Spring is here, and many of us are eager to breathe in the fresh air and feel the sun on our skin. It’s 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’s where we come in! We’ve 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: Laguna Beach, California
Take in the gorgeous stretches of beach coastline at Thousand Steps Beach. When the tide rolls out to reveal hidden sea caves, you can adventure through to explore the other side. If cave exploring isn’t for you, there are tons of other fun activities to enjoy, such as:
- Volleyball
- Snorkelling
- Surfing
- Scuba diving
- Skimboarding
Despite the name, you won’t be able to shave 1,000 steps off your daily goal just by trekking the beach’s long stairway. But, you will be able to knock off 223 steps–although it may feel closer to 1,000.
Courtesy of Catalina Island.
2. Catalina Island
Location: Catalina Island, California
Catalina Island is a must-see if you’ll 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’ve hit your sun capacity for the day, check out the island’s museums, restaurants, and casinos.
Note: There’s a fee to travel to Catalina Island, so be sure to plan it into your trip budget. To learn more about your travel options, check out the island’s website.
Courtesy of Travel Portland.
3. Washington Park
Location: Portland, Oregon
This spring season, head to Washington Park to explore the Portland Japanese Garden nestled in the park’s 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.
After making your way through the garden, check out the Oregon Zoo. The Zoo takes up more than 64 acres and is home to over 2,800 animals, from polar bears to sea otters.
Once you leave the park, set your sights on the breathtaking Multnomah Falls. This jaw-dropping 611-foot waterfall is only a half-hour ride outside of Portland, so it’s easy to stop by on your way in or out of Oregon.
East Coast
Courtesy of Visit the USA.
4. Baltimore, Maryland
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Make your way to bustling Baltimore and check out everything Charm City has to offer. Ensure you visit the Inner Harbor, where you can enjoy concerts, parades, and street entertainers. Plus, take part in water activities 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 Fells Point–the 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 Thames Street Oyster House for some of the best crab cakes in Baltimore!
Courtesy of Saco Canoe Rental Company.
5. White Mountains, New Hampshire
Location: Eastern New Hampshire
Calling all nature lovers! If your idea of a great time is somewhere far away from the city, you’ll adore the White Mountains. This outdoor haven has an array of activities to keep everyone happy. You can partake in:
- Moose safaris
- Horseback riding
- Tubing in the Saco River
- Kayaking
If you’re 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’re looking for a hike that’s more on the difficult side, Mount Washington is a great place to go.
Courtesy of Sand Dunes Resort Myrtle Beach, SC.
6. Myrtle Beach
Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Visit one of the most beautiful east coast beaches for a getaway by the water. Myrtle Beach stretches for several miles, so there are plenty of fantastic spots to choose from. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is a must-visit! You can enjoy a delicious meal, check out the amusement park, and walk along the beach at sunset. You can also take part in watersports such as:
- Surfing
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- Swimming
Whatever you end up doing, you’ll 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!
