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10 Summer Vacation Ideas In The U.S. For 2021

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As the world of travel begins to open up, many Americans are scrambling to book overseas trips for 2021. But with the virus numbers and restrictions continuing to fluctuate around the world, why not check out the beauty of your own backyard?

Many Americans are choosing domestic travel for their first trips of 2021. Road trips are on the rise as people look for ways to see the U.S. at their own pace. For citizens of the U.S., domestic travel may be the surest bet. The chance of your trip being cancelled or delayed goes down quite a bit when you choose to travel within the U.S.

Here is a list of some of the top destinations in the U.S. for your trip in 2021. Whether you’ve traveled the U.S. extensively or you’re looking to see something new, this list of U.S. destinations has something for everyone. Just make sure you know the quarantine and testing regulations for each state before you add it to your 2021 must-see list.

Top 10 Destinations In The U.S. For 2021

1. Upstate New York

Upstate New York is a classic destination for travelers looking to enjoy the beauty of New England. With its array of lakes and mountains, the views of this area will not disappoint.

Several new and highly-anticipated hotels are opening up in New York this year that will help you access the Upstate area. The Adirondack State Park is a good place to start if you want to take in the scenery. And you can also check out the National Baseball Hall of Fame!

fall leaves new york

2. San Diego, California

San Diego, a classic oceanside destination, offers every kind of activity from whale-watching and kayaking to great local eateries. In San Diego, you can enjoy a cruise around the harbor. Or enjoy the spa at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar!

san diego california beach

3. Seattle, Washington

Many people had to skip out on trips to the Pacific Northwest in 2020. But Seattle and its surrounding area is not a destination to pass over.

The Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit alone is enough to make this trip worth it. Couple that with the city’s extensive system of breweries and unique shoreline, and you’re looking at a trip worth taking.

Seattle skyline

4. Astoria, Oregon

Astoria, Oregon, one of the oldest cities in the western U.S., is famous for several things. Not only was it the setting of the 1980s classic “The Goonies,” it’s also a great place to check out the rich history of the Pacific Northwest.

As the site of several American military forts, Astoria takes pride in its history and has the museums and landmarks to prove it.

haystack rock oregon

5. Grand Staircase-Escalante, Utah

Grand Staircase-Escalante, which covers an area the size of Delaware, has been called a “museum of sedimentary erosion.” If you’re looking to see unique and historical natural features that will take your breath away, Grand Staircase-Escalante is for you.

Although most of the park must be accessed by foot, the number of public campgrounds nearby make it easy to pack in and see a lot of the park.

Utah national park tourists

6. Nashville, Tennessee

Often referred to as music city, Nashville has a lot to offer in the way of good bars and live music. The Grand Ole Opry is probably the most popular attraction of the area.

The Nashville Museum of African American Music is an absolute must-see if you’re looking to take in the history of music in America. You can also take a tour of the historic winery Belle Mead and enjoy the tastings while soaking in the Southern scenery.

Nashville sign

7. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe has long been a place of pilgrimage for travelers looking to see some of the best of Southwestern art, culture, and architecture.

The opening of Bishop’s Lodge is anticipated as creating a new draw to the area as well. Closed in 2015 for renovations, this historic hotel will reopen in the late spring of this year. This hotel boasts over 300 acres of property located minutes from the beautiful downtown Santa Fe.

There are so many things to do in Santa Fe. Whether you want to check out the historic buildings, enjoy the food, or enjoy the art by visiting the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, the landscape of the area will ensure that your trip is scenic.

church yellow building

8. Sonoma, California

Sonoma is primarily known for one thing – its wine. The wineries in this area are known to give some of the best tours and tastings in the country.

But there’s more to Sonoma than wine. Take a bike tour or a canoe trip to take in the natural beauty of the area. Or, if you’re more of a foodie, check out the cooking classes offered to the public at the Ramekins Culinary School or one of the many food tours of the area.

vineyard california sunset

9. Tucson, Arizona

As a place to take in and enjoy the beauty of the desert, few places in the U.S. could beat Tucson, Arizona. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum offers visitors an in-depth and close-up look at the flora and fauna of this desert landscape. The national parks, air and space museum, and historic buildings will also not disappoint.

Boutique hotels and resorts scatter Tucson, offering travelers relaxing getaways. The Miraval Arizona is particularly renowned for its spa.

arizona tourists rocks

10. Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan offers explorers a view of Alaska’s famed Inside Passage. This network of waterways provides a look at the stunning landscape that Alaska is famous for. The museums display the history of the area’s native peoples. And the restaurants serve up wild-caught fish of every variety caught right on the Ketchikan coast.

The places to stay in Ketchikan focus on giving their guests unbridled access to the beauty that surrounds this place.

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