Whimsical September

A Family + Lifestyle Blog

Traveling 8 Comments

My Favorite U.S. Travel Destinations + A Bucket List

Jamie & I would love to go on a getaway sometime this year before the Army takes him for a while, so we’ve recently been tossing around destination ideas. We’re open to traveling somewhere we’ve been before as long as the destination includes warm weather, relaxation, and a heck of a lot of fun.

All of our travel conversations have me thinking about what my favorite travel spots in the U.S. have been, so I put together a short list.

Here are my top 10 favorite cities (in no particular order) that I’ve visited in the U.S.

1. Anchorage, AK

Travel tip: Obviously travel during the summer months. The weather is marvelous which will allow you to explore all that the area has to offer. Don’t miss taking a glacier and whale-watching cruise in Kenai with Kenai Fjords Tours.

2. Wilmington, NC

Travel tip: If you’re a One Tree Hill fan, keep your eye out for the cast! We easily spotted them on the second day of our trip. Also, map out a day to lay on the beach.

3. The beaches of Highway 30A in Florida

Travel tip: Grab a bunch of your family members or friends and rent a house on the water in Seaside. You’ll enjoy the most beautiful beaches while being within walking distance of restaurants and shopping areas. Rent bikes on a pretty day and ride for miles along the bicycle-friendly sidewalks.

4. Nashville, TN

Travel tip: Stay at The Gaylord Opryland Hotel & splurge for a balcony room that overlooks the courtyard. Our favorite restaurant in Nashville is Whiskey Kitchen and our favorite ice cream shop is Jeni’s in East Nashville.

5. New York City, NY

Travel tips: Hail a cab, take the subway, jog around Central Park on a pretty morning, eat in Little Italy (we love Rocky’s), take a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry, and eat your weight in pizza and bagels.

6. Las Vegas, NV

Travel Tip: Go play in Vegas even if you’re not much of a gambler. There’s so much to do and see! We could have spent days just exploring each incredible hotel. The weather was perfect during our trip the beginning of November.

7. Orlando, Florida

Travel tips: If you have the opportunity to do an adult-only trip, take advantage of it! We went twice before we became parents, and both times we had the time of our lives. Our favorite Disney park is Epcot, but we both actually like Universal Studios (both parks) more than Disney. They’re catered more for the “big kids”. Such a blast.

8. San Diego, CA

Travel tips: Glorietta Bay Inn is right across the street from Hotel Del Coronado and over $300/per night cheaper! Just look at their TripAdvisor ratings. They serve a delicious breakfast and the grounds are beautiful. If you’re traveling to San Diego, you don’t want to miss enjoying the beaches, restaurants, and shopping that Coronado has to offer. You can read about our trip here.

9. Denver, CO


Travel tip: If you love the outdoors, Denver and its surrounding cities have something for you all year round! If you’re into night life and salsa dancing, go shake it downtown at La Rumba (such a blast). For the city’s best indoor sunset view, head to the Hyatt Hotel’s Peaks Lounge.

10. Washington, D.C.

Travel tip: I’m not much of a history buff, but the Holocaust Museum knocked my socks off. It’s remarkably well done.

Here’s my current U.S. travel-related bucket list:

  • Napa Valley, California
  • Seattle, Washington
  • Fredericksburg, Texas
  • Key West, Florida
  • Charleston, South Carolina
  • Vail, Colorado
  • Maui! Oahu! Kauai! Honolulu! Hawaii! 
Two questions: What’re your favorite U.S. vacation spots? Also, I’m heading to Asheville, NC for the first time later this month. I’d love your suggestions of things to do and places to eat while we’re there.

[jetpack_subscription_form title=”SUBSCRIBE” subscribe_text=”Keep up with Erica & Whimsical September by receiving new post notifications in your inbox. This is the easiest way to never miss a new post! What they’re eating, what they’re doing, where they’re going… she shares it all!”]