America’s 25 Must-See Destinations for Travelers
As one of the most expansive and varied nations globally, The United States offers an incredible array of travel spots, from the towering skyscrapers of New York and Chicago to the breathtaking natural landscapes of Yellowstone and Alaska, as well as the warm, sandy shores of California, Florida, and Hawaii.
The USA boasts countless tourist destinations, making it easy to include entire cities or states, but this list of 25 highlights particular attractions instead.
- 25. The iconic Mount Rushmore
- 24. Pike Place Market in Seattle
- 23. Venice Beach in Los Angeles
- 22. Mesa Verde
- 21. Faneuil Hall, located in Boston
- 20. Kennedy Space Center
- 19. Navy Pier, located in Chicago
- 18. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- 17. The San Antonio River Walk
- 16. Carlsbad Caverns
- 15. Bryce Canyon National Park
- 14. French Quarter, New Orleans
- 13. The Red Rock Region of Sedona
- 12. Walt Disney World, located in Orlando
- 11. Yosemite National Park
- 10. The White House, located in Washington, D.C.
- 9. Denali National Park and Preserve
- 8. The Las Vegas Strip
- 7. The Florida Keys
- 6. Kilauea
- 5. The majestic cascade of Niagara Falls
- 4. San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge
- 3. Yellowstone National Park
- 2. New York, Manhattan
- 1. Grand Canyon
25. The iconic Mount Rushmore
One of the most distinctly iconic American landmarks is Mount Rushmore, a national memorial situated in South Dakota. Created in the early 1900s, Mount Rushmore features the sculpted likenesses of four past U.S. presidents, each meticulously carved and dynamited into the granite mountainside.
Visitors can gaze upon the monumental visages of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. The brief Presidential Trail near the foot of Mount Rushmore offers enhanced vantage points and a unique angle to appreciate the iconic sculpture.
24. Pike Place Market in Seattle
Perched along the shores of Elliott Bay in Seattle, Washington, Pike Place Market has been a beloved landmark since its opening in 1907. As one of the city’s most historic and recognizable destinations, the market offers a premier shopping experience, housing some of the area’s longest-standing businesses.
In some markets, freshly caught fish from the Puget Sound is thrown with flair, while cheesemongers provide samples of regional brie and camembert. Nearby stands the location of the very first Starbucks coffee shop.
23. Venice Beach, Los Angeles
A trip to Los Angeles isn’t truly finished without exploring Venice Beach. The canals and shorelines are breathtaking, but the Venice Beach Boardwalk steals the show. It’s a vibrant hub where street artists entertain crowds with juggling, dancing, sculpting, and singing.
Browse for keepsakes, pick up a cool beverage, and carry some cash for a walk along the boardwalk. Pausing to enjoy a street artist, travelers often leave a small tip of a dollar or two as a gesture of gratitude.
22. Mesa Verde
Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado preserves the dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Numerous structures, built directly into caves and cliffs, originate from the early 1200s.
Today, visitors can stroll below the towering cliffs and explore these age-old dwellings. The Balcony House remains remarkably intact, featuring 40 rooms reachable only by ladder. Close by, the Cliff Palace is larger still, with estimates suggesting it once accommodated over 100 residents across its original 150 rooms.
21. Faneuil Hall in Boston, Massachusetts
One of Boston’s most iconic landmarks, in a city steeped in history, is Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Referred to as the Cradle of Liberty, this 18th-century building provided a meeting place for revolutionary figures to oppose tyranny in the lead-up to and throughout the American Revolutionary War.
Visiting Faneuil Hall Marketplace today offers plenty of chances to browse and buy local goods and sweets in both its indoor and outdoor market areas.
20. Kennedy Space Center
Cape Canaveral, situated along Florida’s coastline, is home to numerous attractions centered around space exploration. Among the most notable is the Kennedy Space Center, serving as the primary launch location for all US crewed space missions since 1968 and now functioning as a hub for uncrewed rocket launches.
Visitors can explore the stories of the first space pioneers and feel the thrill of the historic race to the moon. They also have the opportunity to take part in the Shuttle Launch Experience, a simulation that recreates the sensations of traveling to space.
