1. Central Park, New York City, New York
Best time to visit: Jan-Dec
- Central Park is an urban park on Manhattan in New York City, and the first landscaped park in the United States
- It is the most visited urban park in the United States
- It is also one of the most filmed locations in the world
- The park's main attractions include the Ramble and Lake, Hallett Nature Sanctuary, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and Sheep Meadow; amusement attractions such as Wollman Rink, Central Park Carousel, and the Central Park Zoo; as well as, formal spaces such as the Central Park Mall and Bethesda Terrace; and the Delacorte Theater
Featured in The Best of New York
2. Denali, Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
- Denali is the highest mountain peak in North America, with a summit elevation of 20,310 feet (6,190 m) above sea level
- It is the tallest mountain in the world from base-to-peak on land
- Denali is the third most prominent and third-most isolated peak on Earth, after Mount Everest and Aconcagua
Featured in The Best of Alaska
3. Empire State Building, New York City, New York
Best time to visit: Jan-Dec
- The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in Manhattan in New York City, built from 1930 to 1931
- Its name is derived from "Empire State", the nickname of the state of New York
- The building stands a total of 1,454 feet (443.2 m) tall, including its antenna
- The Empire State Building was the world's tallest building until the first tower of the World Trade Center was topped out in 1970; following the September 11 attacks in 2001, the Empire State Building was New York City's tallest building until it was surpassed in 2012 by One World Trade Center
Featured in The Best of New York
#3 in Best Attractions in the World
#12 in Best Landmarks in the USA
4. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
Best time to visit: Sept-Nov
- The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the one-mile-wide (1.6 km) strait connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean
- It also carries pedestrian and bicycle traffic
- At the time of its opening in 1937, it was both the longest and the tallest suspension bridge in the world, titles it held until 1964 and 1998 respectively
- Recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of the Wonders of the Modern World, the bridge is one of the most internationally recognized symbols of San Francisco and California
Featured in The Best of California
#36 in Best Attractions in the World
5. Grand Canyon South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov
- Grand Canyon South Rim is the highway enters the park through the South Entrance, near Tusayan, Arizona, and heads eastward, leaving the park through the East Entrance
- It averages about 7,000 feet (approximately 2,134 meters) above sea level, providing stunning viewpoints
- The South Rim features Grand Canyon Village, which has campgrounds, lodges, restaurants, and visitor centers, and a shuttle system to help visitors navigate the area
- Overall, some 30 miles of the South Rim are accessible by road
Featured in The Best of Arizona
#17 in Best Landmarks in the World
6. ʻIolani Palace, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Best time to visit: mid-April-early June-Sept-mid-Dec
- The ʻIolani Palace was the royal residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi beginning with Kamehameha III under the Kamehameha Dynasty (1845) and ending with Queen Liliʻuokalani (1893) under the Kalākaua Dynasty
- It is located in Honolulu, on the island of O'ahu
- After the monarchy was overthrown in 1893, the building was used as the capitol building for the Provisional Government, Republic, Territory, and State of Hawaiʻi until 1969
- ʻIolani Palace is the only royal palace on US soil
7. National Mall, Washington D.C.
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov
- The National Mall is a prominent landscaped park that remains an iconic area serving as a central gathering space for national events
- It is home to numerous monuments and memorials that reflect the history and values of the United States
- The landmarks there symbolize the nation's democratic values, as well as serving as a venue for public gatherings, protests, and celebrations
- The National Mall has been a site for many historic events, including presidential inaugurations and civil rights demonstrations
Featured in The Best of Washington D.C.
