In the US state of New Jersey, things can get a little tight. New Jersey is the fourth smallest state in the USA in terms of area. However, since no less than 9.3 million inhabitants cavort on an area of 22,588 square kilometers, New Jersey is the one among the US states with the highest population density. However, this also has advantages, because due to the high population, there is always a lot going on in New Jersey, for example music or cabaret festivals.

There are not only a number of interesting art museums here, but also numerous historical sites that are worth a visit. In addition, New Jersey is located on the Atlantic coast, where you can relax in small coastal towns, especially in the off-season. Admittedly, it can get a bit crowded in the summer on New Jersey’s beaches. But if you can plan your holiday flexibly, you will be able to immerse yourself in true beach paradises here.

Relaxation on the coast, away from the big metropolises

New Jersey is generally more rural. There are few large cities. Most cities have a rather medium format. New Jersey’s high population is due to the fact that there are simply a lot of cities and settlements. Large and well-known metropolises such as New York City and Philadelphia are located in the immediate vicinity of the state. So if you are looking for a little peace and deceleration after a few exciting days in one of these huge US cities, you should go to New Jersey and visit the Jersey Shore.

Here, manageable and romantic coastal towns with picturesque beach sections are lined up. If you are traveling with children or teenagers, Ocean City is the right place for you. There is a wooden beach promenade several kilometres long and children’s and teenagers’ entertainment options on every corner. For example, small amusement parks with roller coasters as well as carousels and mini golf courses. A little further on, in Cape May, things are a little more dignified. Here, stately villas dating back to the Victorian era are lined up. Most of them are built entirely of wood and colorfully painted. If you need a break from beach life, you should definitely let yourself drift past them on a walk and marvel at the architecture of the charming buildings. Afterwards we go out to the lighthouse of Cape May, which is considered a landmark of the whole region.

The tower, built in 1859, is about 48 meters high. The 48 meters can be climbed via more than 200 narrowly defined steps. From the red-painted top of the white lighthouse, visitors have a breathtaking view over the coastal region around Cape May and out to the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, there are a lot of other seaside resorts in the surrounding area, such as Seaside Heights. All of them have their own special and unique charm. So it’s worth taking a rental car and driving along the coast and stopping wherever you feel comfortable. All of New Jersey’s coastal towns also have excellent restaurants and beach bars serving seafood and barbecues.

Challenge your luck in Atlantic City

The city of Atlantic City, which is also located directly on the Atlantic coast, is one of the larger cities of the otherwise rather rural state with almost 40,000 inhabitants. Here, the tradition of gambling has been legally practiced since 1976. Previously, it is rumoured, the gamblers met here secretly. Atlantic City has a number of casinos, making it an ideal place to go for those who have always wanted to try their hand at gambling. In addition, the Miss America pageant has been held annually in Atlantic City for more than 100 years. On the eight-kilometre-long wooden boardwalk, which runs directly along the beach, there are countless boutiques and shops that invite you to shop extensively. In the evening, the Boardwalk is transformed into a nightlife mile. Similar to Las Vegas, there are also many nationally and internationally known artists of all genres to experience in night shows.

New Jersey’s largest city and cultural center: Newark

Newark is not the capital of New Jersey, but it is the city with the most inhabitants. In addition, the cultural heart of the state beats here. The Newark Museum of Art prefers to exhibit works by American artists. At the Grammy Museum, everything revolves around music and the well-known Grammy music award, which is awarded annually. If you like music and discover new and unknown artists, you should definitely stay overnight in the city and visit some of the numerous clubs here, where newcomers and well-known greats of the music business perform every evening. In the Newark Symphony Hall, friends of classical music get their money’s worth. Newark also enjoys a lively street art scene.

