The 100 Most Popular American Tourist Destinations

There's a whole big beautiful planet out there — but some of its most alluring attractions exist practically in America's backyard. America is blessed with bustling cities, gorgeous deserts, and breathtaking parks from sea to shining sea, but which ones do people love the most? 

In order to compile our list, we started by consulting government agencies, including the National Park Service, as well as existing rankings both in print and online. From there, we narrowed it down to the absolute must-visit destinations based on historical relevance, cultural significance, beauty, and overall appeal. From statues and buildings to canyons and harbor towns, these are the 100 most popular American tourist destinations.

The National September 11 Memorial in New York City exists to remember the 2,977 people who died in the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. It also honors the six people who were killed in the World Trade Center bombing on February 26, 1993. All of their names are inscribed on bronze panels. The memorial has identical pools where the Twin Towers once stood. Each spans nearly one acre each, and they feature the largest man-made waterfalls in North America. 

Acadia National Park is 47,000 acres of recreational land located primarily on Maine's Mount Desert Island. It's a mostly mountainous, wooded area with rocky beaches, and it's home to the highest rocky headlands on the Atlantic coastline. Every year, more than 3.3 million people visit to go birdwatching, boating, camping, hiking, and mountain climbing.

A 15-minute ferry ride takes visitors to Alcatraz, just over a mile offshore from San Francisco, California. The 22-acre island is home to an abandoned federal prison and the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast. It's also the site of a historic, 18-month occupation by a group of Native American activists called Indians of All Tribes. You may recognize Alcatraz from popular culture, as it's appeared in several movies, including "The Book of Eli," "X-Men: The Last Stand," and "Catch Me If You Can," as well as video games like "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4" and "Call of Duty: Black Ops II."

If you say you've never seen Antelope Canyon on your Instagram feed before, you're lying. This sandstone canyon — located on Navajo land near Page, Arizona — is extremely popular with photographers because of the tranquil shapes in the rock formed by flash flooding. Though the corridors are very tall, the width is very narrow. Catch beautiful beams of direct sunlight in the upper canyon (the entrance is at ground level and requires no climbing) or opt for a challenging hike in the lower canyon. Visitors can enter only with a Navajo guide.

Arches National Park is in Eastern Utah, just north of Moab. It features more than 2,000 sandstone structures (it has the highest density of natural arches in the world) including the renowned Delicate Arch, which can be seen on Utah license plates. There are over 76,000 acres in total for adventurers to enjoy backpacking, biking, camping, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, stargazing, and more.

Balboa Park in California was named after Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa in honor of the Panama-California Exposition, a fair that celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal and San Diego for being the first American port of call for ships sailing north after passing westward through the canal. Today, guests can enjoy gardens, walking paths, museums, theaters, restaurants, shops, and the famous San Diego Zoo.

The Bellagio is an insanely gorgeous luxury resort, hotel, and casino on the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada. Vacationers can gamble, shop, eat, hang out at the pool, party the night away, or ogle the incredible acrobats and entertainers in Cirque du Soleil. Whether you're watching from inside or out, you must see the Fountains of the Bellagio, a mesmerizing water show with synchronized music and lights. It runs for 15 minutes, and every show is free.

Big Sur is an undeveloped mountainous coastline in Central California stretching 71 miles between Carmel Highlands and San Simeon. People from all across the world come here to gawk at redwood forests and the big, blue Pacific Ocean. It's estimated that the region gets just as many visitors per year as Yosemite National Park. Go birdwatching to spot condors (the largest flying land birds in the Western Hemisphere) or hike to waterfalls and beautiful beaches. In the summer, you can even tube down the Big Sur River and have a barbecue in any of the area's state parks.

The Brooklyn Bridge connects Brooklyn with Lower Manhattan. It's one of the oldest roadway bridges in America and the first steel-wire suspension bridge in the entire world. Today, it's one of the most iconic parts of the New York City skyline. Travel by car or take a stroll on the elevated pedestrian walkway. Just watch out for bicyclists!

Bryce Canyon National Park exists in Utah's Garfield and Kane counties, but believe it or not, it's actually not a canyon. Rather, it's a bunch of natural amphitheaters and towering hoodoos (tall, thin spires) formed from red, orange, and pink rocks by frost and stream erosion. The best times to come here are in summer and fall. Winter temperatures fall below freezing, and there are snowstorms well into spring.

Canyonlands National Park features canyons, mesas, buttes, fins, arches, and spires. It's located in Utah's high desert and is split into four parts including the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the Green and Colorado Rivers. While they look close together on a map, no roads connect them directly. It takes anywhere from two to six hours by car to get from one to another, and because of this, visitors usually visit just one area in a single trip.

