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The USA is often seen as the land of promise. The states are a treasure chest of cultural diversity. Experience long-running traditions, and wild retreats. There is endless opportunity for you to plan the summer holiday of a lifetime.
All these options may seem overwhelming at first but we are here to help.
Are you a foodie, outdoors addict, a sports buff? Looking for something to keep the kids busy? There is something for everyone on our list of the best summer activities in the USA.
1. Bring Out Your Inner Child At State Fairs
Get the authentic American summer experience at annual state fairs. Enjoy retro carnival games, thrilling rides, and live entertainment. Texas, Minnesota, and Iowa host some of the USA’s biggest and best state fairs.
They say everything is bigger in Texas and this couldn’t be more true when it comes to Texas State Fair. The fair runs for most of October and attracts 2 million visitors. There is plenty of rodeo action and scream-inducing fairground rides. Of course, you can find all possible combinations of battered, deep-fried food.
The Minnesota State fair usually happens from August 25th to September 5thand draws more daily visitors than any other fair. The annual lineup boasts famous artists like Tim Mcgraw and the Zac Brown Band. There are circus acts and a beer festival amongst other drawcards. General admission (excluding grandstand shows) starts at about $17 for adults.
Iowa State Fair dates all the way back to 1854. ‘America’s classic state fair’ is famous for its agriculture contests and butter sculptures. If you like food on a stick, this fair is for you. It runs for 11 days in August.
Camping is available on the fairgrounds if you want to stick around for a weekend. Campsites are available for around $30 dollars by reservation only. All sites connect to water and electricity.
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in USA
2. ‘Pick Your Own’ At A Working Farm
More and more farms are opening to the public and offering ’Pick-your-own ’ experiences. These are a great way for your kids to learn about food origins. Slap on some sunscreen and head out for some family fun.
Great Country Farms in Virginia has it all. Pick your own produce, get lost in the maze, go fishing, or play a round of put-put. Adults can enjoy some hard cider tasting.
In Washington, Bryant Blueberries is ideal for young families. Blueberry season runs late from July to August. At this time you can also cut your own flowers. Pack lunch and relax at a picnic table. Your kids will love riding the ponies and feeding the animals.
Near Chicago, visit Stade’s Farm and Market. Here you can pick strawberries in June, raspberries in July, and summer veg (sugar snap peas, beans, and tomatoes) in August.
Planning a trip to USA, Checkout: USA Tour Packages
3. Root For Your Favorite Team In the Minor Leagues
No USA summer is complete without taking in a baseball game or two. The atmosphere at minor league games is relaxed and friendly. It is well worth it for visitors from out of town to head to a ballpark and hang out with the locals.
There are 120 ballparks scattered across the country. No matter where in the USA you are, you will be able to get in on some baseball action.
The Blue Wahoos in Florida is frequently named the southern league ballpark of the year. We also love the guitar-shaped scoreboard and country theme of First Tennessee Park. Home to the Nashville Sounds.
Victory Field in Indiana got a huge upgrade in 2018. Fans can now watch the Indianapolis Indians on a huge screen as they refuel from the bar.
Not a fan of hotdogs? MGM Park in Mississippi has a reputation for the best food offerings amongst the minor league stadiums.
4. Go Yachting In Florida
There’s nothing quite as magical as being out on a private boat on the water. Florida boasts the title as the world’s boating capital. Rent a yacht in Florida and explore some of the premier sailing locations.
Sail down more than 300 miles of inland waterways at Fort Lauderdale. At the end of October, yachting enthusiasts can attend the world-renowned Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. This event is jam-packed with live demonstrations, activities, and boating exhibitions. Take a break to dive the reefs or go angling on the nearby Gulf Stream.
The Florida Keys have great sailing weather year-round. Keywest offers perfect conditions for watersports. From here sailors can cross 70miles to Dry Tortugas National Park and the impressive Fort Jefferson.
Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest estuary. Drop anchor and relax on white sandy beaches or spend a night and enjoy fine dining in Downtown Tampa.
5. Sleep Under The Stars In A National Park
The USA is famous for its National Parks. There’s something magical about sitting around a campfire after spending the day exploring the great outdoors. From evergreen pine forests and mountains to sparse and rocky deserts, you have your pick of campsites.
Visit ‘Old Faithfull’ at Yellowstone National Park. Mammoth Campground is nearby the hot spring terraces. This is a great spot for seeing wildlife like elk and bison.
Camp out in world-famous Grand Canyon National Park. Mather Campground, on the south ridge, is busier and offers convenience and a visitor center. North Rim Campground is more secluded.
Smokey Mountain National Park is famous for its picturesque mountains and spectacular waterfalls. There are 10 campsites in the park but Elkmont Campground is the most popular.
Some campsites are open year-round, others are only available seasonally. Be sure to check availability and pack your hiking boots.
6. Get Your Thrills White Water Rafting
Does flying down rapids on an inflatable craft sound like fun? You need a white water rafting adventure. Get ready for an adrenaline rush as you experience some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes and wildlife.
Our top destination for white water rafting has to be Snake River, Wyoming. If the rapids here don’t take your breath away, the scenery will.
The Arkansas River offers a good combination of gentle stretches and rough water. Plenty of towns along the river means you are never too far from good food and accommodation.
If you are an experienced rafter, head to the Gauley River, West Virginia. The rapids here are arguably the most challenging in the country.
Beginners may prefer gentler stretches of the Salmon River, Idaho. While in this region, enjoy a soak in local hot springs. Most rafting adventures only accept children older than 8 years.
7. Explore the city with a ‘Hop-On Hop-Off’ Bus Tour
If you only have limited time and want to pack in as many attractions as possible, hop-on-hop-off busses are the way to go. A ticket gives you the freedom to climb off and explore at whichever stops you choose. When you are ready, climb aboard the bus to the next attraction.
Take a bus to Miami’s Jungle Island and Everglades National Park. The Miami bus also lets you spend time sampling local dishes in Little Havanna.
Check out famous architecture including the Golden Gate Bridge on a San Fransisco bus tour.
In Philadelphia, you get a front-row seat to the city’s rich heritage. Soak up the sights with stops at the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
Cruise around the city that never sleeps on New York Bus Tours. Snap a pic of the Statue of Liberty or climb off in the theatre district to catch a show.
In addition to seeing city highlights, a bus tour is a great way to meet interesting people from all over the globe. Most tour buses have English-speaking guides and Wi-Fi on board.
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