#1 in Best Museums in the World
#13 in Best Landmarks in the USA
8. Pikes Peak, Colorado
- Pikes Peak is classified as a "fourteener," which refers to peaks that exceed 14,000 feet in elevation
- Historically, Pikes Peak was home to the Ute Indians and even earlier to the Clovis Culture
- The mountain is also famous for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, an annual automobile race that challenges participants to ascend the mountain
Featured in The Best of Colorado
9. Balboa Park, San Diego, California
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov
- Balboa Park is a historic urban cultural park in San Diego,
- Placed in reserve in 1835, the park's site is one of the oldest in the United States dedicated to public recreational use
- The park hosts various museums, theaters, restaurants, and the San Diego Zoo
Featured in The Best of California
10. DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum, Fenwick Island, Delaware
- The DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum is located in Fenwick Island, and was established to recover and preserve maritime heritage
- It opened in 1995, and features one of the most extensive collections of shipwreck artifacts on the Delmarva Peninsula
- The museum houses over 5,000 artifacts recovered from various shipwrecks, primarily off the Atlantic coast
- Artifacts featured include items like gold and silver bars, jewels, everyday crockery, and tools
- The DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum not only showcases local maritime history but also includes treasures from famous shipwrecks like the Guadalupe and the Conde de Tolosa, both Spanish galleons
Featured in The Best of Delaware
11. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo, Florida
Best time to visit: Jan-March, Dec
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a Florida State Park located on Key Largo in Florida
- It was the first underwater park in the United States
- The primary attractions of the park are the coral reefs and their associated marine life
- The reefs may be viewed from glass-bottom boats, snorkeling, and scuba diving above the coral formations
- Other activities available in the park are canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, swimming and wildlife viewing
- One of the most famous sites in the Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the Christ of the Abyss, an 8 1⁄2-foot-tall (2.6 m) statue of Jesus Christ weighing 4,000 pounds (1,800 kg), that stands in nearly 25 feet (7.6 m) of water
Featured in The Best of Florida
12. Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Best time to visit: March-May
- The Walt Disney World Resort is an entertainment resort complex located about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Orlando
- Opened in 1971, the property covers nearly 25,000 acres (39 sq mi; 101 km2), of which half has been developed
- Walt Disney World contains numerous recreational facilities designed to attract visitors, including four theme parks, two water parks, four golf courses, conference centers, a competitive sports complex and a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex - Additionally, there are 19 Disney-owned resort hotels and one camping resort on the property
Featured in The Best of Florida
13. National Museum of American History, Washington D.C.
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov
- The National Museum of American History is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the heritage of the United States
- Opened in 1964, it serves as a custodian of national treasures, collecting, preserving, and displaying artifacts that reflect the social, political, cultural, scientific, and military history of the nation
- It features various exhibitions that explore themes such as democracy, technology, and cultural change
Featured in The Best of Washington D.C.
14. World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta, Georgia
Best time to visit: March-May
- The World of Coca-Cola is a museum located in Atlanta, dedicated to showcasing the history The Coca-Cola Company and its iconic beverage
- Opened in 2007, the attraction features a variety of interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations that showcase the brand's legacy
- At the museum, visitors can see the vault where the secret formula for Coca-Cola is kept, and taste nearly 70 different beverages from around the world
- It also features a recreation of an 1880s soda fountain where visitors can enjoy classic drinks
Featured in The Best of Georgia
15. John B. Stetson House, DeLand, Florida
- The John B. Stetson House was built for hat manufacturer (and inventor of the cowboy hat) John B. Stetson
- The house was designed in 1886, and is currently open for scheduled tours
Featured in The Best of Florida
16. Road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii
Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Nov
- The Hana Highway, also known as the Road to Hana, is a scenic 64.4-mile (103.6 km) route located on the coast of Maui,
- It connects the town of Kahului to Hana and is known for its coastal views, winding roads, lush rainforests, and numerous waterfalls
- The highway is known for its narrow, twisting roads with many turns and over 50 bridges, some of which are one-lane
- The road is dotted with cultural and historical landmarks, providing insight into Maui's heritage
