Best Travel Places for Gamers in The US

Over time, gaming has evolved from being a simple hobby to a global phenomenon, and in many cases, a way of life. It can be said that the United States has one of the most eclectic gaming cultures in the world, which includes various activities such as esports, arcade, VR, and more. 

The growth of gaming in America has shifted from being confined to living rooms or LAN parties to a vibrant community and unique destinations, which are not only for gaming but also for players to explore new cities during their stay.

In fact, there is no shortage of fantastic places to visit if you are into gaming, whether it’s attending conventions, visiting an arcade, practicing in an esports arena, or simply visiting attractions inspired by gaming. Many of these places are not just gaming hubs, but also blend gaming with local culture, allowing people to experience video games in bars, cafes, and museums dedicated to gaming history.

1. Seattle, Washington – A Hub for Game Developers and Fans

Home to companies such as Valve and Nintendo of America, Seattle is the center of the gaming universe. To start, visitors can check out the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) for various video game exhibits or attend gaming events and indie game showcases. Still, make sure to visit Pink Gorilla Games, the store that has been a legend in the retro and import games community for years.

2. New York City, New York – Retro Meets Modern Gaming

A trip to New York City would be a delight to any variety-loving gamer. The Barcade concept, which has now expanded to several cities, originated here and offers a unique experience where one can enjoy craft beers and play classic arcade games simultaneously. 

NYC is also the place to find VR arcades, board game cafés, and eSports tournaments. With shops like J&L Game and significant events like New York Comic Con, the city is nothing short of a gamer’s paradise.

3. Orlando, Florida – Themed Attractions and Gaming Bliss

Some gaming hotspots have adopted cryptocurrencies as a unique payment option for tech-savvy travelers. In specific locations scattered across Vegas, Miami, and New York, you can play casino games with cryptocurrency and pay for your VR session and esports ticket. This tech-friendly move adds a futuristic vibe to gaming tourism, making these cities a haven for digital nomads and crypto fans.

Orlando delivers an incredible combination of amusement parks and gaming entertainment. Besides Universal and Disney, gamers will delight in Arcade Monsters, which is one of the largest arcades in Florida. Furthermore, Orlando offers esports venues and accessible VR experiences suitable for every generation, making it an ideal destination for family-friendly gaming trips.

4. Los Angeles, California – The Heart of Esports

Gaming and L.A. are two things the world can hardly separate, although they are totally different in nature. In short, the city of angels is home to studios, social media celebrities, and leagues for playing video games. 

The city is loved by Blizzard Arena and DreamHack, regularly attracting large crowds; likewise, Two Bit Circus is a venue where gaming is combined with live entertainment.

5. Austin, Texas – Indie Gaming and LAN Culture

Austin is the land of milk and honey for lovers of the independent gaming branch. The city’s eccentric culture, which includes typical game development studios, arcade bars like Cidercade, and VR gaming hubs, also boasts a thriving gaming scene. Austin is also the host of SXSW Gaming, a massive event that brings together technology, music, and gaming.

6. Chicago, Illinois – Pinball Paradise

Pinball was born in Chicago, and it remains the city where the game is best experienced. One of the world’s largest arcades, Galloping Ghost Arcade, is home to hundreds of arcade cabinets. Besides, you can also go back to the past of gaming by discovering retro arcades, gaming bars, and pinball museums.

7. San Francisco, California – Tech and Gaming Innovation

The city of San Francisco is the ideal place to experience the perfect blend of technology and gaming. Through visiting The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment (MADE), gamers can gain access to the history of gaming, explore VR lounges, and attend events such as the Game Developers Conference (GDC). 

Besides these, San Francisco is the birthplace of several big studios and indie developers, thus being the center of the area where gaming innovation takes place.

Final Thoughts

The United States is an ideal place to play video games, and it offers everything from esports tournaments to classic arcade games and nostalgia. 

These destinations not only offer futuristic VR experiences and gaming halls featuring classic games, but also showcase how heavily the gaming culture is flourishing across the country by providing places that accept cryptocurrency payments. Prepare for an unforgettable trip, take your controller with you, and enjoy new games.