North America

Travel destinations & places across North America featuring United States, Canada and Mexico including things to do, attractions & tales from encounters with locals.

North America is a vast and diverse continent with a variety of travel destinations and activities. Here are some categories of places to visit and things to do while traveling in North America:

Canada & USA

1. National Parks and Natural Wonders:

• Yellowstone National Park, home to the famous Old Faithful geyser and a variety of wildlife such as bears and wolves
• Grand Canyon National Park, one of the world’s most famous natural wonders with stunning vistas and hiking trails
• Niagara Falls, a breathtaking collection of three waterfalls on the border between the United States and Canada
• Banff National Park, a Canadian park with turquoise lakes, glaciers, and stunning mountain vistas
• Yosemite National Park, a California park with stunning waterfalls, granite cliffs, and ancient sequoia trees

2. Cities and Urban Destinations:

• New York City, a bustling metropolis known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building
• Los Angeles, a cultural hub with a variety of attractions such as Hollywood, Disneyland, and the Getty Museum
• Montreal, a Canadian city with a European feel, known for its lively festivals, architecture, and French cuisine
• Chicago, a vibrant city known for its architecture, food scene, and cultural institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago
• Vancouver, a coastal city in Canada with stunning natural beauty and a variety of outdoor activities, such as skiing, hiking, and kayaking

3. Food and Drink:

• Sampling regional cuisine, such as lobster in Maine, poutine in Quebec, and barbecue in Texas
• Visiting local farmers’ markets, such as the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market in San Francisco or the Union Square Greenmarket in New York City
• Trying local craft beers or wines, such as California’s Napa Valley wines or Oregon’s craft beers

4. Outdoor Activities:

• Hiking, camping, and wildlife watching in national parks such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Banff
• Skiing or snowboarding in popular resorts such as Whistler, Vail, and Aspen
• Surfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding in coastal areas such as Hawaii, California, and Florida
• Biking or walking along scenic trails such as the Pacific Coast Highway or the Appalachian Trail

5. Festivals and Celebrations:

• Mardi Gras in New Orleans, a vibrant festival known for its colorful parades and lively street parties
• Calgary Stampede in Canada, a celebration of Western heritage with rodeo events, live music, and cultural displays
• Toronto International Film Festival, a prestigious film festival that showcases the best in international cinema
• South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, a music, film, and interactive festival that draws people from all over the world

These are just a few examples of the many things to see and do in North America. The continent has a wealth of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and exciting activities that make it a great destination for all kinds of travelers.

Mexico

Here are some categories of places to visit and things to do while traveling in Mexico:

1. Beaches and Coastal Destinations:

• Cancun, a popular beach resort town on the Yucatan Peninsula with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters
• Tulum, a coastal town with ancient Mayan ruins overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea
• Los Cabos, a resort area at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula with stunning beaches and world-class golf courses
• Puerto Vallarta, a beach town on the Pacific coast known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches
• Cozumel, a small island off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula with coral reefs and clear blue waters for snorkeling and scuba diving

2. Cultural and Historical Sites:

• Chichen Itza, an ancient Mayan city with a famous pyramid temple and other impressive ruins
• Mexico City, the capital of Mexico with a rich history and culture, including the ancient Aztec Templo Mayor and the iconic Palacio de Bellas Artes
• Teotihuacan, an ancient Mesoamerican city with massive pyramids and ruins that date back to pre-Columbian times
• Oaxaca, a colonial city with colorful markets, historic buildings, and a vibrant arts scene
• San Miguel de Allende, a picturesque colonial town with well-preserved architecture, colorful buildings, and charming cobblestone streets

3. Food and Drink:

• Sampling authentic Mexican cuisine, such as tacos, tamales, mole, and churros
• Visiting local markets, such as the Mercado de San Juan in Mexico City or the Mercado 28 in Cancun
• Trying local tequila and mezcal, such as the ones produced in the town of Tequila in the state of Jalisco

4. Outdoor Activities:

• Snorkeling, scuba diving, or swimming with whale sharks in the waters around Cozumel or Isla Mujeres
• Hiking or climbing the volcanic peaks of Popocatepetl or Iztaccihuatl
• Exploring the natural wonders of the Copper Canyon in the state of Chihuahua
• Ziplining or taking a jungle tour in the lush rainforest of the Yucatan Peninsula

5. Festivals and Celebrations:

• Dia de los Muertos, a colorful celebration that honors the deceased with parades, altars, and traditional food
• Feria Nacional de San Marcos, a lively fair in the city of Aguascalientes with concerts, rodeos, and cultural events
• Guelaguetza, a festival in Oaxaca that showcases the indigenous cultures of the region through music, dance, and food

These are just a few examples of the many things to see and do in Mexico. The country has a rich history and culture, stunning natural beauty, and a vibrant food and arts scene that make it a must-visit destination for travelers.