US Olympic Cities You Need to Visit
The 2024 Summer Olympics are nearly upon us.
Though the Games are being hosted in Paris this year, we wanted to highlight the many unique cities within the United States that have had the great honor of hosting the Olympics in years past. We encourage you to visit these destinations to celebrate the Games this year and reminisce about the history of these iconic events.
Salt Lake City, UT
SLC hosted the Winter Olympics back in 2002. They sport several Olympic venues to visit including the Utah Olympic Oval and Soldier Hollow. If you're up for it, you can even try out a professional guided luge ride - a brief yet exhilarating 60 mph shot down the track! In addition to the exhibits honoring their Olympic history, Salt Lake City has beautiful natural wonders to experience like the Great Salt Lake and the majestic Wasatch Range.
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis was the first city in the US to host the Olympics, then known as the Games of the III Olympiad, back in 1904 - 120 years ago! Start your adventure at Forest Park, home to many Olympic sites. Here, you can delve into the legacy of the 1904 Games while enjoying the park's stunning landscapes and cultural attractions. Lastly, a must-see attraction is the Gateway Arch, an everlasting symbol of mid century modern design.
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta, GA hosted the Olympic Games in 1996 and continues to be an iconic historic site. The Atlanta History Center offers a full tour of the essential sites to visit including The Olympic Cauldron, Herndon Stadium, Centennial Olympic Park, and more. Not to mention, Atlanta has one of the most unique, storied, and rich cuisine scenes in the US, perfect for travelers looking for a new destination.
Lake Placid, NY
Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980. The destination is the home of the iconic sports moment “The Miracle On Ice” when the US Hockey Team won the semi-final event after defeating the Soviet team, later going on to take home the gold. The city has a plethora of history and excitement to offer, including the Olympic Center where you can explore the museum, ice skate, watch hockey games, and more.
Los Angeles, CA
As the host city for the 1932 and 1984 Summer Olympics, Los Angeles is steeped in athletic history that continues to inspire visitors. The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Games. A visit to the LA84 Foundation/John C. Argue Swim Stadium, originally constructed for the 1932 Games, reveals a beautifully preserved site where swimming and diving events once captivated the world. Griffith Park, home to the 1984 Olympic Equestrian events, offers expansive trails and scenic beauty, perfect for both equestrian enthusiasts and hikers.
If you decide to travel to an Olympic City this year, pick up one of our Pack Up + Go Destination Guides to find out the best things there are to see, do, and eat in your chosen location. Happy travels!