New York Graffiti Hall of Fame (Credit: David Dee Delgado and New York City Tourism)
Here are five destinations that offer a sporting adventure, whether you're more of an entertainer or a sports fan.
Sports fever has gripped the world this summer, following a season packed with action and heroic moments, from the 2024 Paris Olympics to the Copa America in Florida and the US Open. The focus is firmly on the US, where an impressive lineup of sporting tournaments will take centre stage, from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl LX and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Visit The USA highlights five destinations that offer a sporting adventure, whether you’re more of a cheerleader or an athlete.
Baseball, the favorite pastime of Americans in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a place blessed with two Major League Baseball teams that have won the World Series Championship three times, so a trip to Chicago isn't complete without a game day. Home to the second-oldest baseball stadium in the United States, Wrigley Field is a must-visit for any baseball fan in the Windy City. From March through September, catch the Chicago Cubs in action or take a stadium tour for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look. No trip to this city is complete without trying deep-dish pizza. Pequod's Pizza is beloved by locals and claims to serve the best in town. A classic game-day treat: Try the famous Chicago-Dog at Portillo's and look for sliced tomatoes, relish, onions, mustard, and pickles on a poppy seed bun. After the ninth inning, discover the sounds of the city (the birthplace of house music) – there's plenty to find for fans – or listen to live music at Rosa's Lounge, a haven for Chicago-style blues for over 40 years.
Surfing is all the rage in Oahu, Hawaii
In the Aloha State of Hawaii, you’ll find world-class beaches adorned with lush valleys – the perfect setting for a surfing paradise. Starting with the capital Honolulu, where a bustling metropolis meets a tropical island, in the turquoise waters of iconic Waikiki Beach, these gentle waves are ideal for beginners to try their hand at surfing. Enjoy coveted views of Diamond Head Crater lining the beach’s horizon, or even take a detour to hike the island’s famous landmark formed by an explosive eruption some 300,000 years ago. For the more advanced, head to Haleiwa on the North Shore. Known for its massive waves that challenge even the pros, between November and February, surfers from around the world take to the seas in the many competitions along this stretch of coastline. For a respite from the action, cool off with a North Shore classic at Matsumoto Shave Ice, which has been serving locals since 1951.
Pristine peaks and five-star après ski in Park City, Utah
Considered the place with the best snow on the planet, Utah is a haven for winter sports veterans and newbies alike. Just an hour from Salt Lake City, there are 10 world-class ski resorts that make the region the ultimate destination for a luxury ski getaway. Most of Utah’s ski resorts are located in Park City, a charming old mining town whose main street is 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 spot among the Sundance Film Festival crowd that comes to Park City every January. Not far from downtown, visitors can experience Park City Mountain Resort, one of two mammoth options in town, boasting the most terrain of any ski resort in the U.S. The second is Montage Deer Valley, known for its first-class service and ski-in/ski-out access. For a five-star après ski experience with the white-capped peaks as a backdrop, skiers can dine at Apex Montage, which offers exceptional steaks, artisanal ingredients and the chance to dine surrounded by the fresh Utah mountain air.
Getting into hip hop culture in New York City
The evolution of hip-hop since its birth in New York City in the 1970s is well documented. A cultural movement spanning fashion, breakdancing (breaking) and visual arts, the phenomenon captured the soul of the city and its legacy has since changed the global music scene, with breaking being one of this year’s new Olympic sports. Hip-hop’s rich diversity stems from the individual sounds developed in the Bronx, Harlem, Manhattan and Brooklyn. The Apollo Theater 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 Hush Tours of New York City’s Birthplace of Hip Hop. Explore the future of breakdancing at SOB’s in Soho, a music venue that cemented Manhattan as 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. Uptown, Beatstro’s walls are adorned with murals and photographs of hip-hop legends. The speakeasy hosts live b-boy battles while diners feast on American soul food and Puerto Rican comfort food that reflects the city’s melting pot of cultures.
History of college regattas in Connecticut
In Connecticut, discover New England charm and rowing history among rolling hills of green, sandy shores. Known as the longest-running intercollegiate sporting event, the Harvard-Yale Regatta has been held on Connecticut’s Thames River since 1878. Recognized as America’s most historic sporting event, visitors can cheer on the rowers each June in the coastal town of New London, while exploring some of the best beaches the Northwest has to offer, such as Ocean Beach Park or the beautiful sugary sands of Greens Harbor Beach. After a day on the water taking in the gorgeous harbor views, rowing fans can head four miles to the regatta finish line at Gales Ferry, where the boathouses of the Yale and Harvard teams remain virtually untouched by the 20th century. Complete your historic New England journey at the Inn at Ocean Avenue, a boutique bed and breakfast offering guests a slice of coastal charm in the mansion originally built in 1914.