Featured in The Best of Hawaii
17. Times Square, New York City, New York
Best time to visit: Jan-Dec
- Times Square is a major commercial intersection, tourist destination, entertainment hub, and neighborhood in the Manhattan section of New York City
- Times Square is brightly lit by numerous digital billboards and advertisements as well as businesses offering 24/7 service
- One of the world's busiest pedestrian areas, it is also the hub of the Broadway Theater District and a major center of the world's entertainment industry
Featured in The Best of New York
18. Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California
Best time to visit: Sept-Nov
- Alcatraz Island is a small island 1.25 miles (2.01 km) offshore from San Francisco
- The island was developed in the mid-19th century with facilities for a lighthouse, a military fortification, and a military prison
- In 1934, the island was converted into a federal prison, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary
- The strong currents around the island and cold water temperatures made escape nearly impossible, and the prison became one of the most notorious in American history
- The prison closed in 1963, and the island is now a major tourist attraction
Featured in The Best of California
19. Kirkham Hot Springs, Boise National Forest, Idaho
- Kirkham Hot Springs is a natural hot spring located in the Boise National Forest, east of Lowman
- It is situated alongside the South Fork Payette River, at an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet
- Kirkham Hot Springs features several natural hot pools, which are surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and wooded areas
- The springs provide an environment for relaxation, enhanced by the sounds of cascading water from nearby waterfalls
Featured in The Best of Idaho
20. Rockefeller Center, New York City, New York
Best time to visit: Jan-Dec
- Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 commercial buildings in Manhattan, New York City
- The 14 original Art Deco buildings, commissioned by the Rockefeller family, are split by a large sunken square and a private street called Rockefeller Plaza
- Described as one of the greatest projects of the Great Depression era, Rockefeller Center is a designated landmark
- The complex is noted for the large quantities of art present in almost all of its buildings, its expansive underground concourse, its ice-skating rink, and its annual lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Featured in The Best of New York
21. Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee
Best time to visit: April-May, Oct-Nov
- Graceland is a mansion on an estate in Memphis, once owned by American singer Elvis Presley
- Today, Graceland is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who wish to explore the life and legacy of the "King of Rock 'n' Roll"
- Visitors can see various exhibits, including Elvis's collection of cars and memorabilia
- Graceland is recognized as one of the most visited homes in the United States
Featured in The Best of Tennessee
#21 in Best Museums in the USA
22. Chicago River, Illinois
Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct
- The Chicago River is a system of rivers and canals with a combined length of 156 miles (251 km) that runs through the city of Chicago, including its center
- The river is notable because it is one of the reasons for Chicago's geographic importance: it is a link between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River Basin, and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico
- The river is also noteworthy for its natural and human-engineered history
- As part of a more than fifty-year-old Chicago tradition, the Chicago River is dyed green in observance of St. Patrick's Day (The actual event occurs on the Saturday on or before March 17)
Featured in The Best of Illinois
23. French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana
Best time to visit: Feb-May
- The French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré, is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans
- It was founded by the French in 1718, and serves as the original city of New Orleans
- The area is famous for its unique architecture, which reflects a blend of French, Spanish, and Creole influences
- The neighborhood has been shaped by centuries of diverse cultural influences, including those from European settlers, African slaves, and later immigrants
- The French Quarter draws tourists for its bars, restaurants, music venues, and annual events like Mardi Gras
Featured in The Best of Louisiana
24. Brooklyn Bridge, New York City, New York
Best time to visit: Jan-Dec
- The Brooklyn Bridge is a hybrid cable-stayed/suspension bridge in New York City, spanning the East River between the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn
- Opened in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was the first fixed crossing of the East River
- It was also the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time of its opening
- The span was originally called the New York and Brooklyn Bridge or the East River Bridge but was officially renamed the Brooklyn Bridge in 1915
Featured in The Best of New York
#15 in Best Landmarks in the USA
25. Niagara Falls, New York
Best time to visit: June-Aug
