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The United States of America is a small world in itself for the country has a vast landscape that houses incredible beauties. Here, you get the opportunity of savouring natural wonders as well as historical marvels. You have great trails to cover and exemplary architecture to admire. The country is filled with uncountable sights that would treat your eyes the right way. If you are planning to visit this gorgeous country, then do explore these iconic things to do when in the USA.
Travel 101: Top Things To Do In The USA
1. Gaze Upon the Marvelous Statue of Liberty
One of the most recognized structures in the world, the Statue of Liberty is the pride and prestige of the United States for it has become a cultural icon over a period of time. The statue shows the Roman goddess of liberty holding a torch and depicting freedom and abolition of slavery in the country. With a height of about 305 feet, it is one of the largest statues on the globe. Historically, this was a gift from France to the USA.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: Liberty Island, New York City
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
Pro Tip: If you desire to watch the original torch of the Statue of Liberty, then make sure you book your crown access ticket about 2-3 months in advance.
2. Capture the Artistic Mount Rushmore
Another highly popular location in the United States is Mount Rushmore. It is famous amongst tourists across the world for the colossal statues of four prominent figures in American history. These carvings on the granite face of the mountain are of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt. Visit the place and marvel at its artistic beauty.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Photographers
Location: Keystone, South Dakota
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee ($5 approximately for parking)
Timings: 05:00 am to 11:00 pm
Pro Tip: The Presidential Trail along the mountain is the best place to get closest to the statues.
3. Admire the Wonder of the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon has to be on every nature lover’s bucket list for the place is outlandish. This steep-sided canyon with a length of more than 445 km is about 30 km wide and was formed by the Colorado River flowing through it. Plan a visit to this wondrous location and enjoy its unique scenery. The place is quite photogenic and hence, attracts thousands of photographers every year.
Recommended For: Explorers, Photographers
Location: Arizona, USA
Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle ($30 per motorbike)
Timings: Anytime
Pro Tip: Visit the park during the slow season to avoid the huge tourist crowd and to avail great discounts while booking online tickets.
4. Visit The Creator of Dreams, Hollywood
If you are into American movies, then you must have seen the iconic Hollywood sign on the slope of a hill. Well, that is the locality of Hollywood in Los Angeles. As it is one of the prominent and most-recognized structures, it is a must-visit destination in the United States. Hollywood is also the place where several biggest movie studios were founded including Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros, Universal Pictures, MGM, etc.
Recommended For: Movie Lovers, Photographers
Location: Los Angeles, USA
Pro Tip: Griffith Park is the best place from where you can capture the expansive views of the Hollywood sign.
5. Explore the Charm of Hawaiian Islands
Located in the North Pacific Ocean, the Hawaiian Islands nurture the unspoilt charm of nature. This group of picturesque islands together forms a stunning paradise and provides its visitors with the best of scenic vistas. Islets and reefs complement the beauty of Hawaii and make it look more delightful. Visit this place and escape your mundane life by stepping into its colourful, tropical world.
Recommended For: Nature Lovers, Offbeat Travelers, Photographers
Location: Hawaii, USA
Pro Tip: Visit Maui if you are in Hawaii for the first time as it is quite easy to explore this popular island.
6. Nature’s Magic at Yellowstone National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site spread across thousands of sq km, Yellowstone National Park is every wildlife lover’s dream destination in the USA. It is a place where you come across hundreds of wonders in the form of waterfalls, geysers, subalpine forests, lakes, canyons, rivers, and a lot more. Set in 1872, it is known to be the first-ever national park on the planet. Hence, exploring it is surely one of the best things to do in the USA.
Recommended For: Wildlife Lovers
Location: Western United States
Price Range: $35 for private non-commercial vehicle
$30 for motorbikes
$20 for bicycles, ski
Timings: Open 24 hours
Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning to witness the park in its full glory.
7. Admire the Skyscrapers of New York
New York is one of the largest cities in the world and while in the USA, no tourist can miss out on exploring its beautiful skyscrapers that dazzle all day and night. Capture their radiance during the day and their shimmering presence at night. Walkthrough busy streets and enjoy the fascinating chaos spread across the city. New York has incredible beauties in store.
