This family-friendly museum is a celebration of all things outer space. Its crowning jewel is Rocket Park, which includes, among other landmark rockets, the U.S. Army Jupiter that launched a pair of monkeys into space in the 1950s. Budding astronauts can also ride on one of the museum's popular simulators and take a bus tour to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center – here you'll visit a world-class NASA laboratory and the historic Redstone Rocket Test Site. (Note that the bus tour is temporarily suspended.)
Crowned by mighty Denali, the tallest peak in North America at 20,310 feet (6,190m), this national park sprawls over six million rugged acres. Adventurous travellers come to hike through alpine tundra and lush boreal forest or to travel the winding Denali Park Road in one of the preserve's narrated tour buses. Wherever you are, keep an eye out for Denali's so-called Big Five: hulking moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves and, of course, grizzlies.
No US travel wish list would be complete without the Grand Canyon: the mother of America's natural wonders and one of the country's most popular attractions. The park's rust-red landscape might look more at home on Mars, opening out into an 18-mile (29km) wide chasm, through which the Colorado River beats its path. Open year round, the Canyon's South Rim is the most popular place to explore. The North Rim (open seasonally) has fewer crowds, while Grand Canyon West is home to the teeth-chattering Skywalk (pictured).
There are few places on Earth that allow the general public to mine for diamonds but this park in the Natural State is one of them. Rent out your kit, take to the designated 37-acre site (which sits atop a volcanic crater) and begin your search for those precious gems. Beyond white, yellow and brown diamonds you might also strike upon other precious stones such as amethyst and jasper. Best of all? Anything you're lucky enough to find is yours for the taking.
The most famous image of Yosemite National Park, Half Dome's distinctive bulk rises some 5,000 feet (1,524m) above the valley floor. Reaching the summit is no small feat and the 16-mile (26km) round-trip route is best left to competent hikers. It should take around 12 hours, with a near-vertical 400-foot (122m) cabled section taking you to the very top. If you'd prefer to drink in the famous rock face from a distance, Glacier Point offers views of Half Dome and some spectacular waterfalls.
"There's no better place to see the stars" so Red Rocks proudly touts and that may well be true. The natural open-air amphitheatre has played host to musical greats including Elton John, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Aretha Franklin, with a star-studded night sky offering a perfect backdrop. During daylight hours, outdoorsy types can take to scenic hiking routes such as the Red Rocks Trail.
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Tipped as the country's leading maritime museum, Mystic Seaport has been educating the public about America's nautical past since 1929. Spread across 19 artefact-filled acres, the museum includes displays such as the Charles W. Morgan whaling ship, the oldest commercial ship in America that's still afloat. Visitors can also pore over maritime artworks, peek inside a 19th-century shipsmith shop and see a huge scale model of the Mystic River.
One for beach lovers, Cape Henlopen State Park is all wind-whipped shores and pillowy dunes. Those after a dose of the coast flock to these shores to camp, hike and bike, and also to visit the Seaside Nature Center, with its live osprey cam and family-friendly exhibits. Other park highlights include the photogenic Delaware Breakwater Lighthouse, perched on a rocky outcrop at sea, and the imposing Second World War observation tower (pictured), which grants views across the cape.
You could spend weeks at the whimsical Walt Disney World Resort and still not discover all the magic it has to offer. The biggest of all Disney's sites, the Florida resort is crammed with four larger-than-life theme parks – Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and futuristic Epcot – plus themed hotels, shops and entertainment complexes. Must-dos include snapping a pic in front of the iconic Cinderella Castle and catching one of the jaw-dropping firework displays.
Nothing screams Georgia more than twisting oaks dripping in Spanish moss and this stunning park certainly delivers on that front. Wander Forsyth Park's 30-plus acres, pausing to admire the ornate fountain which dates to the 19th century. Or time your visit for the Saturday farmers' market or the autumn jazz festival. Once you've soaked up the park, strike out into the streets of the Historic District where you'll find house museums, churches and 22 oak-cloaked squares.
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial offers visitors a chance to reflect on a poignant part of US military history: the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Take a boat from the visitor centre to the striking white USS Arizona memorial. The structure is built over the sunken remains of the attacked USS Arizona battleship, on which more than 2,000 people died. Nearby, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is also worth a visit.
It's easy to see how this otherworldly site got its name. The lunar-like landscape was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions, some dating as far back as 15,000 years ago, and the stark cinder cones and apocalyptic brushland draw adventurous travellers today. The site has also been designated an International Dark Sky Park, with regular 'star parties' held by the Idaho Falls Astronomical Society. Come to hike, explore the lava caves and pitch up a tent beneath the stars.
