From Arctic tundra to tropical beaches, from megacities to red rock deserts, North America packs a lifetime of trips into one continent. You can road trip iconic highways, chase Northern Lights, taste boundary pushing cuisine, hike world class national parks, and tap into layered Indigenous, Latin, Francophone, and Anglo cultures that shape daily life across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

When to Visit North America

Late spring and early fall suit most itineraries, balancing mild weather with fewer crowds. Winter is prime for ski towns in the Rockies and Quebec, while December to April offers dry, sunny days on Caribbean and Mexican coasts. Summer brings festivals and long daylight in Canada and the northern U.S., though it can be hot and humid in the South. Hurricane season affects Atlantic and Gulf coasts roughly June to November, with peak risk in late summer and early fall. Craving a season by season breakdown with regional picks and crowd tips at a glance? Dive into our dedicated When to Visit North America guide.

How to Get to North America

Major gateways include New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, and Dallas, all with extensive long haul connections. Within the continent, low cost carriers plus Amtrak, VIA Rail, and fast intercity buses make city hopping feasible, while domestic flights cover long distances efficiently. For drivers, the U.S. Interstate and Canada’s Trans Canada Highway form reliable backbones, and Mexico’s toll roads link major hubs. Want route ideas, visa notes, and airport hopping strategies that save time and money? Head to our How to Get to North America guide.

What to Do in North America

• Hike the national park greats, from Yosemite granite to Banff’s turquoise lakes, Zion’s slot canyons, and Mexico’s Copper Canyon.
• Road trip an icon like Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, or the Gaspé loop in Quebec.
• City hop art and architecture in New York, Mexico City, Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, and Los Angeles.
• Chase wildlife, whether grizzlies and orcas in British Columbia, moose in Newfoundland, or whales off Baja California.
• Taste your way through culinary capitals, from Oaxacan mole to Texas barbecue, ceviche in the Yucatán, bagels in Montreal, and farm to table in the Pacific Northwest.
• Find music in its homeland, from jazz in New Orleans to country in Nashville, blues in Chicago, hip hop in New York, and mariachi in Guadalajara.
• Ski and ride top resorts in Colorado, Utah, British Columbia, and Quebec, or try heli skiing in the Coast Mountains.
• Beach hop Caribbean gems like Jamaica, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and the Riviera Maya.
• See space age science at Kennedy Space Center, cutting edge museums like Smithsonian and MoMA, and Indigenous cultural centers across the continent.
• Witness nature’s power at Niagara Falls, Yellowstone geysers, and volcano formed landscapes in Hawaii.

What to Eat in North America

Come hungry. Street tacos and tlayudas in Mexico share the table with Cajun and Creole bowls in Louisiana, Pacific Northwest salmon, Baja seafood, Quebec poutine, New England lobster rolls, California produce forward plates, and soul food traditions in the American South. Regional coffee and craft beer scenes are strong, while agave spirits, bourbon, and Canadian whisky headline tastings. Want a neighborhood by neighborhood food map plus must book restaurants and street food etiquette? Check our What to Eat in North America guide.

What to Buy in North America

Look for Indigenous artworks and handcrafted textiles, Oaxacan black pottery, Talavera ceramics, cowboy boots and silver in the Southwest, maple products from Canada, regional hot sauces, small batch chocolate, vinyl and bookstore finds in literary cities, and design pieces from local makers markets. For market addresses, duty free tips, and how to ship fragile finds safely, see our What to Buy in North America guide.

North America Nightlife

From rooftop cocktails in Manhattan and Mexico City to speakeasies in Chicago, live jazz in New Orleans, mezcal bars in Oaxaca, craft breweries in Portland and Denver, and beach clubs in Miami and Tulum, the continent does not sleep early. Festival seasons supercharge nights, and many cities run late with safe ride options. Want curated bar crawls, dress codes, and local last order norms city by city? Explore our North America Nightlife guide.

North America Festivals and Fairs

North America Important Days and Holidays

Tips for Traveling in North America

• Distances are vast, so cluster regions to cut down transit time.
• Book national park lodging and permits early in peak seasons.
• Tipping is customary in the USA and Canada, commonly 15 to 20 percent at restaurants and for services.
• Weather swings quickly, especially in mountains and along coasts, so pack layers and rain protection.
• Car rental is often the most flexible option outside major cities. Check insurance terms and one way drop fees.
• Respect Indigenous lands and cultural protocols, and consider guided experiences led by local communities.
• Connectivity is strong in cities, but offline maps help in remote areas.
• Carry a universal card with no foreign transaction fees and some cash for small vendors.
• Learn a few phrases in Spanish and French when traveling in Mexico and Francophone Canada.
• Check entry requirements, eTA or ESTA eligibility, and allowed stay periods before booking.

Whether you want powdery slopes, neon city nights, cenote swims, or island time, North America meets you where your travel style lives. Build your dream route one region at a time, then give yourself space for detours that become core memories. Ready to pinpoint the icons and the hidden corners on a smart map? Jump into our Places to Visit in North America guide.