American history, no matter where you look

As a state, New Jersey is closely linked to the fate of the former slaves, who came mainly from African states. In Cape May, the Harriet Tubman Museum informs about one of the most famous advocates of African-American slave rights. It is also worth visiting the small town of Morristown, which is closely linked to former American President George Washington. Washington spent a lot of time here during the War of Independence. A museum commemorates the war itself as well as the famous war participant George Washington and his later work as US president. The museum grounds also include a spacious park that was created on a former battlefield of the War of Independence.

Economically successful, steeped in history, remarkable nature – that’s Virginia, a state in the United States. And not to forget: Virginia is also called the ‘Mother of the Presidents’, because no fewer than eight presidents come from there, including George Washington, the first president of the USA. He found his final resting place at his own request in Mount Vernon at his country estate. It is worth a detour for several reasons. On the one hand, it is picturesquely located on the north bank of the Potomac River, and on the other hand, the former country estate of Washington attracts visitors with unusual sights.

Eight presidents are from Virginia

Washington was not only a warlord and president, but also a highly committed farmer. The farm, which is praised as a model farm, is more than three hectares in size, where straw was threshed in a 16-sided granary with the help of horses. How this worked back then is faithfully re-enacted. The dark sides of that time, namely the slaves who worked for Washington on the farm, are commemorated by a monument in Mount Vernon.

On a first-name basis with bears and lynxes

Pure nature can be found in Shenandoah National Park near Waynesboro. It is located in the Blue Ridge Mountain range, which in turn is part of the Appalachian Mountains, a massive mountain system with a length of 2400 kilometers. If you have a lot of time and are good on foot, you can set off on the Appalachian Trail, one of the longest long-distance hiking trails in the world at 3500 kilometers. The shorter route of 160 kilometers, which leads right through Shenandoah National Park, is a little less strenuous. Black bears, moose, bobcats, raccoons or white-tailed deer are not uncommon as animal companions.

Hotspot for cineastes

Despite the many natural beauties, there are only two natural lakes in Virginia, Lake Drummond and Mountain Lake. The oval-shaped Lake Drummond is located in the middle of a swamp area, the Great Dismal Swamp. A meteorite impact could possibly be responsible for the formation of the lake. If you take a trip to the protected swamps, you will be rewarded with more than 200 species of birds, as well as otters, minks or grey squirrels, not to mention lizards, turtles and salamanders. Mountain Lake in Pembroke stands out for its large sandstone cliffs that surround the entire lake. And slightly elevated on the shore is a hotel that cineastes immediately recognize: The cult film ‘Dirty Dancing’ was filmed there.

Lonely island with wild ponies

A trip to Assategue Island promises absolute solitude in nature. The uninhabited dune island is a biosphere reserve and consists of long sandy beaches and bays. The fascinating thing about the small island, however, are the wild Assateague ponies, which thunder over the sandy beaches with their small hooves. According to old stories, the animals were able to swim to the island after a shipwreck on the American east coast.

A seaside resort of a special kind

If you are now in the mood for a few days of beach vacation, make a detour to Virginia Beach, the largest city in the country. This popular seaside resort on the Atlantic does not have to fear sunny competitors such as California or Florida . On the unusually long sandy beach of 45 kilometers, there should be no space problems. Surfers, sailors, divers and snorkelers are out and about in and on the water. The promenade is populated by cyclists and hikers, who can admire flora and fauna (including whales and dolphins) along the route. A huge statue of Neptune on the beach promenade is a reminder of the Neptune Festival, which takes place annually at the end of September and is internationally known for the International Sandsculpting Championship, where unique sculptures are created from sand. Rubber boots instead of flip-flops are the order of the day when visiting an oyster farm, where you can experience the harvest of these delicious seafood up close, including a tasting of pleasure.

