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5 American Hotspots for Aussie Tourists

America in itself is a hotspot for tourists – everywhere you turn, you’ll find others hoping to find the American Dream we’ve all heard about in movies. But when travelling so far for a holiday that you probably spent a small fortune on, you don’t want to waste time waiting in crowds and lines. 

Before you start planning for your holiday, including converting AUD to USD, make sure you have your itinerary down. We’ve found the five best-hidden hotspots for Aussies travelling to America, no matter whether this is your first or tenth time visiting. 

Destin, Florida

Destin is on the other side of Florida and most tourists don’t reach while getting pulled into the white-sand beaches of Miami and Orlando. It’s on the Florida Panhandle, so you’ll still be able to enjoy the gorgeous beaches and emerald water that the rest of Florida has to offer, but you’re much less likely to find swarms of tourists. This means you’ll have more space to yourself so you can relax without the worry of kids kicking sand in your face while sunbathing. 

Devin also includes plenty of amazing restaurants, many of which offer waterside dining for the complete vacation experience. There are plenty of dolphin cruises and deep-sea fishing attractions to embark on, too, so this hotspot is fun for all the family. 

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the biggest tourist attractions in America, but just on the side of it is the lesser-known (yet still super fun) Pigeon Forge. Once you’ve had your fun at the National Park, head on down to the self-proclaimed hokey town where you’ll find the likes of the Titanic Museum and Dollywood, which is Dolly Parton’s theme park. Sticking around until the evening is advised, too, as you’ll be privy to plenty of tribute acts and lumberjack feud shows. 

For tourists looking for a little more chilled downtime, you can find jeep tours and mountain hiking trails here. There’s plenty of fun to be had here for everyone, and there are some great pop culture references to spot. Pigeon Forge is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. 

Gulf Shores, Alabama

The Gulf Shores are west of the Gulf of Mexico’s coastline, so you can tick off two popular hotspots at once. The Gulf Shores are amazing for families with plenty to do, including water parks, mini golf, zoos, and an amusement park, so you’ll have much more to enjoy than just the beach (which is gorgeous, by the way). There are plenty of bars along the coast, too, with plenty of food options to accompany your drink of choice. 

The Gulf Shores offer wonderful views from the lodging options, which can be found both on the water and on dry land. Plenty of festivals are held here, too, so plan to go when one of these is being held. Some of the most popular include the Hangout Music Festival and the National Shrimp Festival.

Bar Harbour, Maine

Bar Harbour can be found on Mount Desert Island near the Canadian border. This hotspot is one of the most wholesome places to visit in America, with plenty of bike trails and walking hikes offered within Acadia National Park. There are also lots of historical sites here to marvel at, but the fun thing about them is that they’ve been turned into holiday cottages! Skip the hotel chain – you can enjoy a fully decked-out historical building as your next accommodation option. 

The water is another popular attraction around Bar Harbour, with boat tours and cruises running at all hours for you to take in the sights of lighthouses, puffins, and even seals. The rest of the waterfront isn’t only for tourists, either – you can watch fishermen search for lobster all around it. 

Sandusky, Ohio

Last but not least is Sandusky, an ideal location for anyone who loves roller coaster rides thanks to its Cedar Point attraction. Many believe this is the best thrill-seeking collection of rides, so it’s not for the faint of heart! Move over Disney World…

Sandusky also offers plenty of other attractions to enjoy, so don’t worry if you’re not looking for a different theme park for each day. There are lots of historical buildings, museums, and even a bunch of small islands on Lake Erie to make a day of. Here you’ll find galleries, a winery, beaches, and lots of amazing hiking trails to embark on.