1

Yellowstone National Park

Image: Meina Yin

Yellowstone National Park, created in 1872, is a vast natural forest of 3,500 square miles that spans the states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. More than half of the world's geothermal phenomena can be observed here , with some 10,000 different examples. It also has more than 300 geysers, which is about two-thirds of all the geysers on the planet.

This location, the first national park in the United States, has been a World Heritage Site since 1978. It is also known for protecting abundant and diverse wildlife —such as grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and wapiti— and for drawing millions of visitors from all over the world each year. And you, have you ever been?

2

Independence Hall

Image: Rdsmith4, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

The Independence Hall, located in historic Philadelphia, was designated a World Heritage Site in 1979. This location, far more than just a building, is considered the birthplace of America’s political foundation . The Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, is where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. And just 11 years later, the United States Constitution was also debated and signed here.

This Georgian-style red brick structure was designed by Scottish lawyer Andrew Hamilton and completed in 1753 to house the colonial assembly of the Province of Pennsylvania. In the 19th and 20th centuries, it was then renovated several times. In 1966, the building was recognized as a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. government and is currently the centerpiece of the Independence National Historical Park.

3

Statue of Liberty

Image: Anthony DELANOIX

Installed in 1886 at the gate of New York’s harbor, the Statue of Liberty has since welcomed millions of immigrants who have come to populate the United States. This colossal neoclassical 305-foot-tall effigy enlightening the world with its torch was made in Paris by the sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi in collaboration with Gustave Eiffel. It was a gift from France to our country on the occasion of the centenary of our independence.

To visit this historic monument, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, tickets must be purchased in advance. Or you can always ride the fare-free Staten Island ferry and admire it from afar in all its splendor!

4

Mesa Verde National Park

Image: Alec Krum

Located in the southwest of Colorado, the Mesa Verde Plateau reaches an altitude of over 8,500 feet. The National Park was established in 1906 and was added to the list of American World Heritage Sites in 1978. This location hosts a large number of Pueblo Indian dwellings built between the 6th and 12th centuries. Some 4,400 settlements have been found , including villages built high up on the plateau and imposing stone-built homes on rocky outcrops, with more than a hundred rooms in some cases.

The Mesa Verde National Park, which nowadays protects these invaluable archaeological sites, is a testament to the ancient cultural traditions of Native American tribes and is among the best preserved in the United States. If you haven’t visited yet, you must! We guarantee you a spectacular window into the past!

5

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Image: Zongnan Bao

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the southernmost Hawaiian island and was founded in 1916. It is best known for its extraordinary biodiversity spread over more than 340,000 acres, and it is in fact thanks to this natural richness that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1987.

The park, as you would have guessed, is home to several volcanoes . Although many of them are currently inactive, two are very much alive: Mauna Loa , which last erupted in 1984, is known to be still active and is considered the world's greatest volcanic mass; Kīlauea is more than 200,000 years old and has been erupting since 1983, the most recent occurring on June 3, 2024.

If you are considering visiting the park, exploring the volcanoes, and enjoying a unique experience, we also recommend a museum tour , where you can learn all about the history of these fascinating fiery peaks.

6

Monticello and the University of Virginia

Image: Richard Hedrick

The Monticello Residence in Virginia, designed by Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, is one of the finest examples of American neoclassical architecture . Since 1987, it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List, along with the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

Jefferson created Monticello as his plantation mansion and envisioned the university as the ideal ‘academic village’ . His vision of architecture, based on classical antiquity, reflects not only his aspirations for a new American republic heir to the European tradition but also the degree of cultural experimentation that could be expected of a country in the process of democratic evolution.

7

Papahānaumokuākea

Image: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Pacific Region's, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Papahānaumokuākea, made up of a series of 583,000 square miles of small islands, atolls, and surrounding marine wilderness, is located in northwest Hawaii. This particular location has enormous natural value as one of the largest marine protected areas in the world . It is equally important for its Native culture. Two of its islands, Nihoa and Makumanamana , bear archaeological remains that attest to the presence of human settlement even before the arrival of Europeans . For Hawaiians, this site has cosmological significance , as it represents the bond between humans and nature.

