21 Most Popular Things to Do in the United States
With the luxury of having 50 states, you will always find something to do. The US has thousands of fun things in whichever state you choose to travel to. I could do a blog post for each one! To save time, we are going to hit on the 21 most popular things to do in the United States. This is where all the people want to go! Visitors and non-visitors.
So let’s see what everyone’s been talking about!
Here are the 21 Most Popular Things to Do in the United States!
1. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Who am I if I don’t start out with Harry Potter? Calling all of you Hogwarts geeks out there⚡️
At Universal Studios in Florida, they have recreated Diagon Alley. You can literally live out your dreams of being a Hogwarts student. The atmosphere and joy in everyone’s faces here makes it actually feel like you’re a character in the movie.
You can board the Hogwarts express, go on a rollercoaster ride through Gringotts, and try butterbeer!
Such an incredible experience, I highly recommend you add this to your bucket list, or just buy a flight right now!😉
2. Alcatraz Island
This small island is off the coast of San Francisco, California. It’s a major part of United States history and has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in the US.
Alcatraz was a federal prison from 1934 to 1963 and was known for housing some of the most dangerous criminals. There have been multiple failed attempts of prisoners trying to escape in that time. They were never found, but officials are under the impression they drowned or suffered from hypothermia. Could they still be alive? The world will never know!
Now you can tour Alcatraz and go see this history for yourself in person!
3. The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most well-known statues in the world. The statue represents the United States freedom and is meant for welcoming immigrants coming from overseas.
In her left hand she has a tablet with the date of the Declaration of Independence, as well as a chain and shackle around her feet representing the abolition of slavery.
Definitely get over to New York to see this lovely, historic statue!
4. New Orleans
New Orleans is located in Louisiana and is the city of Jazz. Jazz made its start here in the 1920s, and still carries on that tradition today. Bourbon Street is one of the most popular streets in the French Quarters, and is a street you must experience. Bars on every street, live music everywhere, daiquiri’s, beer, and beads. This place is the life of the party.
Bonus: go during Marti Gras! It’s a dang party! You’ll get on your flight back home and suddenly your suitcase will be 20 pounds heavier because of all the beads you accumulated😂
5. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is one of the greatest national parks I’ve ever hiked in. The hikes are absolutely incredible. They will challenge you to the max, but at the same time they will bring you the biggest sense of accomplishment.
Plus, they have some unreal landmarks. El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls to name a few.
It needs to be added to your bucket list right now! I have a complete 3 day itinerary for Yosemite National Park found here! Check it out!
6. Honolulu, Hawaii
Complete paradise right here. Hawaii is another must visit in the US. From its fruity drinks, to the bright blue water of the Pacific Ocean, to getting lei’d anywhere and everywhere, there’s no boredom here!
Honolulu, the capital, is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the Hawaiian culture. Unbelievable places to eat, beaches to be beached whales at, and a crazy fun nightlife. Also, there’s one place you HAVE to go to… find out in my post 1 Place You Have to Visit in Honolulu, Hawaii
Bonus: there are tons of food trucks scattered around Oahu that are authentic, filling and extremely yummy. Perfect for when you’re on the road and jumping from beach to beach!
7. Washington D.C.
Of course you have to visit the capital of the US, Washington D.C! One of the most visited places in the United States, this place is full of history and cultural attractions that will leave your mind boggled. Even though I’ve lived here my entire life, I honestly don’t know much about our history (other then the basics).
This is such a great place to learn about this country and how it all began! Plus it’s absolutely stunning. Well groomed, beautiful monuments and memorials, and great food and entertainment. Another bucket list addition right here!
8. Niagara Falls
When I think of New York, I only think of the hustle and bustle of Times Square. But LOOK AT THIS! Niagara Falls is a city (and waterfall) located in NY, right on the Canadian border.
It’s composed of 3 beautiful waterfalls, Horseshoe, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. There are 7 different viewing points, so you’re bound to get all the angles!
If you’re in New York and want to get away from the city for a second, head to Niagara Falls and witness some natural beauty!
9. Golden Gate Bridge
Did you know the Golden Gate Bridge was once called “the bridge that couldn’t be built” ???
It was called that because for 4 years there was tons of wind, fog, and tidal waves that were disrupting the construction of it. And now it gets 24 million visitors every year. The Golden Gate sure showed up whoever said that!
Bike, walk, scooter, skip, I don’t care, get onto this bridge ASAP!
P.S. you can also see Alcatraz from it!
10. The Grand Canyon
One of the natural wonders of the world right here! Located near Flagstaff, Arizona, the Grand Canyon will absolutely blow your mind.
Quick facts:
- The GC is bigger than the state of Rhode Island
- It’s 1 mile deep, 18 miles wide, and 277 miles long😳
- It’s full of hidden caves
- Most dangerous animal in the canyon is the rocky squirrel!
I got these facts from the Pink Adventures Tour page! They have a bunch more great facts, check em’ out!
All in all, you have to visit this place!
