Ready, set, explore! Five U.S. destinations for a sporty getaway

Sports-fever has gripped the world this summer, following an action-packed season of heroic moments from the Paris Olympics 2024 to Copa America in Florida and the U.S. Open. The spotlight is firmly on the USA, where an impressive lineup of sporting tournaments will be taking centre stage from the FIFA World Cup 2026, Super Bowl LIX and the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Visit The USA highlights five destinations that offer a sporty adventure, whether you’re more cheerleader or athlete.

Baseball, America’s favourite pastime in Chicago, Illinois

Lucky enough to have two Major League Baseball teams who’ve each claimed the World Series Championship three times, a trip to Chicago is not complete without a day out to the ballgame. Home to the second oldest ballpark in U.S. baseball, a visit to Wrigley Field is a must for any ‘round ball’ fan in the Windy City. From March to September, catch the Chicago Cubs in action, or take a stadium tour for an exclusive look behind the scenes. No trip to this city is complete without sampling deep-dish pizza. Pequod’s Pizza is beloved by locals and claims to serve the best in the city. A classic game-day delicacy, sample the famed Chicago-Dog at Portillo’s and look for tomato slices, relish, onions, mustard and a pickle spear on a poppy-seed bun. After the ninth inning, discover the sounds of the city – the home of house music – there is plenty to find for aficionados or tune in to live music at Rosa’s Lounge, a Chicago-style Blues haven for over 40 years.

Surf’s up in Oahu, Hawaii

In the Aloha State of Hawaii, find world-class beaches garnished with lush valleys, the perfect backdrop for a surfing paradise. Starting in the capital of Honolulu, where a bustling metropolis meets a tropical island. On the turquoise waters of the iconic Waikiki Beach, these gentle waves are ideal for beginners to try their hand at surfing. Take in the coveted views of Diamond Head crater that edges the beach’s horizon, or even head on a detour to hike the island’s famed 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 huge waves that even challenge professionals, between November and February surfers from across the world take to the seas in the many competitions along this stretch of coastline. A respite from the action, cool down with a North Shore classic at Matsumoto Shave Ice, which has been serving the locals since 1951.

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

Hailed as having the greatest snow on Earth, Utah is a haven for both winter sports veterans and novices alike. Within just one hour of Salt Lake City, there are 10 first-class ski resorts that make the region the ultimate destination for a luxury ski break. The majority of Utah’s ski resorts can be found in Park City, a charming old mining town whose main street is packed full of high-end 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 favourite spot amongst the Sundance Film Festival crowd that arrives in Park City every January. Not far from downtown, visitors can experience Park City Mountain Resort, one of the city’s two mammoth options, claiming the largest amount of terrain of any resort in the U.S.. The second is the Montage Deer Valley which is known for its world-class service and exclusive ski-in, ski-out access. For a five-star aprés ski experience against the backdrop of white-topped peaks, skiers can dine at Apex Montage offering exceptional steaks, artisanal ingredients and the chance to dine amongst the crisp Utah mountain air.

Breaking into the Hip-Hop culture in New York City 

The evolution of hip-hop since its birth in 1970s New York City is well-documented. A cultural movement encompassing fashion to breakdancing (breaking) to visual art; the phenomena captured the soul of the city and its legacy has since changed the world music scene – breaking making a one-time appearance in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Though it won’t be in the Los Angeles 2028 games, fans of breaking can experience the rich diversity of Hip-Hop from the individual sounds developed in the Bronx, Harlem, Manhattan and Brooklyn. The Apollo Theatre in Harlem is the undisputed palace of this 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. Explore the future of Breaking at S.O.B.’s in Soho, a music venue that solidified 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 atmosphere, serving retro Jamaican eats. Uptown, the walls of Beatstro’s are adorned with murals and photographs of hip-hop legends. The speakeasy hosts live b-boy battles as diners feast on American soul food and Puerto Rican comfort dishes reflecting the melting pot of culture in the city.

Collegiate regatta history in Connecticut 

In Connecticut, uncover New England charm and rowing history amidst rolling hills of green and sandy coastlines. Known as the longest-running intercollegiate athletic event, the Harvard-Yale Regatta has been rowed on Connecticut’s Thames River since 1878. Recognised as America’s most historic sporting event, visitors can cheer on rowers every 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 sugar sands of Greens Harbor Beach. After a day by the water admiring the great harbour views, rowing fans can head four miles to the regatta’s finish line at Gales Ferry where both Yale and Harvard’s team boat houses stand virtually untouched by the 20th century. Complete your historical New England trip at the Inn at Ocean Avenue, a boutique bed and breakfast, offering guests a slice of coastal allure in the manor originally built in 1914.