The 23 top tourist attractions in the USA

What is it? Immaculately maintained by the National Park Service, the National Mall and Memorial Parks feature more than 1,000 acres of must-see monuments, sites, and green space. While the Washington Monument towers above all else—quite literally, the city doesn’t zone for buildings taller than the marble icon—the Lincoln Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial are just as magnificent.

Why go? It will take a full day (or two) to see the National Mall—not only can you take in the grandeur and history on display at the monuments, it also gives you easy access to check out some of Washington, D.C.’s top museums.

What is it? Situated on the border of New York and Canada, the three waterfalls (Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridalveil Falls) that make up Niagra Falls have the combined highest flow rate of any waterfall worldwide. Their impressive force is nothing short of awe-worthy.

Why go? A top tourist destination since the 19th century, the unstoppable beauty and charm of Niagara Falls make it a memorable and unique landmark. 

What is it? The oldest corner of New Orleans remains its most charming attraction. Walk down famous Bourbon Street to enjoy jazz, great nightlife and tons of food.

Why go? While you travel on a streetcar between destinations, pay close attention to the spectacular architecture. And no trip to the French Quarter would be complete without a taste of authentic Cajun grub or a stop to pay your respects in the Cities of the Dead. 

What is it? Though she may have been born in France, the Statue of Liberty has become synonymous with America and the country’s highest-held values.

Why go? The 151-foot-tall copper monument is worth seeing up close from aboard the free Staten Island Ferry, but you can also pay your respects in person and even step inside it while on an official tour.

What is it? A cone geyser found in Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful is not entirely as predictable as it once was (it won’t erupt precisely every 74 minutes, for example) yet remains as historically exciting.

Why go> When erupting, the geothermal feature unleashes more than 3,700 gallons of piping hot water. When you’re done marveling at the spectacle, spend at least a full day exploring the rest of the park.

What is it? A key road-trip destination in the Midwest, Mt. Rushmore is a historic monument that pays homage to four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. 

Why go? Marvel at the work that had to go into achieving this feat—nearly 90 percent of the mountain was carved using dynamite, built by more than 400 men from 1927 to 1941. Also, the trip will be an opportunity to learn about the controversial history of Mt. Rushmore, which is built on sacred Native American land. 

What is it? Immortalized in a seemingly endless amount of movies, the Las Vegas Strip’s bright lights, larger-than-life performers and casinos are burned into our collective subconscious.

Why go? Whether planning on trying your luck at poker or looking to catch a diva’s residency, the Strip is a top destination for all things entertainment and, yes, a bit of debauchery.

What is it? The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. Located in the heart of this nation's capital, you can explore the National Air & Space Museum, the National Museum Of Natural History, the National Museum of American History, and many more. The best part?

Why go? It's all free. The latest addition to the museum lineup, which opened in 2016, is the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which is a must-visit. 

What is it? So, about five to six million years ago, the Colorado River more or less established its route through the Arizona desert. Glacial erosion, meltwater runoff and the simultaneous counter effect of the land slowly rising—as the weight of the glaciers was reduced—ultimately resulted in one of the most spectacular natural wonders on our modest, little blue-green planet. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, varies between four and 18 miles wide and has a maximum depth of 6,000 feet.

Why go? There are hotels and restaurants in key locations, but for the most part, you should visit and marvel at how incredible this world is—you know, before we ruin it.

What is it? It can't get much more iconic than Walt Disney World. Since its grand opening in 1971, this legendary wonderland has been a dream destination for millions from every corner of the globe. In fact, Disney World welcomes about 58 million guests each year, making it the most visited vacation resort on the planet.

Why go? From Magic Kingdom to Epcot to Hollywood Studios, every day at Disney World promises visitors a whole lot of magic no matter how you spend your time there. 

What is it? The Getty brings visitors from across the country and around the world to California. The $1 billion facility, designed by internationally renowned architect Richard Meier, features travertine and white-metal pavilions, highlighting the complex’s futuristic frame.

Why go? Inside, find one of the most exciting art collections—including Medieval manuscripts, paintings by Van Gogh and Monet, and modern sculptures.

What is it? If you’ve always dreamed of working in outer space, this is your chance to see and touch models of space shuttles, rockets, satellites, tools and mission control rooms. 

Why go? The simulators and explorable modules at the Kennedy Space Center will make you feel like an actual astronaut—though if you wonder just how much the experience compares to the real deal, you can meet one of those brave scientists in person at the Astronaut Encounter Theater.

What is it? Name a more iconic bridge—we'll wait. There's a reason the Golden Gate Bridge is so famous. With its vibrant international orange color and spanning from San Francisco to the Marin headlines, stands as a symbol of the West. 

