Few countries pack in such diverse landscapes and experiences as the USA. Where else could you drive down some of the world's most famous highways, hike through red-rock canyons, see wine country from the air and have Elvis officiate your wedding? That might be a bit much to do in one day, but it's all possible in this vast country. From touring Alcatraz to cruising down Route 66, here's our pick of the best one-of-a-kind experiences you can only have in America. It's worth checking state travel advisories and individual attraction websites before planning a trip.
Completed in 2014, One World Trade Center soars up 104 floors and stretches some 1,776 feet (541m) into the sky. With an identical footprint to New York's original Twin Towers, the building has become a symbol of hope and resilience. It also happens to be the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Sip cocktails in the skyscraper's 101st floor restaurant, or hit the observation deck to soak up 360-degree views across Manhattan. If you dare, step on the observatory's glass floor for an unforgettable perspective on the streets below.
Boarding a ferry to visit the island prison of Alcatraz is practically a rite of passage when visiting San Francisco. Tour the cellhouse and learn the history of the inmates who were incarcerated there, as well as the tales of those who tried to escape. The audio tour is voiced by former guards, bringing the past vividly and eerily to life. The daring can also take a night tour and experience the infamous prison in the dark.
Few things are more American than waving a red, white and blue flag while enjoying a classic community cook-out. Independence Day takes place across the country every 4 July and it's an event not to be missed. Philadelphia, Washington DC and Boston offer some of the country's best Independence Day celebrations. Stay out for the evening and catch the fireworks as revellers celebrate independence from the British Empire.
This natural wonder is a must-see from the top, but a donkey ride into the depths of the Grand Canyon reveals its majesty from a different perspective. Visit Phantom Ranch, the only lodging below the canyon rim and only accessible by foot, mule or rafting on the Colorado River. You can pick up some food or spend the night for a truly authentic pioneer experience. Another canyon highlight, which some might find terrifying, is the Skywalk, a glass walkway and viewing platform at Grand Canyon West.
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Don't look down if you find yourself in Sequoia National Park, in the heart of California's Sierra Nevada mountains. This is a place to gaze up and gawp in wonder at some of the tallest trees. In fact the park's aptly named Giant Forest is home to what's believed to be the largest living tree in the world, General Sherman. The mighty sequoia soars up a staggering 275 feet (84m) and its diameter reaches more than 36 feet (11m) at its widest part. What's more, it's still growing – even though it's more than 2,000 years old.
Boston's Freedom Trail encompasses 16 significant sites across the city, packing some of the country's most fascinating history into a 2.5-mile (4km) stretch. The self-guided walk is free, with markers along the route, or you can join an organised tour with a costumed guide. Don't miss the Old State House – Boston's oldest surviving public building, pictured – the Bunker Hill monument, where the first major battle of the Revolutionary War took place, and USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship still afloat.
Surrounded by the glorious Black Hills in South Dakota, Mount Rushmore National Memorial brings the history of America to life with giant carved faces of former presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. The mountain itself peaks at 5,725 feet (1,745m), while the memorial covers two square miles (5.2sq km) and can be reached via the Presidential Trail. Avoid the thickest crowds by visiting before 9am or after 3.30pm.
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The Library of Congress in Washington DC was founded in 1800 and is home to more than 170 million items including historic books and papers, making it the world's largest library by collection size. It's also one of the most beautiful. Visitors shouldn't miss the Main Reading Room with its dominant bronze statues, painted dome and precious marble clock. Free guided tours run regularly but you'll need to reserve a timed entry pass.
The Statue of Liberty is the most famous landmark in the Big Apple and perhaps the entire country. This colossal copper goddess was gifted to America by France in the 1880s and she decorates the city's Upper Bay like a welcome beacon. While you're there, climb her 162 steps to take in awe-inspiring views of Manhattan's skyline and visit the Statue of Liberty Museum, which sheds light on the story behind this world-renowned landmark.
It's impossible to sample all the wonderfully fresh seafood Maine has to offer. But, if you try just one thing, make it a lobster roll. These world-famous sandwiches, traditionally served on soft, brioche-like bread that's packed with the sweet, salty meat of an entire lobster and drenched in melted butter, are sold everywhere from street-food trucks to the fanciest restaurants. You can often see boats unloading their catch of the day at ports and coves along the coast.
Undoubtedly one of the world's greatest road trip routes, the Pacific Coast Highway runs along California’s stunning coastline from Dana Point, north of San Diego, up to Leggett in Mendocino County. Stretching for around 650 miles (1,046km), the scenic road encompasses mountains, towering trees and spectacular beaches, not to mention iconic surfing spots, world-renowned vineyards and gorgeous state parks. You won't want to miss Bixby Creek Bridge (pictured) on the Big Sur coast, made famous by TV show Big Little Lies.
