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, make sure to set aside some time to peruse through some of Washington DC’s top museums as well.
Nobody likes to feel like a tourist in their own country. But let’s face the facts, the top tourist attractions in the USA are popular for a reason. At some point or another we should all hit them up and while it looks like we're going to have a very hectic summer travel season, maybe consider the idea of just packing a car, hiring a caravan or attaching a trailer and taking the family on a trip to see cool stuff that perhaps they weren't previously aware of.
Whether you’re looking for unmissable art, historic buildings and monuments, must-stroll neighborhoods, unusual landmarks or breathtaking national parks, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t miss our guide to the best hotels in America if you need a place to stay on your epic journey. And if you’re looking for a bit more travel inspiration, check out the very best places to visit in the USA right now.
RECOMMENDED: The most exciting things to do in the USA
RECOMMENDED: The most haunted Airbnbs in the US