New York City is the most popular tourist attraction in the US. The city is home to famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square. The White House is another must-see for tourists. Visitors can arrange tours by contacting their Representative or their country’s Ambassador.
1. National Mall
A visit to Washington DC isn’t complete without a stroll around the National Mall. It’s a grassy space that features iconic monuments and is flanked by Smithsonian museums.
It’s easy to fill 2-3 days exploring the National Mall and its many museums. If you’re interested in Asian art, the Freer and Sackler galleries are a must. If you’re a history buff then the Holocaust Memorial Museum should be on your list. If you love nature, Constitution Gardens is an oasis that reflects the beauty of nature and human-made landscapes.
2. Mall of America
Every year, over 40 million visitors shop tax free at Minnesota's Mall of America. This massive shopping destination is a bona fide family wonderland. Shoppers can choose from 520 stores. Kids will love the Nickelodeon Universe theme park, SEA LIFE aquarium and LEGO stores. Adults can try their hand at escaping at The Escape Game or get a hole-in-one at Moose Mountain Adventure Golf.
Guests can also soar high above our nation's cities at FlyOver America or bring out their inner artist at Crayola Experience. After all that shopping, grab a bite at CMX Market Cinema Experience and catch a movie on the big screen.
3. Statue of Liberty
Bartholdi selected Bedloe’s Island, now known as Liberty Island, because it was easily visible to ships entering the harbor. The adjacent Ellis Island Museum offers more insight into the nation’s immigration history. Most visitors opt for a Statue of Liberty Cruise, which includes entry to the museum.
4. Hollywood Studios
The park also has a great collection of restaurants, with highlights including the wood-paneled Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant, which faithfully recreates Tinseltown’s original meeting spot with contemporary American cuisine and signature dishes like Cobb salad and grapefruit cake. The animation-themed Animation Courtyard also houses a popular ride and some great characters to meet.
5. Pier 39
Walk up the piano steps and make music with every step, or explore the psychedelic Mirror Maze. Kids will love the free shows at Center Stage and a ride on the dazzling, hand-painted Italian Carousel.
Dining options range from the upscale Fog Harbor Fish House to more casual seafood and clam chowder places.
6. Venice Beach
It’s a great place for people watching too; you’ll find skateboarders and surfers that fit the Cali beach bum stereotype to a T, beefed up weight lifters at the famous Muscle Beach gym, and dozens of basketball courts packed with pick-up gamers.
Small World Books is a local favorite, and they host regular art exhibitions too. Grab a cocktail at Cabana Goodr for sunsets with epic views over the pier.
7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
One of the most visited national parks in the country, Great Smoky Mountains National Park features sweeping mountain views and 730 miles of pristine mountain streams along with carpets of wildflowers and incredible plant and wildlife biodiversity. The Smokies also boast over 160 hiking trails, and many breathtaking waterfalls like Grotto Falls, Laurel Falls and Mingo Falls.
The park is also known for its smoky appearance which comes from water vapor from the forests that cover 95 percent of the park. The best time to visit the Smokies is spring and fall.
8. Zion National Park
Stroll around Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and visit the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway Tunnel, a remarkable engineering feat that blends with the surrounding landscape. The renowned Zion Human History Museum is another highlight. Trot on horseback through pine forests and red rock views on a Zion National Park horseback riding tour.
9. Alaska
If you're brave enough, head to the Mendenhall Ice Caves for an eerie and out-of-this-world experience. Or, check out Kennicott Ghost Town to see a relic of turn-of-the-century life.
If you're a U.S. citizen, you can arrange a tour of the White House. This astounding landmark is one of the most famous tourist attractions in America!
10. Hawaii
Hawaii is a chain of islands that features a unique Polynesian-American cultural fusion. The Polynesian Culture Center (PCC) is home to eight tropical villages inspired by different Polynesian nations. Visitors get to experience the culture through live performances and demonstrations. The PCC is a must-see for tourists visiting Hawaii.