Due to its size, the USA has countless attractions: beautiful natural sites, cities, and coastlines await tourists. Let me show you 20 of these locations!
The country is located in the central part of North America, where its 48 states and the capital district lie between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. Two states are not directly connected to this territory (Alaska, Hawaii).
Table of Contents
Best places in the USA
Manhattan
What better place to start than with New York’s center, often called the world’s capital. Among the numerous skyscrapers, we find the world’s business epicenter.
Even if we just wanted to explore this area, it would take days to walk through Manhattan. Just think about how you could easily spend a whole day in the vast Central Park.
The southern tip of the island is Lower Manhattan, also known as the Financial District and Battery Park, with Tribeca (Triangle below Canal St) further up west, SoHo (South of Houston St.) in the middle, and the Lower East Side to the east. The middle eastern section also includes areas known as Chinatown and Little Italy.
I would especially highlight the subway. If there’s anywhere that proves you get to know the local community on the subway, it’s doubly true here. You’ll meet people from every nation of the world on the local subway, which crisscrosses Manhattan on numerous lines.
I spent a few days in the Big Apple in fall 2018. I usually „get through” cities quickly, but here even four full days weren’t enough. I’ll definitely return soon because this is a city you can never get tired of!
Niagara Falls
One of the world’s most famous waterfalls is located on the Niagara River between Lakes Ontario and Erie.
The massive waterfall between Canada and the USA consists of two main parts, separated by Goat Island. The Horseshoe Falls is on the Canadian side of the border, and the American Falls is on the American side.
I visited here in fall 2018, and it was fantastic to see it in person. You must go out in the evening because the water curtain illuminated with colored lights also provides a spectacular view.
You can take a boat right up to the main falls. At boarding, they give you a thin plastic-like raincoat, which you’ll definitely need. It’s an incredibly powerful experience to stand in front of such an enormous mass of water!
If you’re here, cross over to the Canadian side too! No visa is needed, they just stamp your passport, and you can go. There’s also an observation point there where you can see the entire waterfall.
San Francisco
This Californian city is one of the most atmospheric settlements, which I can personally confirm!
It’s famous for its cool summer fogs, steep hills, eclectic style, and some distinctive buildings. It’s the setting for numerous films and books, and one of the world’s most famous cities.
The city’s and perhaps the world’s most famous bridge is the Golden Gate Bridge, which is the country’s 5th most popular structure. The USA’s 2nd longest suspension bridge spans the strait separating the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. The bridge offers a great view of the city, and you can also see Alcatraz Island.
USA West Coast trip – part 1: San Francisco
Yosemite National Park
The USA’s 2nd national park was established in 1890. Those who visit here truly get close to nature!
The spacious, flat valley is surrounded by steep granite walls, some up to 900 meters high. The park’s symbol is also a huge granite rock, the almost perfectly vertical El Capitan, standing 1,095 meters tall. Another famous attraction is Yosemite Falls, which plunges from a height of 739 meters. This makes it one of the world’s highest waterfalls.
It has diverse flora and fauna. Its greatest treasure is the giant sequoia, of which the Giant Grizzly is the largest at 63 meters tall.
The park has more than 1,000 km of hiking trails, although most people only explore the central area.
New Orleans
One of the USA’s most unique and colorful cities, where French, Spanish, Caribbean, African, and American influences blend together.
Its history defines the city’s current face. The French founded the city in 1718. Later it came under Spanish rule, then the United States purchased the territory from Napoleon. The traces of French and Spanish colonial past are still felt in the city’s architecture and culture.
New Orleans is known as the birthplace of American jazz, and its musical life is famous worldwide. Legends like Louis Armstrong come from here. Bourbon Street, the famous street in the French Quarter (Vieux Carré), is full of jazz clubs and bars where we can experience this lifestyle.
Its world-famous carnival is Mardi Gras. Spectacular parades, costumes, music, and balls characterize it, where locals and tourists alike celebrate the end of carnival season.
New Orleans attractions, weather
Miami Beach
Who hasn’t heard of the wide sandy beach?! The city on Florida’s eastern coast boasts one of the world’s most famous beaches.
But while you’re here, don’t miss taking a Caribbean cruise that departs from here! A few days of cruising is available at reasonable prices, and it would be a shame to miss such a trip!
Washington
Washington didn’t make the list just because it’s the USA’s capital. If you want to learn about the country’s history and culture, this is where you need to come!
Just walking through the National Mall park gives you a picture from the founding to modern history. Plus, with a few exceptions, the museums and historical sites are all free!
Grand Canyon
The „Great Canyon” is a colorful, steep valley canyon carved by the Colorado River in the U.S. state of Arizona. The colorful, terraced canyon is one of the world’s seven natural wonders.
It’s one of the world’s most popular natural attractions, where you can hike down to the Colorado River winding along the valley floor. But even if you spend just a few hours here, it’s a tremendous experience!
When I visited in spring 2017, I just sat on a rock and stared at the endless landscape. It was like being on Mars…
Las Vegas, The Strip
The world’s „gambling capital” shows its true face at night. However, life revolves around money 24 hours a day, which is why it’s called Sin City.
The Strip is the main street, along which the famous hotels are located. An iconic attraction is the Bellagio and its fountain in front, which dances to music.
Almost every hotel is built around a theme, such as Caesars Palace, Excalibur, MGM Grand, New York New York, Paris.
The previously mentioned Grand Canyon is easily accessible from here, with many companies organizing trips there.
I spent a few days here. Although I’m more of a nature enthusiast, Las Vegas still captivates you! If you can resist gambling (I only lost 2 dollars), you’ll enjoy it too! 🙂
USA West Coast trip – part 3: Las Vegas
Yellowstone National Park
Remember Yogi Bear? Those who watched the cartoon series as children will recognize where the Yellowstone name is familiar from.
The park is famous for its geysers, hot springs, and other geothermal phenomena. It’s home to the world’s most famous geyser, Old Faithful. It typically erupts every 65 to 90 minutes, so you’re almost certain to see water shooting high into the air.
It’s also a great experience for hikers, as the park has about 1,500 km of hiking trails.
Its wildlife is very rich: among the large animals are grizzly bears, wolves, free-roaming herds of bison, and moose.
Hawaii
One of the USA’s states located between America and Asia, which could better be described as a Polynesian archipelago. It consists of eight large islands and numerous smaller ones.
Its diverse natural environment, warm tropical climate, abundance of public beaches, and active volcanoes make it a popular destination for tourists, surfers, biologists, and volcanologists alike.
The four islands with the most attractions are: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island (Hawaii). These are worth visiting.
Oahu receives the most tourists, as it’s home to the capital, Honolulu. Here you’ll find one of the world’s most famous beaches, Waikiki. It’s also an excellent choice for hiking enthusiasts.
Another exciting island is Big Island. Here you’ll find the famous Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s highest peak (4,207 meters). While this one isn’t currently active, volcanic eruptions and lava flows are common on the island.
Boston
The capital of Massachusetts is an important city from a historical perspective as well.
It’s called one of America’s most European cities for several reasons. Its narrow, winding streets, many of which date back to colonial times, resemble the old centers of European cities. The Beacon Hill neighborhood, for example, with its cobblestone streets, red brick houses, and gas lamps, particularly exudes a European atmosphere.
If you want to get to know Boston on a shorter trip, choose the Freedom Trail. The 4-kilometer-long trail connects 16 historic sites, including the Paul Revere House, the Bunker Hill Monument, and Faneuil Hall.
Bryce Canyon National Park
This beautiful area is unfairly less mentioned compared to Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks and the Grand Canyon.
It’s not actually a real canyon, but rather the edge of a plateau, where nature (wind and ice) has carved thousands of rock needles, rock pillars, and rock arches from its red-white rocks.
