34 Best Places to Visit in the USA

The United States of America is one of the largest and most diverse countries in the world promising several tourist attractions. Be it the sunny beaches in California and Hawaii or the natural landscapes of Yellowstone, there are incredible sights all across the country.

However, if you have plans to visit the USA for a vacation, find below the top attractions to include in your itinerary.

Currency in the USA - The official currency in the USA is the United States Dollar. 1 United States Dollar equals 82.24 Indian Rupee as on 03 March 2023*.

*Currency rates are subject to the market exchange rate.

The geography of the USA covers a variety of picturesque reliefs. The American landscape is as diverse as its people and is fascinating. Be it the amazing Grand Canyon, Central Park in New York, or the volcanoes of Hawaii, the list is never-ending.

The United States of America is home to some of the most outstanding scenery in the world. The top attractions in the USA are as follows:

1. Times Square, New York City

Times Square is one of New York City's busiest areas and attracts millions of visitors every year. It features several famous places such as - Madame Tussauds, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, and Grand Central Terminal.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: Plaza Manhattan, New York, USA
• Timings: Open 24 hours

2. Navy Pier, Chicago

Extending on the waters of Lake Michigan is a large pier known as the Navy Pier. It is a major attraction for tourists visiting the USA. It nestles in Chicago’s coastal Streeterville neighbourhood. Inside the Pier, you will find several attractions you can indulge in with your family.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
• Timings: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm

3. Las Vegas Strip, Southern Nevada Desert

The Las Vegas Strip is one of the most famous tourist destinations you must visit for a luxurious feel. This Strip is a stretch of casino hotels on Las Vegas Boulevard South. You will find several casinos, luxury hotels and a lovely environment. Some include - Elvis Presley's Graceland estate and The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Moreover, you will find modern hotels like Bellagio and Caesars Palace here.

• Entry Fees: $20-$50
• Location: Between Sahara Avenue and Russell Road
• Timings: Open 24 hours

4. Golden Gate Bridge, Between San Francisco and Marin County

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge connecting San Francisco and Marin County to the city's north. It is one of the best places to visit in the USA. It has become an iconic landmark of San Francisco and is a popular tourist destination as the view from the Golden Gate Bridge is outstanding.

• Entry Fees: 4 Axles $33.60, $35.20; 5 Axles $42.00, $44.00; 6 Axles $50.40, $52.80; 7 Axles or More $58.80, $61.60
• Location: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA, USA
• Timings: 5:00 am to 6:30 pm

Due to its size and a wide swath of latitude, the USA has a wide variation in the land and topography. Here is a list of the top natural landscapes you must add to your itinerary:

5. Grand Canyon, Arizona

Being an incredible natural attraction, the Grand Canyon is one of the top attractions to visit in the USA. It carves out of the Colorado River and cuts deep into the landscape-shaping cliff walls and ledges. Visitors can stand at the rim of this canyon and experience amazing views of the structures.

• Entry Fees: $20
• Location: 30 miles south of Jacob Lake, Arizona, Highway 67, USA
• Timings: Open 24 hours

6. Sedona Red Rock Country, Arizona

One of the major tourist attractions in the USA, Sedona Red Rock Country is only a 2-hour drive north of Phoenix. You will be amazed to see the red rock landscape with countless canyons and creeks offering several outdoor activities. Cathedral Rock Trail is a favourite hiking area here.

• Entry Fees: Daily $5, Weekly $15, Annually $20, Grand Annual Pass $40
• Location: 331 Forest Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
• Timings: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

7. Niagara Falls, Ontario

Niagara Falls has proximity to Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. It is one of the best tourist places in the USA, you must not miss out on your visit to the USA. Niagara Falls is also known as the ‘Gateway to the Great Lakes’ and is one of North America's Seven Natural Wonders. The falls are 740 feet (220 m) high and 563 feet (171 m) wide, with a total drop of 2,600 feet (790 m).

