The United States is home to many of the world's picturesque scenery and extremely recognizable icons found on earth. Several of the best attractions in the US happen to be bucket list destinations that draw millions of tourists from all over the world.
Putting together a pretty good list of things to do and places to visit is the first step. However, bear in mind, given the vast size of the USA, many prospective tourists plan their travels to a specific location, whether it's the outlying regions such as Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico, the beaches of California or Florida, the Southwest, or the East Coast to make the trip more doable and to avoid feeling overwhelmed. You might want to experience the highlights of a key city in a state like Arizona or visit rural areas and public parks. With careful enough planning in advance, you could combine the 2 and see such sights in a one- or two-day trip.
A superabundance of options is available, with amazing attractions scattered across the country. If you have plenty of time, or even if you must work with a limited time frame, the list of 10 best-rated must-see attractions in USA can be easily added to your itinerary to enhance your overall experience while visiting this great nation.
1) Grand Canyon. This striking natural wonder is a very popular and most-visited site in the US. As a natural attraction that the Colorado River helped carve out, the Grand Canyon penetrates deep into the earth, creating both dramatic ledges and cliff walls. By simply standing on the canyon's rim, tourists could see down to the floor of the canyon as far as a mile below, and even lookout beyond the cliffs and ridges which run as if forever.
The South Rim, which is around 4.5 hour-drive from Las Vegas, happens to be the most-visited area of Grand Canyon National Park. Here you'll find a big visitor center, a reliable bus serving along the Rim during the high season, plus a walkway running along the canyon that boasts many platforms and viewing points. A lot of fantastic hikes as well as the Bright Angel Trail, begin from here.
The Skywalk, a real glass bridge which leads out over the Grand Canyon's edge, is a popular attraction you won't want to miss. Situated on the West Rim, at Eagle Point, this section is around a four-hour car ride from the South Rim, however often a 2.5 hour--or even less--drive from Las Vegas. This section is an excellent option if you plan to do a day trip beginning from Las Vegas.
The North Rim that provides fair lookout areas, offers a unique perspective. This part of the park is not so frequently visited and is less accessible during the months from November to May because of winter snow conditions.
2) Niagara Falls. Sharing the common US-Canada border, Niagara Falls is the world's most stunning and famous waterfalls. Lake Erie's water in fact flows into Lake Ontario across these huge waterfalls. Well-known for incredible amount of water that's unceasingly tumbling, making massive roaring splashes as a mist rises.
Niagara Falls is really a set of 3 falls that consists of the biggest section, called Horseshoe Falls, with an 18-foot drop; another section located on the river's American side, called suitably the American Falls with an 89-foot drop; and then a thinner section situated beside the American Falls, called Bridal Veil Falls with only a 78-foot drop.
Though views are nice on either side of the river, the Canadian side yet features a dramatically unique perspective which is worth the trouble crossing into Canada.
Summer happens to be the wildly popular time for visiting Niagara Falls, and while the weather is hot, gardens are blooming, and roaming about is favorable. But winter offers a special opportunity for seeing ice-covered railings, snow-shrouded shores, trees, and street signs; it's really a winter wonderland.
On perfectly clear days, the Niagara Falls' constant plumage of mist rising could be observed from as distant as the CN Tower that stands in downtown Toronto, Canada, on the other shore of Lake Ontario.
3) Statue of Liberty. As a major attraction symbolizing universal freedom, the Statue of Liberty is not only the most famous icon but also the world's biggest statue. Towering in New York Harbor, tourists could admire the attraction from different angles around the city, especially Battery Park, or just board a ferry directly to the statue.
If you are planning to visit the statue, now options include from grounds tickets, pedestal tickets, to crown tickets, permitting access to various levels to the site. A great option available is to tour Ellis Island and the statue of Liberty. Skip-Line Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour + Pedestal Ticket Upgrade is a popular tour that makes visiting this sight straightforward and much easier.
4) White House. As the US President's official residence, the White House should rank high on your list as a major attraction to see in Washington. The historic building was the home of each president, excluding George Washington. Lafayette Park lies on the northern side of the presidential residence, and you'll find a pedestrian-only zone beyond it, filled with fascinating characters, including a great spot for taking a wonderful photo.