Where the English once went ashore

History and nature are close together at First Landing State Park, located on the northern stretch of Virginia Beach. This park is 2,888 hectares in size with hiking trails, forests, freshwater ponds, salt marshes and swamps. Kilometres of hiking trails lead through this natural monument, with its highly endangered coastal habitats. If you are out and about in one of the cypress swamps there in autumn, you will experience a unique natural spectacle. In the right light, the swamp is transformed into a rainbow-colored work of art. The park is historically significant because the first English settlers landed there in 1607. Later, they moved upriver and established the Jamestown colony, a good hour from Virginia Beach. A trip there is worthwhile, because the story of the landing is re-enacted in an entertaining way in typical American style.

On tour in Richmond

Of course, Virginia’s capital, Richmond, should not be missing from the tour. Cultural life takes place there at a high level. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has an important collection of famous painters, from Rubens to Delacroix to Rousseau. If you feel like it, you can get to know the 15 historical landmarks of the city on foot. These include the oldest church in St. John’s, the Virginia Capitol or the Slave Trail, which tells the story of the transatlantic slave trade. Not to forget the Edgar Allan Poe Museum. A more leisurely stroll is in a sightseeing bus or with a Segway. These electrically powered vehicles for one person can be found on every corner in Richmond.

Farmer’s Market and Beer Trail

Light-hearted entertainment can be found in the Carytown neighborhood of the Museum District. You can spend hours in restaurants, bars, shops, junk shops and at the farmer’s market. Beer lovers will enjoy the Richmond Beer Trail, which is home to a whopping 30 breweries. For art lovers, the Richmond Symphony, the Richmond Ballet or the Virginia Opera offer a feast for the ears and eyes.

In the north of the USA lies a natural paradise that protects much of North America’s fascinating wilderness areas. Untouched snow and ice landscapes as well as exotic flora and fauna unfold in Alaska. Whether whale watching, a road trip on the Alaska Highway or a tour with the Alaska Railroad – anyone who visits the cold north of the USA almost automatically immerses themselves in unforgettable natural worlds. Anchorage, Seward and Juneau offer an insight into everyday life in the country. The sparsely populated and extraordinary natural scenery of gigantic glaciers, the highest mountains in North America and species-rich wilderness has visibly earned the nickname The Last Frontier.

Glaciers, Mountains, Lakes – Natural Alaska

Nothing less than the largest state in the USA unfolds in the northwest of the North American continent, through Canada separated from the rest of Germany: Alaska. Thousands of lakes, about 100,000 glacier-like formations and over 200,000 km² of untouched wild landscapes characterize the extraordinary US state. In total, Alaska protects more than 50 percent of the U.S. protected wilderness. The numerous national parks offer proof – from Denali National Park to Glacier Bay National Park to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. The latter two are home to internationally recognized UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Such extraordinary landscapes prove: Alaska is a natural paradise in the north of the USA.

Denali National Park in the heart of the country is considered the most visited. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are drawn to the nature reserve, which spreads over more than 19,000 km² every year. Founded in 1917, the park is formed around the eponymous mountain, the highest in North America. 6190 meters above sea level make Denali one of the Seven Summmits, the highest mountains on the continents. Even from a distance, it forms a breathtaking photo motif that symbolizes the untouched and powerful nature of Alaska. Denali National Park unfolds in the northern part of the Alaska Range, which stretches all the way to the Yukon of Canada. The extraordinary natural world is home to wild animals such as grizzly bears, wolves, moose and over 160 bird species, some of which are exotic. The park is strictly protected and can only be reached on selected routes: whether via the George Parks Highway starting in Anchorage or via the Alaska Railroad.

In general, there are few more beautiful ways to explore the heart of Alaska than via the Alaska Railroad. If you want to get to know the region from a different perspective, the famous railway offers a route from Seward via Anchorage to Fairbanks. The scenic route leads through Alaska’s nature and landscapes and offers a comfortable alternative to the road trip. Some of the railway tours also offer integrated sightseeing opportunities. The Alaska Highway also offers a fantastic route, which is considered one of the most beautiful panoramic routes for a road trip in the world. It runs from British Columbia’s Dawsons Creek from Canada through the Yukon to Fairbanks. Long sections of the more than 2,000 km long roads lead through untouched wilderness. If you are planning a scenic road trip through Alaska, you should not miss the route.

