13 Unique Tours Across America Where History Comes To Life

If you’re anything like us, you’re probably constantly on the lookout for the next big adventure – whatever that may be. The United States is an enormous country, and it can be challenging to decide what to do or where to go next time you’ve got a moment and can travel a bit. Well, worry not – we’ve compiled a handy list of 13 amazingly unique tours in the U.S. that offer something truly one-of-a-kind. It’s not every day you’ll run into these sorts of opportunities, and we promise each one is the very epitome of travel goals. Thanks to the efforts of our friends at Viator, you can find something to do just about anywhere – something you won’t find elsewhere. Here are 13 of the best tours in the United States that bring history to life in some way or another:

New York, NY, USA

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour/Viator

New York City is an absolutely iconic place. When people think of America, they think of the Statue of Liberty, and then their thoughts usually drift to the New York City skyline just yonder. So, what better way to explore this iconic U.S. city than on this awesome guided sightseeing tour? You'll learn all about the past and present of this epic metropolis, see all the must-sees, and more. No trip to New York is complete without this one!

Sedona, AZ 86336, USA

Sedona Stargazing Tour/Viator

Sedona is an utterly magical dark sky city in Arizona famous for its jaw-dropping red rocks and cliff formations that surround the whole place (and beyond). We personally can't get enough of it during the day, but this nighttime stargazing tour in Sedona is just too awesome to pass up. Adventure down to Oak Creek and experience the night like never before. Spot planets, galaxies, and stars with the guidance of professional astronomers and learn the history of the night sky as we know it. Maybe you'll even spot a UFO!

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Nashville, TN, USA

Grand Ole Opry House Guided Backstage Tour/Viator

Without a doubt, the Grand Ole Opry is probably one of the most famous productions in the world. Visit the hometown of country music and get an amazing backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry, where you'll hear all about what goes on before, during, and after the show, as well as the history of the entire shebang. You'll even get to walk on the same stage as many country music legends have over the years. This one's a must-do when in Nashville.

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Key West, FL 33040, USA

Key West Southernmost Food and Cultural Walking Tour/Viator

Fun fact: Key West is the most photographed place in Florida, and getting an opportunity to check it out on a one-of-a-kind tour is an opportunity most would never want to pass up. On this deliciously delectable food tour in Florida, you'll explore town like a local - along with all the best restaurants and eateries. Bring an appetite and come hungry - you'll need the room in your belly.

New Orleans, LA, USA

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise/Viator

New Orleans is a very walkable town, but have you ever thought about skipping the walking and taking a boat tour instead? Well, now you can! Check out the awesome Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise; excellent for scenery lovers and history buffs alike, this cruise is narrated by a professional historian and you'll learn more about the city than you ever thought possible - all while having a great time.

Hoover Dam, Nevada 89005, USA

Small Group 3 Hour Hoover Dam Mini Tour from Las Vegas/Viator

The Hoover Dam is a very famous part of American history; located on the Arizona/Nevada state line, this epic dam offers day tours chock-filled with history and information. Does touring a dam sound uninteresting to you? We promise, this experience is a blast, and by the time you're finished doing this short-and-sweet tour of the Hoover Dam, you might find yourself with a strange new appreciation for, well, dams. Or, at the very least, this dam.

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San Francisco, CA, USA

Napa, CA, USA

Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco/Viator

Northern California's wine country is world-famous. Rivaling some of the finest wineries in Europe, Napa Valley is a bucket list item for many, and here's your chance to tour it in a small group to learn everything you ever wanted to know about it. This one is a full day trip from San Francisco to Sonoma and Napa Valley wineries; learn all about the history of winemaking alongside some of California's most beautiful landscapes on this enchanting, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA

Turtle Canyons Snorkel Excursion from Waikiki, Hawaii/Viator

Waikiki is a beautiful place - a lot like what most folks picture when they think of "paradise". On this incredible two-hour snorkel excursion from Waikiki to Oahu, all gear is provided. You'll visit one of the top snorkeling sites in Waikiki: Turtle Canyons. You'll come face-to-face with some of the planet's most beautiful sights on this one. It's a must for animal lovers and ocean fanatics alike!

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Chicago, IL, USA

90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour/Viator

Architecture, history, and art buffs, this one is for you! This amazing river tour of Chicago and its stunning architecture will show you the city like you've never seen it before. This awesome boat tour on the Chicago River will teach you all you ever wanted to know about the amazing architecture of this wondrous city, all from a cozy river cruise - make new friends, learn new things, and have an amazing time. Plus, you get to see all the sights of the city without getting tired from walking. We call that a win.

Arizona, USA

Grand Canyon South Rim, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Las Vegas/Viator

Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are without a doubt some of Arizona's most famous natural landmarks. On this absolutely amazing Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend tour, you'll get a front-row seat to not two but three of the Copper State's most incredible, breathtaking landscapes. Learn about the amazing processes that created these natural megaliths, and then some. You'll leave with a new passion for Arizona's geology.

Salem, MA, USA

Bewitched Walking Tour of Salem/Viator

A list of awesome, once-in-a-lifetime tours wouldn't be complete without an awesomely bewitched walking tour of Salem, Massachusetts. Most infamous for the historical hysterics of its witch trials long before the territory was even a part of a solid nation, this spooky, incredibly detailed historical tour of the Salem Witch Trials will teach you everything you ever wanted to know... and maybe a few things you didn't... all under the spooky cover of night. Even the locals love this one.

San Antonio, TX, USA

San Antonio Missions UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour/Viator

This whole list is great for history lovers, but this one's especially perfect, we think. If you're going to find yourself in San Antonio, Texas anytime soon, you'll want to check out this awesome tour of the San Antonio Missions. On this one, you'll see four of the five missions on the site, plus a little extra on top regarding San Antonio's art scene and more. We don't want to spoil anything, but you're going to love this: tours consist of ten or fewer people. Suddenly, we feel the need to go to San Antonio. See you there!

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, USA

Martha's Vineyard Daytrip from Boston with Round-Trip Ferry & Island Tour Option/Viator

Finally, a day trip to Martha's Vineyard is on tap. From Boston, enjoy this incredible adventure through one of the most beautiful little towns in the world. Enjoy a cruise between Cape Cod and the Vineyard, and take in incredible ocean views along the way (and all throughout!). You'll be able to explore on your own for this one, so if you're not huge on being guided by anyone, this one's definitely for you. You can also add a narrated island tour, should you so desire.

So, what are your thoughts? How many of these epic, unique tours in the United States have you added to that old bucket list? If you need an awesome place to stay while exploring any (or all) of these delightful adventures, our friends at Booking.com have you covered – and the more you book, the bigger your discounts become.

What are some of your all-time favorite things to do in the U.S.? Did we miss any that belong on this list? Let us know.