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.
6. Walt Disney World theme parks – Orlando, Florida
You are never too old to visit Walt Disney World! Mike and I visited for the first time in our late 20’s. Walt Disney World offers plenty of activities for everyone from the young to the young at heart. Everyone will be satisfied with the variety that Disney has to offer: rides, entertainment, shows, restaurants, water parks, spas, and so much more. I loved all of the theme parks, especially Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios!
A quick run down of the best rides & attractions:
- Magic Kingdom – Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, The nightly fireworks spectacular, Thunder Mountain Coaster, Peter Pan, It’s A Small World, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Space Mountain
- Animal Kingdom – Kilimanjaro Safari, Expedition Everest, Kail River Rapids
- Hollywood Studios – Aerosmith Rock N’Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror
- Epcot – The World Showcase, Soarin’, Spaceship Earth, Mission Space
Addresses: 1200 Epcot Resort Blvd Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 (Epcot)
3111 World Dr Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 (Magic Kingdom)
351 S Studio Dr Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 (Hollywood Studios)
2901 Osceola Pkwy Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 (Animal Kingdom)
7. Griffith Observatory – Los Angeles, California
Griffith Observatory is a beautiful planetarium located on top of Mount Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. The highlight here is the prime location, the perfect destination for photos of the iconic Hollywood sign and beautiful hills surrounding LA. The on-site hiking trails provide fantastic views of the Hollywood sign; in fact, you can take your picture almost right under the sign!
Tip: I recommend taking a late afternoon hike and then heading over to the observatory to stargaze and take in the beautiful night views of Los Angeles – stunning! You will also get the chance to look through a telescope.
Cost: Free! (Exhibits are free, planetarium shows require a small fee)Address: 2800 E Observatory Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
8. Brookfield Zoo – Brookfield, Illinois
Brookfield Zoo is the best zoo I have ever visited. This 216 acre zoo features beautifully landscaped grounds, an interactive dolphin show, an amazing underwater polar bear viewing area, and plenty of unique indoor exhibits.
My favorite indoor exhibit is Tropic World – a beautiful primate exhibit which takes you through Asia, South America, and Africa. In my opinion, this is the best exhibit at any US zoo. Brookfield is worth a visit for this exhibit alone. Don’t miss out on the Zoo Lights held every holiday season – over a million lights brighten up the zoo, along with carolers, ice carving demos, and more!
Tips: Plan for an all day outing – this is a big zoo! During the summer months, buy your dolphin show tickets early as they often sell out!
Cost: Adults $15, Children, 3-11 & Seniors, $10.50 (Attractions like the dolphin show can be purchased for an extra fee).Hours: The zoo is open year round. Monday-Saturday 9:30am – 6:00pm and Sunday 9:30am-7:30pm.
Address: 8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513
9. The Las Vegas Strip – Las Vegas, Nevada
Everyone has to see The Las Vegas Strip at least once in their life – it’s the only place where you can see France, Italy, and New York in the same day! 😉 Dazzling free shows (love the Bellagio Fountains and The Mirage Volcano eruption shows), great restaurants, and great entertainment are just a few of the reasons to plan a trip even if you are not a gambler! Just walking down the strip and people watching is a once in a lifetime experience; you will see everyone here! Flying or driving into Vegas and seeing the landscape transform from a desolate desert into the bright lights, sounds, and craziness of The Vegas Strip is truly mesmerizing!
Check out my guide to the best of the Strip!
Tip: A really cool, yet often underrated experience, is the CBS Television Research Center inside MGM Grand. You will get to watch a pilot for a new TV show and give your honest feedback.
Cost: Free!Hours: Always open!
Address: Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109
10. Yellowstone National Park – Idaho, Wyoming & Montana
Yellowstone, the first national park, is one of the natural wonders of the world. Beautiful waterfalls, geysers, hot springs, mountains, and wildlife surround you at every turn. A drive through the park during the early summer months is a magnificent experience. We were able to see bison walking right across the road, but unfortunately did not spot any bears during any of our trips. The Grand Loop will take you past all the park’s major attractions and give you endless opportunities to see wildlife, both up close and in the distance! Yellowstone is where you will see the most bison roaming free in the US. While bear sightings are less frequent, there is always that small chance.
Tips: Make sure to plan time to see the Old Faithful Geyser eruption, which occurs every 90 minutes. It is one of the most predictable geysers. Stop in the West Yellowstone Visitor’s Center for a free map and info on the best routes for spotting wildlife.
Cost: $25 per car or $12 by foot, bike, or ski (Visit during National Park Week for free!)Address: 48-122 Yellowstone Ave West Yellowstone, MT (West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center)
