Things to do in the USA

Things to do in  USA

America the beautiful, indeed

From the towering tip of the Empire State Building in New York City to the dips and dunes of California's Death Valley, the USA is a land of extremes. Don't miss the country's splendid cities and monuments—San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, Miami's sun-washed streets, New Orleans' Creole accents—or the expansive national parks that welcome visitors all across the country. Guided private and small-group tours will help you take in everything you most want to explore, from sea to shining sea. Head west from the Great Smoky Mountains to see the dramatic landscapes of Denali National Park; watch native grizzlies and eagles in Yellowstone; and climb to the stars up a mountain in Yosemite. Delight in a helicopter ride over the incomparable Grand Canyon. Head down the East Coast from Maine to Florida, with stops to tour Niagara Falls, visit the quaint colonial towns of New England, and check out the booming city of Nashville. Take a West Coast trip to soak up the laid-back vibes of San Francisco on a boat, walking, or bike tour; or explore funky desert communities and art in the Southwest. Finally, head out to Hawaii and Alaska for unbeatable hiking, biking, and great outdoor adventure tours, like an early-morning hike to a volcano or a cruise through Prince William Sound, and get your fill of these areas' stunning beauty.

Top 15 attractions in USA

Mt. Waialeale

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Be prepared for more colors of green than you’ve ever seen before in the area surrounding Kauai’s central Mt. Waialeale—it’s one of the wettest places on planet Earth, receiving more than 450 inches of rainfall each year. It’s dominating sheer green 5,066 cliff wall has also been called the Wall of Tears, for the many waterfalls that fill its crevices and stream down its face during frequent rains. And, if the setting looks familiar, that could be because it starred as the backdrop for opening scenes of the original 1992 Jurassic Park movie. To get to the base of Waialeale, and to the the Wailua River, you’ll have to take a 4x4 down the bumpy Wailua Forestry Management Road and then trek in. Alternatively, several helicopter tours take you much closer to its cliff face—and its waterfalls—than you could easily get to on a hike.More

Fort Sumter National Monument

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A top historic attraction in South Carolina, Fort Sumter National Monument is famous for being the site where the Civil War began. Today, the sea fort, accessible only by boat, retains much of its original stone structure—plus a few lodged cannonballs—letting visitors experience a piece of American history firsthand.More

Colonial Park Cemetery

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When it was established in 1750, Colonial Park Cemetery was Savannah's main cemetery. It expanded three times to accommodate 9,000 graves across 6 acres (2.4 hectares). A century later, the cemetery ceased burials. Today, visitors can walk among the graves, many of which have historical markers describing local people and events.More

Chapel of the Holy Cross

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Built directly into the side of a red-rock hill not far from downtown Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a modern architectural marvel as well as a religious place for reflection. Visitors flock to the Roman Catholic chapel primarily to take in the outstanding views of Sedona’s awe-inspiring desert scenery.More

Resurrection Bay

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Resurrection Bay on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula—dotted with glistening glaciers, majestic fjords, and secluded coves set against a backdrop of snowy mountains and dramatic fog—is a haven for those who enjoy striking landscapes. Not only is this pristine wilderness beautiful, it’s also filled with opportunities for outdoors recreation.More

Bewitched Statue

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Located in Lappin Park in Salem, the Bewitched Statue is a tribute to actress Elizabeth Montgomery, the star of the popular 1960s show, Bewitched. Unveiled in 2005, the 9-foot (2.7-meter tall bronze statue features Montgomery’s character, the fictional witch Samantha Stephens, sitting on a broomstick in front of a crescent moon.More

Intracoastal Waterway Fort Lauderdale

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Stretching 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers) between the United States' Atlantic and Gulf coasts, Fort Lauderdale's Intracoastal Waterway provides easy access to maritime activities and on-shore attractions along the 300 miles (483 kilometers) of inland canals that wind through south Florida's unmistakable sky-high resorts and Everglades ecosystem.More

Fortress of the Bear

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Black and brown bears are the main attraction at this wildlife rescue site. Here, animals that are unable to return to the wild have free access to playgrounds and open space to roam. It’s one of the best places in Alaska to safely see a black bear or grizzly from a short distance away.More

Granary Burying Ground

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The Granary Burying Ground was founded in 1660 and the cemetery is a key stop on the Freedom Trail. This colonial sight is perhaps best known for its esteemed residents, and the gravestones are a who's-who of 17th- and 18th-century New England notables. Important Bostonians interred here include Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, among others.More

Waiʻanapanapa State Park

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Home to the black-sand Paʻiloa Beach and underwater caves, Waiʻanapanapa State Park is one of the jewels of the Road to Hana. Located just outside of Hana at the end of the perilous Hana Highway, the park’s trails, caves, and ancient burial sites are a welcome reward for those who make the long drive.More