Not only in Northern Europe, but also in Alaska, the famous Northern Lights unfold. If you are lucky, you can observe the colorful natural spectacle in national parks such as Denali in appropriate seasons. But the UNESCO World Heritage Site Glacier Bay National Park also provides good reasons for a visit. Highlights are the eponymous glaciers, which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Guided tours and boat routes take you to the park’s well-known sights, including the edges of some of the approximately 100 glaciers in the designated park area. The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Reserve, which is not only the largest national park in the country, but also forms the largest contiguous wilderness area in the USA with more than 3.6 million hectares. It is home to 9 of the 16 highest elevations in the United States – as well as the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark, a former copper mine that is now one of Alaska’s tourist attractions.

Anchorage, Seward, Juneau – Alaska from an urban perspective

The capital of Alaska, Juneau, is itself embedded in a scenic nature area. Located on the Gastineau Channel Strait, Glacier Bay National Park is less than 100 km away. About 15 km from the city gates rests the Mendenhall Glacier, which is part of the Juneau Icefield. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center has been set up on site for visitors, which in normal years welcomes about half a million visitors a year – and provides a clear insight into the history of the important glacier. The capital Juneau is home to about 30,000 inhabitants – and is not only a political center of Alaska, but also an important access point to the nature of the US state. Not far away is the natural paradise of Tongass National Forest.

Anchorage is by far the largest settlement in Alaska, home to about 290,000 inhabitants. Anchorage is thus an important cultural and infrastructural center of the country. Here you can visit the Alaska Botanical Garden, the Alaska Zoo and the Anchroage Museum. The latter offers a deeper understanding of Alaska’s land, art, and history. The University of Alaska Museum of the North in Fairbanks, which offers a multifaceted look at Alaska’s rich cultural history, is also one of the country’s renowned museums. The 2,000-inhabitant community of Seward in the south of the country is rather tranquil in comparison, but it is not without reason one of Alaska’s tourist attractions. Located on scenic Resurrection Bay, it stands out as a gateway to Alaska’s nature: whether through local boat and helicopter tours or the popular whale watching from here. Whether Juneau or Seward: The fascinating nature of Alaska is only a few kilometers away.

Louisiana has many faces and is crisscrossed by a unique swamp landscape. People love the sounds of blues and jazz, the food is spicy and the Mississippi ends its 4000-kilometer journey through the USA here. The cities are full of music and the beaches are deserted even in summer. But that’s not all Louisiana has to offer.

New Orleans: Hot rhythms in front of a nostalgic backdrop

Jazz was invented in New Orleans and it is still omnipresent today. Life is casual and everyone swings their hips to the hot music. The French Quarter is the heart of the city. Nowhere else are they cocktails more high-proof and the food spicier. In the evening, it’s teeming with street musicians, and then the city turns into an open-air dance floor. Here, the cultures of the immigrants merge harmoniously: behind the historic facades of the houses are small shops with a fascinating range of goods. Art lovers from all over America look for treasures here and you can get a real bargain in the second-hand shops. Each district of the city is designed differently and lively masterpieces of architecture are lined up next to each other. Visitors need many days to discover New Orleans. The city never gets boring.

The Mississippi is the lifeline

Mark Twain made the Mississippi famous with the adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. But hardly anyone knows that Mark Twain is only the pseudonym of the writer Samuel Langhorne Clemens. In Louisiana, Mark Twain means nothing more than “two threads deep” and is a warning call from Mississippi ship pilots. The river has always remained adventurous. Sometimes it shows its peaceful side and then the paddle steamers chug past and revive the old Southern history. It can also flow at full speed towards the delta and then it carries debris and debris that it has collected on its long journey through the USA . The locals say that the river is united like man and woman. At the top he shows himself feminine with his pretty paddle steamers and under the surface of the water he becomes hard as a man with the aggressive alligators and the dangerous shallows.

