American Holidays: Our Top Sights in Top Destinations

Our love affair with the US shows no sign of stopping. Thousands of Irish holidaymakers head across the pond every year to explore incredible cities, remarkable natural beauty and world-class cultural outputs.

To make planning your American Holidays that little bit easier, we’ve pulled together a handy guide of our top American Holidays destinations. These are world capitals packed with culture, sights, cuisine, history, food and more. Any one of them is a holiday destination in its own right but what kind of holiday is each one best for? Find out here with our American holiday guide.

New York

Best for Sightseeing & Shopping

New York is nothing less than one of the world’s greatest holiday destinations. Irish holidaymakers’ NYC roots go deep and droves of us visit every year. Realistically, New York is such a megacity that you can find everything you want here but we would particularly recommend it for Sightseeing & Shopping American Holidays.

On the sightseeing front, NYC offers some of the world’s most famous and iconic urban marvels. The Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Broadway, Central Park, the New York Public Library, even Grand Central Station is iconic. And don’t forget to pay respects at the 9/11 Memorial, too.

New York is a world-class shopping destination. Tiffanys, Macy’s and Bloomingdales are practically tourist attractions as well as megastores, and beyond that you can head to Fifth Avenue and major shopping districts to discover something different like in SoHo, NoLiTa and Brooklyn. From huge departments stores to quirky boutiques to flea markets and more, American Holidays to New York are a shopaholic’s paradise.

Make New York your own with our expert guide

Go beyond Manhattan to discover an amazing state full of sights and natural beauty

Orlando

Best for Families

Orlando is the world capital of family fun! That’s why we recommend it as the American holidays destination that’s best for families. Orlando is a sunny destination with tons of things to see and do. You already know what they are - people flock to Orlando to visit the world-famous theme parks of Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World Resort Orlando.

Both of these theme parks offer days of fun activities suitable for all ages.

Beyond that, Orlando has plenty of other attractions on offer.

Read our full Orlando holiday guide right here on our blog.

See deals to Orlando here

Las Vegas

Best for Entertainment

Las Vegas is a true bucket list destination! Its hotels alone have become pop culture icons through many appearances on TV and Hollywood hits. And The Strip is a dazzling array and bright lights and memorable sights. But this is a really the best entertainment option for your American holidays.

Las Vegas offers a wide variety of shows, bars, lounges, and live entertainment. The city gets regular visits from music superstars and many of them stay for months-long residencies, including big names like Mariah Carey, Elton John, Britney Spears and Celine Dion. You’re sure to be able to catch a great live show. Cirque du Soleil is a Vegas favourite, too. Experience great comedy shows, magic and so much more.

See deals on American holidays to Las Vegas here

Washington DC

Best for Heritage

Washington DC is the heart of the USA’s political culture and has been for many, many years. Because of this, it’s a major focal point of American heritage and history. Seeing the White House up close is an amazing experience, and the Supreme Court and Congress make for spectacular sights. The National Mall is a massive area filled with historic monuments like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and more. Check out the museums like the Smithsonian, the National Museum of Natural History, and don’t forget the Library of Congress.

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Miami

Best for visiting the Beach + City

American Holidays to Miami are simply stunning, the perfect blend of city and beach. Explore the trendy Art Deco District and Little Havana and the city’s many diverse districts making up its distinct cultural blend.

The major highlight here is Miami Beach. This is a long expanse of white sands by the blue, blue sea. It’s beloved by visitors and local alike and an absolute must-see during your American holidays to Miami.

See deals on American holidays to Miami here

Memphis/Nashville

Best for Music & Arts

Either of these cities is a truly special way to take in the USA’s incredible musical heritage. Memphis is home to Graceland, Elivs’ one-time residence that’s now a living museum dedicated to his immense musical legacy. You can’t miss out on Beale Street, where so many legendary blues musician have made their mark, and which still plays host to nightly live shows.

In Nashville, discover the home of country music. Check out the Country Music Hall and Fame and Museum, the Johnny Cash Museum and for live shows the Grand Old Opry. Head to the city’s Broadway for endless entertainment, known locally as Honky Tonk Highway.

See deals on American holidays to Memphis here

See deals on American holidays to Nashville here

Why not combine the two in an exciting Multicentre holiday?

Chicago

Best for Food

American holidays to Chicago are a little underrated but we think this major US city is an amazing holiday destination. This is a metropolis by Lake Michigan that’s packed with things to see and do but it’s a great culinary destination in particular, as well as some amazing sights.

The city’s thriving food scene brings together an amazing range of international cuisine including barbecue, steakhouses, authentic Italian food and more. But the city is really synonymous with Chicago-style pizza, a distinctive deep-dish pizza that’s particular to the city. The Chicago hot dog is another specialty.

See deals for American holidays to Chicago here

Boston

Best for History

New England is where much of America’s history took place, and Boston is an amazing city to explore it. Boston is a highly walkable city that still feels like a major American capital thanks to its skyscrapers and bustling districts. Check out historic sights like Faneuil Hall in Quincy Market, and walk along the Freedom Trail that takes in so many of the city’s significant sites. Head to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and step outside the city for the landing place of the Pilgrims in the charming seaside town of Plymouth. Hyannis, Provincetown and Salem are all historically significant towns and charming places to visit.

See deals on American holidays to Boston here

San Francisco

Best for Iconic Sights

San Francisco is a trendy, bustling and beautiful city by the sea. It’s home to many world-famous sights, not least among them being the instantly recognisable Golden Gate Bridge which occupies a well-deserved place as the city’s calling card. You can also pay a visit to notorious Alcatraz and step by trendy Pier 39 for food, shopping and to visit the local sea lions.

See deals on American holidays to San Francisco here