Photo: Contiki
A USA trip is on the bucket list for tons of people, many of whom live in the country themselves, but haven’t yet had the chance to leave where they grew up. And, there really are few better things for you than travelling while young, so it makes sense to make the most of any opportunities you get to do so. Thankfully, there are endless fun vacation spots for young adults in the United States, whether they’re avid hikers, beach lovers, or museum bugs.
Check out our favourite trips for young adults below, and you’re sure to find something that will make you desperate to use your hard-earned time off.
1. Charleston, South Carolina
Cheap vacations in the US are plentiful, but few offer as many cultural gems as Charleston, South Carolina. One of the most historic towns in the States, the city is home to world class museums, quaint cobbled streets, and some truly beautiful beaches. And, at night Shem Creek and King Street light up with life – another reason why Charleston is one of the most fun vacation spots for young adults in the US.
Image source:Contiki
2. Portland, Oregon
Endless microbreweries, breathtaking outdoor activities a stone’s throw away, and enough cultural attractions to spend a week wandering through them all, Portland, Oregon is one of the best places to go in America no matter what you’re looking for in a vacation destination.
The city itself is a wonderful place to visit, but the verdant forests and parks surrounding it add to the allure. So, if you want to combine excellent scenery with a buzzing city vibe, there are few better vacation sites in the USA.
3. Road-tripping through California
Threading along the coast from San Diego to San Francisco is seen as one of the best road trips in the world, and it’s easy to understand why. You get the unique beauty of the California coastline, with the white, sandy beaches of Santa Barbara and sparkling ocean in Big Sur, while also having the opportunity to head further inland to check out sites like Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, and the national monument of Berryessa Snow Mountain. Add in a pit-stop in Los Angeles, and you have a real classic American vacation.
Image source:Jörg Angeli / unsplash
4. Orlando, Florida
It’s not hard to see why the theme park capital of the world is one of the most fun vacation spots for young adults in the US. With stunning weather and attractions like Disney World and Universal Studios, it’s a mecca for thrill-seekers and movie-buffs. There aren’t just amusement parks here, though: you can check out sea turtles, marvel at human ingenuity on a visit to the Kennedy Space Center, and eat your way through one of America’s best food scenes.
5. Miami Beach, Florida
Cerulean seas, proximity to some truly special nature, and a thriving nightlife scene: there’s plenty of reasons why Miami Beach is considered a fun vacation spot for young adults in the US. While there’s lots of opportunity to let loose here, you can also have a more wholesome time by exploring the Everglades, or checking out the local art deco architecture. Or, you can spend your time sinking into the white sands of the coast, soaking in the sun and letting the sounds of the ocean lull you into contentment.
Image source:Ashley Satanosky / unsplash
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
The Big Easy has one of the most unique cultures in the States thanks to its French and Creole influence. This is most obvious in its incredible French Quarter, which is undoubtedly one of the best places for young adults to visit if they want to cut loose. Thankfully, the local dishes are both delicious and reviving after a night of fun, and you can spend the day checking out cultural highlights, so it’s the best of all worlds. Add in the fact it’s one of the cheapest places to travel in the States, and it’s becomes harder and harder to explain why you haven’t booked your trip yet.
7. Austin, Texas
Picture it: you’re wandering down Austin’s world-famous 6th Street. The night air is warm, and you’re surrounded by incredible live music, with tons of talented musicians playing a mixture of classics and their own songs. The alluring, sweet smell of BBQ wafts down the road. This could be your Austin trip.
If live music and smoked meats aren’t your bag, then don’t worry, Austin has plenty more to offer. You can meander through Ziker Metropolitan Park, get lost in the LBJ Presidential Library, or try every whisky you can get your hands on! One of the top US travel destinations in general, but especially for younger people.
Image source:Tomek Baginski / unsplash
8. Atlanta, Georgia
Once seen as America’s connecting hub thanks to its insanely big airport, Atlanta is getting a real glow-up as a destination in itself. With a brilliant bar and club scene, countless historical treasures, and cultural attractions of all kinds, it’s one of the most fun vacation spots for young adults in the US. Plus, it’s home to one of the truly undisputed American icons: Coca-Cola, and the World of Coca-Cola experience.
9. Chicago, Illinois
Who doesn’t love Chicago? You can devour the famous deep-dish pizzas before checking out world class paintings and sculptures at the Art Institute of Chicago, then end your day at a baseball game at the world-famous Wrigley Field. The Windy City is stuffed with great culture, food, and things to do, while also having some of America’s best nightlife. Undoubtedly one of the most fun vacation spots for young adults in the US.
Image source:Sawyer Bengtson / unsplash
10. New York City, New York
The Big Apple needs no introduction. While New York City can seem like a daunting place to visit, it’s a truly rewarding vacation destination thanks to its endless cultural highlights, stunning local green spaces, and plethora of world-class restaurants and bars. Plus, there’s plenty to do for cheap or free, from hiking through Prospect Park, strolling along the Highline, or checking out dive bars in Greenwich Village. Add in the iconic skyline, cool clubs, and excellent public transport, and you have a dream destination for young adults.
11. Seattle, Washington
Sure, it might have a reputation for being a little grey, but Seattle is so much more than dark skies and Starbucks. The city itself has plenty of sparkling attractions, like Kerry Park and the Museum of Pop Culture, but it also benefits from being surrounded by the wilds of the Pacific Northwest, one of America’s most ruggedly beautiful and naturally diverse regions. If you want to combine culture and the outdoors, there’s no better vacation spot in the US.
Image source:Contiki
12. Nashville, Tennessee
Known as the country capital of the States, Nashville is one of the most fun vacation spots for young adults in the US regardless of your music taste. But, there’s no doubt much of its allure comes from its rollicking musical history.
With that said, there’s lots to explore that doesn’t relate to music, from art museums to grand, colonial buildings. And that’s not even mentioning the affordable prices, incredible cuisine, and stunning sunshine.
