. Philly is packed with sites dedicated to the Revolutionary War, as is Boston; Bunker Hill, Minute Man National Historical Park, Paul Revere’s Old North Church, to name a few. Key battle sites such as Saratoga and Yorktown have visitor centers to add context. If you're in New York City, hit Broadway show Hamilton provides a wonderfully entertaining education.

      Colonial America

      St. Augustine was founded by the Spanish in 1565, and today its Colonial architecture, old forts, and chapels are redolent of those early days. Little remains of the original English colonies at Plymouth and Jamestown, but both have fascinating historic sites. Williamsburg has been faithfully restored, with clapboard houses and immersive exhibits, while the French and Spanish legacies are displayed in New Orleans’ French Quarter (see French Market).

      Civil War Memorials

      The US Civil War was another turning point in American history. All the major battle sites have been sensitively preserved, from Antietam and Bull Run to Shiloh and Chancellorsville, though Gettysburg is by far the biggest and most poignant. Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates the pivotal Mississippi siege. The illuminating National Civil War Museum stands in Harrisburg (see Gettysburg). President Lincoln is memorialized in Springfield, and also at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. You can also visit Ford's Theatre, where he was shot.

      Wild Wild West

      The Western Frontier played a major role in the culture of the US. To learn more about the Wild West, visit Dodge City or Tombstone. Cody is home to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which celebrates the cowboy legend. In Montana, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument remembers Custer’s defeat at the hands of leaders like Crazy Horse.

      The Fight for Civil Rights

      In the 1950s and ‘60s African Americans engaged in a monumental struggle for civil rights. Their legacy is preserved at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta, the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, and the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery. The stories of Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Vernon Dahmer are told at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.

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      AMERICAN HEROINES

      Sacagawea (1788–1812)

      Shoshone woman who guided explorers Lewis and Clark while carrying a baby on her back.

      Sojourner Truth (c. 1797–1883)

      Civil rights activist and abolitionist who escaped enslavement.

      Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962)

      First Lady and delegate to the United Nations.

      Toni Morrison (1931–2019)

      Winner of the 1993 Nobel Prize in Literature.

      Sally Ride (1951–2012)

      Astronaut and physicist, the first American woman to go to space.

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      USA FOR

      Art Lovers

      American painters have been active since the 17th century, but the country’s abstract art and Pop Art went global after World War II. Today the US is also one of the great storehouses of world art, with mammoth museums displaying great masterpieces and street art gracing its city streets.

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      t The Charles Engelhard Court at the Met, New York City

      Monumental Museums

      Almost every American city has at least one exceptional art museum. In New York alone you have the magical Met, MoMA, the Guggenheim, the Whitney, and the Frick. LA has the phenomenal Getty Center, plus the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, home to European art. In Washington, DC, you’ll find the National Gallery of Art, while Chicago’s legendary Art Institute contains Seurat’s famous Sunday Afternoon on the Grand Jatte.

      Art on the Street

      In the country that invented graffiti in the 1960s, street art has become a fully fledged artistic genre. In New York City, neighborhoods such as the East Village and Harlem are festooned with murals. Philadelphia is known as the City of Murals thanks to Mural Arts Philadelphia, the USA’s largest public art program. The Grand River Creative Corridor in Detroit features 100 murals on 15 buildings, while Miami has the art-smothered Wynwood Walls.

      Artist Abodes

      Connecticut has various Impressionist homes, such as the Florence Griswold Museum (www.florencegriswoldmuseum.org). In New York State, the Pollock-Krasner House (www.stonybrook.edu) honors Jackson Pollock's legacy, and the Thomas Cole National Historic Site (www.thomascole.org) was the home of the 19th-century artist. Georgia O’Keeffe’s New Mexico home (www.okeeffemuseum.org) is also open.

      Modern Art Powerhouses

      You're spoiled for choice when it comes to modern art galleries. In the Berkshires, Massachusetts, MASS MoCA (www.massmoca.org) is a major showcase for contemporary art housed in a converted factory. A great place for Rothko’s work is the Rothko Chapel in Houston. The excellent Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh commemorates the king of Pop Art.

      Did You Know?

      The Met's mascot is an ancient Egyptian statue of a hippopotamus, called William.

      AMERICAN ARTISTS

      America has produced many talented artists. Mary Cassatt (1844–1926) is one of the les trois grandes dames of Impressionism, while Georgia O'Keeffe (1887–1986) was the mother of American Modernism and known for her sensual, abstract paintings of nature. Pop artist Andy Warhol (1928–87) changed the course of art history, and street art emerged soon after; a work by street artist Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–88) sold for $110 million in 2017.

