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Sonnenaufgang in Orlando - Ein auch bei den US-Amerikanern selbst beliebtes Reiseziel, Bild: Zhukova Valentyna / shutterstock

Insider tips for traveling to America – where do Americans go on vacation in the USA?

The United States is one of the most popular holiday destinations because of its wide range of travel options. In addition to cosmopolitan cities, the huge country has a lot of sights, excellent beaches and nature reserves to offer. No wonder that many Americans prefer to spend their holidays in their own country.

Which states and regions are particularly popular with US citizens?

If you look at the regions and states preferred by Americans, interesting conclusions can be drawn for your own travel planning. The state of California ranks first among the preferred travel destinations. The area, which is known as the “Fruit Garden of America”, scores with its scenic diversity. Orange and lemon groves, vineyards and sandy beaches characterize the landscape of this area in the southwest of the USA .

Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park, Image: cb_travel / shutterstock

In California, Americans prefer to visit Yosemite National Park. One of the highlights of a hike in the natural park is climbing the granite mountains of Half Dome and El Capitan. Unique panoramic views over the mountainous landscape and the Bridalveil waterfall can be enjoyed from the vantage point above the Bridal Veil Falls.

If you want to discover California within a short time and experience a lot of variety, take a road trip from San Diego to Los Angeles and San Francisco. In second and third place among the most popular US travel destinations are Florida and Montana. While the Sunshine State is valued for its excellent swimming and water sports, Montana is popular as a hiking region due to the Rocky Mountains. Florida, the southeasternmost state of the United States, is mainly attracting beach vacationers. The coastline stretches for several hundred miles, offers fine sandy beaches and idyllic bays.

In Miami, the coastal metropolis known for its Latin American culture, a creative art scene has developed. With its snow-capped mountain peaks, mountain lakes, and alpine hiking trails, the state of Montana is the exact opposite of sun-drenched Florida. Located in the western United States, this state is home to Glacier National Park. The large wilderness area, which is home to mountain goats or grizzly bears, is preferred by U.S. travelers for camping vacations, mountain biking, or trekking in the mountains.

How do Americans prefer to go on vacation?

Ocean Drive Miami
The Ocean Drive in Miami, Image: marchello74 / shutterstock

Americans appreciate warmth, beaches, and nature. The summer holidays are traditionally spent in one of the numerous seaside resorts on the east or west coast. People like to retreat to a holiday home (rented or bought) where they spend relaxing holidays with the whole family. Especially in the spring months, US tourists flock in droves to the southern parts of the country, which are spared from the cold winter.

Vacation destinations that are preferred by U.S. citizens in spring are Orlando (Florida), Los Cabos, Miami (Florida), Oahu and Maui (Hawaii) as well as Las Vegas (Nevada). Active holidays and outdoor holidays are in vogue. Feeling close to nature is an important need, especially for residents of larger cities. That’s why many Americans like to travel in their own motorhome. Since campsites near the beach are very popular, you should look for a free pitch early on. Active holidays serve as a balance to the predominantly sedentary lifestyle. Popular holiday activities include multi-day canoe tours, wildlife watching in the national parks and dog sledding tours through Alaska in the winter months.

In these parts of the country, locals are among themselves

Pacific Coast Highway 101 in Oregon near Port Orford and Humbug Mountain
Pacific Coast Highway 101 in Oregon near Port Orford and Humbug Mountain, Image: Manuela Durson / shutterstock

The United States is visited by millions of tourists from abroad every year. While holidaymakers focus on world-famous destinations, there are some parts of the country where locals are among themselves. The state of Oregon is considered the perfect travel area for individualists, hikers and climbers. In Cannon Beach, an idyllic seaside resort in Clatsop County, you can walk undisturbed on the fine sandy beach. Crater Lake National Park is Oregon’s only national park. At 594 meters, the deepest lake in America, the crater lake Crater Lake, is located in the nature park. Also on the national park grounds is the 2,722-meter-high summit of Mount Scott. The region is very popular with hikers and mountaineers.

Louisiana, which is hardly developed for tourism, has gained some notoriety because of the city of New Orleans , known as the “cradle of jazz”. Away from the big city, you will discover an interesting region with a variety of landscapes. A popular destination is the city of Lafayette, which has a population of 127,000. From there, you can reach the “home of the crocodiles” in the swamplands of the Mississippi Delta. Adventurous boat tours, which are offered on site, allow you to explore a unique natural landscape and observe the alligators up close.

The most beautiful beaches in the USA from the point of view of American tourists

Coronado Beach in San Diego
Coronado Beach in San Diego, Image: Sherry V Smith / shutterstock

Relaxing on the beach, resting on a sun lounger and bathing in the sea are favorite activities of American tourists who are vacationing in their own country. From the point of view of the locals, the most beautiful beaches in the USA are Ocracoke Beach in North Carolina, George Island State Park in the Florida Panhandle and Coronado Beach in San Diego, California. According to historical tradition, Ocracoke is said to have been the home of the pirate Blackbeard in the past. The wild natural beach, known for the high surf, is a mystical place. The main activities at Ocracoke Beach are long walks on the beach and exploring the village of the same name.

Far away from hectic cities, St. George Island State Park in the northwestern tip of the US state of Florida (called Panhandle) is a popular destination for relaxed beach and beach holidays. The elongated barrier island is also visited for fishing and bird watching. Walking on the beach and collecting shells or swimming in the crystal clear water is best done in this region. Located in San Diego, California, Coronado Beach stretches for hundreds of meters. The oasis by the sea scores with a pleasant Mediterranean climate, fine sand and subtropical vegetation. From the shore, you can watch ships, enjoy the mild surf and refresh yourself by swimming in the sea.