12 Popular Tourist Attractions Around America That You Actually Need To Visit
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Lea Monroe
Author
In nearly every state across America, you can find at least one insanely popular tourist attraction that all residents know to stay away from. Whether it be because an attraction becomes too flooded with crowds or you simply find the place to be too overrated, it’s not hard to figure out which places around our country have turned into tourist traps. With that said, there are more than enough well-known attractions that you shouldn’t write off simply due to their popularity. Don’t believe us? Then keep scrolling to fall in love with these amazing attractions in the U.S.!
The perfect reason to head out to the coast, Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts will become one of your new island getaways in the Northeast. One of the largest islands you'll find on the East Coast, Martha's Vineyard is a popular luxurious getaway. On the island you'll find everything from charming lighthouses and a carousel to waterfront resorts and outdoor attractions. You'll be able to keep busy to say the least!
A historic destination in America that looks like a view you'd find further south in the Caribbean, the intensely blue waters that surround Dry Tortugas National Park will leave you speechless. Right in the Gulf of Mexico, this 100-square mile national park is only accessible by seaplane or boat. The island is almost entirely covered by the historic structure that is Fort Jefferson, a fort that took roughly 30-years to create and is now one of Florida's most famed attractions.
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One of the most exciting attractions that you'll ever visit in America, San Antonio's River Walk has everything you could possibly ask for. All along this area of the San Antonio River you'll find the banks lined with amazing restaurants, historic sites, shops and beautiful scenery. Those who come to check out this incredible river walk can enjoy all there is to see and do from walking along the streets to actually getting out on the river with boat tours and canoe and kayak launching points.
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Easily one of the most beautiful places in New York, Watkins Glen State Park is an outdoor attraction that's more than familiar with sight-seeing crowds. The park's main attraction is its two-mile long Gorge Trail that takes you past, around and behind 19 epic waterfalls. You'll find it difficult to uncover another attraction that offers so much bang for your buck.
Arizona is every true explorer's paradise, with a marvelous array of outdoor attractions that you'll wish you had all the time in the world to check out. There's no denying that the Grand Canyon is a worth-visiting tourist attraction, but Arizona also has other very popular natural wonders that are perfect for adventures. Antelope Canyon is a stunning place you can only explore through scheduled tours with a Navajo guide, allowing you to walk through an unbelievable slot canyon that's the definition of the beauty of nature.
Visiting Washington D.C. is a destination that should be at the top of everyone's bucket list, with historic attractions like the United States Capitol proving to be a timeless structure worth soaking in. Tours of the Capitol Building won't cost you a penny, but you will want to book them in advance to ensure that you'll be able to experience this popular showcasing of history.
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In a state as breathtaking and fascinating as Oregon, it's hard to feel like you'd want to avoid any of our tourist attractions. Popular with good reason, places like the Portland Japanese Garden are visited by thousands of people each year. Covering less than ten acres of land, the exquisite garden even has its own Cultural Village where you can further dive into Japanese art and culture.
One of the most well-known outdoor destinations within Maine, Acadia National Park lives up to every inch of the hype. Covering 47,000 acres of the Northeast, you can find everything in this park from jaw-dropping wildlife, picturesque hiking trails and waterfront views along the coast that you'll never be able to get out of your mind. During the summer you'll find visitors from all across America coming to explore this park, but don't let any crowds deter you from seeing this place for yourself. There's a reason why so many people want to visit here!
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One of the most popular destinations to photograph in the great state of Michigan, America's Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore stretches across more than 40 miles and features jaw-dropping rock formations. As you find yourself in awe of the cliffs that are towering up above you, you'll also be left speechless by the intensity of the lake's color. Local boat companies in the area offer tours that will take you out onto the water to give you the perfect view of this natural beauty, a popular outing that you'll want to book in advance.
Located just over a mile from the shores of San Francisco, Alcatraz Island is most commonly known for its history of being an isolated prison. Today those who are interested in the island's slightly eerie history can take a quick ferry ride out to Alcatraz, where they'll get to explore the place for themselves. The island offers a variety of tours, allowing visitors to dive as deep into Alcatraz's history as they wish.
Montana is a state where you'll make a habit of pinching yourself, constantly wondering how all of this magnificent scenery could possibly be right before your eyes. Inside of this dream world of a park, you'll have views of lakes and waterfalls that look too perfect to be real, hundreds of miles of hiking trails that will lead you to enchanting views and all while you're surrounded by gorgeous mountains and unique wildlife. Who says heaven isn't a place on earth?
Tucked right into the landscape, Mesa Verde National Park is where you can find fascinating historic views that are surrounded by natural beauty. An outdoor attraction that tourists swarm to every year, people all across America are itching to see this historic Cliff Palace. Known as the largest cliff dwelling in North America, the Cliff Palace is said to date back to over 700 years ago and is one of the most amazing sights that you'll ever see in our country.
Out of all of the tourist attractions that you’ve ever visited in America, which one has been your favorite? Share with us in the comments if you have plans to visit any of the places that made it onto our list!
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