10 Awesome Places to Visit in USA (2024)

Who doesn’t want to visit the United States of America at least once in their lifetime? The USA is the Promised Land for many. It is a bastion of free thought and modern-day pop culture, and all that anyone around the world knows about Western culture stems from America. Made up of 50 states, the entire USA is just marginally smaller than the continent of Europe, and to visit this vast country, you will need at least 15 to 20 days to check out its unbelievably diverse range of cultures cityscapes, and natural landscapes. From the tropical paradise of Hawaii to the glitz and glamor of New York and Las Vegas, there are so many places to see in America that you will be left overwhelmed.

10 Awesome Places to Visit in USA

Here are some of the greatest places to visit in the USA to explore most of the fascinating places discovered in this beautiful country.

1. New York City

There is no doubt that New York City is the jewel in the crown of the USA. New York is the city of dreams. It is a megacity packed with iconic tourist attractions, places to eat, and many historic buildings. The city is famous worldwide for its massive skyscrapers and famous attractions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Empire State Building, the Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and, who can forget, the Statue of Liberty.

A city that is like none other in the world, New York should be the first place to explore on your trip to the US. For first-time visitors, walking along the crowded streets of New York may feel like you are walking through a movie set as you come across many famous sites at almost every turn. Some of the must-see attractions when you are in New York include:

• Statue of Liberty
• Empire State Building
• 9/11 Memorial and Museum
• Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck
• Chrysler Building
• Central Park
• The High Line
• 5th avenue
• Times Square
• Broadway and the Theater District
• Brooklyn Bridge
• Metropolitan Museum of Art
• American Museum of Natural History
• Grand Central Terminal

Sightsee this wonderful city by day and catch a Broadway show in the evening while including some time for shopping or just strolling along New York streets. With so much to see and too many things to do in this city, the Big Apple (as New York City is popularly known) is a city that never sleeps.

2. Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is perhaps the greatest tourist attraction in the USA. Millions of visitors visit this magnificent natural wonder every year. Located in northern Arizona, this is a massive geological wonder that the Colorado River carved out over a period of millions of years. Today, the canyon measures 277 miles (about 446 kilometers) in length, over a mile (1.6 kilometers) deep, and 18 miles (29 kilometers) wide. While it is not the longest or the deepest canyon in the world, the sheer magnitude of its size and the colorful landscape offer sights that are hard to match in other places.

The Grand Canyon is managed and protected by the Grand Canyon National Park, and the canyon is contained within the boundaries of the national park while also falling on the Hualapai and Havasupai Indian Reservations.

The Grand Canyon is separated into two major sections, the remote North Rim and the famous South Rim. Since the most accessible parts for tourists come under the South Rim, visitors are left awed by the many historical sites also located in this part of the canyon, including the Grand Canyon Railway Depot, the El Tovar Hotel, and the Desert View Watchtower. The South Rim is also home to the Grand Canyon Village, where visitors can find many options for spending the night or a few days per their itinerary.

As visitors explore this park, you will find miles and miles of awe-inspiring landscapes, historic sites, wildlife roaming around, and even indulging in adventurous activities.

To explore the canyon, there are many well-marked trails to check out, including the South Kaibab Trail, one of the most popular. If you want to stretch yourself and take a long hike, try out the Rim-to-Rim Trail, but remember to pack plenty of water as you embark on this route as you will be hiking under the unrelenting desert sun.

One of the most renowned places at the Grand Canyon is the Havasu Falls, an incredible waterfall cascading down 120 feet (37 meters) to form a natural swimming pool with breathtaking turquoise water.

Some of the other sights and experiences at the Grand Canyon include jeep tours, whitewater rafting, helicopter rides, and the Skywalk, a breathtaking sightseeing structure that stretches for 4000 feet (1200 meters) over the rim of the magnificent Grand Canyon. This is a must-see attraction to take in some of the most amazing views of the Grand Canyon.

3. San Francisco

The beautiful city of San Francisco is located on the tip of a peninsula. It is situated in northern California, famous for plenty of things. Without a doubt, the city’s number one attraction is the Golden Gate Bridge. Visitors can bike, ride, drive, or even walk across this famous suspension bridge to take some stunning photographs and admire the beautiful views. Another precious landmark of the city is the historic cable cars, which are one of the unique ways to experience the steep inclines and explore the city’s cobbled streets.

The city of San Francisco is rich in history and culture, and it is known far and wide for its breathtakingly beautiful Victorian homes and ethnic neighborhoods. Chinatown is the most famous one having a colorful variety of shops and markets. You will also find tourists flocking to the city’s renowned waterfront district, which is lined with many seafood restaurants and souvenir shops. Fisherman’s Wharf is a favorite spot where tourists can board a ferry to visit Alcatraz Island to tour the notorious prison.

Some of the attractions you must check out in San Francisco include:

• Golden Gate Park
• Legion of Honor
• Palace of Fine Arts
• California Academy of Sciences
• San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
• Twin Peaks
• de Young Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco
• Asian Art Museum
• Exploratorium
• Golden Gate National Recreation Area
• Take a day trip to Napa Valley
• Ghirardelli Square

4. Las Vegas

No one would imagine a city built in the middle of the desert in Nevada. And certainly not think in their wildest dreams that it would become as popular as Las Vegas is.

Thanks to the huge number of world-famous casinos here, Las Vegas is perhaps one of the most famous cities in the US. Today’s most famous casinos are household names, such as the Bellagio, MGM Grand, and Caesar’s Palace. It’s not just gambling here that tourists come for. With the lavish performances, showgirls, stunning sets, and stages, there is plenty more on offer in Las Vegas that suits people of all interests and ages.

As you come upon the main street of Las Vegas known as the Strip, you will find the Bellagio’s incredible fountain shows, a replica of an Egyptian pyramid and of the Eiffel Tower, and many other landmarks.

Even golfers will be pleased to know that there are over 55 golf courses in and around Las Vegas, each more superior than the last. And located just outside the city, many state parks offer adventurous activities like hiking and rock climbing. Located nearby is Lake Mead, where you can indulge in various water sports.

5. Yellowstone

A visit to the United States cannot be complete without visiting the Yellowstone National Park. The famous Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first and oldest national park. Even today, this national park is one of the world’s most beautiful and wild places. And your vacation to the United States would not be complete without a visit to this magnificent national park. This is a wonderland of geothermal activity. There are numerous places to see and so many things to do that you will be left amazed at witnessing steam coming out of the ground. Take a walk along the numerous walking and hiking trails that can be found throughout the park and explore the steaming hot springs, hissing geysers, and bubbling mud pots from up close.

Established in 1872, the Yellowstone National Park continues to be the largest geothermal wonder in the world. It amazes visitors to know that the landscape of this mysterious place actually formed millions of years ago.  

While you can drive through the park, it is always better to explore it on foot. A vast network of trails crisscross through the park, and this is the best way to see every inch of the diverse ecosystem of Yellowstone. You can also decide to camp at one of the camping sites in the park.  

The multicolor Grand Prismatic Spring is the first thing to check out at Yellowstone National Park. The Grand Prismatic Spring is the biggest attraction of the park and also of the Midway Geyser Basin. In the US, the Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring, while it remains the third biggest hot spring in the world. This spot is so widely photographed that you can instantly recognize the sight from far away.  

Another remarkable landmark of the magnificent Yellowstone National Park is the Old Faithful Geyser. When you are in Yellowstone, do not leave without visiting this famous spot. It is not only renowned but also remarkable in that it was the first geyser in the park to have received a name.

While you are here, don’t forget to check out Fairy Falls, the tallest waterfall. However, it is only possible to reach Fairy Falls by hiking. Combining your visit to Fairy Falls with your trip to see the Grand Prismatic Spring is a great idea.

And if you are lucky, you might see huge herds of bison roaming free in the valleys. The abundant wildlife includes gray wolves, elk, grizzly and black bears, majestic bald eagles, and trumpeter swans.

6. Chicago

Famously called the Windy City, the city of Chicago is known for its massive skyscrapers, unique style of pizzas and hot dogs, and sports teams. Being the third biggest city in the US, Chicago is home to many sites that appear to be from the future, such as the Millennium Park and the iconic Sears Tower, and the Navy Pier with its restaurants, parks, and amusements.

Sitting on Lake Michigan in the heart of the US Midwest region in northeastern Illinois, Chicago is also a major center for industry, commerce, and finance. Numerous genres of music, such as Blues, Jazz, and House music, are known to have roots in the live music venues in and around Chicago.

Chicago is a vast city with many ethnic neighborhoods and a lively downtown that is best explored by taking a walk. As you take a stroll through downtown Chicago, you get to take in some fantastic views of impressively tall skyscrapers, many upscale malls, quaint shops, charming restaurants and bakeries, and many hot dog stands that sell the city’s unique beef frankfurter served on poppy seed bun with tomatoes, onion, yellow mustard, and pickle relish.

Chicago has also played an essential role in American history. As a result, many historic sites in the city, including the Old St. Patrick’s Church, which is one of the only buildings that managed to survive the Great Fire of 1871 in Chicago. The Cadillac Palace Theater is another historic site; you should visit it at least once to check out its exquisitely designed interiors. Opening its doors in 1926, the theater still hosts Broadway shows.

Grant Park is another huge attraction in the city, known for its beautiful gardens and recreational facilities, along with the Buckingham Fountain, which is famous for being one of the largest foundations in the world.

7. Los Angeles

Not many people know that Los Angeles is actually the second biggest city in the US, located in southern California and surrounded by the breathtaking Pacific Coast, valleys, and majestic mountains. It is often called the Entertainment Capital of the World and is just abbreviated to LA. Over the last decades, the town of LA has grown to become synonymous with celebrity culture. The city is home to the handprints of many film stars on its Hollywood Boulevard, and you can even hop aboard a tour to see the many celebrity homes in Beverly Hills.

For those who aren’t interested in the celebrity culture, you can head to the bohemian neighborhood of Venice Beach, which is home to Muscle Beach and a sprawled-out promenade that serves as a stage for many street performers. The seafront of the city of Santa Monica is another popular attraction as you can check out its old pier and the aquarium.

If you are traveling to LA with children, don’t forget to head to the world’s first Disneyland.

Some other popular attractions include the Kodak Theater, which plays host to the Academy Awards, Universal Studios Hollywood, and the Getty Center, which is regarded as the country’s finest art museum. If you want to indulge in some shopping, head to the Grove Farmer’s Market, a pedestrian paradise for shopping and entertainment. Knott’s Berry Farm and Griffith Park are other places of interest for the family.

8. Washington DC

Washington is home to the government, and it is also the capital of the United States. The city is located on the country’s East Coast in the District of Columbia. This cosmopolitan city is home to a melting pot of cultures. Washington is famous for its many iconic landmarks like the White House, the Washington Monument, Capitol Building, and the Lincoln Memorial.

Washington is also home to several important museums, many of which are located within the famous Smithsonian Institute, the world’s largest research, and museum compound. Historic churches, the National Zoo, and the breathtaking colonial architecture of the Georgetown neighborhood are some other famous sights to check out in Washington. A great way to view all the major attractions of Washington is to climb aboard the hop-on hop-off trolley. You can also think about going on a day trip from Washington to an excursion to the nearby Civil War Battlefield of Gettysburg.

9. Orlando

Known for some of the most famous theme parks like Universal Studios and Walt Disney World, Orlando is one of the favorites and most sought-after destinations for family vacations. In the center of Florida, Orlando is where your dreams come true, and there is magic all around. With several amusement parks, visitors to Orlando can meet their favorite storybook characters, ride thrilling roller coasters, re-enact famous movie scenes, and even watch magnificent dolphins and whales perform some marvelous tricks.

However, Orlando is much more than just an amusement parks. Its downtown area is a beautiful place with cobbled streets lined with restaurants, shops, bars, and many comedy clubs. Botanic gardens and conservation parks show Florida’s unique flora and fauna, ranging from orchids to alligators. Orlando is also a paradise for sports lovers. Golfers will be spoilt for choice seeing the many golf clubs and courses, while the lakes and streams here are full of trophy fish, making it a sought-after sport fishing destination.

10. Hawaii

Known worldwide for its breathtaking natural beauty, Hawaii is located far off the coast of California in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The state comprises 137 islands, and this volcanic archipelago is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the US, owing to its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and rich history and culture.

To begin with, check out the rugged NaPali Coast, the idyllic Waikiki Beach, and the plunging Waimea Canyon to see some of Hawaii’s natural wonders. With so much magnificent scenery, you would want to spend as much time outside as possible. You can hike among the volcanoes, surf the huge waves, or even indulge in snorkeling amidst the colorful coral reefs.

In 1959, Hawaii was the last state to join the United States, and the islands continue to hold onto much of their unique Hawaiian identity, culture, and heritage. Visitors to Hawaii can taste this rich culture and heritage by staying at one of the many luxury resorts that dot the islands.

Some of the most popular islands of Hawaii to visit include Oahu, Maui, and Kauai.