19 Most Incredible Famous Places in America
Whether you’re a United States citizen or someone visiting from outside the country, one of the best ways to really get to know the country is by visiting the most famous places in America including these top tourist destinations.
From skyscrapers in large cities to endless hiking trails in scenic national parks, there are places for every type of traveler.
The country’s diverse places to visit make it a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers.
No matter what you’re searching for, you’re likely to find it in the United States!
In this post, I’ll share with you some of the very best tourist spots in the country, so you can fully enjoy your travels around the United States.
Map of the best tourist destinations in America
Most famous places in the United States
1. Times Square, New York
When people think of places in New York, the very first thing that usually comes to mind is Times Square, and that’s because it’s one of the top tourist attractions in the country.
Bright lights, endless stores, Broadway productions, and bustling crowds are just a few of the things that you’ll find in Times Square.
You can find something to do during every hour of the day and night when you’re in Times Square, whether that be shopping until you drop, singing along to the songs at a Broadway show, or just people-watching.
Even just sitting back and admiring all of the bright lights and sounds of the city makes your visit to NYC worthwhile even if you only have one day in New York, as it’s something that most people have on their bucket list!
Related read >> How to eat your way through a day in NYC
2. Mall of America, Minnesota
While Minnesota is well known for its lakes, beautiful resorts, and outdoor recreation, it’s also often visited for the large metro area of the Twin Cities.
As the largest mall in the entire country, many people love coming to Minneapolis and visiting the Mall of America.
There are over 500 stores located within the mall, and you’ll find everything from local shops selling souvenirs from Minnesota to big box stores like Macy’s, American Eagle, and Nike.
Along with the stores, there’s also a huge number of restaurants and fast food options, as well as tons of other entertainment for the entire family.
From the indoor amusement park, Nickelodeon Universe, to the massive LEGO Store, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at MOA.While you’re in Minneapolis, be sure to also check out Downtown and all of the beautiful luxury hotels in the area.
3. Walt Disney World, Florida
Of course, one of the best family-friendly tourist destinations in the United States is Disney World, found in sunny Orlando, Florida.
The park spans over 27,000 acres and includes four separate parks; Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot. Each has its own themes and features different rides, restaurants, and attractions.
Magic Kingdom, with its iconic Cinderella Castle, is a popular attraction for families with children, while Epcot allows visitors to escape to a new country without ever leaving!
Animal Kingdom provides a unique opportunity to see exotic animals up close, while Hollywood Studios allows visitors to experience the magic of movies and TV shows both new and old including the immersive Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!
And with dozens of themed resorts as well as two waterparks, you can spend an endless amount of time at Walt Disney World and still be feeling the magic.
Related read >> How to plan a family vacation to Walt Disney World
4. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
As one of the most well-known and popular national parks in the country, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is a must-add to your bucket list.
This beautiful park is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, and it’s easy to understand why it’s been given this title!
With its multi-colored rock layers and steep canyon walls, the Grand Canyon is truly a sight to behold. Hiking down into the canyon is something that will really put your size into perspective!
Some popular hiking trails include the Bright Angel Trail and the South Kaibab Trail, which offer stunning views of the canyon. Others enjoy going into the canyon via horseback or with a pack donkey.
Either way, this national park is gorgeous and deserves a visit!
Related read >> 12 day epic Arizona to Utah road trip itinerary
5. The Great Lakes, Midwest
The Midwest is well known for having sparkling lakes and beautiful places to enjoy the water, and in particular, the Great Lakes are best for this!
The Great Lakes are made up of five major bodies of water; Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, and Lake Ontario.
All of them are beautiful and have several charming small towns along the shorelines, along with endless opportunities for recreation. From boating to fishing to swimming, there’s something for everyone on the water.
Lake Superior in particular is the world’s largest body of freshwater, so it’s a special sight to see. You can find one of the best places to enjoy the lake in Duluth, where there is so much to do and so many great places to stay. Or, you can head to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to enjoy the great lake.
6. Pike Place Market, Washington
Seattle is a large city known for a few things including the Space Needle, close proximity to the North Cascades mountains, and of course, Pike Place Market.
Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continuously running markets in the United States and features dozens of booths that sell everything from fresh fish to fresh flowers.
