United States

The United States has diverse climates across its regions.

The Northeast (New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maine, New Hampshire, Maryland, Vermont, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Connecticut) has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers, making late spring and early fall ideal for visiting.

The Southeast (Florida, Georgia, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky the Carolinas, and Arkansas) experiences a humid subtropical climate, featuring hot, humid summers and mild winters, with fall being the best time due to cooler temperatures and fewer hurricanes or spring for it’s mild temps and fewer crowds.

The Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ohio) have a similar humid continental climate, where summer and fall are best for outdoor activities.

The Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Utah) is arid or semi-arid with very hot summers, so late fall for the cooler temps and spring for its blooming deserts are best for travel.

The West Coast (California, Oregon, and Washington) have a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and dry summers, making spring having fewer crowds and fall, wine harvest, the prime visiting seasons.

The mountainous West (Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming) varies widely by altitude but generally experiences cold, snowy winters and mild summers, with summer being ideal for hiking and winter for skiing.

Hawaii and Alaska are unique among U.S. states in both climate and tourism seasons as they’re not part of the continental U.S., and their travel appeal is highly seasonal but polar opposites of each other. The best time to visit Hawaii is in the dry season between April-June and September- mid-December as there are fewer crowds, lower prices, and fantastic weather. Alaska, on the other hand, the peak season is from May-September, where summer months bring in the warmest temps and long daylight hours.

The United States has a rich, varied culture influenced by its history, regional diversity, and immigrant communities. Here are eight cultural highlights across regions:

New Orleans, Louisiana - Known for its vibrant Creole and Cajun culture, Mardi Gras takes place in February, featuring parades, music, and unique cuisine.

Southwest (e.g., Arizona, New Mexico) - The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October showcases hot-air balloons against stunning desert landscapes, celebrating regional art and Native American influences.

Midwest (e.g., Chicago, Illinois) - In March, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in Chicago by dyeing the river green and hosting one of the largest parades in the country.

New York City, New York - Broadway Week (January-February) and New York Fashion Week (February and September) highlight NYC’s influence in the arts and fashion.

Texas - The State Fair of Texas in Dallas (September-October) celebrates Texan heritage with food, music, and rodeos, blending Hispanic and Western influences.

West Coast (e.g., San Francisco, California) - Chinese New Year in February is celebrated with parades and festivities, reflecting the region’s significant Chinese-American population.

Southeast (e.g., Charleston, South Carolina) - The Spoleto Festival USA in late spring is a premier arts event, with performances in opera, dance, and music that highlight Southern arts culture.

Hawaii - In October, the Aloha Festivals celebrate Hawaiian culture, including hula, traditional music, and island cuisine, honoring Polynesian heritage.

Each of these dishes highlights a region’s culinary identity, making them must-tries when visiting these parts of the United States.

Northeast (Maine) – Lobster Roll: Fresh lobster in a buttery roll, popular along the Maine coast. Best enjoyed during the summer season.

New York City – New York-style Pizza: Thin-crust pizza known for its foldable slices and savory toppings, found in pizzerias across the city.

Southeast (South Carolina) – Shrimp and Grits: A Southern classic with creamy, buttery grits topped with seasoned shrimp, often enjoyed for brunch or dinner.

Louisiana – Beignets: French-inspired, sugar-dusted pastries served hot and fresh, especially popular in New Orleans’ French Quarter.

Midwest (Chicago) – Deep-Dish Pizza: Thick, buttery crust with layers of cheese and chunky tomato sauce, a Chicago specialty.

Texas – Barbecue Brisket: Slow-smoked beef with rich spices, especially popular in central Texas BBQ joints.

Southwest (New Mexico) – Green Chile Stew: A spicy, flavorful stew made with green chiles, pork, and potatoes, reflecting the region’s Native American and Hispanic influences.

West Coast (California) – Avocado Toast: This trendy dish started here, showcasing fresh avocados on toast, often topped with eggs, herbs, or seeds, embodying California’s fresh, health-conscious cuisine.