7 Culturally & Naturally Diverse Destinations to Visit in North America
A Continent with So Much to Offer
From the lush rainforests and rocky beaches of the west coast to the vast deserts of the interior to the towering Rocky Mountains, North America is a huge continent with incredibly diverse landscapes.
If you’re planning to explore North America on a road trip, you’ll have more destinations than you can possibly see on your trip — even if you travel for a year. So, how do you narrow it down and choose which places to stop at?
The following are a few of the most breathtaking and amazing destinations in North America. Where will you go on your big adventure?
Niagara Falls, Ontario/New York, Canada/United States
It’s hard to comprehend the sheer scale and natural power of Niagara Falls until you see it with your own eyes. This incredible wonder is located on the border between the province of Ontario in Canada and the state of New York in the United States.
The crashing waters are simply stunning and you can even take a ride on a boat close enough to feel the spray of the walls on your face. Plus, there’s so much more than the waterfalls to enjoy — a few of the top Niagara Falls attractions include shopping, golfing, camping, museums, live music and so much more. Plus nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake is world-class wine country, with historic sites galore.
New York City, New York, United States
New York City needs no introduction — it’s one of the most iconic and legendary cities in the world. There are countless great NYC attractions to enjoy, including Fifth Avenue, Central Park, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Plaza, Wall Street and so much more.
See a musical on Broadway, go shopping and visit Times Square — known as the “Crossroads of the World” (50 million people cross this intersection every year).
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Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
This cobblestone-lined, walled city is the epicenter of French-Canadian culture and one of the oldest settlements in Canada. As you stroll through this historic UNESCO World Heritage city, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Europe.
The gas-lamp-lit streets are packed with friendly bakeries and coffee shops, quirky local galleries and unique shops. The city is known for its vibrant culture and festival scene, as well as a fantastic nightlife and dining scene.
Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
This Mexican destination is sunny, vibrant, and alive with culture and history. You can go on a tour through ancient ruins from the Mayan era, then cool down with a snorkeling adventure in the pale-turquoise waters.
Or, you can sign up for a cenote tour, which are underground caves filled with water. After exploring these deep-blue caves, you can dine on delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine.
Hilo, Hawaii, United States
Hilo is one of the most spectacular destinations in Hawaii, abundant with natural beauty. The incredible black volcanoes tower over the sapphire-blue waters and the bright-green palm trees.
The town of Hilo is located on the Big Island, with stunning views of the Pacific and a friendly, laid-back downtown. Also, Hilo makes a great jumping off point for adventures in the famous Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — one of the most spectacular landscapes in North America.
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Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming, United States
Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the strangest and most otherworldly geothermal areas in North America. It’s a large complex of hot springs on a hill of travertine in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.
Bring your camera, because this landscape will truly make you feel like you’re on another planet. The terraces are ghostly white, the pools are strange technicolor hues and the geothermal pools are bubbly all around.
Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Another one of the most popular destinations in North America is the spectacular Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. Imagine hiking through dense pine forests and past sparkling turquoise lakes that have just melted off a glacier.
If you love the outdoors, Banff is a dream destination. You can go canoeing down the river, horseback riding through the backcountry, climbing on a glacier, skiing down a mountain and so much more. Keep your eyes peeled — you’re likely to see a wide range of Rocky Mountain wildlife including elk, moose, bears, mountain goats and bighorn sheep.
These are just a few of the many spectacular vacation destinations in North America. Since this continent is so huge, it’s hard to see everything in one trip. So, unless you have months on end to explore, the best strategy is to choose a region to focus on. Remember, you can always go back and discover more on your next trip.
