USA attractions

Constructed prior to the American Revolutionary War, Faneuil Hall Marketplace has served as a bustling market for centuries. Today, the attraction, located on the city’s Freedom Trail, actually comprises four individual buildings: Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market. It is a popular place for sightseeing and dining, and it features an ever-changing lineup of street performers outside.

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.

The 1920s were a pivotal decade for Chicago’s architectural scene, and when the Wrigley Building opened in 1924, it set the pace for the city’s development. When owner William Wrigley Jr. (of the Wrigley gum company) scouted locations for his company’s headquarters, he chose a unique triangle shape of land—it would eventually become the heart of the bustling Magnificent Mile.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New Orleans’ Garden District is the epitome of Southern charm. The neighborhood is full of historic mansions, complete with wrought-iron fences, verandas, and manicured gardens. Stretches of green parks separate the streets, and St. Charles Avenue—known for its famous St. Charles Streetcar—runs through the heart of it all. Other highlights range from the leafy Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 to Magazine Street, a favorite among brunchers and browsers.

Set along Oahu’s North Shore at ʻEhukai Beach Park, the Banzai Pipeline is one of the most legendary surf breaks in the world. Massive waves build and crash over a shallow reef, drawing top surfers from around the globe. Visitors can watch the action from the beach, where powerful swells and vibrant sunsets make this a must-see stop for surf fans.

Mokolii Island is a small islet located just off the coast of Oahu’s Kualoa Regional Park. It is only reachable by swimming, kayaking, and even wading during low tide if you’re feeling adventurous. Visitors to the cone-shaped island can hike to the top to enjoy sweeping, panoramic views or relax on its pristine beaches. Its cultural Hawaiian name is officially Mokoliʻi.

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.

One of the highest waterfalls in North America and the world, this superstar attraction in Yosemite National Park is made up of three falls with a cumulative drop of 2,425 feet (739 meters). It’s especially stunning in late spring when the snow melts, and water flow is at its peak. Most visitors take in this natural marvel from easily accessible viewpoints, but adventurous hikers can climb the historic trail to the top.

Marking the starting point of Boston’s Freedom Trail—a brick-lined walking trail around the city’s American Revolution landmarks—Boston Common unfolds across 50 acres (20 hectares) of public green spaces and walkways in the heart of downtown. As well as serving as Boston’s green lungs, its venerable past and attractions draw visitors keen to escape the downtown bustle, view historical monuments, and enjoy the Frog Pond, which offers wading in summer and ice skating in winter.

New Orleans’ infamous Bourbon Street, also known as Rue Bourbon, conjures up images of endless partying, drinks of all shapes and sizes, bachelorette parties, and bead-throwing on Mardi Gras. Outside of Mardi Gras season, you'll want to visit this French Quarter playground for its Creole restaurants, live music venues, souvenir shops, and storied bars. No wonder it’s a staple of most New Orleans sightseeing tours.

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.

One of New York City’s most storied buildings, the Dakota stands quietly across from Central Park with its Gothic gables and ornate stonework. Visitors come to admire the architecture and reflect on its place in pop culture history—especially as the former home of John Lennon. Offering a glimpse into old New York elegance, it’s a must-see stop on many Upper West Side walking tours.

This Oahu landmark is an active US Coast Guard lighthouse on the eastern tip of the island. It features a popular 2-mile (3-kilometer) paved hike that offers scenic views of the ocean and nearby islands, and it’s a great place for whale sightings during the winter months. The lighthouse itself is fully automated, with one of the largest Fresnel lenses in the country.

Situated right on Biscayne Bay, the open-air, 2-story Bayside Marketplace is one of downtown Miami's most popular shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations. It's home to dozens of shops, selling everything from apparel and watches to cosmetics. It also offers a wide range of dining options, while its proximity to highlights, including the Skyviews Miami Ferris wheel, makes it a popular stop for families.

In the heart of the French Quarter, Jackson Square is one of New Orleans’ most famous meeting points. A National Historic Landmark, it looks up to the fairy-tale spires of St. Louis Cathedral, as well as the Cabildo and Presbytère museums. Stroll through Washington Artillery Park on the banks of the Mississippi River, then wander around the square or take a seat to watch the many buskers, street performers, and artists.

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.

Known as the "Mother Church of Country Music," the Ryman Auditorium is one of Nashville's most iconic venues, helping the city transform into a legendary music destination. Since opening in 1892, it has hosted legends such as Louis Armstrong, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Van Morrison. Today, visitors can tour the historic theater, visit the museum, or experience the venue's world-class acoustics during a live performance.

While Lake Mead may be the most famous landmark in the scenic Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the sprawling 1.5 million-acre (607,000-hectare) landscape features desert canyons, reservoirs, and mountains. Just driving through offers fabulous views, but the recreation area is also a hub for outdoor activities, such as kayaking, hiking, and off-roading. It’s all within day-tripping distance of Las Vegas, making adventures here accessible for anyone on shorter trips.

When it was established in 1750, Colonial Park Cemetery was Savannah's main cemetery. It expanded three times to accommodate 9,000 graves across 6 acres (2.4 hectares). A century later, the cemetery ceased burials. Today, visitors can walk among the graves, many of which have historical markers describing local people and events.

Located in the heart of New Orleans’ vibrant French Quarter, the French Market is one of the oldest continuously operating open-air markets in the United States, making it a part of living Louisiana history. In addition to hosting vendors who sell everything from handmade goods to artisanal foods, the French Market also comprises a daily flea market, as well as a farmers market.

Situated on the northern end of Hawaii’s Big Island, Waimea (aka Kamuela) is the center of Hawaiian cowboy (paniolo) country. This historic area is filled with rolling green hills, endless open pastures, and spectacular valleys. With its fabulous scenery, bucolic vibes, and great local food, Waimea is one of the Big Island’s top tourist towns—it’s also the island’s north side hub.

LaLaurie Mansion is not your regular tourist attraction in New Orleans. Also known as LaLaurie House, this French Quarter spot has a particularly gruesome past that involves torture, murder, and acts of brutality. The house tends to attract horror and true crime buffs (especially after dark), as well as visitors who want to learn more about the property’s chilling history.

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.

The World War II–era USS Intrepid aircraft carrier retired to Manhattan’s West Side, where it was transformed into a museum with lots of history and technology to explore. The complex hosts noteworthy craft, including NASA’s Enterprise space shuttle, the USS Growler missile submarine, and a Concorde jet. While you’re there, check out original artifacts, films, and photographs, plus simulators that recreate the flying experience.

Hanauma Bay's clear waters, surrounded by volcanic rock, are home to a vast array of tropical fish and coral reefs. Once used by the Hawaiian royal family for fishing and entertaining, the bay is now part of Hanauma Bay State Park, one of Oahu’s top attractions. In addition to snorkeling, visitors to the bay can sunbathe and relax on its wide sandy beach.

Though the San Francisco Bay Bridge doesn't share the fame of the Golden Gate, the beauty of its recently reconstructed east span is beyond debate. Locals know it as the best way to cross between Oakland and San Francisco, while travelers enjoy its storied history, Yerba Buena Island connection, and stunning light displays.