50 Top Destinations to Visit When Traveling to the USA

Every country has a highlight tourist destination, but in America it’s hard to choose just one. The USA consists of 50 states, with coasts along both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The landscape can change many times on a road trip across the country and the locals will change just as much. With so much to explore, no list of top destinations in the USA can ever be complete—but I made one anyway.

Below I list 50 top destinations in the USA, divided into five categories:

• Most Iconic American Landmarks

• Most American National Parks

• Best American Attractions

• Best American Cultural Hotspots and

• Best American Road Trips

Many of these spots are highly popular among Americans and people throughout the world, while others simply tell an important story of America’s heritage. Without further ado, here are 50 places every American should visit before they die—and locations that travelers from international countries should discover!

10 Most Iconic American Landmarks

Each state within the USA has its own personality and tourist destinations. The country is a melting pot of cultures and experiences, but 10 landmarks stand out above the rest for their ability to inspire, represent the diversity of Americans, and reflect deep historical significance.

Washington, DC National Mall

Let’s start with the obvious American location: Washington, DC’s National Mall. This 2-mile stretch of land contains some of the most iconic monuments in the USA, including the Capitol Building, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial. Smithsonian museums also line the sidewalks, from the National Museum of Natural History to the National Air and Space Museum, which both represent America’s role in scientific discovery. Plan a visit to DC for a true taste of the American Spirit.

Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore, located in South Dakota’s Black Hills region, celebrates four United States presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. Each year, millions of visitors come to the mountain carved into the shape of the presidents’ faces. It’s the ultimate American pilgrimage to pay homage to leaders who shaped the country. Learn more about visiting Mount Rushmore here.

Statue of Liberty

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The Statue of Liberty, located on Liberty Island near New York City, is as iconic to America as the Eiffel Tower is to France. Lady Liberty is portrayed in thousands of pop cultural movies and shows. She represents freedom and welcomes immigrants and visitors to the USA. Whether taking a ferry to the island to visit her crown or just to admire her base, an experience with Lady Liberty is a truly American experience. Mini Statue of Liberty souvenirs are found all over New York City.

Golden Gate Bridge

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San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is actually red, standing out magnificently against the blue ocean and sky. The bridge spans over the San Francisco Bay, linking Downtown San Francisco to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It is the most visited national recreation area in the USA. Crossing the bridge is an exciting American experience, whether driving, walking, or biking. For more info on the Golden Gate Bridge, go here.

Space Needle

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Seattle, Washington is home to many attractions, but the most iconic part of its cityscape is easily the Space Needle. This tower, similar in structure to Auckland, New Zealand’s Sky Tower, points straight up to the sky with an observation deck at the top that provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the city of Seattle. At the top, visitors can dine, explore the rotating room with glass floors, or simply take pictures. Plan your Space Needle trip here.

Cloud Gate

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Cloud Gate, known colloquially as The Bean, is an iconic art piece located in the third most populated city in America: Chicago. This giant sculpture is reflective from every angle, making it a popular place to take creative photos or to enjoy the cityscape from a different point of view. Located in the heart of Chicago, this structure has become an American icon. Visitors to Chicago can find The Bean in Millenium Park near Lake Michigan.

Liberty Bell

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American history is short in comparison to other countries, such as Italy and the Middle East, but it is rich, nonetheless. One of the first historical landmarks of the country is Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which represents freedom. Its inscription, “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof,” has become an important message for many groups seeking freedom in the United States, from slaves to women without voting rights to Civil Rights groups in the 1960s. Learn more about Liberty Bell here.

Hollywood Sign

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Many international citizens may see American culture only as it’s portrayed in Hollywood movies, and visiting Hollywood is as American as modern society gets. The Hollywood Sign, overlooking the sprawling city of Los Angeles, California, represents freedom—freedom of speech and freedom to view and create whatever we want! Visitors to Hollywood can hike to the sign or enjoy its presence from many locations in LA, including the Walk of Fame that reveres hundreds of American creators with stars in the sidewalks.