- Niagara Falls is a city and park to the famous waterfall, which consists of three waterfalls: the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls
- These falls mark the border between the United States and Canada
- Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the U.S., established in 1885
- The park offers views of the falls up close, hiking trails, and various attractions
- The area has a history that includes early settlements dating back to the 18th century
- Notable attractions include, Cave of the Winds, which is an experience that allows visitors to get very close to the falls; as well as, Goat Island, which is a small island that offers scenic views and access to various trails
Featured in The Best of New York
26. Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park, Maine
Best time to visit: Sept-early Oct
- Park Loop Road is a scenic road through part of Acadia National Park
- The road spans approximately 27 miles (43 km) and provides access to various natural attractions within the park
- Built between 1921 and 1958, it was designed to enhance visitor access to the park's stunning landscapes, such as, mountains, forests, lakes, and coastlines
- Part of the year a local shuttle called the Island Explorer is an option for those who want to avoid driving a car, but still wish to see the scenic road
Featured in The Best of Maine
27. Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle, Washington
Best time to visit: Sept-Oct
- Chihuly Garden and Glass is a museum located in the Seattle Center, adjacent to the Space Needle
- It is dedicated to showcasing the glass art of Dale Chihuly, a renowned American artist known for his innovative and colorful blown glass sculptures
- The museum features eight indoor galleries that display a wide range of Chihuly's work, including large installations and intricate glass piecesk, allowing visitors to experience the interplay of light and color
- The outdoor garden is landscaped and serves as a backdrop for various glass sculptures
Featured in The Best of Washington
#5 in Best Museums in the USA
28. Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California
Best time to visit: Sept-Nov
- Golden Gate Park is a large urban park located in San Francisco
- It is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, even larger than New York City's Central Park
- Notable institutions feature in the park, such as the de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences, which includes a planetarium and natural history museum
Featured in The Best of California
29. Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts
Best time to visit: June-Oct
- The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile (approximately 4 km) path through Boston, that connects 16 historically significant sites related to the American Revolution and the early history of the United States
- The trail is marked by a distinctive red brick line, guiding visitors through some of Boston's oldest neighborhoods
- Notable historic sites include the Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and the USS Constitution
- Each site along the trail tells a part of the story of America's fight for independence and the events leading up to it
Featured in The Best of Massachusetts
#15 in Best Easy Hikes in the USA
30. Arch Rock, Mackinac Island, Michigan
- Arch Rock is a geological formation located on Mackinac Island, within Mackinac Island State Park
- It is a natural limestone arch that was formed during the Nipissing post-glacial period
- It is a result of geological processes involving high water levels and wave action that created openings in the limestone
- The site is a key attraction for exploring the natural beauty and historical landmarks of Mackinac Island
Featured in The Best of Michigan
31. Diamond Head Crater (Lēʻahi) Summit Trail, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Walk difficulty: moderate
Best time to visit: mid-April-early June-Sept-mid-Dec
- The Diamond Head Crater (Lēʻahi) Summit Trail is a hiking trail located in the Diamond Head State Monument on the island of Oahu
- The trail is renowned for its panoramic views of Honolulu and the surrounding coastline
- The hike includes two sets of stairs (totaling 175 steps), dark tunnels, and remnants of old military bunkers, reflecting its historical significance as part of Oahu's coastal defense system established in 1908
Featured in The Best of Hawaii
32. Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri
Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct
- The Gateway Arch is a monumental structure located in St. Louis, along the Mississippi River
- Standing at 630 feet, it is the tallest arch in the world and the tallest monument in the United States
- The Gateway Arch commemorates President Thomas Jefferson's vision of a continental nation and marks St. Louis' role in the westward expansion of the United States during the 19th century
- It is part of the Gateway Arch National Park, which includes the arch itself, a museum located underneath it, and the historic Old Courthouse
Featured in The Best of Missouri
33. Magic Kingdom, Bay Lake, Florida
Best time to visit: March-May
- Magic Kingdom Park is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, opened in 1971
- The park layout and attractions are dedicated to fairy tales and Disney characters
