From breathtaking landscapes like national parks, vast canyons, beautiful beaches, ancient native valleys, and big dazzling cities, it’s really hard to choose just one aspect of why you should visit the USA. With so much cultural diversification, the United States is a big melting pot of unique places with natural and man-made splendour.
So here are some really stunning destinations we believe you should consider – tour spots we consider are some of the best places to visit in the USA.
Grand Canyon
A vast expansion of endless beauty. The cliffs and crags along the canyon painted in shades of orange, pink, and gold is just straight out of a beautiful painting. It’s not surprising that it is one of the most famous canyons in the world. Located around the state of Arizona, it is definitely one of the best places to visit in the USA!
Seeing its images is one thing, but exploring the natural landscape and wildlife that calls the canyon its home is a whole other experience! If you want to get that birds-eye view of the vast canyon landscape, air tours are available.
With many unique adventure activities available, there are diverse ways for you to make your Grand Canyon experience, one that you won’t forget easily!
The White House
The White House is where the President of the US resides during his presidency – and boy has it housed some intriguing presidents in the near past. Located in the capital Washington DC, you can join a tour to go see this political landmark of the USA, up close.
Most tours will include visits to the public rooms in the East Wing, like the State Dining Room – you can even get a view of the famed White House Rose Garden. Finally, you can also get all your questions answered by a secret service member!
French Quarter
It is a walled city found by the French – hence the name. Also known as Vieux Carre (Old Square), located in the Crescent City – now known as New Orleans, it is a place with an abundance of unconventional Spanish – influenced architectural sites and so much American history!
This is also one of the best places to visit in the USA for those obsessed with history and architecture. There are many must-visits here. Start at Jackson Square to explore the stunning St Louis Cathedral and see the statue of Andrew Jackson. Explore the 600 feet long Pirates Ally, filled with historical monuments and eccentric architecture.
You obviously can’t leave without tasting the legendary sweet fluffy beignets at the famous Café Du Monde and finally a visit to the incredible French Market and much more!
Mardi Gras World
New Orleans has earned a global reputation for its exuberant carnival celebration – The Mardi Gras is held annually – the day before Ash Wednesday. You’ve seen it on the internet – it looks dazzling, and you want to witness it with your own eyes. But in case you can’t make that happen, there is always the Mardi Gras World.
It’s an ideal chance to be a part of the elaborate celebrations at any time of the year. You can learn about the history of these aged festive traditions, go behind the scenes, get a good look at sculptured props, huge floats, and outrageous costumes, and even join ghost tours!
Make sure to add this to your travel itinerary as one of the best places to visit in the USA.
San Antonio River Walk
Situated in San Antonio, Texas, this famous 15-mile urban waterway is at the very heart of the city. Experience the art, culture, and entertainment of San Antonio. Take a relaxed stroll along the famous winding path, or hop on a river barge to explore from a unique vantage point, while immersing in the natural and structural beauty.
Shop for your local favourites and flavours, absorb the surrounding natural beauty, and explore the urban treasures, historical sites, and UNESCO World Heritage sites of San Antonio. There are many activities based around this famous tourist attraction and a day trip certainly might not be enough.
The Garden of The Gods
This famous national park is in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Now designated as a National Natural Landmark, it was once described as the most striking contrast between plains and mountains in North America. True to its name, this stunning panoramic national park definitely exudes otherworldliness.
One of the most novel features of this unique place is the prehistoric sedimentary beds of deep-red, pink, and white sandstones and the oddly positioned rocks in different shades of red. The natural features, the breathtaking scenery, and the very climatic atmosphere are all befitting the divinity of the heavens.
The perfect destination for a road trip.
Mesa Verde National Park
Located in Colorado, the Mesa Verde National Park is one of the most notable and well-preserved Native American cultural sites. It became an official national park in 1906.
There are many ways to enjoy this national park. You can enjoy a picturesque drive as you drive past Mesa Top Ruins road or even go on a foot hike to explore ancient cliff dwellings to visit the Cliff Palace and Balcony House.