The spicy cuisine of the southern states

Louisiana is also a culinary melting pot. African, Caribbean and European cuisine reinvents itself here and enriches each other. The chefs are more creative and always have new ideas. Creole specialties have the French sophistication and Mexican spiciness. The menus are dominated by crawfish étouffée, spiced lobster meat in a spicy sauce served with rice. Visitors should definitely try gumbo at various restaurants. There are over 1000 variants of this stew, the basic ingredients of which are meat and shellfish. It gets even more adventurous when you order jambalaya. The basis of the pot dish consists of rice and the cook fills up with all the ingredients that the kitchen has to offer. In Louisiana, they love it hot and spicy. All dishes are generally sharper than in other parts of the country. Nevertheless, you can still find countless varieties of hot sauces on restaurant tables. Some restaurants only have a few basic dishes, as the focus is on the range of sauces.

The charm of the southern states

White columned houses, surrounded by tall oaks, still dominate the image of Louisiana. Some areas revive the setting of Gone with the Wind and the mighty mansions of the plantation owners are still full of sad memories. Louisiana is a typical southern state, and yet it is very different from all the others. The country is enchanted with its own parishes in which its own language is spoken and which cultivate their own culture. These communities were founded by the Cajuns and have been preserved for centuries. Louisiana is full of shrill types, but they are deeply religious. Parts of the state belong to the so-called Bible Belt. In these areas, the Sunday service is the most important event of the week. It doesn’t matter whether you are a Baptist or a Protestant. The church services are happier than here and the gospel music makes some visitors fall into ecstasy. A trip through Louisiana remains an unforgettable experience if you get involved with the people and face the challenges.

Swampy and boozy Louisiana

Where the fresh water of the Mississippi unites with the sea water from the Gulf of Mexico, it becomes swampy. An ideal place for snakes, which have their breeding grounds here. Migratory birds like to stop at the delta and shrimps thrive in the muddy mud. The swamps of Louisiana are a paradise for animals. To people, they seem melancholic, mystical and dangerous. The inhabitants of Louisiana have learned to live with the swamps. They know that dangerous alligators lurk behind the enchanting strips of yew, cypress and reed grass. Nevertheless, the fishermen go out at full moon, because the bright light lures the prey to the surface. In the evening, the fish ends up on the grill. Then the violins sound, the long skirts of the women are swung and the men invite you to square dance. Guests are welcome everywhere and there is a lot of partying in Louisiana. A highlight is Madi Gras, the famous carnival of New Orleans. In August, people meet for White Linen Night. People wear only white cotton clothing and take part in numerous art events. At Hogs for the Cause, the largest barbecue in the USA is served in New Orleans

The US state of Indiana is located in the northeast of the huge country. To the north, the state borders Lake Michigan. With an area of around 95,000 square kilometers, Indiana is one of the medium-sized states in the USA. Almost 6.8 million inhabitants are spread over this area. Indiana is characterized by a natural landscape that is as diverse as it is varied.

In the south, hilly landscapes that are extremely densely wooded are lined up, while the north, on the shores of Lake Michigan, is characterized by dune landscapes. The capital of Indiana, Indianapolis, is undisputedly one of the most famous metropolises in the USA with 830,000 inhabitants. The city has a long tradition of automobile construction and motorized racing, which can be seen on every corner within the city area. In addition, a lot of interesting cultural events take place here. Outside the USA, the city is also known for the Midwest music festival and the Indy Fest jazz festival. So if you have a mixture of exciting and varied landscapes, car racing and culture in mind for your holiday in the USA, Indiana is the right place for you.