James Hoban originally constructed it in 1792, and after British soldiers burned it down in 1814, it was rebuilt in 1818. Though touring the White House is free, you must make reservations at least 3 weeks in advance. Bear in mind that uncompromising security rules are constantly in effect to ensure everyone's safety.
5) Walt Disney World Resort. As a top-ranking family attraction, the Orland's mega amusement park has been catering young and old alike for decades. Opening their doors back in 1971, Walt Disney World wonderfully has succeeded in maintaining its relevance as well as its allure for kids and even adults over the years.
Walt Disney World Resort contains different theme parks, Downtown Disney with theaters and shopping, water parks, and much more such as from great dining to golf. This is a fine site where you and the entire family could stay a day or longer.
If you want to enjoy both sand and surfing, know that the lovely beaches of Florida's Atlantic coast lie just one hour away.
6) Waikiki. As Hawaii's most popular beach and even the most famous beach in the Pacific, for more than a century Waikiki has been a main tourist destination. Today the area is a blend encompassing both modern city and tropical paradise.
Relaxing on this breath-taking stretch of white sand as palm trees sway in the wind shall surely tell you that you are now in the tropics, except the busy street and towering buildings in the background are a constant reminder that civilization is quite near. Dining, shopping, sunbathing, and surfing are all the perks making this little area of Oahu extremely popular with tourists from all around the world.
7) Las Vegas Strip. Just strolling along the Las Vegas Strip, the major street that leads through the city beyond the massive resorts, resembles walking through a genuine amusement park for most adults. Recreations of the Eiffel Tower, the New York Skyline, the Canals of Venice, plus several other foreign attractions line the famous street.
Starting at one end where Luxor Hotel stands, shaped as a pyramid, a nice walk going down the street shall reveal a volcano erupting and then dancing fountains, but the resorts, inside, offer all types of entertainment and oddities. Several of the top things both to see and do in this flashy city are places that could be enjoyed for free.
One of Las Vegas' central attractions is the ceaseless lineup of shows. World-renowned singers perform regularly here. You'll find fine groups performing from magic, comedy to acrobatics every evening.
After having enough of city lights and the nightlife, now you can explore the close by attractions from Las Vegas on a day trip. For example, visit Death Valley National Park, Valley of Fire State Park, or Hoover Dam. Or choose to explore the nearby desert on hiking trails that surround Las Vegas, only a few minutes from downtown.
8) Yosemite National Park. As perhaps America's most loved park, tourists and especially nature lovers will want to visit Yosemite National Park. Famous sights such as the amazing granite domes of Half Dome and El Capitan, must be experienced in person in order to completely appreciate their grandeur.
The huge waterfalls tumbling off cliffs from sudden summer rainstorms or mountain snowfall are additional highlights that the park offers.
The park is loaded with activities you can do, ranging from horseback riding, walking, climbing, to hiking. Hiking trails often lead to spectacular scenic areas, a perfect way for escaping the crowds around lookouts.
If you are not physically inclined, you can always enjoy Yosemite's natural beauty from a picnic table while eating a home-packed peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Plus, you could catch highlights when taking a driving tour throughout the park.
Accommodations are limited in the park which include many lodges and some excellent campgrounds. But outside that national park, you'll find more options.
9) Golden Gate Bridge. Arcing across San Francisco Bay, and then joining Marin County and San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge, constructed in the 1930s, has been a notable California icon since then. The sharp contrast of the blue water with the bridge's dark-orangish color creates an aesthetic quality which gives the city a unique distinction.
But when covered in fog with only the main towers' peaks shooting through the lower clouds, it has a majestic presence. The bridge is about 2 miles in length as well as part of SR 1 or Hwy 101. If the day is very clear, a great viewing place is on Conzelman Road, located in Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
10) Times Square. Lively Times Square, notable for its dazzling billboards, endless throngs of people, countdown of New Year's Eve, is centered in Midtown Manhattan.
This intersection, most normal days, is truly about the vibe and energy that you feel as you stand on any corner while taxi cabs fly by and traffic lights flash overhead, instead of any one particular location on the square. Though night is the best time to experience its full impact, during the day is still okay.
