Anyone with kids knows that time really flies. If you are in the US and looking for an old-fashioned family vacation or even a weekend trip, keep reading, fellow travelers. Without further ado, here are the 30 must-see places in the USA to take your family.

30 Must-See Places In The U.S.A. To Take Your Family

1. Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is the country’s capital and the seat of the federal government. Start with the Lincoln and Washington Memorials. There’s also the Smithsonian Institution, the American History to Space Exploration, and the Native American to African American to Art.

Schedule visits to both the White House and Congress too. Take a trip to Adam’s Morgan neighborhood and enjoy a virtual cornucopia of international cuisines. Stay at the family-friendly Four Seasons D.C.

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New York City, New York

Get into the New York groove in New York City, a.k.a. “The Big Apple.” This major metropolitan mecca offers a lot for a family to see. There’s an assortment of interesting attractions including Central Park, the Empire State Building, Times Square, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. There’s also the Houdini Museum, Spyscape, and several family-friendly Broadway shows. Enjoy some samples at the popular Museum of Food and Drink too!  

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Niagara Falls, New York

Listed as one of the most dangerous and most beautiful falls, Niagara Falls is also one of the most famous official Natural Wonders of the World. It straddles Canada and the USA. Take the Hornblower Cruise or hop on the Maid of the Mist for a closer, wetter look at the 3,100+ tons of water that rush over the falls every second.  

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Experience that Philadelphia freedom. After all, it is the “birthplace of the nation.” Visit the historic district and see the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall, where the well-known Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution was signed. Other highlights include the Elfreth’s Alley Museum, the Betsy Ross House, the Benjamin Franklin Museum, and the Franklin Science Institute. Stay at the Four Seasons Philadelphia.

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Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park is mainly located on popular Mount Desert Island. This New England park includes an interesting combination of seaside villages, pretty parkland, and private property. Here you can go camping, biking, relax on the beach, and hike more than 100 miles worth of hiking trails. Highlights here include Cadillac Mountain, Bar Harbor, the popular Porcupine Islands, and famous Frenchman Bay.

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Boston, Massachusetts

Take the family for a hike on the well-known 2.5-mile Freedom Trail. Here you can learn of the role Boston played in US history. In just a couple of hours, you can visit 16 different historic landmarks including Faneuil Hall, the site of the nation’s first official town meeting and the official “home of free speech”. Stay at historic Langham Boston.  

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Nashville, Tennessee

This must-visit Southern destination is also the biggest city in the state. Music City is obviously most famous for its music venues and music-related tourist attractions. Your stops should include the Grand Ole Opry, the well-known Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Ryman Auditorium where you can learn about country music. Stay at the family-friendly Kimpton Aertson.

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 Austin, Texas

Texas’ capitol is a fave for its food, history, and family fun. Spend some time on lovely Lady Bird Lake. Rent kayaks or donut boats or sign on for an inexpensive sunset pontoon boat tour. Wildlife lovers will enjoy seeing all the Mexican free-tailed bats at sunset. Other highlights include Barton Springs and the kid-friendly LBJ Library. Stay at the Van Zandt.

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Orlando, Florida

Located in Central Florida, this is said by some travel writers to be “one of the most family-friendly destinations in the world.” Highlights here include both the world-famous Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando. Check out the memorable view from the popular view from the Wheel at ICON Park Orlando. Visit the Space Coast and Kennedy Space Center and Sea Life too.  

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Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

This place is basically a live history museum where visitors can learn all about life in the 1700s. Watch historically costumed actors explain and demonstrate the work of different tradespeople including weavers, milliners, silversmiths, and tinsmiths. Your admission also gives you access to the American Indian Encampment, and the Randolph Kitchen and Yard, which offers an interesting insight into life as a typical house slave. 

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Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta was founded in 1837 and torched during the Civil War. Steeped in history, it’s also the state capital. If you like conventions and festivals, the city hosts Dragon Con, Music Midtown, and the National Black Arts Festival. Visit educational Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and such kid faves as the Atlanta Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola. 

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Denver, Colorado

Denver, a.k.a. The Mile High City is the home of lovely Larimer Square, the U.S. Mint, and the educational History Colorado Museum. Visit during the winter and go ice skating at the Downtown River Rink or snow tubing at the famous Frisco Adventure Park. Catch a concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheater. Be like The Beatles and stay at Brown Palace.