A dozen hiking trails lead down from the plateau’s edge. These include longer ones requiring more endurance like the Peekaboo trail starting from Bryce Point. However, there are shorter ones like the 1-2 hour Queens Garden trail.
There are many great viewpoints, such as Bryce Point, Sunset Point, Sunrise Point, Rainbow Point, and Yovimpa Point.
San Antonio
Texas can’t be left off the list, which can rightfully be called one of the USA’s most authentic places!
San Antonio is worth visiting in the state. It’s a very pleasant city that combines rich history with modernism.
Here you’ll find the famous Alamo, a former Spanish Catholic mission complex. In 1836, a bloody Mexican attack led to the Texas Revolution. This remains an important historical event.
For evening entertainment, the River Walk riverside promenade is a must. The nationally famous promenade features numerous cafes, restaurants, and of course, great atmosphere.
Alaska
Many surely remember the TV series Northern Exposure. It was one of my favorites, and the images shown in it put it on my bucket list (even if most scenes weren’t actually filmed in Alaska).
Alaska is a paradise for nature lovers, so you shouldn’t just go to the larger cities. Beautiful landscapes await tourists in the countryside; it’s worth taking a train and admiring the mountains and forests.
But don’t be surprised if you encounter a moose while walking or see a bear walking in the distance. 🙂
Mount Rushmore
One of the USA’s most famous historical and cultural monuments is located in the Black Hills National Forest area in South Dakota.
The famous rock carving depicts the faces of four iconic American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The sculpture group was designed by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who led the carving work that began in 1927 and was completed in 1941.
The monument’s purpose is to honor the United States’ history and founding democratic values. The selection of presidents is symbolic: George Washington represents the nation’s birth, Thomas Jefferson growth, Abraham Lincoln preservation, and Theodore Roosevelt development and modernization.
Chicago
The USA’s 3rd largest city is an important economic, cultural, and commercial center, also known as the Windy City.
Chicago’s architecture is famous worldwide. The city is home to the first modern skyscrapers, such as the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), which was long the world’s tallest building.
Its most famous attraction is Millennium Park, with the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture. Navy Pier is one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations, with numerous entertainment and dining options. The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious art museums, housing thousands of artworks.
Napa Valley
The valley, not far from San Francisco, is one of the world’s most famous wine-making centers.
There are more than 400 wineries that take advantage of the region’s special climate and soil conditions. The wineries here grow various grape varieties, but the most famous is Cabernet Sauvignon, which is the valley’s leading grape variety.
However, it’s worth visiting for the landscape too! Beautiful hilly terrain, endless vineyards, and picturesque views await visitors. It’s a perfect location for hiking, cycling, and active recreation.
Savannah
One of Georgia’s oldest and most beautiful cities. The city is famous for its historic center, cobblestone streets, and massive oak trees covered in Spanish moss.
It’s often mentioned as one of the United States’ most beautifully planned cities. In the original city planning, James Oglethorpe, the founder, applied a unique grid pattern that left spacious squares and green areas in the city. These parks and squares remain Savannah’s trademarks today.
Several architectural styles can be seen, including Colonial, Neoclassical, Greek Revival, Victorian, and Gothic. The Savannah Historic District is one of the USA’s largest protected historic areas, full of elegant houses, churches, and architectural masterpieces. The most famous is the Mercer-Williams House, made famous by the book and film „Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”.
Santa Monica
This popular beach area of Los Angeles is a true leisure center.
The several-kilometer-long sandy beach offers countless entertainment options. Many sports courts await those wanting to exercise, all in a beautiful environment. It’s worth walking along the promenade toward Venice Canal, which is a peaceful place designed with canals.
The center of the beach is Santa Monica Pier. There are numerous shops and cafes, as well as an amusement park and aquarium. Don’t forget to take a picture at the sign marking the end of Route 66! 🙂
USA West Coast trip – part 2: Los Angeles
