Top Attractions in the United States of America

Times Square, New York

First visit: April 2013
My Country #32


In April of 2013, I was able to visit the USA for the first time thus making it my 32nd visited country. I happened to travel together with the Singelresor group that time visiting Nevada, Arizona and California during our 10-day trip to the US plus a night in New York on my own. Since then, I´ve been back to the US a few more times visiting New York (staying more than just a night), Seattle and Miami. Below are some of the places we visited during my visit to the US in 2013 with links on the top attractions when exploring New York, Seattle and Miami.


Nevada & Arizona

The Strip: Famous for its big hotels, casinos and resort.

The famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign.

The Freemont Street Experience: Featuring the Viva Vision canopy light show.

The Fountains of Bellagio 👍

Taking the Grand Canyon Deluxe Air Tour: Taking this tour gives you the chance to marvel at this wonderful creation even before you get there.

Grand Canyon National Park: This is considered one of the Seven natural Wonders of the World.

California

Death Valley: Located in Eastern California, it is the lowest and driest area in North America. The badwater basin is the point of the lowest elevation in the western Hemisphere.

Zabrieski Point: Located east of Death Valley, it is famous for its chaotic yet strangely beautiful landscape.

Sequoia National Park: Named after the giant Sequoia trees, this landscape testifies to nature's size, beauty and diversity - huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and of course the world's largest trees. The General Sherman is not the tallest or the widest but the overall volume of its trunk makes it the biggest tree on Earth.

Yosemite National Park: Best known for its waterfalls, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more. Don't miss El Capitan, the 8th largest rock in the world.

San Francisco City Hall: Re-opened in 1915, the structure's dome is the 5th largest in the world.

Golden Gate Bridge: This bridge is one of the most internationally recognized symbols of San Francisco and the United States.

Lombard Street: The crookedest street in the world.

Taking a Bay Cruise: This cruise will take you under the Golden Gate Bridge, show you Alcatraz from up-close and offer magnificent views of the San Francisco skyline.

Alcatraz: Once home to some of America's most notorious criminals, Alcatraz is best known as one of the world's most legendary prisons. I have not personally taken the Alcatraz tour but I think it is worth if you have the time to visit it.

Taking the cable car: The San Francisco Cable Car System is the world's last manually operated cable car system. Definitely a must experience when visiting this beautiful city.

Union Square: A square surrounded by shopping malls, hotels and theaters.

Coit Tower: Also known as the Lilian Coit Memorial Tower, this tower was built in 1933 with a design that resembles a fire hose nozzle.

San Francisco Chinatown: This is the largest Chinatown outside Asia and also the oldest Chinatown in North America.

The Castro: It was one of the first gay neighborhoods in the United States, and currently the largest.

Monterey Bay Aquarium: Founded in 1984, it is located on the site of a former sardine cannery. I did not personally visit the aquarium but a stroll around the area is worth it.

Carmel by the Sea, California: Known for its natural scenery and rich artistic history, the city is also known for being dog friendly. Also, I remember our guide, Hans, telling that they have several unusual laws here including a prohibition on wearing high heel shoes without a permit. Of course, there was an obvious reason for that.

Olvera Street: This is the oldest part of downtown Los Angeles.

TCL Chinese Theater: It is home to the historic Hollywood forecourt - featuring hand prints of iconic celebrities.

The famous "HOLLYWOOD" sign.

Dolby Theater: Formerly known as the Kodak Theater, it has hosted the Academy Awards ceremonies since its opening on November 9, 2001.

Beverly Hills: This city has been home to actors and celebrities, and includes the shopping district Rodeo drive.

Universal Studios Hollywood: Definitely worth a visit. The Studio Tour was actually my favorite.

Route 66 California: The famous Route 66 ending in Santa Monica, California.

Venice Beach: Definitely a must visit place when travelling to California.

New York

Empire State Building: Remember the movie "Sleepless in Seattle"? And of course, you get a great view of the city from the top.

Times Square, New York: Also known as the "Crossroads of the World", it is the world's most visited tourist attraction.

Links:

New York, The City That Never Sleeps

24 Hours in Atlanta

Exploring Seattle

Exploring Miami

Exploring Washington DC

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