If you have dreams of seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Eiffel Tower, hold onto them – don’t forget that there are some incredible things to see right here in the U.S., too! We’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to visit while you can. Which have you been to?
The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic places in the U.S. Carved by the Colorado River thousands of years ago, this Arizona landmark is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over one mile deep. Every year, around five million people visit the site to take in the view, hike the paths, and learn about the history of the area.
Much of our country’s history is housed within a 100 square-mile radius, which makes for a great opportunity to see and learn things in a short amount of time. In addition to viewing the historic Washington Monument, Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, White House, and Reflection Pool, you can see the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and (right across the river) Arlington National Cemetery.
We know half of this beautiful landmark is located in Canada, but you can still see it from Niagara Falls, New York. Formed by the water from the Great Lakes at the end of the last ice age, the three famous waterfalls (the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls) stand at 167 feet tall and dump over 3,000 tons of water over their edges every second.
For a truly surreal experience, head to Alaska to see the Aurora Borealis (more commonly known as the Northern Lights). These incredible displays of light are caused by the collision of charged particles in Earth’s magnetosphere and solar wind with the high-altitude atmospheres. Many times the lights appear to be green, but sometimes can be a rarer red or blue.
For a unique, fast-paced, and exciting experience, you have to head to Las Vegas, Nevada. This city is a world of its own, and is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. With over 70 casinos (which make over 6 million dollars in revenue every year), hundreds of restaurants, and 15 of the world’s 25 largest hotels, you’ll never get bored in Las Vegas.
Mount Rushmore is one of the most interesting tributes to American presidents in the U.S. The monument was carved by sculptor Gutzon Borgium (and 400 workers) between 1927 and 1941. What may surprise you is that the idea for this monument was conceived as a way to promote tourism in South Dakota. Nevertheless, spanning over 1,200 acres and standing at 5,725 feet above sea level, Mount Rushmore is a must-see.
Every year, more than 3.7 million people visit this national park in California. This park boasts the highest waterfall in North America (Yosemite Falls), beautiful meadows, an eight-mile-long valley carved by the Merced River, huge granite rock formations, and Glacier Point, which gives you a stunning view of several waterfalls, the Half Dome, and Yosemite Valley.
If you’re looking for a tropical island experience that’s close to home, the Florida Keys is the perfect destination. You’ll find turquoise waters, white sand beaches, palm trees, snorkeling, sailing, and anything else you’d want from a tropical getaway. Don’t forget to drive the Seven Mile Bridge – it connects Knight’s Key to Little Duck Key and was one of the longest bridges in the world when it was completed in 1912.
One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, this San Francisco bridge is over 4,000 feet in length and stands at over 700 feet tall. It’s one of the most photographed bridges in the world (and eerily, the most used suicide bridge in the U.S.). While you’re visiting the bridge, enjoy the city’s culture, including many unique restaurants, trolly car transportation, sports venues. You can also visit Alcatraz, one of the world’s most infamous prisons.
Hawaiian volcanoes are a unique experience, and in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, you’ll find Kilauea and Mauna Loa – two of the world’s most active volcanoes. Experience the natural phenomenon that built the islands of Hawai’i, then dive into the extraordinary life that the natives enjoy (complete with fresh fruit and seafood, breathtaking waters, and luaus).
If you’re headed to one of these amazing destinations (or somewhere else in the U.S.), don’t forget about our long-term parking at Newark Airport!
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