You can also purchase local goods such as handmade home decor, specialty foods, and more. There are also restaurants nearby that you can grab a bite to eat at including the famous Pike Place Chowder, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, and The Pink Door.
Also near the market is the unusual gum wall and the Seattle Waterfront, where you can watch for whales, ride the Seattle Great Wheel, or chow down on some fresh seafood.
Related read >> How to spend a weekend in Seattle
7. Golden Gate Bridge, California
This iconic suspension bridge in San Francisco was built in 1933 and connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County. It’s one of the most well-known bridges and is one of the best places to visit in the US.
While it’s been named the Golden Gate Bridge, the massive bridge is actually a bright red color and stretches 1.7 miles across the bay of the Pacific Ocean.
There are several viewpoints surrounding the bridge that you can stop at and photograph the bridge and enjoy the views of it as cars pass over the iconic structure.
Related read >> Best things to do on the West Coast (riding across the Golden Gate Bridge is on the list!)
8. Lake Tahoe, California
California is home to some of the most iconic US tourist destinations in the country, and another of them is Lake Tahoe.
This stunning body of water is the largest alpine lake in North America and is surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains.
There are so many things for the entire family to do in Lake Tahoe, from skiing during the winter months to hiking when the weather is warm.
Emerald Bay State Park is the most popular area for hiking, while Palisades Tahoe is the best spot for skiing and boarding in the cold months.
Admire the gorgeous teal color of the water and if you dare, take a dip! But be aware, because it’s cold throughout the entire year!
9. Zion National Park, Utah
Located in southwestern Utah, Zion National Park has long been a favorite for locals and travelers alike.
With stunning and unique hikes such as Angels Landing and The Narrows, it’s someplace that visitors just can’t seem to pass up during their United States travels!
The park is known for its towering red canyon walls, scenic hiking trails, and expansive viewpoints.
The park also offers opportunities for rock climbing, horseback riding, and canyoneering. Visitors can take a scenic drive through Zion Canyon or take a shuttle to explore the park’s many trails.
Because Zion is one of five national parks in the state of Utah, many people also pair the trip with other parks such as Bryce Canyon and Canyonlands National Parks.
Related read >> Zion and Bryce Canyon Itinerary
10. Glacier National Park, Montana
Located in the far remote corner of Montana is Glacier National Park. This popular park takes a long time to get to, but once you’ve arrived, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite for so many people.
It features some of the most beautiful towering mountain peaks, crystal clear alpine lakes, wildlife sightings, and stunning glaciers.
Glacier National Park is one of the best places to spot wildlife, particularly grizzly and black bears, as well as mountain goats, elk, bighorn sheep, and more.
Hiking along the Highline Trail is a must-do if you’re interested in a full-day hike, and for shorter options, head to Hidden Lake Overlook.
Even just a simple scenic drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road is the perfect way to enjoy the gorgeous viewpoints within this park.
11. Las Vegas Strip, Nevada
For adults, one of the best tourist spots in the US is the Las Vegas Strip, where you’ll find endless casinos, bars, and live entertainment.
Visitors can take a stroll down the strip and marvel at the incredible architecture of the casinos, including the Bellagio, the Venetian, and Caesar’s Palace.
You could stay up all night in Las Vegas and still find something to do, as you wander into the different casinos, check out live entertainment such as the Fountains at Bellagio, and grab drinks at the local bars.
And on top of all that, there are plenty of luxurious restaurants to try such as Gordon Ramsey’s Hells Kitchen and VooDoo Steakhouse.
Before leaving, you wouldn’t be a tourist without snapping a picture in front of the Fabulous Las Vegas sign, which is found at the end of the Strip.
Related read >> 2 day Las Vegas itinerary
12. Niagara Falls, New York
One of the most well-known waterfalls in the United States is Niagara Falls, located in Upstate New York, just below the Canadian border.
The falls are found in Niagara Falls State Park, which was established in 1885 and is the oldest state park in the country.
Over 3,000 tons of water flow over the falls every second, showcasing just how powerful this waterfall actually is!
The best way to admire Niagara Falls is by taking a tour on a mist boat, where you’ll get to get up close and personal to the falls and feel the mist on your face as it plunges over the cliff.
