1

Hawaii (1,052 miles)

Image: Karsten Winegeart

Over 1,052 miles of volcanic islands, a unique blend of black sand beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs await.

Snorkel with sea turtles in Hanauma Bay on Oahu, or learn to surf on the legendary waves of Waikiki Beach. You could also visit the dramatic cliffs of Kauai, featured in film sagas like Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean.

2

Oregon (1,410 miles)

Image: Dave Hoefler

You might remember seeing Haystack Rock featured in the film The Goonies , or glimpses of the charming town of Astoria , where the classic Free Willy was filmed.

These are just two of the many jewels of Oregon's Pacific coastline. Dramatic sea stacks, hidden coves, and beautiful towns like Cannon Beach also await.

3

New York (2,625 miles)

Image: Tommy Kwak

New York's coastline offers a mix of bustling beaches, charming towns, and iconic landmarks. There’s the famous Coney Island boardwalk , as well as the historic lighthouses and sandy shores of Long Island.

If you’ve seen the romantic drama Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind , surely you’ve felt curious about visiting the remote, nostalgic beaches of Montauk.

4

Washington (3,026 miles)

Image: Jennifer Arlem Molina

Rugged beaches, dramatic cliffs, and waterfront cities line the 3,026 miles of Washington's coastline. You can visit Pike Place Market in Seattle, or take a ferry to the Olympic Peninsula to hike through rainforests and explore tide pools.

The Washington State Ferries system can also take you to the San Juan Islands archipelago, famous for its forest waterfalls and whale-watching tours.

5

Virginia (3,315 miles)

Image: Steve Adams

Virginia ranks among the 10 states with the longest coastlines. Its sandy beaches and wide shores are also home to many historical landmarks .

You can explore Colonial Williamsburg, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, as well as Mount Vernon by the Potomac River.

6

Texas (3,359 miles)

Image: Thomas Park

On Texas's Gulf Coast, you'll find Padre Island, the longest barrier island in the world , with pristine beaches and a haven for wildlife. There’s also Galveston Island, which blends history and entertainment with its Victorian architecture, museums, and family-friendly attractions like Moody Gardens.

7

North Carolina (3,375 miles)

Image: Joe Dudeck

The iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is just one of the stunning views along North Carolina's Outer Banks. This state is famous for its Outer Banks , a chain of barrier islands with windswept beaches.

A notable attraction is the shipwreck-littered Graveyard of the Atlantic, a stretch of treacherous waters that fascinates many and features its own museum. And we can’t forget the historic Kitty Hawk, where the Wright brothers made their first flight.

8

Michigan (3,288 miles)

Image: John Schaidler

With over 3,000 miles of Great Lakes coastline, Michigan offers some of the most diverse shoreline experiences in the US.

You can explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore along Lake Michigan, or step back in time on Mackinac Island, known for its Victorian charm and car-free roads . Another gem is the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior, with its dramatic cliffs.

9

Maine (3,478 miles)

Image: Rachel C

Maine's rugged coastline is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring cliffs, picturesque fishing villages, and abundant wildlife.

If you love animals in their natural habitat, you can visit seals and puffins in Bar Harbour. If you like hiking to stunning views, you can visit Acadia National Park and make it to the top of Cadillac Mountain .

10

California (3,427 miles)

Image: Meriç Dağlı

The Golden Coast must be included, of course! California's iconic coastline is a dream for beach lovers. Surfers can catch waves in Huntington Beach, a.k.a. "Surf City USA."

Other must-see spots include the Golden Gate Recreation Area, San Diego’s La Jolla, and, of course, Santa Monica’s colorful and bustling pier and boardwalk .

11

Louisiana (7,721 miles)

Image: Brent Woods

Louisiana's bayous and wetlands make its coastline unique. The Mississippi River Delta is an ecological treasure, home to abundant birdlife and fisheries, while the Atchafalaya Basin boasts the largest wetland and swamp in the US.

Of course, New Orleans is the cultural heart of this state, where jazz, gumbo, and beignets summon tourists from all over the world.

12

Florida (8,436 miles)

Image: Lance Asper

Florida! Sun-kissed beaches year-round and magnetic turquoise waters make this state’s coastline one of the most visited in the country.

The Florida Keys offer coral reefs perfect for diving, especially in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. One should explore Miami Beach’s Art Deco District, the Everglades that spill into Florida Bay, and of course, the dreamy sights along Key West.

13

Alaska (33,904 miles)

Image: jesse orrico

Finally, with over 33,904 miles of coastline, there’s Alaska—a treasure trove of natural wonders like the ice formations of Glacier Bay National Park and the playful otters of Kenai Fjords National Park.

