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Guide to Sightseeing in the U.S.

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One of the most remarkable things about the United States is its size. This vastness means the country offers a wide variety in terms of climate, culture, history, foods, and fun. From big cities with plenty of sights and nightlife to open spaces with natural wonders to museums and tours exploring U.S. history, there is something for every visitor. Whatever it is that piques your curiosity, this guide will provide you with an overview for your U.S. sightseeing needs!

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U.S. CitiesSome of the world’s most recognizable cityscapes belong to the U.S. From New York City’s Statue of Liberty to Los Angeles’ Hollywood sign, the cities within the U.S. can provide visitors with vivid memories and entertaining sightseeing. While the U.S. is host to a great deal of interesting cities, some remain more popular than others.

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New York City, New York: Also called “The Big Apple,” New York City is the United States’ largest and best-known city. Among the skyscrapers and bright lights, New York earns its right as the heart of American city life. Not only is New York home to Broadway, where hundreds of famous plays and musicals have been produced, but it is also host to many off-Broadway theatres creating new and sometimes experimental work. Times Square might be the most recognizable aspect of the city, with its bustle and numerous theatres and storefronts. Many of the nation’s top television stations are located within New York as well.

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Chicago, Illinois: Chicago is praised for its hot dogs and deep-dish pizza, but there is more to the city than its food. Along Lake Michigan, you will find a cluster of museums, the Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium, all within walking distance from one another, and all highly regarded institutions. Further along the shore is the Chicago beach, as well as the ever popular and free-of-charge Lincoln Park Zoo. Pedestrian-friendly Michigan Avenue offers one of the best shopping experiences in the country.

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U.S. Natural LandmarksWith such an incredible amount of space, the U.S. features truly awe-inspiring natural landmarks. To get up close and personal to nature, the following are landmarks you can’t miss during a trip to the U.S.

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Grand Canyon, Arizona: This is the largest canyon in the world, cut out by a river over the course of millions of years. The Grand Canyon stretches 277 miles and has a width of up to 18 miles. For hundreds of years, the Canyon has been the site of Native American settlements. Many visitors come to the Grand Canyon to experience the vast openness as well as for camping, rafting, hiking, helicopter tours, and more.

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Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: Probably most known for Old Faithful, its giant natural geyser, Yellowstone National Park is one of the best places to hike and camp in the whole country. The park is notable for its wildlife, gorgeous lakes and waterfalls, rivers, canyons, mountain ranges, and the largest volcano on the entire North American continent.

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Niagara Falls, New York: Niagara Falls is the name for three adjacent waterfalls located on the U.S.-Canadian border. As the largest set of waterfalls in the U.S., Niagara attracts a large number of tourists each year to witness its incredible beauty.

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Looking at U.S. HistoryEuropean explorers and settlers pushed Native Amer-icans from their lands to establish colonies, and there are many sites in New England and along the East Coast that offer insight into this time in history and beyond. You can learn more by exploring museums, participating in various tours of historic areas and buildings, and speaking with historical interpreters. The cities below offer history in abundance as well as fine dining, nightlife, and shopping.

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Boston, Massachusetts: Boston was a major player during the American Revolution, with many meetings held and speeches made at Faneuil Hall. You can still visit Faneuil Hall as a part of Boston’s Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile self-guided walking tour of the city that includes many historical sites. Just outside of the city, you can visit the Bunker Hill Monument, which stands at 221 feet, and commemorates the battle between American and British forces in 1775. You may also like to visit Old North Church, the historic church where lanterns were hung in 1775 to signal the movements of British forces to Paul Revere and other riders.

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Philadelphia is host to a great deal of Revolutionary-era historical sites and attractions. The Continental Congress first met at Carpenter’s Hall and then moved to Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and, lat-er, the U.S. Constitution were drafted and completed. Both buildings are still open to the public and offer tours and events. You can also visit the U.S. Mint, where all the country’s coins are made, and the Na-tional Constitution Center, a museum exploring the U.S. Constitution and how it has influenced history.

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Washington, D.C.: As the national capitol, Washington, D.C. is the seat of the U.S. government. Visit the White House, home to the president; the U.S. Capitol Building; the Supreme Court Building; and the many free Smithsonian museums. Washington is also full of monuments and memorials, such as the iconic Lincoln Memorial and the moving Vietnam Memorial. To get a view into the country’s current and past government, Washington, D.C., is one city you do not want to miss.

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Though this guide has outlined just some of the amazing cities, incredible landmarks, and rich history of the U.S., you are guaranteed to discover plenty of ideas for your own sightseeing itinerary. Identify your interests, do your research, and enjoy your visit.