The United States is a diverse tourist place with a wealth of attractions to explore. Comprising 50 states, this country is a melting pot of natural landscapes and cultures. From the skyscrapers of New York to the islands of Hawaii and the landscape of the Grand Canyon, there are lots of places to visit in the USA. Famous places include Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vegas in the West and New York City and Chicago in the East. With some of the most iconic landmarks, the United States is one of the most travelled countries globally. To help you plan your trip, we list the top 10 tourist places to visit in the USA.
Also read about the best tourist places in the world
How to reach the USA
There are several direct flights from India to the USA. It has many international airports, including JFK in New York, O’Hare in Chicago and Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta besides Washington and LA airports. The most popular Mumbai to USA flight route is to New York City.
Tourists travelling from neighbouring countries, like Canada or New Mexico, can board a train to reach America.
They can also take a road trip. If travelling by road, besides passports, you have to pay an entrance fee at the border.
Best time to visit the USA
The USA has different seasons in each region. However, in general, the best time to visit the USA is during spring or fall. The summer months, from May to September, are considered the peak tourist season to visit the country. April To July is the best time to visit the national parks. As the snow melts, the warm weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities.
Top 10 places to visit in America
Here we list the top 10 places to visit in America for a fun-filled trip.
New York
New York is the most-visited city in the USA. This world-famous tourist place in America is known for its skyscrapers. The ‘five boroughs’ that make NYC are Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island. Some of New York’s most well-known places are the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Centre. New York has several museums and art galleries, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum and the American Museum of Natural History. Manhattan’s Theatre District is known for Broadway theatres. With neon lights and glittering billboards, Times Square is the city’s entertainment district. Fifth Avenue is a shopping lover’s paradise. One of the city’s most important historical places is Ellis Island. Nearby stands the colossal neo-classical Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island, New York. You don’t need a ticket to enter the Statue of Liberty or the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, but you do need a ticket to ride the ferry to get there. You can walk to Battery Park and ride the Staten Island Ferry or take a cruise around the New York Harbour. It is advisable to book your tickets online in advance. Tickets start at $ 23.80.
How to reach New York
New York has three airports – John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.
New York can be reached by bus from several cities across the country.
New York is also connected by several train services from America and Canada.
See also: Places to visit in Australia
Los Angeles
The second-largest city in the USA, Los Angeles is located in southern California, surrounded by the Pacific Coast, mountains and valleys. Los Angeles, or LA, is one of the most well-known tourist places to visit in America. Known for the Hollywood stars and the TV and movie industry, this ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’ flaunts celebrity culture and star homes in Beverly Hills. LA is also home to the world’s first Disneyland, which is a must-visit for families with kids. Some of the city’s most popular attractions include the Getty Centre, regarded as America’s finest art museum, the Kodak Theatre, host of the Academy Awards, and Universal Studios Hollywood. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is one of the best in the country. This museum gives a biological, anthropological and paleontological view of human history. The collection includes almost 35 million specimens and artefacts. Do visit Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America, covering 4,310 acres of land. An oasis in the urban jungle, this green space has the City Zoo and the Griffith Observatory. One of LA’s most distinguishing symbols, the famous Hollywood Sign stands on Mount Lee in the Hollywood Hills. Not be missed is the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which houses more than 13 million objects on a 300,000-square-foot campus. Get up, close and personal with iconic movie props like Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz and ‘Rosebud’ from Citizen Kane. The Studio Tour is perhaps the most famous attraction at Universal Studios. Relive favourite movie scenes on rides like The Jurassic World, enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter or walk the eerily realistic streets of The Walking Dead. The Universal City Walk is a three-block entertainment epicentre of Universal Studios. It also has several restaurants and shops, indoor skydiving and a live concert venue.
Timings: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (All seven days). Please check the official website for any timing changes.
Entry fees: $129 (visitors above 10 years), $123 (visitors between 3 to 9 years).
