Those who know their hip-hop will still judge the merits of the East Coast and the West Coast of the United States through their opinion of the late Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. Their well-publicised feud in the early 1990s helped to push a rivalry which has existed for centuries back into popular culture. That rivalry persists in the world of travel, with states from the East and West coasts of the USA vying for tourist dollars against one another.
At first glance, the appeal of the East Coast would seem difficult to beat. After all, this side of the United States boasts perhaps the world’s most famous city, New York. Manhattan is one of the most visited travel destinations on the globe, with its vibrant cultural life and numerous tourist attractions. Within a day, a visitor to New York can enjoy one of the world’s best art galleries, visit the Statue of Liberty, eat at a restaurant which serves any cuisine in the world, and take in a baseball game at Yankee Stadium. For the sheer scale and scope of its bustling metropolitan atmosphere, New York simply cannot be surpassed.
For those who prefer slightly quieter and more genteel pursuits, the surrounding region of New England provides everything that a visitor could demand. Not only do cities such as Boston boast world-class universities and the accompanying cultural attractions that go with them, but the surrounding countryside is some of the most beautiful in the United States. Autumn, or ‘fall’ as it is known within the USA, is particularly spectacular in the expansive woodland of New England. The vibrant colours of the region’s forests at this time are world-famous, and for good reason.
Of course, there is no denying that some areas of the East Coast can be a little chilly. For sun worshippers, or those keen on seeing the Everglades and its accompanying wildlife, the East Coast destination of Florida is perfect. Popular with retirees from across the word, this state combines the fantastic climate of the Caribbean with the party atmosphere of cities such as Miami.
Despite all of these East Coast attractions, however, the West Coast can boast perhaps the jewel in the USA’s tourist crown. California is simply a dream destination for many travellers, largely as a result of the sheer variety of attractions on offer in this most populous of US states. From sun-soaked beaches, to gorgeous vineyards and the towering Sierra Nevada mountain range, California seems to have it all. It can even match the East Coast’s urban lifestyle, with Los Angeles and San Francisco providing two wonderful and very different metropolitan experiences. Simply put, anyone who has ever seen a movie from Hollywood has, at some point, fantasised about visiting California.
The West Coast isn’t simply about California, however. States such as Colorado, Arizona and Nevada are often included within the rivalry, and have world-class tourist experiences of their own to offer. Colorado has the gorgeous Rocky Mountains, as well as some of the best hiking and mountaineering in the world, whilst Arizona can boast the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. Nevada, of course, provides visitors with the ultimate gambling and entertainment destination of Las Vegas.
As can be seen, both the East and West coasts of the United States offer the whole range of tourist attractions, from urban experiences to stunning countryside. Increasingly, visitors are finding it difficult to choose between the two, let alone the rich heartland of the USA which lies in between. The solution, for many, has been to turn to the companies which make up the phenomenon of car hire in the USA. Always a car-loving nation, American companies provide the very best car hire experience in the world. Increasing numbers of tourists now start their long-term sojourn in the USA on one of the coasts, and explore more widely via their hired transportation. The most adventurous choose to emulate Jack Kerouac and friends, and go ‘on the road’ for the cross-continental journey of a lifetime. After all, why choose between East and West coasts, when you can have both?