United States Guide
The United States needs no introduction, and dozens of trips are probably not enough to discover this territory twenty times the size of France!
The United States is one of the largest countries in the world . Every year, thousands of tourists come here to discover a world of contrasts, natural and man-made wonders known for their uniqueness. The country amazes with its vastness, which maps cannot depict. Almost every state, city, and town has its own identity and is a country in itself.
The sights of the United States of America include not only the Statue of Liberty and its skyscrapers, Hollywood dream factories, and the White House. There are also thousands of other cultural sites and natural phenomena that inspire admiration.
Admirable natural sites
The surreal landscapes of the Grand Canyon and Death Valley, the majestic Niagara Falls on the Canadian border, wild rivers, geysers, the wilderness of Alaska… The USA boasts several iconic natural treasures which, alongside monuments, bridges and skyscrapers, inspire millions of independent travelers every year.
Territories, each more surprising than the last
The country has two states that are isolated from the continent. For example, there is Hawaii, which is a land of islands in the Pacific Ocean, and to the north, there is Alaska. The latter, which is separated by Canada, has the highest peak in the country , McKinley (reaching 6,200 m).
Also discover Boston, a New England city known for its universities. New York City has a rich history , as do sunny Philadelphia and industrial Cleveland. Detroit is famous for its automobiles, and nearby are the majestic Niagara and Michigan. While in Florida, the famous wetlands are teeming with wildlife, and in Louisiana, the streets have a French accent.
Description of the USA
Area : 9,363,123 km². 4th place in the world.
Capital : Washington, DC (0.6 million inhabitants)
Main cities : New York , Los Angeles, Chicago
Official language : English
Currency : US Dollar (USD)
National holiday : July 4th
Why visit America?
If you are planning a trip to the United States , but have not yet decided what you want to do besides sightseeing, the following options are recommended:
Arts and Culture
We all know that America is a country rich in diverse cultures . This diversity is reflected in almost every aspect of American life. Museums in the United States house a large amount of artwork from different eras, and are sometimes a destination for tourists who come to America from all over the world.
The most famous of these are the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Queens Museum of Art, both located in New York City. The National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, is also extremely popular. You can see paintings by Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, Monet, and others there.
A unique gastronomic experience
American cuisine is a fusion of culinary traditions from around the world , combining the cuisines of different immigrant cultures. Here you can enjoy Italian, Mexican, French, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai and other national cuisines.
The cafe and restaurant menus include German burgers and sausages , Italian pizzas and pastas , Mexican soups and California chicken, and Thai fusion. All of these dishes combine in surprising and unique ways during a gourmet tasting experience.
What to do in the United States?
American attractions are not only varied and large, but also located in different regions of the country. Popular attractions range from day trips to themed tours: Westerns, Native American territories, surfing, and more.
Yosemite Park
The pride of the United States, the magnificent Yosemite National Park has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site . What is remarkable is that its contemporaries managed to preserve the park’s nature almost intact: 95% of the park’s area is completely wild.
Only a small part of the protected area is accessible to tourists , but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to see. Picturesque views, granite boulders, hiking trails – all this and much more await visitors to Yosemite.
Niagara Falls (New York State)
It is a collection of several waterfalls on the Niagara River, which flows between New York State and Canada.
When they join, they create a powerful cascade of water . Many romantics come to admire the magnificent views from the American side. A bridge was built just downstream over the river. Moreover, it is suitable for both pedestrians and cars . Emblematic of American leisure culture, the area around the falls is designed like an amusement park.
Museum Mile (New York City)
The most “cultural” part of Manhattan’s famous neighborhood is Museum Mile. It has become a place to display countless art and history collections . This 2-kilometer-long block houses dozens of museums, each of them presenting valuable exhibitions on a variety of subjects. You can find, for example, collections of Impressionist , Medieval, and Modern art. Also admire the hundreds of designer pieces, collections of stage costumes, and period dresses.
