Spring is here, and many of us are eager to breathe in the fresh air and feel the sun on our skin. It鈥檚 the perfect time of year to set your sights on all the incredible natural wonders the United States offers. For international students studying in the US, it can be difficult to know where the best spots to visit are. That鈥檚 where we come in! We鈥檝e spotlighted six beautiful places to visit on the west and east coasts of the US.
West Coast
Courtesy of California Beaches.
1. Thousand Steps Beach
Location:
Take in the gorgeous stretches of beach coastline at . When the tide rolls out to reveal hidden sea caves, you can adventure through to explore the other side. If cave exploring isn鈥檛 for you, there are tons of other fun activities to enjoy, such as:听
- Volleyball
- 厂苍辞谤办别濒濒颈苍驳听
- Surfing
- Scuba diving
- Skimboarding
Despite the name, you won鈥檛 be able to shave 1,000 steps off your daily goal just by trekking the beach鈥檚 long stairway. But, you will be able to knock off 223 steps鈥揳lthough it may feel closer to 1,000.
Courtesy of Catalina Island.
2. Catalina Island
Location:
is a must-see if you鈥檒l be around Los Angeles! Located 22 miles off the coast of southern California, visitors will find their boat is one of many floating on the island’s emerald blue waters. Visitors can spend their time:
- Lounging on the beach
- Parasailing
- Scuba diving
- Fishing
Once you鈥檝e hit your sun capacity for the day, check out the island鈥檚 museums, restaurants, and casinos.听
Note: There鈥檚 a fee to travel to Catalina Island, so be sure to plan it into your trip budget. To learn more about your travel options, .
Courtesy of Travel Portland.
3. Washington Park
Location: 听
This spring season, head to to explore the nestled in the park鈥檚 hills. The garden consists of eight unique but equally tranquil garden spaces. Each space’s style embodies distinct aspects of Japanese garden design and history.听
After making your way through the garden, check out the . The Zoo takes up more than 64 acres and is home to over 2,800 animals, from polar bears to sea otters.听
Once you leave the park, set your sights on the breathtaking . This jaw-dropping 611-foot waterfall is only a half-hour ride outside of Portland, so it鈥檚 easy to stop by on your way in or out of Oregon.
East Coast
Courtesy of Visit the USA.
4. Baltimore, Maryland
Location:
Make your way to bustling and check out everything Charm City has to offer. Ensure you visit the , where you can enjoy concerts, parades, and street entertainers. Plus, take part in like:
- Kayaking
- Paddle boating
- Sailing
Baltimore is filled with rich history and culture. If you want to immerse yourself in an old English Village feel, head to 鈥搕he oldest part of Baltimore. You can walk the quaint cobblestone streets and pop into charming pubs and coffee shops.
Tip: Be sure to drop by the for some of the best crab cakes in Baltimore!
Courtesy of Saco Canoe Rental Company.
5. White Mountains, New Hampshire
Location:
Calling all nature lovers! If your idea of a great time is somewhere far away from the city, you鈥檒l adore the . This outdoor haven has an array of activities to keep everyone happy. You can partake in:
- Horseback riding
- Tubing in the
- Kayaking
If you鈥檙e on the hunt for a hiking challenge, the White Mountains have a few for you. You can choose from different mountain climbs perfect for a range of skill levels. But if you鈥檙e looking for a hike that鈥檚 more on the difficult side, is a great place to go.
Courtesy of Sand Dunes Resort Myrtle Beach, SC.
6. Myrtle Beach
Location:
Visit one of the most beautiful east coast beaches for a getaway by the water. stretches for several miles, so there are plenty of fantastic spots to choose from. The is a must-visit! You can enjoy a delicious meal, check out the , and walk along the beach at sunset. You can also take part in watersports such as:听
- Surfing
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- Swimming
Whatever you end up doing, you鈥檒l love the incredible views of the coastline and the area’s many photo opportunities.
Hopefully, a few of these places have sparked your interest and made their way onto your springtime visit list. Wherever you find yourself, remember to be safe, take lots of photos, and have fun!听