The Windy City is known for its architecture and you can drink in the distinctive skyline from the 94th floor of 875 North Michigan Avenue (formerly the John Hancock Building). The skyscraper's observation deck enjoys a sought-after location around 1,000 feet (305m) above Chicago's Magnificent Mile, with uninterrupted vistas over the city and to Lake Michigan. The bravest can take a ride on TILT – a hair-raising attraction that sees visitors tilted outward on a moving glass platform, awarding them downward-facing views of the city below.
One of America's newest national parks, Indiana Dunes protects some 15 miles (24km) of Lake Michigan's shoreline. The 15,000-acre site is actually one of the most biodiverse in the whole national park system, with around 350 species of bird, plus landscapes ranging from dense forests and swampland to dunes soaring towards 200 feet (61m). It's a year-round destination too – frolic on the sands and swim in the lake in summer, then come back in winter for a spot of cross-country skiing.
Tucked away in the northeast of Iowa, this fascinating national monument preserves a piece of an ancient native culture. It's not known exactly who built these mounds or why, though it's thought that they could have been used for ceremonial purposes. They probably date back to the Late Woodland Period (around AD 600-1200) and, from above, they form various animal shapes. Explore the lush site on a ranger-led tour.
Offering a slice of the Old West in southwestern Kansas, the Boot Hill Museum tells the story of Dodge City, a frontier town on the Santa Fe Trail. Over the years it has been known for many things – its debaucherous early reputation, its key role in the cattle industry and notorious lawmen Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp, who were committed to restoring order to the wild town. All this and more is explored at Boot Hill through reconstructed period buildings, interactive displays, costumed interpreters and around 60,000 artefacts.
Unfolding for more than 400 explored miles (644km), this Kentucky cave system is mammoth indeed. In fact, it's the longest known anywhere on Earth. You can explore the caves' tunnels and chambers on a range of guided tours, which takes in the Frozen Niagara area with its impressive dripstone formations. Beyond the subterranean sights, the park's 52,800 acres are home to rivers, woodlands and peaceful backcountry trails.
One of the most famous boulevards in all of America, Bourbon Street is the raucous hub of nightlife in New Orleans, a city which knows how to party. Named after the royal French House of Bourbon, the street is jam-packed with neon-drenched bars, night-time revellers and the perpetual sound of jazz music. Time your trip for Mardi Gras in February and you'll find the famed balconies here strung with decorations and the street alive with parades.
Described as the "crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast", Acadia National Park encompasses a scenic swathe of Maine's shoreline, as well as mountains, woodland and wetlands criss-crossed with hiking trails. There are plenty of scenic spots, but a favourite is the Bass Harbor Head Light, perched on craggy rock at the side of the ocean. The free Island Explorer bus is a great way to get around the park.
Wild horses gathered at the water's edge or wandering through sands peppered with beach grass, is the image that draws most to this windswept barrier island. But even without these elegant creatures, there's plenty for visitors to discover. Trails lead hikers through forests, marshes and dunes and, for a true back-to-nature experience, you can camp in the site's rugged backcountry.
You'll see 16 of America's most important historical attractions along Boston's Freedom Trail, joined up by a 2.5-mile (4km) red line that winds through the city. The trail weaves from Boston Common, the oldest public park in America, north towards the Bunker Hill Monument, commemorating the Battle of Bunker Hill, one of the earliest major conflicts in the Revolutionary War.
Though this gargantuan museum is named for motor company founder Henry Ford, it's about much more than automobiles. Its 250 acres include The Museum of American Innovation, where you'll find the bus on which legendary activist Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat (pictured). There's also the Greenfield Village, a living history museum honouring innovators from Thomas Edison to the Wright brothers. A Ford Rouge Factory Tour will keep motor aficionados satisfied too.
This is no ordinary mall. As well as more than 520 stores, this monstrous site is home to one of the planet's largest indoor theme parks, Nickelodeon Universe, which boasts whimsical rides and attractions, and one of the world's longest indoor zip lines to boot. You'll also find the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium and the Crayola Experience, a kid-pleasing attraction that includes the chance to see how the colourful crayons are made.
Opened in 2017 and now a key stop along the USA's Civil Rights Trail, this Jackson museum tells the story of the Civil Rights Movement in affecting detail. The site is centred around eight galleries, beginning with slavery and moving on to how devastating events – such as the murder of Emmett Till at the hands of two white men in 1955 – mobilised the movement. The galleries also tell the stories of the activists who played a key role in the movement from the Freedom Riders to those who took part in the 1966 March Against Fear.