Don’t miss the exhibitions of Jewish art and culture, Austrian and German art, and much more. Every June, Museum Mile hosts a cultural festival , and lucky visitors can visit all the museums in the complex for free on the second Tuesday of each month.
The Statue of Liberty (New York City)
When people arrive in America, they are eager to see all the must-see attractions of the United States . One of the most famous symbols of the country is the Statue of Liberty. It is located on a small island in New York Harbor.
The majestic sculpture of a woman, torch in hand, reaching toward the sky, has become the embodiment of American freedom . The crown on her head has seven rays, signifying seven continents and seven oceans (according to Western geographical tradition). In her other hand, she holds a plaque engraved with the date of the Declaration of Independence.
Central Park (New York City, Manhattan)
The United States’ attractions are of great interest to tourists. New York’s Central Park occupies a special place among them. It’s an oasis of calm in the bustling world of Manhattan. The green space stretches 4 km long and 800 meters wide. The park boasts a wide range of recreational facilities:
Dairy – Here you will find all the necessary information about the park’s activities.
Gapstow Bridge – A stone bridge and meeting place for couples in love.
Sheep Meadow – A huge meadow where you can sit on the grass.
Belvedere – an ancient castle above Turtle Pond.
Shakespeare’s Garden – Small garden with an assortment of plants and flowers.
Cleopatra’s Needle, a 20-meter-high statue donated by Egypt in 1880 in exchange for its contribution to the country’s modernization.
San Francisco
San Francisco is still one of the legendary cities that make up the United States. It’s also generally a favorite among travelers. This is certainly due to its magnificent bay, crossed by the equally famous Golden State, but also its colorful houses that climb the hills and perhaps its somewhat hippie atmosphere. It’s a great place to live, and it’s also where the cream of the crop of new technologies gathers, with Silicon Valley.
Los Angeles
Hawaii has surfing, Los Angeles has the skate community in Venice, and movie stars with Hollywood Boulevard and the hills of Beverly Hills. There’s no shortage of attractions in the City of Angels. You should, of course, visit the legendary film studios, but also get off the beaten track to explore lesser-known but charming neighborhoods. However, you’ll need to be patient; traffic jams are frequent, reflecting the size of the area.
Arizona
Everyone has heard of it and has images of the Grand Canyon in their heads. There’s also the famous Monument Valley with the legendary horseback ride to discover the immense sandstone formations. But this desert state with its extreme temperatures has many other surprises in store, such as Lake Powell and The Wave, aka Coyotte Buttes North, with its photogenic ochre waves. Antelope Canyon is also another spot for extraordinary photos. On the city side, Phoenix is worth a visit. Its cosmopolitan population, made up of Hispanics, Native Americans, as well as Europeans and Asians, gives the city its dynamism. On the agenda: art galleries, fusion cuisine, rooftops where you can sip drinks, and large recreational areas.
Louisiana
This is certainly one of the most fascinating states in the country. Here, you’ll hear a dialect of old French spoken, discover an incredible cultural mix as you stroll among old colonial houses, and sail across the vast bayou. You might even encounter an alligator or two. One thing’s for sure: don’t leave without spending the evening at a jazz club.
Hawaii
Lost in the middle of the Pacific, Hawaii, the home of surfing, awaits you. This state is actually a volcanic archipelago with extraordinary natural beauty. Don’t let the image of Honolulu’s immense skyscrapers put you off; explore further to discover the incredible biodiversity hidden in the lush forests. Even breathtaking underwater discoveries await, with numerous diving and snorkeling spots. On the historical side, don’t miss out on exploring the indigenous culture. There’s also Pearl Harbor. Not to mention the many dormant volcanoes, sublime beaches, and more. Aloha.
