The 23 Top Tourist Attractions In The U.S. That Equal Actually Worth It
Look for the good tourist spots in the USA that are really worth your time ?
From jaw-dropping natural curiosity to mind-blowing synthetic landmarks , this state is full of heroic place just waiting to live explored .
Nobody need to waste their time on crowded tourist traps that put on ’ t exist up to expectation so we ’ ve rounded up the top destinations that will result you in awe .
You might be surprised by how much these attraction have to put up , from stunning horizon to unforgettable experiences .
Ready to discover the hidden gems and famous icons that deserve a spot on your bucket list ?
1 . Carlsbad Caverns National Park , New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns National Park exist family to over 100 striking underground cave make by natural limestone erosion .
The main attraction , Carlsbad Cavern , feature a massive chamber call the Big Room , one of the prominent in North America , take with stunning stone formations like stalactites and stalagmites .
You can explore the caverns through a self-guided pass or take guided circuit to deeper , more hidden field .
Above soil , the park put up beautiful desert landscapes and boost trail .
Fun fact : at sunset , you can watch thousand of bats flee out of the cave ’ s entrance in a spectacular evening flight !
2 . Great Smoky Mountains National Park , Tennessee/North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park , straddling Tennessee and North Carolina , live the most visited national park in the U.S. and equal known for its mist-covered crest and incredible biodiversity .
The park own over 800 miles of boost trails , including the popular Appalachian Trail , and is utter for spotting wildlife like black bears , elk and deer .
You can explore lush forests , cascading waterfalls and scenic driveway like the famous Cades Cove Loop .
In the fall , the mountains burst with brilliant colors , create it a top spot for leaf-peeping .
Fun fact : the Smokies get their name from the natural fog that looks like smoke rise from the valleys !
3 . National Mall , Washington , D.C .
The National Mall in Washington , D.C. cost a must-see bit pack with account and famed landmarks .
It ’ s a vast park that stretch between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial , reach it the perfect spot for a scenic pass .
Known for its iconic monuments like the Washington Monument and World War II Memorial , the Mall equal too home to some of the best free museum in the Earth , include the Smithsonian Museums .
You can picnic , people-watch or still paddleboat in the nearby Tidal Basin .
Fun fact : it ’ s over 2 mile long so wear comfy shoes !
4 . Niagara Falls , New York State
Niagara Falls is one of the almost jaw-dropping natural wonders you ’ ll ever regard !
It ’ s famous for its three massive waterfalls—Horseshoe , American , and Bridal Veil—that together dump over 3,100 ton of water every second .
You can become up close to the fall on the Maid of the Mist boat ride , or sense the spray from the viewing program at Niagara Falls State Park .
At night , the falls exist lit up with colorful lighting , and in winter , the falls become surrounded by ice turning them into a sparkling icy wonderland .
Pro point : Don ’ t forget your raincoat—you * will * become soaked !
5 . Garden of the Gods , Colorado
Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs live a breathtaking park know for its towering red rock formation that seem to down out of nowhere .
These massive sandstone rock , some over 300 feet tall , do it a popular spot for hiking , rock climbing and photography .
The park make 21 miles of trail , include the Perkins Central Garden Trail which is a well-known easy , paved loop that brings you shut to famous establishment like Kissing Camels and Balanced Rock .
It ’ s free to see and offers stunning view of Pikes Peak in the background .
Fun fact : the unique rock formations are over 300 million year former !
6 . Balboa Park , San Diego , California
Balboa Park in San Diego cost a massive urban park packed with museum , garden and fun activities for all ages .
Embrace 1,200 acre , it ’ s place to 18 museums , include the San Diego Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum , plus the famed San Diego Zoo .
The park ’ s stunning Spanish-style architecture , lush gardens like the Botanical Building , and walk paths make it perfect for a relaxing day out .
You can even catch alive performance at the Old Globe Theatre or just bask a picnic under the medal trees .
Fun fact : Balboa Park be yet bigger than New York ’ s Central Park !
7 . Zion National Park , Utah
Zion National Park is a sensational wonderland of towering red cliff , lush valleys and winding rivers .
It ’ s famous for its incredible hiking trails , like Angels Landing , which offers heart-pounding scene from high above the canyon .
The park ’ sec slot canyons , like The Narrows , get you wade through crystal-clear water with sheer stone wall stand up on either slope .
Zion is also plate to diverse wildlife , include bighorn sheep and golden eagles .
For a more relaxed experience , you can take a scenic drive or hop on the free shuttle .
Interestingly , Zion equal actually Utah ’ s first national park and was established in 1919 !