Cape Cod in southern Massachusetts is an extremely popular vacation spot for tourists in the summer, mostly for beaches and boating. Go whale-watching, swimming, kayaking, biking, birdwatching, fishing, golfing, hiking, shopping, or sightseeing. The possibilities are endless. There are also some pretty great breweries and wineries in these parts.

Carnegie Hall is a concert hall in Manhattan just south of Central Park. It's one of the world's most highly regarded venues for both classical and pop music. Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, George Gershwin, and the Beatles have all played here. In all, the property houses three auditoriums: Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, Zankel Hall, and Weill Recital Hall. It's one of New York City's last large buildings originally built completely of masonry without a steel frame.

Central Park is the most visited urban park in America with approximately 38 million visitors per year. It's also one of the most filmed locations in the world, so if you're lucky you might make a cameo in the latest TV show or movie. There's truly so much to do within the confines of this 843-acre recreational space in New York City. Visitors can enjoy ice skating on various rinks, catch a ride on the carousel, visit the zoo, or enjoy Shakespeare in the Park. There are also tons of ponds, walkways lush with foliage, and sports facilities.

This sculpture is formally called "Cloud Gate," but everyone calls it the "The Bean" because ... well, it looks like a giant, shiny silver bean. Artist Anish Kapoor created this in 2006 by welding 168 stainless steel plates together, but it's so well polished you can't see the seams. You've probably seen it on your Instagram feed, as it's a popular Chicago tourist attraction, and the mirrored contours can create neat photos.

Coney Island is a neighborhood in southern Brooklyn. It's famous for its sandy beach and boardwalk featuring food stands, bars, playgrounds, and amusement rides. It's also home to the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, which kicks off every year on the Fourth of July. In the off-season, check out the aquarium, skating rink, or baseball stadium, which is home to the Mets' minor league team, the Brooklyn Cyclones. It's the perfect place to get away from New York City life for the day.

Death Valley lies in the Great Basin on the border of California and Nevada. Its name sounds a tad extreme, but it's really not that gruesome. It's true that Death Valley is the hottest place in North America, though. Temperatures average over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer but can reach well over 120. It's also the driest and lowest national region on the continent, but many nearby peaks have snow on them, and once in a blue moon, there's rain and wildflowers take bloom. Just make sure to travel with plenty of water and salty foods or sports drinks to maintain proper electrolytes.

This national park features 6 million acres of forest, tundra, and snowy mountains in central Alaska. Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley) is North America's tallest peak at 20,310 feet. There's only one road here. Stay on course or trek somewhere far on a hike. As far as wildlife goes, you can see moose, sheep, bears, caribou, wolves, birds, and small mammals like foxes, red squirrels, and snowshoe hares.

Anaheim, California's beloved Disneyland is the only park built to completion under the direct supervision of Walt Disney. With 18.3 million visitors each year, it's the second most visited amusement park in the world after Magic Kingdom at Disney World in Florida. Disneyland's nine districts include Main Street, U.S.A. (home to Sleeping Beauty Castle), Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Mickey's Toontown, Tomorrowland, and the newest addition, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, contains water parks, resorts, hotels, golf courses, camping grounds, four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios) and an outdoor shopping center called Disney Springs. It's estimated that 52 million visit every year.

Between 1892 and 1954, more than 12 million immigrants were processed at Ellis Island in New York Harbor. In 1965, the island was made part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, and the main building reopened as a museum in 1990. Annually, 2 million visitors ferry in from New York and New Jersey to tour the immigration museum and surrounding property. There's an abandoned contagious disease hospital here, too, but that's closed to the general public.

The Empire State Building is on par with the Eiffel Tower as one of the most recognizable and iconic buildings in the world. The 102-story building is the sixth-tallest skyscraper in the U.S., and each year, approximately 4 million tourists head up to the 86th- and 102nd-floor observation decks for stunning aerial views of New York City. Passersby can also watch the festive lights on the tower from below or from a distance. They change colors (from a palette of 16 million shades) for seasonal events, holidays, and cultural happenings.

Everglades National Park protects 20 percent of the original Everglades in Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Collier counties. It's the largest tropical wilderness in America and the third-largest park after Death Valley and Yellowstone. Every year, a million visitors come here to camp, hike, canoe, kayak, geocache, bike, fish, and catch a glimpse of rare and endangered species including manatees, crocodiles, and Florida panthers.

Faneuil Hall is a vibrant, mixed-use marketplace located near the waterfront of the Charles River in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. This fan-favorite tourist destination hosts more than 70 retailers, from restaurants and pubs to shops and the renowned Quincy Market Colonnade. Outside on the cobblestone, you'll find street performers, musicians, and people in full body paint standing as still as statues. Wait, is that a statue? 

