When it comes to vacationing, Americans have a unique flair for blending relaxation with a dash of the unconventional. From coast to coast, here are 20 amusingly American activities that capture the spirit of the U.S. vacation experience.
1. Take a Road Trip in a Massive RV
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Andrei Armiagov
Nothing says “American vacation” quite like hitting the open road in a home-on-wheels, complete with all the amenities of home, plus the ability to cook a full meal while someone else drives.
2. Visit Disney World or Disneyland
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jerome LABOUYRIE
Embrace the magic of childhood dreams by spending a day (or five) at Disney, where adults are just big kids wearing Mickey ears and eating churros at 10 AM.
3. Attend a Baseball Game
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Joseph Hendrickson
Grab a hot dog and a cold beer, and soak in America’s pastime. Bonus points for catching a foul ball or getting on the jumbotron.
4. Eat a Deep-Fried Everything
Image Credit: Shutterstock / DronG
State fairs are the place to discover that anything can be deep-fried, from Oreos to butter, proving American ingenuity knows no bounds in the culinary arts.
5. Take a Selfie at the Grand Canyon
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Maridav
Capture the grandeur of one of America’s most breathtaking natural wonders, ensuring you’ve got that perfect Instagram shot to make everyone back home jealous.
6. Go to a Drive-in Movie
Image Credit: Shutterstock / BAZA Production
Experience movie-watching from the comfort of your car, a nostalgic nod to a bygone era of Americana, complete with popcorn and snuggling under the stars.
7. Celebrate the 4th of July Anywhere in the USA
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Glen Jones
From backyard barbecues to spectacular fireworks displays, celebrating Independence Day is a quintessential American experience.
8. Experience Las Vegas
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Iv-olga
Try your luck at the casinos, catch a world-class show, and marvel at the neon lights in this desert oasis of entertainment and indulgence.
9. Visit a National Park
Image Credit: Shutterstock / anthony heflin
America’s national parks are its crown jewels. Whether it’s Yellowstone, Yosemite, or the Great Smoky Mountains, there’s no shortage of natural beauty to explore.
10. Eat Barbecue in Texas
Image Credit: Shutterstock / rocharibeiro
Savor the slow-cooked, smoky goodness of Texas barbecue, a true American art form, and argue about which style is the best.
11. Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Image Credit: Shutterstock / FiledIMAGE
Stroll among the stars on Hollywood’s famous sidewalk, taking selfies with your favorites and marveling at the history of American entertainment.
12. See a Broadway Show in New York
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Wangkun Jia
Experience the magic of live theater with a Broadway show, where the talent is top-notch and the productions are unforgettable.
13. Participate in a Tailgate Party
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Golubovy
Experience the pre-game ritual of tailgating, where the food is grilled, the drinks are cold, and the camaraderie is infectious, all before the big game.
14. Take a Picture With Mount Rushmore
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nagel Photography
Pay homage to four of America’s greatest presidents by visiting this monumental sculptural marvel set against the South Dakota sky.
15. Go on a Lobster Roll Quest in New England
Image Credit: Shutterstock / RFondren Photography
Embark on a culinary adventure through New England to find the perfect lobster roll, a quest that combines scenic beauty with deliciousness.
16. Ride a Trolley in San Francisco
Image Credit: Shutterstock / canadastock
Cling to the side of a historic San Francisco cable car, taking in the steep hills and stunning views of the Bay Area.
17. Explore the French Quarter in New Orleans
Image Credit: Shutterstock / GTS Productions
Get lost in the vibrant streets of New Orleans’ French Quarter, where the music is soulful, the food is hearty, and the atmosphere is electric.
18. Witness the Niagara Falls
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jamie Boggess
Stand in awe of the power and beauty of Niagara Falls, a natural wonder that straddles the border between the USA and Canada.
19. Attend a Country Music Concert
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Matushchak Anton
Let your hair down and enjoy the storytelling and soulful melodies of a live country music concert, an experience that’s as American as apple pie.
20. Visit the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone
Explore the vast collections of the Smithsonian Institution, where American history, culture, and scientific achievements are on full display.
An American Adventure
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pierrette Guertin
From the quirky to the quintessential, these 20 vacation activities capture the diverse and spirited nature of vacationing in the USA. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s no shortage of uniquely American experiences to enjoy.
Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
Image Credit: Shutterstock / donvictorio
Discover chilling tales from the America’s spookiest roads complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
Image Credit: Pexels / Adrian Newell
American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nejdet Duzen
Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
The post Vacation Like a Local: 20 Must-Do American Activities was first published on PassingThru.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Roberto Galan.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip
PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.