- The park icon is Cinderella Castle, inspired by the fairy tale castle featured in the 1950 animated film
- The park has become a cultural touchstone and symbol of modern American pop culture
- Magic Kingdom is divided into six themed lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland
Featured in The Best of Florida
34. National Museum of World War II Aviation, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Oct
- The National Museum of World War II Aviation is located at Colorado Springs Airport in Colorado Springs
- Opened in 2012, it is dedicated to documenting and showcasing the significant role that military aviation played during World War II
- The museum is home to 20 fully restored, flying World War II aircraft and frequently hosts additional aircraft for exhibitions
Featured in The Best of Colorado
35. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York
Best time to visit: Jan-Dec
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art is an encyclopedic art museum in New York City
- By floor area, it is the largest art museum in the Americas, and is the most-visited museum in the United States
- The museum's permanent collection consists of works of art ranging from the ancient Near East and ancient Egypt, through classical antiquity to the contemporary world
- It includes paintings, sculptures, and graphic works from many European Old Masters, as well as an extensive collection of American, modern, and contemporary art
- The Met also maintains extensive holdings of African, Asian, Oceanian, Byzantine, and Islamic art
- The museum is home to encyclopedic collections of musical instruments, costumes, and decorative arts and textiles, as well as antique weapons and armor from around the world
37. Brooklyn Bridge Park, New York City, New York
Best time to visit: Jan-Dec
- Brooklyn Bridge Park is an expansive waterfront park located on the Brooklyn side of the East River
- The park features a variety of landscapes, including rolling hills, lush gardens, and riverfront promenades, offering views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge
Featured in The Best of New York
38. National September 11 Memorial & Museum, New York City, New York
Best time to visit: Jan-Dec
- The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is a memorial and museum that are part of the World Trade Center complex, in New York City, created for remembering the September 11, 2001, attacks, which killed 2,977 people, and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, which killed six
- The memorial is located at the World Trade Center site, the former location of the Twin Towers that were destroyed during the September 11 attacks
- The September 11 Museum was dedicated in 2014, and its collection includes more than 40,000 images, 14,000 artifacts, more than 3,500 oral recordings, and over 500 hours of video
Featured in The Best of New York
#3 in Best Museums in the USA
39. Las Vegas Strip, Nevada
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov
- The Las Vegas Strip is a stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard in Clark County, known for its concentration of resort hotels and casinos
- Many of the largest hotel, casino, and resort properties in the world are on the Strip
- Its hotels, casinos, restaurants, residential high-rises, entertainment offerings, and skyline have established the Strip as one of the most popular and iconic tourist destinations in the world
Featured in The Best of Nevada
40. Hoover Dam, Nevada
- Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the border between the U.S. states of Nevada and Arizona
- Since about 1900, the Black Canyon and nearby Boulder Canyon had been investigated for their potential to support a dam that would control floods, provide irrigation water, and produce hydroelectric power
- Constructed between 1931 and 1936, during the Great Depression, it was dedicated in 1935, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Its construction was the result of a massive effort involving thousands of workers, and cost over 100 lives
- In bills passed by Congress during its construction, it was referred to as the Hoover Dam, after President Herbert Hoover
Featured in The Best of Nevada
41. Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Oct
- Garden of the Gods is a public park located in Colorado Springs
- It is renowned for its dramatic red rock formations, which rise prominently against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains
- The park's elevation is around 6,400 feet (1,951 meters) above sea level, and it showcases a variety of landscapes, including ancient sea remains and glacial formations that date back millions of years
Featured in The Best of Colorado
42. Cape May Beach, New Jersey
Best time to visit: May-Sept
- Cape May Beach is located in Cape May, which is one of the oldest seaside resorts in the United States
- The beach is situated on the Atlantic Ocean near the mouth of the Delaware Bay, where visitors can enjoy various activities including sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports
- Cape May is recognized for its Victorian architecture and has a long history as a vacation destination
- In addition to the beach, Cape May offers fine dining, shopping, and is a popular spot for birdwatching
Featured in The Best of New Jersey
43. Alkali Flat Trail, White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Walk difficulty: moderate