Papahānaumokuākea was designated a World Heritage Site in 2010, and although it’s not currently open to the general public, it continues to be accessible for research, habitat restoration, and cultural and educational purposes.

8

Grand Canyon National Park

Image: Isadora Neto

Grand Canyon National Park is known as one of the seven natural wonders of the world and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

Located in the state of Arizona, this park is divided by a gigantic steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River, which, at more than 6,000 feet deep, is the most spectacular gorge in the world . This site is so relevant that all the geological history of the last two billion years can be found in its horizontal strata. And across its 277 miles, there are even traces of prehistoric man's efforts to adapt to a particularly inhospitable environment .

If you haven’t visited it yet, you should soon join the more than 5 million people traveling each year!

9

San Antonio Missions

Image: USA-Reiseblogger

This 2015 World Heritage Site, built on what was once the border of New Spain along the San Antonio River, constitutes five mission complexes that reflect the history of the region.

Founded by Franciscan missionaries in the 18th century, San Antonio includes architectural structures, archaeological remains, churches, dwellings, farmland, silos and water supply systems .

This site, located in Texas, is a living testament to the Hispanic monarchy's enterprise to colonize, evangelize, and defend the northern frontier territories of New Spain. These missions are also an example of the mixture of Hispanic and Coahuila culture , as can be seen in the ornamental elements of the churches that mix Catholic symbolism with native naturalist aesthetics.

10

The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright

Image: Yuhan Du

This series of eight Frank Lloyd Wright works recognizes the famous architect's influence on modern design . The most relevant buildings included in the 2019 Unesco designation are Fallingwater House in Mill Run, Pennsylvania; Unity Temple Church in Oak Park, Illinois; Herbert and Katherine Jacobs House in Madison, Wisconsin; and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum of Art in New York City, among others.

These sites are a great example of the ‘organic architecture’ conceived by Wright, characterized by open plan design, the blurring of the boundaries between inside and outside, and the highly original use of materials such as steel and concrete . Wright's innovative conception of architecture, whether in residential, work, cultural, or religious buildings, greatly influenced the evolution of modern architecture in Europe and the United States and is still a point of reference for designers today.

1

Serena Williams

Image: Josephine Gasser

We’ll start with a tennis legend. Serena Williams is definitively one of the biggest names in this sport’s history. Alongside Venus, her sister and doubles partner, Serena managed to set record after record in her 27-year professional career.

In 1999, an 18-year-old Serena won her very first major title in the U.S. Open. Of course, that was only the beginning: She managed to achieve a feat we now know as a "Serena Slam" , winning both a Career Grand Slam and a non-calendar year Grand Slam between 2002 and 2003.

2

Tiger Woods

Image: Steven Shircliff

It's not an unusual sight to spot a red shirt hanging around the final round of a major golf tournament. After all, Tiger Woods always wears this color whenever he’s competing in the most important round of a tournament, which happens quite frequently.

Few names inspire as much admiration among golf players as Tiger Woods does: With 82 PGA Tours wins and 15 majors, he is widely considered one of the greatest golfers in history . Not only that, at 48 years of age he still manages to be a force to be reckoned with.

3

Babe Ruth

Image: Diana Polekhina

You’ll find many "Kings", "Queens" and "Legends" in this article, but only one "Sultan of Swat": Babe Ruth. He is not only one of the greatest baseball players of all time, but he is also an icon in American culture and one of the five inaugural players to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Babe Ruth also holds the dubious distinction of being the source of a jynx. After the Boston Red Sox sold Ruth to the Yankees in 1918, the Red Sox suffered an 86-year championship drought that many fans blamed as karma for the sale. Naturally, this cautionary tale has henceforth been known as "The Curse of the Bambino".

