Travel is back and bigger than ever. Here are the top US spots to visit.
Is it just me or is everyone happier when they're tan? Summer is my favorite from going to the beach, swimming in the ocean and simply reading a book under the sun. Why is travel booming right now? Because in case you forgot (I know I tried to), we were in a total lockdown three years ago and we couldn't fly anywhere outside of the country. During that time, I realized how much cool sh*t we have to see in our very own United States. She is called America the Beautiful for a reason, you know.
I'm not sure what your travel plans are this summer so I'd like to share some of my top US spots to visit this summer – no passport required. I tried to include something for everyone from National Parks to a city vibe, an island and small town Americana…
Moab, Utah
Moab, Utah with a population of 5,300 is one of my top recommendations when someone asks me where they should go. The biggest draw is the insanely unique Arches National Park, which has over 2,000 natural arches. Yes, some are much bigger and more popular than others, but what's great about this park is that you don't need to be a hiker to experience the magic of Mother Nature. Many can be seen right from your car. Make sure to see the Delicate Arch which is about a three mile hike.
Where to stay: ULUM is a glamping resort that just opened in March 2023 and is such a vibe.
Los Angeles, California
Don't hate me if I'm a tourist at heart – but things that seem “touristy” are popular for a reason. Every time I'm in Los Angeles I have to hike up to the Hollywood Sign and then over to Griffith Observatory for sunset, looking over the City of Angels. Each neighborhood has a totally different vibe from the beach scene and boardwalk of Santa Monica and Venice to the upscale city streets of Beverly Hills. There's so many bucket list items to check off like finding your favorite celebrity's name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to a studio tour at Universal.
Where to stay: If you want to stay by the beach, Venice V is a boutique hotel literally steps away from the Venice Skate Park. I also love the Hollywood Roosevelt which not only has a secret bar with a bowling lane but also is the place where Shirley Temple learned how to tap dance!
Kauai, Hawaii
If you've never been to Hawaii, Kauai is a great place to start. The main islands to visit are: Oahu, Big Island, Maui and Kauai. Each island has a totally different vibe and Kauai, known as the “Garden Island” is what you'd expect Hawaii to be from lush greenery to an authentic small island feel.
I was nerding out and made sure to drive to Talk Story, which is the westernmost bookstore in the United States. It was awesome to see it so packed on a Friday night with art galleries, food trucks and live entertainment nearby too.
You definitely need to rent a car to get around the island, with big attractions like Waimea Valley, Kauai Coffee Company, Kauai Botanical Garden (where they filmed scenes from Jurassic Park) and of course a boat tour along Nā Pali Coast. The coolest thing I will say about Hawaii are the people – everyone is so kind, welcoming and just living that island life.
Where to stay: Kauai Beach Resort & Spa is the perfect location for watching the sunrise and is located centrally between the north and south. It even has a giant waterfall in their pool!
Williamsburg, Virginia
It's not some stuffy educational place like one might stereotype it as. Williamsburg, Virginia is filled with cool breweries, great restaurants, shopping, ghost tours and…42 deteriorating President Heads in a recycling center?! That's right. It's creepy and mesmerizing all at once. It's definitely worth a visit.
Where to stay: Fife & Drum Inn only has 9 rooms, with lovely conversations at breakfast with the owner Billy and is located right in the middle of the town center.
Marfa, Texas
Marfa is a small town (really small with a population of 1,750) and is dripping in artist culture. It wasn't until the 1970s that Marfa's reputation was deemed a place for creativity when artist Donald Judd left New York City to live there and create permanent installations. The film Giant, James Dean's last feature with Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson, took place in town and brought interest to the Marfa Ghost Lights. To many today, Marfa is known for its Prada installation—a sculpture by Elmgreen and Dragset—that at first glance looks just like an ordinary storefront.
Where to stay: El Cosmico definitely has you covered if you want something different. This boho-chic campground has living spaces from teepees to trailers and even a micro-home called “Cosmic Casita”. Prices vary for each type, but you may need to book months in advance.
Wherever you're going this summer, stay safe, make new friends, live in the moment and use those freaking PTO days!
Be good,
JB
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