The United States is one of the most diverse countries in the world with a wide variety of geographic and cultural attributes. From major cities to untouched nature, travelers will find a popular destination in almost every state. In terms of popularity and things to do, however, certain destinations stand out from the others.
Nestled between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C., is the nation's capital and seat of the federal government. It is one of the most popular destinations for foreign tourists and includes well-known sights such as the White House, the Capitol Building and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Monuments include the Lincoln, Washington and Jefferson Memorials, the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial and nearby Arlington National Cemetery. Washington, D.C., is especially popular in the springtime when its many cherry blossom trees cover the city with fragrant pink petals.
Located in the central Pacific Ocean, the Hawaiian Islands offer resort hotels and many activities that can't be found anywhere on the mainland. From hiking volcanoes to learning about native culture, Hawaiian vacations include activities for everyone. Known for their romantic setting, the islands are also a popular honeymoon destination.
Orlando is one of the most-visited cities in the U.S. It is home to internationally-known theme parks such as Universal Studios and Walt Disney World. The city also hosts professional sports teams, major businesses and several large convention centers, making it a popular choice for business trips. During the winter, the climate makes the destination a welcome change for residents of the Northeast and Midwest.
New York is the most populous city in the country and known around the world for its vast skyline, vivid nightlife and Broadway theatrical productions. New York is also home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the largest museums in the world. Visitors can climb stairs to the top of the Empire State Building or visit Rockefeller Center for panoramic views of the city. The World Trade Center memorial site is also a popular stop for people who want to pay their respects to the victims of September 11, 2001.
In recent decades the state of Alaska has emerged as a major tourist destination of its own. Besides offering a natural landscape that is largely undeveloped, Alaska is also a cruise destination for excursions by many major cruise lines. Visitors can take a helicopter to walk on a glacier, or learn about native Inuit culture at one of the cities, such as Juneau, Fairbanks or Anchorage.
New Orleans is unique among American cities for its strong European influence and cosmopolitan demographic. Despite the floods that occurred following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the city is largely reconstructed and many hotel rates remain low. By far the most popular time to visit New Orleans is during the annual Mardi Gras festival in February, when parading floats, street performers and tourists from across the country congregate to celebrate "Fat Tuesday."
The Grand Canyon is one of the most-visited sites in the National Parks system. Located in Arizona, the Grand Canyon is one of America's natural wonders, with its wildlife (including mountain lions and California condors) and geological formations. The park encompasses more than one million acres and the canyon itself is 4,000 feet deep. Park rangers are stationed throughout the park to give guests information about the canyon and the surrounding desert. Intrepid visitors can ride a pack mule to the base of the canyon for a closer look.
Southern California is another top vacation location. It is home to the cities of San Diego and Los Angeles, along with suburban Orange County (home to Disneyland) and several state parks and beaches. Los Angeles is home to Hollywood, where guests can browse the Walk of Fame, tour celebrity neighborhoods by bus and visit operating movie studios.
Spanning the states of Montana and Wyoming, Yellowstone is another crown jewel in America's National Parks system. It is home to Old Faithful geyser, along with packs of wild buffalo, wolves, elk and other rare and endangered species. The sprawling park changes with the seasons, so visitors will experience something entirely different from one visit to another.
Niagara Falls, located in upstate New York near the Canadian border, is one of the natural wonders of the world and is still affectionately known as the honeymoon capital of the world. The city of the same name is home to casinos, restaurants and luxury hotels. Guests can also take a boat tour near the base of the falls, or visit the nearby hydroelectric power plant along the Niagara River.
