America is home to many interesting places, and sometimes, it can get overwhelming when choosing where to go. To help you narrow down your options appropriately, we have compiled 18 attractions and cities that give first-time tourists the best experience.
The Great Canyon National Park, Arizona
The arid erosion of Arizona’s Great Canyon is one of the most unique and fascinating in the world. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you get camera-perfect scenic views of high rocky walls and 6,000-foot depths that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s a must-see for any first-time tourists!
Oahu, Hawaii
If you go on a trip to Hawaii, make sure to see Oahu. The island offers a surreal experience through some of the most stunning beaches and lush tropical forests you’d ever see. Even more exciting, Oahu is also home to the Battleship Missouri and Pearl Harbor National Memorials!
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is popular for its hiking trails, bison, wolves, and grizzly bears. It is also home to more geysers and natural hot springs than anywhere else on Earth. It’s no surprise that it received 4.5 million visitors in 2023 and, according to CNN, over 960,000 in July alone.
Yosemite National Park, California
In the heart of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains is Yosemite National Park—the home of immersive meadows, waterfalls, and rock formations. When you find yourself here, make your way to the Tunnel View, which has become the park’s most popular spot, offering breathtaking views across the Yosemite valley.
Glacier National Park, Montana
When visiting America, make sure Glacier National Park is on your list! It’s situated in Montana’s Rocky Mountain region, littered with glacier-branded mountains, shimmering lakes, and undisturbed dense forests. It has hiking and biking trails for you to explore and is an excellent spot for camping, photographic tours, and calm boating trips.
Moab, Utah
If you’d love an exotic adventure within the US, Moab is the perfect place for you. Named after an ancient Middle Eastern kingdom in southern Jordan, this city in the east of Utah offers unique sand arches, desert potholes, canyonlands, rivers, and even snowy terrain to have fun at.
Lake Tahoe, California
Another attraction in California’s Sierra Nevada region, Lake Tahoe, features green mountains, grand hiking trails, and clear blue waters that are great for boating and kayaking. Its stunning features make it a favorite spot for shooting Hollywood blockbusters, and you may have seen it in popular movies like The Godfather and Top Gun.
New York City, New York
In New York City, there are legendary, culturally diverse attractions everywhere you look. The Statue of Liberty remains NYC’s most eye-catching landmark, but you’d also want to experience the popular Central Park, Empire State Building, National Memorial Museum, and Metropolitan Museum of Arts for yourself as well.
Destin, Florida
The Floridian city of Destin is known for its Gulf beaches and many golf courses. Its beautiful blue-green waters are a favorite for diving, snorkeling, and sunbathing for many visitors, and seasonal festivals further heighten the fun. As pointed out by Southern Living, a trip to Destin isn’t complete without checking out Henderson Beach!
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is a valley in Wyoming known for its hiking trails and mountains. Its slopes have become popular spots for world-class skiing and snowboarding activities, and Jackson Hole has its own revered restaurant, bar, and art gallery attractions. It’s also less populated than the nearby Yellowstone National Park.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a huge attraction for first-time tourists in America, offering a unique fusion of French, African, and American cultures. It is a tourist hotspot home to highly rated attractions like the Audubon Zoo and the World War II Museum, and it’s known for its nightlife, exciting live music scene, and diverse cuisine.
Sedona, Arizona
Arizona’s own desert town, Sedona, has unique red-rock mountains and is surrounded by awe-inspiringly steep canyon walls and pine forests. You can visit the popular Cathedral Rock, drive along Sedona’s scenic Red Rock Byway, or just visit its award-winning spas and wellness centers for some self-care.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs offers a wide variety of activities and attractions, so you will never run out of things to do as a tourist. It’s hard to pick favorites, but US News lists the Garden of Gods, Royal Gorge, Pikes Peak, and US Air Force Academy as must-sees. We don’t disagree!
Chicago, Illinois
In Chicago, you can see awesome architectural innovations, experience a vibrant and diverse music scene, and eat amazing food in some of the most iconic neighborhoods in the US. The city’s boisterous green space and immense park system add to its allure for attracting tourists, so it’s a perfect city for first-time visitors.
The Olympic National Park, Washington
The Olympic National Park is known for the richness of animal and plant species in its mountains and untamed coastlines. Many tourists see the park’s Kalaloch resort area as one of the best spots to visit and relax due to its added bonuses of beaches and beautiful blue coastlines.
Maui, Hawaii
The Hawaiian archipelago offers you breathtaking views of black beaches, blue waters, and tropical forests on the central Pacific island of Maui. Helicopter tours give you an even more unique and unforgettable experience on the island, not to mention the seafood delicacies and native cultural dishes like haupia!
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park’s stunning mountain views, lake trails, and variety of wildlife make it a favorite spot for over three million yearly visitors. National Geographic recommends that you should go in May, September, or October to enjoy your experience the most, as these are the months with fewer crowds.
Las Vegas, Nevada
How could this list be complete without Las Vegas?! If you want to experience the glitz and glamour of the American lifestyle, this is the perfect place. From the Bellagio fountains to the Fremont Street Experience and Neon Museum, there’s always something to keep your eyes wide open. Remember–what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!
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