Top 10 Best Places to Visit in the United States – There are many unique places to see in the United States. The country offers a wide variety of destinations ranging from vibrant world-class cities on the east and west coasts to the natural wonders of iconic national parks and landmarks. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go when planning a trip to the U.S. The highlights below showcase some of the top places to visit, ranging from historical landmarks to cultural hubs, natural wonders, and more.
New York City
Many people dream of going to New York, and it’s no wonder why. This lively city, known for never sleeping, has famous places like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building. You can watch Broadway shows, shop on 5th Avenue, and eat at excellent restaurants. New York has something for everyone. Important places to see include the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Brooklyn Bridge, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Spring and fall are great times to visit because the weather is pleasant.
Places To Visit In New York City
- Statue of Liberty
- Empire State Building
- Times Square
- Central Park
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- Broadway shows
San Francisco
The hilly coastal city of San Francisco delights visitors with its iconic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, foodie culture, and unmatched vistas of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. Walk the streets of lively neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy, ride a cable car past streaked Painted Ladies Victorian houses, sample fresh seafood from the Embarcadero, or gaze at the Golden Gate Bridge from breezy Baker Beach. Be sure to see the Painted Ladies, cruise the Bay, visit Alcatraz Island, explore Golden Gate Park, drive over the Golden Gate Bridge, and eat fresh seafood sourced from the Pacific.
Places to Visit in San Francisco
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Alcatraz Island
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Chinatown
- Golden Gate Park
- Pier 39
Grand Canyon
No trip to the western U.S. is complete without seeing the Grand Canyon. At 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep, it’s too enormous to take in or comprehend at first glance. The best way to experience the canyon is to hike below the rim and camp in the inner canyon, float the Colorado River, watch a sunrise or sunset at one of the viewpoints, and gaze out from the floor to fully gain perspective looking up at the steep, multicolored walls surrounding you. Even looking down from the rim is breathtaking. You can access different areas of the canyon, from Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona to the North Rim. Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail, and North Kaibab Trail offer access below the rim. Rafting trips run year-round. Early fall and spring are the best times to visit.
Places to Visit in Grand Canyon
- Bright Angel Trail
- South Kaibab Trail
- North Kaibab Trail
- Rafting on the Colorado River
Houston
Houston often gets overlooked, but the cosmopolitan city has fantastic museums, great food, fun nightlife, and an incredibly diverse population. Visit Space Center Houston for an out-of-this-world experience. Explore the Museum District, which houses nearly 20 museums. Catch a show in the Theater District and dig into Tex-Mex and BBQ flavors that are out of this world. Take advantage of seeing Space Center Houston, Museum District, Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, and Houston Zoo and eating at some of the best Tex-Mex restaurants in Texas. Late fall, winter, and spring have pleasant weather.
Places to Visit in Houston
- Space Center Houston
- Museum District
- Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
- Houston Zoo
Las Vegas
Las Vegas dazzles with its glitz, glamour, and over-the-top themed hotel c.a.s.i.n.o.s. Beyond gambling, entertainment options abound. See the Bellagio fountains dance to music or erupt with fire, catch a concert with music legends like Usher and Sting, who headline extended residencies in Vegas, try your luck at the slots and tables, embark on an epic pool crawl, and indulge in an unforgettable meal prepared by renowned chefs. As the Entertainment Capital of the World, Vegas has something for everyone, whether you want to splurge, lounge poolside, or explore nearby natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and Zion. Must-see attractions include Fremont Street, High Roller Observation Wheel, Mirage Volcano, and the Fountains of Bellagio. Spring and fall typically have nice weather.
Places to Visit in Las Vegas
- Fremont Street
- Bellagio Fountains
- High Roller Observation Wheel
- Mirage Volcano
- Grand Canyon
- Hoover Dam
Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
Waikiki’s beautiful golden sand and turquoise waters have long made it a favorite with surfers, beachgoers, and those who want to soak up the tropical sun and sights of Diamond Head. Beyond the beach, you can learn to surf, sail a catamaran, explore historic Pearl Harbor, take in the views from Diamond Head State Monument, shop and dine locally, or unwind with a fresh pineapple-infused cocktail and the sound of crashing waves. The stunning azure waters, world-famous beach, and views of Diamond Head Crater create a dreamy paradise vibe. Take advantage of seeing Diamond Head Crater, attending the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Alii Luau, and sailing along Waikiki’s famous beaches. Late spring, early fall, and late fall have ideal beach weather.