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: Niagara County, New York, United States
• Timings: Open 24 hours

8. River Walk, San Antonio

River Walk in San Antonio or Paseo del Rio is a line of walkways near the San Antonio River. This place is solely for pedestrians and has beautiful architecture, water views and lush greenery surrounding this place. This River Walk is a hub for dining and digging into exquisite Texan cuisine.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: 849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
• Timings: Open 24 hours

9. Carlsbad Caverns, Southern New Mexico

Carlsbad Caverns, made out of limestone, is a collection of more than 115 caves.  Here, guides allow visitors to descend more than 900 feet (275 metres) below the earth’s surface. Guides will accompany you on this tour. Moreover, you will find the single cave chamber in North America or the Big Room here.

• Entry Fees: $7.50 for Senior and Access Pass holders. Lower Cave: $20 for adults, $10 for children
• Location: Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
• Timings: 8:00 am to 2:30 pm

10. Florida Keys, Florida

A stretch of 120 miles of tropical islands that nestles around the base of the Florida peninsula, the Florida Keys connects to the mainland area by a series of bridges. Seven Miles in the Lower Keys is the most spectacular bridge.

• Entry Fees: Starting from $1,348
• Location: Monroe and Miami-Dade counties, Southern Florida, USA
• Timings: Open 24 hours

11. Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

Waikiki is a vibrant beach and is famous amongst tourists for surfing. Several designer stores line up this beach. Moreover, the area bustles with crowds at night with waterside cocktail bars, fine dining and Kuhio Beach hula shows. You can visit Honolulu Zoo, home to Komodo dragons and wandering peacocks, apart from parrotfish and urchins.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu
• Timings: Open 24 hours

12. Venice Beach, Los Angeles

Venice Beach is a picturesque destination, best for its bohemian spirit. This beach town always buzzes with several commercial and residential pockets. Therefore, it is a dream destination for tourists. Visit the funky shops, and watch street performers and colourful murals adorning the streets. There’s also a skate park and Muscle Beach outdoor gym here.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: Westside region of Los Angeles County, USA
• Timings: Open 24 hours

There are about 63 national parks in the USA that draw millions of visitors throughout the year. These national parks give them a glimpse of some unique natural wonders and amazing terrains. Find below the top national parks in the United States:

13. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Mesa Verde National Park is home to the preserved homes of the Pueblo people in the past. Some of these homes are made from caves and rocks which date back to the 13th century. You can walk beneath the hanging cliffs and explore these ancient places. These cliffs had more than 100 people in these 150 rooms.

• Entry Fees: $20.00 per vehicle, $10.00 per person
• Location: Cortez, Colorado, USA
• Timings: Open 24 hours

14. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is enormous and promises exquisite natural beauty. If you are travelling here, hike through the forest areas and spot several species of birds. You can hike to winding trails that lead to Laurel Falls and the vistas of Clingman’s Dome.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: along U.S. Highway 441 (Newfound Gap Road), USA
• Timings: Open 24 hours

15. Bryce Canyon National Park, Southern Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park, a series of natural amphitheatres promises an outstanding display of rock formations and offers excellent hiking facilities. You can visit sunset point, which offers panoramic views of the red, yellow and orange rock formations. Another lovely spot to visit here is the Queen’s Garden Trail, which displays green trees among the red rocks for a brilliant juxtaposition.

• Entry Fees: Starting From $35
• Location: Utah, USA
• Timings: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm

16. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park is famous for its beautiful scenery, and visitors can find granite cliffs and admire the beautiful waterfalls. You will also find sequoia trees that are hundreds of years old. One of the top attractions in the USA, Yosemite National Park has the majestic Yosemite Falls with the granite monolith named Half Dome.

