Most Popular Vacation Spots in America
A true road warrior reveals the most popular vacation spots in America
In a past life I was an American tour guide, responsible for running tours across the country for dozens of people from around the world.
Here is my take on the most popular vacation spots in America, from a vagabond’s perspective.
Forget Los Angeles: it’s dirty, large, sprawling and materialistic. Hollywood is right up there with the nation’s biggest disappointments, along with Mt. Rushmore, Roswell, and Panama City. If you’re looking for a city in Southern California, visit San Diego instead: the beaches are nicer, the people are friendlier, and the crime is much lower.
San Francisco. One of the most popular spots in America, and a great vacation spot for just about any tourist. The homeless situation can shock people initially, though the crime rate is relatively low (stay out of the Tenderloin district, particularly after dark). The Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square are all fantastic to visit, and you should spend at least three full days here to see everything.
New York. With close to 20 million people and five main boroughs, New York has got something for everyone, and is mandatory to visit at least once in your life. I could give you a list five pages long of things to do and see, but the best thing to do here is buy a subway pass and just hit the streets.
New Orleans. The best city in the South. While Bourbon Street can be a blast for a day or two, do yourself a favor and visit the WW II museum, and sample the local shellfish (and the infamous “po-boy” sandwiches. Also, check out the bar Bon Ton Roule; on Thursday nights they’ve got a great hip hop/jazz band that plays to a packed house. These are the most popular vacation spots in America, and all are worth a visit (though you could just drive through LA on your way to San Francisco). |