Trek along the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail. Learn about the beauty of this incredible park, as well as about the harmonious existence between the native tribes and nature. An ideal place to enjoy a proper camping holiday.
The Brooklyn Bridge
This national landmark is located between – you guessed it – Manhattan Island and Brooklyn on Long Island. While it has cameoed in so many Hollywood movies and TV series, there is more to this 138-year-old hybrid cable-stayed/suspension bridge.
Take some time to walk the total span of 1,595.5 feet or take a ride while enjoying the fast-moving scenic views around you. Don’t forget to snap a selfie or an insta-worth landscape view of the city of New York!
Taos Pueblo
Located in New Mexico, this ancient Taos-speaking town of Native American tribes is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited societies in the USA. It is also the only living native community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark.
Explore the stunning Taos Ski Valley on foot or bike, and learn about the unique adobe structures that have been around for ten decades or more. Visit the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and the one-of-a-kind Harwood Museum of Art. If you like to dive deep into native history, this is the place to start.
Mall of America
No country grabbed the concept of a mall better than the USA. The Mall of America in Minnesota is a brilliant example. There’re plenty of reasons to visit, but here are the big ones. It’s a city within a city.
Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, drop a visit to the Nickelodeon Universe. There is also a SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, a comedy club, a movie house, and even a LEGO store!
There are over 520 shops and 59 restaurants to go nuts on. If you are a massive shopaholic and love the idea of finding everything under one roof, this is one of the best places to visit in the USA to do that.
Yellowstone National Park
It is one of the most sought-after national parks to witness grizzly bears, wild bison, and wolves – it is also the first! There is so much to witness – the active geysers (like the Old Faithful), hot springs and mud volcanoes, and huge waterfalls amidst all that insanely stunning wilderness of the Yellowstone National Park.
You can also find cougars, elk, and moose – the wildlife diversity here is quite extraordinary. Yellowstone National Park offers some novel day-hiking trails while the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring hiking trail is the most popular.
Also, given there’s ample time, make a note to check out the Grand Teton National park located just a one-hour drive from Yellowstone park as both could be considered must-visit tourist attractions in the area.
Fifth Avenue
It is every exorbitant shopper’s dream street with wealth displayed in the form of high-end brands and for those who have no plans of squandering ridiculously, it’s still a street worth a stroll.
Enjoy the glamour and the opulence – the creative yet deluxe window displays that decorate the stretch of the street with brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Giorgio Armani, Cartier, Omega, and many others.
Central Park
It is one of the most famous parks in the world. We have Hollywood to thank for that. But apart from that, this famous 3.41 square kilometres of green landscape, which makes this park what it is – also has a lot to offer for a first-time visitor.
For kids – there are playgrounds and other fun activities. For adults – check out the sculptures in the park, enjoy a nice walk or jog along the scenic park trails, and maybe a bike tour?
Go see a concert or an outdoor movie – there is plenty to do! No matter which season you visit, there is always something beautiful to see in this charming big park.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum (or just The Met) boasts approximately two million pieces of priceless artwork, antiques, and collectables – that span more than 5,000 years. It is also where the Met Gala is annually held. If you follow the Hollywood entertainment and fashion news, you’ll already know that this is one of the most universally anticipated and glamorous fundraisers hosted.
Many superstars in the entertainment industry and renowned public figures dress up in their most dazzling designer wear and get together to redefine the night of utter splendour. There are many fascinating things to see and learn here. Without a doubt, The Met is one of the best places to visit in the USA.
Statue of Liberty
This colossal and neoclassical statue of Lady Liberty (created by French artist Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi) was a gift from France to the USA, and it can be found, on Liberty Island, in the New York harbour. The metalwork of the structure was done by Gustave Eiffel, and it is one of the most famous statues and tourist attractions in the world.
The Statue of Liberty is a monument that has cameoed in dozens of Hollywood movies/series/animations – no matter the genre. At the height of 46 meters, this Roman liberty goddess continues to stand tall and regally welcome all those who visit while gracefully withstanding the dreary changes of time.
