Planning a trip and don’t want the “same old, same old”? The things you can only do in the United States open the door to unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
From endless road trips to homemade Thanksgiving dinners, this list will help you discover unforgettable moments that truly stand out.
Traveling to the United States is not just about seeing skyscrapers or theme parks: it is about stepping into a vibrant culture, full of experiences that you will hardly find in any other corner of the planet.
From customs that seem taken from a Hollywood movie to celebrations so intense they will leave you breathless, this country invites you to live ten unique activities that capture its essence like nowhere else.
Activities for leisure time in the United States
One of the most authentic ways to explore the U.S. is behind the wheel. Imagine crossing the country along the endless highways of Route 66, stopping at small-town diners, vintage motels, or in front of a Muffler Man in the middle of the desert.
This adventure is not only about kilometers, but about stories collected at each stop. Many travelers turn the road into their rolling office, working remotely from coffee shops during the day and moving toward their next destination in the afternoon. It is pure freedom.
A barbecue in the parking lot before the football game? Welcome to the tailgate. Fans arrive hours in advance at the stadiums to fire up their grills, wave their team’s flags, and share beers with strangers who soon become friends.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t know the rules of this typical “gringo” sport: the important thing is the pre-game party, the music at full volume, and the electrifying atmosphere. You only need enthusiasm to fit in and live this ritual so “made in USA.”
In October, the whole country dresses up to celebrate Halloween. Neighborhoods fill with fake cobwebs, skeletons, and twinkling lights, creating a movie-like atmosphere.
An unforgettable classic is going out to ask for candy (trick or treat) door to door. Although this activity is also done in Latin American countries like Colombia, it’s another thing to do it in the USA.
If you are lucky enough to stay with a local family, you will live a charming night, surrounded by laughter, candy, and autumn leaves under your feet.
If you love strong emotions, professional haunted houses will fascinate you. Theme parks like Universal Studios set up terror passages where zombies, ghosts, and monsters stalk you at every corner.
There are even mazes in cornfields that raise the tension to another level. Going with friends guarantees scares, nervous laughter… and a great story to tell. Halloween in the United States is an immersive experience where fear is celebrated with collective enthusiasm.
If you still don’t have your visa and you don’t want to miss these experiences, don’t forget to quote the prices associated with obtaining the American visa.
The truth is that there are multiple cultural differences between Colombia and the United States.
If you want to get to know the most deep-rooted culture of the U.S. interior, a rodeo is one of the best options. In states like Texas or Colorado, cowboys show their skill taming wild bulls in front of enthusiastic crowds.
One of the most famous events you can visit is the Houston Livestock.
Around it, state fairs offer games, fried food, and live country music. Try fried butter (yes, it exists) or get on the Ferris wheel while the sun sets over the field. An experience that smells of dust, tradition, and rural pride.
Every February, New Orleans explodes in colors during Mardi Gras. Floats parade throwing beads to the public, the streets of the French Quarter throb with jazz, and people in costumes dance until dawn.
This party is a cocktail of French, African, and American cultures, with an overflowing festive spirit. Eating king cake, singing with strangers, and letting yourself be carried away by the music is something that, simply, must be experienced.
Before traveling to Louisiana, keep in mind useful travel tips to make your experience the best possible memory.
Christmas transforms the United States into a storybook country. In neighborhoods like Dyker Heights (Brooklyn), houses compete to have the most striking decoration: from giant inflatable sleighs to facades with thousands of lights to the rhythm of carols.
Walking these streets with a hot coffee in your hands and gingerbread cookies offered by neighbors is like stepping into a Christmas movie.
In New York, Christmas reaches its peak with the lighting of the giant tree at Rockefeller Center. Ice skating surrounded by illuminated skyscrapers is a classic that doesn’t disappoint.
In addition, throughout the country there are festive parades and ugly sweater parties, where laughing at the ridiculous becomes the best plan with friends. From the glamour of big cities to the homespun humor of communities, Christmas here is lived with sincere enthusiasm.
Independence Day is perhaps the most patriotic celebration in the country. On July 4th, every corner of the United States is dressed in red, white, and blue. Families and friends gather early to barbecue in parks or backyards. Food abounds, music plays, and children run with little flags. If you are alone, don’t worry: there is always someone willing to invite you to their picnic.
At nightfall, fireworks light up the sky spectacularly. In New York, the show over the East River is imposing; in Washington, D.C., the explosions behind the Lincoln Memorial create memorable postcards. Even in small towns, the emotion is felt as you watch the sky burst into lights, surrounded by people celebrating the same spirit of unity.
And if you want something more curious… go to the hot dog contest in Coney Island, where competitors devour dozens of dogs in minutes. It is absurd, fun, and 100% American.
Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, is one of the most intimate and emotional holidays in the country. It’s about giving thanks, sharing, and, of course, eating. If you manage to have a local family invite you to their dinner, get ready for one of the most endearing moments of the trip: roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
Before eating, it is tradition that each person shares what they are thankful for, and that creates such a warm atmosphere that, even if you are a foreigner, you will feel part of the family.
If you don’t know anyone, many cities offer free community dinners for the general public. You can even volunteer and help serve food, something that connects deeply with the spirit of the date.
And in the morning, don’t miss the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York, with giant balloons and floats among the skyscrapers. It is a living postcard of American culture.
These ten activities are just a sample of the kaleidoscope of experiences that await you in the United States. Beyond tourist clichés, the country reveals itself in its everyday rituals, in its overflowing festivities, and in its ability to make you feel part of everything, even if you come from far away.
Whether on the road with your favorite playlist, in a stadium eating hot dogs with strangers, or in a warm living room sharing a slice of pumpkin pie, every moment lived here becomes a story you will want to tell.
And if you also travel with tools that make your life easier, like DolarApp to manage your money in USDc or EURc without high commissions, then you will only have to worry about enjoying. That way, you can pay for your gas, your Halloween costume, or that ugly sweater without headaches.
Ultimately, the United States is an experience that mixes freedom, craziness, warmth, and tradition. Dare to live it beyond what’s expected, and you will surely return with unique memories, new friendships… and a big desire to do it again. 🇺🇸✨
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