Driskill Hotel (The Driskill)

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The oldest operating hotel in Austin, the Driskill has been legendary in Texas since it was built in 1886. Celebrities have visited the historic landmark over the years, including former president Lyndon B. Johnson, who took Lady Bird there on their first date. Today the Driskill Grill and 1886 Cafe & Bakery restaurants are here as well.More

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (Cooper River Bridge)

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At 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) long, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the United States. It connects downtown Charleston to the city of Mount Pleasant and the beaches beyond, plus it provides bike and pedestrian paths that lead to unobstructed views of Charleston Harbor and the city skyline.More

Wrigley Building

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The 1920s were an important time for Chicago architecture, and when the Wrigley Building opened in 1925, it set the pace for the city’s development. When owner William Wrigley Jr. (of the Wrigley gum company) scouted locations for the building that would become his company’s headquarters, he chose a unique triangle shape of land that eventually became the bustling Magnificent Mile.More

Centennial Olympic Park

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The 1996 Summer Olympic Games live on at Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park, a 22-acre (9-hectare) site that remains one of the city’s top public spaces. Come to splash in—or photograph—the park's main icon, the Fountain of Rings, a computer-controlled fountain with lights and jets of water that display the Olympic logo.More

Old South Meeting House

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Dating from 1729, Boston’s Old South Meeting House was a congregational church and a gathering place for protestors who sparked the American Revolution with the 1773 Boston Tea Party. A key site on Boston’s Freedom Trail, the brick building is now a museum where visitors can chart the beginnings of the country’s 1776 revolution.More

Trip ideas

Top activities in USA

Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial
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Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial

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Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

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New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights
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Paradise Cove Luau
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Paradise Cove Luau

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Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island, Hawaii
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90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour
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Chief's Luau Admission

Chief's Luau Admission

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Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkeling Adventure Aboard the Malolo
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Grand Canyon West Rim Luxury Helicopter Tour
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The Manhattan Helicopter Tour of New York
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Star Casual Sunset and Show Cruise

Star Casual Sunset and Show Cruise

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All about USA

When to visit

The United States is so large that there’s no such thing as a bad time of year to visit. Still, summer is probably your best bet, with many things to do. The Fourth of July sees festivities erupt nationwide; annual cultural festivals and events are at their peak; and the weather is often ideal for outdoor pursuits—whether you're on the beaches of California, exploring the country's wealth of national parks, or pounding the pavement in its culture-rich urban centers.

Getting around

The United States is a vast country, with vast transportation options. Traveling by air is often the speediest option for getting from place to place. Nationwide Amtrak rail networks offer a slower and more scenic way to travel, and Greyhound bus services make for an affordable alternative. Most major cities have their own public transit options—hubs like New York City and Chicago are particularly well-served. Car rentals offer opportunities to experience the American cultural institution known as the road trip.

Traveler tips

The bulk of federal public land—managed by government agencies but typically free for the public to explore—is located in the western half of the United States. For unimpeded time in nature, it's worth heading beyond the major destinations and prioritizing rural areas in states like New Mexico, Wyoming, Idaho, and Nevada, all of which offer spectacular and varied landscapes.

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People Also Ask

What activities can you do in the USA?

The USA is a huge country—the world’s fourth largest. It contains mountains, deserts, plains, forests, and many cities. You can do almost anything you’d like. Experience history in Washington, DC, nightlife in New York, beaches in Southern California, and so many national parks covering all sorts of beautiful terrain.

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What are cultural activities in the USA?

The USA is a big country with many cultures and cultural activities. Experience everything from feasting on dim sum in NYC to seeing a ball game in Chicago to attending a buffalo roundup in Wyoming to celebrity spotting in Hollywood to participating in Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

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How many countries are in the USA?

The United States of America is one country with 50 states (each with its own capital) and one district, Washington DC. The USA claims 14 global territories, including Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.

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What is the most famous place in the USA?

Many people consider the most famous place in the US to be New York City, the country’s largest city. It’s home to some 8.5 million people, Broadway shows, world-class restaurants, and skyscrapers galore. Another contender is Hollywood, the world’s show-business capital and home to the glamour of American film.

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What is the USA famous for?

Many will say the USA is famous for its film and TV contributions, concentrated around Hollywood. Others will say the USA is famous for New York City, home to Broadway and the Statue of Liberty. Still, others might say the USA is famous for being the leader of the free world.

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What should I do for my first time in America?

What to do on your first visit to America depends on your interests—the vast country is nearly 4 million square miles. You could see world-class theater in New York; stroll the beaches of Southern California; go mountaineering in Colorado; see the Great Lakes in Chicago; or hit some national parks.

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Frequently Asked Questions