Hilly San Francisco lies at the northern end of the namesake peninsula, on the West Coast of the United States, and includes several gorgeous islands. Home to some of the most iconic buildings and best restaurants in the world, a variety of incredible art galleries and museums, and several enthralling natural areas close by, the city sits high on many travellers’ bucket lists. Must-sees include the city’s fun cable cars, jaw-dropping Golden Gate Bridge, with its spectacular views of the city on one side and nature on the other; historic (and creepy) Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary; and the unique wonderland of Chinatown. From the popular Fisherman’s Wharf, take a boat tour, explore the weird exhibits at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, or simply soak in the photogenic views over the harbour.
Set amidst densely forested landscapes, Groveland, previously part of Groveland-Big Oak Flat, is a small but charming census-designated place in the Tuolumne County of California. Travellers to this quaint destination can meander along its scenic streets, sample the delicious local cuisine, and admire the gold rush-era buildings. A major drawcard of Groveland includes the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum, a wonderfully informative space that tells the story of the local Native American’s and pioneers who settled in the area. This lovely little hamlet is the ideal base for enjoying the excellent hiking, climbing, cycling and trekking opportunities of the awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park and the enchanting Stanislaus National Forest.
Straddling eastern California and Nevada, the Death Valley National Park stretches between the arid Great Basin Desert and the Mojave Desert in the United States. This International Biosphere Reserve is the hottest and driest part of the North American continent and is home to many species of plants and animals that have adapted to this harsh desert environment, such as the creosote bush, coyote, and the Death Valley pupfish. The park’s main attractions include the Titus Canyon, with a ghost town and colourful striped hills; Badwater Basin, salt flats believed to be the lowest point on the continent; and Zabriskie point, the most famous viewpoint in the park and the start of a number of scenic hiking trails.
Las Vegas is a glitzy, world-renowned casino hub situated in the state of Nevada, at the heart of the Mojave Desert. Officially known as the City of Las Vegas, America’s fastest-growing metropolis is infamous for its mega-resorts and over-the-top atmosphere, with a club scene that rivals Ibiza, extravagant shows that give Broadway a run for its money, and a huge variety of restaurants that could easily make a trip here all about eating. ‘The Strip’, the city’s ‘Sin City epicentre’ is the best place to start an exploration, filled with models of famous landmarks like the Sphinx, Eiffel Tower, and Statue of Liberty. Other adrenaline-inducing highlights include the Viva Vision light show at the Fremont Street Experience, the creepy Mob Museum, and the magnificent High Roller at The LINQ.
Located in Garfield County in southwestern Utah, the small town of Bryce Canyon City serves as a popular base for travellers exploring the incredible scenic attractions of the Grand Circle - Bryce Canyon National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Zion National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Grand Canyon National Park. This charming company town consists solely of Ruby’s Inn and the Syrett family, its third-generation owners. Even though the town is home to only 195 permanent residents, it hosts thousands of visitors each year. The town organises several major events including the Bryce Canyon Winter Festival, Bryce Canyon Country Rodeo and the Bryce Canyon Rim Run and Walk. Ruby’s Inn offers lodging, restaurants, activities such as horse riding, and easy access to Bryce Canyon National Park via a free shuttle.
An oasis of bustling activity in a vast expanse of desert, Moab in southern Utah is a prime adventure hub. Use the town as a base camp to freshen up after day trips to Arches or Canyonlands National Parks – you’ll find plenty of late-night shopping. Over the summer, the area fills up with 4x4 enthusiasts eager to join the annual Moab Jeep Safari, mountain bikers lured by the extensive trails in the area, and other fans of rugged living. Thrill-seekers can go rock climbing, white-water rafting in Westwater Canyon, or kayaking, hiking and backpacking. (Visitors are encouraged to use existing trails to preserve the desert lands.) For a more laid-back experience, pop into Hole ’n the Rock, or take in the surprise offerings at the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage.
Straddling the border of Utah and Arizona, Lake Powell is a popular destination for leisure tourists and watersport fanatics. The lake’s otherworldly landscape features magnificent red-rock canyon walls, golden sand beaches, deep blue water and a stunning night sky. With boating being one of the most popular activities in the area, Lake Powell is known for its lively houseboat scene. Many visitors arrive with a boat, rent a boat or take guided cruises from one of the marinas to explore the secluded coves and wide-open bays. Other lake activities include swimming, fishing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, water skiing, and hiking. With almost 3200 kilometres of glorious coastline, endless days of sunshine, warm water, fantastic weather, and some of the most dramatic scenery in the west, Lake Powell is the ultimate playground for nature lovers, thrill-seekers and adventurous alike.
