Although we all want to visit the world, it might be tough to decide where to go for the first time. For some, the prospect of first-time travel is daunting.
What shall I do? What am I hoping to see? Will I take a trip for the first time? Is it true that some countries are friendlier than others?
I recently contacted some excellent first-time travel bloggers for their ideas on the best locations to travel for the first time, and here are their top choices for first-time travellers. Some of these locations may be unfamiliar to you.
Best places to visit in US for first time
● Florida Keys, Florida
Do you want a taste of the Caribbean but are unable to travel far? The Florida Keys are just what you’re looking for.
This chain of islands off the southern coast of Florida is more than simply an unusual destination to visit. It is one of the best places to visit in US for first time. The sequence of islands connected by lengthy bridges provides a distinct Caribbean flavour and a distinct international sense.
These gorgeous islands stretch for miles, offering exotic coastlines with immaculate beaches, world-class dive destinations, colourful Caribbean-influenced structures, wonderful seafood, superb snorkelling, sailing, and kayaking—and that’s just scratching the surface of what’s available.
The Florida Keys are a must-see for exotic areas in the United States. They are a quick travel away from the mainland that feels like a trip to a distant country.
● Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Southern Colorado is home to one of the most unusual landscapes in the continental US, Great Sand Dunes National Park, which is one of the top places to visit in the United States. With a terrain reminiscent of the enormous Sahara Desert, this national park is home to the tallest sand dunes in the United States, which were formed over thousands of years by Rio Grande deposits.
These gigantic dunes rise up to 700 feet in height, and tourists are encouraged to hike to the peaks for panoramic views of all the dunes in the park. Because of the area’s high winds, the sand is always changing, so tracks from previous visitors are soon removed, making the park even more mysterious.
Adventure tourists will appreciate that some of the dunes provide sandboarding and sandsledding for added enjoyment in this exotic environment.
● Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai, the least developed of the Hawaiian islands, is an unspoiled paradise. This strange island is more than just unusual; it has lush, mountainous terrain and magnificent beaches.
Its spectacular beauty has captivated not only tourists, but also Hollywood producers, who have used this island paradise as the exotic background for films such as Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and the 2005 remake of King Kong.
This island is pure tropical beauty from shore to shore, making it not only one of the best locations to visit in the United States, but one of the best places to visit in US for first time
● Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, also known as “America’s Last Wilderness,” is a 19.6 million-acre park in the middle of Alaska with snow-covered peaks. To say this is an exotic destination to visit is an understatement.
Polar bears, caribou, musk oxen, and grizzly bears all wander free and wild in this magnificent environment. In fact, when exploring this huge wilderness, you are more likely to come across one of these beasts than another human being. With nine months of winter and frigid temperatures that often last into summer nights, frigid National Wildlife Refuge lives up to its name.
Because of the great remoteness of this region, it is strongly advised to travel with a guide. Many firms regularly guide polar bear watching expeditions and nature treks into the refuge, making safe travel in the area very easy. As the United States’ final wilderness, this wildlife refuge is unquestionably one of the best place to visit in the US for first times.
● Mount Rainier, Washington
Mount Rainier, a magnificent and stunning volcanic mountain housed in a national park in Washington State, is one of the world’s most dangerous volcanoes. Mount Rainier, the highest mountain in the Pacific Northwest’s Cascade Range, at 14,411 feet tall.
To genuinely feel like you’ve left the country, wander across steep meadows covered in colourful wildflowers to experience a landscape reminiscent of the Alps. You’ll cross massive glaciers and waterfalls at every turn as you explore the park until you reach Tipsoo Lake, where you can see the colossal volcano’s reflection in transparent, dazzling water.
Exotic is an understatement to characterise this dangerous but awe-inspiring volcano designated as a Decade Volcano, one of 16 in the world worthy of special attention due to its history of severe eruptions and closeness to a densely populated area.
● Joshua Tree National Park, California
As exotic as it gets, visiting Joshua Tree National Park in southeastern California feels more like entering a distant country and more like entering a foreign planet.
This remarkable national park is the meeting place of two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Sonoran, and is dotted with odd foreign trees, massive boulders, and rugged desert terrain.
This magnificent park is obscure, adventurous, and distinct as a playground for rock climbers and photographers alike. Joshua Tree National Park is also one of the best places to visit in US for first time.
Best Romantic places to visit in US for first time ( Couples )
● Honeymoon Island State Park, Florida
Honeymoon Island State Park is a terrific site for outdoor lovers of all ages because it offers numerous possibilities such as sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, biking, and hiking.
