When talking about summer travel plans, people often bring up places abroad. While going to Greece, Brazil or Fiji does sounds amazing, there are so many places to travel inside the United States that don’t get the recognition they deserve.
Staying in the country doesn’t cost as much money than trying to leave it and we have all felt the struggle of a college student budget at some time or another. The U.S. offers so much variety for travelers and because of the highway system it easy to travel from coast to coast.
If your budget is telling you to stay in the Pacific Northwest then head up to Washington where you can have a big city experience in Seattle or check out the natural beauty of the Hoh Rainforest. Many of us have seen numerous pictures of the gum wall at Pike Place, but visit the market for yourself, you may be surprised at everything it contains. With three national parks and the beautiful snowcapped summit of Mount Rainier, Washington offers endless fun for the lovers of the outdoors.
Many of the students at the University of Oregon are born and raised in California, but still haven’t seen everything the state can offer. This summer, take a drive down the California coast on the infamous Pacific Coast Highway to experience beautiful beaches, historic monuments, wine tasting and many other attractions. Monterey Bay Aquarium can be your window into the world of marine life and Hearst Castle in San Simeon is unlike any museum you have ever seen before.
Utah can surprise people with the variety of adventure the state holds. With beautiful rock formations and rivers. National Parks are natural playgrounds for river rafting, biking, four-wheeling and hiking. You may not be able to ski or snowboard during the summer, but the snow-covered slopes give way to flower-covered mountainsides. Take a trip to Park City to try out the Utah Olympic Park summer bobsled ride, featuring 3,000 feet of wild gliding and sliding or soar above the trees on the Zip Rider, which features a 500-foot vertical drop.
Louisiana gets a lot of attention during Mardi Gras, but there are many things to do year round. This summer, make your way over to the French Quarter of New Orleans where you will find gorgeous mansions, neon-lit nightclubs and the powerful Mississippi River. If you do plan to head over to Louisiana make sure to check out one of the eight culinary trails across the state to dine in a whole new fashion. Dining will connect you to the diverse Louisiana heritage by experiencing anything from small mom-and-pop shops to fine dining establishments.
The Midwest often gets pushed aside when considering where to travel this summer, but if you’re going to make a stop have it be in South Dakota. Although the state mainly gets its recognition from Mount Rushmore, there are many other attractions to experience. You can walk in the footsteps of legends from the historic Old West, explore the underground Jewel Cave that sparkles with radiant color or check out the Badlands, one of the world’s richest fossil beds. For the quirkier travelers, there is also a two-story palace decorated with corn containing murals and light-up domes that get revamped with a new theme every year.
Washington D.C. is often in the news, but it is not often highlighted for its tourist attractions. You can see full historic monuments and memorials. The National Mall is a perfect continental destination to get as much bang for your buck. See the beautiful Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, without paying a cent. If politics aren’t your style then check out the numerous Smithsonian Institution museums that are also offered for free. The National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of African Art are just a few of the wonders waiting to be explored.
I have only touched on a small amount of the glory that this country has to offer. Just know that whatever your plans are for the summer, you don’t have to go abroad in order to have a great adventure.
Follow Tanner Owens on Twitter @T_Owens21