In the 1800s, Chinese and Italian fishermen swarmed to San Francisco by the bay to sell Dungeness crab to a rapidly growing population caused by the gold rush. Though it's more of a tourist attraction now, people still actively fish here. There are a ton of fresh seafood restaurants at Fisherman's Wharf, some of which are accessible by way of the extremely popular Pier 39. This is a great place to take children who might enjoy visiting the aquarium, riding the carousel, or watching the California sea lions sunbathing on wooden docks.

The Florida Keys is a 110-mile string of coral islands off the southern tip of the Sunshine State. Tons of people flock here to sit on a beautiful beach and relax with a drink in hand, while others venture out into the big blue on Jet Skis and speed boats. Other popular activities include paddleboarding, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, and snorkeling.

Fremont Street is one of the most famous destinations in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. There's so much glitter and glam. Everywhere you look there are flashing lights. Check out the Neon Museum (dedicated to preserving vintage neon signs) or take a free photo with a million dollars in cash at the iconic Binion's Gambling Hall. Oh, and if you want to see a piece of the Berlin Wall (yes, the actual Berlin Wall), head into the men's bathroom at Main Street Station.

The Gateway Arch is symbolic of St. Louis, Missouri. The 43,000-ton concrete and stainless steel structure is the tallest arch in the world and the tallest manmade monument in the Western Hemisphere. Ogle it from below or take a tram ride 630 feet up to the top to see as far as 30 miles away to the east and west.

Glacier National Park is in northwestern Montana on the border of the U.S. and Canada near Alberta and British Columbia. The park stretches over more than 1 million acres, including two mountain ranges, 130 lakes, 1,000 plant species, and hundreds of animals, including grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats, wolverines, and Canadian lynxes.

This picturesque, red suspension bridge is an internationally recognized symbol of San Francisco. It connects the city with Marin County, California, over the Golden Gate strait. Travelers can drive, bike, or walk across. The best time to visit the Golden Gate Bridge is in September and October because the weather is comfortably warm. It's not suggested that people go in July and August because it's cold and windy.

This urban park in San Francisco, California comprises more than 1,000 acres in the shape of a rectangle — not unlike New York City's Central Park, but it's 20 percent larger. Approximately 13 million people visit Golden Gate Park each year, making it the fifth most visited park in America. Take it all in on foot, bike, or Segway. Some attractions include the Japanese tea garden, bison observatory, flower conservatory, windmills, carousel, and aquarium.

The late King of Rock and Roll once owned this 13.8-acre estate in Memphis, Tennessee. Before passing, Elvis Presley's daughter Lisa Marie Presley owned Graceland, but she didn't live there. In 1982 (five years after the passing of Elvis), the mansion was opened as a public museum, and in 2006, it became a National Historic Landmark. Welcoming more than 650,000 visitors per year, it's the second most visited house in America after the White House.

The Grand Canyon is located in northwestern Arizona. It's 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and more than a mile deep in some places. The North Rim is closed during winter months (December 1 through May 15), but when it's open, you can go for a day hike, ride a mule, or take a scenic drive. The South Rim is open all year. Here, you can learn about the canyon's history and culture from park rangers, see a museum, watch a film, walk, hike, bike, ride a mule, drive, go whitewater rafting, and more.

Grand Central Terminal is the third-busiest train station in North America after Penn Station and Toronto Union Station. Here, people can travel in and out of New York City by bus, train, or subway. Apart from everyday commuters, tourists venture here to see the romantic architecture and interior design. The main concourse is often seen in movies or on TV. If you've never been, you may recognize it from "Gossip Girl," "Armageddon," "Men in Black II," "I Am Legend," and "The Avengers." An animated version also appeared in the 2005 DreamWorks film "Madagascar."

Grand Teton National Park in northwestern Wyoming is home to northern parts of Jackson Hole and major peaks of the Teton Range in the Rockies. Explore the alpine terrain, lakes, or the Snake River. There are 310,000 acres in total perfect for backcountry camping, biking, birdwatching, boating, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. In the winter, the park is a popular place to go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

There are two active volcanoes in this Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Just 45 minutes south of Hilo are Kīlauea, the world's most active volcano, and Mauna Loa, which is actually the largest active volcano on Earth and the second largest overall after the extinct undersea Tamu Massif. Tourists can take in the breathtaking volcanic landscapes, craters, petroglyphs, deserts, and rainforests.

There are more than 2,600 stars embedded in the sidewalk of California's world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. They span 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street. The historic landmark pays homage to people in the entertainment industry. Some fictional characters have also been honored, including Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Kermit the Frog, Shrek, Godzilla, and Lassie.

