Trip around America

[arnie_uk]

Ok so me and the GF are going to take 3 or month's off work to see a bit about us, I was just wondering, if we were to tour USA, what places would you recommend to see, to plan the tour around, and what time of year would be best?

Obviously the big tourist attractions like NY, vegas, miami, Washington, grand canyon, Niagra Falls, Orlando. It's more the ununiversally known attractions I'd be after.

Would 3 months be enough? Too little too much?

[Moderator 3]

3 months should give you enough time for the highlights.

Assuming you're going to visit the places you listed, other places to consider: Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, New Orleans, Washington/Oregon, New Mexico, San Diego, San Francisco, and, of course, Baltimore.

[Moderator 3]

How could I have forgotten to list Canton?

[Mt. Crushmore]

Mt. Rushmore is obviously well known, but when I got there, I saw it and basically was: "that looks cool.  What next?"  I believe it is overrated (though it does bring people here to SD I guess).  The Badlands around it are cool to drive through and look at, making stops around.

[berad]

Mt. Rushmore is obviously well known, but when I got there, I saw it and basically was: "that looks cool.  What next?"  I believe it is overrated (though it does bring people here to SD I guess).  The Badlands around it are cool to drive through and look at, making stops around.

 

Heard a lot of people say that. Some similar sentiments about the Grand Canyon although there are hikes, donkey rides, rafting, etc.

[balfan23]

Excellent idea. There is no better way to determine whether you are compatible with someone than to travel extensively with them. If you make it for 3 months on the road together without killing each other, you'll make it through anything. 

 

I've done a more extensive tour of Europe than I have of America, but I would recommend Crater Lake in OR, drive into N. CA and see the Redwood Forests -> Napa -> San Fran -> Yosemite -> Monterey -> Big Sur.

 

After Big Sur, once you've gone as far as Santa Barbara, the best of the natural sites are behind you. No need to continue all the way down to LA (Meh ..) or SD unless there is a reason that would appeal to you. 

[ravensdfan]

Depends what types of things you guys are into. There is the quirky, the supernatural, the odd, the not so well known historical.

 

Here are a few (some done, some still waiting on) from my own list:

 

http://muttermuseum.org/

 

http://www.travelwisconsin.com/museums-galleries/circus-world-201883

 

http://meteorcrater.com/

 

http://coralcastle.com/

 

...just a few obscure things.

[cursona pirate]

Im from Upstate Ny and nigiara falls is okay...its nothing to exciting. But thata just me. Im a party poooper. Go in the grand canyon if you can. Outside looking in it just looks like a flat picture. I wish I could have gone down into it. Sedona Arizona is nice.

[arnie_uk]

Im from Upstate Ny and nigiara falls is okay...its nothing to exciting. But thata just me. Im a party poooper. Go in the grand canyon if you can. Outside looking in it just looks like a flat picture. I wish I could have gone down into it. Sedona Arizona is nice.

anything else up around there if we just decided to go on a 3 week holiday and concentrate on one area? That area brig new york Washington and bmore. Hit Niagra Falls when then as well. What else?

[cursona pirate]

anything else up around there if we just decided to go on a 3 week holiday and concentrate on one area? That area brig new york Washington and bmore. Hit Niagra Falls when then as well. What else?

the Adirondack mountains I like. But thats hiking. NYC is like 7 hours from Niagara falls. I mean it has some gambling and stuff. Canada is cool. I dont want to not say go I just see the falls and be like okay.

[Moderator 3]

If you're going to head into upstate New York, you need to at least check out Lake Ontario and possibly the St. Lawrence Seaway. You won't see lakes like that in Great Britain.

[1/28/01]

Go everywhere but the states.

[GrimCoconut]

How are you getting around? Living a Jack Kerouac lifestyle? Lol, I only remotely kid. I suggest going in August until November, which I feel really will take advantage of all the greatest events in America. You get some summer, fall and a little bit of winter (though winter doesn't begin until late December). You'll also have the luxury of being able to attend football games, which is an added bonus. Furthermore, you'll maximize your possibilities by being able to go to Universal Studios Orlando (both parks, potentially even during their Halloween event), as well as Disney World (FL) or Disney Land (CA). 

 

In Ohio, you have Cedar Point, which is a pretty nice park for amusement specializing in thrill roller coasters, with some of  the best in the world. After that, you have other, more eclectic things you can do. Dining is important, IMO. I would definitely focus your visits around tasting more specializing foods of certain areas, such as lobster from Maine (and other seafood), as well as creole from Louisiana, to Tex-mex, etc. 

 

Anyway, I'd suggest the following locations: 

 

Cape Cod

Aspen

New Orleans

Jackson Hole

Yellowstone

Chicago

Disney (World & Land)

Universal Studios

Cedar Point

Yosemite

San Diego Zoo

Baltimore Aquarium

New York City

Philadelphia

Boston

San Antonio

Palm Springs, CA

Branson, MO

Phoenix, AZ

Myrtle Beach (Golf is cool there if you like it)

Miami (duh)

 

That's off the top of my head at the moment, though it's late. 

