Party in the park
The USA is home to more theme parks than any other country, with everything from thrill rides for grown-ups to magical moments for little ones. You’ll find Disney and Universal Parks in Florida and California, or you can ride the world’s tallest rollercoaster at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey.
Hang ten, dude!
There’s nowhere better to learn to surf than the USA, with its world-famous waves and friendly board culture. There are schools all around the coast, but California is the biggest holiday destination for surfers of all abilities.
Take a deep dive
USA beach holidays aren’t just about life up top, as the seas are buzzing with diverse marine life. California’s underwater park is a world-class snorkelling site, the Florida Keys have the country’s only coral reef barrier, and Cape Cod in Boston is a shark-spotter’s dream.
Go on a shopping spree
America’s malls make our shopping centres look like corner shops! You’ll find everything from star-studded havens like The Grove in Los Angeles, to the many outlet malls in Orlando where you can grab the latest fashions even on cheap holidays to the USA.
What events can I go to in America?
It’s a country that loves to celebrate, so there’s plenty of fun to plan your holidays to America around. Here are the biggest events we look forward to:
California Restaurant Month (January) - Your chance to discover the state’s renowned fine dining scene for less, with events and fixed-price menus for all.
DAYTONA 500 (February) - The year’s biggest NASCAR race held at the iconic speedway in Daytona Beach.
Miami Marathon (February) - Runners, walkers, and wheelchair users travel from all over the globe to compete in this coastal race.
Myrtle Beach International Film Festival (April) - The East Coast’s answer to Sundance, see all the hottest new flicks and movie talent.
Hangout Festival (May) - The Gulf Shores play host to one of the USA’s biggest beachfront music festivals, with all the hottest acts on stage.
San Francisco Pride (June) - It’s the biggest celebration of LGBTQ+ pride in the country, so expect huge colourful parades and parties.
Independence Day (July) - Wherever you are on July 4th you’ll be swept up in beach BBQs, fireworks, and huge parties.
US Open of Surfing (August) - Huntington Beach in California becomes a buzzy hub of the world’s best wave-riders.
Burning Man Festival (August/September) - Outcasts and weirdos of the world unite for this carnival of delights in the Nevada desert. While there’s no sea, there’s plenty of sun and sand!
Head of the Charles Regatta (October) - The world’s largest regatta sees nearly two thousand boats compete along the Boston shores.
Electric Daisy Carnival Orlando (November) - A huge party weekender full of electronic dance music acts, light shows and fairground rides.
Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival (December) - The swankiest chefs descend on the beach to deliver four days of foodie heaven.
Christmas Boat Parades (December) - Florida’s waterways ring in the season with regular parades of boats bedecked in festive lights.
Where’s the best nightlife in America?
Party holidays to the USA are totally different beasts depending on where you go. Las Vegas is the high-energy nightlife capital, Miami has a buzzing beach party scene, and Los Angeles is where celebs go to play—that’s just a taste of America’s variety! Here are a few of our faves:
XS, Las Vegas - Hugely popular DJs and rappers take up residency at this temple for hardcore party people.
Poppy, Los Angeles - A fantasyland nightclub experience that attracts lovers of all things weird and wonderful.
Palace, Miami - See the world’s greatest drag queens at this friendly institution of America’s LGBTQ+ party scene.
LIV, Miami Beach - Florida’s own star magnet, where the exclusive surroundings will have you feeling like a VIP.
Howl at the Moon, Boston - A home to one of the USA’s favourite live music traditions—duelling pianists!
What's the food like in America?
We all love the classics like burgers and hotdogs, but each state will bring unique dishes to the table on your American holidays. Let these whet your appetite:
Lobster Rolls - Boston serves the fanciest sandwich around, with freshly caught lobster drenched in butter.
California Roll - Another seafood roll, but this time it’s sushi! Sticky rice surrounds crab, avocado, and cucumber.
Gumbo - You can’t miss this soul food stew in New Orleans, it’s packed with spicy flavours and a choice of meat or seafood.
Key Lime Pie - A pastry tart case packed with a creamy filling made with local Florida limes, sometimes topped with meringue. A Florida institution.
We think foodies will love these famous restaurants just as much as we do:
Joe’s Stone Crab, Miami Beach - The best place to eat the freshest Florida crabs and mingle with the locals.
Union Oyster House, Boston - This historic restaurant serves the state’s best fresh seafood recipes.
Top of the World, Las Vegas - Tuck into juicy steaks and city views at the top of the Stratosphere Tower.
Spago, Los Angeles - Celebrity chef owner Wolfgang Puck has been creating America’s finest dining for nearly 40 years.
Crossroads, Los Angeles - LA is also known for high-end vegan food, and this restaurant is the soy cream of the crop.
From the craggy inlets and coves in Maine, to the swampy Everglades of Florida; from the urban sprawls of the East Coast to the vast uninhabited deserts of the Southwest; from the wide waters of the mighty Mississippi, to the thundering Niagra Falls; from snow caped mountains to the Great Plains – all of this is America and all of it is waiting for you.