Best Things to Do in North America

North America consists of Canada, the United States, and Mexico, and each country offers its own incredible history, breathtaking views, and unforgettable attractions. North America has beaches, lakes, rivers, mountains, deserts, and canyons.

This continent is home to hundreds of destinations that are filled with unique attractions and landmarks. From natural landmarks, and geological features to man made monuments and historic sites. North America truly has is all.

1. Grand Canyon

 A “bucket list” destination for many, the Grand Canyon in Arizona is one of North America’s most popular tourist destinations. Visitors to Grand Canyon National Park can hike, camp, and kayak in the gorges and ravines while admiring the spectacular natural beauty of the canyon.

The Grand Canyon was recently named one of Condé Nast Traveller’s “Seven Wonders of the World 2019,” and we can see why! The gorgeous canyon shows millions of years of geological history in its layered bands of red rock.

Some of the best viewpoints at the Grand Canyon include Mather Point, Lipan Point, Yavapai Observation Station, and Mary Colter's Lookout Studio. Views of the canyon are indescribable at sunset and sunrise, and make for the perfect photography opportunity.

2. Yucatan Peninsula

Located in the southeastern part of Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula separates the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Te area boasts many cultural and scenic attractions like Chichen Itza, an ancient Mayan ruins from the pre-Columbian era and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

While you're here, take some time to relax on the beaches or enjoy a yoga class in the quiet city of Tulum. Visitors love the exciting nightlife in Cancún, and exploring the cenotes (underground caves) found around the peninsula. With such a diversity of landscape and culture, you’ll never run out of things to do!

3. New York City

New York City is one of the most-visited cities in the world and is the most populous city in the United States. New York City is split into five boroughs: Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

In Brooklyn, visitors can see a concert or watch a Nets game at the Barclays Center, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, visit Coney Island, and spend time outdoors in Prospect Park.

Manhattan is home to famous attractions such as Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Central Park. Visitors can also catch a show on Broadway, go shopping in SoHo, or pay respects at the 9/11 memorail at One World Trade Center.

In Queens, sports fans can watch a Mets game at Citi Field, a tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, and watch horse races at te Aqueduct Racetrack.

The Bronx is a great place to see all kinds of art. You can see a performamce at the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, and visit the Bronx Museum of the Arts.

Staten Island is home to Historic Ricmind Town, a living history village and museum complex, where visitors can explore the diverse American experience from the colonial period to the present.

New York City is home to so much culture, history, and art. No matter what kind of traveler you are, you're bound to fall in love with the city that never sleeps!

4. Banff, Canada

Located in Alberta's Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park and one of its most beautiful preserved spaces. Visitors in the summer can explore the town of Banff, kayak through the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, or hike in the Rocky Mountains.

Banff is also an incredible winter destination and is considered one of the top ski destinations in North America. Winter visitors will enjoy the thousands of downhill ski runs as well as a variety of cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails.

Banff is an amazing destination for spotting wildlife. The park is home to hundreds of bird species, grizzy bears, cougars, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. For an off-the-beaten-path attraction, visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs to learn about the history and ecology of the historic caves.

5. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone was the first U.S. National Park and remains an iconic American symbol.  The park spans through parts of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. Thhe area encompassing Yellowstone features lakes, rivers, canyons, and mountain ranges.

The park is home to geothermal activity such as the geyser Old Faithful, which is one of the top natural tourist attractions in the United States. Due to the ongoing volcanic activity, the park actually holds half of teh world's hydrothermal features.

Visitors to Yellowstone can admire the scenic beauty of the park and view a variety of native wildlife such as elk, bears, and bison (just don’t get too close!). Popular outdoor activities in Yellowstone include hiking, camping, boating, and fishing. And in the winter, visitors can access the park via guided snowmobile tours.

6. Road Trip on Highway 1

Road trip down historic Highway 1 for a uniquely Californian experience. Start your journey in San Francisco, famous for its Victorians, classic cable cars, beautiful waterfront, and rising Golden Gate Bridge. Make a stop at the bustling Ferry Building Marketplace, the Exploratorium, and the colorful Fisherman’s Wharf.

Next stop, Monterey! Here you’ll find Old Fisherman's Wharf, a historic pier on Monterey Bay. Monterey is the perfect place to set out on a whale-watching or fishing trip, and be sure to try the clam chowder at one of the many seafood restaurants on the pier.

As you make your way down Highway 1 along the coast, stop at picturesque Big Sur for a photo-op, and don’t miss out on trying the famous Ambrosia burger at Nepenthe. 

A must stop on your road trip is Hearst Castle in San Simeon. This mountain top Mediterranean estate is home to art and antiques from all over the world. The castle boasts 165 rooms, and 123 acres of gorgeous gardens. There are several tours of the castle you can take, including seasonal evening and holiday tours, and a private 4 hour tour for up to six people.

As you continue south, you should stop in the laid back town of San Luis Obispo. The locals are known as the happiest people in America! No doubt because of the incredible food and wine scene. While in SLO, as the locals call it, explore Mission Plaza and enjoy live music every Friday night in the summer. In the afternoon take a tour of the Madonna Inn, a 110 roomed inn that features different themes.

Next head down to Santa Barbara for lots of wine, shopping, and adventure activities on both land and sea. Santa Barbara is the quintessential California town, with its good life culture, and beach town vibes.

As you near the end of your road trip, drive towards Los Angeles to shop in Beverly Hills, surf in Malibu, or continue south to San Diego.

7. Mexico City, México

Originally known as La Ciudad de Los Palacios (“The City of Palaces”), Mexico City is a cultural and historical center of North America. The most well known icon of Mexico City is the gold Angel of Independence located downtown.

While you’re here, visit Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe to admire art and architecture, or venture out of the city to the pyramids of Teotihuacán to learn about pre-Columbian Mexico.

8. Bourbon Street, New Orleans

Head to New Orleans, Louisiana for world-famous beignets, legendary nightlife, and all the Southern comfort food you can eat. Taste unique Cajun dishes such as alligator and jambalaya and stroll down lively Bourbon Street. Visit the renowned National World War II Museum or hop on a boat and tour the bayous. And if you don’t mind the crowds, partying on Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Bourbon Street is located in the French Quarter of New Orleans, and is famous for its many bars and clubs. Millions of tourists every year flock to this part of town for the rich insight into New Orleans’ past it provides.

9. Hawaiian Islands

Although over 2,000 miles from the west coast of the United States, the Hawaiian Islands remain one of North America’s most popular vacation destinations. The jaw-dropping scenery of the islands, from white sandy beaches to lush mountains to volcanic craters, makes it a beautiful place to relax on the beach, hike in the mountains, or surf in the Pacific.

The Hawaiian Islands are an archipelago of 8 major islands (Hawai’i, Maui, O’ahu, Kaua’i, Moloka’i, Lāna’i, Ni’ihau, and Kaho’olawe), numerous small islets, and seamounts in the Pacific Ocean. On the islands you can surf, swim, fish, boat, and hike, among other outdoor adventure activities.

Whether you want a relaxing beach vacation, or a trip filled with activities, the Hawaiin Islands offer everything you could ever want from a trip.

10. See the Northern Lights in Alaska

The view of the night sky from Fairbanks, Alaska is known as one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. Visitors may also see the famous light show from Coldfoot, Barrow, and Elias National Park.

Book a guided Northern Lights tour in Alaska anytime between late September and early April to witness this spectacular phenomenon. Tours will often include daytime activities such as dog sledding, snowshoeing, or “flightseeing” (sightseeing from a small plane).