11. Chihuly Garden & Glass
Located in Seattle, Washington, Chihuly Garden & Glass is incredible. I never knew glass could bend the way it does in all of Chihuly’s sculptures😂 You get to learn the process of making the glass sculptures, and see all the incredible artwork throughout the site. They do a great job of integrating the beautiful glass sculptures into nature outside as well!
It will most likely take you 2-3 hours to go through, and maybe more if you plan to eat or look in the gift shop!
Either way, this is definitely the place to go if you’re in Seattle!
12. San Antonio River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk is the biggest attraction in Texas! That says a lot because Texas is huge.
It’s usually just a big party! They have parades, pub crawls, boat rides, performances, kayaking, and tons of delicious food places.
It’s the place to go if you’re in Texas!
I recommend going at night – the entire river walk is lit up! It’s so fun to walk around and experience the nightlife there.
13. Hollywood
Hollywood is the show-biz capital of the world. It’s basically where the entire entertainment industry lies! Many famous television and movie companies reside here and it’s where many movies and tv shows have been filmed.
I’m sure you’ve seen the famous Hollywood sign in photos or movies before. The awesome thing is you can actually hike up to it and get up close and personal with it!
Since you’re already in Hollywood, something fun to do is take a drive through the neighborhoods of Beverly Hills. Many famous people live in gigantic houses on the Hills, so seeing them up close is so cool!
14. Las Vegas
Located in Nevada, Las Vegas is the life of the party. It’s known for its crazy nightlife, gambling, entertainment, and casinos/hotels.
Whenever I think of Las Vegas I think of the movie “The Hangover.” It’s just a big ole party that you won’t remember in the morning. Just kidding, maybe.
Las Vegas has lots of other fun things to do besides the nightlife and gambling! Here are a few:
- A helicopter night flight over the city
- Tours to the Grand Canyon (bus or helicopter tours)
- Gondola Boat Ride
- Kayak Tours
And so much more! This is another city you definitely won’t get bored in.
15. Lake Tahoe
Located about 3 hours northwest of San Francisco, Lake Tahoe is a massive freshwater lake (about 22 miles long).
It’s a perfect place for family outings, weekend friend vacations, or even traveling solo!
It’s known for it’s ski resorts that are usually open from November – May. You can honestly do it all here. Skiing, hiking, sailing, helicopter rides, air balloon rides, kayaking, and so much more!
It’s the ultimate adventure spot. I recommend spending at least a weekends worth of time here!
16. Napa, California
WINE COUNTRY! This place is incredible – and one that everyone needs to go to in their lifetime. I felt like I was looking at a painted picture every time I looked out my window.
The colors of the grape vines were vibrantly green and perfectly spaced apart. The trees and valleys in the background framed the entire view and made me feel like I was in a movie.
I can’t say enough great things about this place. Of course the number one thing is WINE. There are tons of wineries you can check out. Watch out, you’re going to be feeling really classy. This is something I don’t feel often and didn’t really know what to do with myself. But it was SO FUN! I recommend scheduling a girls weekend, a couples weekend, or a mother-daughter weekend here.
17. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is the perfect place for skiers, hikers, foodies, and anything in between. It’s located in the rocky mountains, has 4 ski resorts nearby, and plenty of adventures to go on.
If you’re a skier or snowboarder, this is your holy grail! And if you’re not, you can still enjoy everything Aspen has to offer! Here are some of my favorites:
- Whitewater rafting
- Sunset/stargazing tours
- World-class dining
- Snowshoeing
- Kayaking
18. Times Square
New York, New York! The famous place where the New Years Eve Ball Drop happens. When I think of the term “hustle and bustle” I picture Times Square. There’s always people out and about, which makes sense because approximately 50 million people visit here each year😳. You will never find this place empty! (unless in a movie).
It’s home to tons of high end stores, restaurants, Broadway shows, and tons of fashion. A must to visit!
19. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is one of the most well known national parks in the US – and for good reason! It’s known for its famous Old Faithful Geyser, definitely something you can’t pass up when you visit. It erupts around every 90 minutes and is such an awesome sight! There are smaller geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and tons of other geothermal attractions scattered around the park!
This is such a great and beautiful place for hikers and non hikers alike, but be prepared for an extremely potent Sulphur smell. Don’t worry, you’ll forget about the smell because you’ll get so caught up in the beauty of the park!
I’ll leave you with a pretty cool fact: Yellowstone was the world’s first national park! Just another reason to visit!
20. Nashville, Tennessee
You could also call Nashville the country music capital because of its abundance of musicians. Plus, it’s where the Country Music Hall of Fame resides!
Live music is everywhere. The atmosphere here is so uplifting, fun, and friendly. It’s a popular place for bachelor/bachelorette parties or just a quick weekend trip with friends!
21. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is a must visit for all you hikers out there. It’s full of wildlife (watch out for grizzly’s!), intense hikes, beautiful views, and massive mountains.
Even if you’re not a hiker, they have fun little walking paths that aren’t difficult at all! Perfect for family outings or a quick morning walk admiring nature and wildlife – and getting away from your cell phone!
Well, there you have it. I hope you enjoyed the 21 Most Popular Things to Do in the United States!
As always reach out if you want to chat or have any questions!
Talk to you later travel fam👋🏼