Williams, Arizona, on the famous Route 66, is a town often referred to as the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon." The town has maintained its Wild West roots with historic landmarks dating back to the early 1900s, including the famous Williams Depot, which was built in 1908 and now serves as a visitor centre and train station. Visitors can ride on the Grand Canyon Railway, which departs from the historic train station and goes on a scenic journey through the pine forests of northern Arizona to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Williams also offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries, all with a Western flair. The town hosts various events throughout the year, including the Route 66 Car Show, the Rodeo on the Fourth of July, and the Polar Express train ride during the holiday season.
Grand Canyon Village is a portal to one of the most enchanting geological sites on the planet. The town sits on the precipice of the Grand Canyon's South Rim and is the gateway to the famously hypnotic views of the canyons carved deeply by the Colorado River over the past 5 to 6 million years. Marvel at Mother Nature's handiwork when you descend into the canyon or explore the rim’s well-marked hiking trails, either on foot or horseback. Less strenuous options include taking the free shuttle bus to the area’s best viewpoints or experiencing the jaw-dropping vistas from the sky via a helicopter or plane tour. The town itself is filled with fascinating historic buildings, including Hopi House, where visitors can see (and buy) incredible native arts and crafts.
De beroemde badplaats Palm Springs, gelegen in de prachtige Coachella Valley, biedt een oase van glitter en glamour in de Californische woestijn. Bezoekers en parttime bewoners, waaronder beroemdheden en het gebruikelijke A-lijstpubliek, komen elk jaar om te genieten van de indrukwekkende golfbanen en om de luxe galerijen en exclusieve boetieks te bekijken. Breng uw dagen door met verwondering over de prachtige moderne architectuur uit het midden van de eeuw; een aantal urban-chique hedendaagse kunstwerken bekijken in het Backstreet Arts District van Palm Springs; of het verkennen van de talrijke paden van de opmerkelijke Indian Canyons.
Set on the banks of scenic Lake Havasu, this attractive planned city in the Arizona desert is best known as the unlikely home of the original London Bridge, which was bought by the city’s developer in a successful attempt to increase tourism in the area. Surrounding the bridge is the London Bridge Resort Village, a British-themed tourist area where visitors can experience a taste of European culture in the heart of the American Southwest. Aside from this rather bizarre attraction, the city’s main draw is the lake itself, an ideal environment for a variety of watersports including water skiing, power boating, fishing, canoeing, jet skiing and sailing. Other must-see attractions include the Cattail Cove State Park, the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, the Lake Havasu Museum of History and the Lake Havasu State Park.
Het uitgestrekte Joshua Tree National Park, gelegen in het zuidoosten van Californië, is vernoemd naar de vele inheemse Joshua-bomen. Dit indrukwekkende park beslaat twee woestijnen - elk met een uniek ecosysteem - en het Little San Bernardino-gebergte. Een fascinerende verscheidenheid aan planten en dieren bewonen dit land en bezoekers kunnen deze biodiversiteit ervaren tijdens het wandelen, vogels kijken of het bijwonen van enkele van de boswachtersprogramma's. Andere activiteiten zijn bergbeklimmen, sterrenkijken en kamperen. Tijdens het verkennen van het park kunnen bezoekers een wandeling maken door het prachtige Joshua Tree-bos bij Black Rock, meer te weten komen over de culturele geschiedenis van Cottonwood Spring Oasis en de griezelige, uitgeholde oogkassen van Skull Rock zien.
Los Angeles, gelegen aan de Pacifische kust in een stroomgebied van Zuid-Californië, is de op een na grootste stad in de Verenigde Staten en de entertainmenthoofdstad van het land. De uitgestrekte metropool bruist van filmsterren, muzikanten, surfers en tal van glamoureuze actie op de A-lijst, en staat bekend om zijn culturele diversiteit en het mediterrane klimaat. De stad bestaat uit een aantal enorm verschillende buurten, waaronder de legendarische hotspot voor beroemdheden van Hollywood, de uitnodigende stranden van Santa Monica en Malibu en de verborgen juweeltjes van Koreatown en Little Tokyo. Topattracties zijn onder meer de Warner Bros Studio, de Hollywood Bowl en het Petersen Automotive Museum. Zoek een filmster, drink een cocktail in een rooftopbar, trek een paar designerschoenen aan in een ultraluxe boetiek in Beverly Hills of dans de hele nacht door in een met sterren gevulde club.