Honeymoon Island has four miles of beautiful beaches to enjoy as well as a three-mile hiking track through one of the few virgin slash pine forests. Also, the sunsets on Honeymoon Island are as spectacular as any on Florida’s Gulf Coast, with pinks, purples, blues, and oranges swell and fade like breathing watercolours as the sun sets.
● Orlando, Florida
Orlando, known as the theme park capital of the world, is sometimes neglected as a romantic vacation in the United States in favour of larger cities like as New York or San Francisco. However, Orlando is much more than simply the home of Mickey Mouse; it is full with excellent activities for couples to do together.
The wonderful thing about Florida is that it is warm virtually all year. However, for the most pleasant warmth and to escape the massive throngs that Orlando attracts, visit between March and June or September and October. A swan peddle-boat ride on Lake Eola, a champagne ride on The Ferris Wheel at ICON Park, a trip to a romantic spa within Walt Disney World, or a memorable meal at the Hillstone Restaurant in Winter Park, which is quite the proposal hot spot, are some of the most romantic things to do in Orlando.
● Maui, Hawai
Hawaii is an incredible destination to visit, and none better than the island of Maui – unquestionably one of the top romantic getaways in the United States. This is a great place for couples searching for a romantic weekend. It has several lovely beaches, lush green landscapes, and luxurious resorts that you may enjoy with your other half.
The summer months of June, July, and August are the most popular seasons to visit the island, but visiting during the shoulder season on either side of these months may be a better option because you will still have beautiful weather but with fewer visitors.
● Cape May, New Jersey
While you might think of the New Jersey coast as a party destination for college students or a family vacation site, the old Victorian seaside town of Cape May is a charming romantic escape and one of the top couple vacations in the US. This is particularly true during the off-season. Of course, it’s spectacular in the summer, but the shoulder seasons and winter months bring a calmer pace and less visitors.
Begin your couples getaway with some pampering at the Cape May Day Spa. Try a couples massage or one of their packages that includes a soak in a large whirlpool tub.
● Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas is one of the most romantic cities in the United States! This quirky town is a hotspot for outdoor living and live music. If you are an outdoorsy couple, Austin is the greatest place to appreciate nature while yet having the conveniences of a bustling downtown.
Hiking is the one activity you definitely must do in Austin! Other romantic activities in town include kayaking on Town Lake, climbing Mt.Bonnell for views of downtown, and stopping by Mozart Coffee Roasters on Lake Austin! At the conclusion of the day, visit some of the quirky stores on South Congress Street and dine at one of its many restaurants. Finish your evening with a live music performance!
● Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is an excellent romantic destination. Las Vegas is more than just a gambling resort, and the best part is that there are so many free activities to do in the city while having a nice holiday with your loved one.
We highly recommend visiting Vegas in the autumn or winter months to avoid crowds and experience the city at your leisure.
When in Vegas, you must visit the Strip, walk hand in hand, and admire the amazing architecture and buildings. This romantic outing is completely free. Make time to visit the Bellagio and enjoy the fantastic water show (it’s free!).
● San Francisco, California
San Francisco, with some of the most iconic landscapes, is one of the most romantic places to visit as a couple at any time of year.
During the day, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, some of San Francisco’s most magnificent mosaic staircases, and the painted ladies.
A sunset sail in the bay followed by supper at any of the fantastic Michelin star restaurants, Ghirardelli square, food trucks, or any cuisine you can think of is one of the most romantic things to do. There’s something for everyone’s price range.
● Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks of North Carolina, one of the top romantic places in the United States, is also one of the best beach destinations. There is something for every couple, with breathtaking sunrises, kilometres of beaches, historical sites, and adrenaline-pumping sports!
Couples who appreciate nature might explore the Outer Banks’ wild horses or go bird watching around Kitty Hawk Bay. History buffs might go to the Wright Brothers National Memorial or Historic Corolla Park. Many of the island’s attractions are open all year. Try paragliding or even hang-gliding with Kitty Hawk Kites if you want to get your heart pounding!
Best Historic Towns in the US for first time
● Annapolis Maryland
Annapolis, MD is the perfect getaway for history buffs, especially those who like military history. Although Annapolis was long inhabited by Native Americans, it was first settled by the colonists in 1651. It became the capital of Maryland in 1695 and was briefly the capital of the United States from 1783 to 1784.
The Maryland State House, one of many historic attractions in Annapolis, was the site of two very important events in American history: George Washington’s resignation as the Commander in Chief of the Continental army in 1783 and ratification of the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War, in 1784.