19. Navy Pier, located in Chicago
Stretching across Lake Michigan, Navy Pier stands as a massive structure in Chicago’s waterfront Streeterville district. The pier offers a wide array of family-friendly activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Strolling through meticulously maintained gardens offers a picturesque experience, while numerous souvenir shops provide the perfect opportunity to pick up vacation mementos in Chicago. The pier also features the Chicago Children’s Museum, a pair of theaters, and a wide selection of top-notch dining spots.
18. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Stretching across the boundary of Tennessee and North Carolina lies the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Renowned for its vast expanse and breathtaking landscapes, it attracts more visitors than any other national park in the United States.
Visitors can explore ancient forests, observe countless bird species, and visit the two on-site visitor centers. Trails also meander through scenic routes, offering access to the cascading waters of Laurel Falls and the breathtaking views from Clingman’s Dome.
17. The San Antonio River Walk
In San Antonio, Texas, the River Walk stands out as one of the city’s most captivating attractions. Referred to as the Paseo del Rio, this scenic pathway system runs alongside the San Antonio River.
Dedicated solely to pedestrians, the rejuvenated district features stunning architecture, vibrant greenery, and scenic waterfront vistas. The River Walk serves as the heart of dining and gastronomic discovery in this Texas city. Visitors can savor everything from Tex-Mex dishes to refined French cuisine and more, all within this effortlessly accessible locale.
16. Carlsbad Caverns
Carlsbad Caverns comprises a network of more than 115 caves. Situated in southern New Mexico, these underground formations are sculpted from limestone, allowing visitors to explore depths exceeding 900 feet (275 meters) beneath the earth’s surface on guided tours.
The biggest cave chamber in North America, called the Big Room, is located here. Inside this space, guests can embark on a 90-minute journey to discover the remarkable subterranean landscape.
15. Bryce Canyon National Park
Found in Southern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park showcases a stunning array of geological structures. Though not a true canyon, it consists of multiple natural amphitheaters. Originally inhabited by Mormon pioneers, the area now attracts visitors seeking its remarkable vistas and exceptional hiking trails.
Sunset Point stands as a highly sought-after lookout, showcasing sweeping vistas of the vibrant red, yellow, and orange rock formations. The Queen’s Garden Trail is equally beloved, as it presents lush green trees set against the striking red rocks, creating a stunning contrast.
14. French Quarter, New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana, consists of many distinct neighborhoods, yet the French Quarter stands out as the most renowned. Referred to as the Vieux Carre, this area vividly showcases the deep French colonial heritage that shaped the city. Stunning architectural wonders are everywhere, with the St. Louis Cathedral serving as the centerpiece.
The French Quarter features the Moon Walk, a paved pathway along the Mississippi River, along with Bourbon Street, the undisputed center of nightlife, bars, and entertainment in the area.
13. The Red Rock Landscape of Sedona
Located two hours north of [previous location], Sedona, Arizona, is a small yet prominent tourist destination in the United States, celebrated for its stunning red rock scenery. Referred to as Red Rock Country, this area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Its numerous canyons, streams, and trails invite adventure, with Cathedral Rock Trail standing out as a beloved hiking spot among locals.
One of Sedona’s most captivating locations blends modernity with tradition, featuring the modern Chapel of the Holy Cross seamlessly integrated into the ancient red rock formations.
12. Walt Disney World, located in Orlando
Orlando, Florida, is renowned for its amusement parks, with Walt Disney World standing out as the most famous. Few visitors are aware that Walt Disney World comprises multiple separate theme parks, such as the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and the Blizzard Beach Water Park.
Guests can experience exhilarating rides, enjoy Broadway-caliber performances, and discover the vibrant nightlife, dining, retail, and entertainment options at Disney Springs.
11. Yosemite National Park
Nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park stands as a globally renowned marvel celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes. A visit to this iconic park offers glimpses of towering granite cliffs, crystal-clear waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees that have stood for centuries.
Yosemite Valley stands out as a premier destination within the park, featuring the towering Yosemite Falls and the iconic granite formation known as Half Dome.