The capital Indianapolis is an exciting starting point for the journey through the state of Indiana

Indianapolis is the ideal starting point for a round trip through Indiana. The city is centrally located, in fact right in the middle of the US state and has an international airport. The city became known early on for the Indianapolis 500, which is one of the oldest car races in the world. If you happen to be in the city during the race days, then a visit to the race facility is mandatory.

But even outside of the race days, a visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is an absolute highlight. Because the four-kilometer-long racetrack, which is built into an oval and whose grandstands offer space for a total of 300,000 visitors, is not only considered the largest sports stadium in the entire USA. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway also has the special feature of being one of the few racing areas in the world to be centrally located, and thus within the city of Indianapolis. At the attached Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, visitors can learn all about the history of racing in Indianapolis. Indianapolis is still considered a city of art. The Indianapolis Museum of Art has an extensive art history collection that exhibits not only American but also many European, as well as some African and Asian artworks. The exhibition programme runs through numerous art epochs, such as late medieval art, the Renaissance and contemporary works of art.

Some of the most famous artists exhibited there are Domenico Tintoretto, Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet or Albrecht Dürer. The Indiana State Museum provides information about the history and culture of the entire state. Originally, numerous Native Americans settled in Indiana, which ultimately helped the state to get its name. In addition, Indianapolis impresses with beautiful parks and green spaces. Fort Harrison Park and Eagle Creek Park are particularly popular with nature lovers and families with children. You should also take a look at the very sublime-looking Capitol of the state of Indiana. The building was largely built in the Renaissance style and can be visited free of charge from the inside and outside. Exciting festivals in the city’s streets, such as the Indy Jazz Fest, take place mainly in the autumn months from September to November.

Indiana Dunes National Park on Lake Michigan

If you travel to Indiana, you definitely have to make a detour to the Indiana Dunes National Park on Lake Michigan. This national park was only established in 2019 and covers an area of 61 square kilometers. The most exciting area of the spacious area is a 24-kilometer-long coastal strip that stretches along Lake Michigan. In its form, it can easily compete with the dune landscapes of the North Sea or Baltic Sea . In addition to dunes up to 60 meters high, the national park also contains some swamp and moorland areas as well as no less than 1,100 different plant species. Furthermore, all bird and butterfly lovers get their money’s worth here. the offer for tourists in Indiana Dunes National Park is enormously diverse. You can explore the park either as part of guided tours or on your own. There are numerous well-marked hiking and biking trails, a campground, fishing, horses that can be booked for horseback riding, and of course, designated swimming areas right on Lake Michigan.

The densely forested south of the state of Indiana

The south of the state of Indiana, unlike the northern spheres, is not characterized by water, but by forest. First and foremost, mixed forests are to be expected here, which reveal an incredibly colourful and dreamy face in autumn. If you like hiking, you can experience wonderful nature adventures here, especially in the autumn months. Enchanting hiking trails include the Hoosier National Forest and Brown County State Park. Mountain bikers also feel at home in the latter. However, a little attention should be paid to the reptiles living in Brown County State Park, because among them are rattlesnakes. If these don’t frighten you, you can also camp in the park. McCormick’s Creek State Park is home to passionate anglers. In the nearby Spring Mill State Park, caves can be explored. The longest cave area in the entire USA is also located in the south of Indiana: the Indiana Caverns. Here, rivers and lakes located in the caves can be crossed on guided tours by boat. The Paoli Peaks are home to snowboarders and skiers in winter

USA – three letters behind which are 50 states that attract countless travelers every year with their unique landscapes and cities. A round trip through the third largest country in the world therefore takes time. But of course, there are some pearls that have special appeal and that travelers in the United States of America should not miss.