Broadway
Another famous street in Manhattan is yet another popular tourist attraction area. This 21 km stretch goes through the borough of Manhattan and Bronx. It is one of the coolest places you can visit, whether or not you have an affinity for all things theatre and show business-related.
At night the street is colourfully lit, and during the day, it is equally vibrantly buzzing. On Broadway, there are many things to see – including historical buildings like 280 Broadway, Paramount Building and so much more. Even if you stumbled into this street accidentally, you will still end up leaving entertained.
Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Centre. This world-famous tourist location is actually a large complex consisting of 19 buildings – which include landmark buildings like the famous Radio City Music Hall and the 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
The art, architecture & history of this splendorous city within the city is one of the finest you can see in New York City. Get a 360-degree unencumbered view of the city skyline, sit between French and British Empire buildings and immerse in the tranquillity offered in the Stunning Channel Gardens.
Interior is everything. Built to look as elegant as possible – to be the perfect symbol of wealth. With much to see and witness here, for first-time visitors, this is definitely one of the best places to visit in the USA.
Empire State Building
Another world-famous tourist attraction and one of the best-known landmarks that graces the New York skyline – which is also nicknamed the Empire State. Many treat this as a rite of passage for a visitor coming to NYC for the first time.
This 102 stories tall building is famous for its 86th Floor Observatory – the highest open-air observation deck in NYC – to really have an unforgettable experience, go on a clear day as the sunsets can be extra magical.
During the visit, make sure to drop by the three-story art deco lobby to enjoy some fascinating art and exhibits. A definite must-visit, and a perfect destination to be included in a day trip to New York!
Times Square
This world-famous commercial intersection has an energetic feel 24/7 – which is why it’s also called one of the world’s busiest pedestrian areas. It’s the epicentre for popular media activities – including the annual New Year celebrations.
Brightly illuminated skyscrapers, and constantly lit digital billboards, it’s every bit as vibrant as the movies show – whenever the Big Apple wants to display its high-powered vibes – Time Square is usually the area that pops up.
A stroll through this space is a must! While you are there, you can catch the Broadway Show, visit Bryant Park, and go on a street food adventure. But if it’s your first time – stand still and look around to absorb everything that screams Welcome to Times Square!
Niagara Falls
The American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. These are the three falls that combine to make the magnificent Niagara waterfalls. The colossal cascading waterfall is definitely mesmerizing to observe, but there is much to do to make this visit more exciting.
Enjoy some good food with a unique view of the falls in one of many boutique restaurants around the area. Learn about the history revolving around the falls or if you don’t mind getting a little soaked, you can engage in some adventurous activities like zip-lining over the gorges of Niagra or take a boat tour that ends in the dense mist of the American Falls!
It’s a cool place to visit without a doubt.
Big Sur
The Big Sur, California, is the ultimate coastal destination! To enjoy the Big Sur and all its coastal splendours, you need to take your time. The natural beauty – stunning expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, turquoise beautiful beaches and white sand, coastal redwoods, it’s truly enchanting.
There’s a serenity here that most popular beaches don’t offer. But the community vibe here is lively yet chill. All in all, the Big Sur is the ideal destination for you to enjoy beautiful beaches, enthralling outdoor adventures, and incredible local cuisine.
Big Sur offers travellers the best of both worlds – a must-visit while on the West Coast.
Venice Beach
Here’s another famous beach you can drop by while in California. Los Angeles, the city of angels is where you will find the famed Venice Beach. The atmosphere here is hyped-up. Super active beach fronts with a unique range of street entertainers and vendors along the road stretch, awesome waterfront skate parks, and the vast – edgy shopping areas.
Venice Beach is dedicated to keeping the ultimate beach-party vibe going all day long and it’s definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in Los Angeles. If you are on a mission to find a good beach to party in, Venice Beach is one of the best places the West Coast has to offer!