San Francisco
San Francisco, one of the most popular places to visit in America, is seven square miles of fog-filled magic. You can enjoy cable car rides, beautiful open-air spaces and the Golden Gate Bridge. Designed with steel, it is the most photographed bridge in the world. The red-orange spans 2.7 kilometres and connects the city’s northernmost point to Marin County. While the suspension bridge is a major route for Bay Area commuters, the famous landmark also attracts visitors from around the world with its panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Marin headlands, Alcatraz and San Francisco. San Francisco is a city rich in history and culture, known for its Victorian homes and ethnic neighbourhoods, Chinatown being the most famous. A popular waterfront district, it has souvenir shops and seafood restaurants. Board a ferry from the Fisherman’s Wharf to Alcatraz Island for a tour of the notorious prison. Fisherman’s Wharf also has interesting museums, like Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, and provides a domicile for a colony of sea lions (by Pier 39). The Aquarium of the Bay houses more than 20,000 marine animals – sharks, rays, octopuses and jellyfish. Another of San Francisco’s iconic attractions, the city’s cable cars have been transporting passengers around the city since the 19th century. Don’t miss a ride in the world’s last manually-operated cable car through the lovely neighbourhoods of San Francisco.
How to reach San Francisco
San Francisco is connected to major American cities through the San Francisco airport.
Ferries and cruise ships link the Bay area cities to San Francisco.
It is also accessible by train from various US cities.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas, the most famous place in America, is synonymous with entertainment, casinos and nightlife. It is like an oasis in the middle of the Nevada desert. Enjoy the spectacular views of Las Vegas and the Strip from the top of the High Roller at the LINQ. Take a ride on this 550-foot observation wheel and look over the city in an air-conditioned compartment. Visit the Stratosphere Tower, at almost 1150 feet, to enjoy the thrilling Sky Jump. Explore Fremont Street for popular Vegas casinos like the 4 Queens and the Golden Nugget Hotel (featuring a water slide through a shark tank). The Strip is the entertainment hub of Las Vega covering a 2.5-mile-long central section filled with luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants and resorts. Fremont Street is in downtown Las Vegas and is considered one of the most culturally rich tourist places in Las Vegas. It is a pedestrian-only area, known for its music, lights and visual shows. Visit the world’s greatest hotels – the Bellagio, the Venetian, the MGM Grand and the Wynn Las Vegas – all located on a single stretch of road called the Strip. Don’t miss the Bellagio fountain show – an eight-acre man-made lake that features a dancing water fountain show choreographed to music. Step into The Venetian Hotel for a Gondola Ride. Mob Museum is another attraction that exhibits the history of organized crime in the USA.
How to reach Las Vegas
The McCarran International Airport is located 8 km south of downtown Las Vegas. Las Vegas is connected to London (Heathrow Airport), Frankfurt, Toronto, Copenhagen and other US cities.
You can also reach Vegas by car from Los Angeles.
Also check these famous Canada tourist places to visit
Washington
Situated on the East Coast of the United States, Washington D.C. is the capital and the home of the United States President (White House). For a tourist, this place has various historic national monuments and several of them permit free entry. Perhaps that is the reason it is the most visited city in the country by families and school groups. Mount Vernon (George Washington’s plantation), Ford’s Theatre (where Abraham Lincoln was shot), the White House and the Capitol are the ideal places to learn about U.S. history. Besides, museums like the Smithsonian, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, the United States Holocaust Museum, the International Spy Museum, the Newseum, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery of Art provide a holistic picture of American history. The Cherry Blossom Festival in April is a beautiful time to visit and witness the trees in full bloom. The Olympic National Park is another major attraction. Mt. Olympus is home to some of the best hiking and backpacking trails in the state. Venture through Hoh Rainforest and its 500-year-old trees. For contemporary culture, take a tour of DC’s hip neighbourhoods, such as Georgetown, Shaw and Dupont Circle or cruise down the Potomac River at sunset to see the city skyline light up.
How to reach Washington
The capital city of the United States has three airports and is well connected by domestic and international flights. Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Virginia is the primary airport in DC. The Baltimore International Thurgood Marshall Airport is another important international airport.
Amtrak serves Washington DC with the Union Station being the main station.
Several bus services operate from New York. Washington DC is well connected to the national highways and expressways of the USA.
