7 Exciting US Tours to Consider for Your Next Vacation

If you dream about traveling the country and want to see and learn as much as you can, dedicated city tours are a great strategy. America’s big cities have more than enough history, culture and adventure to keep you busy for an entire trip.

Some travelers prefer the perks of booking a group tour instead of doing all the planning themselves. Guided travel ensures that you know exactly where to be and when, and that you’ll make new friends along the journey.

Hyper-focused tours like AAA Member Choice Vacations Spotlights tours are completely dedicated to one city, so you only have to unpack once. Expert Tour Managers ensure each day is filled with a mix of must-see attractions, city secrets and immersive experiences designed to make you feel like a local, but there’s also plenty of built-in time to explore on your own.

Begin your journey throughout the States, one major city at a time. Here are a few exciting destinations to consider for your next tour.

Washington, D.C.

Group tours through the nation’s capital are popular for a reason. With an expert guide by your side, you can focus on the stories of the past instead of plotting each day’s itinerary. Beyond the hustle and bustle of the monument-studded National Mall, you’ll find Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria, where visitors still dine by candlelight at Gadsby’s Tavern.

New York City

Is there any American metropolis more iconic than New York City? Planning out the details, like getting tickets for your first Broadway show or finding the best diner, could get overwhelming on your own.

There are guided tours aplenty in the Big Apple. Well-rounded itineraries include classics such as the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, along with top museums and detours through Greenwich Village and Broadway.

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio has a little something for everyone. Follow in the footsteps of old Texan soldiers at the Alamo, take a boat ride down the Paseo del Rio and soak in the history and culture of South Texas at the Witte Museum. Whether you prefer to quietly take in stories from your guide or socialize with new friends, don’t miss a quick detour to Fredericksburg; the quaint German settlement is the perfect antidote to bustling downtown San Antonio.

Savannah, Georgia

Hugging the coastline between the metropolises of Atlanta and Jacksonville, Savannah represents the epitome of old Southern charm. There you can stroll cobblestone lanes lined with trees shrouded in Spanish Moss and nibble your way through tastings of pralines, ice cream and sugar-spun confections along the city’s waterfront promenade.

Of course, a guided tour through Savannah will also include history. From the First African Baptist Church to the Pin Point Heritage Museum – a bastion of Gullah-Geechee culture, Savannah has dozens of opportunities to learn more about history and culture.

things to do in nashville, tn — Grand Ole Opry (Credit: Grand Ole Opry)

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is the place to be if you love honky-tonk, country and modern pop music. But aside from live concerts, the city thrums with the beats of singers and songwriters of the past. Join a tour of RCA Studio B, where some of the nation’s most prolific country singers have built their legacies.

And no trip to Nashville is complete without a visit to the Grand Ole Opry. If you opt to visit Music City on a tour, you can rest assured that the guides will snag you a great seat and give you a hand if you’re new to the world of line dancing.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

New Mexico is known as the “land of enchantment” for good reason. From spectacular high desert sunsets to rich and varied cultural history, the state brims with chances to explore nature, the arts and mouthwatering blends of Native American and Mexican flavors.

In Santa Fe, take time to discover the historic downtown and walk among Pueblo Indian cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument. A local guide can explain the importance of what you’re seeing, while fellow tour members can join you in adventurous hikes along the semi-arid steppe.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Travelers of all stripes fall head over heels for the raucous, rich atmosphere of New Orleans. Jazz aficionados flood into French Quarter jazz clubs every week, while foodies flock to Cajun cooking classes and Creole dining hotspots. If you take a group tour to the Big Easy, your time should also include a day trip to the bayou and a visit to the colorful, celebratory Mardi Gras World attraction. No matter your music preferences, there’s no denying that this city has soul.

In addition to the destinations mentioned, AAA Member Choice Vacations has Spotlights tours in even more exciting places, including South Dakota and Boston. Most cities also offer holiday tours, which are a great opportunity to see them decked out in their seasonal best and experience new traditions

Start planning your Spotlights tour today.