Mesa Arch on a sunny day at Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA

Things to do in  USA

America the beautiful, indeed

In 1940, American folk singer Woody Guthrie wrote “This Land Is Your Land,” describing a continent vast in character and temperament. The 3.5 million square miles (9 million square kilometers) of the United States are almost impossible to neatly summarize. Ask about the best things to do in the USA, and you’ll get a different answer from every person you meet. But whether they recommend Florida beaches or the Grand Canyon, Broadway shows or rodeos, the Rocky Mountains or the monuments of Washington DC, this land is ripe for exploration.

Top 15 attractions in USA

Hoover Dam

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The Hoover Dam (originally known as Boulder Dam) is one of the United States’ most celebrated engineering marvels. Engineers began building the dam during the Great Depression, and it was the largest dam construction project in the world at the time. Travelers have flocked to the dam—situated on the Nevada and Arizona border—for decades. Today, it receives more than 1 million annual visitors.More

Statue of Liberty

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Designed by Frédéric Auguste Barthold and Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame), the Statue of Liberty came to the USA as a gift from France in honor of the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Today, this 305-foot (93-meter) statue guards the entrance to New York Harbor on Liberty Island. “Lady Liberty,” and the land surrounding her was declared the Statue of Liberty National Monument in 1924.More

French Quarter

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The French Quarter, with its vibrant atmosphere and unique blend of architectural styles, is easily New Orleans' most famous and popular area to visit. It's also the city's oldest neighborhood, and its elegant streets are lined with an appealing mix of lively bars—especially along the legendary Bourbon Street—historic monuments, delicious restaurants, and inviting jazz clubs.More

Molokini Crater

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When was the last time you had a snorkel adventure inside of a sunken Hawaiian volcano, or enjoyed a freshly cooked BBQ lunch on the deck of a sailing catamaran? Thanks to its calm, crystal clear waters, bright coral reef, and 250-plus species of tropical fish, Molokini Crater is the most popular spot for snorkeling tours on Maui. Spend a day on a snorkeling tour as you explore the protected marine preserve and come face-to-face with some of Hawaii's most colorful marine life.More

Na Pali Coast

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With steep emerald cliffs, lush valleys, and remote cascading waterfalls, the Na Pali Coast is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful regions, and no visit to the island of Kauai is complete without a visit to this magical coastline. There are only three ways to explore the Na Pali Coast—by air, by sea, and on foot—and each offers its own unique perspective.More

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

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Made up of several historic sites and memorials, Pearl Harbor honors and educates the public about the Japanese attack on the United States on December 7, 1941 that propelled the country into World War II. It’s one of Hawaii’s most-visited attractions, and one of the country’s most significant WWII memorial sites.More

Ryman Auditorium

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Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” Ryman Auditorium helped transform Nashville into a legendary music destination. Since 1892, the venue has hosted notable stars such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Van Morrison, and Minnie Pearl. Today, visitors can tour the 2,362-seat auditorium, visit the museum, or catch a live show.More

Bayside Marketplace

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Bayside Marketplace, a vibrant waterfront mall in downtown Miami—and the city’s most-visited attraction—sits above Biscayne Bay and features many shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The open-air market has more than 100 shops ranging from apparel to bath products to electronics, and often live performers are on hand to keep shoppers entertained.More

Alcatraz

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A former federal prison that held notorious criminals Al “Scarface” Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly, Alcatraz is now a national historic landmark and one of the most sought-out (and sold-out) attractions in the San Francisco Bay Area. Highlights include touring what’s left of the maximum-security facility, hearing stories from former inmates, and sailing past the Golden Gate Bridge to reach the craggy isle.More

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

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The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial commemorates the life and legacy of the renowned civil rights leader. Located in West Potomac Park and overlooking the Tidal Basin, the memorial includes a commanding 30-foot (9-meter statue of Dr. King and a 450-foot (137-meter Inscription Wall of quotes from Dr. King.More

Boston Common

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The starting point of the Freedom Trail, Boston Common is the oldest park in the country. At 50 acres (20 hectares), it is the anchor for the Emerald Necklace, a system of connected parks that winds through many of Boston’s neighborhoods. The historic park was once a campground for British troops during the Revolutionary War.More

The White House

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The official residence of each US president since 1800, the 132-room White House in Washington DC draws visitors from around the world. Admire the sight from afar, stop by the White House Visitor Center, or request access for a self-guided tour of the East Wing, State Dining Room, China Room, and the White House Rose Garden.More