The Big Apple – New York’s multi-layered appeal

Among the many metropolises in the USA, New York on the East Coast is one of the biggest tourist attractions. The “Big Apple” on the Atlantic used to be the first port of call for emigrants from the European continent. The first eye-catcher was the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island in New York Harbor. Today, visitors climb the spiral staircase of the 93-meter-high statue and enjoy the view from above over the harbor to Manhattan, the urban heart of the city. Washed by the Harlem, East and Hudson Rivers, the island is home to bustling Times Square and the sprawling and popular Central Park. The green lung of the city throws twice the size of Monaco into the balance for those seeking relaxation and athletes. The 443-meter-high Empire State Building goes up. The galleries in the building impressively show the origin of the high-rise building, which is so magnificently illuminated at night. In the 86th and 102nd Observation decks offer unbeatable views over one of the most densely populated areas in the world. A visit to the city also includes the monument to September 11 at “Ground Zero”, where the two towers of the World Trade Center once stood. Right there are two water basins today, framed by the engraved names of the victims.

Hawaii – tropical paradise with lava, beaches and rainforest

Far out in the Pacific lies the archipelago of Hawaii. The 50th US state fascinates with two of the most active volcanoes on earth, paradisiacal beaches, breathtaking nature and a warmth of the people that is second to none. The tropical paradise with its volcanic origin is the epitome of lush flora, casual joie de vivre and palm-fringed dream beaches such as Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu. The main island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, has a whole series of black beaches to the south and southwest and the green beach of Papakolea. Water sports enthusiasts will find perfect conditions for snorkeling, diving and surfing. The landscape captivates with lush rainforests and unique diversity, which is also due to the climate. Warmth is guaranteed here all year round. The Big Island is dominated by the volcanoes Mauna Loa and Kilauea, which are still active. They are part of the Hawaii Volcano National Park, which is part of the World Heritage Site. In any case, Hawaii has the largest volcanic system in the world.

Spectacle in the desert – Las Vegas

It attracts people who want to get married and gamblers as well as tourists – Las Vegas, the city of casinos and legendary shows. Located in the middle of the desert of the state of Nevada in the southeast of the USA, the city turns into a sea of lights at night. Replicas of the Eiffel Tower or Venice, a pyramid or a copy of the Statue of Liberty – the hotels and buildings of Las Vegas are all eye-catchers in their own right. Trying your luck at the gaming tables or “one-armed bandits” is a must. Many trendy clubs offer the opportunity to turn night into day. Of course, the many shows also attract visitors to the desert city, where show stars such as Celine Dion make guest appearances.

Hollywood and a legendary bridge – L.A. and San Francisco

In California on the Pacific , two special metropolises await visitors: Los Angeles and San Francisco. In L.A., stars and starlets cavort in Hollywood – the “Walk of Fame” is a must when visiting. The famous Venice Beach and the pier in Santa Monica are also worth a visit. San Francisco’s most famous landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge, spans the bay for over 2,700 meters in length. In that bay is also Alcatraz, the notorious prison that can be explored on a guided tour. The old houses from Victorian times are also an absolute eye-catcher.

Landscapes full of differences – the national parks

The climatic conditions of the huge country make for completely different landscapes. The swamps of the Everglades in Florida are no less attractive, as are the impressive Niagara Falls. In addition, the USA has 61 national parks, all of which are worth visiting. One of the most famous national parks is, of course, the Grand Canyon. The gorge with its enormous dimensions is up to 1,600 meters deep and almost 450 km long, with an average width of 16 kilometers. The Colorado River has dug itself into the rock here over time. It is not for nothing that the Grand Canyon is considered one of the world’s greatest wonders of nature and is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yosemite National Park, located in the Sierra Nevada in California, is also a World Heritage Site.

The diverse fauna and flora, the giant sequoia trees and the dominating, over 2,000-meter-high granite mountains Half Dome and El Capitan have brought it into the headlines worldwide. The state of Utah has 5 national parks to offer. Their common nickname “Big Five” is fitting, as Arches, Bryce, Canyonlands, Zion and Capital Reef National Parks are peppered with red mountains, impressive waterfalls, rivers and natural stone arches – a hiker’s paradise.

