Things to do in America
A walk in the park
It’s like Christmas every day for hikers in the USA particularly with the uber-impressive network of 60 national and over 6,000 state parks. State parks are generally smaller than national parks, with some exceptions such as the Adirondacks State Park in New York State, bigger than Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Great Smokies and Yosemite national parks combined. And less of a drive from Manhattan than the Lake District is from London.
The Appalachian Trail is one of the most famous long distance hikes but, at over 3,000km long, seek out the best stretches. Such as the White Mountains of Maine and New Hampshire, just 200km from Boston. Do as locals do and stay in traditional hiking cabins which have hosted hikers along the Trail for as long as it has existed. Other great ones beyond the classics include the Amphitheatre Lake Trail in Grand Teton National Park, or Seven Mile Hole Trail in Yellowstone. Many of the parks offer bus shuttles to trailheads too. Travel with a responsible tour operator and they’ll know all the best routes anyway, what times to hit them, and how long they will take. And check our guide to USA’s National Parks.
The Appalachian Trail is one of the most famous long distance hikes but, at over 3,000km long, seek out the best stretches. Such as the White Mountains of Maine and New Hampshire, just 200km from Boston. Do as locals do and stay in traditional hiking cabins which have hosted hikers along the Trail for as long as it has existed. Other great ones beyond the classics include the Amphitheatre Lake Trail in Grand Teton National Park, or Seven Mile Hole Trail in Yellowstone. Many of the parks offer bus shuttles to trailheads too. Travel with a responsible tour operator and they’ll know all the best routes anyway, what times to hit them, and how long they will take. And check our guide to USA’s National Parks.
Maine and Massachusetts self drive vacation
Tailor-made itinerary to coastal Maine and Massachusetts.
From
£3380
11 days
inc UK flights
Self drive tour of the National Parks of America
Explore the United States fantastic National Parks.
From
£6500
24 days
inc UK flights
California, Nevada and Arizona vacation
Journey into the remote wilds of Western America
From
US $2740 to US $2990
11 days
ex flights
Alaska adventure vacation, salmon run
Active small group adventures in a retrofitted school bus
From
US $4980
20 days
ex flights
Western USA National Parks vacation
Explore some of the highlights of America's southwest.
From
US $5640 to US $6580
17 days
ex flights
National Parks hiking vacation in America
A superb hiking adventure through the USA's most famous national parks
From
US $4490
14 days
ex flights
farm to fork? in Colorado we found vine to wineglass, grain to glass, peach to prosecco and bison to burger.![]()
Eat, drink and be merry
The US food movement is transforming from fast to slow with Farm to Fork, as it is better known, more prevalent in New York, for example, than London, Paris or Tokyo. California, Colorado, Washington, Oregon and the Deep South are wonderful places to imbibe local brews and feast on local fare. They won’t look at you strangely if you ask what’s local on the menu. They get it.
ON MY FIRST DAY HIKING IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, I CAUGHT SIGHT OF A RARE BALD EAGLE. GOD SAVE AMERICA.![]()
Wildlife watching
There are bison in Yellowstone, caribou and grizzly bears in Alaska and bighorn sheep, bears and elks in Colorado. Some are scary, others are just stunning, but they are all wild. So read up in advance, bring your binoculars, stay aware of what’s out there, take precautions but most of all, enjoy.
Our top trip
Maine and Massachusetts self drive vacation
Tailor-made itinerary to coastal Maine and Massachusetts.
From
£3380
11 days
inc UK flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
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Water way to travel
Americans really know how to do the great outdoors. The canoe is indigenous here, after all, and the country is criss crossed with rivers and other waterways where you can paddle along to your heart’s content amid glorious natural scenery. So there is no shortage of paddling possibilities in the USA such as rafting and wild camping along the Grand Canyon’s Colorado River or sea kayaking in Acadia National Park in Maine, which gives you access to caverns and coves only accessible by water.More USA articles
All year round visits are great, though winter brings snow to the east coast, and summer wildfires are an increasing risk.
Explore the national park wonders in the Rocky Mountains, the deserts and canyons of the West or the culture-rich Deep South.
One of the best places to start in America is its national parks, which are massive and wonderful. Or enjoy the Deep South.
Alaska is one of the world’s last great wildernesses, across volcanoes and fjords.
The Grand Canyon National Park is an American icon, carved by the Colorado River.
The National Parks of the USA are crown jewels in the country’s natural heritage.
What lurks in the Everglades? What stalks the parks of Yosemite and Yellowstone? And who's that catching salmon on the river?
This is the most geothermally active place on Earth.
Here is home to some of the largest living trees on Earth and the US's tallest waterfall.
Travel beyond the clichés of theme parks, and go into nature with your children instead.
Leave your pre-conceptions at home and prepare for an outdoorsy vacation, with slow food and wildlife at every turn.
Learn about the Leave No Trace campaign in national parks, and be safe around wildlife.
All of our USA guides in one place, featuring particular locations such as Alaska or Colorado.