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

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Faneuil Hall is a bustling marketplace best known for its ever-changing lineup of street performers and its central location on Boston’s historic Freedom Trail. Tourists and locals alike flock to the complex’s shops and Quincy Market, featuring 30-plus food stalls selling everything from exotic coffee to fresh seafood and artisanal bread.More

Ellis Island

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As the gateway for over 12 million immigrants to the United States, New York City’s Ellis Island was America’s busiest immigrant inspection station for more than 60 years. Today, the island’s restored main building houses the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, which honors the US’s immigrant heritage, chronicles the island’s role in immigration history, and gives voice to the immigrants themselves.More

Mokolii Island

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Located a short distance offshore of Kualoa Point, Mokolii Island is one of Oahu’s most famous landmarks. This small, cone-shaped island attracts adventurous visitors with its secluded coves, rugged hikes, and views of Oahu’s windward coast and the Koolau mountains; the same mountains featured in scenes of the movie Jurassic Park.More

Trip ideas

Top activities in USA

Paradise Cove Luau
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Paradise Cove Luau

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Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

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Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial
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Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial

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Las Vegas Helicopter Night Flight and Optional VIP Transportation
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Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option
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Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri
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New Orleans Airboat Ride

New Orleans Airboat Ride

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Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkeling Adventure Aboard the Malolo
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Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island, Hawaii
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Upper Antelope Canyon Ticket
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Upper Antelope Canyon Ticket

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Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour
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Empire State Building Ticket

Empire State Building Ticket

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All about USA

When to visit

The country is so large that there’s no such thing as a bad time of year to visit. Still, summer is probably your best bet, with many things to do in the USA: The Fourth of July sees festivities erupt nationwide. Annual cultural festivals and events are at their peak. And the weather is often ideal for outdoor pursuits—whether you're on the beaches of California, exploring the country's wealth of national parks, or pounding the pavement in its culture-rich urban centers like San Francisco and New York City.

Getting around

The United States is a vast country, with vast transportation options. Traveling by air is often the speediest option for getting from place to place. Nationwide Amtrak rail networks offer a slower and more scenic way to travel, and Greyhound bus services make for an affordable alternative.

Most major cities have their own public transit options—hubs like New York City and Chicago are particularly well-served. Car rentals offer opportunities to experience the American cultural institution known as the road trip along famous thoroughfares like Route 66.

Traveler tips

The bulk of federal public land—managed by government agencies but typically free for the public to explore—is located in the western half of the United States. For unimpeded time in nature, it's worth heading beyond the major destinations and prioritizing rural areas in states like New Mexico, Wyoming, Idaho, and Nevada, all of which offer spectacular and varied landscapes.

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People Also Ask

What activities can you do in the USA?

The USA is a huge country—the world’s fourth largest. It contains mountains, deserts, plains, forests, and many cities. You can do almost anything you’d like. Experience history with sights like the Lincoln Memorial and the White House in Washington, DC; nightlife in New York; beaches in Southern California; and so many national parks, including Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and Glacier National Park in Montana, covering all sorts of beautiful terrain.

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What are cultural activities in the USA?

There are many cultures and cultural things to do in the USA. Experience everything from feasting on dim sum in NYC to seeing a ball game in Chicago to attending a buffalo roundup in Wyoming to celebrity spotting in Los Angeles to participating in Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

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How many countries are in the USA?

The United States of America is one country with 50 states (each with its own capital) and one district, Washington DC. The USA claims 14 global territories, including Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.

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What is the most famous place in the USA?

Many people consider the most famous place in the US to be New York City, the country’s largest city. It’s home to some 8.5 million people, Broadway shows, world-class restaurants, and skyscrapers galore. Another contender is Hollywood, the world’s show-business capital and home to the glamour of American film.

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What is the USA famous for?

Many will say the USA is famous for its film and TV contributions, concentrated around Hollywood. Others will say the USA is famous for New York City, home to Broadway and the Statue of Liberty. Still, others might say the USA is famous for being the leader of the free world.

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What should I do for my first time in America?

What to do on your first visit to America depends on your interests—the vast country is nearly 4 million square miles. You could see world-class theater in New York; stroll the beaches of Southern California; go mountaineering in Colorado; see the Great Lakes in Chicago; or hit some national parks.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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