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Get up close and personal with these giants of the sea, native to the Hawaiian Islands. Don’t be alarmed by how big they are; these gentle creatures, with wingspans up to 18 feet (5.5m), will glide effortlessly alongside you. The best way to witness these incredible creatures is by taking a guided night-time swim. They seem to almost glow in the darkness and this experience will allow you to see manta rays in their natural habitat, playing, somersaulting and feasting in the waters.
Known for its hundreds of hillside vineyards and world-class vintages, California's Napa Valley is as glorious to look at as its wines are to sip. Experience America's iconic wine country like never before – from above. Rise early for a sunrise hot air balloon trip to savour the splendour of the landscape, before touching down to sample some of the region's best bottles.
There's possibly no greater natural wonder than Niagara Falls, a group of three cascades that straddles New York state and the province of Ontario in Canada. Take in breathtaking vistas of some of the world’s fastest-flowing waterfalls, looking on from a viewpoint, getting up close on a boat ride or gawping from above with a scenic helicopter tour.
It’s big, loud, colourful and unlike any other carnival in the world. Mardi Gras takes place in New Orleans every year, kicking off the day before Ash Wednesday. Immerse yourself in a fortnight celebrating the very best of Louisiana’s culture with colourful parades and street music. Rooted in the history of the region, this non-stop party is an unmissable experience.
Glowing and glittering like a bizarre neon oasis in the Mojave Desert, there's nowhere quite like Las Vegas. The home of gambling isn't just about slot machines, high-end hotels and roulette tables, though. Here, you can also visit a replica of the Eiffel Tower, take a romantic gondola trip along the canals of faux Venice and ride the High Roller, the largest observation wheel in North America. Just remember: what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
For a trip that's all about getting back to nature, experience the quiet majesty of the jewel in California’s crown, Yosemite National Park. It's home to giant sequoia trees that have been around for several millennia, as well as towering granite monoliths, deep valleys, seemingly endless meadows and impressive waterfalls. You can hike, camp and join ranger-guided tours, but you'll need to check whether you need a permit before you travel.
While it's possible to mark St. Patrick's Day, a cultural and religious celebration held each 17 March, pretty much anywhere in the US, nowhere does it quite like Chicago. From attending church ceremonies to dressing up and partying hard, it's a day of celebration and, of course, fun. Head to the city's Riverwalk to watch the waters turn green thanks to a temporary dye – a spectacle that draws crowds most years.
A marvel of human ingenuity and engineering prowess, this suspension bridge was once the longest in the world – and it's certainly still one of the most spectacular. View the Golden Gate Bridge from the shoreline or from up high with a helicopter tour. Alternatively, travel across its length on foot, bike or car (make sure you pay the toll in advance if travelling into the city) for mesmerising views.
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Hollywood is well-known as the home of the stars and there are guided tours that will happily point out their actual residences – plus homes that have featured in movies and TV shows – along the way. You’ll also get an overview of the history of Hollywood and may see more of Los Angeles, depending on the operator. Once you've enjoyed spotting some of the world's most incredible mega-mansions, don't miss the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame.
NASA's space base in Houston is a chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at human space exploration, seeing rockets, walking inside the shuttle replica Independence and viewing equipment and memorabilia including space suits. Each ticket also includes a tram tour around the grounds, visiting the Astronaut Training Facility and Mission Control.
The Appalachian Trail might be the world's most iconic hiking route. The pathway runs from Maine to Georgia, spanning 14 states and winding for more than 2,180 miles (3,508km), and is the longest continuous hiking-only stretch in the world. Whether you pick a portion or tackle the entire route (which typically takes around six months), it's sure to be a walk to remember, traversing some of the country's most breathtaking mountain scenery.
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Taste some of the best pizzas in the world and discover the history of New York’s most famous food on one of Scott’s Pizza Tours, either by foot or aboard a bus. With a thriving Italian population, the city is known for its abundance of beautifully made, gloriously cheesy slices, often bigger than the average head. Don't miss Joe's Pizza, often rated the city's best.
There's plenty to see above ground in Seattle but it's worth plunging beneath the streets for a different take on the city. This guided subterranean tour takes you down streets and past storefronts that were entombed when the city started anew by rebuilding on top of itself following the Great Fire of 1889. These are basically the ruins of an early Seattle, and they're fascinating to explore.
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Head down to Little Havana in Miami to experience Cuban-influenced culture in the USA. The vibrant neighbourhood is the best place to sample authentic Cuban food (and cigars) in the country and offers a window into the past with early 20th-century homes, Latin American art galleries and bars and restaurants with live music and dancing.
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Straight out of a classic Western movie, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park showcases some of the most magnificent scenery in Utah and Arizona. Its sandstone rock formations tower up to 1,000 feet (305m) above the valley floor, and the area is said to be the most photographed place on Earth – something that isn't hard to believe when you see these stunning structures up close. There are many campsites across the vast valley, but you'll need to obtain a permit in advance.
Most visitors to Vegas stick to the Strip, that beacon of hotels, casinos and hedonism. Some, however, venture just off the main drag to get hitched in one of the many wedding chapels. Saying 'I do' in the wedding capital of the world – and often with the option of having an Elvis lookalike officiating your wedding – should certainly make for some lasting memories. (And hopefully you won't be checking into Heartbreak Hotel afterwards.)