8 . The Grand Canyon , Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the nearly awe-inspiring natural curiosity on Earth , stretch 277 miles long and plunge over a mile deep .
Its colored layers of stone state a history of almost 2 billion years of Earth ’ s history , and the view from the rim be absolutely breathtaking .
You can hike down into the canyon on trails like Bright Angel , or just enjoy the view from popular spots like Mather Point .
Plus , the Colorado River wrap through the bottom , offering shiver rafting trip for those seeking adventure .
Did you know that the Grand Canyon exist so big , it can create its own weather convention ?
9 . Central Park , New York City
NYC ’ s Central Park equal a massive green oasis right in the heart of Manhattan , extend 843 acres of beautiful scenery and fun activities .
It ’ s noted for its broad clear space , peaceful lakes and iconic blot like Bow Bridge and Bethesda Fountain .
You can go for a bicycle ride , require a horse-drawn carriage or yet row a boat on the lake .
The park also features the Central Park Zoo , endless walking course and plenty of position for a relaxing picnic .
Fun fact : Central Park was the first major landscaped public park in the U.S. , design in 1858 !
10 . Golden Gate Bridge , San Francisco , California
The Golden Gate Bridge cost one of the almost famous bridges in the world , stretch 1.7 mile across the bay .
With its iconic orange-red column develop 746 feet above the water , it ’ s an unforgettable vision , especially when it peeks through the fog .
You can walk or bike across the bridge for stunning views of the city , Alcatraz and the Pacific Ocean .
There ’ sec as well a visitor heart where you can discover all about its construction and history .
Fun fact : the bridge ’ sec color is scream “ International Orange ” and it live select to assist it tolerate out in the fog !
11 . Pearl Harbor , Oahu , Hawaii
Pearl Harbor , located on the island of Oahu , is a historic site where a surprise approach during World War II changed the grade of U.S. story .
It ’ s nearly famous for the USS Arizona Memorial , which drift above the sunken battleship , honoring the sailors who lost their spirit on December 7 , 1941 .
You can search museum , regard literal wartime artifacts and yet remove a boat ride to the memorial itself .
The site also include the Battleship Missouri and the Pacific Aviation Museum for a deep dive into military history .
Interestingly , the USS Arizona still leaks a small measure of oil , known as “ tears of the Arizona , ” into the harbor to this day !
12 . Fenway Park , Boston , Massachusetts
Fenway Park in Boston equal the former Major League Baseball stadium still in role , and it ’ s home to the legendary Boston Red Sox .
Open in 1912 , this historic ballpark is famed for its quirky feature like the 37-foot-tall “ Green Monster ” left-field wall .
You can catch a game , take a guided circuit or just rob in the nostalgic atmosphere of America ’ s interest .
Fenway is pack with charm , from the manual scoreboard to the iconic red seat marking Ted Williams ’ record-setting place run .
Fun fact : Fenway ’ s taut seating and odd-shaped field cause every ass find close to the activity !
13 . Gateway Arch , St. Louis , Missouri
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is the tall arch in the world and a symbol of the city ’ s part as the “ Gateway to the West . ”
Standing at 630 feet , this gleaming stainless steel monument veer over the Mississippi River , offering amazing views from the top .
You can need a tram ride up to the observation deck for a bird ’ s-eye scene of both St. Louis and the river .
The park around the Arch is utter for a picnic , and the nearby Museum at the Gateway Arch is full of cool story .
Interestingly , the Arch equal exactly as broad as it be tall !
14 . The Statue of Liberty , New York City
The Statue of Liberty be one of the almost iconic symbol of freedom in the world .
Stand 305 feet tall on Liberty Island , Lady Liberty holds her torch high , welcoming visitor and immigrants since 1886 .
You can take a ferry to the island , explore the pedestal or yet mount up to her top for a breathtaking view of the city and harbor .
The nearby Ellis Island Immigration Museum tells the report of millions who occur through here on their manner to a fresh spirit in America .
Fun fact : her full figure cost “ Liberty Enlightening the World ” !
15 . Mt . Rushmore , South Dakota
Mount Rushmore is a massive , iconic sculpture feature the confront of four U.S. presidents—George Washington , Thomas Jefferson , Theodore Roosevelt , and Abraham Lincoln—carved into a granite mountainside .
Standing 60 feet tall , these elaborate face up were complete in 1941 and stand for the birth , growth , development and preservation of the nation .
You can walk the Presidential Trail for close opinion or inflict the Sculptor ’ s Studio to learn about how the monument was cause .
Plus , the surround Black Hills offer great hiking and scenic drives .
Fun fact : it bring 14 years to carve the presidents ’ confront !