Recommended For: Explorers, Photographers
Pro Tip: If you are a photographer, then do visit Times Square at night and capture its sizzling beauty.
8. Drive Down The Pacific Coast Highway
If road trips are all that fill your excursions with thrill and excitement, then you must drive down the Pacific Coast Highway in the United States. The road stretches for more than 1000 kilometres and passes through some of the major cities in the country including San Francisco, Malibu, Los Angeles and Santa Cruz. Gear up and get ready to witness the charm of the USA while on wheels.
Recommended For: Bikers, Road Trip Lovers, Explorers
Pro Tip: If you are a tourist in the country and desire to cover the highway, it is advisable to hire a convertible.
9. Marvel at the Iconic Golden Gate Bridge
You can’t visit California without seeing one of the USA’s most iconic landmarks. There’s so much to do in San Francisco, but seeing the morning fog peel back from the famous bridge is a moment you will never forget. The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most noted structures in the world and hence, a must-visit place in the United States.
Recommended For: Photographers
Location: San Francisco
Entry Fee: $1 approximately
Timings: Anytime
10. Feel Goosebumps at the Niagara Falls
Despite how often you see it on TV and film, nothing quite prepares you for the power of seeing Niagara Falls for real. The famous falls stretch all the way between the USA and Canada. These are best experienced by joining one of the mist coal-powered boat tours.
Recommended For: Photographers, Picnickers
Location: New York
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: 05:00 am to 08:00 pm
Pro Tip: Make sure to bring a waterproof bag while venturing out on a boat tour.
11. The Magic of Northern Lights in Alaska
Your best chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis is to visit Alaska between September and April, stay up late, and hope for a clear night. You might need a little luck, but the unearthly lightshow dancing above the tundra is a once-in-a-lifetime sight.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Photographers
Location: Alaska, USA
Entry Fee: $1 per adult and $0.50 per child
Timings: 10:00 am to 05:30 pm
12. Visit the Ever-dazzling Lake Superior
With the surface area of about 82,000 sq km, Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world and hence, it is popular across the globe. Visit it on a weekend and relish some of the most amazing sights in the United States. The region in and around Lake Superior makes for a great weekend getaway with families on account of its serene and peaceful environment.
Recommended For: Photographers, Nature Lovers
Location: Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Upper Michigan
13. Learn All About the Historic Graceland Mansion
Do not forget to pay a visit to the historic Graceland Mansion while in the city of Memphis for it is of great historical and cultural prominence. Once owned by the King of rock and roll Elvis Presley, the mansion serves as a museum now. Today, it is the second-most frequented houses in the United States only after the White House. Visit it and learn in detail about the lifestyle the rockstar had. Presley’s grave is located inside the campus.
Recommended For: Music Lovers, Historians
Location: Memphis, USA
Price Range: $45 – $184
Timings: 09:00 am to 04:00 pm
Pro Tip: If you do not desire to spend money and still sneak peek into the campus, then you can stop by the Meditation Garden and catch a glimpse of Elvis Presley’s grave.
14. Live Your Fantasies at Disney World, Florida
If you are visiting the United States with your kids and family, then you must spend a day or two relishing the Disney World in Florida. The place takes you through the land of fairy-tales and provides the best of entertainment. Catch wonderful shows, enjoy joy rides with your kids and create everlasting memories.
Recommended For: Families
Location: Florida, USA
Price: $115 for Magic Kingdom and $107 for Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.
During the peak season, the prices rise to $124 and $119 respectively
Timings: Magic Kingdom (09:00 am to 06:00 pm)
EPCOT (11:00 am to 07:00 pm)
Animal Kingdom (09:00 am to 05:00 pm)
Hollywood Studios (10:00 am to 07:00 pm)
Pro Tip: Do not buy park hopper passes as they exclude access to water parks.
15. Catch Autumn Like Never Before at Vermont
Vermont is a breathtaking state in the beautiful region of New England and is popular amongst tourists for its autumnal scenery. During the autumn season, the state gets adorned in heavenly colours. Trees don the best of hues and the grasslands nurture lush greenery. Apart from savouring picturesque vistas, you can also indulge in hiking, trekking, biking, and leisure stay here. The state also has numerous wonderful lakes.