- Alkali Flat Trail is a hiking trail located in White Sands National Park
- Hikers will encounter a rugged landscape, consisting of numerous sand dunes, with elevation changes of about 60 feet (18.3 m), involving climbing up and down the dunes
- The trail offers views of the surrounding gypsum dunes and distant mountain ranges
Featured in The Best of New Mexico
44. High Line, New York City, New York
Best time to visit: Jan-Dec
- The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long (2.33 km) elevated linear park, greenway, and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur on Manhattan in New York City
- The High Line was inspired by the 4.7 km (2.9 mi) long Coulée verte (tree-lined walkway), another elevated park in Paris completed in 1993
- Due to a decline in rail traffic along the viaduct, it was effectively abandoned in 1980
- Since opening in 2009, The High Line's success has inspired cities throughout the United States to redevelop obsolete infrastructure as public space
Featured in The Best of New York
45. Horseshoe Bend Trail, Page, Arizona
Walk difficulty: easy
- Horseshoe Bend Trail is a hiking route located near Page, within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
- This trail leads to a stunning overlook of the Horseshoe Bend, a dramatic meander of the Colorado River characterized by its horseshoe shape and surrounded by towering canyon walls
- The Colorado River can be seen as it curves around a rock formation that rises about 1,000 feet above the water
Featured in The Best of Arizona
46. Fountains of Bellagio, Las Vegas, Nevada
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov
- Fountains of Bellagio is a free attraction at the Bellagio resort, located on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise
- It consists of a musical fountain show performed in a man-made lake in front of the resort
- Opened in 1998, the attraction was built for $40 million, making it one of the most expensive fountains in the world
- It is a signature attraction for Las Vegas, and one of the most photographed places in the United States
Featured in The Best of Nevada
47. Statue of Liberty, New York City, New York
Best time to visit: Jan-Dec
- The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, within New York City
- The copper-clad statue, a gift to the United States from the people of France, was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and its metal framework was built by Gustave Eiffel
- The statue is a figure of a classically draped woman, likely inspired by the Roman goddess of liberty Libertas
- She holds a torch above her head with her right hand, and in her left hand carries a tabula ansata inscribed JULY IV MDCCLXXVI (July 4, 1776, in Roman numerals), the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence
- With her left foot she steps on a broken chain and shackle, commemorating the national abolition of slavery following the American Civil War
- After its dedication in 1886, the statue became an icon of freedom and of the United States, being subsequently seen as a symbol of welcome to immigrants arriving by sea
Featured in The Best of New York
#12 in Best Attractions in the World
#12 in Best Landmarks in the World
48. Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
- The Wright Brothers National Memorial, located in Kill Devil Hills, is a site that commemorates the achievements of Wilbur and Orville Wright, who are credited with the first successful, sustained powered flights in a heavier-than-air aircraft
- The site marks the location of the Wright brothers' experiments with flight, including their first powered flight on December 17, 1903, which lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet
- At the memorial, there is a prominent 60-foot-tall granite monument dedicated in 1932, situated atop Big Kill Devil Hill
- The memorial features a visitor center that offers interactive exhibits related to aviation, history, and science
- Visitors can see a replica of the Wright brothers' plane and participate in various activities about the history of flight
Featured in The Best of North Carolina
#16 in Best Landmarks in the USA
49. Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina
Best time to visit: April-June, Sept-early Nov
- Biltmore Estate is a historic house museum located in Asheville, known as America's Largest Home, featuring a 250-room chateau designed in the Châteauesque style
- The estate covers approximately 8,000 acres and includes extensive landscaped gardens
- The estate was built by George Vanderbilt, a member of the prominent Vanderbilt family, and was completed in 1895
- Visitors can tour the mansion, explore the extensive gardens, and enjoy various activities on the estate, including wine tasting at the nation's most-visited winery
Featured in The Best of North Carolina
#17 in Best Landmarks in the USA
#8 in Best Museums in the USA
50. Mount Hood, Oregon
- Mount Hood is an active stratovolcano located in the Cascade Range of Oregon
- It is the highest peak in Oregon, standing at about 11,240 feet (3,426 meters)
- Mount Hood is part of the Cascade Volcanic Arc, and has a complex geological history shaped by volcanic activity due to the subduction of the Juan de Fuca Plate
- The mountain is a popular destination for outdoor activities year-round, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and climbing, hosting several ski resorts and summer recreation areas