Santa Monica Pier
Another beautiful beach on the West Coast that offers everything all popular beaches offer and much more! Here you can go from fun and energetic vibes to chilled, laid-back vibes real fast – as a result Santa Monica pleases a diverse group of beach lovers.
Apart from the tourist crowds, it’s a favourite beach spot amongst surfers, skateboarders, and even yoga devotees. We have a beautiful beach and a fun theme park at the same place! With over twelve exciting rides to offer – including the famous Ferris wheel and the historic Merry-Go-Round, Santa Monica Pier offers the perfect carnival experience. An ideal place to make a day trip while you are still exploring the City of Angels.
The Palace of Fine Arts
Constructed in 1915, this large neoclassical structure – which includes the beautiful dorm and the curved columns surrounded by a stunning lagoon filled with beautiful swans, looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale. But in reality, this is the Palace of Fine Arts, and it houses an enormous 800-seat theatre and an exhibition centre.
This majestic landmark is also a vastly sought-after event venue. This isn’t surprising, as the historic site carries romantic beauty that seems to be lost in time – making it the idyllic location for an event such as a wedding. If you consider yourself to be an aficionado of the fine arts, architecture, and culture, then a visit here would be ideal.
Golden Gate Bridge
It is one of the most internationally recognized landmarks of San Francisco. This 2.7 km long steel suspension bridge crosses over the Golden Gate while connecting the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula to the Marine Country.
There are a number of ways to enjoy touring the Golden Gate Bridge. If you are up for a challenge, free walking tours are available and if you are looking to engage more deeply and learn more about the bridge and its history – both ends of the bridge have a Golden Gate National Recreation Area for the enjoyment of travellers.
Whether you ride, bike, or walk – the Golden Gate Bridge is a unique place to visit.
Fishermans Wharf
San Francisco has many famous tourist attractions and unique places travellers should explore & experience. The Fishermans Wharf is one of them. The famed Sea Lion Centre, Cartoon Art Museum, and Madame Tussauds are among the other iconic places in the vicinity that many travellers visit.
But to really get into the spirit of this famous fishing town, travellers can engage in some very enthralling activities. Ride a cable car that has continued to carry passengers for over a century – beyond the Golden Gate.
Have an out-of-this-world seafood dining experience, visit the beach, and catch a shark feeding. It’s insanely fun – and can be considered one of the best places to visit in the USA!
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, Southern California. It’s the perfect place to immerse in all things Hollywood and cinematic entertainment. There are countless things to experience.
Take pictures with your favourite character. If you are a Harry Potter Fan, there are plenty of epic rides and entertainment available at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Go behind the scenes of your all-time favourite Hollywood movies.
Loose complete control over your senses as you go merchandise shopping. You name it, they just might have it and Universal Studios is definitely one of the best places to visit in the USA.
Kennedy Space Center
If you have a natural curiosity about what’s beyond this planet and if you have dreamed of the possibility of exploring that unknown, then the idea of visiting the Kennedy Space Center should be exciting. Located in Titusville, Florida, it is one of NASA’s ten field centres and an ideal recommendation as one of the best places to visit in the USA.
Though it is not a theme park, it offers some brilliant and one-of-a-kind activities for families to experience and enjoy. Visit the Rocket Garden, The Space Shuttle Atlantis Complex – an incredible presentation of one of the historic missions to space and maybe even have lunch with an astronaut!
Yosemite National Park
Located in the High Sierra of Northern California, this is one of the oldest parks along the West Coast. With large meadows, lakes, sequoia groves, forests, granite cliffs, and waterfalls spread out over an area of 3,028sq km, this national park showcases incredible diversity and beauty.
The Bridalveil Fall, The Mirror Lake, the Mist Trail, and the scenic route to Glacier Point are just a few of the incredible places you must see while exploring this rocky, verdant park.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage site – it homes wildlife like Black Bears, Coyotes, Mule Deer, and many more! If you are not looking to have a camping experience, this national park is still ideal for a day trip.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
This is one of the biggest national treasures of the USA. It is also a top tourist attraction. Visitors in millions visit the famous sculptures and the park annually. The 60 feet – brilliantly done colossal granite sculptures – represent some of the former presidents of the USA.
