10 best places to visit in the USA & travel safety tips

Why travel to the United States?

The United States of America can best be described with just three letters: BIG. From the soaring scenery to the super-sized power of its celebrity culture, America will have you in awe of its sheer scale.

But it doesn’t matter where you visit in the USA – the reception is always the same. Americans have a wonderful habit of making any visitor feel at home. Whether they are serving you a hotdog on a New York sidewalk, playing sax in New Orleans or doing up your riding boots in Texas, they love to know you’re having fun!

We’ve put together some tips for Australians travelling to the USA and the top must-sees in the United States.

Can Australians travel to the USA?

Yes! The USA is open to Australian travellers. After a few years of travel disruption due to the pandemic, Australians can travel to the United States without restrictions – you no longer need to take a COVID-19 test or show proof of your vaccination status before jetting off.¹

10 best places to visit in the United States

Ready to load up your itinerary with the best states to visit in America and the top sights and attractions? Whether you’re journeying to see the USA’s natural side at national parks like Yellowstone and Grand Canyon cosmopolitan delights in New York and LA, our list has you sorted. Here are our 10 picks to set your travel bug aflutter.

1. New York City

New York: this sprawling concrete jungle is packed full of must-sees in the United States. From the Empire State Building to the brownstones of Brooklyn, Central Park to Coney Island, the Statue of Liberty to jam-packed Manhattan, the Big Apple is like a pop-up book of famous places. It’s fast, busy, loud, huge and wonderfully overwhelming.

Start with the neighbourhood you’re staying in and plan day trips on foot or via the quick and easy subway system. Because the real heart of NYC is in the little things: the hot dog stands on a city corner, your Yankees game memorabilia, a quirky basement bar, and the second-hand Jimmy Choos you found at the Broadway flea markets.

2. Los Angeles

Say hello to the vibrant metropolis of Los Angeles, where dreams come alive and endless adventures await. One of the best places to visit in the United States, LA is a tapestry of cultural diversity, breathtaking landscapes and iconic attractions.

Immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, stroll along the star-studded Walk of Fame, and soak up the sun on the legendary beaches of Santa Monica and Venice. Don't miss the awe-inspiring views from Griffith Observatory, then cap off your trip by indulging in culinary delights at the bustling Grand Central Market.

3. New Orleans

In spite of its murky history, New Orleans has remained defiant and has not lost any of its shine. Completely unique to the rest of the nation, New Orleans fuses rich Creole culture with Southern hospitality.

The streets by night shine with neon lights and the sounds of jazz music – step inside any of the eateries along Bourbon Street and experience the inimitable food of New Orleans: Cajun crab, jambalaya, gumbo, po-boys and mouth-watering beignets. Don’t skip this cultural melting pot on your list of must-sees in the United States.

4. Washington, DC

If you’re a history or politics buff, Washington, DC is one of the best places to visit in the United States. The list of iconic sights is extensive – there are national monuments, museums, parks and memorials all over town. Along National Mall you will find the huge marble and bronze Lincoln Memorial, the ‘Stone of Hope’ Martin Luther King Memorial and the soaring Washington Monument.

If you’ve got time, take a look at the one and only White House, or while away the hours at the famous Smithsonian Museum, which houses everything from a 3.5-billion-year-old fossil to the Apollo moon landing module.

5. Austin

Head south and immerse yourself in the eclectic city of Austin, the beating heart of modern Texas. With its thriving music scene, classic cuisine and unique history, Austin is a destination that will leave a lasting memory.

Austin is colloquially known as the live music capital of the world, so start by exploring the legendary venues along 6th Street or try to time your trip to attend the iconic Austin City Limits Festival (October). Dive into the city's rich cultural heritage at the Texas Capitol and the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Indulge yourself at the food truck parks, and take a dip in Barton Springs Pool, a natural oasis in the heart of the city.

6. Niagara Falls

Rising more than 50 metres into the air, the powerful Niagara Falls is a six-hour drive from New York City and sits on the border of the USA and Canada. Great for a quick visit, you can spend more time by taking a spin around the base waters on the Maid of the Mist ferry, which boards in both countries.

7. Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park is a true paradise for nature enthusiasts and thrillseekers alike, and truly one of the best places to visit in the United States. From the awe-inspiring beauty of geothermal wonders, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring, to breathtaking landscapes for scenic hikes – only here will you witness majestic wildlife like grizzly bears and wolves (from a safe distance, of course) against a backdrop of stunning cliffs and captivating waterfalls.

8. Grand Canyon

A natural wonder of the world, the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is a slice of ancient history and unmissable among places to visit in the USA. Access to the Grand Canyon is plentiful – you can take a walking tour, or if you’re short on time, a helicopter ride is a great alternative.

9. Maui

Maui is your passport to paradise, where pristine beaches, lush landscapes and pure island culture await. Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty along the Road to Hana, snorkel with vibrant marine life in Molokini Crater, or experience a majestic sunrise from the summit of Haleakala.

10. Las Vegas

Sin City is a desert oasis where dreams come alive and excitement has no bedtime. Visit a world-class casino on every street corner, indulge in exquisite dining at celebrity-chef restaurants and be sure to check off must-sees like the iconic Las Vegas Strip and the Fountains of Bellagio.

When to visit the USA

Wondering when is the best time to travel to the USA? It will largely depend on the specific states you want to explore and the activities you have in mind. The summer months (June to August) are ideal for outdoor exploration, while the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) usually mean milder weather and fewer crowds.

Safety tips for Australians travelling to the USA

An enormous country of busy cities, tourist sites and wilderness, always be careful with your bags and personal belongings. In case of an emergency in the United States, phone 911 for police, ambulance and fire brigade. It’s also a good rule of thumb to stay up-to-date on the latest USA travel advice.

Always be on the safe side when you travel checking out travel alerts before you go and consider whether travel insurance could help protect your trip. Medibank travel insurance gives you leading hospital, accident and medical evacuation cover while you’re travelling. And with our comprehensive plans, you'll be covered for a host of other surprises like lost luggage, cancelled bookings and overseas medical cover like dental emergencies.

¹https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/united-states-america

After you’ve locked in your top places to visit in the USA, it’s time to research things to do before travelling to the USA, and do your research on international travel insurance.