20 Great US Touristy Attractions…Part 1
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
After many years of traveling, I have learned that some tourist attractions are worth every penny, while others leave you wishing you would have spent your money elsewhere. I have compiled a list of some of the best tourist places I’ve come across – each of these are well worth the admission price. Some are even free – you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot to have a good time!
I have picked destinations from various regions of the country so everyone has a chance to visit at least one. Fortunately, every region of the US is filled to the brim with interesting tourist attractions worth seeking out. Whether it be a natural wonder like a Western national park, or a popular entertainment destination like Times Squares, the options are unique and endless. Stay tuned for Part 2! Happy travels!
1. Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco, California
Driving across the Golden Gate Bridge is an awe inspiring experience; however, walking across it is even more exhilarating! Take the unique opportunity to walk across one of the most beautiful and photographed bridges in the world. This scenic 1.7 mile walk features wonderful views of the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding mountains. The walk across the bridge and back to the parking lot is about 3 miles.
Tip: Dress warm, San Francisco is windy and cold even during the summer months! Have you ever heard the Mark Twain quote, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco” Visit during September and October for the best chance of warmer temperatures as the foggy skies begin to disappear this time of year.
Cost: Free!Hours: Pedestrian sidewalk operating hours (varies by season).
Address: You can park (meters) at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, located at 201 Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA 94123.
2. Cave of the Winds – Niagara Falls, New York
The Cave of the Winds attraction in Niagara Falls is the best way to get up close and personal with the falls. First, you will put on a special poncho and shoes to walk around several sets of stairs. Next, you will arrive at Hurricane Deck, which takes you within 20 feet of the falls! I loved the opportunity to get so close to such a powerful force of nature. Cave of the Winds is a very exciting tour which is definitely worth the small admission fee! Definitely the best activity on a first timer’s Niagara Falls to-do list!
Tips: Go on a hot summer day – you are going to get soaked! Also, bring with a waterproof camera as there will be endless opportunities for fantastic photographs!
Cost: $11 for adults, $6 for children 6-12Hours: 9:00am-7:30pm
Address:Goat Island Niagara Falls, NY 14303
3. Redwood National Forest – California
The Redwood Trees are one of the most majestic sights to see in the US, if not the world. Pictures do no justice – visiting these trees in person at Redwood National Forest is the only way to truly appreciate their majesty (the average height is 200 feet!) and natural beauty of these trees, many of which are thousands of years old. The oldest redwoods date back 2000 years! In addition, the 33 mile “Avenue of the Giants” drive includes a portion where you can drive through a redwood tree! Pretty cool if you ask me! Check out the width of these trees- look at how small I look spanning this giant!
Tip: Plan for an afternoon picnic – what better way to spend the afternoon then eating a picnic lunch surrounded by the most beautiful trees on Earth?
Cost: Admission to Redwood National Forest is free!Address: 1111 2nd St, Crescent City, CA 95531
4. Times Square in New York, New York
I was impressed with my visit to Times Square, despite hearing it was overrated from many people. The sights, lights, people watching, architecture…it’s all fantastic! Yea, it’s over-the-top for sure, but so are many great destinations like Vegas and Orlando! It’s fun to simply be entertained every once in a while! For the history buffs and nature lovers, there is much more to do in NYC including gorgeous Central Park and many world-class museums! There are so many fun restaurants, shops, and activities available in the area. Planet Hollywood is a really fun, themed restaurant located in the heart of Times Square.
Tips: Bring with a camera – there are plenty of fantastic photo ops. Also, I recommend planning out restaurants and activities in advance as there are hundreds of options
Cost: Free!Address: Broadway and 42nd St. New York, NY 10036
5. The gondola ride at Heavenly Village – South Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe is one of the country’s most gorgeous vacation destinations, especially for hikers and nature lovers. Summer is the time for non skiers to enjoy a range of scenic activities including boat rides, beaches, and scenic gondola rides. The gondola ride at Heavenly Village is a must-do on any summer visit to Lake Tahoe. This ride provides amazing views of the forests and lake, taking visitors from a base altitude of 6255 ft to 9000+ feet in just 15 minutes. The views from the observation deck are truly breathtaking!
Cost: Adults (18-64) $38, Teens (13–17) $32 Child (5–12), $20 Seniors (65+) $32, Kids 4 and under are free.Hours: May 25-27, 10:00am-4:00pm, June 14 – Sept 2, 10:00am-5:00pm, daily, Sept 3-29, 10:00am-4:00pm(Fri/Sat/Sun)
Address: 1001 Heavenly Village Way South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