In Juneau, the state capital, you can witness humpback whales breaching in Auke Bay. So, if you don’t mind the cold or the long journey, you might want to visit and experience the breathtaking scenery!

1

Vanderbilt Mansion

Image: Michael Denning

The Vanderbilt Mansion was one of several homes owned by Frederick William Vanderbilt and his wife Louise Holmes Anthony. Built between 1896 and 1899, this 54-room marvel is an excellent example of the Beaux-Arts architectural style , characterized by its grandeur and ornate detailing. In addition, the mansion's interiors are representative of the American Renaissance.

Historically known as Hyde Park, the estate includes 211 acres and is built on a hilltop overlooking the Hudson River. It includes well-groomed flowerbeds, formal gardens, woodlands, and ancillary buildings. In 1940 the Vanderbilt Mansion was designated a National Historic Landmark. Today it’s a historic house museum operated by the National Park Service.

2

Hildene Mansion

Image: sarahlawrence603

Hildene Mansion was built in 1905 by Robert Todd Lincoln, eldest son of President Abraham Lincoln. This Georgian Revival-style mansion is set on a 200-foot promontory, which offers a panoramic view of the Battenkill Valley. The name "Hildene" comes from Old English words meaning "hill" and "valley with stream".

Hildene Mansion remained in the possession of the Lincoln family until 1975. Then, in 1978, the property was acquired by a non-profit organization that restored it, preserving its historic integrity. Today this former summer home is one of Vermont's most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can wander around the large estate and contemplate its opulence: from the grand entry staircase to the original furnishings.

3

Swan House

Image: Michael Starkie

Swan House, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a historic mansion built in 1928 by Edward and Emily Inman, heirs to a cotton fortune. The mansion's eclectic design combines neo-Renaissance styles with a classical approach. The 28-acre estate features terraced gardens and a cascading fountain on the hillside. Carved or painted swans are a recurring motif throughout the house and gardens.

In 1966, the Atlanta Historical Society acquired the house and grounds. Today, Swan House is part of the Atlanta History Center and operates as a museum documenting 1920s American history. Many of the Inmans' original furniture pieces are still on display, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

4

Hearst Castle

Image: Mike Hsieh

On the west coast, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, there’s a magnificent mansion, a combination of a medieval castle , a Spanish cathedral , and a Roman temple. Hearst Castle is the result of the feverish dreams of one of the greatest tycoons of the 20th century: William Randolph Hearst.

Facing the Pacific Ocean, this four-building palace has 175 rooms, 40 bathrooms, and gigantic extensions of gardens. An immense semicircular outdoor swimming pool, a private zoo, tennis courts, a huge Gothic-style library, a movie theater, and an airfield are also part of this estate that took almost thirty years to build. Once visited by the most prominent Hollywood stars and politicians of the time, today Hearst Castle is registered as a National Historic Landmark and functions as a museum.

5

Ca d’Zan

Image: Tessa Edmiston

This estate located on the shores of Sarasota Bay was once the exquisite winter residence of American circus magnate John Ringling and his wife Mable. The majestic Ca' d'Zan —Venetian for "John's House"— is an incredible Mediterranean-style architectural beauty built in 1926 to resemble a palace on the Grand Canal in Venice.

The extravagant 5-story building is adorned with stained glass, stucco, and terra cotta details. It features 56 rooms, an 82-foot observation tower, and an impressive marble terrace overlooking the ocean. This residence, an icon of the Florida Boom Years of the 1920s, was restored by the state and opened to the public in 2002.

6

Old Westbury Gardens

Image: Jialin Hu

Old Westbury Gardens, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located in Nassau County on New York's Long Island peninsula. The 23-room estate was once the home of businessman John S. Phipps, his wife Margarita Grace, and their four children.

Completed in 1906 by English designer George A. Crawley, the magnificent Charles II-style mansion is set amid 160 acres of formal gardens, woodlands, ponds, and lakes. This former private estate is now a museum that can be visited from April through October. It is also regularly used for cultural events, private parties, and as a film set for Hollywood productions.

7

Oheka Castle

Image: Peter Oswald

Believed to have inspired "The Great Gatsby," Oheka Castle is the largest private home in New York and the third largest in the United States. Although now it’s a hotel, this estate was once the country home of financier and philanthropist Otto Hermann Kahn and his family. In fact, the name "Oheka" is an abbreviation derived from the first letters of his name.

The mansion, located on the North Shore of Long Island in West Hills, New York, was built between 1914 and 1919. In recent years Oheka Castle has gained popularity as a wedding venue for socialites and celebrities and was used for photo shoots , films , and television series. The castle also houses a bar and a restaurant and offers guided tours for regular visitors.