This imposing riverfront arch presides over the city of St Louis and has become a symbol of Missouri state. Intended to celebrate the westward expansion of the US in the 1800s, the arch reaches a whopping 630 feet (192m), earning it the status of the largest man-made monument in the USA. Today, visitors can take a tram ride to the top for mesmerising views over the city and explore the museum detailing the story of the expansion of the US, with a special focus on St Louis.
An incredible area of wilderness in northwest Montana, Glacier National Park had 26 named glaciers in 2015. It's also home to 700 miles (1,127km) of trails leading to mountains and flower-flecked meadows and offering the chance to spot wildlife from elk and mountain goats to grizzly bears. Take to the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road and be sure to stop off at the Jackson Glacier Overlook.
A curious formation in Nebraska's Morrill County, Chimney Rock is a key stop along the Oregon Trail, a National Historic Trail that traces 2,000-plus miles (3,219km) from east to west. As such, this natural landmark is not just a photo opportunity but also a symbol of the American pioneer and westward migration during the 1800s. Make time to stop by the visitor centre, which educates the public on this intriguing hunk of rock and its wider significance.
This glittering stretch of neon goes some way to attracting more than 40 million visitors to Vegas each year. Beyond sinking cocktails and money into slots, they come to see the soaring fountains at Bellagio Hotel, to ride a gondola on Vegas's answer to Venice's Grand Canal and to see Sin City's very own Eiffel Tower. You'll find that famous neon sign at the southern end of the Strip too.
New Hampshire's Mount Washington is the highest peak in the rugged White Mountains range at 6,288 feet (1,917m). Only serious mountaineers should attempt to reach the summit in winter, but from spring through to fall, visitors can ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway to the top, enjoying spectacular mountain views and informative narration along the way.
Often tipped as the East Coast's answer to the Las Vegas Strip, Atlantic City's Boardwalk dates back to the 1870s and still pulls in tourists with its cute shops, ocean vistas and handful of casinos. Stay dry with a sunset walk, a sea-view supper and some time on the slots or make a splash on the beach with activities such as kayaking and surfing.
Taos Pueblo is recognisable for its sun-baked adobe buildings, watched over by Taos Mountains. The site is thought to have been inhabited for around a thousand years and it is still home to an indigenous community of around 150 people. Visitors can typically come to explore the pueblo, speak to members of the community and purchase handmade souvenirs including jewellery, pottery and fine artworks. The settlement is currently closed to the public – check the website for updates.
New York has more wish-list attractions than most, but Lady Liberty remains an enduring symbol of the city, the state and the US as a whole. A gift from France in the 19th century, the famous green statue towers to 305 feet (93m), offering fabulous views over New York from her crown. Make time to visit the Statue of Liberty Museum to learn more about the monument's history.
This impressive estate is billed as America's largest home, having been built for George Vanderbilt over a six-year period from 1889 to 1895. Now, the French Renaissance-style château draws in visitors with its 250 rooms, including the stately banquet hall and the tome-filled library. You'll also find formal gardens, a winery and several spots for an overnight stay.
Named for 26th president Theodore Roosevelt, this gloriously rugged national park is spread over three distinct units, each with their own appeal. The North Unit is the furthest off the tourist trail, with its 28-mile (45km) out-and-back Scenic Drive a top way to see the badlands landscape. The South Unit is busier than its northern counterpart, though it also offers a scenic driving loop and epic views, plus fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing. The Elkhorn Ranch Unit is the part most associated with the late Teddy Roosevelt.
A shrine to rock 'n' roll greats from the US and beyond, this Cleveland museum opened in the 1980s and has been delighting die-hard music fans with its collection ever since. As well as the Hall of Fame Gallery itself, the musical museum's collection includes artefacts such as a drawing by a young Jimi Hendrix and a Mellotron owned by Beatle legend John Lennon. There are also plenty of events, from live music performances to film showings.
Opened in September 2021, the First Americans Museum is dedicated to celebrating the history and culture of Oklahoma's 39 Tribal Nations. It houses striking works by indigenous artists, video exhibits telling tribal creation stories and displays on America before European contact, as well as on the displacement of indigenous people from their homelands. The onsite food spots offer Native-inspired dishes too.
Named for the bright blue Crater Lake (the deepest in the USA), this national park is also beloved for its old-growth forests and wildflower meadows. The lake itself, formed by a volcanic eruption more than 7,000 years ago, is best viewed from the 33-mile (53km) Rim Drive – travelling all the way around the water, the route is punctured with scenic overlooks. The sight of cinder cone Wizard Island rising from the waters is one to remember.
Philly's Independence National Historic Park threads together a series of seminal sites, all of which played a role in the formation of the United States as we know it today. The most important of these are Independence Hall (pictured), where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed, and Liberty Bell Center, home to the famous Liberty Bell with its distinctive crack.
