Top tourist attractions in the USA

Immaculately maintained by the National Park Service, the National Mall and Memorial Parks feature more than 1,000 acres of must-see monuments, sites and green space. While the Washington Monument towers above all else—quite literally, the city doesn’t zone for buildings taller than the marble icon—the Lincoln Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial are just as magnificent. Though it will take a full day (or two) to see the National Mall and Memorial Parks, make sure to set aside some time to peruse through some of the city’s top museums as well.

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Though she may have been born in France, the Statue of Liberty has become practically synonymous with America and the country’s highest held believes. True, the 151-feet-tall copper monument can be seen up close from aboard the free Staten Island Ferry, but you can also pay your respects in person and even step inside it while on an official tour.

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Most Americans know the phrase “Remember the Alamo,” even if they’re not exactly sure what transpired at the 18th-century Spanish mission. Later secularized and used as a fortress, in 1836 the Alamo was the site of a bloody and decisive battle of the Texas Revolution fought between Texas’s early Anglo settlers and the Mexicans (the latter won). One of the most visited historic sites in the country, today the fort welcomes about three million visitors annually. 

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After decades of serving as a home to Cuban exiles, Little Havana has become a must-visit destination in its own right. While out on the town, throw back rum-spiked Caribbean drinks and dance the night away to live rhumba and salsa music. The food here is legendary: Cuban sandwiches, Colombian arepas, savory tacos and other Latin American dishes will leave your mouth watering.

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The Getty brings visitors from across the country and around the world to California. The $1 billion facility, designed by internationally-renowned architect Richard Meier, features travertine and white-metal pavilions that highlight the complex’s futuristic frame. Inside, find one of the most exciting collections of art—including Medieval manuscripts, paintings by Van Gogh and Monet, and modern sculptures.

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Fisherman’s Wharf, so named because of the number of fishermen and mongers who lived in the neighborhood in the late 1800s through the 20th century, offers great views of the bay and fleets of ships with delicious food and delightful shops everywhere you look. Grab some seafood chowder, made with fresh local crabmeat served in a bread bowl, from any of the dozens of local eateries to fortify yourself before hitting the area’s specialty shops.

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Not only is St. Louis’s premiere attraction the world’s largest arch, but it is also the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere. Standing proud at 630 feet tall, this metal beauty was built in the mid-20th century as a monument to America’s westward expansion and is meant to signify the connection of the East to the West, honoring the country’s first pioneers. To fully understand this architectural wonder, snag a ticket to the Gateway Arch Tram and ride to the top of the monument.

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Clearly one of the Midwest’s most popular destinations, Navy Pier is visited by roughly nine million people each year. From excellent shopping opportunities to eateries and, of course, Lake Michigan, the destination offers something for everyone. The little ones will be delighted by the Chicago Children’s Museum while grown-ups should head to the award-winning Chicago Shakespeare Theater. 

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If you’ve always dreamed of working in outer space, this is your chance to see and touch models of space shuttles, rockets, satellites, tools and mission control rooms. The simulators and explorable modules will make you feel like a true astronaut—though if you wonder just how much the experience compares to the real deal, you can opt to meet one of those brave scientists in person at the Astronaut Encounter Theater.

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