The Hoover Dam stretches across the Black Canyon of the Colorado River on the border of Nevada and Arizona. The 726-foot dam holds back the waters of Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the U.S. by capacity. Construction on the wall began in 1931 during the Great Depression, and it officially opened in 1936. While it was originally called the Boulder Dam, it was renamed after President Herbert Hoover in 1947. Today, visitors can take a tour of the dam's powerplant any time between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Joshua Tree National Park is just east of Los Angeles, California. It's named after the twisted and spiky Joshua trees that grow in the Mojave Desert. The Colorado Desert also exists within park limits, as well as a portion of the San Bernardino Mountains. The landscape is great for driving down backcountry roads, backpacking, birdwatching, camping, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, photography, and stargazing.

The massive freshwater Lake Tahoe straddles the border of California and Nevada. It's about 2 million years old, making it one of the 20 oldest lakes in the world. It's also the second deepest in the country after Crater Lake in Oregon. An estimated 2.7 million people visit each year for stunning panoramic views, summer recreation and winter sports like downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and snowmobile riding.

The Las Vegas Strip is about 4.2 miles of restaurants, resorts, hotels, and casinos. It's not actually in Las Vegas, though. It's just outside the city limits in Clark County, Nevada. People from all over the world come here to relax, party, shop, gamble, and golf. The strip is home to several Cirque du Soleil shows and musical residencies.

The Lincoln Memorial is open 24/7. It was built to remember America's 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. It's right across from the Washington Monument on the west end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The Greek-inspired building has large, white columns on the outside with murals and a giant statue of Lincoln on the inside. On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech here.

Mackinac Bridge connects Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, stretching from St. Ignace to Mackinaw City. The 26,000-foot roadway crosses the Straits of Mackinac between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. A surplus of tourists use the bridge to get to the Upper Peninsula in the summer, but others seek out the bridge itself to appreciate it in all its glory (and snap a few pictures while they're at it).

The Mall of America is a giant shopping center in Bloomington, Minnesota, just outside the Twin Cities. It is the largest mall in the country and the 12th largest in the world. Every year, about 40 million people visit its 520 shops, 50 restaurants, and aquarium. There are more than 28 amusement rides, and the entire first floor is dedicated to Nickelodeon Universe, the nation's largest indoor theme park.

Monument Valley is part of the Colorado Plateau. It's on the border of Arizona and Utah. Although this is a popular tourist destination, there are basically just canyons, red sand, tall buttes, and the biggest blue sky you've ever laid eyes on. It looks pretty much exactly how you'd imagine the Wild West. Tourists can take a drive down a 14-mile dirt road to see the Mittens, Three Sisters, John Ford's Point, Totem Pole, Yei Bi Chai, and Ear of the Wind. Other guided tours are available to reach Mystery Valley, Hunts Mesa, and more. If you want, you can even see it all on horseback.

Mount Rushmore features sculptures of four former presidents carved into the Black Hills near Keystone, South Dakota. Every year, more than 2 million visitors come to view George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, whose stone heads measure 60 feet each.

The National Mall is the two-mile stretch of green between the United States Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Every year, the park sees about 24 million tourists who are also visiting Smithsonian museums, art galleries, memorials, statues, and other landmarks.

The 3,300-foot-long Navy Pier juts from the lakeshore in downtown Chicago, Illinois. An estimated 2 million people visit yearly to sightsee and experience the shops, amusement rides, parks, gardens, and restaurants. Every Wednesday and Saturday of the summer, there's a fireworks show over Lake Michigan, which guests can enjoy from the dock or aboard an evening cruise.

Niagara Falls is made of three waterfalls — Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls — on the border between Ontario and New York. It's part of the Niagara River, which flows from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario. Most people visit in the summertime during the day or night. Floodlights allow a clear view of the falls when it's dark out. The most popular attraction is the Maid of the Mist boat cruise, which takes passengers into the basin of Horseshoe Falls, the most powerful waterfall in North America.

Seattle, Washington's Pike Place Market is one of the oldest, continuously running, and public farmers markets in America (and a tourist trap worth visiting). It features a rainbow of retailers selling antiques, comics, collectibles, fresh produce, crafts, coffee, and cannabis paraphernalia. Tourists adore the fish market, where employees toss giant fish to one another at great lengths. The first-ever Starbucks store is here, too.

On California's Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith and Prairie Creek State Parks combine with Redwood National Park to cover 139,000 acres, an area that is home to the tallest trees on Earth. There are no hotels or motels in the parks, so take a hike and pitch a tent in the redwood forest. Other recreational activities include horseback riding, mountain biking, kayaking, and fishing.