All these landscapes and metropolises are representative of the great diversity that makes up a round trip through the USA. Between the Pacific and the Atlantic, there are many well-known, but also some unknown beauty that are waiting to be discovered.

Looking for the perfect round trip in the USA for individual needs? You could find what you are looking for here.

Breathtaking national parks, vast desert landscapes, canyons and numerous impressive sights: Arizona is famous for its incredible diversity. In the state in the southwest of the USA on the border with Mexico, an unforgettable vacation is guaranteed. The biggest and best-known attraction in Arizona is the Grand Canyon National Park in the northwest of the state.

Canyon-State Arizona: The Grand Canyon as a tourist magnet

The canyon of the same name in the middle of the national park, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for many years, is one of the most famous sights in the world and attracts many millions of tourists and locals every year. You should take a lot of time to visit the huge gorge in the middle of an impressive rock formation. After all, the entire national park is almost 5000 square kilometers in size and there is an incredible amount to discover. You can explore the park either on your own or as part of a guided tour. From a plateau about 2,000 meters high and various smaller viewpoints, you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the entire park.

In any case, you should always have your camera at the ready to capture all impressions. If you like it a little more spectacular, you can discover the Grand Canyon National Park with a boat tour on the mighty Colorado River. The Colorado River flows into the vast Lake Mead. The largest reservoir in the USA, which is dammed by the impressive Hoover Dam, is also visited by millions of Arizona tourists every year. In addition to the flagship “Grand Canyon”, there are many other canyons to discover in Arizona, which has also earned the state the nickname “Canyon State”.

In the footsteps of the past

But Arizona, as the state with the most so-called National Monuments, has much more to offer than the Grand Canyon. Built in the 12th century, Montezuma Castle near Flagstaff on the border with Utah is one of the best-preserved historic buildings in all of North America. Not far away, you can follow in the footsteps of the Navajo Indians in the Navajo Nation Reservation, the largest Indian reservation in the USA. In the middle of the reservation is also the world-famous Monument Valley, which should not be missing on any Arizona tour.

Phoenix: The City of Museums

The capital of the state of Arizona, Phoenix, is also always worth a visit. The metropolis of 1.6 million inhabitants is both the largest city and the cultural center of Arizona. The city, which is about a four-hour drive from the Grand Canyon, is characterized by an exciting architectural mix of history and modernity. To take it in, it’s worth taking a leisurely stroll through the city centre. Not to be missed in Phoenix are the Phoenix Art Museum and the Musical Instrument Museum, the absolute highlights of the city’s incredibly diverse museum landscape. In the Botanical Garden, you can also get a great insight into the exciting flora and fauna of the state. An absolute highlight, especially for families with children, is the Big Surf Waterpark. The water amusement park leaves nothing to be desired with its numerous attractions in and around the water – from numerous slides to a huge wave pool and beach volleyball courts.

Diverse paradise for nature lovers

In addition to lovers of American history, nature lovers also get their money’s worth in Arizona – especially due to the numerous national parks, which are mainly characterized by desert landscapes and canyons. To discover them, many tourists rent a car on site to explore the state on their own. The flora and fauna have adapted to the high temperatures and drought in recent centuries. Among other things, the vegetation is characterized by huge cacti. On a foray through the state, you have a good chance of running into wild animals in their natural habitat – including mule deer or pronghorns. In the desert regions, you should watch out for beatings or spiders. In the mountains, with a bit of luck, you can even spot cougars or bears. On the Mexican border in southwestern Arizona, the Sonoran Desert is one of the largest and most fascinating desert regions in the world.

Best time to visit Arizona between November and March

The climate in Arizona is characterized by high temperatures of sometimes well over 30 degrees Celsius, lots of sun and dryness. The best time to travel to Arizona is during the winter months between November and March. Then, as expected, the temperatures are a pleasant 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Precipitation is also rarely to be expected during this time.