• Entry Fees: Starting From $35
• Location: Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, USA
• Timings: Open 24 hours

17. Denali National Park, Alaska

Denali National Park consists of Mount McKinley, the highest mountain in North America. Additionally, this park protects a wilderness area of about 6 million acres that houses moose, grizzly bears, caribou, wolves and several other creatures. In addition, one can find a terrain of tundra, spruce forest and glaciers here.

• Entry Fees: Starting From $15
• Location: Parks Highway, AK, USA
• Timings: Open 24 hours

18. Yellowstone National Park, Northwest of Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park spreads over more than 2,300 square miles of land. It is home to wildlife - the famous grizzly bear, bison, and elk. Yellowstone features the Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts every hour. It's also home to some of the largest lakes in North America. Therefore this place draws several tourists throughout the year.

• Entry Fees: $35 per vehicle, Buses/Vans, Private $20 per person
• Location: Wyoming, USA
• Timings: Open 24 hours

USA houses some of the most iconic statues and buildings that are world-famous and have become top attractions for tourists. Find below some of the buildings and monuments you can visit during your USA trip.

19. Statue of Liberty, New York City

The Statue of Liberty is the universal symbol of freedom and opened in 1886. The statue is made out of copper and coated with gold leaf, making it one of the world's largest statues standing proudly in New York Harbor. You can admire the grandeur of the statue from several points around the city and opt for a ferry ride to the statue.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: New York, NY 10004, USA
• Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

20. White House, Washington DC

The official residence of the President of the United States, the White House must be on the top of your must-visit places in the USA list. Lafayette Park is on the north end of the White House, and beyond, is a pedestrian-only zone. It is one of the best places to get a picture-perfect shot.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500, USA
• Timings: 8:00 am to 12:30 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, excluding Federal holidays

21. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt, sculpted by Gutzon Borglum. French immigrant labourers from Quebec have intricately carved these structures into the mountain's granite face using manual methods. The monument sits at 7,725 feet above sea level and is another top attraction in the USA.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: 13000 SD-244, Keystone, SD 57751, USA
• Timings: 5:00 am to 9:00 pm

Theme parks are always a fun space, and if you have children travelling with you, they will love to travel here. Below is a list of the theme parks you must visit during your stay in the USA:

22. Walt Disney World, Orlando

The Walt Disney World includes theme parks: Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot Center, Animal Kingdom Park, and Hollywood Studios making it a top attraction for the young and old. There's also a hotel, several restaurants and entertainment venues all within the park. It allows you to spend the full day there without the need to leave the park grounds.

• Entry Fees: Starting from $159
• Location: Orlando, FL, USA
• Timings: Open 24 hours,

23. Disney Land, Los Angeles

Disney Land is a theme park, especially for family amusements. However, it also provides riding facilities in Tomorrow Land. It is a popular attraction amongst the little kids who will love to indulge in various activities here. Discover wonder, joy and excitement around every turn with 1-day tickets starting at a very minimum price.

• Entry Fees: Starting from $91 - $110
• Location: Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA, USA
• Timings: 8:00 am to 12:00 am

24. Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park

‘Knott Berry Farm’ is a lovely theme park with several rides for small children. The high-stimulation roller coasters with speed movements keep thrilling the children. However, most of the rides are within the Peanuts-themed Camp Snoopy area. These include Camp Bus, Flying Ace, Grand Sierra Railroad, Balloon Race, and High Sierra Ferris wheel.

• Entry Fees: Starting from $43-$79
• Location: Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA, USA
• Timings: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM

25. Six Flags Magic Mountain, California

Six Flags Magic Mountain is another popular theme park in the USA. This theme park holds the world record for the highest number of roller coasters in a theme park. One of the best applications of fun rides, there are 19 roller coasters in this ride. Moreover, on days between mid-March and early September, Six Flags puts on a night parade with fireworks.