Rockefeller Center is a complex of buildings in New York City. Here, you'll find gardens, shops, and restaurants, as well as Radio City Music Hall and NBC Studios, where "Saturday Night Live" and "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" are filmed. Head to the Top of the Rock for stunning views on the observatory deck, or brave the crowds during the holiday season when the gargantuan Christmas tree lights up by the skating rink.

Rocky Mountain National Park is in north-central Colorado, about 75 miles from the Denver International Airport. The region offers spectacular mountain and lake views, wildflowers, and 300 miles of hiking trails. This environment offers close-up views of wildlife such as bighorn sheep, birds, elk, and mule deer.

The San Diego Zoo in California's Balboa Park houses 700,000 plants and more than 3,500 animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies, which includes leopards, anacondas, camels, cheetahs, alligators, elephant, giraffes, and more. It's the most visited zoo in the country, clocking in at 4 million ticketholders per year.

Some of the world's largest trees can be found in Sequoia National Park in Tulare County, California. In fact, the biggest one in the world is here, and it goes by the name General Sherman. The massive sequoia is 275 feet tall, 25 feet wide, and 52,500 cubic feet by volume. In addition to these monster trees, the park features canyons, caverns, foothills, and mountains. Limited Wi-Fi and cellphone coverage will have you feeling at one with nature.

Cultural and research centers, a national zoo, and 19 museums make up the Smithsonian Institution. Eleven of the museums are on the National Mall, two are elsewhere in Washington, D.C., two are in New York City, and one is in Chantilly, Virginia. Admission for all is free, excluding the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York.

South Street Seaport is in lower Manhattan along the East River. This historic New York City district features some of the city's oldest architecture, as well as modern shops, restaurants, and bars. The seaport has been a popular place for filming. You may recognize it from "I Am Legend," "Godzilla," or "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York."

The Space Needle is a symbol of Seattle, Washington. At a soaring 605 feet tall, the tower is built to withstand winds up to 200 miles per hour and earthquakes up to a 9.0 magnitude. Visitors can travel up to the upper observation deck for unforgettable views of the surrounding mountains and bay. There's also a lower-level observation deck called "The Loupe," which has the world's first and only rotating glass floor.

The Statue of Liberty is one of America's most iconic landmarks and is recognized as a symbol of freedom to people around the world. The massive, green copper statue was gifted by France in 1886, and today, tourists ferry over from both New York and New Jersey to marvel at her beauty.

The Alamo is the site of a famous battle in during Texas' war for independence from Mexico. In February 1836, thousands of Mexican troops besieged the fort, but the Alamo's 200 defenders (including the famous frontiersman Davy Crockett) were able to fend them off for 13 days before ultimately losing the fight. Today, visitors can take guided or self-guided tours of the mission to learn more about its history.

The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long elevated public park on the west side of Manhattan. It's built on the abandoned New York Central railroad. The walkway features lots of trees and other plants, art installations, decks, overlooks, and other various passageways. The High Line typically welcomes food vendors during summer months, but Italian restaurant Santina is open all year round at the park's southern end.

The iconic Hollywood Sign sits on Mount Lee in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles, California. Each letter is 45 feet long, spanning a total 352 feet altogether. It's illegal to walk right up to the sign (a police officer is stationed there 24/7), but tourists can hike the trails above and below it, or simply view it from practically anywhere in the city.

New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as "the Met," is the largest art museum in America, and with nearly 7 million annual visitors, it is the third most visited in the world. There are more than 2 million permanent pieces separated into 17 different cultural departments.

The Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C., is dedicated to the Founding Father and third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. The monument has a marble staircase and large columns. A 19-foot-tall, 10,000-pound statue of Jefferson is at the center of the building's interior. An excerpt from the Declaration of Independence and other writings are inscribed on the walls.

Times Square is the heart of New York City and "The Center of the Universe." It's a major tourist destination because of all the flashy billboards, bright lights, Broadway musicals, art, shops, and restaurants. The world's most famous New Year's Eve countdown happens here, with about 1 million people packed into NYC's Times Square. It's estimated that 330,000 people cross through the area every day, accounting for 50 million visitors annually.

This station is a major transportation hub in Washington, D.C., with several railways connecting metros such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. It's the headquarters for Amtrak, but it also services other commuter railways and buses. Union Station is also home to a huge number of restaurants and other retailers.

The Capitol Building in Washington D.C. is the focal point of the legislative branch and a symbol of the American government. The building has been a meeting place for the House of Representatives and the Senate for the last two centuries. Today, it's also an art and history museum. Visitors can explore the building or even watch Congress in session.

Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park in California's San Fernando Valley. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is here (and other themed rides), as well as the world-famous studio tour, which gives parkgoers a dramatic, behind-the-scenes look at how movies are made.