[stampedehero]

Ok so me and the GF are going to take 3 or month's off work to see a bit about us, I was just wondering, if we were to tour USA, what places would you recommend to see, to plan the tour around, and what time of year would be best?

Obviously the big tourist attractions like NY, vegas, miami, Washington, grand canyon, Niagra Falls, Orlando. It's more the ununiversally known attractions I'd be after.

Would 3 months be enough? Too little too much?

You have to consider San Diego.  It is warm, the people are courteous, and the food is superb. Tour the town in a trolley bus, enjoy the food of Little Italy, Coronado Island (visit Claytons for great milk shakes and a step into the 1950's), The Coronado Hotel and shopping circuit, Old Town San Diego, then the tourist trap Zoo and Aquarium if you want that. You can take a train to LA and that is relaxing and quite beautiful. Huntington Beach, Rodeo Drive, Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Mulholland Drive are just a few of the fun places to visit.  You willl need at least 3 monthes.

[stampedehero]

If you're going to head into upstate New York, you need to at least check out Lake Ontario and possibly the St. Lawrence Seaway. You won't see lakes like that in Great Britain.

Include a visit to Niagra Falls Canadian side .

[Inqui]

I need to bookmark this thread. I'd love to go back to the US so I'm finding these insights great as well. Keep 'em coming.

[stampedehero]

Go everywhere but the states.

With fuel hovering about $2.15 a gallon and less he could rent a muscle car and enjoy testosterone heaven.  

[stampedehero]

anything else up around there if we just decided to go on a 3 week holiday and concentrate on one area? That area brig new york Washington and bmore. Hit Niagra Falls when then as well. What else?

 

3 months should give you enough time for the highlights.

Assuming you're going to visit the places you listed, other places to consider: Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, New Orleans, Washington/Oregon, New Mexico, San Diego, San Francisco, and, of course, Baltimore.

 

Colorado can be an alternative reason.  The enhanced residents would love to converse with a Brit and he could be a boss.  NFL HOF, R and Roll HOF merchandise center in Cleveland and Air Force museum in Dayton can be done in a 4 day cycle. Pittsburgh is also close and a really cool city especially during baseball season. Best ball park view in the US and tickets are very reasonable.

[K-Dog]

When you do Niagara Falls there is a tour where you walk under the falls. Not The Maid of the Mist, this is a walking tour not a boat. Its pretty intense standing under the falls.

Also wile in that area drive down to Buffalo NY and visit "The Anchor Bar" home of the Buffalo Wing and still in my opinion the best wing out there.

[Moderator 3]

When you do Niagara Falls there is a tour where you walk under the falls. Not The Maid of the Mist, this is a walking tour not a boat. Its pretty intense standing under the falls.

Also wile in that area drive down to Buffalo NY and visit "The Anchor Bar" home of the Buffalo Wing and still in my opinion the best wing out there.

And while in Buffalo, be sure to have a "beef on weck" sandwich.

[K-Dog]

One interesting thing to look at wile in Washington D.C. is in front of the White House is this lonely little marker.

It is the zero mile marker. Every mile and mile marker in the continental U.S. is based on this one point.

Pretty interesting for what its worth. So many pass by it and dont even realize what it is.

[K-Dog]

The mountains on the east coast cant compare to the mountains on the west I will concede that. However a drive down Skyline Drive which starts / ends in Virginia has some amazing views.

Its also home to a camp ground that has the most amazing and breath taking look out point.

Its my favorite place on earth.

[Mt. Crushmore]

You have to spend at least one day in Las Vegas (for obvious reasons).  Also in Vegas, there are multiple race tracks where you can pay to drive cars like a Ferrari or Lamborghini around a track.  I did that and it was amazing.

[Moderator 3]

You really need to take a day time coast to coast flight to appreciate the vastness and variety of this country.

[arnie_uk]

Just looking on the net to see what all there is to do in certain places here, is there much about vegas apart from the casinos and trip to the Grand Canyon? Had thought we'd need five nights, but maybe 2/3 would suffice.

[Moderator 3]

Just looking on the net to see what all there is to do in certain places here, is there much about vegas apart from the casinos and trip to the Grand Canyon? Had thought we'd need five nights, but maybe 2/3 would suffice.

Oh yes. Besides the shows, there's Hoover dam (incredible tour), Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon, and more fine dining than you can imagine. Also, if you stay at one of the bigger hotels, it's quite the experience. I go to Vegas for the food and shows and catching rays.

[52520Andrew]

Just looking on the net to see what all there is to do in certain places here, is there much about vegas apart from the casinos and trip to the Grand Canyon? Had thought we'd need five nights, but maybe 2/3 would suffice.

Vegas itself is pretty much gambling and shows. I don't think you need to spend much time there although there are some cool places around it.

Hoover dam is pretty cool too, gotta see that.

[K-Dog]

Vegas can burn up your entire budget if you not careful.

[Purple Nurple]

Screw Vegas.

[arnie_uk]

Screw Vegas.

I'm having the thought. We are deciding to go to usa a month to see how we get on then travel esp where, Europe or Asia next year.

Can't book anything to February, but right now penciled in 10 days new york, 3 baltimore catching a game, week in Orlando and week in miami at the beach.

Going in October. What's the weather like in miami and Orlando that time of year.