15 U.S. Spots That Feel Just Like an International Vacation
Sometimes a trip overseas just isn’t in the cards, whether it’s the cost, the time, or the hassle of long flights. That doesn’t mean your time off has to feel ordinary. Across the United States, there are places where the scenery, food, and traditions echo destinations abroad. These spots give you the sense of traveling far without ever leaving the country.
Olympic National Park, Washington
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On Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, nearly a million acres of wilderness unfold in every direction. The temperate rainforests are thick with moss-covered trees, while glacier peaks rise above the valleys. Step into this landscape and it feels less like the mainland United States and more like the kind of scenery travelers chase in New Zealand.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
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In southern Colorado, you’ll find yourself staring at a sea of dunes as tall as skyscrapers, ringed by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Adventurers bring sleds and boards to ride down the slopes, then splash around in Medano Creek when it reappears with snowmelt each spring.
Leavenworth, Washington
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The town you see today didn’t always look Bavarian. In the 1960s, local leaders reimagined its identity and leaned into Alpine design. Now the streets are lined with timbered buildings, painted murals, and balconies decorated with flowers. Restaurants serve bratwurst, sauerkraut, and pretzels, and the calendar is anchored by big events such as Oktoberfest in the fall and the winter festival when downtown glows with thousands of lights.
Solvang, California
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Windmills and the smell of fresh Danish pastries give Solvang a distinctly European look. The Santa Ynez Valley, founded by Danish immigrants in the early 1900s, still honors that heritage. Kringle, smørrebrød, and aebleskiver fill bakery cases, while small museums highlight Hans Christian Andersen’s literary legacy.
Holland, Michigan
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Each spring, Holland bursts into color during the Tulip Time Festival, when millions of flowers line the streets and parks. Dutch dancing and wooden shoe parades add to the spectacle, while a 250-year-old windmill on Windmill Island Gardens stands as the town’s most enduring landmark.
New Orleans, Louisiana
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French and Spanish influence is everywhere in New Orleans, from wrought iron balconies in the French Quarter to Cajun and Creole cooking found on nearly every block. The sound of brass bands and jazz spills onto the streets, especially around Bourbon Street and Jackson Square.
St. Augustine, Florida
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St. Augustine was founded by Spanish explorers in 1565 and is the country’s oldest continuously occupied European-established city. Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century stone fortress, still overlooks the waterfront. Cobblestone streets wind through the historic district, lined with Spanish Colonial buildings.
Miami, Florida
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In Miami, international influences shape neighborhoods like Little Havana and Little Haiti. Cuban cafés serve strong espresso and pressed sandwiches. Beyond its beach reputation, Miami stands out for communities built by immigrants who preserved language, art, and flavors in unmistakable ways.
Catalina Island, California
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Catalina Island is located just off the coast of Los Angeles, and it feels Mediterranean in both scenery and pace. Avalon’s harbor is lined with yachts and restaurants overlooking the water. The island once belonged to the Spanish Empire, which helps explain its European vibe.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
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Orchards, vineyards, and lavender fields spread out below snowy Mount Hood. Waterfalls cascade down cliffsides, including the famous 620-foot Multnomah Falls. Hiking trails and scenic overlooks make it easy to explore the canyon carved by the Columbia River, where natural beauty feels distinctly international.
Kauai, Hawaii
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Kauai earns its “Garden Isle” nickname the moment you step off the plane. Sheer emerald cliffs rise above the Pacific along the Nā Pali Coast, and taro fields spread across the lowlands. Movie fans may recognize it from films like Jurassic Park.
Sitka, Alaska
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In Sitka, you walk past fishing boats in the harbor with snowy peaks rising behind them. Russian history is hard to miss, especially in the onion-domed churches that still stand in town. Visit in winter and you may find yourself under the northern lights, a view that feels more Arctic than American.
Fredericksburg, Texas
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Fredericksburg still leans into its German roots. Restaurants and biergartens serve schnitzel and strudel. The town square, called Marktplatz, hosts markets, concerts, and annual Oktoberfest celebrations. The mix of European tradition and Hill Country setting gives the town a character all its own.
Little Switzerland, North Carolina
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Little Switzerland was named in 1910 for its resemblance to Alpine scenery. The mountain town is small but filled with Swiss-inspired architecture and craft shops. Outdoor enthusiasts use it as a base for hiking and cycling, and the resemblance to Europe is strong during the autumn foliage season.
San Francisco’s Chinatown, California
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San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in North America and still one of the largest. Its Dragon Gate entrance leads to a district filled with herbal shops, temples, and dim sum restaurants. Red lanterns stretch across Grant Avenue, and cultural festivals bring large crowds.