1

Hollywood

Image: Jake Blucker

Palm trees, long roads, and one iconic mountain with a most recognizable sign that reads "Hollywood." This place is much more than just that—it’s become a symbol of big dreams and even bigger screens.

Since the early 1900s, Hollywood has been the heart of the world’s movie industry . Films that reach global audiences have been made every single day ever since. Americans popularized the blockbuster, and movie stars like Marilyn Monroe and James Dean became household names worldwide. With events like the Oscars, red-carpet premieres, and starry paths like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the place keeps the mystique alive. This results in millions of tourists flocking to the iconic Hollywood sign every year, hoping to catch a glimpse of stardom. From romantic comedies to superhero flicks, Hollywood movies have a unique style that’s unmistakably American. And hey, who hasn’t secretly wanted to be in the movies?

2

The American Dream

Image: frank mckenna

Few phrases denote the American spirit as much as the "American Dream," and no, it’s not just that it’s right there in the phrase. It’s the fact that the phrase has become a source of inspiration for more than one generation. The American Dream is about the chance we all get (or should get) in life to achieve success, regardless of our background.

The idea is rooted in the belief that hard work and determination can lead to prosperity—a notion that has attracted immigrants and risk-takers for centuries. From the Gold Rush to Silicon Valley, the Dream has evolved but remained relevant because it speaks to the essence of the human spirit.

The American Dream can mean building a home, becoming a CEO, or attending an Ivy League college. It doesn’t matter—it's a concept that feels uniquely American, where ambition is practically a national pastime.

3

Fast food

Image: Kenny Eliason

When people think of American food, fast food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC often come to mind. While fast food wasn’t exactly created in our country, it certainly popularized the quick-and-easy dining experience.

There’s something uniquely American about the convenience of a drive-thru and the guilty pleasure of a cheeseburger and fries. Fast food became a symbol of the American lifestyle in the 1950s, when suburban families sought meals that were fast and tasty.

Today, we even have healthier options, which proves that the industry can adapt while keeping its original charm. It’s quick, it’s familiar, and for many, it just feels like home.

4

Baseball

Image: Joshua Peacock

Speaking of institutions, enter baseball! Rooted in the 19th century, baseball has been a staple of American culture—generations of families united through teams, ballparks, and timeless rivalries .

The crack of the bat, the seventh-inning stretch, and the smell of hot dogs are classic hallmarks of the American baseball experience. You can perfectly picture that, can’t you? The World Series is one of the most anticipated events each year, attracting fans from all over the country.

While it’s played elsewhere, no one embraces baseball quite like America. From Little League to Major League, it’s a sport that feels imprinted in our history. Baseball captures something timeless about America, just as it always has.

5

The Fourth of July

Image: Stephanie McCabe

Summer starts, and with it, one already starts thinking about a certain barbecue, under some certain fireworks, celebrating a certain national date, right?

Every summer for the past 246 years, Americans have gathered to celebrate Independence Day with a bang . Well, not precisely that many years, but you get the point.

The Fourth of July marks the anniversary of the US independence in 1776, and it is celebrated with parades, BBQs, and fireworks displays.

Patriotism meets tradition, and we get flags waving, sparklers shining, and people enjoying a day off work with loved ones. Many cities host grand parades, and fireworks shows light up the skies from coast to coast. There’s nothing quite like the Fourth in this country; it’s a holiday with heart and history.

6

The Wild West

Image: Jeremy Alford

The Wild West conjures images of cowboys, saloons, and dusty trails that are purely American. This period in the 19th century was marked by westward expansion, tales of rugged frontiersmen, and gold rushes.

That was the beginning of cowboy culture, but certainly not the end. Even today, the cowboy spirit lives on in American folklore and pop culture. People still visit old Western towns and attend rodeos to catch a glimpse of that era.

We mentioned Hollywood, and that’s also connected to this because Western movies helped immortalize the myths of the Wild West, with iconic gunslingers and epic standoffs. Although the frontier is long gone, the independent, adventurous spirit it represents still resonates. Don’t you think?

7

Silicon Valley

Image: Amy Vosters

First the cowboys, the gold rush, and the expansion of our territory. But after that was settled, development and innovation knew no bounds, and thus we got places like Silicon Valley—a city that represents modern times and the technology that will take us into the future.