13. Washington D.C.
As the capital of the United States and the home to the United States government, you’ll find lots of tourists flocking to Washington D.C. to learn about our country’s history.
The city is filled with history, culture, and endless things to do. From visiting the White House, where our current president resides, to exploring the Smithsonian museums and learning about our natural history, there’s something for everyone.
Other things to do in Washington D.C. include touring the National Mall, seeing the Lincoln Memorial, and visiting the US Capitol Building.
14. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
For tourists who love spending their vacation outdoors, a trip to the United State’s first national park will surely be a treat.
Yellowstone National Park opened as a park in 1872 and covers over 2 million acres of protected land. On this land, you’ll find everything from towering mountains to flowing waterfalls, roaming wildlife, and steaming geysers.
The park sits on top of a dormant volcano, and with a visit, you’ll get to see the famous Old Faithful geyser. It’s also home to more geysers and hot springs than anywhere else on Earth.
A drive along the park’s scenic route will allow you to see a huge variety of wildlife from grizzly and black bears to bison and so much more.
It would take months to fully see the entire park, but spending a few days inside of it will allow you to get to know Yellowstone and why it’s such a beloved national park.
15. The Bean, Illinois
Found in Millenium Park in Chicago, the iconic Bean sculpture is somewhere that many people have on their bucket lists.
The Bean is a massive, shiny, reflective sculpture that you’ll often find people snapping pictures in front of, capturing their reflection in the Bean.
While you’re in Chicago, be sure to also stop at other iconic destinations like Willis Tower, where you can see the city’s skyline from below your feet. Navy Pier along Lake Michigan is another must-see in Chicago.
16. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
The famous Mount Rushmore sculpture is truly a sight to see, as it’s something that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
As you walk from the parking lot, you’ll follow a path surrounded by flags from all 50 states before you arrive at the viewpoint of the fascinating sculpture.
Using dynamite and hammers, nearly 400 men and women worked together to carve the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln into the side of the mountain.
There are several viewpoints where you can see the carvings, as well as opportunities to learn about America’s history and why these four presidents were monumental in our country’s future.
17. Hollywood Walk of Fame, California
The Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California, is a world-famous landmark and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Los Angeles.
The walk stretches just over 1 mile and features over 2,700 stars with the names of famous celebrities that we all love and know. From actors to musicians and other entertainers.
You can stroll along the Walk of Fame and search for your favorite celebrities. Whether it’s Adam Sandler, Queen, or even Mickey Mouse, you can likely find your favorite celeb!
Related read >> Other once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles
18. Statue of Liberty, New York
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic symbols of freedom and democracy in the world. It was a gift from France and first made its appearance in America back in 1885.
The statue stands at over 300 feet tall, and Lady Liberty’s torch itself measures 150 feet.
Visitors can take a ferry to Liberty Island to see the statue up close and even climb to the top for stunning views of the New York City skyline.
Ellis Island is also nearby, where you can visit the National Museum of Immigration and learn about the history of immigration to the United States.
19. Big Sur, California
If gorgeous views of the rugged coastline, endless hiking trails, and delicious restaurants sound like your kind of place, then you’ll love Big Sur.
This stretch of land is between Carmel by the Sea and San Simeon, just North of San Francisco. It’s about 90 miles of road and follows Highway 1 for the entire drive.
Much of the drive follows a narrow road along the coastline, where you can see the drop next to you into the Pacific Ocean.
Along the way, stop at popular places like Bixby Creek Bridge or McWay Falls, and enjoy the amazing views of the water.
There are also hikes at some of the state parks that line the coast, as well as charming small towns with delicious restaurants and small shops.
Whether you’re traveling from a different country or you call the United States home, planning to see some of the best US tourist destinations is a must.
From natural beauty to major cities, there are places to see for every type of traveler. A few favorites include the Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Yellowstone National Park.
But every state has something unique for visitors to enjoy and admire the United States’ beauty.
Other United States travel inspiration:
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Kassidy is a Minnesota native who loves exploring her state and beyond. She loves hiking, skiing, and just travel in general. She shares her love for her home state on her blog, Kassidy’s Journey.