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln were each chosen to represent the nation’s birth, growth, development, and preservation respectively.
You can enjoy a walk along the scenic presidential trail. Observe the monument from the Grand View Terrace, visit the Lincoln Borglum visitor centre, and based on the season you visit you can also witness the evening sculptor lightning ceremony which grandly goes on for approximately 45 minutes!
South Beach
If you are looking for more beautiful beaches and glamourous party vibes, then South Beach is where you should be heading. Here nightlife is redefined daily. It is all about the sun, sea and sand, and insanely epic parties!
Of course, there’s so much more to this beautiful beach. You can explore the well-preserved Art Deco Architecture, and the famed Haulover Park (especially if you love fishing, tennis, golfing, or cycling).
Experience endless food adventures and beach entertainment. We reckon a day trip might not do justice to really experience South Beach – one of the best places to visit in the USA.
Little Havana
If you want to take a break from the Miami Beach scene and engage in some distinctive cultural experiences, the Cuban district of Miami – Little Havana, is a hidden gem to visit. There’ll be no shortage of excitement here.
Authentic Cuban restaurants and speciality food stalls lining up the street – you can never go a step ahead without hearing some lovely Latin music in the background, or being warmly greeted by friendly locals and seeing brilliant murals on the street walls.
It’s a never-ending celebration in Little Havana, and you will find yourself being gravitated toward it. If you happen to be visiting in March, you might even have the opportunity of witnessing the Calle Ocho Festival.
Walt Disney World Resort
This resort entertainment complex in Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista is a beautiful place that excites visitors of all ages. The name itself gives away what awaits.
Disney’s Hollywood studios, super cool Disney-themed restaurants, endless shopping centres, and fun theme park rides – you name it, they are sure to have it.
Everything Disney is all in one place. If you are young or just young at heart and looking to rekindle that happy nostalgia of your childhood, then this is one of the best places to visit in the USA.
Glacier National Park
This breathtakingly beautiful and historic national park is called a hiker’s paradise. If you crave solitude and the wilderness, then this is the park to visit. Located in Northwest Montana, this National Park offers a novel experience for all nature lovers.
Brilliantly blue lakes, streams, alpine landscapes, and snow-coated mountains make it the ideal place for activities like ice fishing, snowshoeing, rock climbing, and cycling. It is home to more than 70 species of mammals and 270 species of birds, including Grey wolves, Bighorn sheep, and Golden eagles.
Explore iconic sites like the famed Garden Wall, the Logan Pass, and not forgetting the Jack Glacier – the seventh-largest of the remaining 25 glaciers in the park. A true nature paradise.
The Museum of Science and Industry
Located at the north end of Jackson Park, Chicago – the Museum of Science and Industry might sound like a bit of a put-off. But, that’s far from the truth. This is one of the few Museums that offer visitors, rare and very cool ‘hands-on’ exhibits.
Let us explain. You can dive into a U-505 Submarine, a German U-boat captured during WWII. Stand in a safe zone and recreate various natural phenomena like tornados, lightning, and even tsunamis! You can even make your way through an elaborate, immersive mirror maze!
The deeper you go, the more fascinating it gets – take it gradually and really immerse in this novel experience. Who knows it might even change your perspective on science?
Antelope Canyon
If you are obsessed with the west coast canyon landscape, then the Antelope Canyon is a beautiful place also worth a visit. The upper Antelope Canyon is called Tsé bighánílíní, which means the place where water runs through rocks.
The lower Canyon is named Hazdistazí (or spiral rock arches) – this otherworldly beauty cannot be explored anywhere else on earth. The winding walls shaded in orange and gold can rise to about 120 feet high – creating a dome-like effect as you trek the canyon landscape, making the structure look breathtakingly divine, especially when the sunlight beams gracefully slip through producing a glow effect all around.
Hire an experienced tour guide to safely experience all the beauty the Antelope Canyon has to offer.
Havasu Falls
There are many breathtaking waterfalls in Arizona, but none so unique and mesmerizing as the Havasu Falls. This 100 feet waterfall is located near Supai on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. The mini pools created at the bottom of the fall collect the cascading water from the fall.
The water carries a unique bluish-green tinge, and that looks very inviting. The Native Havasupai Tribe (the “people of the blue-green water”) is very much dependent on the enchanting waterfall as well as the tourism the falls bring.
Keep in mind that you cannot hike on foot. Access will only be granted on a horseback mule or helicopter!
Key West
Key West is the southernmost city of the continental US. Home to breathtaking beaches with spellbinding sunsets, historical sites like Hemingway’s Home and the lively nightlife at Duval Street – Key West caters to the likes of many a tourist.
The laid-back atmosphere also makes it a great place to relax and enjoy. If one needs to experience the Caribbean without ever leaving the United States, this is the place to be!
Recommended reading for Key West: Key West: Complete Guide | Beaches To Swim in the Florida Keys
Las Vegas Strip
This stretch of South Las Vegas Boulevard is another iconic landmark the world instantly recognizes. The city is buzzing with unusually high energy 24/7 and if you want to have that Vegas experience, then buckle up!
Start simple, visit the famous resorts that have graced your favourite Hollywood heist movies, like the Caesars Palace, and the Bellagio. Take pictures of the iconic Bellagio fountains. Ride the famous Slotzilla – a zipline that starts on the world’s tallest slot machine, check out the casino scene & have some wild night outs.
Get ready to enjoy yourself outrageously in the world-famous Sin City – one of the best places to visit in the USA.
Stratosphere Tower
This insane tower structure is also located in Las Vegas. Rising up to a height of 1,149 feet, this is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the USA. Of course, this famous tower offers indoor and outdoor observational decks, award-winning fine dining, and unbelievably stunning views.
But, it also has a very specific attraction for anyone who dares to take it on. You can try the sky jumps – what better way to enjoy the skyline than to jump from the 108th floor? Or if you want to be strapped safely to your seat, then there are always the thrill rides!
From an insane roller coaster ride to shooting straight up on the Big shot, the choice is yours!
Waikiki Beach
Hawaii! A beach paradise unlike any around the world. Located along the south shore of Honolulu, this beautiful beach haven was home to the legendary Duke Kahanamoku. There is much to see and enjoy here.
You can visit the world-famous Honolulu Zoo, the Royal Hawaiian Center, and the International Marketplace to do some shopping, enjoy some diverse local and international cuisine – maybe even experience an epic cultural event.
But what you should really take some time to do is venture deep into the natural wilds of Oahu. Even trek the rugged Mount Leahi. If that is too strenuous then you can enjoy some relaxing beach strolls while catching that enchanting sunset.
Road to Hana
The quote “It’s the journey, not the destination” greatly applies here. The Hana highway in Maui is a 64 -mile stretch that you can explore on a two or four-wheeler, or even on foot, but it will be super demanding.
This scenic drive often referred to as “Road to Hana”, is rated as one of Hawaii’s best while it can also be considered one of the best places to visit in the USA as well. The drive isn’t exactly simple, and you will need to go slow and even stop often to deeply absorb all those picture-perfect sceneries that only belong to Hawaii.
Catch a stream cascading down between two lush green-coated hills, with the beautiful blue sky against the blue ocean. The memories of this journey will stay with you forever.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
You cannot go to Hawaii and not visit the famous Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, National Park. Extending from sea level to 13,677 feet – this park consists of summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes named Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. As a result, the landscape of this incredible piece of land is profoundly unique.
While it can look intimidating from afar, there are many exciting things to do and see here. Day hiking is one of the most popular activities – since it offers enthusiastic travellers up-close and personal views of everything that grows and roams the island – like the plant life, lush rainforests, and incredible wildlife.
Of course, you cannot ignore the cool dramatic effects of steam vents!
Enjoyed the article? You might be also interested in: