There are so many great places to visit in the United States that it can be hard to narrow down which ones you should add to your travel wish list. Here are 10 of the most incredible tourist destinations in the United States that you have to visit at least once in your life. We’ll also talk about why these destinations made our list and what activities or sights you should check out while you’re there, so keep reading.
1) New York City
If you have never been to New York City before, it is worth visiting. As one of America’s most famous and popular tourist attractions, you will find a variety of things to do and see here no matter what your interests are. You can visit Times Square or check out some of the most famous landmarks and buildings like Central Park, The Empire State Building or The Statue of Liberty while you are here. And when you get hungry there are plenty of great restaurants that offer food from all over the world including American, Chinese and Italian cuisines. This city has something for everyone so make sure that you add it to your list of places to visit during your next trip.
2) Las Vegas
It’s hard to get more American than Las Vegas. The best tourism destination in USA offers a full slate of adventures for every member of your family. There’s something for everyone in Sin City—from swimming and spas to thrill rides and restaurants that offer both fine dining and all-you-can-eat buffets. If you like shopping, Las Vegas is home to some of America’s most famous outlets. For those who love history, there are plenty of museums and tours that can show you how things were done before Las Vegas became known as The Entertainment Capital of the World. And don’t forget about Hoover Dam! This engineering marvel is one of Nevada’s top attractions. Whether you go with friends or family, there are plenty of ways to make your trip memorable.
3) Washington D.C.
The capital of The United States, Washington D.C. is a tourist destination by itself, but there are many other things to see and do here, like visiting iconic landmarks such as The White House or Lincoln Memorial. You can also take advantage of free museums like Air and Space or American History that include great exhibitions that will allow you to learn about your heritage and how our country came to be what it is today. If you’re looking for something more active, you can visit one of America’s most famous gardens: The U.S Botanic Garden which has thousands of plants and flowers from all over the world. If history isn’t your thing, don’t worry because there are plenty of fun activities to keep you entertained.
4) San Francisco
When it comes to great weather and a gorgeous landscape, it’s hard to top San Francisco. Home to iconic attractions like Alcatraz and Fisherman’s Wharf, your trip is sure to be memorable. And with famous landmarks like Lombard Street and The Golden Gate Bridge, there are plenty of photo ops. For culture vultures, make time for a visit to museums like SFMOMA or Exploratorium—and don’t forget about all those world-class restaurants! The Grand Canyon: A bucket list destination for many people around the globe, few sights can compare with that of The Grand Canyon. This wonder of nature takes up nearly 1 million acres and offers visitors everything from hiking trails to scenic overlooks.
5) Chicago
Traveling to Chicago should be on everyone’s list. From amazing architecture to deep history, Chicago has a lot to offer both residents and tourists. There are many architectural landmarks such as Crown Fountain, Cloud Gate and Water Tower Place that make it a must-see destination. But you can also enjoy other sites like Grant Park, Millennium Park and Lincoln Park Zoo among others. Chicago is home to some of America’s most famous museums including The Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. It is also one of America’s largest cities with plenty of shopping districts including The Magnificent Mile, Michigan Avenue and River North. With so much to see and do there is no doubt that Chicago is an awesome place for visitors.
6) Hawaii
Hawaii is a tropical state rich with breathtaking nature and is home to some of America’s most famous landmarks. One of Hawaii’s main attractions are its rugged volcanoes, including Mount Kilauea on Big Island, which is constantly erupting and spitting fire and lava into the sea below. Hawaii hosts a collection of national parks for visitors to explore; these include Volcanoes National Park on Big Island and Haleakala National Park on Maui. The island of Oahu is also home to Pearl Harbor, where many battleships were stationed during World War II. Visitors can tour Pearl Harbor by ship or by bus and learn about one of history’s biggest conflicts. The Waikiki district on Oahu has become one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist destinations thanks to its white sand beaches, clear waters and high-end resorts that line the shoreline.
7) Austin, Texas
Known as the live music capital of the world, Austin is home to several annual festivals, including South by Southwest and Austin City Limits. The city also offers numerous outdoor activities and landmarks, including Lady Bird Lake and Barton Springs. Visitors can hike or bike along trails that span more than 200 miles or rent a kayak and explore one of many waterways. For those looking for something a little more sedentary, there are plenty of museums and galleries throughout town. Visitors can learn about local history at places like Bullock Texas State History Museum, which showcases artifacts from early Texas settlers. And with its proximity to other major cities like San Antonio (about two hours away) and Dallas (about three hours), Austin makes for an ideal weekend getaway.
8) California’s Central Coast Wine Country
With vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, and beyond, California’s coastal wine country (which extends south from San Francisco) offers travelers a chance to sample some of North America’s finest vintages—plus views of sun-drenched hillsides and serene coastline. Those with less time can take an unforgettable helicopter tour of opulent wineries. The area is also home to several resorts offering hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities. By day: Hike through redwoods at Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve or explore hidden beaches along Big Sur’s rugged coast. Sample local wines at nearby wineries such as Robert Mondavi Winery or Bargetto Winery & Vineyards.
9) Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park, Colorado
With striking scenery and vast, beautiful views, Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular tourist destination for vacationing families and nature lovers alike. The park’s Bear Lake Road is a prime viewing spot for spotting wildlife like bighorn sheep, elk and deer; you can even see yellow-bellied marmots on your trip. There are many hiking trails to choose from within Rocky Mountain National Park as well—be sure to visit Trail Ridge Road while you’re there! If you want to experience Rocky Mountain National Park in style, stay at Estes Park’s The Stanley Hotel. Built by F.O. Stanley (of Stanley Steamer fame), it has served as a hotel since 1909 and offers guests an array of activities including golf, skiing, horseback riding and more.
10) The Jersey Shore
The Jersey Shore—an 88-mile stretch of sand that runs from Sandy Hook to Cape May, New Jersey—may just be one of America’s most iconic (and Instagrammed) landmarks. With a lively nightlife scene and plenty of places to park yourself on a blanket and eat ice cream all day, it’s a great way to spend a summer weekend. Plus, no one can resist that boardwalk food! To get you started planning your trip, here are some things you need to know: Title: 10 Must-See Destinations in Europe for First-Timers The British Museum: This London museum has something for everyone—if you like art, history or culture. It houses eight million works covering everything from Ancient Egypt to modern art, so there’s no excuse not to stop by if you find yourself within walking distance of Bloomsbury.