The United States has countless great travel destinations to choose from.
The United States has so many superb places to see that it's difficult to select a top five. However, some destinations are so iconic that it is hard to look past them when compiling a list of the essential American landmarks. Feel free to disagree with this selection and argue for your own favorites, but whatever you do, don't miss out on visiting these national treasures.
The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is legendarily beautiful. This 277-mile-long canyon was carved by the Colorado River and is over a mile deep in places. It is visited by around 5 million people every year. Outdoor types can explore the canyon by hiking, kayaking, cycling, backpacking or even by mule riding. Other sightseers might simply take the chance to drive to one of the various overlooks and enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
Niagara Falls
Shared with Canada, these incredible waterfalls on the Niagara River are the main feature of the Niagara Falls State Park, in New York State. The American Falls, on the U.S. side of the border, are 176 feet high and over 1,000 feet long. Get up close to this mighty waterfall by taking a boat trip on "The Maid of the Mist" for an unforgettable encounter with a legendary natural phenomenon.
Mount Rushmore
Around 3 million visitors per year come to see these majestic carvings of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Each head is approximately 60 feet tall. Conceived as a national monument, the sculptures were completed in 1941, 14 years after the project began. As the first president, Washington represents the birth of America. Jefferson symbolizes the country's expansion in the 19th century, while Lincoln is honored for his efforts to preserve the United States during the Civil War. Roosevelt is a symbol of America's development in the 20th century.
Washington, D.C.
The nation's capital is home to countless historical and cultural attractions. The White House has been the residence of all of the presidents of the United States, with the exception of George Washington. The U.S. Congress meets at the United States Capitol. Arlington National Cemetery, outside the city, is the final resting place of more than 300,000 distinguished soldiers and civilians. The National Museum of Natural History and the National Air & Space Museum are both visited by 7 million people per year. Memorials to George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson will be joined by a memorial for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that is expected to be completed in 2011.
New York City
The range of things to do in New York City is dizzying, so why not plan for an extended stay? On Day 1, view major tourist attractions such as the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center and Times Square, before enjoying a day of high culture on Day 2, by taking in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum. Spend Day 3 exploring in Greenwich Village, SoHo and Chelsea, before taking the Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty. On Day 4, how about shopping at world-famous retail stores such as Tiffany & Co., Macy's and Bloomingdale's, before taking a trip to the zoo in Central Park? The possibilities are endless in "The Big Apple."
Tags: United States, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, before taking, Grand Canyon, million people