Featured in The Best of Oregon
51. Liberty Bell, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Best time to visit: March-May
- The Liberty Bell is a symbol of American independence located in Philadelphia
- Originally known as the State House Bell, it was commissioned in 1752 for the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall)
- The bell is famous for its distinctive crack, which developed over time and has become a significant part of its history
- The Liberty Bell represents freedom and justice, particularly associated with the abolitionist movement, which adopted it as a symbol in their campaign against slavery
- The bell rang to mark important events, including the reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776
- Over the years, the Liberty Bell has become a global symbol of liberty and has been referenced in various movements advocating for civil rights
Featured in The Best of Pennsylvania
52. Zion - Mt. Carmel Highway, Zion National Park, Utah
Best time to visit: April-Nov
- The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is a scenic road that runs through Zion National Park
- The highway spans approximately 25 miles (40 km) and connects the south entrance of the park in Springdale to the town of Mount Carmel Junction
- This highway is known for its winding roads, and significant landmarks, including the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, which is notable for its impressive construction dating back to the 1920s, and includes windows that offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape
- The drive features switchbacks, slickrock formations, and seasonal waterfalls and provides access to various hiking trails and viewpoints
Featured in The Best of Utah
53. The Breakers, Newport, Rhode Island
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov
- The Breakers is a historic mansion located in Newport, built between 1893 and 1895
- It served as a summer residence for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a prominent member of the Vanderbilt family, known for their immense wealth and influence during the Gilded Age
- The Breakers is designed in the Italian Renaissance style, showcasing luxury and opulence typical of the era
- One of the mansion's most striking features is the 50-foot-high Great Hall, which offers a view of the ocean from its open-air terraces
Featured in The Best of Rhode Island
54. Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois
Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct
- The Art Institute of Chicago, founded in 1879, is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States
- Its collection includes works such as Georges Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Pablo Picasso's The Old Guitarist, Edward Hopper's Nighthawks, and Grant Wood's American Gothic
- Its permanent collection of nearly 300,000 works of art is augmented by more than 30 special exhibitions mounted yearly that illuminate aspects of the collection and present curatorial and scientific research
Featured in The Best of Illinois
#2 in Best Museums in the USA
55. Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, South Carolina
- Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park is a significant historical site located in Charleston County, encompassing two key forts that played crucial roles in American history
- Fort Moultrie is located on Sullivan's Island, and was originally a palmetto log fort that successfully defended against British naval forces in 1776 during the American Revolutionary War
- In 1860, as tensions rose leading to the Civil War, the Federal garrison abandoned Fort Moultrie for the more fortified Fort Sumter
- Fort Sumter, a sea fort built on an artificial island in Charleston Harbor, was constructed after the War of 1812 to defend the region against naval threats, and became famous as the site where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired on April 12, 1861, when Confederate forces attacked the Union garrison stationed there
- The park highlights America's struggle for independence, and how legislative compromises failed to resolve deep-rooted issues, particularly regarding slavery, during the American Civil War
Featured in The Best of South Carolina
#14 in Best Landmarks in the USA
56. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville, Tennessee
Best time to visit: April-Oct
- The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, located in downtown Nashville, is a prominent institution dedicated to the preservation and celebration of country music
- The museum hosts a variety of world-class exhibitions that showcase the history and cultural impact of country music
- The area honors the inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame, celebrating their contributions to the genre
- The location contains an extensive collection of country music artifacts, which exceeds 2 million items
Featured in The Best of Tennessee
#26 in Best Museums in the USA
57. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, Florida
Best time to visit: March-May
- The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is located in Key West, and is a butterfly park that houses from 50 to 60 different species of live butterflies from around the world in a climate-controlled, glass-enclosed habitat
