With spring blooming and summer sparkling on the horizon, Brand USA enthusiastically invites global travellers to experience America at its absolute finest in 2025. From legendary road trips to captivating festivals and lush vineyards to stunning coastlines, the USA promises unforgettable adventures.
Fred Dixon, President and CEO of Brand USA, emphasises, “The USA is a year-round destination, but spring and summer offer unparalleled opportunities to witness the nation’s beauty and vibrant culture at their peak. It’s the perfect time to visit and truly experience America’s warmth and diversity.”
Rediscover Resilient Destinations: Los Angeles and Western North Carolina
Despite facing recent natural adversities, Los Angeles and Western North Carolina have rebounded stronger, warmly welcoming visitors eager to support local communities and businesses. Vibrant cities such as West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Pasadena offer eclectic shopping experiences, historic hotels like the iconic Culver Hotel, and cultural landmarks including LACMA, the La Brea Tar Pits, and Norton Simon Museum.
Western North Carolina invites visitors with scenic beauty and agritourism gems. Asheville’s majestic Biltmore Estate remains a must-see, blending history with lush gardens and exceptional wines. Nearby, the Crest of the Blue Ridge Wine Country invites wine enthusiasts to savour the tastes of America’s finest vineyards.
Unmissable Festivals: Northern California & New York’s Hudson Valley
San Francisco’s vibrant Carnaval, celebrating Latino, Caribbean, and African Diasporic cultures, electrifies the Mission District on Memorial Day weekend. It features local artists, exotic cuisine, and a spectacular parade.
Meanwhile, horse-racing enthusiasts can revel in the excitement of the Saratoga Race Course in New York’s Hudson Valley. Due to renovations at Belmont Park, Saratoga hosts the thrilling Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, a series of lively events celebrating America’s racing heritage.
Mysterious and Mesmerizing: Southwest Adventures in New Mexico
New Mexico offers travellers cultural depth and mysterious charm, highlighted by the Gathering of Nations Powwow—the largest Native American gathering. Adventure seekers can soar at the Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta and engage in extraterrestrial festivities at Roswell’s renowned UFO Festival.
Scenic Waterfronts and Seaside Delights
Cape Cod charms with maritime history, quaint inns, and seafood delicacies for serene waterfront escapes. West Coast marvels like Lake Tahoe offer exhilarating boating adventures and stargazing evenings. Beaches in Florida, California, Maine, and Delaware beckon sun lovers with pristine sands and ocean vistas, including Maryland’s unique Assateague Island, home to wild horses roaming freely.
Nature’s Best: State and National Parks
Explore quieter yet equally enchanting state parks such as California’s Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, known for dramatic rock formations and Hollywood fame, or Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania, renowned for stargazing. Iconic national parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Great Smoky Mountains remain popular, yet serene alternatives like Mesa Verde in Colorado and Mammoth Cave in Kentucky offer unique adventures away from crowds.
Wine Country Wonders Beyond California
California’s renowned wine regions might dominate the scene, but exciting alternatives like Washington and Oregon’s Columbia Valley or Michigan’s Lake Michigan Shore deliver equally delightful experiences. The Texas Hill Country impresses with robust reds, while New York’s Finger Lakes region offers charming vineyard tours.
Taste Americana at Iconic State Fairs
Indulge in nostalgic Americana at state fairs showcasing agriculture, artisan crafts, thrilling rides, and mouthwatering treats. Experience the magic at beloved fairs in Texas, Minnesota, and the legendary Great New York State Fair.
Slow Down and Savour: Road and Rail Travel
2026 marks the centennial of iconic Route 66, connecting Chicago to Santa Monica, a legendary journey filled with neon-lit nostalgia. Blues enthusiasts can trace musical heritage along the Mississippi Blues Trail, while the scenic Pacific Coast Highway provides coastal bliss from San Francisco to San Diego.
Amtrak’s luxurious new Floridian route comfortably connects Chicago and Miami, while Brightline’s hourly service whisks travellers between Miami and Orlando, enabling leisurely exploration.
Luxurious Cruises: Coastal and Inland Waterways
Small-ship cruises like American Cruise Lines and Viking offer intimate river voyages along the historic Mississippi, uncovering hidden gems and vibrant towns. Great Lakes cruises provide enriching experiences, while Alaskan journeys reveal breathtaking wildlife encounters.
Travel Trends: Cowboy Cations and Starry Skies
Cowboy-cations immerse travellers in the Wild West’s adventurous spirit at authentic Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado ranches. Meanwhile, astrotourism shines brightly, from Maine’s pristine AMC Woods to Utah’s Dinosaur Monument Park, offering spectacular celestial displays and nighttime adventures like bioluminescent kayaking in Florida.
Fred Dixon concludes passionately, “We’re excited to showcase America’s boundless beauty and vibrant cultural tapestry. There’s truly something here for every traveller in 2025.”
To plan your unforgettable American journey, visit the official Brand USA website at VisitTheUSA.com.au.
Written by: Alison Jenkins