This isn't your average beach. People from near and far come to Venice Beach in California to watch street performers, shoot hoops, surf, shop, eat, skate, break a sweat at the outdoor gym, and drink with their toes in the sand. It features a promenade, a fishing pier, Muscle Beach (the birthplace of the physical fitness boom), a bike trail, and a recreation center for beach volleyball, paddle tennis, skating, and handball.

At 555 feet tall, the Washington Monument is the world's tallest obelisk. It can found east of the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The marble structure was dedicated to the nation's first president, George Washington. Fifty American flags fly at the base 24 hours a day.

The White House is a mansion in Washington, D.C., where the president and first family live. Anyone visiting the nation's capital can go on a self-guided tour of the historic building, but a reservation must be made ahead of time by submitting a request through your Member of Congress.

The World War II is on the National Mall between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. It consists of 56 pillars, two arches, and a large fountain created to honor American civilians and those who served in the military during World War II. The site is open to the public 24/7, and approximately 4.6 million tourists visit annually.

Yellowstone was the first national park in the world. The park's 2.2 million acres of land cover parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Its most famous feature is the Old Faithful geyser, which erupts every 45 to 125 minutes. An estimated 4 million visitors arrive here annually to camp, hike, bike, boat, fish, ride horses and llamas, ski, snowshoe, snowmobile, and take in the wildlife. Grizzly and black bears, bison, elk, wolves, bighorn sheep, and moose are just a select bunch of the area's residents.

Yosemite National Park is in California's Sierra Nevada mountain range. It covers about 748,000 acres of land featuring cliffs, valleys, meadows, waterfalls, streams, lakes, mountains, glaciers, and ancient sequoia groves. Most visitors stay within Yosemite Valley, which has great hiking trails and mountaintop views.

Zion National Park is in southwestern Utah near the town of Springdale. Take short or long walks through trails in the uber-popular Zion Canyon or Kolob Canyons. Guests can also go rock climbing, horseback riding, camping, biking, birding, canyoneering, stargazing, and boating down the Virgin River. 

Visitors looking for the best views of the Windy City can head up to the 360 Chicago Observation Deck for a stunning panoramic perspective. The deck sits on the 94th floor of 875 N Michigan Avenue, located in the middle of the city and just a few blocks from Lake Michigan. Visit the attraction during the day for a clear sight of the skyline and breathtaking horizon, or head to the deck at night for sunset views and to watch the city light up. Adrenaline junkies can also try TILT, an exhilarating ride that tilts the entire body (contained safely in a full-length window) over the streets of Chicago.

The Guggenheim may be best known for its distinctive round, smooth-looking facade, but there's a lot to discover inside its walls, too. The unique architecture of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building continues inside with a magnificent skylight, triangular staircase, and other one-of-a-kind design features. When you're done marveling at the building, visit one of the museum's rotating exhibitions or take a peek at its permanent collection of 8,000 pieces of art. The Guggenheim also hosts events, such as opera and ballet performances, as well as classes for all ages.

The French Quarter is a historic neighborhood in New Orleans dating back to 1718, and just as its name sounds, the area has a French flair rarely found on this side of the Atlantic. There's no shortage of things to do in the Vieux Carre (another name for the French Quarter). Stop by one of the district's many museums or traditional homes to get a taste of New Orleans' history. Alternatively, explore the sights outdoors, making sure to hit up St. Louis Cathedral, Pirate's Alley, and the French Market. Don't forget to take the Algiers Ferry for views of the French Quarter from the water.

Mesa Verde National Park, located in Southwestern Colorado, is a lot more than beautiful mountains and open skies. The park stands out for its 4,400 recorded archaeological sites, including ancient dwellings from the Pueblo community that once called it home. The national park is made up of 81 square miles, and you can easily spend a day or two hiking and exploring. To make the most of your visit, camp at the Morefield Campground or book a stay at the park's Far View Lodge. For full access to the cliff dwellings, be sure to book a tour in advance.

You may not be able to take a trip to space whenever you want, but the next best thing might just be a trip to the Kennedy Space Center on Florida's Merritt Island, a one-hour drive from Orlando. One of the most exciting to-do list items at the center is watching a live rocket launch, but even if there are no launches during your visit, you're still in for a treat. The visitor complex includes a Hall of Fame area, conversations with real astronauts, a tour of the Firing Room responsible for the Apollo 8 launch, and even a ride that simulates what it feels like to be blasted into outer space.