4

Michael Phelps

Image: Gentrit Sylejmani

The title of the most decorated Olympian of all time goes to none other than Michael Phelps, "the Baltimore Bullet". This iconic swimmer made a splash (no pun intended) in every Olympic game he competed in, earning a record amount of 28 medals during his career.

It is fairly hard to choose the most iconic Phelps performance, but we probably lean towards the 2008 Beijing Olympics : Michael won 8 gold medals, breaking the all-time record for most first-place finishes.

5

Michael Jordan

Image: Taylor Smith

Michael Jordan might be the biggest legend in NBA history. He is widely regarded as the best player of all time , having won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and a myriad of other competitions including an Olympic gold medal.

Not only that, Jordan became a cultural icon and one of the most recognizable figures of the 90s, appearing in movies, video games, and in the logo of his iconic Nike shoes, the Air Jordans.

6

Simone Biles

Image: Eduardo Cano Photo Co.

Simone Biles’ debut at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics is one fitting for someone considered to be one of the greatest gymnasts of all time : She won four individual gold medals, as well as gold as part of the United States team.

Nowadays, Biles holds the distinction of being the most decorated gymnast in history , becoming a six-times all-around World champion in the process. Although she was forced to withdraw from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to an injury, the future still seems to hold great things for this amazing athlete.

7

Joe Montana

Image: Dave Adamson

In the 1992 presidential primary, then-candidate Bill Clinton earned the nickname "The Comeback Kid" after securing a last-minute second place in New Hampshire. We’re pretty sure that President Clinton must have been particularly proud of this nickname: After all, it is legendary quarterback Joe Montana's most famous moniker.

Joe Montana earned this nickname through his iconic, last-minute touchdown plays . While he played for the San Francisco 49ers, Joe won four Super Bowls and became the first player to be named Super Bowl MVP on three separate occasions.

8

Jackie Robinson

Image: Mick Haupt

On April 15, every player, coach, and manager of all MLB teams wears the number 42 on their jerseys. This tradition, which started in 2004, is known as "Jackie Robinson Day" , a day dedicated to celebrating and remembering one of the most remarkable baseball players in history.

April 15th is a memorable date in baseball as it commemorates the day Jackie Robinson made his MLB debut. Celebrating his monumental career (winning a World Series and six All-Star games), Robinson was the very first African American player to play in the MLB, and his 1947 debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers marked the end of racial segregation in professional baseball.

9

Billie Jean King

Image: Valentin Balan

Billie Jean King is considered one of the best tennis players in history: She won an impressive total of 39 Grand Slam titles , as well as seven Federation Cups and nine Wightman Cups. However, she is also remembered as a long-standing advocate and pioneer for equality for female players, famously winning a historic match known as "the Battle of the Sexes".

In this 1973 match, while she was the No. 1 ranked female player in the world , King faced former American champion Bobby Riggs, who famously stated that even a retired male player such as himself could defeat the current female champion. King’s victory not only showcased her considerable skills but also marked a milestone in the road for female equality in the sport.

10

Muhammad Ali

Image: Johann Walter Bantz

We’ll end this article with the most celebrated boxer of all time . We could fill this entire article with incredible moments from Muhammad Ali’s life: His achievements are literally too many to count. From his groundbreaking fighting style to his flawless technique, Ali truly earned the title of "the Greatest".

However, this nickname also perfectly describes this boxer’s boundless determination both inside and outside the ring. Perhaps the best example of this can be described by a single, incredibly moving image: Despite his failing health, 54-year-old Ali took the stage at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games to light the Olympic flame.

1

Central Park

Image: Harry Gillen

Let’s open the list with a classic one: Central Park. Located in the heart of New York, Central Park attracts local and foreign visitors by the millions. The reasons are just one too many to list in this article but to put it simply, the park offers a wide variety of activities with some of the most astounding views in the city.