Orlando
Orlando, the beautiful city, is known for its stunning landscapes and theme parks. The Walt Disney World Resort, the SeaWorld and the Universal Resort are famous tourist spots. Most of the theme parks are located around Orlando’s city limits. The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are the four top theme parks at Walt Disney World. The county seat of Orange County is known as the ‘Theme Park Capital of the World’ due to the various theme parks located here. The SeaWorld is known for its massive aquariums, dolphin and whale shows, touch pools and exciting rides. Typhoon Lagoon is Disney’s biggest and most popular water park. Legoland is a playground spread over 150 acres. Do visit Gatorland, the 10-acre habitat for alligators, crocodiles, snakes and other exotic wildlife. Gatorland also has the world’s largest collection of white alligators several of which are rather giant. Opt for a zipline safari into Forever Florida, a wildlife conservation area. Sites like the John Kennedy Space Centre and Loch Haven Park are worth a family visit. The John Kennedy Space Centre includes a Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, Shuttle Launch Experience, Apollo/Saturn V Centre, Rocket Garden and Astronaut Encounter.
How to reach Orlando
The Orlando International Airport is situated 10 kilometres from the main city. You can reach Orlando from nearby cities by taxi/train/bus. Orlando has an Amtrak station that links the city with other US cities.
Chicago
One of the tourist places to visit in America is the famous ‘Windy City’ along the shores of Lake Michigan. Chicago is home to world-class museums, lakefront beaches, huge parks and the famous Chicago pizza. The Magnificent Mile, along Michigan Avenue, is the city’s famous area with high-end luxury stores, famous buildings and outstanding architecture. Some of the tourist highlights include the Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Navy Pier and the views from the Willis Tower Skydeck. Millennium Park, spread over 25 acres, is one of the best places to visit in Chicago. Stroll through the blooming perennial Lurie Gardens and admire art installations along the tree-lined Chase Promenade with different exhibitions held throughout the year. The Cloud Gate, also called ‘The Bean’ for its shape, is a must-visit. This giant sculpture resembles a smoothly polished mirror-like stainless steel surface and reflects surrounding skyscrapers. For a relaxed evening, spend time at the Navy Pier, which has a Giant Ferris Wheel, a beer garden and live entertainment. The 360 Chicago Observation Deck offers the best views of Chicago from the top of the former John Hancock Centre. The observation deck is the home of TILT – Chicago’s highest thrill ride 1,000 feet above the famed Magnificent Mile.
How to reach Chicago
Chicago has two international airports – O’Hare International Airport (northwest of the city) and the Midway Airport in the centre of the country.
Chicago is well connected to almost all major US cities via rail
and major highways. Buses connect Chicago, Illinois to many major cities in the USA.
Hawaii
Hawaii is one the most famous places to visit in America for nature lovers. It is a surfer’s paradise filled with lush volcanic islands, golden sunsets and friendly vibes. It is known for colourful beaches, unique wildlife and a laid-back pacific atmosphere. Hawaii has eight islands with six being major tourist destinations –Hawaii (the Big Island), Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Lanai and Molokai. Waikiki, with its beautiful stretch of oceanfront beach, is Hawaii’s biggest tourist attraction. Oahu is home to Hawaii’s capital city, Honolulu. A suburb of Honolulu, Waikiki is popular for its big resorts, dining, entertainment and shopping. Diamond Head State Monument is a historical site with a volcanic crater that is over 700 hundred feet wide. Maui is famous for its magnificent beaches that lure tourists with snorkelling and scenic drives. Kauai, Hawaii’s oldest island, was formed thousands of years ago through volcanic eruptions. Kauai is an ideal place for snorkelling, hiking and zip-lining. One of the major tourist attractions on the Big Island is the Hawaii Volcanoes. The park has two active volcanoes. Kilauea is among the most active volcanoes and Mauna Loa is the world’s most gigantic shield volcano. Pearl Harbour, the largest natural harbour in Hawaii, is an active military base in the United States and stands as a testimony of the tragic military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service. The WWII Valour, Battleship Missouri Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park and the Pearl Harbour Aviation Museum are other attractions at Pearl Harbour.