Recommended For: Explorers, Photographers
Location: New England, USA
Price: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
Pro Tip: Burlington Waterfront and Church Street are exceptionally good for foodies and shoppers.
16. Marvel at Yosemite National Park, California
Spend at least a few days exploring the Yosemite National Park’s incredible natural wonders. Between granite cliffs, waterfalls, mountains, lakes, giant sequoia groves, and more, you could spend a whole year here and never see it all. The park boasts of a lush green landscape and hence, makes for a photogenic spot.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: Liberty Island, New York City
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
17. Visit the White House, Washington D.C.
Whether you care for US politics or not, visiting the White House is a must. The place is a world-famous site, whether you snap photos from outside or take a guided tour inside. The White House is one of the most recognized buildings in the world and is quite a rage amongst international tourists owing to its artistic and historical significance.
Recommended For: Photographers
Location: Washington D.C
Entry Fee: No Fee for a guided tour (request for the tour needs to be submitted in advance)
Timings: 11:00 am to 07:30 pm
18. Wander Around the National Mall
We could have included all of D.C.’s highlights in a single point, but they’re significant enough to spread out a little. The National Mall includes a few unmissable sights together, most notably the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Do not miss out on such an amazing tourist destination
Recommended For: Photographers, Families, History Lovers
Location: Washington, D.C
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Open 24 hours
19. Admire Colours at Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah is one of the most beautiful national parks in the USA, and the perfect place to witness the changing of the seasons. Spring and summer see it full of blossoming wildflowers, the leaves turn burnished red and gold in autumn, and in winter the whole area is perfectly calm.
Recommended For: Photographers, Wildlife Lovers
Location: Virginia
Entry Fee: $30 per private non-commercial vehicle
$25 for motorbikes
Timings: 08:30 am to 05:00 pm (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
20. Follow the Freedom Trail in Boston
Along two and a half miles of Boston streets, you would pass by 16 locations significant in the history of the USA, including the Bunker Hill Monument, Paul Revere House, and the Old State House. This is the perfect way to engage with the USA’s legendary history and ancient tales.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Street Photographers
Location: Massachusetts
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
21. Re-Live American History at Plimoth Plantation
If you want a glimpse of how the pilgrims lived when they arrived on American shores in 1627, this is the place where you should be this weekend. The Plimoth Plantation aims to recreate the settlement as accurately as possible; right down to the actors you’ll find playing local people.
Recommended For: History Lovers
Location: Massachusetts
Price Range: $19 – $42
Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
22. Relax On the Beach at Cape Cod
Extending into the ocean from the corner of Massachusetts, Cape Cod boasts 560 miles of coastline, making it incredibly popular with beachgoers during the summer months. It is also top fishing, whale spotting, and golfing destination. If you are looking for a place to relax on your weekend, this is it.
Recommended For: Beach Lovers, Families
Location: Massachusetts
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
23. Party Hard in the Beautiful Atlantic City
If you like a little hedonism with your beach holidays, Atlantic City is perfect for you. Casinos, nightclubs, entertainment venues, and more all line the beach and famous Boardwalk here. The night doesn’t sleep here and the day is filled with utmost exuberance. So, unleash the party animal in you and mingle with the liveliness of the crowd.
Recommended For: Party Lovers
Location: New Jersey
24. Catch a Glimpse of the Striking Rhode Island
Covering just 1,214 square miles, The Ocean State can easily be driven across in a matter of hours. It’s well worth it too, offering incredible ocean views across its numerous large bays and inlets. Moreover, it is easily accessible from Massachusetts and Connecticut. However, it is not exactly an island.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families, Couples, Nature Lovers
Location: New England, United States
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
25. Explore the National Treasures of Philadelphia
Philadelphia is absolutely packed with iconic sights and hence, don’t miss the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, made famous by Rocky’s montage run. You would certainly love to have that on your Instagram story. So, excurse out now!
