Favorite U.S. Region
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
UPDATE: I have done a lot of traveling since originally writing this post years ago. If you come across this post, definitely take a look at my Northern Arizona Travel guide, my Western North Carolina tourist guide, and my New England ultimate tourist guide for a few starters.
I have traveled quite a bit through the U.S. I have lived in every region of the country – Midwest (Illinois, Michigan) South (Tennessee, Florida) West (California, Nevada, Idaho) and Northeast (Massachusetts, Maine). I have taken many cross country road trips, which is always a better way to see the world than through a quick flight in my opinion. Road trips allow you to enjoy the natural scenery of an area and take in more local sights and oddities that you would never come across just staying in a hotel downtown.
The West
The West is an amazing area of the country – the diversity of the landscapes, the beautiful mountains, the coastal beaches, and the laid back atmosphere. My favorite cities out West would have to be Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Denver. Los Angeles has so much to offer that it is nearly impossible to be bored. I love the beaches, the weather, the shopping, and the palm trees. Las Vegas is a trip everyone must take at least once – The Strip has so much going on and so many great shows (most iconically the Bellagio fountains and Mirage Volcano spectacular).
My stay in San Francisco was short lived but mesmerizing. I loved walking across the Golden Gate Bridge. A beautiful city, I hope to go back soon. Denver Colorado has a really cool downtown area – I especially loved the 16th Street Mall. You will find 100s of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Highlights: Yellowstone National Park, L.A. Strand bike path, Griffith Observatory, Las Vegas Strip, Golden Gate Bridge, the redwood trees, and wine country.
The South
The South is another beautiful area of the country. The Southern US has the ideal weather in my opinion, four seasons but not one that is too drastic. Mild winters with a chance for snow, but no blizzards that shut the entire town down. I love hot, humid summers with plenty of chances to hit the pool or waterpark. I love thunderstorms and they happen frequently down here.
I lived in Tennessee for a while and got used to the beautiful rolling green hills and simplicity of each area. I love Nashville – great country music scene, great live music and a general fun atmosphere. Florida is always fun for a vacation – whether you are looking to relax on the beaches or entertain yourself at an amusement. Walt Disney World is an absolute must as are Universal Studios, Epcot, and MGM. Highlights: Nashville country bars, fall colors, Walt Disney World.
The Northeast
The Northeast is home to one of my favorite cities, New York! My trip to New York was one of the most entertaining – from The Today Show to Planet Hollywood to Times Square – everything was a blast. I would like to visit in the summer and check out Central Park Zoo. As for New England, both Maine and New Hampshire are beautiful places. The White Mountains are fabulous for hiking and getting out into nature in a relaxing setting while taking in once in a lifetime views.
I love the coastal towns in Maine, especially Camden. I like how each area has a classy Main Street lined with unique shops and restaurants. I love looking for old seaglass. Islesboro is an amazing beautiful place to visit – just a 20 minute ferry ride from the mainland. Highlights: NYC, Islesboro, searching for sea glass, Camden Hills State Park, Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Niagara Falls.
The Midwest
The Midwest is where I am originally from and the area that I know the most about. Chicago will always be one of the best cities – there is just so much to do. Does Chicago have the best skyline in the world?? I love Michigan Avenue, the many Christmas activities, and the amazing downtown which offers so many events throughout the year. Wisconsin and Michigan are both beautiful states with so many picturesque lakes. There is a peacefulness in driving through “flyover” states like Nebraska, Iowa, and Indiana. Highlights: Chicago, lakes of WI and MI, Brookfield Zoo, Sears Tower.
It is hard to pick one area of the country as my favorite as they all offer so much. I would probably have to go with The West. I choose the West for the diversity of people, landscapes, and climate. Where else can you go skiing and to the beach in the same day? The beaches of L.A., the beauty of wine country, the redwood trees, the numerous opportunities for recreation, the friendly laid-back atmosphere, and the dynamic mountains propel this area to the top of my list! Which area of the US would you choose as your top pick?
