Sports holidays are one of the many reasons why people travel not just around the world but across the US as well. In fact, in 2022, PwC research highlighted that 35% of travelers planned to spend more on their sports holidays than they did the year before. On average, people plan to spend $1,430 on these trips, while those with a median annual income over $120,000 intend to increase their spending by 15%, dedicating $2,759 to their holidays this year.
If you are planning a sports holiday this year? Here are some of the preferred places you would want to visit:
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1. New York
When thinking about planning a sports holiday, what better place than the hustling, bustling city of New York? Whether it is rugby, NFL, football, basketball, baseball, or ice hockey, the home of Times Square has it all. There are football and baseball events from March to October, NFL happening between September and January, and ice hockey and basketball spectacles from October to April.
And it’s not just these major sporting events with millions of global viewers; there are various other sports that you can enjoy too. For instance, Flushing Meadows in New York is the venue that hosts the US Tennis Open, whereas Madison Square Garden is one of the world’s most famous hosting spaces for boxing matches. So, no matter where your interest lies, New York is the ideal location for a sports holiday.
2. Utah
When it comes to the most diverse variety of sports, the state of Utah has a lot of spectator as well as adventure activities on offer. From playing golf at the scenic Copper Rock Golf Course in Hurricane – an 18-hole resort that hosts some notable championships, to games featuring the Utah Grizzlies, Utah Warriors, or Utah Royals FC, you have a lot to enjoy.
On top of all that, you are closer to nature than ever in the state, and the amount of adventure sports you get access to is mindboggling. You can go skydiving over Utah’s rocky and rough but beautiful terrain or mountain biking through these mesmerizing canyons from places like Salt Lake City and Moab. You also have the opportunity to go hand gliding, canyoneering, river rafting, rock climbing, backcountry or heli-skiing, and motocross. If you don’t want to get in the driver’s seat, you can simply take a stunning hot air balloon ride over those majestic canyons.
3. Yellow Stone National Park
Who hasn’t heard of Yellow Stone National Park? While the place may be known for its stunning views and rich history, it is also a paradise for sports enthusiasts. It is the place you go to in search of the most adrenaline-pumping adventure sports opportunities. And it’s not just the hiking trails that take you through three different states, including Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, while giving you exhilarating sights like the Grand Canyon and the Mammoth Hot Springs.
Moreover, if you are looking to take things to another level, you can also get a chance to go mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, or snowmobiling too. All of this happens as you explore the natural marvels that surround you.
4. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
America is known for a lot of things, and the various natural wonders are just one example. Among other things, the avenues for adventure sports that these places present are enormous. The Grand Canyon National Park is another place that needs to be at the top of the list because of what it has to offer. Especially if you are a fan of white water rafting, this part of the state of Arizona is where you want to be heading. Simply book your trip, get down here, and ride the choppy streams while experiencing what true adventure is like.
If you have more simple tastes, you take the numerous hikes through the park. On the North Rim and the more challenging North Kaibab Trail, you can find more secluded chances to explore mesmerizing views.
5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
For those who love snow and related activities, Jackson Hole is the world’s most fascinating sports holiday destination. Whether it is skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing, you can have your fill here. And while these activities are open in the early spring and during winter, there are other adventure sports you can pursue all year round. You can also go white water rafting or kayaking to satisfy your cravings during your trip.
Furthermore, you can take a simpler route for an adventure by going on several hikes in Grand Teton National Park, which is part of the natural landscape here. Also, besides the adventure sports you can participate in, you also have the National Elk Refuge to visit to interact with these magnificent creatures.
6. Los Angeles
Moving back to spectator sports, the only place that can rival New York is the incredible city of Los Angeles. The place is on track to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, and although that is too far away, you still have the opportunity to enjoy some amazing competitions across the country.
With respect to each of the leading four sports in America, which are soccer, baseball, basketball, and football, there are two colleges, including USC and UCLA, along with two Major League Soccer teams that continue to provide some fierce competition. When you are looking for the chance to sit in the stands and enjoy some amazing action, Los Angeles might just be where you want to go.
Conclusion
When it comes to sports holidays, there is no place better than the United States of America. From sports that are watched by millions both physically and digitally, like the NFL and NBA, there are countless places where you can indulge in adventure sports that are bound to take the adrenaline levels to whole another level. You are definitely spoilt for choice when looking for the best sports holidays in the country.