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| What are the top places to visit in the USA? |
The U.S. is certainly an attractive place for one to enjoy a tour. Its cities are charming; the national parks are amazing; it has delightful small-town atmospheres as well as breathtaking, heart-stopping activities. Whatever it is that the person likes, be it nature, history, food, or thrilling adventures, the U.S. has it all. Still not sure from where to start planning your trip? Well, do not fret-I will help you out. Here are a few definitely not-exhaustive places you need to visit while in the U.S.
New York City, New York
The self-dubbed "City That Never Sleeps," New York City, is a magnificent colossus of a city that is encircled by culture, art, and rich history. Underpinning the landscape, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park are bedecked with Chinatown, Harlem, and Williamsburg that are some of its multicultural enclaves. Broadway has some of the finest theater out there and its museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MOMO possess treasures of their own. Brooklyn does the pizza, Manhattan bagel shops, and Queens boasts every type of food. Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building for the views. Green-the old train turned park-walk or take the ferry to Ellis Island. New York's air just gets your heart: a wonderful mix of old lore and current thought. April-June, and September-November-good weather-offers an opportunity for genuine pleasure. And sunset at Brooklyn Bridge Park or an evening of live jazz in Greenwich Village is not to be skipped.
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New York City, New York |
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
TIt is a truly beautiful and geologically grand wondrousness which the Colorado River has cut through aeons, the Grand Canyon becoming a World Heritage Site. With scenic overlooks at Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station, this place is open year-round. Adventure abounds-from hiking Bright Angel trails to rafting. It is where solitude draws near, where cool breezes soothe, where much fewer tourists are found. Helicopter tours provide a sweeping view of the canyon, and stargazing is great because of the minimal light pollution. A remarkable view can be given by the glass Skywalk down to the canyon floor, 4000 feet beneath.
Best Time: Spring and autumn are most perfect months in terms of weather with scorching heat in summer. Carpe Diem: Sunrise at dawn would be a rewarding venture for one who wants to ensure he or she beats the crowds and gets to experience the golden glow over the canyon at sunrise.
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Grand Canyon, Arizona |
Maui, Hawaii
Adventure that intertwines with a form of serenity is what Maui, known as the Valley Isle, is all about. The destination brings one on the journey through the rainforests, waterfalls, and black sand beaches that is the Road to Hana. It is at Haleakalā National Park that a huge dormant crater lies-walking into it at sunrise will surely provide scenery like no other. Snorkel through the Molokini Crater or swim with sea turtles in Honolua Bay. For luaus and art galleries, visit Lahaina's historic whaling village, and for real luxury, Wailea resorts. In winter, see the breaching humpbacks offshore.
Farm-to-table Maui is bright but, again, you may say Mama's Fish House and others. The prime times to visit are April and May, followed by September to November-you'd better avoid the crowd. Not to be missed: either Nakalele Blowhole or a sunset cruise from Maalaea Harbor.
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Los Angeles, California |
Yellowstone National Park
Lands of geothermal wonder that opened its doors to people and became America's first national park on March 1, 1872. Two million two hundred thousand acres will cover within it Old Faithful geyers, hot springs of every color-grand prismatic-and the bubbling Mud Volcano. Bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves roam free in the wide-open spaces of Lamar Valley. Dramatic views surround the parks: from the thundering falls of the Yellowstone River to the quiet waters of Yellowstone Lake. Some worthy hikes to try are Uncle Tom's for canyon views or across the vast expanses of the Lamar River Valley toward solitude. In winter, it is changed to a wonderland reachable only on snow machines or on guided tours.
The park is incredible in terms of all the geothermal phenomena lying within it and being crisscrossed by grand hiking trails. Although it's not easy to tell how it was made, the park was opened to the public on March 1, 1872, as an official entrance into humanity's first national park. More than 2.2 million acres harbor geysers that erupt (Old Faithful), colored hot springs (Grand Prismatic), and the bubbling Mud Volcano. The wildlife includes bison, elk, grizzlies, and wolves that roam free in Lamar Valley. From there onward, the views of this park are deceptively beautiful with thundering falls on one hand and calm waters on the other. Some try-worthy hikes include Uncle Tom's, which lead to canyon views, allowing wide lonely stretches along the Lamar River Valley. The wonderland is open for breathtaking sights in winter, accessible only through snowmobiles or guided tours.