Within the 843 acres, visitors can enjoy views of the Ramble and Lake, the Central Park Zoo, Hallett Nature Sanctuary, and more. No visit to New York is truly complete without a visit to Central Park!

2

Independence National Historical Park

Image: Miguel Ángel Sanz

Our vast country has proudly fought its way to independence and the landmarks that narrate that history are scattered all over the country. However, one city has more landmarks than any other: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Here, you’ll find the Independence National Historical Park, a federally protected area that comprises several historic buildings like the Independence Hall or the Liberty Bell. Do you want to go over history? This is the place for you, and it’s free!

3

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Image: NATHAN MULLET

If nature is your thing, National Parks are the best options. They offer the best views for a free entrance, what’s better than that?

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in our country and, big as it is, it offers more than just stunning mountain views. The park spans across the border of Tennessee and North Carolina and, in it, you can choose to visit the historic structures, walk along the hiking trails, enjoy the waterfalls, and more!

4

Cape May County Park & Zoo

Image: Daiga Ellaby

After two Snow Leopard cubs, the Cape May County Zoo was under the spotlight, and for good reason. This attraction will keep you entertained and won’t make you break the bank.

The animal exhibits, which feature more than 500 creatures , are amazing. Besides, you can also enjoy picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails.

Open every day except Christmas day, the zoo is a perfect opportunity to get to know the wildlife and enjoy an outdoor activity day for free!

5

Golden Gate Bridge

Image: Maarten van den Heuvel

This magnificent bridge has been the main character in many films and TV shows, it’s extraordinary, and imposing and it attracts thousands of visitors every year.

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognizable constructions in America and the World. It is one of San Francisco’s gems and crossing it is just a must for anyone paying a visit to the city. Moreover, visitors can enjoy the Golden Gate National Recreational Area and the Golden Gate Park. Just amazing, isn’t it?

6

U.S. Mint

Image: Adam Nir

Have you ever wondered where the coins you handle every day come from? If that is so, you have to pay a visit to the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia.

Visitors can learn more about the history of the nation’s coins through a self-guided tour that takes only 45 minutes. Additionally, there is a gift shop that offers collectible coins and tokens about the U.S. financial system. And of course, you’ll be able to see how the coins are actually produced. If that’s not enough, meeting Peter the Mint Eagle, a real bald eagle will surely convince you, right?

7

Freedom Trail

Image: Brett Wharton

This is no short trail. The Freedom Trail spans for 2.5 miles and it goes through a variety of locations that are significant in the construction of our nation.

Starting in Boston Common, in downtown Boston, the Trail takes you through historic sites , important buildings, and churches. Note that not every stop in the Trail admits visitors for free, but most of them do at the same time accept donations.

8

JC Raulston Arboretum

Image: micheile henderson

In Raleigh, North Carolina, you can find JC Raulston Arboretum, a 10-acre botanical garden that features a massive collection of plants, bulbs, trees, and more from over 50 countries!

With just a visit, you’ll get to know the most diverse plant collection . In the Arboretum, you’ll find more than ten carefully curated gardens and enjoy educational programs and workshops for all ages.

9

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Image: Giorgia Doglioni

Located in Juno Beach, Florida, Loggerhead Marinelife Center is devoted to marine conservation. It specializes in the treatment and rehabilitation of sea turtles and it offers its visitors the possibility to learn about sea animals’ ecosystems for free.

This place is perfect for children, but people of all ages can enjoy a visit through the guided tours and the educational programs it has. Now, the highlight of this place? You can also adopt a turtle and contribute to ocean conservation! How cute is that?

10

National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center

Image: Levi Meir Clancy

Located in Columbus, Georgia, this museum with free admission goes over the history of the U.S. Army Infantry . The archive collects pieces from the American Revolution to the more current military operations. The exhibits are curated and displayed in different galleries depending on the era.

It is an interactive museum that takes visitors through the values that guide the military task, such as duty, loyalty, service, honor, integrity, and more. Which of these places are you visiting next?