Recommended For: Photographers, Explorers
Location: Pennsylvania
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Anytime
26. Hit the Slopes at Killington Ski Resort
The largest ski area in the eastern USA also offers one of the longest seasons, with snow on the ground from early November through to May. There are numerous trails for all levels of ability across multiple mountains, including snowboard and alpine parks. So, head towards this wonderful location to make your weekend a sweet memory.
Recommended For: Ski Lovers, Adventure Seekers
Location: Vermont
Price Range: $125 – $300
Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm
27. Marvel at the Hoover Dam
Dams aren’t often too exciting, but the sheer size of the Hoover Dam on the border between Nevada and Arizona makes it impossible not to be impressed. At 726ft high, it was the highest dam in the world when finished in 1935, after five million barrels of cement were used in construction.
Recommended For: Photographers, Offbeat Travellers
Location: Nevada and Arizona
Price Range: $12 – $15 per person
Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
28. Witness Beautiful Sunset at Zion National Park
Yes, it’s another unmissable US National Park. Zion has a ridiculous selection of geological features, including mountains, canyons, monoliths, mesas, buttes, natural arches, and more. Zion Canyon runs a seemingly impossible 15 miles and is up to half a mile deep in places. The sights here are truly breathtaking.
Recommended For: Photographers, Nature Lovers
Location: Utah
Entry Fee: $20 per non-commercial vehicle for parking
Timings: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm
29. Remember the History of the Great Alamo
One of the most important forts in American history, this is the site where a few hundred revolutionaries made a final stand against thousands of Mexican troops. You can wander the site freely, or listen to free talks and watch a short film to learn more about its history.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: Texas
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: 09:00 am to 05:30 pm
30. Watch an American Football Game
There are football teams all over the USA, but it is the Dallas Cowboys with the most impressive stadium. The AT&T Stadium costs $1.3 billion to build, holds 85,000, and has a jumbotron screen with 25,000 square feet of video displays that has to be seen to be believed.
Recommended For: Sport Lovers, Explorers
Location: Texas
Price Range: $25 – $300
31. Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park
When you see the sweeping, undulating sand dunes backed by snowy mountains, you might think you’ve stumbled across an alien landscape. These are the tallest sand dunes in North America, the highest of them standing at 750 feet! If you’re feeling brave, you can sandboard down the side of it.
Recommended For: Photographers, Nature Lovers
Location: Colorado
Price Range: $10 – $20 (for parking)
Timings: Open 24 hours
32. Take a Jeep Tour of New Mexico
The desert landscapes of New Mexico were made famous by Breaking Bad and many other movies. A Jeep tour will let you see a breathtaking range of scenery and local wildlife. There are plenty of tours available, leaving from the likes of Albuquerque, Sante Fe, and Taos.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: Mexico, United States
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
33. Meet an Incredible Life at the Alligator Alley
This alligator farm is the safest way to see these incredible creatures up close, as well as giant spiders and other local wildlife. You can even buy a bucket of feed to give the alligators a snack (just watch your fingers).
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: Alabama
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
34. Get Sweaty in Everglades National Park
Head to South Florida and you would find 1.5 million acres of alligators, mangrove canals, swamps, teeming birdlife, and more. You can experience this wild national treasure in any number of ways, from boardwalk strolls to kayak, and fan-boat tours.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: Florida
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
35. Get Inspired by the Kennedy Space Center
A love letter to the USA’s pioneering space program, Kennedy gives you the chance to get up close and personal with shuttles that have flown millions of miles through space. There are tours, IMAX films, memorials, and more. If you have any interest in space whatsoever, a visit here is essential.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: Florida
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
36. Party hard at Mardi Gras, New Orleans
New Orleans in Louisiana is an unforgettable place to visit at any of time year, famous for its jazz culture, lively nightlife, and sprawling parks. But it really comes to life during Mardi Gras Carnival, when the streets ignite with costumes, music and merriment.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: Louisiana
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
37. Enjoy A Game of Golf at Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is world-famous for its huge range of golf courses, suiting all different ability levels, many designed by celebrities. If golf isn’t your thing, it is also a brilliant beachside resort, with arcades, restaurants, and an amusement park along its boardwalk.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: South Carolina
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
38. Step Back in Time in Charleston
The oldest city in South Carolina is also one of its most charming. Walking the streets and seeing its sights allows you to practically see its long history, from the revolution to the slave trade and to the first shots of the Civil War fired over Fort Sumter.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: South Carolina
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
39. Grab a Deep-Dish Pizza in Chicago
Chicago is famous for its ludicrously indulgent deep-dish pizza, which is a bit like a delicious gooey casserole, and one bite will make it clear that the real thing is better than anything in the frozen section of Tesco.
Recommended For: Photographers, families
Location: Illinois
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
40. Wander Through the Famous Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains across the USA and Canada, feature the highest peaks in Central North America. You know what that means – amazing views! Arguably one of the most beautiful spots is Montana’s Glacier National Park, where glacier-carved peaks and valleys run all the way to the Canadian border.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: Montana
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Anytime
41. Have a Shopping Spree at the Mall of America
The USA doesn’t do things by halves, and the Mall of America, one of the largest in the USA, is a perfect example. Alongside its 530 shops, you’ll also find Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor theme park complete with roller coasters and a Sea Life Aquarium.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: Minnesota
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Anytime
42. Go Storm-Chasing in Oklahoma and Kansas
The American Midwest is one of the best places in the world to see extreme weather phenomena like supercell storms, tornadoes, massive hail, and more, owing to the flat landscape and certain atmospheric conditions. If you’re after the ultimate adrenaline rush, it doesn’t get much better than going storm chasing here.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: Mid-West, United States
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
43. Explore the Art Scene in Kansas City
Up-and-coming Kansas City fosters one of the best arts scenes in the USA, thanks largely to the Kansas City Art Institute, to which students flock from all over the country. Their work, alongside that of the pros, can be found in galleries throughout the city.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: Missouri
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
44. Go Stargazing at the Summit of Mauna Kea
The dormant volcano of Mauna Kea is nearly 14,000 ft above sea level, offering perfect conditions for gazing at the night sky. This means numerous observatories have been built there, though none are open to the public.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: Big Island
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Anytime
45. Lounge On the Waikiki Beach
Yes, it might be the touristiest place in Hawaii, but it’s worth spending at least a night in Waikiki to experience the vibrant beachfront and party in the busy resorts, before you head off to visit some of Hawaii’s quieter wonders.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: Oahu
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
46. Take a Helicopter Flight over Kauai island
Around 70% of beautiful Kauai can’t be reached on foot, which makes splashing out on a helicopter tour well worth the expense. Take a doors-off tour for unrivalled views of the Na Pali Coast, Jurassic Falls, Mount Waialeale, Waimea Canyon, and more.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: Kauai Island, United States
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
47. Experience Endless Night and Day in Barrow
Tiny Barrow is the northernmost town in the United States, home to only 4,000 people and inaccessible by road. When the sun sets in November it doesn’t rise again until January, and after rising in mid-May it doesn’t set for 80 days.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
48. Warm Up at Chena Hot Springs
Just outside Fairbanks, you would find the Chena Hot Springs Resort. The appeal of the naturally hot water in such a cold place is obvious, but taking a soak surrounded by snow is a particularly thrilling experience.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: Liberty Island, New York City
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
49. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
If you want to witness Alaskan wildlife, including wolves, grizzly bears, moose, porcupines, and more, this is the place to visit. Your money will go towards their ongoing conservation efforts and you would be laying eyes upon the best of nature in the USA.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: Alaska, USA
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
50. Drive Through Route 66
US Highway 66 is the classic USA road trip – 2,500 miles from the west coast all the way up to Chicago. These days it exists almost exclusively to indulge tourists looking to indulge their Hollywood road trip fantasies, and the numerous oddities along the way. Various giant plastic dinosaurs and the world’s largest rocking chair are just two examples that add to its novelty value.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: Across various states
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
51. Chill Out at Lake Tahoe
Visit this magical place in the summer for the time of your life. Lake Tahoe is a beautiful spot to relax and take a dip in the sun. It gets cold in winter, which thins out the crowds so you can properly enjoy the various walking trails around the lake. Reserve a whole weekend for this one.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: Sierra Nevada, USA
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
Also Read: 20+ Top Mesmerising Things to do in Canada How To Get a USA Visa for UAE Residents?
