Best Places To Visit In USA For First Time.
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique attractions that first-time visitors should experience. From the bright lights of New York City to the natural wonder of the Grand Canyon, America has something to offer every type of traveler.
This article provides an overview of the top destinations that should be on every first-timer’s list when visiting the U.S. The places featured range from major metropolitan hubs to charming beach towns, each offering their own brand of culture, cuisine, and sights. Whether you prefer an action-packed vacation filled with world-renowned museums and shows or a more relaxed exploration of natural vistas, you’ll discover an ideal spot for your inaugural trip.
The variety of experiences across the 50 states means you can customize your ideal itinerary. Nature lovers can hike stunning national parks, while nightlife seekers can hit up Las Vegas. You can admire urban architecture in Chicago, soak up sun in Los Angeles, or be immersed in history in Washington D.C. From coast to coast, there’s no shortage of amazing attractions.
With vast distances between destinations, first-timers should focus their visit on a region or two instead of trying to cram the entire country into one trip. This list provides a tasting platter of the diversity of American destinations worth including on your maiden voyage to the U.S.A.
New York City
Known as the city that never sleeps, New York City is a must-see destination for first-time visitors to the United States. Home to over 8 million people, NYC is America’s most populated city and is full of energy, culture, and excitement.
Some of the top attractions that all first-time visitors should see in New York City include:
The Statue of Liberty. This iconic landmark located on Liberty Island has welcomed immigrants to America since 1886. Visitors can take a ferry to the island and tour the statue and pedestal for incredible city views.
Central Park. This 843-acre urban park located in the heart of Manhattan provides a tranquil oasis from the busy streets. The park has several lakes, theatres, ice rinks, a zoo, and landmarks like Strawberry Fields.
Broadway shows. With over 40 theatres in the Theatre District and Times Square, NYC is the premier destination for world-class Broadway shows and musicals. Popular options include The Lion King, Wicked, and Hamilton.
World-class museums. NYC is home to several museums with impressive collections, like The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, the Guggenheim, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
From the lights of Times Square to iconic landmarks, NYC offers endless things for first-time visitors to see and do. It’s easy to see why NYC is one of America’s top destinations.
Washington DC
Washington DC is a must-visit destination for first-time visitors to the United States. The capital city offers a wealth of iconic landmarks and world-class museums that provide an ideal introduction to American history and culture.
The National Mall is a sprawling public park at the heart of DC. Lined with famous monuments and museums, it is home to some of the city’s most popular attractions. Top sights include the Washington Monument, a 555-foot marble obelisk honoring the nation’s first president, as well as the Lincoln Memorial, a stately tribute to Abraham Lincoln. Don’t miss visiting the National Air and Space Museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution’s group of free public museums. With Apollo 11’s command module and the Wright brothers’ original airplane on display, it brings American innovation vividly to life.
The political center of the U.S. is Capitol Hill, where you can tour the Capitol Building and watch Congress in action. The White House, residence of every U.S. President since John Adams, also offers limited public tours. DC’s collection of diverse neighborhoods, excellent dining scene, and wealth of cultural attractions means there’s much more to enjoy in the American capital beyond the big ticket sights. Its manageable size makes it easy to navigate and fun to explore.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic natural wonders in not just the United States, but the world. Carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, this vast chasm in northern Arizona plunges a mile deep and offers some of the most spectacular views imaginable. It’s one of those places that has to be seen to be believed.
No visit to the Grand Canyon is complete without venturing below the rim for a hike. While there are easy walking paths along the rim, to truly experience the grandeur and scale of the canyon, you must make the trek into its depths. The most popular route is the Bright Angel Trail, which starts from Grand Canyon Village and descends over 9 miles to the Colorado River. Along the way, you’ll traverse through different rock layers and microclimates, each offering awe-inspiring views. Even just hiking a mile or two down will provide an unforgettable experience.