- The conservatory includes flowering plants, cascading waterfalls and trees
- There are also several species of free flying "butterfly friendly" birds, such as American flamingoes
Featured in The Best of Florida
58. The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas
Best time to visit: Jan-April, Nov-Dec
- The Alamo is a historic site located in San Antonio, originally established as a Spanish mission known as Mission San Antonio de Valero in 1718
- The Alamo is most famously known for the Battle of the Alamo, which took place from February 23 to March 6, 1836, during the Texas Revolution
- The pivotal event involved a small group of Texian defenders who fought against a much larger Mexican army, ultimately leading to their defeat but inspiring further resistance against Mexican rule
- Today, the site not only commemorates the battle but is a symbol of Texas' struggle for independence
59. San Antonio River Walk, Texas
Best time to visit: Jan-April, Nov-Dec
- The San Antonio River Walk, also known as Paseo del Río, is a scenic urban waterway that stretches approximately 15 miles through the center of San Antonio
- It features a mix of restaurants, shops, and cultural sites
- It is pedestrian-friendly, and located one level below the street, allowing visitors to stroll along the banks of the San Antonio River
- The River Walk is lined with cypress trees and offers access to various attractions, including art installations, historical sites, and numerous restaurants
Featured in The Best of Texas
60. Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov
- Colonial Williamsburg is the largest outdoor living history museum in the United States, located in Williamsburg
- It serves as a restoration and reconstruction of the historic district, showcasing life in the 18th century during the colonial period
- The museum features a variety of historic buildings, working tradespeople, and interactive exhibits that immerse visitors in the culture and daily life of the time
- The site was once the capital of the Virginia colony from 1699 to 1779 and played a significant role in American history
- Today, Colonial Williamsburg aims to educate and inspire visitors through experiences that reflect the values and challenges of early American life
Featured in The Best of Virginia
#36 in Best Museums in the USA
61. Icon Park, Orlando, Florida
Best time to visit: March-May
- Icon Park is an entertainment complex in Orlando, that has been operating since 2015
- The complex has about 9 feature attractions, including an observation wheel, a slingshot ride, a Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, and a Sea Life aquarium
- The park also has various restaurants, shops, bars, and kiosk vendors
Featured in The Best of Florida
62. Space Needle, Seattle, Washington
Best time to visit: Sept-Oct
- The Space Needle is a prominent observation tower located in Seattle
- It has a unique design that resembles a flying saucer
- It officially opened in 1962, coinciding with the Seattle World's Fair
- It offers 360-degree views of the city, the Cascade and Olympic mountains, and Puget Sound
Featured in The Best of Washington
63. White House, Washington D.C.
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov
- The White House is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States
- It serves as both a home for the President and the First Family, as well as a venue for official functions and meetings
- The site was selected by George Washington in 1791, and construction began in 1792
- It has been the residence of every U.S. president since John Adams
- The White House reflects its role as a symbol of the U.S. government and its accessibility to the public, where it hosts various public events and tours
Featured in The Best of Washington D.C.
64. The National WWII Museum, New Orleans, Louisiana
Best time to visit: Feb-May
- The National WWII Museum, located in New Orleans, is a prominent military history museum dedicated to exploring the American experience during World War II
- It was established to honor the contributions of American forces in the war, which significantly shaped the modern world
- It houses an extensive collection of artifacts and first-person oral histories, allowing visitors to learn about the experiences of those who lived through the war
Featured in The Best of Louisiana
#10 in Best Museums in the USA
65. USS Midway Museum, San Diego, California
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov
- The USS Midway Museum is a historical naval aircraft carrier museum in San Diego, located at Navy Pier
- The museum consists of the aircraft carrier Midway, and the ship houses an extensive collection of aircraft, many of which were built in Southern California
- The USS Midway was the United States' longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, from 1945 to 1992
Featured in The Best of California
#13 in Best Museums in the USA
66. Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
- Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world, located in Yellowstone National Park
- It is renowned for its vibrant colors, which include bright bands of orange, yellow, and green surrounding deep blue waters
- The colors are primarily due to the presence of thermophilic bacteria and other microorganisms that thrive in the hot water
Featured in The Best of Wyoming