Places to visit in Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
- Diamond Head Crater
- Polynesian Cultural Center & Alii Luau
- Surfing
- Pearl Harbor
- Catamaran & sailing tours
Washington D.C.
As the U.S. capital and seat of government, D.C. holds many of the nation’s most treasured artifacts, monuments, and museums. See history come to life gazing up at the towering white obelisk of the Washington Monument, standing in the footsteps of great leaders at the Lincoln Memorial, remembering lives lost at memorials like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and WWII Memorial, gaining insight into our nation at the Smithsonian Institution museums and seeing iconic documents like the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives. When the famous cherry blossoms burst into bloom each spring, the city becomes a wonderland of pink and white flowers lining the Tidal Basin before the iconic monuments. Don’t miss seeing the White House, the U.S. Capitol, war memorials, Smithsonian museums, and the Cherry Blossom Festival, which is held in the spring. Spring and fall have mild weather ideal for sightseeing.
Places to Visit in Washington D.C.
- The White House
- U.S. Capitol
- War memorials
- Smithsonian Museums
- Cherry Blossom Festival
Miami
Miami dazzles visitors with its multicultural vibe, turquoise waters, pastel art deco architecture, and fusion of Cuban, Caribbean, African, and Latin cultures. Beyond fantastic beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or attempting stand-up paddleboarding, Miami offers first-rate museums and a world-renowned art scene in Wynwood’s colorful mural district. Enjoy dancing to Latin music on Calle Ocho in Little Havana, admiring exotic wildlife at Jungle Island, and seeing rare tropical plants at the lush Fairchild Botanical Gardens nearby in Coral Gables. Take advantage of seeing Wynwood Walls, trying Cuban cuisine in Little Havana, spending a day at Miami Beach, visiting Everglades National Park to see alligators in the wild, and gazing at gorgeous views from Cape Florida Lighthouse. Winter and spring have great beach weather.
Places to Visit in Miami
- South Beach
- Art Deco District
- Wynwood Walls
- Little Havana
- Everglades National Park
- Fairchild Botanical Gardens
Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers sun-kissed beaches, Hollywood magic, diverse neighborhoods, fantastic food, and world-class museums to delight visitors. Dive into the weird and wonderful world of Hollywood magic at Universal Studios, gaze at celebrities on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, be awed staring up at the iconic Hollywood sign, absorb yourself in exciting exhibits at the Getty Center with sweeping city views, lounge on golden beaches like Santa Monica, hike to waterfalls in Topanga State Park and indulge in an epic food crawl through Koreatown, Little Tokyo, Thai Town and Grand Central Market’s wealth of L.A. flavors. Take advantage of seeing Hollywood Boulevard, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Pier, and Disneyland and trying California cuisine and tacos. Spring, fall, and winter typically have nice weather for sightseeing.
Places to Visit in Los Angeles
- Hollywood Boulevard & Walk of Fame
- Rodeo Drive
- Santa Monica Pier
- Universal Studios
- Disneyland
- Getty Center
New Orleans
“In New Orleans, they say ‘let the good times roll,’ and it’s all about having a great time. You can enjoy delicious food, lively music, and colorful buildings in this city. There’s a lot more than just parties and tasty treats – you can explore the unique history, learn about voodoo, and go on exciting airboat rides in the bayou. Don’t miss the chance to visit famous places like Jackson Square and the French Quarter, try beignets at Cafe Du Monde, take a tour of the cemeteries, and join the festive Mardi Gras celebrations. The best weather is in spring and fall, but it gets hot in the summer. Mardi Gras usually happens in February or March before Lent.”
Places to Visit in New Orleans
- French Quarter
- Bourbon Street
- Cafe Du Monde
- Cemetery tours
- Preservation Hall
- Mardi Gras
With vibrant cities filled with culture and entertainment, stunning natural landscapes from coastlines to canyons, and everything in between, the United States offers incredible diversity. These highlights showcase some of the top spots, ranging from historic to adventurous destinations across the country. Whether you seek outdoor adventures, indulgent food crawls through cities, small-town charm, opportunities to understand America’s history or a bit of everything, there are fantastic options to craft your ideal vacation.
