Arizona contains some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole of the United States; the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Parks are just some of the highlights.
Phoenix, the capital, is a bustling commercial city with new developments like Renaissance Square with the 28 storey twin towers, shops, restaurants and entertainments. Patriots Square Park in the centre of the city has a sophisticated and spectacular laser light system that is visible for miles around.
Lake Havasu City has become the new home of London Bridge which now spans the Colorado River. It is the focal point for an array of English-style shops, pubs and lodgings.
The Grand Canyon, the massive rend in the earth is the most famous natural tourist site in America and its impact is awe-inspiring!
Another extraordinary scenic area is the Apache Trail with arid deserts, winding canyons, glistening lakes and the ominous volcanic dome known as Superstition Mountain and Museum.
California known as "Golden State", has it all; snow-capped mountains, endless deserts, lush primeval forests and long stretches of golden beach; all within easy reach. It is also home to Los Angeles, a chic, stylized city, which offers the best in theatres, symphony and ballet along with fabulous museums, and numerous sporting events. Known as the "entertainment capital of the world" where star spotters can revel in glamorous Hollywood and Beverly Hills, the most famous district in the world.
With miles of sunny coastline, from Long Beach to Redona Beach, to Santa Monica and Malibu, Los Angeles is a "paradise on earth" for sport enthusiasts and sun worshippers.
The south coast stretching from San Diego to Los Angeles maintains its reputation as a world-class destination. With an ideal climate it offers unlimited opportunities for water sports; boating, fishing, surfing and swimming to name but a few.
Inland from the south coast is California's warm Desert Region, an area of expansive landscapes where traces of pioneer history, glittering cities, and where natural phenomenon abound.
Florida, the "sunshine state of America", is a much larger area than most people imagine. All the regions in this state are unique.
Originally popular as a winter retreat for the elderly, it has become one of the most visited holiday destinations all year round; not surprising with so much variety of theme parks.
First of all the most famous Disney destination of Orlando. The sheer variety of theme parks, water parks, entertainment centres and attractions offers something for everyone.
Apart from Disney World there is Sea World, Universal Studios and Church Street. A refreshing change o pace to all the parks are the dinners shows, cultural events, gardens, museums and sporting events. But Florida is not only Orlando, there is the Gulf Coast with some delightful coastal resorts and yet more fantastic beaches. The most popular stretch is Pinellas Suncoast, near by St. Petersburg and Tampa, and linked by a highway to Orlando.
Tampa is a dynamic metropolis with a modern town centre and an ethnically rich historic quarter housing museums, theatres, Greek, Roman and Egyptian artifacts.
St. Petersburg which is the twin city of Tampa has broad beaches coupled with lots of sunshine. The marina on the east side of the Pier is home to hundreds of sailboats and pelicans. The pace of life here is significantly quieter than in Orlando.
On the other side, the Atlantic Coast is fringed with beaches and lagoon, Daytona Beach and the Kennedy Space Centre, whilst further south brings you into Fort Lauderdale, "The Venice of America".
Hawaii
No wonder Hawaii has been called the "Aloha state". From the first greeting of aloha to the last, you know you have made the ultimate escape.
The island group of Hawaii lies 360 km from mainland America. Physically and psychologically, Hawaii stands apart from the USA, with an ethnically diverse population and a rich Polynesian heritage.
The main islands are Oahu, Hawaii, Maui and Kauai. Oahu has four divisions from a tourist's point of view: Honolulu's downtown area; the North shore, stretching from Kahuku to Kaena point and the Windward coast, notable for its coral reefs. The Leeward coast on the western side is more desolate. Hawaii is known as the Big Island, not for its population but for its size and holds more attractions than initially meets the eye. Towns like Kailua-Kona and other resorts lie along the west coast. Over on the east coast lies the town of Hilo, also Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park, one of the natural wonders of the world. Maui every year welcomes over two million tourists and is the second largest island. It is popularly known as "The Valley Isle". Attractions include the town of Wailuku; the more bustling town of Kahulai; Mount Haleakala, a massive volcanic crater known as "The House of the Sun"; the tranquil beauty of Hana on the Eastern Shore; the East Mountain range with its native ecosystem; and the waterfalls at Wailua cave. Kauai known as "The Garden Isle" is breath-takingly beautiful, with staggering mountains and miles of sandy beaches, it is located at the northwestern end of the curve of the islands.
Nevada
Las Vegas located in the southernmost tip of the State includes not only the famous entertainment capital, but also a great variety of attractions and natural sights. Nevada is also known for its rich Native American history. It includes everything from pine forests, deserts, mountains and ghost towns to neon-light cities.
Gold and silver drew Nevada's first citizens to the area but, as supplies ran out, the same people who had built the cities abandoned them.
Lake Tahoe spans the California-Nevada border. The largest mountain lake in the USA, is one of America's most famous mountain resort areas, with year round sports and activities.
Las Vegas, Nevada's largest city is one of the major gambling and entertainment centres of the world. Casinos, show venues and restaurants line "The Strip". Las Vegas is probably the easiest place I the world to get married. Around 230 marriage licenses are issued per day! The Las Vegas strip is best seen at dusk when it is all lit up in neon lights. Children will enjoy "Wet n Wild" and the Lied Discovery children's museum on the strip. Fremont Street Experience is a pedestrian mall offering a spectacular light show every night. Las Vegas is becoming world-renowned for its restaurants and every conceivable taste is catered for, whether it's for a seven course gourmet meal or a custom hamburger.
If you are thinking about getting married while you are on holiday, there are more than 35 wedding chapels operating throughout the metropolitan area including some in the major hotels. |
