Now that summer is officially here, many Arab travelers shift their eyes overseas for new destinations to explore. Many think of Europe or Southeast Asia when the time comes for packing up, but little does the United States of America come to mind.
The world’s third largest country, the US, is comprised of 50 states. Each has with its own set of landmarks, customs, as well as culture. Imagine getting to visit 50 different destinations using the same visa? It’s quite exhilarating.
No matter where you have been in America, there is always room to explore more. Lufthansa, the leading German airline, has just launched its #MoreToExplore campaign to highlight different, off-the-beaten-track destinations within the United States for aspiring travelers.
Many think of the United States as a singular thing, a unit. On the contrary, it is one of the most diverse places on earth, with people of different cultures and backgrounds, co-existing side by side.
To all travelers looking to experience an endless adventure with Lufthansa, here are some of the lesser-known, yet just as astonishing destinations in America that you must visit in the near future.
New York
Famous for its savory pizza, multicultural heritage, and rich history, the State of New York is perhaps one of the most widely-known destinations within the United States of America. Direct flights from Egypt to New York through Lufthansa are at a competitive rate and only take 15 hours. Also, it is home to the second-largest Arab population in America; however, the Big Apple is more than Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. There are more hidden treasures than one could ever imagine.
Known around the world for its affluence, The Hamptons is a seaside string community that accommodates New Yorkers during the summer months. It is home to the secluded ocean beach known as Cooper’s beach, the Parrish Art Museum, the Wolffer Estate Vineyard, and the Long Island Aquarium.
A two-hour drive from NYC, Philadelphia, better known as Philly amongst the locals, is the largest city in the state of Pennsylvania, and perhaps, the most historically significant. It is home to the Liberty Bell, the symbol of American freedom; Elfreth’s Alley, the nation’s oldest residential street; the Philadelphia Museum of Arts, with a long flight of steps that became famous after the film Rocky debuted in 1976; and many more attractions.
North of New York State lays Connecticut, the third smallest state in area, and the 29th most populated. It is home to Yale University as well as a number of other attractions such as the Mohegan Sun Casino, the Mystic Aquarium, and the Gillette Castle State Park.
Los Angeles
Considered the most populous city in the state of California, Los Angeles, or L.A., is known around the world as the Creative Capital of the World. There are more artists, dancers, filmmakers, musicians, and authors in Los Angeles than any other place in the world. The Lufthansa experience will get you there in no time.
If you happen to be in L.A., and you are looking for an adventurous getaway, then Mojave has to be on your bucket list. From the renowned Tehachapi pass to the Gem Hill, Mojave has something for all adrenaline junkies out there.
The coastal city of Santa Barbara, California is one of the few places in the United States with a ‘Mediterranean climate’. Additionally, it houses the famed Arlington Theater, a 2,000-seat performing venue, which was first opened in 1931, and is considered one of the cultural centers of the California. Other attractions include the Santa Barbara Harbor, Our Lady of Sorrows Church, one of the oldest religious centers in the United States, and the Stearns Wharf, which was first completed in 1872 and is considered to be the longest deep-water pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
On the other hand, Palm Springs, a desert resort city in Riverside County, California, an-hour-and-a-half drive away from Los Angeles is famous for the Moorten Botanical Gardens, the Palm Springs Windmills, and the aerial tram.
San Francisco
Hailed to be the cultural, commercial, and financial center of Northern California, San Francisco is one of the most prominent cities in all of the Golden State. Here, travelers can enjoy many sightseeing experiences including the Golden Gate Bridge, the infamous Alcatraz prison, and a myriad of historic buildings
Considered to be the traditional seat of the Governor of California, Sacramento is the capital of said state; it is also an hour-and-twenty-minute drive from San Francisco. It is one of America’s most diverse destinations, with a rich history owing to its indigenous populations, Spanish settlements, and the famed Gold Rush at nearby Sutter’s Mill.
Palo Alto is one of the cities in California’s San Francisco Bay Area, a part of Silicon Valley, and is home to Stanford University. The city has many things to offer including the Googleplex, Google’s largest global headquarters; the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts; and the Hoover Tower.
Looking for adventure near San Francisco, Big Sur is the place to be, with mountainous ranges and breathtaking scenery, it has been called “one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world, an isolated stretch of road, mythic in reputation,” by the Washington Times.
Miami
One of the United States’ major cultural, financial, and economic centers, the City of Miami is South Florida’s most prominent hub. The city has something for everyone from the Miami Beach Museum to the Jungle Island and the beautifully-designed Art Deco district. Here, The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens with its breathtaking courtyard and exquisite European furniture is definitely worth a visit.
Although the drive from Miami to Key West is about four hours, travelers pass through some of the most captivating landscapes in all of the United States and the world. The journey passes through about 40 islands before reaching the destination, making it one of the most sought-after road-trips in America.
About 45 kilometers north of Miami, lays Fort Lauderdale, one of the principal cities of the Miami metropolitan area. Here, the Las Olas downtown area has been competing with Miami for the spotlight, while FATVillage, a once-empty warehouse district that has been gentrified with artists renting studio and gallery spaces.
With an ecosystem found nowhere else in the world, the Everglades is one of the most uniquelandscapes in the world. It is a perfect destination for those looking forward to bird watching, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and bicycling.
Austin
Austin, Texas is not just a capital of America’s second largest state but a cultural center of the South and a claimant to be one of the main live music hubs of the world. The state’s landscape is laden with national parks and lakes for those looking for an adrenaline-filled escape.
About an hour drive from Austin, San Antonio is one of the more cities in the United States rich in heritage. It is home to The Alamo, an 18th-century Texas history museum, as well as the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, which is a colonial mission building that dates back to the 1700’s.
Located in central Texas, Georgetown is one of the most picturesque cities in all of America. With nature all over, the city is perfect for those seeking tranquility. It is home to the Inner Space Cavern, Lake Georgetown, Cedar Breaks Park, and the Perry Springs Park. Here travelers can let go of their earthly worries and get a chance to unite with nature.
The USA has so much more than meet the eyes, so if you are looking to experience something new, definitely consider paying the land of stars and stripes a visit.