Gateway Arch

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St. Louis, Missouri is the heart of America and Gateway Arch is the heart of the city, linking the Eastern USA to the Western USA. This manmade archway is located in the first urban park that was designated a national park. Beyond the beauty of the arch, there is a lot of American history that can be learned when visiting the park. Plan your visit to Gateway Arch and be sure to take the tram to the top of the arch for views of the city and the Mississippi River.

Faneuil Hall

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Boston, Massachusetts holds a lot of history that has shaped America, including Boston Harbor, location of the Boston Massacre. Faneuil Hall has always been an important part of the city, starting as a trading place for merchants, fishermen, and farmers and has become a modern marketplace with shops, restaurants, and street performers. It holds significance as being a gathering place where American ideas are spread.

10 Most American National Parks

The USA is an extremely diverse country—not just in its population, but also in its landscape. There are mountains and deserts, coastlines and forests, plains and swamps! Much of this biodiversity is preserved in national parks—here are 10 that are unlike anywhere else in the world.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, in northwest Wyoming, was America’s first national park, leading the way in preserving national natural treasures. Yellowstone is famous for its geysers, wildlife, and vast landscapes of scenery. Old Faithful is the most dependable geyser, shooting water into the air several times a day. Other noteworthy experiences in Yellowstone include Grand Prismatic Spring, bison in Hayden Valley, and Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Grand Canyon National Park

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Despite its remote location, Grand Canyon National Park is the second most visited national park in the USA and is one of the top destinations in the country. This ginormous canyon stretches on for miles, offering breathtaking views at every overlook. The park itself is surprisingly green, but the canyon is a rusty reddish-brown, in perfect contrast to the wide open blue sky above it. Photographers love visiting Grand Canyon during the sunset and starry nights.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is Utah’s most visited national park and the fourth most visited national park in the USA. Located two and a half hours from Las Vegas and roughly five hours from Salt Lake City, this red rock heaven knows how to accommodate large crowds. There are many challenging, yet rewarding, hikes throughout the park, from The Narrows to Angel’s Landing. However, stunning views of red cliffs can astound visitors from the main road!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the number one most visited national park in the USA—and for good reason. It’s location in the southern part of the Appalachian Mountains makes it within driving distance to millions of Americans. The scenery of blue ridges that go on for miles, even from the main road, can’t be beat. Fall and summer are the most colorful and popular times to hike and camp in the park.

Rocky Mountain National Park

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Some places are iconic simply because of their name—like Rocky Mountain National Park, America’s third most visited national park. The Rockies extend beyond both the Canadian and Mexican borders, cutting through America in striking beauty. Rocky Mountain National Park, in Colorado, celebrates and educates the public about the mountains’ biodiversity at an elevation of over 12,000 feet.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Valley is the kind of place that takes your breath away the moment you see it. This park, located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, is a favorite park to many Americans. Yosemite is the first of nine California national parks and definitely the most visited, coming in at fifth most visited national park in the USA. Iconic sights to see in Yosemite National Park include El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Valley views from Glacier Point.

Arches National Park

Another famous Utah national park, Arches National Park boasts dozens of natural red stone arches. The state of Utah honors the most famous of its arches, Delicate Arch, on its license plate. Many of the arches throughout the park are held in high accord—the longest spanning natural arch in the world, Landscape Arch, is one example. There are many hiking trails in Arches, which wind through the rusty desert to otherworldly views.

Everglades National Park

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Everglades National Park offers a different natural setting than almost any other national park in the USA—instead of mountaintops, deserts, or dry forests, Everglades is a swamp! Located at the southern tip of Florida, this crocodile-infested park welcomes visitors seeking an adventure through the green waters. There are several tours offered by park rangers, both by boat and by tram.