● Brenham, Texas
Brenham is a small town just an hour northwest of Houston, making it the perfect day trip for those looking to escape the big city and experience a piece of rural Texas history.
One of the best things to do in Brenham is to visit Washington-on-the-Brazos, the birthplace of Texas. This is the spot where a group of delegates met on March 2, 1836, to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico, sealing the state’s fate. They drew up a constitution and established a national government to rule the nation of Texas (that remained an independent country for 9 years).
● Edgartown, Massachusetts
A Puritan who came from England during the early establishment of the Massachusetts colony purchased the land that became Edgartown in 1642. The town was founded in 1671 and called after Edgar, the then-King of England’s son. Unfortunately for the Puritans, the infant had already died, but news travelled slowly back then.
The thriving whaling industry made the town enormously affluent in the nineteenth century. Ships from all over the world docked in Edgartown Harbour, which served as a hub for the whaling industry. In Edgartown, wealthy sea captains erected enormous Greek revival residences for their family. When whaling’s peak faded, so did Edgartown’s fortunes.
● DeSmet, South Dakota
DeSmet, South Dakota, is located in the state’s eastern region, about two hours’ drive from Sioux Falls. If you’re a lover of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie series of novels and television show, this is a place you’ll want to see on your journey to some of the state’s most popular attractions, such as Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park.
DeSmet is a small town of approximately 1,100 inhabitants that was once home to the Ingalls family. The city was incorporated in 1883, but the Ingalls family migrated there in 1879, enticed by the Homestead Act and the prospect of owning their own land.
● Galveston, Texas
Galveston, a 210-square-mile barrier island about 50 miles south of Houston, has a rich history to share with visitors. The first hints of settlement were made by European pirates in 1528, but it wasn’t until the early 1800s that Europeans began to colonise Galveston.
By the mid-1800s, the city’s growth had delivered numerous firsts to Texas, including a post office, naval base, hospital, opera house, and country club, to mention a few. This propelled Galveston to become Texas’ largest city.
● Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is a mountain tourist town in eastern Tennessee that serves as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The village is situated along the ancient Indian Gap Trail, which was used for generations by Cherokee and other Native American hunters to traverse the area.
In the early 1800s, a white South Carolinian settler called Ogle and Cherokee workers began clearing ground for the settlement, but Ogle died. Martha, his widow, transported their extended family to the area and began work on the town’s first structure in 1806. Many of the earliest settlers to arrive in town were War of 1812 soldiers.
Today, the town is one of the top places to visit in the South. Visit the Gatlinburg SkyLift and the Ole Smoky Whisky Distillery while you’re there.
● Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
Kitty Hawk, one of the most beautiful villages on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is famous for being the site of the Wright Brothers’ first flight. That, however, occurred in neighbouring Kill Devil Hills. Because Kitty Hawk was the closest settlement, the Wright Brothers despatched a telegraph informing the world that the flight had taken place. Fifty years later, Kill Devil Hills would be incorporated.
Visit the historic Kitty Hawk pier, Nags Head to observe the wild horses, and, of course, Kill Devil Hills to see the Wright Brothers National Memorial. There are also other historic lighthouses in the vicinity that you can visit.
● Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic, Connecticut, is known for more than just its pizza. It is also a beautiful town on the water with a vintage naval past that would make Herman Melville happy.
The Mystic Seaport Museum is a great place to learn about the town’s nautical history, which dates back to the late 1700s and includes the shipbuilding sector, which was essential to the town’s development. There are other noteworthy historic sites in town to explore as well, the majority of which are old ships parked in the harbour!
● Ouray, Colorado
Ouray, Colorado, is a mountain town with a rich mining history and breathtaking natural beauty. Ouray was named after the same-called Ute Native American leader who was a key figure in the community when miners arrived in the late 1800s.
They came to the area to mine the newly discovered silver. There were other towns in the vicinity that also housed miners, but Ouray became a cultural and social centre. Because the neighbouring mountains provide some protection from the elements. As a result, several structures were built to support the growing town, many of which still survive today.
● Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe, New Mexico is the country’s oldest state capital. Santa Fe was founded in 1610, making it the second oldest city in the United States. It is also the highest capital in the United States, standing at 7,000 feet in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Santa Fe is a fantastic city to visit, especially if you enjoy the arts and being outside. This old historic town contains world-renowned art galleries as well as other independent galleries with a focus on local artists and heritage.
Also Read: Best place to visit in Switzerland in 2024
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