11 U.S. Destinations That Feel Like You’re Exploring Abroad

Traveling doesn’t have to be crossing borders or going to another continent, it can be a journey closer to home. It is possible to have a vacation in some locations within the United States that feel like being in another country.

From walking through Europe-style winding cobbled paths to relaxing in the therapeutic thermal springs like Iceland’s, or exploring the dynamic dazzling bazaars similar to Morocco, such destinations make foreign appeal easily accessible. And the best part? No customs to go through or need to pay for currency exchange.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe has an architectural structure based on adobe, lots of art, and a unique town that seems plucked right out of Europe. Stop by the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, shop around galleries, or try southwestern food in the markets. One of the best times to visit is in late summer when you can immerse yourself in the Santa Fe Indian Market.

Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth is a slice of Bavaria in the Pacific Northwest. This town is noted for its alpine-styled architecture and rocky terrain. The inhabitants are known for all things German. Visit during Oktoberfest to enjoy oomph music, sausages, specifically bratwurst, and the mug known as Stein. The village has retained an unmistakably European touristy feel with friendly bakeries churning out warm pretzels and apple strudels.

Solvang, California

Solvang on California’s Central Coast is a beautiful Danish-style village. The town offers bakeries and small Scandinavian shops. Visit the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art which solidifies the Danish Influence in the area.

Naples, Florida

Like many other cities on the Gulf of Mexico, Naples, Florida offers beautiful sandy beaches, expensive shops and galleries, and colorful performance art. Fishing, boating, and visiting close Everglades are some activities here. The city is famous for its high-class life, great restaurants, fantastic golfing greens, and stately homes overlooking the water. Naples enjoys a subtropical climate and has some of the best sunset views in the world thus attracting both tourists and retirees.

Holland, Michigan

Holland is designed to resemble the Netherlands with green fields of tulips, windmills, and Dutch-style buildings. The Tulip Time festival sees thousands of people visiting the town to enjoy the Netherland feel. Visit Windmill Island Gardens where you can find the De Zwaan, the only working Dutch windmill in the United States.

St. Augustine, Florida

St Augustine is one of the oldest cities in America according to the City Of St. Augustine, and has Spanish roots in terms of its buildings and monuments. Stroll around the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century stone building over the Matanzas River. The town boasts cobblestone streets and traditional colonial-styled houses which make it a perfect spot for history lovers or dreamers.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans captures the sultry essence of the French Quarter; with a little Creole, French, and Spanish mixed into one city. The street corner tunes and decorative ironwork of balconies are a reminder of Paris, but the food, especially beignets, jambalaya, and gumbo serves as a reminder of the Caribbean region. According to the latest data, in 2022, more than 19 million tourists visit the city to enjoy its very European vibe.

Helen, Georgia

Helen, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, looks just like a quaint Bavarian village. The town is nestled amidst the mountains and half-timbered structures. The biggest festival here is Oktoberfest, but even in the off-season, there’s still plenty of appeal to be found. Stroll through shops that sell various German rarities, and try German schnitzel in one of its many restaurants.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an American territory that provides a Caribbean-like experience with Spanish influence. Beautifully painted streets, old forts, and vibrant plazas make San Juan a unique destination. Ocean views from the top of the El Morro fort are unrivaled. The best part is that you do not need a passport to visit which makes it a convenient and exotic vacation destination.

Ketchikan, Alaska

This Alaskan town feels like a piece of Norway with fjord-like terrain and influences of Native culture. Also known as the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’, Ketchikan features coastal scenery comparable to Scandinavia. A drive through the Misty Fjords National Monument boasts cliffs, waterfalls, and untouched beauty. Local and international tourists regard it as the Norwegian fjords’ natural equivalent making it an important natural landmark.

Lanai, Hawaii

Lanai is one of the smaller Hawaiian islands according to the Hawaii Activities, and has a tropical setting that can be compared to that of other SE Asia or South Pacific beaches. The Hulopo’e Bay Marine Preserve is suitable for snorkeling, with calm water, and wildlife. Accommodation in the island’s resorts offers a serene environment where all your stress and troubles can melt away.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights