North America attractions

Butchart Gardens, established in 1904, treat visitors to an enchanting floral show that changes with the seasons. Covering 55 acres (22 hectares) on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, the botanical space is intricately laid out into separate themed gardens with landscaping that impresses and inspires gardeners and nature lovers alike.

Nicknamed the “Mighty Mo,” the USS Missouri—now known as the Battleship Missouri Memorial—is the site where the Japanese signed the surrender documents that ended World War II in September 1945. Located within the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the ship is now a museum that commemorates the vessel’s roles in WWII, the Korean War, and the Liberation of Kuwait.

For decades, Waikiki Beach has been Oahu’s tourist mecca, all thanks to its palm-fringed white-sand beaches and high-rise luxury hotels that stretch from downtown Honolulu east toward the towering peak of Diamond Head. Here, all the spoils of beach life in Hawaii are within steps of world-class shopping and dining; think sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and fruity-cocktail sipping. Most trips to Oahu start right here.

Navy Pier is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chicago—and with good reason. Jutting straight into the waters of Lake Michigan, the pier is one of the city's largest entertainment complexes, with almost 50 acres (20 hectares) of exhibits, rides, parks, and family attractions. For those seeking a calmer experience, Navy Pier is also an excellent spot to appreciate the lakefront and skyline views.

Sitting within an extinct volcanic crater known as Puowaina (or the Hill of Sacrifice), the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific honors tens of thousands of US military personnel who served in the Pacific theatre, including in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Its sweeping lawns and courts overlook Honolulu and offer a mix of natural setting and national remembrance.

Lined with Sin City’s top hotels and largest casinos, the glittering 4.2-mile (6.8-kilometer) Las Vegas Strip is the main entertainment drag and the place to be if you want to try your luck at slot machines and table games. This neon-lit boulevard is known for its over-the-top architecture, wild nightclubs, and many performance venues where you can see everything from Cirque du Soleil to comedy shows and live music.

Step aboard a floating piece of American history at the USS Midway Museum, one of San Diego’s most visited attractions. This retired aircraft carrier offers an up-close look at life at sea, with more than 60 exhibits—including more than 30 restored aircraft—and interactive displays throughout the ship. From walking the flight deck to climbing into cockpits, the experience brings naval aviation to life in a way that’s hands-on, family-friendly, and unforgettable.

A central character in Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the mighty Mississippi River has long captured the American imagination. It originates in Minnesota and sweeps south past 10 states, finishing in New Orleans, where it flows into the Gulf of Mexico. It’s among the largest rivers in the world, and has gained an almost mythical place in US history.

Set at the heart of the National Mall, the World War II Memorial honors the 16 million American soldiers who served in World War II. The site’s pillars represent each state and territory; it’s arches are dedicated to victories; and more than 4,000 stars symbolize the sacrifices made.

Inhabited since the 1630s, Boston's North End is understandably home to a variety of historic attractions, including the Paul Revere House (the starting place of his famous midnight ride in 1775) and the Old North Church, both of which are on the city’s Freedom Trail. But the neighborhood is equally known for its cultural offerings; dubbed Boston's Little Italy, the North End is a popular destination to grab Italian-American fare.

The Washington Monument is the tallest—and arguably the most recognizable—landmark in Washington DC, soaring to a height of 555 feet (169 meters). The white, marble obelisk, erected in honor of President George Washington, stands tall overlooking the National Mall. You can ascend to its summit or admire its mirror image in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Only in Los Angeles are stars so common that they can be found on the sidewalk. Featuring more than 2,800 brass stars along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is an iconic tribute to celebrities past and present. No trip to Hollywood is complete without strolling its length and finding stars belonging to your favorite, ahem, stars.

Stretching from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, the grassy, tree-lined National Mall is central to the culture and history of Washington DC. The open space between Constitution and Independence Avenues is home to the Washington Monument and fringed by Smithsonian museums and attractions such as the National Archives Museum. Affectionately known as “America’s Front Yard,” it has hosted such historic events as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech and the AIDS Memorial Quilt.

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial, commissioned by Franklin D. Roosevelt, is a tribute to the third president of the United States, founder of the University of Virginia, and key drafter of the Declaration of Independence. Its Pantheon-esque facade and bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson overlook the Tidal Basin and Washington Monument.

Home to one of the world’s last remaining coastal redwood forests, Muir Woods National Monument allows travelers to hike, relax, or picnic among giant Northern California trees only minutes from San Francisco. This protected nature reserve is also part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, home to Fort Baker and Stinson Beach—the park’s only lifeguarded beach.