10. The White House, located in Washington, D.C.
The White House, located in Washington DC, serves as both the official home and workplace for the President of the United States. Constructed from 1792 to 1800, it was first occupied by President John Adams.
Following the events of September 11, accessing the White House has grown more challenging. Currently, tours are restricted to groups of at least 10 people and require arrangements made up to six months ahead. These requests must be submitted via a congressional representative or the US Ambassador of your nation.
9. Denali National Park
Denali National Park and Preserve is situated in Interior Alaska and is home to Mount McKinley, North America’s tallest peak. The term “Denali,” derived from the Athabaskan language, translates to “the high one” and is used to describe Mount McKinley. Furthermore, the park safeguards a vast wilderness teeming with wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, moose, wolves, and many other species.
8. The Las Vegas Strip
Nestled in the heart of the southern Nevada desert, Las Vegas stands as the global capital of gambling. While casinos are scattered across the city, the highest concentration lies along the strip, a segment of Las Vegas Boulevard South.
The sprawling mega-casino hotels are meticulously designed with extravagant details, crafting an otherworldly ambiance. These establishments frequently adopt names and themes that conjure notions of adventure, intrigue, and exotic locales.
7. The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys form a 120-mile stretch of tropical islands that arc along the southern tip of Florida’s peninsula, linked to the mainland by a network of bridges.
The Seven Mile Bridge in the Lower Keys, renowned for its breathtaking views, has served as a filming site for movies such as True Lies and Fast 2 Furious. Stretching from Key Largo to Key West, the farthest and most iconic island, US Highway 1—known as the “Overseas Highway”—passes through Islamadora, Marathon, and the Lower Keys along its route.
6. Kilauea
Kilauea is the newest in a chain of volcanoes responsible for forming the Hawaiian Archipelago. This shield volcano has an exceptionally low and broad shape, contrasting sharply with the steep, towering profiles of stratovolcanoes.
Kilauea ranks among the most active volcanoes on the planet, serving as a critical asset for volcanologists. Since 1952, it has experienced 33 eruptions, excluding the ongoing event that began on January 3, 1983, and continues to this day.
5. The majestic cascade of Niagara Falls
Located between New York and Ontario, Niagara Falls stands as one of North America’s most breathtaking natural marvels. Comprising three distinct waterfalls—the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls—it captivates visitors with its stunning beauty.
Horseshoe Falls is situated on the Canadian side, whereas the others are found in New York. Drawing over 14 million visitors annually, it ranks among the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
4. San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspended structure that crosses the Golden Gate, the channel separating San Francisco from Marin County to its north.
The Golden Gate Bridge held the record for the longest suspension bridge span globally upon its completion in 1937 and has since grown into an iconic emblem of San Francisco and California. Its distinctive red-orange hue was intentionally selected to enhance visibility amid the dense fog that often envelops the structure.
3. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park became the planet’s inaugural national park in 1872, designated to safeguard its abundant geysers, hot springs, and additional thermal features, alongside conserving the region’s remarkable wildlife and untamed landscapes. Situated above a massive hotspot, Yellowstone is where buoyant, scorching mantle rock ascends close to the Earth’s surface.
The park is home to half of the planet’s documented geothermal phenomena, boasting over 10,000 instances of geysers and hot springs. Furthermore, its boundaries provide habitat for diverse wildlife, including black bears, grizzly bears, deer, elk, bison, and wolves.
2. New York, Manhattan
Manhattan, one of the five boroughs of New York, is the iconic image that comes to mind when imagining New York City. Its famous skyline and landmarks have been showcased countless times in films and media. Wander beneath towering skyscrapers, envision the Statue of Liberty, enjoy a Broadway performance, ascend the Empire State Building, meander through Central Park, browse the luxury stores on 5th Avenue, or explore the halls of a museum.
1. Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon lies in northern Arizona and stands as one of the most renowned tourist destinations in the United States. Shaped over millions of years by the Colorado River, it reaches a depth of more than 1.6 km (1 mile) and stretches 446 km (277 miles) in length.
The Grand Canyon may not hold the title for the deepest or longest canyon globally, yet its immense scale and complex, vibrant terrain provide visitors with breathtaking views unparalleled anywhere else on Earth.