Denali National Park

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Denali National Park, located in southern Alaska, is the third largest national park in the USA (after two other Alaskan national parks). It offers millions of acres of outdoor exploration and embodies the nickname of the state: the last frontier. Much of the park is remote and has hardly been explored, but it remains an important piece of America for containing the highest mountain range in North America, Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

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Hawaii is a sought after beach vacation in the USA, but it offers natural beauty beyond the water, too. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is an incredible park containing two of the world’s most active volcanoes. It’s an exciting place to visit and see steaming volcanoes and blackened soil in person. Visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes are advised to follow all safety guidelines and observe the volcanoes from safe distances on marked trails.

10 Best American Attractions

Anyone traveling to the USA can expect to have an exciting time—there are hundreds of attractions worth visiting time and time again. Lively cities, theme parks, and natural landmarks showcase America’s fun side. Here are 10 of the best attractions in the USA to visit.

Las Vegas Strip

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American tours often include a visit to Las Vegas, Nevada. Travel to the USA just wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the neon lights and nightlife on The Strip. The sign at the beginning of The Strip, which reads “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas”, is just one of the iconic places to visit in the city. Other highlights include the Fountains of Bellagio, Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef Aquarium, Circus Circus entertainment, and Cirque du Soleil shows.

Niagara Falls

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Visiting Niagara Falls in upstate New York is one of the best vacations in the USA—and it’s the first state park in the country. The roaring waterfalls spew out over 3,000 tons of water per second, making an incredible sight to behold. Niagara Falls State Park is a great place to enjoy nature, from the waterfalls to Goat Island to America’s national bird, the American Bald Eagle.

Disney Parks

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One of the best family vacations in the USA is taking a trip to a Disney park. America is home to the original Disney park, Disneyland, in Anaheim, California, and Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Both parks offer hundreds of immersive experiences, from meeting Disney characters to riding rides centered around popular Disney stories. Within each park are American all-inclusive resorts that will make any guest feel like Disney royalty!

Times Square

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One of the top destinations in the USA—and in the world—is New York City’s Times Square. Tourists to the USA will want to spend a day exploring all this part of town has to offer and take in the “spectaculars” (screens) that fill every wall. Iconic experiences in Midtown, Manhattan include seeing a Broadway show and visiting the Empire State Building. Central Park, just a few blocks north of Times Square, is another noteworthy vacation destination in the USA.

Waikiki Beach

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Even domestic travel in the USA can feel exotic—just visit Hawaii! The most popular place to visit in the Hawaiian Islands is the capital city, Honolulu. Skyscrapers line the ocean shore in this bustling city, with Waikiki Beach being the most famous beach in the area. Many American all-inclusive resorts are found along the beach and it is often acclaimed as the best couples vacation spot in the USA.

San Diego Zoo

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Another of the best family vacations in the USA, San Diego Zoo is not just a zoo. It’s one of the highest rated and most visited zoos in the world with dozens of family attractions. Families can enjoy an aerial tram, animal shows and encounters, and botanical gardens. There are hundreds of animals in the park from all over the world, including anacondas, dung beetles, hippos, polar bears, and leopards.

Fenway Park

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Nicknamed America’s favorite pastime, baseball is one of the most important sports in the United States, making Fenway Park a truly American destination. This ballpark in Boston, Massachusetts is home of the Red Sox, one of the oldest baseball teams in the MLB. Fenway Park was constructed in the early 1900s and has been at the forefront of family and Bostonian traditions for generations.

Pike Place

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Pike Place is a major tourist destination in historic Seattle, Washington. It is a gathering place for foodies and the celebrated birthplace of the popular coffee shop, Starbucks. At Pike Place, visitors can find dozens of restaurants selling specialty foods and a local farmer’s market. An America vacation to the Pacific Northwest would not be complete without a visit to Pike Place!

Carlsbad Caverns

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Outdoor attractions make up some of the best things to see when traveling in the USA—including Carlsbad Caverns in southern New Mexico. As one of the largest cave systems in America, Carlsbad Caverns welcomes people from all over the world each year. Visitors to Carlsbad Caverns can explore the caverns on their own or as part of a guided tour.

Football Hall of Fame

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If you want to travel to the USA for sports, a stop at the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio is a must. Football may not be as old as baseball, but it has become one of the most beloved sports in the country. At the Football Hall of Fame, fans can admire busts of football Hall of Famers, explore the Super Bowl gallery, and learn about the history of the NFL.

