Ready, Set, Go: 5 American Destinations for an Active Vacation

Sporting fever has gripped the world this summer, following an action-packed season of epic moments from the 2024 Paris Olympics to Copa America in Florida and the US Open. The spotlight is firmly on the US, which will host an impressive slate of sporting tournaments, from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl LX and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Visit The USA spotlights five destinations that offer a sporting adventure, whether you’re more of a cheerleader or an athlete.

Baseball, America’s Favorite Pastime in Chicago, Illinois

Luckily, they’re home to two Major League Baseball teams that have each won the World Series three times, so no trip to Chicago is complete without a day of baseball. Home to the second oldest baseball stadium in the US, a visit to Wrigley Field is a must for any ‘round ball’ fan in the Windy City. From March to September, you can watch the Chicago Cubs in action or take a stadium tour for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look. No trip to the city is complete without sampling some deep-dish pizza. Pequod’s Pizza is beloved by locals and claims to serve the best pizza in the city. A classic game-day treat, try the famous Chicago Dog at Portillo’s and look for sliced ​​tomato, relish, onions, mustard and a pickle on a poppy seed bun. After the ninth inning, explore the sounds of the city – home of house music – there’s plenty for enthusiasts to enjoy or catch some live music at Rosa’s Lounge, a Chicago-style blues haven for over 40 years.

Surfing is possible in Oahu, Hawaii

The Aloha State of Hawaii is home to world-class beaches and lush valleys, the perfect backdrop for a surfer’s paradise. Starting in the capital city of Honolulu, where a bustling metropolis meets a tropical island. On the turquoise waters of iconic Waikiki Beach, these gentle waves are ideal for beginners to try their hand at surfing. Enjoy the coveted view of Diamond Head crater that lines the horizon from the beach, or take a detour to climb the island’s famous landmark, created by an explosive eruption some 300,000 years ago. For the more advanced, Haleiwa on the North Shore is yours to explore. Known for its massive waves that challenge even the pros, surfers from all over the world take to the seas between November and February in the many competitions along this stretch of coastline. For a break from the action, cool off with a North Shore classic at Matsumoto Shave Ice, which has been serving locals since 1951.

Pristine mountain peaks and five-star après-ski in Park City, Utah

Known for some of the best snow on the planet, Utah is a paradise for both veteran skiers and beginners. Within just an hour of Salt Lake City, there are 10 top-rated ski resorts, making the region the ultimate destination for a luxury ski vacation. Most of Utah’s ski resorts are located in Park City, a charming old mining town with a Main Street lined with upscale restaurants and local bars. After a long day on the slopes, head to the legendary No Name Saloon, one of the oldest businesses on Main Street and a favorite among the Sundance Film Festival crowd that visits Park City each January. Not far from downtown, visitors can experience Park City Mountain Resort, one of the city’s two largest options, with the most terrain of any resort in the U.S. The second is Montage Deer Valley, known for its world-class service and exclusive ski-in, ski-out access. For a five-star après-ski experience against a backdrop of white-capped mountains, skiers can head to Apex Montage. Serving exceptional steaks and artisanal ingredients, while enjoying the crisp Utah mountain air.

Breaking into New York City’s hip-hop culture

The evolution of hip-hop since its birth in New York City in the 1970s is well-documented. A cultural movement that encompasses fashion, breakdancing (breaking) and visual art, the phenomenon captured the soul of the city and its legacy has since transformed the world music scene – with Breaking being named one of this year’s new Olympic sports. Hip-hop’s rich diversity comes from the individual sounds developed in the Bronx, Harlem, Manhattan and Brooklyn. The Apollo Theatre in Harlem is the undisputed palace of the genre, but for a dose of history, head to Morris Heights in the Bronx to see the former home of hip-hop pioneer DJ Kool Herc. Engaging Breaking demonstrations are part of New York City’s Hush Tours’ Birthplace of Hip Hop Tour. Discover the future of Breaking at SOB’s in Soho, a music venue that made Manhattan the home of hip-hop in the ’90s, or try Miss Lily’s, the first place to introduce reggae and ska to the dining scene, serving retro Jamaican fare. In Uptown, Beatstro’s walls are adorned with murals and photos of hip-hop legends. The speakeasy hosts live b-boy battles while guests feast on American soul food and Puerto Rican comfort food that reflect the city’s melting pot of culture.

History of University Regattas in Connecticut

Discover New England charm and rowing history in Connecticut amid rolling hills and sandy shorelines. The Harvard-Yale Regatta, known as the longest-running intercollegiate sporting event, has been rowed on Connecticut’s Thames River since 1878. Recognized as America’s most historic sporting event, visitors can cheer on rowers in the coastal town of New London each June while exploring some of the Northwest’s best beaches, like Ocean Beach Park or the beautiful sugar sands of Greens Harbor Beach. After a day on the water and admiring the harbor views, rowing enthusiasts can head four miles to the regatta finish line at Gales Ferry, where both the Yale and Harvard team boathouses remain virtually untouched by the 20th century. Complete your historic New England trip at the Inn at Ocean Avenue, a boutique bed and breakfast that offers guests a slice of coastal allure in a mansion originally built in 1914.