From the sunshine of the West Coast to the hustle and bustle of the East, the US is filled with unmissable sights and activities from sea to shining sea. If you’re planning a trip (or just dreaming about one), and want to know the best things do in the US, we’ve got you covered. Read on to see the best things to see (and do) in America, according to ‘muricans themselves.
Experience either 1 or 2 days of action-packed entertainment with a Universal Studios Hollywood ticket.
20. For a universally good time…
With exciting rides, a world-famous House of Horrors and oodles of things to do, Universal Studios is a Los Angeles highlight for good reason. Swing by the park and skip the line to enjoy a day full of excitement and thrills.
Discover the American side of Niagara Falls on a half-day tour.
19. Enjoy a splash of excitement
Dive into a day of watery fun with a visit to Niagara Falls (puns aside: stay on the boat). This half-day tour will let you soak up the natural wonder of the Falls on the world-famous “Maid of the Mist.” Later, check out the American Observation Tower for panoramic views. Pro tip: pack a waterproof poncho — the splashback is no joke!
Visit the American Museum of Natural History, the most interactive natural history museum in the world.
18. See natural history come to life
Any list of the best places to visit in the US can’t ignore the Natural History Museum. Whether or not the exhibitions really come alive at night is up for debate, but a daytime visit to Manhattan’s American Museum of Natural History can be just as fun.
Experience the sights of Washington DC by night.
17. See DC in a different light
Hop aboard a trolley to discover DC after the sung goes down on a monuments by moonlight tour. Pro tip: have your camera handy. The city’s famous landmarks and statues are something to behold.
Take a 2-hour history-based guided tour and discover Chicago’s gangsters and ghost stories.
16. Get to know some ghosts and gangsters
With a storied past and headlining figures like Al Capone, Chicago’s the place to explore for some good old Prohibition-era excitement. Walk the same streets and learn more about the lives of these Chicago icons.
Bring out your inner astronaut and enjoy a full day of unique experiences at the world’s most authentic space attraction, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
15. Countdown to fun
Houston, we have an adventure. Take a trip down to the Kennedy Space Center in Orlando to witness the magic of space travel in real life.
Join this 3-hour cruise for the opportunity to spot whales off the coast of Boston.
14. Have a whale of a time
Dive into a day with one of nature’s most gentle giants. Escape the bustling Boston streets and take a break while watching the whales play.
Board the Steamboat Natchez and travel back in time as you float down the Mississippi River.
13. Boat to a new beat
Boogie down right on deck with a New Orleansjazz cruise. With a scenic backdrop, you can spend the day relaxing with local tunes and experiencing the rhythmic side of the city.
Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic architectural masterpiece located on New York’s Museum Mile.
12. Channel your inner art critic
Grab an audio guide on a visit to the Guggenheim Museum and learn about the masterpieces (and the art terms that will make you sound like a pro). Either way, you’ll discover an exciting world of modern art and a fantastic gift shop to boot.
Explore San Diego’s best sights on a harbor tour of San Diego Bay.
11. Relax in harbor heaven
Head out onto the water for a cruise to remember. The sunny San Diego coastline is the perfect place to explore and an ideal spot to check out downtown from a new angle as well as waterfront landmarks.
Enjoy a small-group guided tour of “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark.”
10. Visit the home of the Red Sox in Boston
For baseball fanatics and regular Joes alike, Fenway Park is one of the must-see spots in Boston. Tour the stadium and even enjoy a hotdog (or two, we’re not telling).
Glide across a river of grass on a small airboat and experience the Florida Everglades without the crowds.
9. Explore the Everglades
Make like an alligator and snap up some tickets for an airboat ride through the Everglades National Park. With wildlife and incredible natural landscapes to discover, what are you waiting for?
Enjoy a memorable visit to the USS Midway Museum in San Diego.
8. Nautical nerds, ahoy!
As one of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers, exploring the Midway Museum is a great way to learn more about both American and global history.
Take in 360-degree panoramic views of the Big Apple from Top of the Rock’s iconic observation deck.
7. See NYC from above
Go all the way to the top of the Rock and discover New York City from the heights of the observation deck. TV fans can also swing by the NBC store to grab some “The Office” or “Friends” souvenirs, too.
Learn about the history of the San Francisco and see it’s landmarks on this full-day tour.
6. Escape from the Rock
Don’t worry, we’re not sending you on a one-way boat trip. Discover the famed island jail of Alcatraz and more on this grand tour of San Francisco.Skip the ticket line and ascend to the 86th floor of the Empire State Building for incredible panoramic views of New York City.
5. Get a bird’s-eye view of the Big Apple
In the concrete jungle, it can be hard to get some perspective. Head upwards and enjoy the fantastic views from the Empire State’s viewing deck and skip the line while you’re at it.
Journey to the top of the One World Observatory, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and admire the incredible views over New York.
4. Get a new outlook
That’s right, another skyscraper. If you’re up for even higher heights, head to the One World Observatory. From there, you can check out the Manhattan skyline from the 102 floor. Now that’s a view.
Tour the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island National Immigration Museum, Statue of Liberty Museum, and Ellis Island at your own pace with an audio guide.
3. Link up with Lady Liberty
You can’t visit New York without dropping in on its most famous resident. Check out the Statue of Liberty and save time with a priority ticket.
Cruise along the Chicago River on a 75-minute tour and discover hidden architectural gems among the city’s renowned landmarks.
2. Cruise through Chicago
With a skyline full of architectural wonders, the best way to check out Chicago is with a guided tour from the water.Treat yourself to an exhilarating view over the whole of Chicago from the top of the Willis Tower.
1. Take fun to new heights
If you’re not keen to hit the water, check out the city from above with a visit to Chicago’sWillis Tower. The glass Ledge Experience is worth admission alone.