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      AMERICAN ARTWORKS

      American Gothic (1930), Grant Wood

      Portrait of a farmer and his daughter at Chicago’s Art Institute.

      Flag (1954–55), Jasper Johns

      A painting of the US flag at MoMA, New York.

      Nighthawks (1942), Edward Hopper

      A landscape of a café at Chicago’s Art Institute.

      Cow’s Skull (1931), Georgia O’Keeffe

      A still life of a large cow skull at The Met.

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      USA FOR

      Outdoor Adventures

      The USA’s natural landscapes are playgrounds for the intrepid and adventurous. Vast tracts of completely untouched wilderness, desert, and wetlands make for superb hiking, swimming, and cycling opportunities – all with unbeatable views. The possibilities are endless.

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      t Hiking the Skyline Trail in Washington

      Hike in the Wild

      National and state parks offer a great opportunity for captivating hikes. At the Grand Canyon, make time for the two-day hike down to the Colorado River. Sensational mountain hikes include the Skyline Trail in Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park, and the Hidden Lake Trail through the wildflowers of Glacier National Park. In California’s Yosemite, climb the Half Dome for views over the valley.

      Into the Blue

      From May to September, it’s common to see turtles on the Florida coast, and the waters off the Florida Keys are especially rich in sea life. The underwater Shipwreck Trail is also here. The world’s largest artificial reef lies off Pensacola, where USS Oriskany was sunk. You can also glimpse harbor seals and leopard sharks at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Channel Islands National Park in California.

      Take to the Slopes

      The most celebrated ski resorts lie in the Colorado Rockies, while Utah is the connoisseur’s choice, with no-frills Alta featuring pillowy soft powder plus a ban on snowboarders, so skiers have the slopes to themselves. Backcountry fans should instead head for Jackson Hole, in Wyoming. The East Coast can’t compete in mountainous slopes, but Killington and Stowe in Vermont and Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire will keep most skiers happy.

      Hit the Water

      It’s hard to beat kayaking on Lake Tahoe, suitable for any level of ability and with endlessly blue scenery. Those with more experience should tackle the rapids on the Arkansas River or the Indian River Canoe Trail in Michigan. White-water rafting hot spots include the Yellowstone River in Montana, Cañon City in Colorado, Hartford in Tennessee, and best of all, Flagstaff in Arizona, for rafting the Grand Canyon.

      Pedal Through Pastures New

      With many impressive trails, across the US, renting a bike is a great way to explore. Routes include the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail near Anchorage, the Tahoe Rim Trail in Lake Tahoe, and the George S. Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills. The Great American Trail is evolving and will run through 12 states and the District of Columbia.

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      MOUNTAIN BIKING SPOTS

      Sun Valley, Idaho

      With more than 400 miles (640 km) of single-track trail.

      Moab, Utah

      Home of The Whole Enchilada, a highly technical, 33-mile (53-km) route.

      Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama

      Famed for its 22-mile (35-km) Red Trail.

      Tucson, Arizona

      The Fantasy Island Mountain Bike Trail, some 20 miles (32 km) of trails in the city limits.

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      USA for

      Foodies

      Food is big business in the US, a country where a deli sandwich can be a meal for two and where all-you-can-eat buffets are destinations in themselves. In cities you’ll find just about every type of cuisine, while American staples, refreshing beers, and classic diners are found across the country.

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      American Icons

      New York and Chicago battle it out for who makes the best pizza (thin-crust or deep-dish). Nathan’s Famous (www.nathansfamous.com) popularized the hot dog in New York, but you’ll find local versions in Detroit and Chicago. The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich of sliced beef and rich melted cheese. Even burgers vary: try the Jucy Lucy in Minnesota, onion burger in Oklahoma, and green chile burger in New Mexico.

      United Steaks

      Emotions run high when it comes to barbecue in America. The four main styles are Carolina (led by Lexington, North Carolina, and defined by its mix of condiments), Memphis (smoked over hickory wood), Kansas City (known for burned ends), and Texas (with its unique brisket). For a juicy steak, head for Texas, Montana, and Wyoming, or Chicago and Omaha. New York City is known for posh but pricey steakhouses.

      Wonderful Wine Country

      American wines boomed after the 1976 Judgment of Paris, where a panel of French wine experts chose Californian wines over their French counterparts. Today the Napa and Sonoma valleys (see Wine Country) are still the USA’s prime wine regions, and California also has the Santa Ynez Valley. The state dwarves the rest in quality and production, though Washington State (notable for bright fruit flavors), New York (known for Rieslings), Pennsylvania, and Oregon are on the rise.

      Tasty Tex-Mex

      Mexican food is wildly popular all over the US, but much of it is more properly defined as Tex-Mex. This hybrid adds more guacamole, melted cheese (or just queso), and chopped tomatoes with cilantro to classics like pinto beans and tortillas. Texas is also where you’ll find the best chili – and scores of passionately fought chili cookoffs.

      Southern Soul

      Southern soul food is the perfect comfort dining. Menus vary, but grits (ground corn cooked with butter and salt), collard greens, black-eyed peas and rice, fried chicken, and cornbread are classics. Sweet fruit pies round out the experience. Georgia and South Carolina favor seafood and rice, while Cajun cooking emerged in southern Louisiana. This has similarities with Creole cuisine, its urban cousin, and you’ll find spicy jambalayas and po’boy sandwiches served in New Orleans.

      The Craft Beer Revolution

      Since the 1990s America has experienced a beer revolution, led by the Boston Beer Company and iconic Brooklyn Brewery in New York City. The West Coast has since developed a major craft beer scene, with California and Oregon especially rich in microbreweries. Beer capitals include San Diego, Grand Rapids, Milwaukee, and Denver.

      CLASSIC DINERS

      Few American icons are so beloved as the roadside diner, where burgers, apple pie, and coffee are often served 24/7. The Blue Benn Diner (314 North St) in Bennington, Vermont, is a popular spot with a huge menu. In Chicago there’s Lou Mitchell’s (www.loumitchells.com), while LA has Rae’s (2901 Pico Blvd), and San Diego County has Harry’s Coffee Shop (7545 Girard Ave). Route 66 drivers should look out for Waylan’s Ku-Ku Burger in Oklahoma (915 N Main St) and 66 Diner in Albuquerque (www.66diner.com).

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      USA for

      Indigenous Culture

      Indigenous culture has a long and rich history in the US. European colonization in the 17th century took a devastating toll on Indigenous cultures. Problems remain, but today increased political autonomy and changing income streams have provided many tribes with greater economic freedom.

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      t Rainbow Bridge Monument

      Specific Reservations and Nations

      Some 574 Indigenous tribes are legally recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Most of these tribes are associated with a specific reservation, though some are simply nations. Tribal lands are self-governing to a degree, and it’s important to respect local rules and regulations. The Navajo Nation of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico is the largest tribal land area, encompassing a host of attractions, from Monument Valley to the Rainbow Bridge National Monument. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians manages the Indian Canyons near Palm Springs, while the Seminole Tribe of Florida pioneered gaming operations in the 1970s, and has owned most of the Hard Rock Cafe franchises since 2007.

      Living History

      Many Indigenous tribes have established illuminating cultural centers. Oklahoma is home to many, including the Cherokee Heritage Center (www.cherokeeheritage.org) and the Osage Nation Museum (www.osagenation-nsn.gov). The excellent Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum (www.ahtahthiki.com) lies at the heart of the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation in Florida, while Wisconsin is home to the informative Ojibwe Museum (www.ldfmuseum.com). The Navajo Nation Museum canbe found in Window Rock, Arizona.

      Echoes of the Past

      The remnants of great Indigenous civilizations lie all over the US. The best known are the ancient Puebloan towns of the Southwest. Pueblo Bonito in Chaco Culture National Historical Park, the Navajo National Monument, and Mesa Verde National Park are spectacular examples. Learn about the advanced mound-building Mississippian culture at Cahokia Mounds, near St. Louis (www.cahokiamounds.org). Ceremonial pipes were once made at the Pipestone National Monument, in southwestern Minnesota, while Mission San Luis in Tallahassee is one of the most spectacular reconstructions of a Indigenous village in the country.

      THE FIGHT FOR CIVIL RIGHTS

      1890 Wounded Knee Massacre and the end of the American Frontier Wars.

      1924 Indian Citizen-ship Act grants US citizenship to all Indigenous people.

      1941–45 Some 44,000 Indigenous people serve in the US military during World War II.

      1968 USA’s first tribally controlled community college established, awarding degrees in areas important to the Navajo Nation.

      1969 The Occupation of Alcatraz Island saw the Indians of All Tribes (IAT) group occupy Alcatraz for over a year.

      1973 Oglala Lakota and American Indian Movement (AIM) activists occupy Wounded Knee, South Dakota.

      2009 An apology to all Native Peoples on behalf of the United States is included in the Defense Appropriations Act.

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      PUBLIC POW WOWS

      The Gathering of Nations

      The USA’s largest takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on the fourth weekend in April.

      Cherokee National Holiday Pow Wow

      Honors the 1839 Cherokee constitution, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, in late August/early September.

      Denver March Pow Wow

      Dancers from 100 tribes gather in late March.

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