10 Best Places to Visit in the US

Yosemite National Park is a fantastic spot for those who love nature, the outdoors, and spectacular landscapes. You’ll be blown away by the giant sequoia trees which can live over 3000 years. Most tourists head to the Mariposa Grove to gaze in awe at these immense trees, but the Tuolumne Grove is quieter and you can take great photos here. Other stunning viewpoints for photos in this UNESCO World Heritage Site include Glacier Point and Tunnel View.

This amazing park sprawls over 1200 square miles and you’ll see impressive rock formations, dazzling waterfalls, and vast expanses of meadows and wetlands. If you love hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, camping, river rafting, and visiting museums – you can do it all here.

New York City is often described as the city that has it all. From towering skyscrapers and immense green spaces to world-class museums and huge shopping avenues, this energetic city has it in bucketloads. Tourists often stay in Manhattan to take in breathtaking views from the top of the Empire State Building, catch a show on Broadway, or take a selfie in Times Square.

The other boroughs in NYC are well worth a visit though. Locals love taking the ferry to Staten Island and relaxing on the beautiful beaches. Sports are also hugely popular here and the city has 2 Major League Baseball teams. You can head to Queens to see the Mets or the Bronx to see the Yankees.

San Francisco is a vibrant city with several iconic landmarks, including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. This spectacular feat of architecture spans over 1.7 miles and its “International Orange” colour is superb set against a bright blue sky and the shimmering water below. A good option is to take the free guided walking tour across the bridge, or hike across it and continue onto the nature trails you’ll find at both ends of the bridge.

The city is also famous for its colourful cable cars weaving their way through the streets, not to mention the winding streets themselves. Lombard Street is a photographer’s dream, and you can take incredible photos from the bottom of this crooked street looking upwards.

Seattle is a beautiful, northwestern city. Known as the Emerald City for its delightful, lush greenery, it’s also home to a magnificent landmark – the Space Needle. Here, you can climb to dizzying heights and experience the thrill of looking through a rotating glass floor 500 feet above ground. You can also enjoy food here, before heading out to the observation deck for a selfie with the city far below you.

Nearby is the popular Pike Place Market. Both locals and tourists come to this lively market for everything from farmers’ produce and freshly baked goods to artwork and handmade clothing. There are lots of restaurants here too, and regular events and craft demonstrations are held throughout the year.

Maui is the second-largest Hawaiian island and it’s known worldwide for its staggeringly beautiful beaches. At Ka’anapali Beach on the west of the island, you’ll find glistening white sand and great snorkelling. If you prefer swimming, diving, or watching professional windsurfers, try beaches on the northern shore instead, especially Kanaha. The southern beaches, particularly Wailea, are fantastic for spotting migrating humpback whales during winter.

This spectacular island is more than its beaches though. Known as The Valley Isle, the landscapes are just as breathtaking inland as they are on the coast. The Iao Valley State Park is a lush area with the sacred Iao Needle standing tall. You can hike, picnic, or visit the botanical garden in this picturesque park.

Las Vegas is a direct city and its casinos, shopping, and entertainment make it one of the best places to visit in the USA. If you head to the famous Las Vegas Strip, you’ll find 3 miles of dazzling lights and immense casino-hotels. The amazing shopping centres and restaurants cater for all budgets. But the city truly comes alive at night when you can see spectacular shows by world-class musicians and magicians. You’ll need to book early for these, though, as they sell out quickly.

If the hectic pace of Las Vegas leaves you craving tranquility, head to the desert just outside the city. A popular hiking spot with locals is the Red Rock Canyon where you’ll find breathtaking scenery.

Nashville, Tennessee is known for its live music and nightlife. The streets here are full of music, with buskers hoping for their big break. Often called the birthplace of country music, it’s no surprise to find the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum here. This magnificent building showcases country music’s heritage and the impressive collection of cowboy boots will astound you. You can also take a tour of the Grand Ole Opry and see a live show.

If you love architecture, Nashville is for you. Why not check out the AT&T building city centre (also known as the Batman Building), as well as the impressive Nashville Parthenon? Based on the Greek version, it’s home to a beautiful art museum here.

Portland, Oregon is a wonderful city to visit if you love food and nature. Locals here take advantage of over 500 restaurants making it a great place for foodies. But a popular choice is the ubiquitous food cart. These carts are dotted all over the city, offering everything from breakfast sandwiches and burgers to sushi and tacos. They are a tasty choice for food on the go while you’re exploring the city.

After indulging in delicious food, many locals head to the parks here to burn off some calories. A very popular spot is Mount Hood National Forest. This spectacular park is home to a dormant volcano, and you can camp, fish, hike, bike, or even go skiing here.

Page is a small town in northern Arizona. If you love hiking and taking spectacular photos of dramatic landscapes, this is the place for you. Here, you’ll find iconic canyons and stunning red rock formations, as well as a beautiful river and lakes where you can go rafting or take a boat ride.

Horseshoe Bend is the best-known spot. Here, you can stand on the observation point and take in some incredible views. A guided tour of Antelope Canyon is also highly rated. You’ll learn the heritage of the Navajo people and their links to this majestic canyon. Make sure you book early for this tour, though, as it’s very popular.

Telluride lies in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. It’s a small town with spectacular scenery, and majestic peaks of 13,000 and 14,000 feet looming over the town. Visitors come here for the amazing views and outdoor activities without the huge crowds of other towns and resorts in Colorado.

You’ll discover highly-rated golf and skiing here, and there are several parks in this area with hiking and biking trails to explore. But locals will tell you that the highlight of this pretty town is its festivals. From mushrooms and films to Corvettes and baseball, Telluride finds a reason to celebrate with an annual festival. The live concerts set against a backdrop of towering mountain peaks are not to be missed.