Alaska
It’s a region often overlooked when visiting the United States, even though its vastness (it’s the largest state in the country) is home to some incredible natural sites. Among them, we can mention Mount McKinley and Mount Denali, the Sawyer Glaciers with their incredible wildlife, and the Kenai Fjord with its rocky peaks that spring from the water. Alaska also has the largest concentration of brown bears, where you can go dog sledding and observe the Northern Lights. As for cities, don’t let their history of mining and oil put you off; they’re quite pleasant to visit, like Juneau and Anchorage.
How to visit the country?
Many airlines serve the country, such as American Airways and Air France. You can fly into several cities across the country , including Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Las Vegas, and more. Note that during the peak season in July and August, the price of a ticket to the United States tends to increase.
Transportation in the USA
The buses
There are two types of bus transportation in the United States: city buses and interstate buses :
City buses : As their name suggests, city buses are part of a city’s public transportation network.
Interstate buses : Interstate buses, on the other hand, are privately operated and transport passengers between cities across the country. The standard one-way bus fare ranges from $1.25 to $2.75.
The trains
The United States has two types of rail transportation: commuter trains and intercity trains . Commuter trains provide fast and affordable transportation across metropolitan areas.
Bicycles in the United States
Over the past two decades, the bicycle has become the most popular mode of transportation in cities and among those trying to reduce their carbon footprint . Long-term bike rentals are also relatively easy to find. These typically cost around $100 per week, and you may be asked to provide a security deposit.
Taxis
In larger cities, taxis are a convenient alternative to public transportation, especially if you are traveling to or from a location far from a train station or bus stop.
Climate and weather in the USA
The general climate of the United States of America is temperate , with notable exceptions. Alaska has an arctic climate , while Hawaii and South Florida have a tropical climate. The Great Plains are dry , flat, and grassy, grading to arid desert in the far west.
In terms of temperature and precipitation, there are very large differences across the country . The northwest is humid, the southeast is quite humid, and the central part of America is dry.
When to go to the United States?
The United States has varied seasons in each of its regions, but in general, the best time to visit the United States is spring and fall . However, the summer months from May to September are considered the peak time for tourists visiting the country.
Clothes to take away
The type of clothing you pack depends on the season and your chosen location. Weather conditions can vary greatly depending on the time of year and altitude, so be flexible when choosing clothing.
In the West, in Nevada, California, or Arizona, don’t forget your warmth kit : flip-flops, shorts, sunglasses, and a T-shirt. A light jacket and one or two sweaters will be enough to cope with the temperature fluctuations.
January and February are the coldest months, especially in major cities like New York. Warm clothing is essential to combat the snow and wind, whose violent gusts exacerbate the feeling of cold.
Rainfall falls regularly throughout the year except in the southwest, so make sure you leave a little space in your suitcase for rain gear .
Good to know
Health care
This is an important fact to know. Make sure you have good insurance when visiting the United States. Healthcare is extremely expensive, and many people living in the United States go bankrupt due to medical debt.
The metric system
Americans use miles instead of kilometers to measure distance, feet to measure height , and Fahrenheit for temperature.
Majority at 21
If you want to go on a road trip by renting a car, or simply have a beer at a bar, you must be of legal age, that is, 21 years old.
Unusual phenomena in the USA
Sailing stones
Erosion from the surrounding mountains causes boulders of all sizes to fall onto the surface of Racetrack Playa. For many years, visitors to Racetrack Playa have noticed that these boulders appear to have moved on their own. Clear tracks behind the boulders revealed that some of them had moved as far as 1,500 feet. Since there were no footprints nearby, these rocks—the sailing stones—moved on their own.
The Geysers of Yellowstone Park
Old Faithful , located in Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin in the southwest part of the park, is the best-known of Yellowstone’s geysers. The geyser viewing area is the most accessible and user-friendly in the park, with benches, a large parking lot, and a ranger station that records the time, height, and duration of an eruption to predict the next one. Old Faithful erupts approximately every 60 minutes and can rise up to 40 meters.
