自驾游必去的7个美国城市

I love roadtrips. Wind in your hair, your favorite tunes blasting, and an open road that gives you countless options of where to go. I haven’t traveled as much as I’d like internationally, but within the US, I have covered nearly every state at some point in time with my friends at my side. Here are my top 7 places that are must-go’s in our beautiful country!

From the Bean to Second City, Chi-town has something for everyone. Second City is a venue where tons of nationally-recognized comedians got their start, for those who don’t know! In the summertime, there’s a ton of music fests in the beautiful Millennium Park, so if you’re wanting to road trip here, make sure you plan to attend one of those. Oh, and once you arrive and are starving, stop at Gino’s East for the best deep dish pizza I’ve (and many other people) have ever had.

Where Mexico, the Pacific Ocean, and Laguna Mountains surround you. Don’t tell me you can’t find something to do because that’s just a lie. San Diego is by far my favorite city on the west coast. It’s an active city, and everyone who lives there will tell you they’ll never leave. If you don’t see some whales out doing their thing off Point Loma, head over to the San Diego Zoo instead. The boardwalks seem never-ending with their ice cream parlors, carnival games, and rides. A road trip up/down the CA coast should definitely be on your bucket list.

Lay out at Barton Springs during the day, a natural spring right smack-dab in the middle of ATX with an awesome view of the skyline and head down to 6th Street at night for one of the biggest party and live music filled streets in the nation. Austin is big enough to feel like you’re in a metropolis, but small enough to navigate around by car easily! Austin natives are known for their laid-back nature and southern hospitality, and the city itself is very health-conscious. If you’re a foodie you won’t be disappointed because local restaurants use the freshest ingredients and lots of flavor!

Mountains mountains mountains, oh the view they bring; my roommate recently climbed Pike’s Peak and said it was 100% worth every step. Every person I know who lives in Colorado is in love with their home and have told me they’ll never leave. Check out a performance/sporting event/stand-up act at the World Arena or go relax at the Garden of the Gods park. Colorado is full of friendly folks who cater to any visitor as if they were family. It’s a perfect getaway for the crazy life of a college student.

There are so many different things to do in Atlanta! Climb up Stone Mountain and see the light show, ride down the 43 miles stretch of the Chattahoochee River, get tickets for Six Flags, and visit the World of Coca-Cola to see where soda started. ATL also has a very rich arts scene, including an Opera, Symphony Orchestra, Ballet, the Chastain Park Amphitheater, and the High Museum of Art. This city is a good mix of southern comfort and hip hop spunk.

Cha-ching! I heard everyone’s luck gets a little bit stronger when you’re in the Sin City. This place is on my bucket list of road trips. Just remember if you’re wanting to go to Vegas, make sure you plan ahead as much as you can. You’ll get the lowest rates and best deals if you do. What better place to let loose with your friends and have a good time then Vegas? You know the drill – what happens here, stays here.

I’m heading here for Mardi Gras, 2014, and I couldn’t be more excited. Soak in all of what Bourbon Street has to offer including the gumbo and always-busy bar scene. Speaking of which, New Orleans bars are famous for making certain specialty drinks that are 3-4 times more potent than a typical cocktail, so you’ll only have to buy one or two to feel the happy vibes. So, the good news is that it’s a pretty budget friendly city if you’re counting your pennies. Don’t leave without riding the St. Charles Streetcar, buying some souvenirs at the flee market in the French Quarter, and walking the Riverwalk!