7 Reasons to Love Traveling in the USA

(Updated May, 2026)

A great deal has changed since this post was originally written but one thing hasn’t, and that’s the diversity of destinations around the USA. With the launch of a re-designed familyTravelsUSA website in 2026, I had a chance to reflect on how creating this website has impacted my travel experiences. My initial purpose was to share a few family road trips, but as I look back now, I realize that it has also been a personal motivator for me to seek out and share new adventures throughout the USA. This post—7 Reasons to Love Traveling in the USA—sums up the many unique experiences we have found along the way.

Along the way, I have worked to inspire you, the reader, to explore new places both across the country and in your own backyard. My kids may not remember every detail of each place we have visited, but I’m happy knowing that I have exposed them to the great outdoors, national parks, new foods, big cities, small towns, and tons of fun adventures from coast to coast.

It’s evident to me, as my kids have grown up and now travel the world or head off on a new outdoor adventure, that in some way, our family travel experiences have shaped them to be curious about not only the USA but the world. More than ever, it’s important to appreciate the many ways that different cultures have shaped our country.

Whether visiting small towns like Taos, New Mexico or cultural melting pots like New York City, travel can bring a new perspective and appreciation of how people live. Keep reading our 7 reasons to love traveling in the USA as inspiration for your next trip or summer vacation, no passport required!

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Browse USA top activities!

Legendary National Parks

With 63 National Parks, and over 430 designated areas, our national park system offers a diverse collection of sites to explore. Visit volcanoes in Hawaii, marvel at the Grand Canyon in Arizona, walk through a rainforest in Washington, see glaciers in Alaska, snorkel off the Channel Islands, hike in Shenandoah National Park, watch the sunrise in Maine, or stroll through history at national park sites in Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and Boston.

I love that in some states, like Utah and California, it’s easy to visit several parks in one trip. You might also be surprised to find out how many sites are close to home. We have visited many national parks over the years and have put together our best national park resources and tips to help with planning. The National Park Service also has plenty of information to help.

If you haven’t experienced that “wow” moment when you first see the shocking blue color of Crater Lake or a beautiful alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, maybe it’s time to start planning a trip! And don’t downplay the amazing state parks found across the country, which offer unique opportunities and are well suited for day trips or extended outdoor vacations. ​

Water, Water Everywhere!

Like to be near the water? There is no shortage of vacation options up and down both coasts, and along miles of shoreline of lakes big and small. Want a tropical beach vacation? Head to the west coast of Florida or the Florida Keys, where you’ll find palm trees, turquoise blue waters and white sandy beaches. We’ve enjoyed visiting Siesta Key, St. Pete’s, Sanibel Island, Miami, and the Florida Keys.

The Hawaiian Islands truly offer something for everyone, from snorkeling on Maui to lazy days on a beautiful beach on Oahu. Hawaii Don’t forget about Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands! We had a blast on a family vacation to the island of St. John.

Love exploring tidepools? An abundance of sea life awaits on the coast of Maine or the rocky beaches scattered up and down the coasts of Washington and Oregon. Or try the ultimate water vacation aboard a houseboat on one of dozens of scenic lakes scattered throughout the USA. Several years ago, we spent 3 memorable days on a houseboat at Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia.

And each year, we try to spend a few days at one of our favorite east coast beaches, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. I just love that there are so many options to plan a vacation for water lovers, whether at the beach or on a beautiful lake.

Delicious Regional Food from Big Cities to Small Towns

Trying new foods and regional cuisine tops our list of things to do when traveling around the US. As a family we have taken an Italian food tour in the North End of Boston, tried Cuban food in Miami, enjoyed cheesesteaks in Philadelphia, Danish pastries in Solvang, beignets in New Orleans, fried clams in Connecticut, deep fried Key Lime Pie in the Florida Keys, and lobster fresh off the pier in Maine. Eating on the Road highlights a few of our favorite finds.

My top two ways to dive into the local food scene are by taking food tours and visiting local markets/food festivals. Not only can you easily sample a variety of food, but you also learn a bit about the history of the people and traditions of the area. Here’s 5 east coast food tours you don’t want to miss. Historic food markets like DC’s Eastern Market and Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market not only dish up great food, but come with a dose of history.

Adventure Travel for All Ages

Got a family that just can’t sit still? Discover 18 family vacation destinations for outdoor adventure. The list includes suggestions for places from coast to coast. Or maybe you just want to incorporate one or two adventurous days into your next vacation.

My all time favorite was snorkeling with manatees in Crystal River Florida, but we’ve also gone white water rafting and zip lining in Tennessee, adventure dune buggy riding in central Oregon, hiking in national parks, horseback riding on the beach in California, and floating on the Colorado River in Arizona.

Several family members had the opportunity for a cool slot canyon tour near Lake Powell in Arizona. The pictures can’t truly convey the feeling of viewing this unique site from the floor of the slot canyon. Check out Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tour for one local tour option.

Top Museums

From California to Florida, the USA is home to a variety of museums that bring in millions of visitors each year. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and National Museum of Natural History are regularly found in top 10 lists for museums in the USA. I had a chance to visit the J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center in Los Angeles recently and was overwhelmed with the art and the stunning gardens.

For a traveling family, you can’t beat the depth, variety, and free admission at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC with its diverse collection of museums and galleries plus the National Zoo.

And don’t forget about the amazing science and kids’ museums, space museums, and aquariums around the US. A few top of mind are the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the Museum of Science in Boston, the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, and the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

History in Real Life

Bring history alive by visiting some of America’s oldest cities. Hear fascinating tales of life during the founding of our country. Follow in the footsteps of famous Americans on the Freedom Trail in Boston, take a walking history tour in Philadelphia, or visit the National Mall in Washington, D.C. with DC by Foot. It’s amazing how much you can learn on a walking tour or even with a self-guided tour of historical landmarks.

With 250th anniversary celebrations across the US, in 2026, there has never been a better time to visit places like Williamsburg, Virginia, or Philadelphia. Our visit to Virginia’s American Revolution Museum at Yorktown reminded us that it’s always a good time for a history refresher no matter your age! With interactive and technology-enhanced exhibits, museums are more engaging than ever.

Even the ghost tour we took in Key West was filled with history and stories dating back to the Civil War days. One of the most unique places we visited to learn about history was the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center perched over the Columbia River on a cliff in the state of Washington. So if you are traveling on the coast of Washington and northern Oregon, be sure to stop by.

Amazing Theme Parks

Every year, millions of Americans visit a theme park. From the magic of Disney to some of the tallest, fastest and steepest roller coasters in the world, the US has a collection of theme parks with something for everyone. Over the years we’ve made two visits to Disney World, along with Universal Studios in both Florida and California, and I would recommend any of these places for family fun.

For roller coaster fans, Cedar Point in Ohio and Hersheypark in Pennsylvania not only offer more than a dozen roller coasters each but hotels and resorts to enhance your stay. Check out Holiday World in Indiana, which boasts the first launched wing coaster in the country and a huge waterpark (plus they offer free soft drinks, free parking and free sunscreen!). Many parks also have seasonal waterparks for guests to enjoy.

I hope you take a minute to browse our website, which is filled with resources and ideas for destinations, national parks, road trips, and more. And be sure to follow familyTravelsUSA on Pinterest, where I’ve gathered thousands of travel-related pins to help inspire you and plan your next adventure.