10 American Culture Hotspots

American culture may have its roots in the original thirteen colonies of the country, but it mixes with dozens of other influences to shape history. Here are 10 spots that have contributed to making America the diverse country that it is today.

Salem

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Salem, Massachusetts is an infamous place in the USA, most well-known for the witch trials that occurred there in the late 1600s. The dark history of the witch trials, where innocent women were accused of witchery and hung to their death, has turned Salem into a popular Halloween destination. Travel to the USA for the history…stay for the holiday celebrations.

Amish Country

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An unconventional, yet rewarding vacation destination in the USA is Amish Country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Amish are a religious Christian group, who practice a “plain” lifestyle—they dress modestly, avoid using modern technologies, and mostly live on farms. Visiting Amish Country is a great way to slow down and experience history, from riding in a horse and buggy to staying in a quaint farmhouse.

The Alamo

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One of the most America vacation spots in Texas is The Alamo in San Antonio, where Texans fought for their independence from Spain. “Remember The Alamo” is a popular phrase in the United States, representing the victory of Texas over Mexican troops who tried to keep The Alamo as a military base. Nowadays, visitors can tour The Alamo and learn about the Texas Revolution when traveling in the USA.

French Quarter

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Life in the Big Easy—New Orleans, Louisiana—centers around the French Quarter. This area is one of the oldest and most diverse parts of country, making it an excellent vacation destination in the USA. The unique culture is rich in the French Quarter, mixing Creole, Cajun, French, African-American, and other heritages together. Creole dishes, such as gumbo, are as ubiquitous as jazz musicians, voodoo relics, and Mardi Gras beads.

Temple Square

In the center of Downtown Salt Lake City sits the massive Salt Lake Temple, built by the religious group, Latter-Day Saints, in the 1800s. Temple Square is visited by millions of people each year and is a great place to learn about Mormon heritage, which has greatly influenced settlement throughout the Western USA. Salt Lake City is also a major base for exciting winter vacations in the USA with nearly a dozen world-class ski resorts nearby.

Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is one of the most important—and one of the longest—trails in the USA. The trail spans from northern Georgia to Maine along the Appalachian Mountain range. Parts of the trail were originally created to provide easy access to the mountains for Americans living on the east coast, and were later connected to make one long trail. There are many scenic spots to find along the Appalachian Trail, without having to hike the entire path!

Louisville

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Louisville, Kentucky is one of the classic American destinations, home to the sport of horse racing. However, the Kentucky Derby is more than just a highly competitive horse race—it’s a way of life for Southerners. The gorgeous rolling hills of the region are covered with horse stables and fields, epitomizing the slow country life in Kentucky. Famous food items have come out of Louisville, like Derby Pie and bourbon.

Tennessee

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There are two American destinations in Tennessee that are top vacation spots in the USA: Memphis and Nashville. Both are widely known for music and food. In Nashville, tourists to the USA can visit Grand Ole Opry, home of country music, and fill up on famous hot chicken. Memphis, known as the home of the Blues, Soul, and Rock n’ Roll music, holds Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland, famous BBQ, and Beale Street.

Motown

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The Motown Museum in Detroit, Michigan pays homage to a music revolution that started in the late 1950s and continued into the Civil Rights era. Some of the most celebrated artists to make records there include Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Lionel Richie. Today, visitors to the Motown Museum can stand in the recording studio of these famous artists and learn about the history of music.

Cape Canaveral

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Modern day US history is centered around technology and exploration—two things that were revolutionized in Cape Canaveral, Florida during the first US launch to Space. The Kennedy Space Center is the launchpad of the US, and its museum includes an astronaut hall of fame and a “rocket garden”. Explore the stars and the sands while there: Cape Canaveral is a cheap beach vacation in the USA!

10 Best American Road Trips

Travel within the USA is too vast to be able to see everything in one trip. However, travelers can fit many locations into one trip when traveling by car or RV. Here are 10 of the best road trips to take in the USA, each covering a different region of the country.