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Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

This national park encompasses a 415-square-mile area of the well-known mountain range. Set up your base in Estes Park, known as “the Gateway to the Rockies.” From there you can enjoy a total of 150 lakes, 359 exceptional hiking trails, 450 miles of sparkling streams, and a wide range of ecosystems from verdant pine forests to wetlands teeming with wildlife.

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Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

More than 6.4 million travelers come to see this national park each year. Here you’ll find one of the largest canyons in the entire world. You can view the canyon from the Skywalk observation deck, but if you and your family are athletic types, consider doing what yours truly once did with his father and hike the entire canyon rim to rim.

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Chicago, Illinois

“Chicago, Chicago, that toddl’ing town…” The Windy City offers visitors many options. Here you can visit the Art Institute, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and see Cloud Gate, a.k.a. The Bean, stroll the Chicago Riverwalk, take an educational architecture river cruise, see a play, or explore one of the popular museums such as the Museum of Science and Industry.

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New Orleans, Louisiana

Most people travel to New Orleans because they want to experience Mardi Gras. It comes complete with exciting parades, colorful floats, and flashing women. But New Orleans is also a great place to enjoy Cajun food, real jazz music at the popular Preservation Jazz Hall, old-fashioned steamboat cruises, and honest-to-goodness horse-drawn carriage rides too. You can tour the Big Easy’s bayou too.

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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh’s the “City of Champions.” It also recently made it onto the official list of top hipster cities in the world. Highlights here include The City of Bridges, for cultural events, The Andy Warhol Museum, the trio of Carnegie-sponsored centers for Science Center, Natural History, and the popular Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. There’s also the Pittsburgh Zoo and the Heinz History Center. 

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Cleveland, Ohio

“Cleveland Rocks!” So be sure to check out the world-famous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After you get your fill or rock, get ready to roll and go visit Cedar Point. Founded in 1796, Cleveland is now also famously known as the official Roller Coaster Capital of the World. See a show in Playhouse Square too!  

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Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, with its educational historic center, is seeped with colonial history and features attractive antebellum architecture, and a distinctive, delicious food scene. Be sure to visit Waterfront Park, Pineapple Fountain, and Rainbow Row. There’s also Charles Town Landing Historic Park, the historic French Quarter, the Boone Hall Plantation, and Fort Sumter. Enjoy a real horse and buggy ride as well. 

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Yellowstone National Park And Grand Tetons, Wyoming

This neighboring pair of natural wonders are two of the best national parks in the country. The Grand Tetons offers visitors acres of peace and quiet, beautiful waterfalls, sparkling streams, lush greenery, and lovely lakes. Highlights of Yellowstone include the famous Old Faithful geyser, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring. (It also inspired Yogi Bear’s world-famous home — Jellystone Park.) Stay in Jackson Hole, which is also great for a winter getaway.

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San Francisco And Muir Woods National Monument

Are you going to San Francisco? Take an iconic trolley car ride. Go to Fisherman’s Wharf and watch the sea lions, go biking along the Pacific Coast to the Golden Gate Bridge National Park and visit the Gold Gate Bridge. Take the ferry to tour the infamous prison known as Alcatraz.

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Los Angeles, California

This famous major metropolis is the second most populous city in the USA. It’s famous for its surviving entertainment industry and marvelous. A list of “must-see” attractions in the L.A. area would include Disneyland, the nigh-iconic Hollywood sign, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, and Venice Beach.

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Joshua Tree National Park And Palm Springs, California

The desert cacti here in Joshua Tree look a lot like the “Trufula Trees” in Dr. Seuss’ book The Lorax. This odd desert landscape is unique. Take a trip up the Rotating Aerial Tramway to the very top of nearby San Jacinto Mountain too. Have a snowball fight on the same day you hiked in the desert.

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San Diego, California

Your family trip begins at beautiful Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, where you’ll discover jaguars, leopards, pandas, polar bears, and more. Next head to the famous Fleet Science Center and San Diego Natural Science Museum. Don’t forget to build some memories at Legoland either! Stay at the historic Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island. 