Raring in glory as the first national park of America, Yellowstone is huge ground for geothermal wonders. It sits on 2.2 million acres of land which include geysers that erupt (Old Faithful), hot springs of every color imaginable (Grand Prismatic), and the bubbling Mud Volcano. Its wildlife includes bison, elk, grizzlies, and wolves that roam free in the wide-open spaces of Lamar Valley. The landscape surrounding the park is reckoned almost as amazing including sights and sounds of the thundering falls of the Yellowstone River to that of the calm waters of Yellowstone Lake. Some try- worthy hikes would include Uncle Tom's, which actually goes toward canyon views, or out into the lonely wide-open expanses of the Lamar River Valley. The park becomes a wonder by winter, only accessible by snow-machine or guided tours.
Best Time
May–September for access; winter for special adventures. Don't Miss: The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs.
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Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming |
Miami, Florida
Miami is the ultimate destination for a beach vacation: sun, beach, and nightlife. Apart from the beautiful South Beach Art Deco glamour, Cuban culture is the wealth of Little Havana, and by night, the city simply comes alive with so much more that you wouldn't want to miss visiting. For sport and water activities, jet skiing, snorkeling, or cruising can all be enjoyed along the stunning Florida Keys.
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Miami, Florida |
Las Vegas, Nevada
Vegas, baby! You may have dropped in to test your fortune at the casinos, see amazing live shows, or simply revel in the bizarre nightlife, but whatever the reason you come, there's simply no place like it. Be sure to go see the Bellagio Fountains, tour the theme hotels, and take a day trip out to the Hoover Dam or Red Rock Canyon.
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Las Vegas, Nevada |
San Francisco, California
Impressed by its lovely views from foggy hills over Victorian homes and reflections of counterculture, San Francisco comes live. All right, there is Golden Gate, Alcatraz, and Fisherman's Wharf. They ride the steep hills as those Lombard Street, dubbed 'the crookedest' in the world. Then find murals and taco in the Mission or visit Haight-Ashbury, the mecca of the 1960's hippie movement. The sourdough breads from Boudin Bakery and the Dungeness crab at Pier Market are the culinary heaven of every foodie. Well, just a little farther education from day trip across the bay you might get lost wandering through ancient redwoods at Muir Woods wine-tasting at Napa Valley's sprawling vineyards.
Best Time
September–November for sunshine and smaller crowds. Pro Tip: Reserve Alcatraz tickets weeks ahead of time; they sell out fast.
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San Francisco, California |
Washington, D.C.
The capital of the country is a concatenation of politics, cultures, and history. National Mall joins the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and U.S. Capitol. Free-for-all Smithsonian museums such as the Air and Space and the Natural History line the mall. Tidal Basin's cherry blossoms burst into fury each spring. Walk along the cobblestoned streets of Georgetown or hip clubs along the U Street Corridor. White House and Capitol tours give a peek into democracy at work. Adams Morgan Ethiopian eats and fish along the Wharf define the food scene.
Best Time
March-April to see the cherry blossoms; autumn to enjoy the cool season. Don't overlook: The Library of Congress or a midnight tour of the monuments.
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Washington, D.C. |
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Maui, Hawaii
Mostly it combines activity and relaxation, paying tribute to Mauis "Valley Isle." The Road to Hana goes across it from coast to coast hugging the sea to rain forests and waterfalls to black sand beaches. Haleakalā National Park has a massive dormant crater just waiting to be entered at dawn for heavenly views. Try snorkeling or swimming with the sea turtles en route to Molokini Crater. Ancient whaling town of Lahaina has luaus and art galleries; Wailea resorts are quite high-end. Humpback whales blow in the ocean overhead those winter months. One of the several farm-to-table dining experiences in Maui is Mama's Fish House.
Mostly it just balances activity and relaxation: the Valley Isle, Maui. The Road to Hana runs from coast to coast hugging the sea to rain forests and waterfalls to black-sand beaches. Haleakalā National Park has a huge dormant crater; come early in the morning and enter into it for views that are literally out of this world. Snorkel with the sea turtles or swim to reach Molokini Crater. Old whaling town of Lahaina has luaus and art galleries; Wailea resorts are pretty high-end. Over the winter, humpback whales spout in the ocean over. Farm-to-table is what best describes one of Maui's restaurants, Mama's Fish House.
Best Time
April-May and September-November with smaller crowds.