Why go? There are countless ways to take in the stunning bridge views: head to a beach (try Baker Beach), head to the new Presidio Tunnel Tops Park, go to a vista overlook, or get up close and personal by crossing the bridge by foot or bike. A trip to San Francisco isn't complete until you get a picture with the Golden Gate in the background.

What is it? After decades of serving as a home to Cuban exiles, Little Havana has become a must-visit destination in its own right.

Why go? While out on the town, throwback rum-spiked Caribbean drinks and dance the night away to live rumba and salsa music. The food here is legendary: Cuban sandwiches, Colombian arepas, savory tacos and other Latin American dishes will leave your mouth watering.

What is it? Honoring the "day that will live in infamy," the Pearl Harbor National Memorial educates visitors on the surprise attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor in 1941, which prompted the United States to formally enter World War II.

Why go? The compound is made up of five historic sites in Central Oʻahu—you can hear first-hand stories from those who were on the scene, visit an airplane hangar damaged on that date, and pay your respects to those who were killed. An important stop on any trip to Oahu. 

What is it? Perhaps the best example of America’s building prowess in the first half of the 20th century, this dam remains a bewildering feat of engineering and labor. Construction started in 1931 and took five years, 5,000 workers and 3.25 million cubic yards of concrete to complete.

Why go? Today, you can tour the dam and its power plant to learn more about the facility’s history and unique features.

What is it? Not only is St. Louis’s premiere attraction the world’s largest arch, but the Gateway Arch is also the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere.

Why go? Standing proud at 630ft tall, this metal beauty was built in the mid-20th century as a monument to America’s westward expansion and is meant to signify the connection of the East to the West, honoring the country’s first pioneers. To fully understand this architectural wonder, snag a ticket to the Gateway Arch Tram and ride to the top of the monument.

What is it? With more than 400 miles explored, Mammoth Cave Park is the world’s longest-known cave system (by far). It is in Kentucky, and it welcomes any visitor not afraid of the dark or the damp. During a guided tour by a park ranger, see the dramatic passages lined with geological formations that might inspire your inner explorer.

Why go? The tours vary in length, but they always include historical details about how the cave system was formed and how people and other creatures interacted with it. After several hours in the caverns, appreciate the beauty of the clear waters and the untouched nature of the area while on a bike ride or canoe adventure.

What is it? Like many famous landmarks, Seattle’s iconic Space Needle was built for the World’s Fair, back in 1962 when the theme was “The Age of Space.” 

Why go? Today, the Space Needle remains one of the most recognizable and photographed landmarks worldwide for its futuristic design. Standing at 605 feet tall, visitors can take an elevator up to the tower’s saucer-shaped top floor with 360-degree views. Recent renovations resulted in a multi-level viewing experience with floor-to-ceiling glass viewing that will make your stomach drop.

What is it? Clearly, one of the Midwest’s most popular destinations, Navy Pier is visited by roughly nine million people each year. From excellent shopping opportunities to eateries and, of course, Lake Michigan, the destination offers something for everyone.

Why go? The little ones will be delighted by the Chicago Children’s Museum, while grown-ups should head to the award-winning Chicago Shakespeare Theater. 

What is it? Alcatraz is a formidable fortress in the middle of San Francisco Bay that was converted from a lighthouse station to a military prison in the 1870s. However, it found genuine acclaim after being upgraded to a maximum-security prison in 1934, home to the early 20th-century’s most notorious criminals.

Why go? Today, the tiny island is only accessible to the public via a ferry from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing. You should plan to spend about three hours soaking up the amazing history and during that time, a self-guided audio cellhouse tour narrated by former inmates and guards will fill you in on harrowing escape attempts, prison riots and the 19-month-long occupation of the site by Native Americans demanding reparation for broken treaties in 1969. 

What is it? Wedged in between Marina del Ray and Santa Monica, Venice Beach is one of the biggest draws for visitors to Los Angeles. 

Why go? It's firmly established as the bohemian epicenter of Southern California and you won't find a higher concentration of recognizable landmarks from film and TV anywhere else in Los Angeles. At weekends, during the summer, it gets pretty packed, but that just adds to the slightly chaotic atmosphere. Street acts add a carnival feel to the proceedings, plus, of course, the beach is just a few feet away. Try Hinano Cafe for a great burger in a back-to-basics, spit 'n sawdust setting and the newly refurbished Pier House for classic cocktails as the sun sets over the Pacific.

What is it? Most Americans know the phrase 'Remember the Alamo' even if they’re not exactly sure what transpired at the 18th-century Spanish mission. Later secularized and used as a fortress, 1836, the Alamo was the site of a bloody and decisive battle of the Texas Revolution between Texas’s early Anglo settlers and Mexico (the latter won).

Why go? One of the most visited historic sites in the country today, the fort welcomes about three million visitors annually.