Located in California, this is where major tech giants like Apple, Google, and Facebook all got their start, transforming the area into a hotbed for innovation . Silicon Valley has impacted everything from our daily routines to global communication, with inventions that changed the world. The region is home to countless startups, bringing together brilliant minds and bold ideas.

This technology-driven culture reflects the American spirit of invention and risk-taking. It’s a place where possibilities seem endless, and tech dreams come true.

8

American football

Image: Tim Mossholder

As if baseball wasn’t enough of a cultural activity, American football came to be the country’s favorite sport, bringing people together on fall weekends to cheer for their teams and boo the rivals—admit it!

While other sports are popular worldwide, football, the NFL, and the Super Bowl in particular, are unique to the US. The thrill of game day, with fans tailgating and players charging down the field, is unmatched.

The Super Bowl has even become a cultural event, complete with halftime shows and commercials that people actually watch! Where else have you ever seen something like that?

From high school games to professional leagues, football is a major community event. Fans don their jerseys and root for their team through thick and thin. As American as it gets, right?

9

Route 66

Image: Mateusz Szerszyński

The Main Street of America, the Will Rogers Highway, the Mother Road—how many nicknames can one route have? Well, apparently, that’s what you get when you become the most famous route on the continent.

Route 66 is an iconic symbol of American freedom and adventure. It stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles, and this historic highway takes travelers through diverse landscapes and all kinds of towns.

Route 66 has been immortalized in songs, stories, and even neon signs in roadside diners. Though parts of the road have faded, its legacy remains strong in American culture. Route 66 represents the spirit of exploration that defines our nation. After all, who doesn’t love a good road trip?

10

The Bald Eagle

Image: Mathew Schwartz

Think of words that describe our country. You might be thinking of words like "resilience," "freedom," or maybe even "fierceness." Did we get it right? In any case, if you agree with us on those words, you’ll see that they could describe America or the bald eagle, which was chosen as the national emblem in 1782. This majestic bird has come to represent the United States’ fierce independence.

With its impressive wingspan and piercing gaze, the bald eagle is often seen soaring high in American skies, symbolizing strength and vision. Although once endangered, conservation efforts helped bring the eagle back from the brink, making it an environmental success story. The bird appears on everything from coins to government seals, proudly representing the nation. Even in popular culture, the bald eagle is a go-to image for patriotism. Don’t you just love it?

1

Beware of the banana peel!

Image: SHVETS production

It might sound like a scene straight out of The Three Stooges , but we assure you, this was once a legitimate concern. It’s no myth that residents of Waco, Texas are forbidden from eating bananas and tossing the peels into the street. Lawmakers feared horses could slip on the peels and injure themselves.

This is also true for Elmira, New York. A city ordinance from 1899 stated that no person could throw any banana peels—or any other fruit skins—onto the sidewalk. As it happens, back when bananas were introduced to the northern states, they were very cheap and people usually bought them in bulk. The surplus was huge and the waste was becoming a problem. In fact, in 1893 a woman sued the city after slipping on a banana peel, falling on the sidewalk, and breaking her leg.

2

Dueling candidates

Image: various illustrators, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

It may sound old-fashioned, but this law is still in effect in West Virginia. To be eligible as governor, a candidate must not only be at least 30 years old and have resided in the state for at least five years preceding the election, but they must also never have participated in a duel.

According to §6-5-7 of the West Virginia Code, any citizen who sends or accepts a challenge or participates in a duel with deadly weapons "shall ever thereafter be incapable of holding any office of honor, trust or profit in this state." By the end of the American Civil War dueling had become almost obsolete, but for some reason, The Mountain State is one of the few states that still hasn’t repealed its dueling laws.

3

Extraterrestrial exposure

Image: Bradley Dunn

Despite popular opinion, Title 14, Section 1211 of the Code of Federal Regulations did not make it illegal for Americans to have contact with extraterrestrials or their vehicles. Instead, the law was enacted just before the Apollo 11 mission to give the government authority to quarantine astronauts in case they became contaminated with an alien virus during their moonwalk.

This regulation, best known as the Extra-Terrestrial Exposure Law was adopted by NASA in 1969. It stipulated that astronauts be kept in isolation for 21 days after their liftoff from the Moon in case there was a remote possibility that they were harboring "unknown lunar organisms that might endanger life on Earth." The rule was revoked in 1977 and formally repealed in 1991.