New Mexico's White Sands National Park is the world's largest gypsum dunefield, covering 275 square miles (443sq km) of desert. Cycle through the park to take in unobstructed views, go horseback riding or simply drive along the park's roads, flanked by waves of alabaster sand as far as the eye can see. You can even go sledding down these unique dunes for the ultimate thrill.
Sure, you can see a play or a musical pretty much anywhere, but Broadway is the home of theatre. Watching a production of Hamilton or The Lion King in the heart of New York City is guaranteed to take your breath away. The music, the story, the choreography, the place – it all comes together to immerse you in a new world. Even smaller shows with cheaper tickets will pack a punch, and you'll still leave with those bragging rights.
This preserved area of swampland spans the tip of Florida and covers 1.5 million acres so there’s more than enough to see and do. Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the US and provides habitat for some incredible wildlife including alligators, dolphins and panthers. An organised tour will give you the best chance of spotting creatures in and around the swamps – an airboat is most common way to explore, and there are also guided kayak trips.
What’s more New York than pizza? Yellow cabs. The city really never does sleep, so a night-time cab ride can be a fantastic way to explore the sights without roaming the streets alone. Grab a hot dog from a street vendor and stick your arm out to call one of the many taxicabs that fill the city. In fact, according to the City of New York, there are up to 13,587 cabs ready and waiting to give you the ride of your life.
Inside Yellowstone National Park in the northwest corner of Wyoming, Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world. Plunging to a depth of 121 feet (37m) and covering an area roughly the size of a football field, the boiling spring can be safely witnessed from the park's purpose-built boardwalk. With its deep cyan core, enclosed by fiery yellow and orange rings, this rather terrifying marvel of Mother Nature has to be seen to be believed.
Each spring, Texas comes to life with beautiful native bluebonnets that colour the state's rolling fields a vibrant purple. The annual event only lasts around a month so you've got to be quick to catch these wildflowers in full bloom. The town of Terlingua, close to the Rio Grande and Big Bend National Park, is a fantastic spot to see bluebonnets in all their glory, while the town of Ennis hosts the annual Bluebonnet Trails Festival.
From baseball to American football, the US has a wealth of spectator sports and there's usually something happening. Catch a game at the iconic Yankee Stadium in New York or head to Fenway Park (pictured) to witness the Boston Red Sox in action. If your timing is right and your budget will stretch, you could even try to secure tickets to the Super Bowl, usually held in early February. Don't forget to bag yourself a foam finger, a hot dog and a cold cup of beer.
Wild swimming has taken off in recent years but locals of Austin, Texas have been at it for decades. Hamilton Pool Preserve, a natural swimming hole, lies just 20 miles (32km) west of the Texas state capital and is filled with enticing emerald water. Entirely underground until the sheltering limestone roof above it collapsed, the pool is fed by a 50-foot (15m) waterfall. The pool has been closed due to falling rocks but it's still a beautiful spot to visit and photograph.
Northern Kauai's Nāpali Coast is lined with creamy beaches dramatically backed by rugged, velvety green sea cliffs. The designated wilderness area, part of the Hawaii State Parks system, is inaccessible to cars and can only be explored along the 11-mile (17.7km) Kalalau Trail, which runs between Ke’e and Kalalau beaches via spiky sea cliffs and verdant valleys. There are also boat trips that get you close to the towering cliffs and often include stops to snorkel and spot turtles and dolphins.
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From vast national parks to scenic stretches of coastline, the USA is road trip heaven – and there are surprises dotted along every route. From the world’s largest ketchup bottle (pictured) in Illinois to the giant Cabazon Dinosaurs in California, nowhere does roadside attractions quite like America.
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Alaska's vast wilderness areas make the rest of the USA's national parks and forests seem rather small. Kenai Fjords is one of the most spectacular, and there's no better way to experience it than from a kayak. The chilly waters of the national park are lined with jagged blue and white ice and rocky pinnacles, and are home to orcas, sea otters and humpback whales. Exploring with a paddle means you can view all of this natural beauty up close. Conditions can be windy and choppy so a guided tour is recommended for less-experienced paddlers.
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There are several styles of barbecue that vary from state to state and, sometimes, from town to town. Whether you prefer yours seasoned only with vinegar and pepper or smothered in white sauce, sampling some tender, slow-smoked meats is considered a must for many when visiting Texas – so much so that queuing for hours to get hold of the best barbecue has become an activity in itself. At popular spots like Franklin in Austin, people even play ball games, listen to music and bring their own booze.
Stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, the historic Route 66 must be the world's most famous road trip route. Travelling the entire 2,278-mile-long (3,666 km) road can take anything from eight days to more than a month, depending on how many stops you make. Take a step back in time and stay at one of the many vintage motels on the route, sample some of America's most iconic treats at its countless diners and, of course, gawk at the quirky roadside attractions along this iconic highway.