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The 10 Best Points of Interest & Landmarks in United States, United States
Spanning 2,800 miles (4,506 kilometers) from east to west, the US is a vast patchwork of landscapes and metropolises. From Arizona’s red-rocked canyons and California’s coastal beaches to New York’s big city and Virginia’s storied past, it covers any topic any traveler could want or need.
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1. Hurricane Ridge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,790 reviews
A 17-mile stretch of winding road through dense forests and alpine ice-covered peaks.
Reviewed By Panda_Bear_Will
My wife and I visited Olympic National Park six years ago on a single day excursion from Seattle; we were able to see Lake Crescent and the Hoh Rain Forest briefly on that trip and I knew I needed to return one day to explore the park more fully. The Hurricane Ridge Road was closed on that previous visit, so returning to see it and hike the entire Hoh River Trail to the Blue Glacier on Mt. Olympus became bucket-list items shortly thereafter. I was able to return to Olympic and spend six full days exploring it as fully as possible. This review will really cover the park as a whole rather than Hurricane Ridge, but the 17 mile road which is easily accessible from Port Angeles is definitely a must-see for any visitor. Olympic is really divided into 3 distinct ecosystems: the mountains, surrounding rain forests, and coastal beaches. In order to get the true Olympic experience, a person should make it a point to dedicate at least a full day to each region. The sheer size of the park requires a good deal of driving to hit each individual region; one will mostly traverse the perimeter the park on Highway 101 and several roads leading deeper into the interior will allow access to areas such as Hoh, Quinault, So Duc, etc. Port Angeles to the north of the park provides the most choices when it comes to food and lodging; the western part of the park is serviced by the small town of Forks and to the extreme southwest, Aberdeen. The eastern edge of the park doesn't have much in the way of points of interest within the park besides some lesser-used trails, but it is a pleasant drive with occasional small towns like Hoodsport worth exploring for a bit. Distances between these points of interest are considerable as you're looking at a several hour drive between them. There are enough gas stations and other services that you're never quite "off the grid" for that long, but having a good idea of the layout of the park will save unneeded driving (though the scenery is usually so lush and inviting that the miles kind of melt after awhile). With that said, the following provides the highlights of the park, IMO, while doing so in a logical counter-clockwise fashion for people driving in from Seattle: 1) Hurricane Ridge. On a clear day, the views of the Olympic Mountain range are pretty amazing from the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. The key word is "clear". Olympic is famous for its considerable rainfall and chances are you will encounter rain at several points throughout the day even during the summer. I recommend following the weather forecast and allowing for a possible return trip to Hurricane Ridge, if necessary. The first day I visited, clouds and rainfall offered tantalizing glimpses of the mountains beyond but nothing more. I return the next day and was treated to glacier-covered mountains and a lush alpine scene that was delightful to hike just around the parking lot (managed to see a hare, deer, and marmot within 10 minutes of the short hikes adjacent to the parking lot). Unfortunately, the Hurricane Hill trail further beyond the visitor center was closed for restoration. This area is the highlight of Olympic for me. 2) Lake Crescent. Returning to Highway 101 and heading west, the highway will eventually hug the shores of this large lake with mountains surrounding it. A popular short but very steep hike up Mt. Storm King will challenge even the more fit hikers (to reach its true summit, one must use several ropes for assistance). The highest waterfall within the park, Marymere Falls is also a short walk from the lake parking lot. 3) Rialto Beach. With its mountain ranges and lush rain forests, its easy to overlook the third aspect of Olympic NP which is actually very unique within the National Park system: the extended coastline of undeveloped wilderness. There are actually three areas of such coast line which are part of the park: the far northwestern reaches of Washington state which will include Lake Ozette, Rialto Beach which is west of the town of Forks, and the beaches running along Highway 101 in the southwestern portion of the park. I visited Rialto Beach and was treated to a leisurely hike along a beach trail leading to a rock arch (called "Hole in the Wall"), various other rock formations, and tide pools. This is some of the last extended undeveloped wild coast line within the US and is definitely worth a visit for anybody with several days to visit the park. 4) Hoh River Rain Forest: Upon my visit several years ago, I was most bummed to only spend about 30 minutes in this legendary forest which is often described as "enchanted" and "fairy-tale like". The Hoh River Trail extends for 17 miles (actually closer to 20 per several apps and devices I used to judge the distance) to the Blue Glacier on Mt. Olympus. For years, I dreamed of not only returning to the forest, but backpacking the trail all the way to the end. I was able to do so and while it was a very rewarding experience, I can say that the rain forest scenery and vibe does become a bit redundant after several miles. Most visitors will likely go no more than to 5 Mile Island for a day hike (the trail is very flat, so covering such distance is not much of a chore) and I believe that's sufficient. For those looking to backpack beyond, the trail remains flat to the 12.4 mile marker before climbing in elevation to Elk Lake. Beyond that, Glacier Meadows campsite beckons, but not before climbing down an unnerving ladder required to navigate a rock slide which wiped out the old trail. The climb to the Glacier itself is considerable and the distance (especially with a full backpack) makes this quite the workout. However, it was a lifetime experience that I'll cherish forever. For non-backpackers, the Hoh Forest is one of the more easily accessible rain forests within the park, but the scenery is pretty similar for most of them: lots of lush vegetation. 5) Lake Quinault. A scenic lake with some of the few actual lodgings within the park boundaries. This area also provides access to several more trails, both short and long distance, that seemed very enticing. In conclusion, Olympic may not get the headlines of more noted parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon, but its lush surroundings and highly varied landscapes makes this one of the best parks in America.