You don't have to go west for amazing mountain ranges. The Appalachian Mountains offer stellar terrain and untouched greenery, and the range's Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best places to experience this unbeatable slice of nature. According to the National Park Service, the Great Smoky Mountains is the country's most visited national park. The area is accessible from both North Carolina and Tennessee and offers camping grounds, hiking trails, and plenty of wildlife. When exploring on foot, visitors should watch out for the estimated 1,900 black bears that call the national park their home.

A cave might put off some claustrophobic travelers, but Mammoth Cave is expansive enough to feel welcoming even to those who despise small and dark spaces. The National Park Foundation notes that the Kentucky attraction is the longest cave system in the world, spanning over 400 miles. However, most tourism is limited to a 10-mile stretch. Underground cave tours are the area's selling point, where groups are taken into the caves to explore the dark and windy trails safely together. Nature lovers will also find opportunities for hiking, canoeing, fishing, and horseback riding nearby.

Located in New York City's Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History boasts an impressive collection of more than 30 million research specimens and one of the largest fossil and insect collections in the world. That might be why a whopping 5 million people visit it every year. The museum offers exhibitions that'll fascinate guests of all ages, from its life-sized ocean animal displays to the jaw-dropping T-rex skeleton. Expect a number of temporary exhibitions in addition to the museum's permanent fixtures.

A visit to Hawaii's O'ahu is sure to include beach days and sightseeing in Waikiki, but no trip to the island is complete without stopping by the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. The site marks the spot where battleships were sunk and destroyed during World War II. In particular, visitors are invited onto the USS Arizona Memorial, built right over the sunken USS Arizona ship, which contains the 1,177 crewmen who succumbed to the attacks on Pearl Harbor. Though the memorial may be somber, it serves as an informative and moving reminder of past tragedy. Pearl Harbor also offers museums and various monuments to commemorate the events that took place there and the lives that were lost.

Napa Valley is a region in California comprised of five towns — American Canyon, Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga — meaning there's no shortage of places to explore in this destination. However, Napa Valley is perhaps best known for its hundreds of wineries. Wine lovers can enjoy the valley's many tours and tastings. There are also breweries and distilleries for those who are passionate about beer and other spirits. Even if you don't imbibe, you'll find relaxing sights and activities (how about a spa day or a bit of golfing?) that still make Napa Valley worth a visit.

Inside Arizona's Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is Horseshoe Bend, a landmark canyon that seems to jut out of the water in a unique horseshoe shape. The site formed from one of the many twists and turns of the Colorado River, resulting from shifts in tectonic plates. The lone canyon poking out from behind the river makes for an awe-inspiring visual and the perfect backdrop for mid-hiking selfies. For those looking to take in more breathtaking canyon sights, Grand Canyon National Park is located just nine miles away.

Sun, beaches, and a bit of history — St. Augustine has it all. This Florida city was founded in 1565, making it the oldest settled town in all of the U.S. Tourists can sense St. Augustine's legacy in its European-style buildings and historic sites, like the Castillo de San Marcos fortress. For visitors craving something more contemporary, there are also hip food spots, concerts at the St. Augustine Amphitheater, and — in true Florida fashion — an alligator farm (the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park), where you can meet every crocodilian species known to man.

Many of the U.S.'s top destinations have shopping nearby, but sometimes the shopping area is a destination in itself. That's the case with Rodeo Drive, a street in Beverly Hills dotted with luxury brand shops. Top designers such as Chanel, Balenciaga, and Gucci have locations on the highly regarded block, but you don't have to spend big money to enjoy the neighborhood. Rodeo Drive is an ideal spot for catching a glimpse of a celebrity or just taking in the sights of the street's signature palm trees and window displays.

A getaway for East Coast city dwellers and a destination in its own right, Atlantic City welcomes more than 27 million visitors each year. The seaside town built its boardwalk in 1870, and since then, it's become a summery spot complete with beaches, casinos, shopping, and nightlife. The boardwalk continues to be a must-visit spot and is home to the Steel Pier, where you can find a Ferris wheel, rides, games, and carnival-style food. Think of Atlantic City as New Jersey's Las Vegas, mixed with beachy vibes and all the fun you'd find at the county fair.

Mount Rainier National Park is a park containing Washington's Mount Rainier and its diverse array of flora and fauna. The mountain stands as the tallest volcanic peak in the contiguous United States and remains an active volcano. Despite being watched carefully for possible eruptions, Mount Rainier and the surrounding park invite visitors to explore its picturesque waterfalls, numerous hiking trails, and unmatched wildflower meadows. The national park is also perfect for travelers who like to keep moving — depending on the season, try kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, or foraging for berries and mushrooms.