8

Lyndhurst Mansion

Image: Pixabay

Designed in 1838 by the famous American architect Alexander Jackson Davis, Lyndhurst Mansion is a remarkable example of Gothic Revival architecture. This country house is located in Tarrytown, New York, along the Hudson River, and was owned by New York Mayor William Paulding Jr, merchant George Merritt, and railroad magnate Jay Gould.

In 1961, Gould's daughter, Anna Gould, donated it to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In 1966, Lyndhurst was recognized as a National Historic Landmark, a testament to its historical and architectural significance. Today, the house is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its unique features and learn about its rich history.

9

Villa Vizcaya

Image: Zoshua Colah

Between 1914 and 1923 philanthropist and conservationist James Deering built this sumptuous mansion as his winter home. Born in South Paris, Maine, Deering suffered from anemia, so his doctors recommended that he seek refuge in a sunny, warm climate. South Florida was the perfect place to recuperate. He lived in Miami until his death in 1925.

In the mid-20th century, the county took possession of the complex and its extensive Italian Renaissance gardens and began operating as a museum. Over the years Villa Vizcaya has hosted countless historic events, such as the meeting between Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II, and the first Summit of the Americas. In 1994 it was designated a National Historic Landmark and today is open to the public for tours.

10

The Biltmore Estate

Image: Stephanie Klepacki

In the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina stands a true architectural marvel: the Biltmore Estate. At more than 178,926 square feet, this legendary residence with 250 rooms, 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces is the largest privately owned house in the country . Biltmore Estate is also a monument that reflects the grandeur and luxury of the American Gilded Age.

Inspired by the landscape, George Washington Vanderbilt, grandson of industrial titan Cornelius Vanderbilt, set out to build an estate that would combine European elegance with American nature. Designed in the Châteauesque style, the mansion —which reportedly cost $5 million (equivalent to about $183 million today)— was finally inaugurated on Christmas Eve of 1895. Today, the Biltmore Estate attracts millions of visitors every year who are amazed by its architectural splendor and history.

1

Bruce Willis

Image: Stefano Pollio

When The Sixth Sense hit theaters in 1999, it spooked audiences—and simultaneously lined Bruce Willis’s pockets. He took home $14 million upfront, but thanks to a clever back-end deal, his total haul soared to a staggering $100 million. In this one, he saw green people!

2

Tom Cruise

Image: Ryuno

For Mission: Impossible 2 , Tom Cruise saved the world—and walked away with $100 million. Thanks to his producer credit and box office cut, this 2000 sequel became one of the most lucrative gigs in Hollywood history. Cruise really ran away with it.

3

Robert Downey Jr.

Image: Jason Leung

In 2018, Avengers : Infinity War pulled in billions, and so did Robert Downey Jr. Well, almost. With bonuses and back-end deals, his total payday for playing Tony Stark topped $75 million. That’s a superhero salary fit for a billionaire genius playboy, don’t you think?

4

Sandra Bullock

Image: NASA

Sandra Bullock scored big with Gravity in 2013. She earned $20 million upfront, but back-end profits pushed her total haul to over $70 million. Not bad for floating around in space—with a healthy dose of acting brilliance, of course.

5

Tom Hanks

Image: Yosuke Ota

Tom Hanks brought everyone to tears in Forrest Gump , and his deal gave him a slice of the movie’s massive success. Thanks to profit sharing, he earned around $70 million for his iconic role. Life is indeed like a box of chocolates—sometimes there’s a gold bar inside.

6

Harrison Ford

Image: Intricate Explorer

Speaking of gold, in 2008, Harrison Ford returned as Indiana Jones and struck box-office gold. Thanks to a cut of the profits, he took home $65 million for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull . Not bad for dusting off the old fedora, right?

7

Jack Nicholson

Image: Ryunosuke Kikuno

Jack Nicholson pulled more than one trick in Batman (1989). To play the Joker, he accepted a lower salary of $6 million in exchange for a percentage of merchandise and box office profits. Guess how that ended? A massive $60 million payday. The joke was on everyone else!

8

Leonardo DiCaprio

Image: Christophe Hautier

You may think we’re talking about Titanic , but Leo’s layered performance in Inception was the one that earned him a fat check. He skipped a massive upfront fee and gambled on box office bonuses, ultimately walking away with $59 million. Looks like the dream really did pay off.

9

Johnny Depp

Image: Christopher Zenzel

In Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), Johnny Depp took home $35 million just to show up. With bonuses, his total payout reached approximately $55 million. Captain Jack Sparrow really did find his fortune.

10

Margot Robbie

Image: Elena Mishlanova

Margot Robbie played Barbie, and for that, she banked like a superstar. Her starring and producing role in Barbie (2023) earned her $12.5 million upfront, but back-end profits boosted her total haul to $50 million. Never underestimate the power of pink strength!