2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54,604 reviews
At New York City's most visited museum and attraction, you will experience over 5,000 years of art from around the world. The Met is for anyone as a source of inspiration, insight and understanding. You can learn, escape, play, dream, discover, connect.
Reviewed By cmasb - Rickmansworth, United Kingdom
We have wanted to visit here for ages and finally made it. It did not disappoint. There is no way you can see everything in any museum of any stature such as the Met. Choose what you are interested in and focus on just a few items. Our passions include European paintings from the 15th to early 19th centuries and we were indulged: incredible works by Velasquez, Goya, David, Brueghel, Rembrandt, Hals, Vermeer etc etc. You cannot be disappointed. We also visited the Graeco-Roman and Egyptian galleries, which were also fascinating. It was busy even on a Monday in schooltime. We booked tickets ahead, which saved us time queuing, so it might be worth your time doing the same thing. We had a nice but rather expensive lunch in the cafeteria in the basement. Sandwiches at $15? They didn’t even have caviar in them (but were tasty).
3. Hubbard Glacier
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 661 reviews
First mapped in 1895, Hubbard is considered the largest tidewater glacier in North America.
Reviewed By Zeituni - Jerusalem, Israel
Visiting this glacier is most impressive. When the ship slowly turns to let everybody on board see the glacier, you hear thunder-like sounds of falling to the ocean icebergs
4. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,055 reviews
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum stands as a symbol of strength in the wake of unspeakable violence. Visit the Memorial Museum to experience the brutality of the Oklahoma City bombing, and the tenderness of the response. Share our dream of a world without violence and terrorism. Free parking with Museum admission.
Reviewed By MidwestKathM - Detroit, United States
Our first visit to Oklahoma City so visited the Memorial with family who live here. A beautiful memorial! The setting is serene and thought-provoking as we walked around the reflecting pool, the walls, the survivor tree, the chairs each with the name of a victim, and the fence with notes and memorabilia. Very sobering, and more so with the stories our family shared of that day and the weeks that followed. (We did not visit the museum, due to time constraints.)
5. Upper Peninsula
6. Colonial Williamsburg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,204 reviews
Colonial Williamsburg is the only place that takes you back in time to the dawn of America. This isn't just a place where things once happened. They're happening, right now, here in the 18th century. We're the place where the idea of our country is being born; the place where the ideals we stand for as Americans are being defined. We are the 18th century "live," filled with the stories of the women, men, and children—free and enslaved—whose values and visions gave us a new world. Step back in time and meet the people who made America—sing with them, dance with them, eat with them, and have fun with them. For every person who wants to understand this country, this is your place.
Reviewed By 511lindam - Chapel Hill, United States
We stayed at the Williamsburg Lodge and loved everything about it! Williamsburg is great fun and I would recommend a multi day pass to explore all of Colonial Williamsburg!! Overall just a great place to visit for all ages!!
7. Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,969 reviews
Visit the Santa Barbara Courthouse to enjoy a free Self-Guided Exterior Tour and a virtual tour of the Mural Room interior. Use your cell phone or tablet to explore Santa Barbara’s iconic Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse. The web-based tours can be found at sbcourthouse.org. The Courthouse is closed to visitors during Covid.
Reviewed By cresapsd - San Diego, United States
Coincidentally our stay in Santa Barbara was during the annual Fiesta Days and we enjoyed free concerts in the courthouse sunken garden as well as a docent led tour. The tour was very interesting and entertaining. The courthouse is not to be missed and don’t forget to check out the breathtaking view from the courthouse clock tower
8. The Gateway Arch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,193 reviews
From the thrilling views to the amazing stories, a visit to the Gateway Arch is an experience that never fails to inspire. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, you’ll find activities to please every member of your party. Attractions include the Tram Ride to the Top of the Gateway Arch, the Museum at the Gateway Arch (opened July 3, 2018), a documentary film about the construction of the Arch, shopping at The Arch Store, a new Arch Cafe, and cruises aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. Tickets sell out early and often - advance purchase strongly recommended. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Reviewed By PUDSEYCAT - Swadlincote, United Kingdom
A really awesome place to visit and a Must do in St Louis, the view from the top is amazing, It is so well organised and a truly unique experience you cannot possibly visit St Louis without a visit to the Gateway Arch.
9. Mystic Seaport Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,309 reviews
Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation's leading maritime museum. Founded in 1929, the Museum is home to four National Historic Landmark vessels, including the Charles W. Morgan, America's oldest commercial ship and the last wooden whaleship in the world. The Museum's grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, CT and include a recreated 19th-century coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. Mystic Seaport Museum is located one mile south of Exit 90 off I-95 in Mystic, CT.
10. Santa Fe Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,097 reviews
Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the Plaza is the heart and soul of the city. The gathering spot for residents and tourists alike is surrounded by city landmarks, shops and restaurants.
Reviewed By jh453
My 20-something daughters and I spent an enjoyable hour in and around the charming Plaza on a gorgeous Spring day. There is something there for every budget and many time constraints and tastes. You can sit on one of the plentiful benches, on the grass, or at one of the metal tables and relax and people watch for free. You can spend a little or a lot of money at the stores that flank the Plaza or at the sidewalk vendors who sell mostly silver jewelry (most of it, apoarently, made by local Native Americans in tribal styles). You can eat in one of the nearby restaurants. The day we were there, there was just one food truck in one corner of the Plaza, selling only fajitas and tamales. I wish I knew the name, because their food was excellent- smoky, delicious, generous, and a great bargain, with fajitas at $5 and tamales at $2 or $2.50 each. I hope that truck is a regular and that my description is enough to let you find it and enjoy a tasty (and economical) lunch. I noticed that all the tables were wheelchair-accessible.