Travelers heading to Honolulu will likely find themselves staying in Waikiki, a tourist-friendly neighborhood that still offers a taste of island paradise. Waikiki has many of O'ahu's big hotels and resorts, plus the amenities you'd typically expect in an urban area: restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and more. Of course, most people don't visit Hawaii for the hotels or dinner spots — they come for the white sand beaches and pristine waves, and Waikiki doesn't disappoint. Millions of people soak up the sun at Waikiki Beach each year, whether they're taking surf lessons, cooling off in the water, or just enjoying the relaxing atmosphere.

Often considered one of the best ski resorts in the U.S., Park City Mountain Resort in Utah is a skier's dream destination. It boasts over 7,000 acres of skiable land, making it the largest ski area in the country. Those who prefer to keep their feet firmly planted can snuggle up in a wintertime yurt or unwind at the RockResorts Spa. In the warmer months, visitors can partake in numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and zip-lining. Park City Mountain Resort is easily accessible from the town of Park City, making it a breeze to explore the charming Main Street and other nearby attractions.

The phrase "national park" usually brings to mind images of wildlife and greenscapes, but White Sands National Park defies expectations with its white sand dunes made of gypsum sediment. The park can be found in New Mexico's Tularosa Basin, an area that also holds military missile tests. Therefore, guests should check in advance for possible park closures during scheduled tests. White Sands offers a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities, such as camping and cycling, but an especially memorable way to spend time in the park is by sandboarding and sand-sledding down the smooth, powdery dunes.

No matter what type of music you choose to listen to, a trip to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is worth the trek to Cleveland, Ohio. In fact, the museum is considered to be one of the most popular tourist attractions in the entire state. Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame offers a crash course in popular music, with exhibits showcasing some of the biggest names in the business, as well as a look at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. There's also an impressive collection of memorabilia, such as a David Bowie performance outfit, Johnny Cash's guitar, and Kurt Cobain's official death certificate.

Cannon Beach was once called one of the most beautiful places in the world by National Geographic, and a trip to the Oregon spot will quickly reveal why. Cannon Beach may not have year-round sunshine or tropical views, but it offers a charm all its own. The beach is rocky, with the giant Haystack Rock grabbing the most attention. The structure adds character to the beach's horizon line while also acting as a resting spot for puffins and other birds. Away from the coastline, travelers can soak up the town's artsy culture in one of its galleries and studios.

Savannah might sit in the shadows of Georgia's larger cities, such as Atlanta, but the town's personality-rich Historic District shouldn't be overlooked. The area follows the same grid street plan originally laid out in 1733, but that's not the only relic you'll find in Savannah. Packed into its blocks are small preserved parks, historic homes, and museums celebrating the city's heritage. Visitors should be sure to stroll down Jones Street, a residential stretch found right in the heart of the Historic District. The street is lined with romantic, colonial-era houses that'll have you questioning what year it really is.

Wyoming's Devils Tower became the very first U.S. national monument, and with its peculiar shape and cultural significance, it's easy to see why it warranted special federal protection. Historically, the monument was central to numerous folklore stories passed down by indigenous tribes. Today, it's still considered a sacred site by many Native American communities. Rock climbers also flock to the tower to try scaling its unique vertical ridges. However, in June, the park encourages a voluntary hiatus for climbing, as June is a particularly sacred month in the Plains Indians' religious calendar. The landscape is also ideal for hiking (catch a glimpse of Devils Tower, along with some wildlife, from one of the surrounding trails) and camping.

The Museum of Modern Art — often shortened to "MoMA" — is an art museum in New York City that has been showcasing modern and contemporary art since its inception in 1929. In the last century, the museum has built an impressive 200,000-piece collection of paintings, photographs, sculptures, and other works of art. Along with several other New York-area museums, MoMA is practically a destination on its own, and an expert at The New York Times notes that visitors should set aside four or five hours to work their way through it.

Williamsburg, Virginia was established in 1699, making it one of the first planned cities in the U.S. Those days may be long in the past, but tourists can still relive the city's colonial era by making a trip to Colonial Williamsburg. Unlike some other old-timey towns, such as Savannah or St. Augustine, Colonial Williamsburg remains separate from the city center. Visitors can purchase an admission ticket to access the museum's sites and attractions, including its historic government buildings and authentic craftspeople. Stay in one of the Colonial Williamsburg accommodations to keep the nostalgia going overnight.

Badlands National Park is full of eye-catching canyons and rock formations, colored in bands of orange, white, and even purple. However, that's not all you'll find in this must-visit park. The magnificent 244,000 acres also include a mixed-grass prairie and sights of the animals who thrive there. Keep your eyes peeled for bison, rattlesnakes, sheep, and other wildlife. When you're done scoping out the various species living in the Badlands, go hunting for fossils. The national park is considered to have some of the best fossil beds in the world.