An exclusive enclave for the rich and famous, Fisher Island is 3 miles (5 kilometers) off the coast from Miami. Its mansions, apartments, and marina filled with luxury yachts belong to some of Florida’s wealthiest residents, and the island is heavily protected. With no roads or bridges leading to it, access is only by ferry or private boat. The island also features a golf course and two upscale hotels.

Admire Vancouver’s natural beauty at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, one of the city’s most popular attractions. Its highlight experience is walking out onto the 450-foot (137-meter) suspension bridge, over the rushing Capilano River and amid temperate rainforest scenery. With plenty more to see and do besides, the park is a must for adventurous visitors in Vancouver.

Hayden Valley—named after Dr. Ferdinand Hayden, whose geological survey helped Yellowstone become a national park in 1872—is one of the best places in Yellowstone to spot wildlife. It’s also one of the most popular, though the traffic isn’t always entirely human-caused: Herds of bison sometimes crowd the road, letting you know whose territory you’re on.

The vivid blue water of Johnston Creek streams through sheer-sided Johnston Canyon, foaming white as it careens down waterfalls into pools below. A well-maintained trail—including a cliff-affixed walkway with incredible views—makes Johnston Canyon one of Banff National Park’s most accessible day hikes. It’s also one of its busiest, especially in summer, although well-equipped travelers can also hike the canyon in winter.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial brings together life-like statues of a patrol squad with a walled triangle inscribed with scenes depicting the Korean War. The steel statues and granite walls lead to the center of a reflecting pool. Dedicated in 1995, the memorial honors the 5.8 million Americans who served in the Korean War (1950–1953).

With steep emerald cliffs, lush valleys, and remote cascading waterfalls, the Na Pali Coast is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful regions, and no trip to the island of Kauai is complete without a visit to this magical coastline. There are only three ways to explore the Na Pali Coast—by air, by sea, and on foot—and each offers its own unique perspective.

At the Cave of the Winds observation decks, thrill-seeking visitors can get within 20 feet (6 meters) of the thundering Niagara Falls. This is one of the closest ways to experience the natural wonder, and feels like the inside of a tropical storm, with torrents of water and winds of up to 68 mph (109 kph). Safe to say, you should prepare to get wet.

On the southeastern coast of Oahu near Hanauma Bay, the Halona Blowhole is a rock formation created by volcanic activity. Its water-shooting effect comes from waves forced through the underwater lava tubes, and it can shoot water up to 30 feet (9 meters) in the air. From the lookout, you can also see nearby islands on a clear day.

Fortified walls are set with vibrant stained-glass windows, while the internal gardens are laid out in precise, geometric patterns at this imposing Mexico City castle. Today, the structure is filled with exhibits, artifacts, and artwork that offer insight into Mexico’s history, and new beauty waits around every corner.

One of the most recognizable pieces of American revolutionary history (thanks in part to its famous crack), the Liberty Bell represents freedom in the city where the Declaration of Independence was drafted. Today, the Philadelphia icon is located within the free-to-visit Liberty Bell Center, a highlight of Independence National Historical Park and home to exhibits in addition to the bell itself.

More than a busy waterway, New York Harbor is known for some of NYC’s most popular attractions, including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Governors Island. While it’s a scenic locale to admire from the shore, the harbor is arguably even better up close. Get on the water to explore Manhattan’s natural setting and see the city’s beauty from a new perspective.

Both an architectural marvel and one of New York’s most recognizable landmarks, the Flatiron Building has been turning heads since its debut in 1902. Named for its uncommonly triangular shape, the building was designed by architect Daniel Burnham and is a US National Historic Landmark. With 22 floors, it’s never been NYC’s tallest building, but it’s certainly one of its most iconic.

Dropping off a 30-foot (9-meter ledge, Bow Falls is not particularly high though it is powerful, with the strong flow creating a dramatic frothy torrent. Easy trails along the Bow River lead to scenic viewpoints from where the falls can be observed, with the glacier-carved valley and the Canadian Rockies visible in the background.

Radiating art deco glory, Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan is where you’ll find Radio City Music Hall, NBC Studios, the Top of the Rock observation deck, and, in winter, New York City’s famous ice rink and Christmas tree. Opened by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in the Great Depression, it’s a classic NYC stop for its history as a cultural center and architectural icon.

Surrounded by water on three sides, downtown Vancouver is the place to go for sea views, bright lights, and action. As the city’s commercial core, it encompasses several distinct areas including shop-lined Robson Street, the green expanse of Stanley Park, historic Gastown, and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America. The wide, tree-lined streets offer shade and greenery, so you never feel too overwhelmed by the city.