Some key things to know if planning a hike into the canyon:
Start early to beat the heat. Temperatures at the bottom can reach over 100°F by midday.
Bring plenty of water. There is no water available once you start hiking down.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and sun protection. The trail is steep and rocky.
Know your limits. The hike out is much harder than the hike in.
With careful preparation, hiking into the Grand Canyon is an experience like no other. You’ll gain a whole new appreciation for its vast scale as you make your way through the canyon’s inner reaches. Just standing at the edge takes your breath away, but immersing yourself on a hike brings a deeper connection with one of the planet’s greatest natural marvels.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a world-famous destination known for its casinos, entertainment, luxury hotels, and nightlife. With its bright lights and lively atmosphere, a visit to Las Vegas offers an experience unlike any other city in America.
The Las Vegas Strip is where you’ll find the mega casino-resorts like Caesars Palace, The Venetian, and MGM Grand. These opulent hotels have casinos, shows, restaurants, pools, and more all under one roof. At night, the Strip comes alive with neon signs and street performers. Walk through and try your luck at slots, blackjack, roulette, and more. Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas also has historic casinos and lively nightlife.
In addition to gambling, Las Vegas has endless options for entertainment. Catch Cirque du Soleil acrobatics shows, big-name concerts, or a variety of adult-only comedic and musical shows. There are also family-friendly attractions like rollercoasters on top of hotels, indoor amusement parks, and adventurous thrill rides.
When you need a break from the action, relax poolside at one of the lavish Las Vegas pools. Many hotels have adults-only pool clubs with DJs and drinks. Or indulge in world-class dining and shopping across Las Vegas. With luxurious experiences, exciting diversions, and an electric atmosphere, Las Vegas offers nonstop entertainment.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of the top destinations for first-time visitors to the United States. As the second largest city in the country, Los Angeles has so much to offer.
The iconic Hollywood neighborhood is a must-see. This is where you’ll find the Walk of Fame, lined with stars honoring famous actors and musicians. Visit landmarks like the TCL Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre where the Academy Awards are held, and Paramount Pictures studio. Hollywood is also known for its nightlife, so check out hot spots like the Saddle Ranch Chop House.
Of course, you can’t visit LA without spending time at the beach. Iconic beaches include Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Malibu. Take a stroll on the Santa Monica Pier or walk the Venice Beach boardwalk. Watch the surfers, people-watch, or simply relax in the California sunshine.
For family fun, make sure to visit Disneyland in nearby Anaheim. This was the original Disney theme park with iconic rides like Space Mountain and the Matterhorn Bobsleds. Younger kids will love Fantasyland while older kids and adults can enjoy thrilling rides in Adventureland. End your day with the magical fireworks over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.
With its mix of attractions, world-class dining and shopping, diverse neighborhoods, and year-round sunny weather, Los Angeles is a fantastic destination for first-time visitors to experience.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a must-visit destination for first-time visitors to the United States, especially those interested in architecture, food, and culture. The city’s iconic landmarks include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the famous cable cars that traverse San Francisco’s steep hills.
No trip to San Francisco is complete without seeing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. This suspension bridge spans the Golden Gate, the strait connecting San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean. With its distinctive bright red-orange color, art deco design, and breathtaking views, the Golden Gate Bridge is a marvel of engineering and has become a globally recognized symbol of San Francisco.
Alcatraz Island, located in San Francisco Bay, is another landmark attraction. This former maximum security federal prison once held some of America’s most notorious criminals. A visit to Alcatraz provides fascinating insights into the prison’s history, and the audio tour vividly brings to life accounts from former inmates and guards. The island itself is also home to historic gardens, tide pools and roosting seabirds.
At Fisherman’s Wharf along the waterfront, visitors can experience San Francisco’s history as a busy fishing port. Today, the area is filled with shops, restaurants, street performers and entertainment. From Pier 39, you can watch the colony of lively sea lions that took over the docks. A stroll down Fisherman’s Wharf offers beautiful waterfront views, fresh seafood, and a lively, festive atmosphere.