Don't overlook: the Nakalele Blowhole or a sunset boat tour out of Maalaea Harbor.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, the great "Windy City," has such a grand skyline and endless lakefront walking trails to boast of deep dish pizza. One must visit the Cloud Gate sculpture popularly called "The Bean," located in Millennium Park, or the gigantic Ferris wheel at Navy Pier. Art aficionados cannot skip the Art Institute, nor can any of the Chicago hotstove-league fans miss a game at Wrigley. Magnificent Mile is for those who plead for an upscale shopping experience, while Pilsen and Logan Square boast enormous street murals and independent coffee spots. Summer holds kayaking on Lake Michigan, and in winter, this wonderland is painted white, the snow making all the fun events innumerable!
Best Time
June–August for the festivals; September for smaller crowds.
Pro Tip: Take an architecture river cruise to see structures like the Willis Tower.
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Chicago, Illinois |
New Orleans, Louisiana
However, NOLA is a dream come true for anyone loving music, food, and culture. You can smell the jazz of the French Quarter, and samples of the beignets at Café du Monde would surely delight. Make sure you include the party atmosphere of Bourbon Street, swamp tours, and the Mardi Gras celebrations when you travel in the spring!
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New Orleans, Louisiana |
Miami, Florida
A tropical flair, Art Deco elegance, and a Latin groove compose the atmosphere of Miami. The sun-worshipping pilgrims flock to white sand and pastel-colored buildings of South Beach, while Cuban coffee and the salsa beat lure patrons of Little Havana. Wynwood Walls' murals and Design District shopping lure creatives. A short ride gets you to Everglades National Park and alligator airboat tours. LIV Clubs are where the nightlife pulses. La Centrale's food halls hold a bounty of international cuisines.
Best Time
December–March for dry and sunny conditions. Don't leave without: A sunset kayak ride to Biscayne Bay or a Cuban sandwich at the Versailles.
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Orlando, Florida |
Sedona, Arizona
Red rock formations, spiritual energy vortices, and an abundance of outdoor adventure combine to make Sedona one of the most distinctive destinations in the U.S. Hike the trails, take a jeep tour, or just sit and absorb the beauty - it's an experience you won't forget.
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Nashville, Tennessee
Welcome to the Music City! Nashville's vibe can be felt irrespective of the level of knowledge on country music. Just visit the Grand Ole Opry, grab an earful of tunes down Broadway, and nibble on some spicy fried chicken!
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Nashville, Tennessee |
Charleston, South Carolina
This Southern charmer is itself charm as you stroll over cobblestone ways, past old homes and along pretty waterfront scenery. Stroll down the French Quarter, visit Fort Sumter, and take a sunset harbor cruise during a romantic weekend getaway.
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Charleston, South Carolina |
Yosemite National Park, California
The granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias of Yosemite are magnificent and sublime. As sentinels at the entrance of the valley poised against the towering presence of El Capitan and Half Dome, Yosemite Falls makes its descent 2,425 feet from above. Hike up Mist Trail to Vernal Fall or indulge in an idle hour or two at Glacier Point to marvel at the beautiful scenery. Ancient sequoias are preserved within Mariposa Grove, while Tuolumne Meadows offer solemn stillness. Winter is for ice skating and paralyzed silence, while spring spews from melting snow to hinder any noise from roaring waterfalls.
Best Time
May–September for hiking; February for firefall at Horsetail Fall.
Reserve lodging or campsites up to a year in advance—they fill quickly.
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| Glacier National Park, Montana |
Austin, Texas
Austin is an oddball, cool, and very much alive. Listen to the live music, go for a swim in Barton Springs Pool, and try the famous BBQ. By the way, don’t leave without viewing the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset when thousands of bats fly out!
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Yosemite National Park, California |
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, with its moss-covered oaks, historic squares, and beautiful riverfront, is pure magic. Enjoy a ghost tour, do nothing in Forsyth Park, and eat classic Southern comfort food.
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| Savannah, Georgia |
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
A national treasure known for the fourth Presidents of America, Mount Rushmore displays four enormous likenesses of its former presidents. This hand-in-hand tour in combination with its surroundings will place you into the Badlands National Park for even more beautiful scenery.
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| Mount Rushmore, South Dakota |
North Carolina
The most-visited national park in America is a renowned paradise for those enthusiastic about hiking. There are many scenic trails to hike, many waterfalls to chase, and beautiful mountains covered in mist.
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| The Great Smoky Mountains, |
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My Opinion
The USA is endowed with a plethora of spectacular places awaiting exploration. Whatever your concern-adventure, culture, food, or relaxation-it has a place just for you. So pack those bags, take along your camera, and begin to tick off this bucket list. Travel safe!