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Yosemite National Park, California

4 million travelers visit this park annually. The majority focus their visit on the seven-square-mile area called Yosemite Valley. Take the family to see the El Capitan and the popular Half Dome. See the 2,140-foot Snow Creek Falls, the well-known 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls, Mariposa Grove, and the skyscraping Giant Sequoias too.

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Mount Rushmore National Memorial And Crazy Horse Monuments, South Dakota

The 60-foot faces of a quartet of American presidents, Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt, carved into granite in the South Dakota wilderness are unforgettable. Not far away is the massive monument to the well-known American chief Crazy Horse. Visit both of the dedicated museums there too.

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Zion, Bryce Canyon, And Arches National Parks, Utah

Plan a family road trip so that you can visit this well-known trio of Utah-based national parks. At Zion, you might see bald eagles, California condors, and Peregrine falcons. Hike through the sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and pools as well. See Bryce Canyon’s unusual geological formations and the towering arches at Arches too.

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Seattle, Washington

Take the whole family to the “spaceship-like” Seattle Space Needle. Here, in this rockin’ rotating restaurant in the clouds, you can see everything all the way to massive Mount Rainier. Go down to the waterfront and see sea creatures in the Seattle Aquarium. Ride the Great Wheel too!

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Hawaii

This American island paradise offers visitors a lot of opportunities. You can go swimming and snorkeling just about anywhere here. But you should be sure to go island-hopping too. Highlights include Koko Head Park, Halona Cove, Waiānuenue Falls, Volcanoes National Park, Diamond Head, the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, and the Pearl Harbor Memorial.

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The Inside Passage, Alaska

If you and yours enjoy frozen wonders, then head for the iciest state in the US. See the beautiful blue ice of the Mendenhall Glacier, watch for Beluga whales bubble feeding, and learn about Native American culture in Sitka. You can even admire this rugged locale from aboard a family-friendly cruise ship. It’s a cool trip, for sure!

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This wonderful, wide world is blessed with a preponderance of perfect, picture-postcard views. As travel begins to start again we are even more aware of how little time we have to try to see it all. To help you with your must-see list, here are 29 beautiful views you must experience in your lifetime.  

Beautiful Views You Must See

1.  The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The famous Great Barrier Reef is vast and can actually be seen from outer space. It includes almost 3,000 reefs and encompasses roughly 350,000 square kilometers along the coast of Queensland and is stunning both from land and under the water. Here you will find dolphins, sea turtles, whales, and thousands of species of fish too.

2.  Llyn Llydaw, Wales

Llyn Llydaw is Welsh for Brittany Lake. It is an impressive natural lake found in striking Snowdonia National Park along the flanks of Snowden. While the view of Mount Snowden’s peak is impressive by itself, it was actually the squiggly, skinny lake that was voted “the UK’s best view.” Surrounded by the previously-mentioned mountains, it is nestled between verdant valleys. The lake is also famous for its connection to King Arthur’s legendary Lady of the Lake.

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3.  The Golden Gate Bridge, California, USA

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is one reason why people have left their hearts there. The rust-red lines and curves of this classic man-made structure are both beautiful and bold. Indeed, looking at it from any distance or angle is a memorable experience. The Golden Gate Bridge is nothing short of a marvel in engineering and complements the city.  

4.  Supertree Grove, Singapore

Highlights here include 12 Supertrees, surreal sculptures, and the OCBC Skyway which is 128 meters in length. The sculptures are part of the popular Gardens by the Bay. The conservatories here are filled with beautiful blooms and lush plants.  

The “trees” themselves are actually between 25 and fifty meters tall. They are illuminated at night. This adds a new dimension not only to them but to the entire cityscape of Singapore. 

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5.  Bryce Canyon, Utah, USA

The hoodoos and pinnacles that rise up out of the memorable landscape of this noteworthy national park in the southwestern part of the state are nigh mystifying. These apricot and cream rock formations are awesome, especially the popular amphitheater you should see from famous Inspiration Point. As previously reported, the best time to visit this park is actually from the month of December through February. 

6.  The Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

This is essentially a distinctive row of striking fat-bottomed baobab trees. Located on a rugged dirt road between Belon’i Tsiribihina and Morondava in the western portion of the isle, they are said by some to be both beguiling and bizarre. These mighty centuries-old trees can grow to be approximately 30 meters tall. They are arguably photographed almost as much as the island nation’s tangerine-eyed lemurs.  

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7.  Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and Zambia

This thundering, towering waterfall found on the Zambezi River is undeniably incredible. It straddles Zambia and Zimbabwe and features cascades over 108 meters tall and 1,700 meters wide. This natural wonder is one of the largest waterfalls in the world. It is also reportedly the loudest. Additionally, it creates such a noticeable cloud of mist that the local Kalolo-Lozi people christened it Mosi-oa-Tunya, (or in English “The Smoke That Thunders”).

8.  Milford Sound, New Zealand

You will discover the fjord known as Milford Sound on New Zealand’s South Island. It is nestled amidst waterfalls and verdant rainforest. Here you may spot dolphins, penguins, and seals. Take in the view of the nearby mountains too, such as the Instagrammable Mitre Peak, which undoubtedly dominates the striking shores. You might even like rainy days here as they create a group of lovely albeit temporary waterfalls that flow down the massive mountain slopes.

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9.  The White Sands National Monument, USA

The highlight of this huge national park found in Tularosa Basin in New Mexico is the impressive, rolling sand dunes. Veteran visitors say that they are so white you almost expect the ground to be cold–especially if you see other travelers sledding down these stunning slopes. These sand dunes dip and curve almost endlessly. In reality, they cover an area of 275 square miles between the Sacramento and San Andres mountain ranges.

10.  The Tower Bridge, England

There are a number of different iconic landmarks in the city of London. It also includes a few well-known bridges spanning the renowned River Thames too. The famous Tower Bridge is a Gothic Revival–style suspension bridge. Ground was broken in 1886 and it was completed in 1894. Experts say it is one of the most photographed and famous bridges in the world. Its pair of towers and striking pastel blue cables give the area an almost “fairy-tale quality” as well.

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11.  The Cloud Gate, USA

Regular readers know there’s a lot to see in Chicago, Illinois from the towering skyscrapers to blue Lake Michigan. Yet what tops the sightseeing list is undoubtedly the bean-shaped sculpture by artist Sir Anish Kapoor. It was officially christened Cloud Gate but many know it by its nickname: The Bean. It is perhaps the most famous landmark in popular Millennium Park. Cloud Gate presents a striking, gleaming image backdropped by some of the major metropolis’ most well-known buildings, as its mirrored surface brilliantly captures the Chicago cityscape.

12.  Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni is more than barren, it is surreal, even lunar-like. It covers an area of 12,000 square kilometers with crunchy, alabaster salt and rock formations. This unique, desert-like landscape is essentially the remains of an ancient, prehistoric lake that dried out long ago.  

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13.  The Simien Mountains, Ethiopia

Simien Mountains National Park is located in Northern Ethiopia. It is the largest national park in the country. The Park is highlighted by nigh undulating, green mountains, monkey-filled meadows, and other lovely landscapes. It is home to easy-to-spot endemic gelada monkeys, Ethiopian wolves, and curved-horned ibex as well.

14.  The Grand Canyon South Rim, USA

Travel to Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. It is here you will find the vast, world-famous Grand Canyon. If you aren’t that energetic, but still want to enjoy the view, then the South Rim is thought by some to be “the best” place to do so. This immense valley is even more impressive at sunrise when the area is awash with pink and lilac.

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15.  Petra, Jordan

The ancient city of Petra is located in southern Jordan near the mountain of Jebel al-Madhbah. It is known by numerous names including the Lost City, Pink City, and Rose City. The latter two reference the color of the sandstone there, while the former was given to the place because it was actually unknown to the modern world until some time in 1812.   

16.  Douro Valley, Portugal

The vineyards in the distinctive Douro Valley are a prime example of a blend of natural and man-made beauty. Nestled in the hillsides, they are perfect proof that the practical can be pretty. The terraces here are cut into the vertiginous banks of the mighty River Douro, tempering the terra firma to grow the great grapes that are used to produce the area’s exceptional red and port wines.

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17.  Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia

You will find this perfectly preserved medieval city stretching out into the Adriatic Sea and backdropped by brash limestone mountains. This 13th-century UNESCO-protected place is highlighted by honey and apricot-tinted rooftops and surprisingly wide, marble roads. From the enclosing thick stone walls, visitors can take in clear views in any direction of the sapphire seas and nearby islands.