4

Women vote

Image: See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Did you know that although American women were not universally granted the right to vote until 1920, state laws in New Jersey allowed them to vote as early as 1776 ? In 1790, when the New Jersey State Constitution was reformed, it formalized what the previous constitution had only implied: that propertied women could vote.

A few years later, a law expanded the previous election reforms and allowed women without "clear estate" to vote too. So, after the adoption of this 1797 law, the number of women voters at the polls significantly increased. New Jersey women enthusiastically exercised their rights until 1807, when the state finally restricted voting to white men.

5

Keep it classy

Image: Clay Banks

If you want to live in North California, you have to follow some rules of good taste. In 1998, the city of Wilson outlawed the keeping of upholstered furniture on front porches, on the basis that the practice was unsightly and tacky.

A year later, the town of Morganton followed suit, outlawing couches, recliners, and similar indoor furniture from verandas and yards. Mel Cohen, the city mayor at the time, said that outdoor furniture was drawing many complaints, so the city embarked on a quest to "beautify" the neighborhoods. Violators of the ordinance could be fined up to $300 for their offense.

6

Three-second hugging

Image: Mary Taylor

By the beginning of the 21st century, the rules of public displays of affection seemed to be changing and left previous generations in a state of confusion. In 2009, after noticing an increasing number of students embracing in the hallways, school officials in Hillsdale, New Jersey, implemented a "three-second hugging" rule. Apparently, adults were concerned that the constant displays of affection could disrupt the flow of hallway traffic.

Teenagers argued that the gesture was entirely unromantic and merely a way of saying "hello." However, schools preferred to go back to the old handshake in order to maintain an atmosphere of academic seriousness and to prevent any instances of unwanted physical contact.

7

Blue sundaes

Image: Markus Spiske

Ever heard of "blue laws"? Blue laws are rules that once banned certain activities on Sundays, adopted originally for religious reasons. Blue laws often restricted business and recreational activities to encourage observance of the Christian day of worship.

For example, buying ice cream on Sundays was once illegal in Ohio because it was thought to be frivolous and luxurious. To circumvent this law, ice cream vendors began adding fruit toppings to disguise the frozen treat below and make it appear more "nutritious." This clever workaround ultimately led to the creation of the ice cream sundae.

8

Poking turkeys

Image: RDNE Stock project

Finding the perfect Thanksgiving turkey can be an artistry or a real challenge. How can you ensure that the well-rounded breast you pick up in the supermarket’s poultry section will turn into a delicious, juicy treat?

Everyone has their own strategy, but depending on which state you are in, your method might actually be illegal without you even knowing it. For example, did you know that in Los Angeles, California, it is prohibited to poke a turkey for sale in a meat market to check its tenderness? Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

9

Permanent marks

Image: Linda Xu

Carrying a marker in your pocket, purse, or backpack while walking the streets of California could land you in trouble. In the Golden State, it’s illegal to possess "broad-tipped indelible markers" —a.k.a. permanent markers—in a public space. Any person carrying a chisel, an awl, an aerosol paint container, or a harmless felt tip marker can be accused of committing vandalism.

The law is in place to curb graffiti and other forms of unauthorized street art. It is considered a misdemeanor and can be punished with up to 90 hours of community service, typically scheduled outside of school or work hours.

10

Go nuts!

Image: Vladislav Nikonov

Nuts can be a real problem for many people with food allergies. But even so, these laws prohibiting the consumption of nuts in public places may surprise you. For instance, in Boston, Massachusetts, it’s illegal to eat peanuts in church . Meanwhile, in Charleston, South Carolina, eating nuts on a public bus can result in a fine of up to $500 and as much as 60 days in jail.

If you thought it couldn't get any more specific than that, hold your horses! In Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, people are not allowed to eat peanuts while walking backward in front of the Barnstormers Theater during a performance. Probably the craziest law on this list, don’t you think?

1

Choose your destination

Image: Annie Spratt

Unless they have a specific destination in mind, narrowing down the large list of national parks should be the first item on the list of any aspiring visitor. Fortunately, the National Park Service has a helpful section on its website called 'Find A Park,' which allows users to select a park from the list or search for parks by state, activity, or topic.

