7 Must-See Places in the USA

Are you planning to explore more places in the United States?

Me too! I arrived in the US 14 years ago, and so far, I’ve visited 20 out of the 50 states. I have a full-time job, so I only get to travel on the weekends or during my vacation.

I was looking at my old travel photos, and I got inspired to write about these exciting places. Here are the 7 Must-See Places in The USA.

1. New York, New York 

Statue of Liberty

The first time I set foot in NYC was on a cold winter night at Times Square. I was a bit overwhelmed by everything – the sights, the sounds, the traffic, and the massive crowd. I didn’t know where to go or eat. I end up buying the worst thin-crust pizza ever!

It wasn’t until I visited the Big City several times that I fell in love with NYC. I paid homage to Lady Liberty, watched my first Broadway show, and found a resto with fresh, coal oven-baked pizza at Little Italy.

Travel Tips: Choose what NY sights you want to see and plan your itinerary. Research where to eat. Book your hotel room ahead of time. If you’re doing a lot of walking, wear comfy shoes or sneakers. For more NY travel stories and tips, click here.

2. Washington, DC.

Washington D.C. 4th of July Parade

One of the most unforgettable 4th of July Celebration I ever had was in the nation’s capital. I can still remember waving the flag as the marching bands and floats passed by. The fireworks display against the DC skyline of monuments and memorials was spectacular!

Travel Tips: Stay in a hotel within walking distance to the National Mall. During the day, check out the free museums ( National Air & Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, etc. ).  Fireworks start around 9pm, arrive early, and find a good spot. For more info, check out the National Park Service’s website.

3. Disney World in Orlando, Florida

Belle & Me

When I moved from the Philippines to the US years ago, the first item on my travel bucket list was Disney World. I was lucky to find a $500 airfare + hotel promo. My wish came true when I finally saw the various attractions and met my favorite Disney characters.

Travel Tips:  Lookout for great vacation packages. Go during the off-season. The parks are much bigger than you think – don’t expect to do, see, and ride everything in a single vacation. 

4. Grand Canyon, Arizona

Grand Canyon, AZ

The Grand Canyon is known to be one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. All I can say is… YES… the view is so breathtaking!

Travel tips: Spring and Fall are the best times to visit because daytime temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold. There are several ways to get there, I took the guided tour from Flagstaff, AZ to the South Rim. The day tour includes multiple stops along the rim and historic buildings. It was a fun and stress-free way to see the awe-inspiring beauty of the canyon.

5. Las Vegas, Nevada

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

Ok, I know this photo really looks vintage. I can’t recall what year this was taken. But, I remembered that I had an awesome birthday at the US party capital… Vegas Baby!

Travel Tips:  If it’s your first time in Vegas, I strongly suggest that you pick one of the strip hotels that put you in the heart of the action. You can find the best price by shopping around and choosing your dates (midweek rates are usually lower).  

6. Arches National Park, Utah

Delicate Arch

The Arches National Park is located near Moab, UT. It is known to have the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches.  As I walked through the red rock wonderland, I felt like I was transported into another world.

Travel Tips: Choose from a variety of  10-minute to 4-hour hikes. Bring food and water. For more details about the park’s hiking trails, click here.

8. Oahu, Hawaii

Hawaii

Take me back to this beautiful tropical island. Aah… Hawaii! I miss the tranquil skies, the cool sea breezes, and the emerald-blue waters.

Travel Tips: Here are some of the things I highly recommend: attend a Hawaiian Luau, stroll around Waikiki beach, explore the Oahu North Shore and Dole Pineapple Plantation, visit Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial.

Have you visited any of these places? Which one is your favorite? Any other tips you would like to add? Feel free to share in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!

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64 responses to “7 Must-See Places in the USA”

  4. These look like awesome places to visit, I’ll need to add them to my bucket list! I’ve been to Universal Studios in Florida and that was amazing.. I’ve also been to Disney Springs at sunset and that was so pretty. I’d love to go to Disney World when my daughter is older and take her there!

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  8. DC native here! So glad DC made your list! You’re absolutely right about choosing a place to stay near the mall on the 4th of July…getting to and from the mall on the 4th is a complete nightmare! I’ve lived here my whole life, and will never try it again. Great list of spots! I’ve been to them all except the Grand Canyon and Oahu. Some day!

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    • I’m glad we booked near the National Mall, it made our trip less stressful. We were only there for a few days, but the good hotel location made it possible for us to see a lot of DC sights. And, yes…. hope you get to visit the Grand Canyon and Oahu someday.

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    • Thanks for the travel tips Chris. I went to Ontario a few years ago, and I stopped by Niagara Falls. But, it was winter time… haha… so my hubby and I are planning to visit Niagara again someday.

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  12. I love all of the places you’ve visited and loved in the US!! I haven’t been to NYC before but it has been on my list for the longest. I really need to get myself out to Orlando so I can actually enjoy the Disney vibes!!! You can’t go wrong with LV either – my favorite kind of city to get away from everything. I miss Hawaii!!! I’ve only been to Oahu before and it was an exciting experience!!

    Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me

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  14. One of the things on my bucket list is to visit all 50 states so far I have visited 4, there is something wonderful about every state. I would especially love to visit Orlando, Florida and Vegas has always been at the top of my list too. Hopefully, I will get to visit them one day.

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  16. The Chinese Scholars Garden in Staten Island is one of the most beautiful places. Call before going there ; it is not open every day. Once you walk inside there (it’s outdoors, smiles), you think that you have been transported to another country. It is a totally beautiful place with water, art and just beautiful nature.

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  25. Its so crazy, because often my first look is to go outside the US. But you have highlighted some great things here that I can’t wait to see once we can travel again!

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    • I grew up in another country, and I’ve always been fascinated with the beautiful places in the US. I’m glad that I was able to visit a few places already and I can’t wait to travel again soon.

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  27. I’d love to go visit Washington, the Grand Canon, Chicago and to be honest, go back to San Francisco 😅

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  29. What a great post! Hawaii is on my bucket list and I would LOVE to go to Disney in Orlando! Thank you for sharing 🙂
    Em
    planningwithem.com

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  30. I have only been to Disneyland, Florida and was supposed to go to Vegas but cancelled due to covid. You have given me so many more travel ideas, so thank you! Such a great post!

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