18.  The Thermal Pools, Turkey

The thermal pools in the town of Pamukkale in western Turkey are nothing short of gorgeous. The shimmering turquoise and bright white hues are heavenly. See the terrific travertine terraces complete with staggered steps that lead down the side of the mountain. They were created over millennia by limestone deposits from the popular natural hot springs, which overflow and form the milky-blue pools found there.

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19.  Lake Bled, Slovenia

Regular readers may recognize this church on the island on this lake. Lovely Lake Bled is located in the resort town Lake Bled. In the center of the lake is an islet. Its most recognizable feature is the well-known medieval Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary. Also known as the “Lady of the Lake,” its tower can be seen peeping through the tall trees there. Backdropped by both the Karawanks Mountains and the Julian Alps, it presents a dramatic, fairytale-like scene.

20.  The Great Wall Of China, China

This is the longest man-made structure on the planet. It spans a distance of 20,000 kilometers, snaking through mountains, forests, and even rivers. This series of connected fortresses were constructed between 701 BC and 1644 A.D. Like the previously-mentioned Great Barrier Reef, the Great Wall of China can also be seen from space.

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21.  Crater Lake, Oregon, USA

Crater Lake is a caldera basin that was the result of a collapsing volcano that was later filled by snowmelt and rain. Today it is officially known as America’s deepest lake. It reaches a maximum depth of 1,963 feet. The lake is often shrouded by fog which only makes it more beautiful when the fog clears.  

22.  The Mayan Ruins, Mexico

While Mexico’s Caribbean coast includes a number of Mayan archaeological sites, perhaps the most fascinating are those found in Tulum. This walled city from the 1200s is perched on a blunt bluff overlooking the ocean. It certainly presents a dramatic image posed against the turquoise water and pale-sand beaches.

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23.  Mount Fuji, Japan

There’s a lot to see in Japan. Nevertheless, veteran visitors agree that cherry blossoms aside, one of the most classic, iconic views is the picture-perfect peak of massive Mount Fuji. Its snow-capped top seems nearly symmetrical. While in Fujiyoshida, go to the Chureito Pagoda to see the famous peak.   

24.  The Taj Mahal, India

The magnificent Taj Mahal is situated on the Yamuna River’s south bank in Agra. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, this amazing white marble mausoleum for an emperor’s wife was erected between 1632 and 1648. Surrounded by manicured gardens and a reflecting pool, it features ornate carvings, minarets, and ivory domes.  

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25.  Machu Picchu, Peru

Regular readers will recognize this exciting archaeological site. This was a citadel constructed by the ancient Incans back in the 1400s and then for no known reason–soon abandoned. This network of agricultural terraces and dry-stone walls carved into this mysterious mountaintop site is found amidst the well-known Andean peaks. The view comes complete with alpacas and llamas grazing on the nearby slopes.

26.  Bagan, Myanmar

The ancient city and official UNESCO World Heritage Site Bagan is known to some as a “town of temples” and is reportedly shrouded in mystery. Between the 1000s and 1200s, it was the ancient Bagan Kingdom’s capital. Today this noteworthy archaeological site sits along the Ayeyarwady River in the central plain of Myanmar includes golden temples, sculptures, and monasteries worthy of any museum.

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27.  The Lavender Fields, France

The US has New England fall foliage, Japan has cherry blossoms, and Provence, in southern France, has its lovely lavender fields. Visit in the summer and see the fields and farmlands blooming in oceans of lilac, magenta, and violet. Even the air has a noticeable infusion of a floral scent.

28.  Moraine Lake, Canada

The beauty of the glacially-fed Moraine Lake in Banff National Park fluctuates according to the sunlight and the specific time of day. It can be a milky turquoise, an icy blue, or a soft teal. This colorful body of water is framed by pine trees and mountains. During the winter and even early spring, the frozen floes under the surface make it even more striking.

29.  The Blue Rooftops, Greece

While there is much to see in Greece, nothing better represents the beauty of this place than Santorini Island’s blue domes and rooftops. Let’s not forget the famous whitewashed buildings found in the clifftop village of Oia, perched above the Aegean Sea, whose azure tint complements the rooftops.

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