8 Best Sightseeing Destinations in America

Want to become a sightseeing tourist for a day?… Now’s your chance!

The US is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world and some of the most recognizable sightseeing icons on the planet. Many of the top draws are bucket list destinations, attracting visitors worldwide.

We wanted to become tourists for a day, to find out the best places in our country for sightseeing and making new memories.

But given our size, most people limit their trips to a specific region, be it the East Coast, the Southwest, the beaches of Florida or California, or outlying areas like Hawaii and Alaska.

Well, we picked something for everyone! Plenty of options await you, with astonishing sights sprinkled across the country. So be a tourist for a couple of days and check out the 8 best sightseeing destinations in the US!

Mount Rushmore, Keystone, South Dakota

Mount Rushmore, a national memorial, is one of the most recognizable American landmarks. Built in the early 20th century, Mount Rushmore represents the faces of four former American presidents, each carved and blasted from the side of a rock face.

Folks looking to go on a sightseeing adventure can admire the larger-than-life faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. We recommend taking the short Presidential Trail at the base of the mountain.

It provides stunning views and an interesting perspective on the landmark.

Grand Canyon, Golden Valley, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is a geological wonder shaped by millions of years of geological activities sculpted by the Colorado River. The 277-mile-long canyon is a primary tourist site attracting approximately five million visitors each year.

Its north and more popular south rims are open to the public. But due to its remoteness, the north rim is a bit more wild and less explored by people.

Millenium Park and Navy Pier, Chicago, Illinois

Get ready because there’s a LOT to pack in with this sightseeing destination. Tourists to the city should see the Art Institute of Chicago, home to hundreds of thousands of artworks that date back hundreds of years.

Millennium Park presents architecture at its best with state-of-the-art landscape designs and buildings. And travelers also visit Navy Pier, a shipping facility that opened in 1916 and is one of the city’s main attractions today.

The Museum of Science and Industry presents one of the finest experiences. The best part? These are all in the same area. So there’s no need to drive endless amounts of miles to explore this stunning architectural city!

Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California

Come to visit Tinsel Town, but you MUST see Venice Beach. Its beaches and canals are spectacular. But the biggest draw is undeniably the Venice Beach Boardwalk.

This is a genuinely entertaining spot where street performers dance, juggle, sculpt, and sing for sightseeing tourists. You can grab a refreshing drink, shop for souvenirs, and take a leisurely stroll on the boardwalk.

Be sure to tip a dollar or two to show your appreciation for live performers.

Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida

Located on the Florida coast, Cape Canaveral boasts many space-related sightseeing opportunities.

But one of the most memorable is the Kennedy Space Center, which has been the launch site for every US human space flight since 1968 and nowadays operates as a launch site for crewless rockets.

Visitors can learn more about the early pioneers of space and experience the anticipation and excitement over the rush to the moon. You’ll even get the chance to participate in the Shuttle Launch Experience, replicating the experience of space travel.

French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana

This sightseeing hotspot is famous for Mardi Gras and Jazz music. It’s a city with a unique culture represented in music, food, and architecture. But the French Quarter is THE main tourist attraction, offering French cuisine and incredible architecture.

For those who seek festivals, Mardi Gras offers a once-in-a-lifetime occasion that spans two weeks. Parades, colorfully decorated floats, and dances mark the celebration.

The National WWII Museum is also a “Must-See” for everyone. The museum highlights how the war was fought and the weapons that were used.

Carlsbad Caverns, Carlsbad, New Mexico

Carlsbad Caverns is a cluster of over 115 caves! Located in the southern part of the state, these caverns are carved from limestone, and visitors can descend more than 900 feet below the earth’s surface on guided tours.

You’ll find the most significant single cave chamber in North America here, known as the Big Room. Within it, sightseers can set off on a 90-minute walk exploring the extraordinary underground atmosphere.

Statue of Liberty, New York City, New York

This city boasts many sightseeing attractions, including the Statue of Liberty. It’s 152 feet tall and was built in 1886 to represent freedom. Once you’ve seen that, the Empire State Building is another “Must-See” landmark.

Travelers can also visit the Brooklyn Bridge and admire the architectural wonder. Many also visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum to see the footprints of where the twin towers once stood proud.

And since you’re already here, wander through Central Park, which offers a natural environment away from all that concrete and steel.

One thing’s for sure, no matter which of these sightseeing destinations you choose to visit: Don’t forget your camera to snap some memorable shots of your adventure!

For more stunning places to visit in the US, we also highly recommend reading: 6 Unusual Places to Visit in the US