The United States is a nation that, like ours, is extremely diverse. This diversity makes it a must-see destination for travellers from around the world. Tourism is a large industry that caters to millions of international and domestic tourists annually. Tourists visit the US to see natural wonders, cities, cultural and historical locations and entertainment venues. By 1915, city touring had marked noticeable shifts in the way Americans perceived, organized and moved in urban environments. Urban tourism became a profitable industry in 1915 as the number of agencies, rail road passenger services, tourbook publishers and travel writers grew at a rapid rate.
So pack your bags and get ready to take in some of the most wonderful sights and scenes that the United States has to offer.
1. Times Square, New York
Times Square, bustling centre of New York, is known for its Broadway theatres, cinemas and large neon signs. It offers all sorts of fun, exciting and informative tours to explore lesser known parts of the city. Times Square Alliance projected that an average of more than 2,000 pedestrians traverse the block of 7th Avenue during a 15-minute weekday period. It’s a madhouse, but half the fun is just taking to the other tourists and meeting people from all around the world. Tired of all the hustle and bustle? Go underground to the subway and watch some extremely talented performers exhibit their abilities. There is never a dull moment at this American landmark.
2. Las Vegas Strip, Nevada
Everyone that’s watched movies like the Hangover knows that Las Vegas isn’t your run of the mill tourist destination. In Vegas everything is bigger, better and crazier! From zip lines and automobile racing to the casinos and the Mandalay Bay Beach, experiencing all of Las Vegas’ draws is like taking a roller coaster ride. Going through everything there is to see and do is a gargantuan task.
Amid all the revelry and glitz of the Las Vegas Strip are a surprising array of things to do that are completely free of cost. You could watch workers roll cigars by hand at the Don Pablo cigar company, visit artists’ studios and galleries in the Art or take a free tour of the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and even access the botanical cactus gardens available on the site.
3. Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a U.S. National Recreation Area under the administration of the National Park Service that surrounds the San Francisco Bay area. It is one of the top tourist destinations, and includes the well known orange bridge along with various other spaces throughout the Bay Area, drawing 14.3 million visitors annually. This landmark chronicles the areas rich history, from the Native American influences and the Spanish frontier , to maritime history, the great Gold Rush, the evolution of American coastal refurbishments, and the growth of the urban lifestyle in San Francisco. Important tourist locations include 739 historical structure, 9 cultural landscapes, and 61 recorded archaeological sites. More than half of the bird species of North America and about one third of California’s plant life are found within the park’s perimeter.
4. Disney World, Florida
It’s every kids dream, to see their favourite characters in the flesh. This theme park has been bringing dreams to life since 1959. Ever since its opening, Disney World has been a place with a universal charm and appeal. It has maintained its original appeal of being a place where families can come together and enjoy a clean, safe environment.
Evocative of 1930’s boardwalks along the Atlantic coast in their prime, the Disney boardwalk is a restaurant and shop lined area that gives you a chance to just walk along its perimeter or join in the jamboree which includes jugglers, mimes and musicians. Also a must visit is the Animal Kingdom for an adrenaline-rushing, informative experience.
5. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the USA and gets 20 million visitors, houses four historic sites in one location — Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North and South Market, all set around a quaint cobblestone gallery where jugglers, magicians and a host of other forms of entertainers are on display.