Summer in the USA is made for packing a bag, hopping in your car and getting out to explore all that America’s backyard has to offer. And maybe getting a little lost along the way.
Inspired by the adventures of Quentin and Margo in the Paper Towns film, we’ve pulled together a list of five destinations in the USA where you can make a pit stop, stay for a while and create memories to last a lifetime. Be sure to also check out Paper Towns in theaters from Friday, 24 July!
1. Orlando, Florida
Known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World” you’ll have no problem getting lost in Orlando if its rollercoasters and major attractions that you’re keen on. Whether it’s a classic like Walt Disney World or a wildlife preserve like Gatorland, there are plenty of options to beat those humid summer temperatures. Stay even cooler with a visit to Orlando’s original water park, Wet ‘n Wild, which is home to more than 10 adrenaline-pumping water slides.
It should also be no surprise that Orlando’s arts and entertainment scene is just as vibrant and creative as the theme parks. If you’re visiting in the spring, the Florida Film Festival showcases more than 170 films over a period of 10 days. Or you might opt to liven up an evening with a visit to one of Orlando’s many downtown dance clubs or comedy clubs. No visit would be complete, of course, without making a short drive and winding down on one of Florida’s iconic beaches. Just don’t forget the sunscreen.
2. Savannah, Georgia
If the Spanish moss swaying from the trees doesn’t win you over, the sights and treasures found in Savannah’s Historic District are sure to do the trick. As the oldest city in the state of Georgia, Savannah is home to quaint cobblestone streets, more than 20 parklike squares and the Savannah Music Festival – arguably one of the BEST music festivals in the world due the variety of artists and types of music showcased.
While strolling the streets, be sure to pop over to see the Savannah River, which is easily accessible from downtown and from which the city gets its name. Feeling parched from all that walking? Grab yourself a mint julep or Savannah Tea from a nearby pub and continue your sightseeing stroll – Savannah is one of the handful of places in the USA where it’s legal to enjoy a beverage on the street (so long as you stay within the specified areas!). For all you foodie travelers, you’ll also be pleased to note that the port location of Savannah means access to fresh and delicious seafood will never be a problem.
3. Charlotte, North Carolina
Let your southern state of mind continue with a pit stop in Charlotte. The city is the largest in North Carolina, with strong financial roots and (calling all sports fans!) home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats. Start your visit by heading uptown where the landscape is dominated by skyscrapers before working your way to some of the more historic sites, like the Reed Gold Mine (feeling lucky? You can even pan for gold here) or Andrew Jackson State Park, which is also a museum commemorating the seventh US president.
Feeling the need to get outside the city limits? Historic Brattonsville is located about an hour outside Charlotte and is a living history village. We’re talking more than 30 historic buildings, including some that were built in the late 1700s and early 1800s. That’s what we call history come to life.
4. Washington, D.C.
It’d be impossible to have a fully immersive road trip without a stop in the nation’s capital. Home to cultural gems like the Lincoln Memorial and Smithsonian Institution, D.C. will keep you busy from morning to evening. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Declaration of Independence up close, head to the National Archives, which houses this piece of US history alongside thousands of other important American historical documents. Feeling the need for some theater or music? Washington D.C. is also the national center for the arts, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts boasts both diverse productions and incredible views from its location on the Potomac River.
If you’ve got limited time, hit up the National Mall, which is D.C.’s national park in the downtown area and provides easy access to a variety of sites, including the United States Capitol and Washington Monument. With over 24 million visitors heading to the National Mall each year, it’s safe to say this a place not to be missed.
5. New York City, New York
There are reasons aplenty why so many people leave their hearts in New York City. The energy, vibrancy and diversity of New York City manifests itself in everything from the people you’ll meet to the amazing, hole-in-the wall style restaurants you’ll stumble across. We might go so far as to say that New York is the BEST city to get lost in, as you’ll discover something around every corner. From Manhattan to Brooklyn to Queens, the city that never sleeps will keep you on your toes.
Jump on the subway to get from one borough to the next, or wear some comfortable shoes and get to walking the streets. Grab some lunch from a nearby deli and relax among the throngs of people in Central Park, wander among the three floors of new and used books in The Strand, taste some brews at one of Brooklyn’s many beer gardens, and hop a ferry over to Ellis Island to see Lady Liberty up close. Wherever your wandering takes you, we’re positive you’ll never want to leave.
What are you waiting for? In the words of Paper Towns author, John Green, “It is so hard to leave – until you leave. And then it is the easiest goddamned thing in the world.” So get going on your own USA road trip – and learn more about how to win your own Paper Towns inspired trip!
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