How to reach Hawaii
Honolulu International Airport is Hawaii’s major international airport located approximately 10 km from downtown Honolulu.
Another option is to get to Hawaii by sea. Take a cruise ship from various points along the west coast of North America to reach Hawaii.
Miami
Miami is famous for its scenic beaches, nightlife and warm weather. Known for Latin culture, Miami is a major port city in the USA and attracts tourists from worldwide. The Miami beach is located on Barrier island and is predominantly a secluded beach. It is connected to the mainland via several bridges. This vibrant town is also called the ‘Cruise Capital of the World’ with cruise ships from all over docking at Port Miami. The Bayfront Park, spread over 32 acres, houses a wide range of monuments and sculptures. The electronically-controlled Pepper Fountain attracts global attention. It also has a popular amphitheatre, the Light Tower. Miami Zoo is the largest and the only tropical zoo in the United States of America. It houses around 3,000 animals on over 750 acres. Little Havana is another attraction with Mediterranean-style houses, tobacco scents drifting from cigar stores, the clicking of dominos in Domino Park and Latin music for an overall Cuban vibe.
How to reach Miami
The Miami International Airport is connected to all the major airports in the world.
Several bus services ply to Miami from most of the other important US cities.
You can also take a cruise ship to Miami Port.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon, a famous place in America, is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Grand Canyon is in the northwest corner of Arizona, close to the borders of Utah and Nevada. The best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon is through the South Rim in Arizona. The Grand Canyon is one of the most visible examples of a worldwide geological phenomenon known as the Great Unconformity, whereby, 250-million-year-old rock strata lie back-to-back with 1.2-billion-year-old rocks. The Grand Canyon is a mile deep, 277 miles long and 18 miles wide. Carved out by the Colorado river for more than five million years, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The National Park is divided into three rims – North Rim, South Rim and West Rim. The South Rim is open throughout the year. The North Rim opens from mid-May to mid-October. The West Rim is not a part of the park and is owned by the tribes. This tourist destination has a breathtaking skywalk. The Skywalk, managed by the Hualapai Tribe and located on tribal lands, consists of a horseshoe-shaped steel frame with a glass floor and sides that projects out about 70 feet from the canyon rim. It is the most famous attraction at Grand Canyon West. Located right next to the official Grand Canyon Visitor Centre, Mather Point is a popular canyon viewpoint.
How to reach Grand Canyon
The closest airport to the South Rim is the Phoenix International Airport and to the West Rim is Las Vegas Airport. You can either take a bus or a cab to reach the park.
Amtrak and Grand Canyon Railway have services to the park.
The South Rim is connected to Phoenix by road, the North Rim is connected to Flagstaff and the West Rim is connected to Las Vegas. You have to drive 300 km to reach the rims from the central cities. You can also avail of shuttle services from all the major cities.
FAQs
What are the popular foods in America?
Food in the USA has different influences that span the cuisines of the world. Cheeseburgers (and hamburgers) are a staple among fast-food chains around America. Besides other popular foods, such as chicken fried steak, macaroni and cheese, potato chip, hot dogs, bagels, lox (New Yorker sandwich) biscuits and gravy are popular meals in South America. Do try the huge Chicago-style pizzas – deep-dish pizzas with stacks of cheese and fillings (meat and vegetables). Indulge in apple pies and chocolate chip cookies.
Which are the best places to visit in the USA during the summers?
With various national parks and lovely beach towns, the USA has various destinations suitable for a summer vacation. The best places to visit in the USA during summer include the Yellowstone National Park, The Grand Canyon, Arizona and the Glacier National Park.
What are some souvenirs I should carry back from the USA?
The United States of America is considered a paradise for shoppers with huge shopping malls and bargaining hubs. You can buy electronics, beauty products, Disney and NASA merchandise, chocolates and American brand clothing, shoes and watches.
What is the most famous place in the USA?
The Statue of Liberty is America’s icon and a universal symbol of freedom at the New York Harbour. The statute holding a torch has seven spikes on her crown, which symbolise liberty. Standing 305 feet (93 meters) high, including the pedestal, it can be seen from various points around the city, such as Battery Park, or you can take a ferry right to the statue.