A ride on a classic San Francisco cable car is a memorable way to experience the city’s unique transportation system. These iconic trolleys dating back to the late 1800s still run up and down San Francisco’s notoriously steep hills. A ride provides thrilling views of the city’s neighborhoods and stunning vistas of the bay. Hopping aboard a cable car is a classic San Francisco experience not to miss.
With its postcard-perfect scenery, historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and vibrant neighborhoods, San Francisco offers an unforgettable experience for first-time visitors to the United States.
Chicago
Chicago is one of the most iconic cities in the United States and a must-see destination for first-time visitors. Known for its world-class architecture, Chicago offers incredible sights like the towering Willis Tower and the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower. Architecture enthusiasts could spend days touring the city to see buildings designed by renowned architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
Beyond its iconic skyline, Chicago also boasts world-class museums like the Art Institute of Chicago, home to famous works like Grant Wood’s *American Gothic*, and the Field Museum of Natural History, which houses an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils. Sports fans will also enjoy taking in a Chicago Cubs baseball game at the historic Wrigley Field or seeing the Chicago Bulls play at the United Center.
Chicago is also famous as the birthplace of jazz and blues music. You can experience live jazz at venues like the Green Mill or Blues at famous blues clubs like Buddy Guy’s Legends. And you can’t visit Chicago without trying its famous deep-dish pizza, with Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria and Gino’s East being local favorites for hearty, cheese-filled slices.
With its amazing architecture, museums, sports culture, music, and food, Chicago is a diverse city with something for every first-time visitor to the United States.
Orlando
Orlando is a top destination for first-time visitors to the United States, especially for families traveling with children. This sunny city in central Florida is home to some of the most famous theme parks in the world.
The premier attraction is the Walt Disney World Resort, comprising 4 separate theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s truly a magical experience to walk down Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom for the first time, or explore the World Showcase at Epcot. Beyond the classic rides and shows, Walt Disney World offers interactive character meet-and-greets, fireworks displays, and parades.
Nearby is Universal Orlando Resort, home to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Hollywood-style rides and shows immerse you in popular films and TV series like Harry Potter, Transformers, and The Simpsons. Plus both parks have Wizarding World of Harry Potter sections with rides, shops, and wand experiences.
Rounding out Orlando’s top theme parks are SeaWorld Orlando and LEGOLAND Florida. SeaWorld is focused on marine animal shows and rides, while LEGOLAND brings LEGO bricks to life with elaborate sculptures and hands-on attractions.
With mild weather year-round, world-class theme parks, resort hotels, golf courses, shopping, and dining, Orlando offers nonstop family fun for first-time visitors to the United States. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
Conclusion
Visiting the United States for the first time is an exciting experience with so many iconic destinations to explore. This article has covered some of the top places for first-time visitors to consider when planning their ideal U.S. trip.
New York City, Washington D.C., the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Orlando each offer their own unique attractions, cuisine, culture and sights. From world-famous landmarks and natural wonders, to glitzy entertainment hubs and family fun, there is something to appeal to every taste and interest.
When planning your first trip to the United States, consider the best time of year to visit each destination, taking into account weather, crowds and peak seasons. Allow plenty of time – at least 1-2 weeks minimum – to make the most of your visit and see as much as possible.
Book accommodation and transportation well in advance to secure the best deals. Be prepared for long travel distances and flight times between destinations. Read up on U.S. customs, currency, tipping, voltage and power sockets to avoid surprises. Consider purchasing a prepaid local SIM card for your phone to avoid roaming charges.
Most importantly, keep an open mind and embrace the diversity across America. From small towns to huge metropolises, mountain ranges to deserts, and local cuisines to nightlife scenes, the United States offers an incredible variety of experiences. Visit with a sense of adventure to create lasting memories from your first U.S. vacation.