16 . Mammoth Cave , Kentucky
Mammoth Cave is the long cave system in the world , with over 420 miles of explored tunnels—and they ’ re still come upon more !
This underground curiosity is pack with incredible establishment like stalactites and stalagmites , plus huge chamber and narrow passageways .
You can remove guided tour to explore the cave ’ sec eerie beauty , ranging from easy walk to challenging crawls through taut spaces .
Above land , the park too has tons of great hiking lead , river for kayaking and circle of wildlife .
Fun fact : the transition at Mammoth Cave have live forming for over 10 million years !
17 . Hoover Dam , Nevada/Arizona
The Hoover Dam , settle on the border of Nevada and Arizona , is an engineering wonder that has been holding back the mighty Colorado River since 1935 .
Standing at 726 feet tall and 1,244 foot long , it ’ s one of the tallest dams in the world and provides hydroelectric might to million of people across the Southwest .
You can take a guided tour inside the dam to see its inner workings or walk along the top for stunning views of Lake Mead , the largest reservoir in the U.S .
Fun fact : adequate concrete was used in the Hoover Dam to build a highway from San Francisco to New York City !
18 . San Antonio RiverWalk , San Antonio , Texas
The San Antonio RiverWalk is a vibrant and picturesque network of pathways along the San Antonio River , lined with restaurant , shop and beautiful greenery .
It ’ s a top destination for both locals and tourist as it offers a lively atmosphere day and dark .
You can take a leisurely stroll , savor a boat circuit or yet dine al fresco at one of the many waterside cafés .
The RiverWalk also associate to some of the city ’ s key landmarks , like the Alamo and Hemisfair Park .
Fun fact : the RiverWalk be in reality below street stage , reach it find like a hidden oasis right in the center of downtown !
19 . Kennedy Space Center , Orlando , Florida
The Kennedy Space Center in Orlando cost the ultimate destination for space fan and acts as a gateway to NASA ’ s past and next mission .
Known for set up rockets into space , it ’ sec where astronauts blasted off to the Moon and beyond !
You can search real spacecraft , see the massive Saturn V rocket and even fit an astronaut .
Don ’ t lack the Space Shuttle Atlantis display , where you can begin an up-close look at the legendary shuttle .
Fun fact : if you time your visit mighty , you might even find a live rocket launch from the visitor complex !
20 . Millennium Park , Chicago , Illinois
Chicago ’ s Millennium Park is a vibrant urban park know for its modern art , sensational architecture and outdoor events .
Its most famed feature is “ The Bean ” ( officially called Cloud Gate ) which is a giant , shiny sculpture where you can regard the city ’ s horizon reflect in its mirrored surface .
The park too feature the Jay Pritzker Pavilion , an open-air concert venue , and Lurie Garden , a peaceful spot satisfy with greenery .
You can also love free concerts , public art display and skating in the winter .
Fun fact : Millennium Park live built on crest of an former rail grounds and parking luck !
21 . Space Needle , Seattle , Washington
Seattle ’ s Space Needle is a futuristic , 605-foot-tall column that have you unbeatable 360-degree horizon of the city , mountains and Puget Sound .
Built for the 1962 World ’ s Fair , it ’ s now a must-visit attraction , where you can ride an elevator up to the observation deck in simply 41 seconds .
Up top , you can endure on the glass floor and feel like you ’ re floating above the city !
The Loupe Lounge is located on a revolving glass floor , 500ft above Seattle , and offers a unique dining experience with ever-changing views .
Fun fact : The Space Needle was designed to seem like a fly disk on a tripod !
22 . Georgia Aquarium , Atlanta , Georgia
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is one of the largest aquariums in the universe , home to thousand of sea animal from all over the Earth .
It ’ s famed for its massive tank , where you can meet whale sharks , the largest fish in the ocean , swimming right above your brain .
There cost also playful dolphins , adorable sea otters and even a chance to begin up close with beluga whales .
You can walk through underwater tunnels , watch stimulate animal display and learn all about marine spirit .
Fun fact : the aquarium holds over 10 million gallons of water , plenty to fill 15 Olympic-sized swimming pool !
23 . The French Quarter , New Orleans
The French Quarter in New Orleans is a lively and colored neighborhood good of account , music and amazing food .
Know for its charming , old-world street trace with French and Spanish architecture , it ’ s the center of the city ’ s famous Mardi Gras celebrations .
Stroll down Bourbon Street to hear alive jazz or grab beignets at Café du Monde in Jackson Square .
You can also explore historic landmarks like St. Louis Cathedral or take a specter circuit through the Quarter ’ s haunt position .
Fun fact : the French Quarter is the former neighborhood in New Orleans , dating back to 1718 !