Once you've decided where you're headed, check for maps, calendars, directions, hiking trails, and operating hours. Additionally, when choosing your perfect destination, consider exploring some under-the-radar parks, which might offer more solitude and less crowded experiences.

2

Check the weather

Image: Inge Maria

Almost nobody wants to be caught off guard by rain when spending time outdoors. Therefore, always check the weather conditions in advance so you can prepare accordingly or reschedule if necessary.

Even if the weather seems favorable in the morning, a thunderstorm could roll in during the afternoon, so it’s best to be prepared.

3

Pack smart

Image: Alice Donovan Rouse

Life in nature is not the same as life in the city. As basic as that statement might seem to most, watching people attempt to hike through rocky trails in impractical footwear reminds us that perhaps it isn’t so obvious.

Therefore, when exploring nature, make sure to bring durable, comfortable gear . Essentials include hiking boots, sunscreen, waterproof jackets, and layered clothing. Even if you don't plan to be out for long, always bring essential supplies like a first aid kit, water, and snacks whenever you visit a national park.

4

Link parks together

Image: John Matychuk

Many parks in the U.S. are within a short driving distance of each other , so it is always a good idea to visit several national parks in the same area. This way, you’ll experience a bunch of different landscapes in one single trip.

5

Historic accommodations

Image: Igor Chitz

Many national parks have historic lodges within their grounds . Featuring natural materials and stunning designs, these accommodations offer a unique experience worth staying in for a night or two. Keep in mind that booking a room can be challenging, and availability may be limited.

6

Free nature

Image: Kalen Emsley

In a world where almost everything comes with a price, it’s refreshing to know that most national parks are free . And the ones that do, charge a modest fee, ranging from $5 to $35, which typically covers up to seven days for an entire carload of people.

7

Pets

Image: Jamie Street

Our furry friends aren’t always welcome in national parks. If you're traveling with pets, be sure to check the park’s policies. Many parks allow pets on leashes in certain areas , such as campgrounds, and some even offer kennels. However, it’s important to research this in advance.

8

Try to avoid peak seasons

Image: Sebastian Enrique

The summer months are typically the busiest time of year at national parks . Visiting popular parks during the off-season means fewer crowds and lower rates. October is considered an ideal time to visit most national parks, as it’s quieter and the weather is pleasant.

Even if you visit a national park during the high season, you can still avoid crowds by arriving early in the morning before most tourists or visiting in the middle of the week to avoid the weekend rush.

9

Tours and campground reservations

Image: Yuriy Rzhemovskiy

In the same vein as the peak season commentary, making tour and campground reservations is always a good idea. Accommodations tend to fill up early, but online reservations are easy to make . Booking in advance will ensure you get the accommodations and experiences you want.

10

Check out the visitor center

Image: Blake Wisz

While many people tend to pass by the visitor center kiosk without giving it a second glance, doing so at a national park can be a very useful stop. You can pick up maps, guides, and up-to-the-minute information on everything from road conditions to hiking trails, as well as learn about special programs offered at the park.

11

Ask the locals

Image: Taylor Flowe

Nobody knows more about the parks than the park rangers who work there every day. They are highly knowledgeable about everything there is to know about their park and are always ready to assist visitors in any way they can.

12

Keep your distance from animals

Image: Elizabeth Meyers

This should be a no-brainer, but it's worth repeating: be respectful of wild animals and keep your distance. The animals you may encounter in some national parks are not captive in a zoo. These animals are in their natural habitat and behave accordingly .

13

Respect nature

Image: harun asrori

Another simple tip: national parks are protected areas where the preservation of nature and entire ecosystems is critical. Therefore, it's essential to follow all park rules during your visit , including staying on designated trails, respecting wildlife, not littering, and being considerate of fellow travelers. This way, national parks will continue to thrive for generations to come.

14

Be mindful of campfires

Image: roya ann miller

Continuing with the obvious tips, we can't leave this one out: unattended campfires pose a serious threat. Help prevent forest fires by never lighting campfires in prohibited areas and always ensuring that authorized fires are properly extinguished.

15

Embrace the digital disconnect

Image: Philip Smart

National parks are places where visitors go to connect with nature, not with their cell phones. Besides, cell service in these areas is often limited. The last tip on this list is always an obvious one, at least for us: put your phone aside and experience the world with your own eyes , which have a much better quality than the best phone ever built.