20 Must-Visit Attractions in the United States
![The Grand Canyon National Park was carved by the Colorado River](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/jennifer-rogalla-hleqo6kul9c-unsplash-e1597880041853.webp)
The US attracts millions of visitors each year. Whether you’re a resident looking for something new to experience, or you’re headed to America for the first time, these are the inevitable, unavoidable attractions that everyone exploring the USA needs to visit.
1. Disney World
Amusement Park
![brian-mcgowan-hCzdRs3tZMw-unsplash](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/brian-mcgowan-hczdrs3tzmw-unsplash.webp)
The most visited vacation resort in the world, Walt Disney World opened in 1971 and is located near Orlando, Florida. The attraction is part of Walt Disney World Resort, which has 27 themed hotels, four theme parks and two water parks. The first theme park to open at the resort was Magic Kingdom, followed by Epcot and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Each park offers plenty of family-friendly entertainment, including rides, live shows, tours and special events.
2. The Statue of Liberty
Historical Landmark
![priyanka-puvvada-UnI8AGe1634-unsplash](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/priyanka-puvvada-uni8age1634-unsplash.webp)
3. The White House
Historical Landmark
![david-everett-strickler-igCBFrMd11I-unsplash](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/david-everett-strickler-igcbfrmd11i-unsplash.webp)
Starting with president John Adams in 1800, The White House has been the official residence of every US president. It includes an Executive Residence, a West Wing and East Wing and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The property is owned by the National Park Service and offers free self-guided tours Tuesday through Thursday. However, all public tour requests must be submitted through a member of Congress. Those wishing to visit the White House who are from another country must contact their country’s embassy in Washington, DC.
4. Alcatraz Island
Natural Feature
![aldric-rivat-6bwYJgtzvE0-unsplash](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/aldric-rivat-6bwyjgtzve0-unsplash.webp)
5. Empire State Building
Building
![kit-suman-WQwtk_t4oJI-unsplash](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/kit-suman-wqwtk_t4oji-unsplash.webp)
6. Grand Ole Opry
Concert Hall, Music Venue
7. Mount Rushmore
Historical Landmark
![jean-beller-J3xqZx3ELJc-unsplash](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/jean-beller-j3xqzx3eljc-unsplash.webp)
It was originally known as “The Six Grandfathers”, and was renamed in 1885 after prominent New York lawyer Charles E Rushmore. The Mount Rushmore National Memorial is located in Keystone, South Dakota and features 60-foot (18m) sculptures of the heads of four US presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Construction on the memorial began in 1927 and was completed in 1939. Each president was originally going to be depicted from head to waist, but lack of funds forced construction to end prior to completion.
8. Grand Canyon
Hiking Trail, Natural Feature, Park
![jennifer-rogalla-HleqO6kuL9c-unsplash](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/jennifer-rogalla-hleqo6kul9c-unsplash-e1597880041853.webp)
9. The Hollywood Sign
Building
![Hollywood signage, LA, USA](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/martin-jernberg-jvnwcfwdjzu-unsplash.webp)
10. Golden Gate Bridge
Bridge
![kevin-jarrett-B3MDKLMK59Y-unsplash](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/kevin-jarrett-b3mdklmk59y-unsplash.webp)
11. Graceland
Building
12. Navy Pier
Memorial
![Navy Pier, USA](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/joe-ciciarelli-lytjnivyl_k-unsplash.webp)
13. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Park
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14. Las Vegas Strip
Building, Casino
![Las Vegas Strip](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/sung-shin-snldpqkr2ye-unsplash.webp)
15. French Quarter, New Orleans
Historical Landmark
![French Quarter, New Orleans, United States](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/aya-salman-ix7onzatyis-unsplash.webp)
The oldest neighborhood in New Orleans is the French Quarter. The name was derived from the changes that occurred in the city after the Louisiana Purchase. The French Quarter district has been designated a National Historic Landmark and is a prime tourist destination, especially during the annual Mardi Gras celebration. The area features restaurants, shops, local events and art displays up and down the streets.
16. Hearst Castle
Building, Library
![don-stouder-quqIYQJDXWc-unsplash](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/don-stouder-quqiyqjdxwc-unsplash.webp)
17. Times Square
Architectural Landmark
![james-ting-VIhBOwitqu8-unsplash (1)](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/james-ting-vihbowitqu8-unsplash-1.webp)
In 1907 Times Square became the location where the New Year’s Eve ball would drop each year. The tradition still lives on. Times Square is the most visited place in the world and the second most visited tourist attraction after the Las Vegas Strip. The entertainment center is located in the Midtown Manhattan area of New York City and is sometimes referred to as “The Crossroads of the World”. There are high-rise buildings, interactive billboards, major retail shops, restaurants, museums and entertainment venues.
18. Hollywood Walk of Fame
Memorial
19. Brooklyn Bridge
Bridge
![kevin-chinchilla-XV6IKEtkp2Q-unsplash](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/kevin-chinchilla-xv6iketkp2q-unsplash-e1597878110899.webp)
20. Lincoln Memorial
Memorial