• Entry Fees: Starting from $60 - $90
• Location: Valencia, Santa Clarita, California, USA
• Timings: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm

26. Universal Studios, Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is another amusement park that you must visit during your vacation in the USA. This park is a real-motion-picture-themed park full of grandeur and is on the floor of an energetic film workroom. Some tours include - ‘Studio Tour’, ‘Wizarding World of Harry Potter’, and ‘Springfield Hollywood’. You can take physical rides in a moving vehicle like ‘Jurassic Period Park’.

• Entry Fees: Starting from $109-$129
• Location: Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA, USA
• Timings: 9:00 am to 7:00 am

There are more than 35000 museums in the USA, and all of them are iconic. However, it is not possible to visit all of them. Below is a list of the top museums you must visit during a vacation in the USA.

27. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most famous museums in the world. This museum houses more than 2 million artworks and objects from around the world. In addition, this museum houses an exhaustive collection of art, including pieces by Picasso, Monet, Matisse, and Van Gogh.

• Entry Fees: Starting from $30
• Location: 1000 Fifth Avenue and 99 Margaret Corbin Drive New York, NY 10028, USA
• Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

28. The Museum of Modern Art, New York City

The Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest museums focusing on contemporary art. It gives stunning views of art and plays a significant role in developing and collecting modern art. However, this museum has a comprehensive collection of spectacular art extending from a range of skills in the late 19th century American and European arts.

• Entry Fees: $25 for adults, $18 for seniors (65+), and $14 for students. Children under the age of 16 can enter free of charge.
• Location: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, USA
• Timings: 10:30 am to 5:30 pm

29. The Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois Image Source:

It is one of the spectacular must-visit museums founded in 1879. The Art Institute of Chicago is considered one of the oldest and largest art museums in the USA. This museum houses a wonderful collection of 300,000 works of art and masterpieces.

• Entry Fees: Starting from $20
• Location: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
• Timings: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm

30. The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

The Museum of Fine Arts is a spectacular building you must visit during your vacation in the USA. This museum is considered 14th among the most extensive art exhibitions in the world by measuring the public gallery area. Furthermore, this museum accommodates over  450000 works of art, making it one of the most comprehensive collections in the USA.

• Entry Fees: Free for members and children aged 0 - 6 years, $27 for adults, $10 for youth aged 7 - 17 years
• Location: 465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
• Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

31. The Detroit Institute of Arts, Michigan

The Detroit Institute of Arts is a famous tourist attraction as it holds an array of spectacular arts. This museum is considered one of the most notable and finest art museums having a collection of more than 65,000 artworks. The Detroit Institute of Arts highlights the international study of human intelligence from prehistory to the 21st century.

• Entry Fees: Free for members and children aged 0 - 5 years, $14 for adults, $6 for youth aged 6 - 17 years and $7 for museum parking
• Location: 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
• Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Monday closed)

32. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California

Los Angeles County Museum of Art is a wonderful tourist attraction and museum you must visit during your stay in the USA. It is recognised as the largest art museum in the western USA. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or LACMA, houses a massive collection of over 142000 artworks that span 4000 BC ago. All of them comprise creative expressions from around the world.

• Entry Fees: Free for members and children aged 0 - 5 years, $14 for adults, $6 for youth aged 6 - 17 years and $7 for museum parking
• Location: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
• Timings: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm from Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Saturday and Sunday (Wednesday closed)

Visiting the USA will not be complete without this list of top marketplaces that allow you to shop till you drop! Find below some of the top shopping centres the USA offers for its tourists:

33. Pike Place Market, Seattle

Pike Place Market overlooks the waterfront and is one of the most iconic parts of this city. It is an excellent place to shop in Seattle as it houses several old establishments. You will find locally formed brie, camembert, and fresh fish from Puget Sound.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: Elliott Bay in Seattle, Washington, USA
• Timings: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm

34. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston

This is one of the most historic places in Boston and an 18th-century structure that served as an area where leaders gathered to fight against oppression during the American Revolutionary War. You have an excellent opportunity to shop from locals, try authentic cuisines, and indulge in many more.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: 1 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109, USA
• Timings: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm