Best Places to Visit in America

Now you are planning a great trip to America. Where should you go on 3 797 000 square miles of metropolises, forests, beaches, and endless roads?

In our long list we offer you a wide variety of places with completely different characters. It doesn't matter where you come from, this country has something to offer for everyone.

In the first part of the list, you will see towns, cities, and historical attractions. The second part will tell you about nature in all possible climate conditions. Pick your favorites and fulfill a bucket list!

Feel the City Vibe: must-see spots

Skyscrapers, street views, and nightlife are the visit card of America. It is a country full of metropolises. Try their pace of life in one of the numerous significant cities.

Some people say that all metropolises live the same. Go to a few of them and see how strongly they differ. Broadway show or a walk in a historical district? What would you choose? Let us help you with a guide.

Discover chicago on-foot

To get familiar with the city, you'd better book a walking tour. A guide will show you popular tourist attractions and local places to visit in the USA.

You can take a sightseeing tour or a thematic walk. For example, a guide can tell you gangster & mafia stories on a roaring twenties tour.

If you want to know the city personally, have a natural attractions tour. Chicago has beautiful state parks and reservoirs, all worth seeing. Have a trip to Millennium Park, a 24,5 acres green space on a roof. Pay attention to a fantastic Botanical Garden placed on islands.

Water attractions are available too. The south beach of the Lake Michigan is all sandy, and the water is warm and clean. Come here to swim and sunbathe!

Traveling tip: Like New York, Chicago has the CityPASS system too. It will allow you to visit sights without standing in lines for tickets. For more than five places to visit in the USA, check out Go

Different Attractions

Las Vegas hides more entertainment than just gambling and shopping. It is a comfortable starting spot for a road trip to a stunning desert landscape and other best places to visit in the US. Here are some optional activities:

• have a trip to Grand Canyon national park, probably the most famous example of natural beauty in North America;

• go to a Meade reservoir on a Colorado river and see how Las Vegas exists in the desert and receives water;

• after a journey to Meade, visit Hoover Dam, a beautiful natural history spot and a unique engineering construction;

• drive to Death Valley, the hottest place on Earth, with a Martian desert landscape, endemic flowers, and animals.

Traveling tip: a Las Vegas weekend might be an expensive option even if you are not a gambling fan. Even with a small budget, you can have a great time there. See a Bellagio fountain or Volcano show (it is entirely free!), or wander around old-fashioned Fremont Street. There are free attractions all over the city. Just watch out!

Dive into the history

Start sightseeing San Francisco from an architectural walking tour or even get a photoshoot on straight streets. Have a ride on a famous cable car and move to old-fashioned America. Take an excursion on Golden fever times because this period made Frisco famous.

Come to an old district of Chinatown and wander around. Chinese people present the fifth part of all San Francisco residents, and this culture dramatically matters. Hire a guide and listen to the thrilling XX-century stories from this district.

Height-Ashbury district is the hippie capital since 1960s. It is bright and cheerful at any day. Robin Williams and Dana Carvey started their careers in local comedy cafes.

The city center is full of Victorian mansions. They are classical for this area, each one with unique specifics. Walk around and match their differences.

Entertainment for everybody

San Francisco is a homeland for Walt Disney World. You will find his family museum with rare films from his collection and his incredible life story there. It is one of the best places to visit in the USA if you travel with children.

Dive deeper into history and go to Alcatraz island. This famous fort, which acted as a prison in the XX century, is one of the best places to visit in the USA to feel the history around you. A guide will tell you frightening stories of prison life and escapes.

Some enthusiasts come here for birdwatching and enjoying the ocean views. Why not to do so?

Wonder in the central streets and get out of the city for seeing the Golden Gate Bridge from the best viewpoints. A guide can show you locations for stunning photos.

We recommend you walking on a Chrissy Fields Promenade. An incredible Golden Gate view and the ocean near you make a great pair.

Traveling tip: Despite San Francisco being on the west coast, it is not as warm as other places to visit in the USA out there. Nighttime temperatures can be surprisingly low, so don't forget to bring warm clothes.

On a family vacation

Learn the United States maritime history in the San Diego Maritime Museum. It keeps a collection of vessels from XIX and XX centuries. Near it, you can go to a Midway Museum, an actual aircraft carrier that became a museum, and a military cemetery, "Fort Rosenkranz."

Take a walk to a famous Zoo known for its incredible attention to animals and smart architecture. If you are an animal lover, you may get interested in attending a Safari Park, a Balboa Park, and a SeaWorld Aquarium.

Another attractive spot in San Diego is a plethora of theme parks. There is a Legoland with a USA Miniland in it. Inside, you'll find miniature copies of famous Washington, South California, and other American sites. Also, there is a huge aqua park on the territory. It is a must-see spot for families with children.

Waves and sand

Have a relaxing trip to the beautiful beaches of California. Surf, dive, or just lay down on the sand and enjoy the sunny weather. Enjoy stunning views on a Pacific Beach boardwalk and play volleyball there. You can even go on a whale-watching boat trip!

Traveling between states, don't forget to see the Lake Tahoe. It is the natural border between California and Nevada with crystal clear water and many attractions to try. Lake Tahoe is popular among tourists, so we advise coming on weekdays.

Traveling tip: San Diego is a very crowded location in summer. While climate conditions don't change much here in different seasons, we recommend you choose another time to come. If you are coming there in the summertime, make sure that you book a hotel and guided tours in advance.

Traveling & learning

As an art lover, you would enjoy a Smithsonian Institute. It has been a scientific and learning center sponsored by Congress since 1846. Now it includes a museum complex. Americans call it a garret of the nation for its collection of 154 million examples.

The Smithsonian Institute unites many museums and galleries all over the country. Washington has a National Alley, galleries, and more than 20 best places to visit.

If you get tired of learning history and architecture, entertain yourself at an Art Gallery or a Hirshhorn Museum, a contemporary art base.

Instead, go to one of countless football and basketball team matches. Washington is a base for the Washington Commanders football team, Washington Wizards basketball team, and Washington Nationals baseball team.

Traveling tip: summer is not the best time to attend Washington. As in any other metropolis, it gets boiling. Choose spring or autumn instead. There are many green spaces and parks, and you can enjoy blooming sakura or golden leaves.

Not only the nightlife

Surprisingly, Miami is not only about partying and chilling out. This city is full of cultural attractions, galleries, and impressive museums. Here is the top of our favorite ones:

Wynwood Walls, the urban street art museum. It is the only graffiti museum in the world, located right outside on the walls, floors, and tops. It is not only a gallery but also a public space for yoga, photosets, and DJ sets.

Perez Art Museum is worth seeing it. It is a contemporary art museum with XX and XXI century exhibits. We cannot forget about the building itself, transparent metal construction with lots of greens in it. Inside you'll find showpieces made by Dan Flavin, Diego Rivera, John Baldessari, and other art-world stars.

The Bass Museum is a gallery with constantly changing exhibitions of local artists. Here you can see a film or listen to a lecture. Or, you can just take a photo in the bright sculpture garden. It is a great place to visit with children.

The Jewish Museum of Florida is more like a place for history fans. It tells visitors the story of the Jewish diaspora in Florida in the last 250 years. We advise checking out their eye-catching hosted events.

The Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science can attract you with a planetarium. An entrance ticket includes one free planetarium show. Also, there is a three-level Aquarium that shows the marine fauna of South Florida. Does just watching feel boring? Try a real dive there!

Not only roller coasters

Orlando has more than just parks; the city is full of exciting locations. You can walk in the Little Saigon district, the center of Vietnamese culture.

Come here for spicy Asian street food and souvenirs. Or, listen to one of the numerous concerts happening there. Orlando is a favorite place for hip-hop, rock, and metal musicians.

Traveling tip: Orlando is a popular destination for school trips, which makes a city extremely crowded on school vacations. Make sure you don't travel here on Christmas, Easter, or the first summer weeks. It will save you a bunch of nerves.

Activity idea: Getting bored from lifts? Try climbing the top of Space Needle via an 848 staircase!

Seattle is popular among tourists all year round because of its festivals and concerts. There are events for everybody: Northwest Folklife and other ethnical events, Bon Odori celebration, SeaFair Cup rush, and many others.

Walk & art

Catch an idea for a walk or a bike ride! Our list of the best places to visit in the US includes the Olympic Sculpture Park settled by The Seattle Art Museum (SAM). It is a 9-acre territory full of modern monumental art.

Inside it you can find artworks by Victoria Haven, Spencer Finch, Regina Silva Silveira, and many other modern and contemporary artists. You can attend it for free! Check out the calendar to find out about events there.

If you are tired of dancing and chilling, there are calm places to visit in the USA for sightseeing and history lovers. Also known as New England, Boston is one of the richest and oldest cities in the United States.

Learning about the revolution

In the city center, you will see a Freedom Trail. This 4-kilometer path tells walkers about the American Revolution events, which are closely related to this place. It is a remarkable ability to see the famous landmarks of the city.

Boston is famous for its elegant and inspiring architecture. A Food & Freedom walking tour will show you some recognizable and beautiful locations. In about 5 hours, you will enjoy the streets and the tasty food in North-West.

Gourmets would adore

Local food & coffee culture is worth mentioning too. You will find the best seafood restaurants, craft beer, and delicious coffee in Boston.

The first Starbucks coffee shop is one of the most popular places to visit in the US out there.

Traveling tip: order a trolley tour through the Old Town. It will let you travel between attractive sights and make 18 stops in a day. An excellent option for passionate walkers that won't let you get lost.

Go to a Forsyth Park, 30 acres of calmness, one of the best places to visit in the US. Just like the rest of the city, it is full of oaks covered with Spanish moss which makes them look soft.

In the center of the park you will find an elegant fountain, installed there in 1858. Near it, there is a Civil War Memorial, and 'The Georgia Volunteer' sculpture can be found. This place is worth your visit in the US, waiting to tell the great story of a great country.

You can spend the whole day wondering around in city gardens and squares, looking at Victorian mansions and enjoying the sunset on the Savannah river.

Going Wild: National Parks

In America, the country of contrasts, bustling cities sit side by side with endless forests and intact prairies. Almost in every state you will find a UNESCO world heritage site.

Numerous national parks occupy large areas and preserve these natural treasures. They are the best places to visit in the USA for ones who are tired of noisy and rushing metropolises.

Save on travels: if you are planning a trip full of national parks, having an Annual Pass or Park Pass will save you time & money. Pay $80 at once and receive access to all national parks with no limit for the year. A single pass works for a car driver and its passengers. State parks are not included in this system!

Key West: the Southern Heaven

The most southern point to visit in the US, Key West is the city without frosts. The temperature here has never been lower than 0 degrees!

Have yourself a relaxing tour to the south beach with palms, mild waves, and sunshine. Key West is one of the best cities to visit in the US for its' free spirit and peaceful atmosphere.

A picturesque tour

The easiest way to reach Key West is by plane. However, there is a more interesting and scenic option. Take a 100 miles road trip over islands and bridges that connect Key West with the continental part of Florida.

Travelers call it the most beautiful track in the world. Some find it even more attractive than Key West itself! On the way there, you can stop at many islands, try the famous Florida lime pie and enjoy small towns' life.

Stops ideas: take a walk across the Old Bridge, take a dive in Key Largo, and have a drink on the Morada Bay beach. Drive to the Turtle Hospital for an excursion.

Island activities

The south beach of Key West offers you a range of classical ocean activities. Here you can go swimming, surfing, doing yoga... There are many deep-sea fishing tours, a wide variety of local dishes, and unbelievable sunsets.

After a whole day at the sea, you can spend time seeing the island. It will offer you a cozy lighthouse, a giant aquarium, and tiny streets with restaurants. Don't forget to sit in Hard Rock Cafe and enter the Ernest Hemingway House. Now only cats live in it!

Willing to see a cultural attraction? Key West Art Gallery can offer you that pleasure. You'll find masterpieces by Salvador Dali, Estella Fransbergen, and others.

When to come?

Key West is the most comfortable city to visit in the US in any time of the year due to warm tropical climate. Please take in account that the peak season is December through February. Price go high in this period, and hotels are packed.

The most comfortable season is spring, when tourists go away, and the rain season is still far from the heaven island.

The most interesting journey variant is a Grand Canyon train trip from Williams. You can buy a ticket on a Grand Canyon Railway train. Take beautiful landscape photos from the wagon window and enjoy the old-fashioned atmosphere around.

Now you are in the Grand Canyon. What activities should you try? Well, if you are a hiking lover, Grand Canyon is one of the best places to visit in the USA for you.

Explore the map of a national park for countless hiking trails. Choose a trip that will fit your physical abilities and time frames. From an hour to overnight, there are options for everybody.

Traveling tip: if you want to spend a night in the Grand Canyon national park, then you must receive a permit. Always bring enough water with you because summer temperatures can reach +40℃!

Unexpected beauty

Driving through the national park, stop by Scotty's Castle. It is a real castle and an oasis in the middle of a deadly dangerous desert.

This is a luxurious villa built by Walter Edward Scott in 1922. It is an iconic example of the American mission renaissance. The castle is currently closed due to the flood damage in 2015, but you can see it from the outside.

Romantic natures can book a guided night tour through the valley. A guide will show you the most beautiful viewpoints under the night sky. It might be a chance to meet Death Valley fauna, such as bobcats, jackrabbits, and rattlesnakes.

Traveling tip: if you travel in summer, make a detailed journey plan. Is due to high temperatures that can cause dehydration. Make sure you have enough water with you, and don't leave a car (with an aircon turned on!) for more than 30 minutes. Monitor your condition all the time.

Martian landscapes in the Grand Canyon can make you bored in a day or two. Yosemite National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks, is an idea for a further trip then!

Four hours from Death Valley, you enter beautiful Tioga Road. Waterfalls, snowcapped mountains, and endless forests will meet you there.

Yosemite belongs to North California. You can get there from San Francisco or Los Angeles in about 5 hours. When you reach the national park, you can stay at one of many hotels in the Yosemite Valley.

Seeking a luxury resort? The Ahwahnee Hotel opens its doors. Want to save some money? Yosemite Lodge is an optimal variant.

Tip for travelers: you cannot drive through Zion Canyon Scenic Drive on personal transport. Use a free shuttle bus instead. You can save on parking if you leave a car in Springdale town and get another shuttle to a national park there.

How to travel to the park and what places to visit there? Catch a shuttle, then get out in any picturesque place you like and start going through one of the endless hiking trails.

Visit the Court of the Patriarchs viewpoint, walk along the Virgin River, the Weeping rock, and the gardens around.

Get a more dynamic journey on a mountain biking road Pa'rus Trail. With a permit and a hired ranger, you can reach the most interesting locations.

For example, you can try yourself and walk 12,5 miles through the Narrows trail with its rivers and canyons.

Hint for visitors: there are not so many permits in summer when thousands of tourists come to Zion. You can get a permit only in the Visitor Center. If you want a kind of guarantee, you'd better travel there in spring.

What to do in the park?

Plan your route in advance, so you can reach some notable attractions without rushing and messing up. The territory is small in comparison with the most of other national parks.

It is one of the best places to visit in the USA for tourists with strict time limitations. After one day in Arches you will have at least one completely visited national park.

Reach the most famous destinations while traveling through the Arches Scenic Drive. In the first sections you will see Courthouse Towers, Double Arch, North and South Windows, and the Garden of Eden.

Isn't south too hot in summer? You can book a rafting tour on the Colorado river which connects Arches with Canyonlands.

Some parts of the park are accessible only for hikers with a permit. After receiving a one, you can go on a trip to a Wolfe Ranch, Delicate Arch, and Klondike Bluffs.

One more attraction has a name 'tafoni'. It is a unique stone structure looking like a cheese with big holes. Prepare your camera for stunning photos!

Getting to the red-rock wonderland

The closest city, Moab, is just 5,5 miles from the park. It lives thanks to the tourism, and you can always find a hotel or motel room there. The nearest airports are in Grand Junction and Salt Lake City.

You can also get to the closest station by Amtrak train and reach the park in a bus or rent a car.

The territory has a plenty of campings. We advice travelers to stay at the Devil's Garden. It is a remote part of the park where many trails start.

Here you can replenish drinking water before the hike for free. The camping is quite small, so book a place in a very advance.

Traveling tip: as far as Arches is extremely popular, plan your trip to avoid congestions. The peak season starts in March and ends in October. Autumn, winter, and spring temperatures are comfortable too, but the flow of people is lower. Check the park website for current conditions and actual information.

Traveling inside

Unlike some other national parks near, Joshua Tree is comfortable for hiking and backpacking. Local trails allow seeing the natural beauty without going deep into the desert.

The length starts from 1 mile, a short trip through the Hidden Valley. Instead, you can go on a 35 miles horse walk in the west. Choose a track according to your physical statement.

You can go South and reach the Keys Viewpoint. From there, you will see Palm Springs City, Coachella Valley, and Santa-Rosa mountains.

The main roads in the park are paved; others are grounded. Most of them are suitable for driving and mountain biking. Check for current conditions at Visit Centers and ranger stations.

Traveling tip: the best season for attending this location is spring and autumn, with mild temperatures. Summer in Joshua Tree National Park can be boiling hot. Always take enough water with you while hiking.

Safety measures

Some visitors wonder whether they can swim or go fishing here. While standing near the spring, never try touching it. The Grand Prismatic temperature is 71 degrees Celsius, and others are no colder.

Yellowstone National Park has not only hot springs but also waterfalls and lakes. Lower Falls on the Yellowstone River, 94 meters high, and Yellowstone Lake, the world's largest mountain lake, will surely astonish you.

Local wildlife

The national park is full of wild animals, including rare ones. Grizzly bears, wolves, moose, bison, American cranes, wapiti deers, and many others exist. On special tours, you can go searching for them.

While hunting is prohibited, you can go fishing after receiving a license. In the summer, you can enjoy landscapes from a boat; in winter, cross-country skiing is available. There is something to do and see on one of 1770 km of biking and hiking trails there!

Traveling tip: you'd better visit a national park in the late spring and early summer. There is a high fire danger in the second half of the summer and autumn. Also, some roads might be closed in winter due to weather conditions.

Be aware: black bears and grizzlies appear here frequently. Bears try to avoid humans but can get aggressive in certain situations. Take a bear spray with you and follow the safety rules while hiking.

Cascade Canyon is a favorite place for birdwatchers. In spring and early summer, you can hear them singing.

Get a unique experience on a horseback tour. Choose a day-long walk or a trip with a few nights out under the stars. Look out here for currently accessible routes and rules of stock travels.

Getting to the park

Grand Teton is the main tourist attraction in northwest Wyoming. The nearest city is Jackson. In the park, you can easily find a lodge or camping.

You can stay here with an advanced reservation only. Most campgrounds are closed in the winter season.

Grand Teton is 11 miles from Yellowstone, so make sure you drive to both of them while being in this area.

Go along the John Rockefeller Memorial Parkway, which lies between two national parks.

Plan your trip: weather conditions are difficult there in any season. Even summer days can surprise you with cold weather. Be ready for snowfall in May! The optimal season is May through September.

The park is full of picturesque bridges, lodges, and roads. Along them, you'll see granite stones. They help travelers to deal with steep edges and have a local name Rockefeller Teeth. They have their name because Rockefeller sponsored the design of Acadia in the 1930s.

Tip for travelers: you can travel around Acadia on an Island Explorer free bus. There are bike racks on each vehicle, allowing you to combine different kinds of transport easily.

This national park is full of animals, and you can order a tour to watch them. Tourists sometimes come here to see whales and dolphins that appear on the coast.

There are more than 300 bird species, and watching them can be a great activity too. The forests have a population of red lynx, bears, and wolves.

Plan your trip: early autumn is the best time to attend the park. The tourist flow gets smaller, and the temperature is still comfortable. The rains are common and frequent. You get a chance to take the most beautiful photos. Please consider that most of the territory is closed from November to March.

What should you expect from this national park? Three hundred seventy miles of roads, 310 miles of trails, 450 miles of creeks and rivers, and 150 lakes.

If you like alpinism, this is a place for you. There are 60 peaks of 3700 meters or higher. The highest one, Longs Peak, is 4345 meters.

After coming to Rocky Mountain, you can book a guided tour. A ranger will show you some routes and help you see rich local fauna. You can find bighorn rams, black bears, coyotes, pumas, white-tailed eagles, and owls in the park.

The Rocky Mountain territory has five campings. Moraine Park works all year round; others are open from May to November. We advise booking a place in advance if you travel here in June and July.

Please note: from May to October you can live camping for seven days maximally. From November to April, the limitation equals 14 days.

If you come here for a day or two, we advise you to attend simple hiking trails around lakes. The shortest one is the half-mile Sprague Lake trail. You can also visit a Nymph and Bear Lake on the Nature Trail.

What places to visit can you find there? The most famous route is the Going-to-the-Sun road. The journey will take about 2 hours on a bus or a car. It leads from lowlands to ice-capped peaks of the Continental Pass.

The best viewpoints are accessible only on foot travels. On the 1600 square miles territory, you can find more than 600 miles of trails and paths, big and small.

Special activities: you can travel across the Glacier National Park on a motor ship or a light aircraft. Glacier Bay is full of picturesque fjords and wooded mountains. This route will show you incredible views of the ice caps, inaccessible from anywhere else.

On the territory, you can stay at one of 13 campings. In the west, there is a Lake McDonald Lodge, which opened in 1914. The building is included in the list of National Historic Landmarks of America.

On Swift Current Lake's east bank, you can stay at Many Glacier Hotel. Take some photos at beautiful terraces and enjoy dinner here.

Traveling recommendations: the rainiest months are September and November. The highest season is in the middle of summer, and booking accommodation in advance is necessary.

The Olympic National Park is full of contrasts. There are unique rainforests, unexpected in the US northwest. Near them, you'll find an endless coastline and the great Pacific.

In the center of the territory, there are Olympic mountains with peaks reaching 4000 meters or higher. Comfortable hiking trails will help you to move around.

Campings on the territory function year-round; some are accessible only in the summer. The park administration asks to book places in advance during the peak season.

The most comfortable winter option is lodging. The territory has five different ones, including a historic one. This national park is suitable for annual visiting and offers winter attractions. We highly advise you to see the Pacific Coast and Hurricane Ridge.

Surprisingly, Hoh and Quinault Rainforests stay green and fresh during cold months. It is the rain season for the jungle!

Traveling tip: climate can be unstable in this area, so check forecasts before visiting. The Olympic's website publishes information about weather conditions and possible visitor dangers.

The peak season in this national park starts in the middle of summer. It is the time when meadows start blooming. This beautiful time lasts until the end of August.

Each day looks stunning in that period. On the Mount Rainier website, you can find information about the statement of meadows.

This park is for ultimate trekking lovers. Inside you'll find a famous Wonderland Trail, more than 90 miles long. It will lead you around the Rainier volcano.

You can even climb a glacier with a ranger and suitable equipment. Other trails take about 3 hours usually.

Rainier is not the only mountain there. With almost no experience, you can climb mount Fremont, Burroughs, or another peak on a light trail. Each route has viewpoints with forests, lakes, and blooming fields.

Traveling tip: you know already how the weather is unstable there. To check the current statement or enjoy the views, open Mount Rainier webcams and see conditions in real-time.

The park has four campings at different heights. When choosing where to stay, please consider your attitude against the high mountain climate.

Mowich Lake Campground, 4,929ft of elevation, is free after registration. Each camping is accessible from June to late September.

Winter conditions can be challenging here. Most of the park roads close, and some of them close nightly. Many visitors come here anyway due to the incredible beauty of local snowy landscapes.

Please note: you can only access Mount Rainier in winter with tire chains on your car!

Everglades offers its' visitors guided tours and ranger programs. Here you can experience Wilderness Trips, from a few-night stay to a week-long excursion.

The most popular trail in a Wilderness Waterway, going from Flamingo Visitor Center to Everglades City. It is 99 miles long and takes about eight days to complete.

There are also abilities for biking through one of five suitable trails from 3 to 15 miles. You can try seeing alligators in swamps, the main attraction for tourists here.

While a third part of the territory is covered with water, you can go on recreational fishing with state permission.

Traveling tips: season matters a lot for Everglades. Summer can be hot and rainy, with a myriad of mosquitoes. In spring and autumn, hurricanes and storms are a familiar scene. The best time to get here starts in November and ends in March.

Where Would You Go?

Now you know an incredible range of places to visit in the US. Would you choose a relaxing trip to Key West or a challenging trip through northern national parks? This country offers impressive journeys for any kind of people, and you will definitely find yours.