California Big Trees

California is a land of giant trees, from sequoias to redwoods, and is one of the best states to visit in the USA. A California road trip for giant trees will take you to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in Southern California, Yosemite National Park’s Mariposa Grove and Big Trees State Park in central California, and Redwoods National and State Parks in Northern California. Each offer something different and will blow you away with the magnificence of their giant trees.

American South

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The American South has a storied past that has nearly divided the nation on several occasions. Plantations from Alabama to Georgia, Fort Sumter—the location of the first battle of the Civil War—and Martin Luther King Jr.’s home in Atlanta offer glimpses into the racial injustice that has been prevalent there. However, a road trip across the Southern states can enlightening as well as romantic—cities such as Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia make it one of the best couples vacations in the USA.

Florida Beaches

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Almost anywhere in Florida can be included on a list of the best beach vacations in the USA. The state has hundreds of American all-inclusive resorts, as well as many cheap beach vacations. The southern tip of Florida, from Miami to Key West, is one of the most popular places to road trip, relax on the beach, and party. Orlando, Florida, three hours north of Miami, is also home to Walt Disney World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Route 66

Traveling along Route 66 is the most famous road trip across America. The route holds many top destinations in the USA, from the Santa Monica Pier to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. However, the real appeal of the drive is to see small town America and experience life slowed down. There are dozens of roadside attractions along Route 66—a blue whale in Oklahoma, Cadillacs buried in the ground in Amarillo, Texas, and the Gemini Giant in Illinois, just to name a few.

Highway 1

Highway 1 travels from Southern California to upstate Washington. It is an incredibly scenic road that leads to some of the best beach vacation spots in the entire USA. One don’t-miss spot is the stretch from Los Angeles to San Francisco, passing through scenic towns and breathtaking ocean view overlooks. Popular stops to make along the way include Ventura, Santa Barbara, Solvang, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterrey, and Santa Cruz.

Oregon

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The Oregon Coast is an extension of Highway 1, with gorgeous beaches that should be part of any Oregon road trip. The state is also home to amazing mountain and lake destinations, from Crater Lake National Park to the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood. One of the coolest cities to explore in the USA calls Oregon home—Portland. There you’ll find a buzzing art scene, local craft breweries in abundance, and more stunning nature.

Continental Divide

The Continental Divide is a path in the Rocky Mountains that splits the water flow of the country—all rivers east of the divide flow into the Atlantic Ocean, whereas all rivers west of the divide flow into the Pacific Ocean. Traveling from north to south, hitting hot spots along the divide, makes for an unforgettable road trip across America. Places you won’t want to miss include Glacier National Park in Montana, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, and Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado.

Great Lakes

The best beach vacations in the USA don’t have to be in the ocean—the Great Lakes have hundreds of beaches that are great for sunbathing, splashing in the water, and building sandcastles. The Great Lakes are so vast, they contain over 20% of the earth’s freshwater, which makes them a great place to take an American road trip! There are many popular islands within the lakes, from Mackinac Island in Lake Huron to Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior to Put-In-Bay in Lake Erie.

New England

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Seeking fall foliage in New England makes for the perfect fall road trip in the USA. This region of the USA is filled with forests that turn brilliant shades of orange, yellow, and red each autumn. The area is also home to great downhill skiing, such as Stowe, Vermont, nicknamed the ski capital of the east. Acadia National Park in southern Maine is another incredible place in this region any time of year—in fact, it holds the seventh spot on the most visited national parks in the USA list for a reason: unreal natural beauty.

Southwest Corner

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The American Southwest is a wild place on many tourists’ USA travel bucket lists. New Mexico, Arizona, and Southern Utah hold some of the most incredible outdoor sights imaginable, including the ones named above. Further locations for an unforgettable USA tour include White Sands National Park, Saguaro National Park, Sedona, Santa Fe, Antelope Canyon, and the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival.

What are you waiting for? Hop in your car or get on a plane and head to the next place on your American travel bucket list!

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