The most impressive of Newport's series of mansions is The Breakers, an elegant Italian Renaissance-style building, completed in 1895 for Cornelius Vanderbilt II. And the highlight of Vanderbilt's 70-room summer home is the Great Hall, with its hanging chandeliers and carved ceilings soaring to 45 feet (14m). Various guided tours weave their way around the sumptuous property.
This plantation, founded in 1681 by Englishman John Boone, is best known for its live Avenue of the Oaks – but its Black History in America exhibition is the most poignant attraction. Located in the cabins that once housed enslaved people, the exhibition covers topics including the Civil Rights movement and the culture of the Gullah – African Americans living in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and other Southern states.
In the craggy Black Hills of South Dakota, not far from the little town of Keystone, you'll find the faces of four formative American presidents carved into rock. George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln stare out from the stone at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and have done since 1941 when the mammoth project was completed. The hulking heads are each around 60-feet (18m) tall and you can view them best along the short Presidential Trail (be aware that the route includes 422 stairs).
Whether you're a long-time fan of the King or not, the home of late rock 'n' roll legend Elvis Presley is a joy to explore. The mansion is as eccentric as the man himself with a bright yellow TV room, plush living area and the famous Jungle Room with its dark wood and grass-green carpets. You can also pay your respects at Elvis's gravesite in the peaceful meditation garden. Across the road, there are a whole host of exhibits from the Presley Motors Automobile Museum to displays on Presley's life and family.
If you're dreaming of a vast wilderness – and the chance to have backcountry trails all to yourself – you're in luck. Big Bend National Park is a huge expanse of stark desert, mountains, canyons and rivers encompassing more than 800,000 acres. How you explore it is up to you: take to the 100 miles (161km) of paved scenic roads, spot dramatic rock formations on a desert hike or kayak through river-hewn canyons. Due to the lack of light pollution, it's one of the country's best spots for stargazing too.
Utah has no shortage of spectacular national parks, but this land of slot canyons and sun-baked sandstone cliffs remains the most mesmerising. Zion National Park was established in 1919, though its history stretches back much further – it's thought that humans inhabited this park as early as 6,000 BC. Today, visitors come here to walk, bike, canoe and canyon, with hikes ranging from easy to arduous lacing the popular Zion Canyon area.
This vast freshwater lake occupies a great swathe of North America, seeping into Vermont, New York and even across the Canadian border. Vermont, and especially Burlington, embraces this natural wonder with schooner cruises, ferries, sailing clubs and plenty of outfitters offering stand-up paddle boards, canoes and more. Visit the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, some 30 miles (48km) south of Burlington, to learn more about the lake and its importance (it's open throughout the summer season).
Mount Vernon is the historic plantation home of America's first president, George Washington. Today, more than 200 years after Washington's death, the estate pulls in international visitors with its large grounds, absorbing museum exhibits and the 21-room mansion, dating to the 1700s. Museum displays explore the lives of the enslaved people who once lived and worked on Washington's estate, while tours cover everything from archaeology and farming to 18th-century America and George Washington himself.
The futuristic Space Needle has reigned over Seattle since 1962, when it was built for the Age of Space-themed World’s Fair. Fast-forward more than 50 years and it's still the city's premier tourist attraction and the defining feature of its skyline. The flying saucer-shaped Tophouse, teetering at 520 feet (158m), is home to an observation deck with 360-degree views. If you dare, brave The Loupe Lounge, which has a rotating glass floor offering heart-thumping views of the streets beneath your feet.
America's newest national park, the New River Gorge takes in some 70,000 acres of land around the waterway, including dense areas of primeval forest. A haven for thrill-seekers, there are white-water rapids and plenty of spots for advanced rock climbers too. If you're after something a little less strenuous, the Canyon Rim Boardwalk trail grants stunning views of the New River Gorge Bridge (pictured).
A joy to explore year round, the Apostles Island National Lakeshore comprises more than 20 islands and a scenic swathe of the mainland hugging Lake Superior. In summer, take to the lake in a kayak, drinking in sandstone cliffs and caves as you paddle. Or in winter (if the conditions are right) explore the incredible ice caves formed at the western end of the mainland. You can also camp on most of the islands and on the mainland too.
The first of America's national parks, Yellowstone has been beguiling visitors with the power of Mother Nature since 1872. It's a park packed to the gills with natural wonders, from the rainbow-like Grand Prismatic Spring (look down on it from the popular Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail) to the regularly erupting Old Faithful Geyser. It's also a habitat for some 67 species of mammal, from black and grizzly bears to bobcats and bison.
Alternative America: 101 lesser-known attractions for your bucket list