1

New York Times

Image: Marco Lenti

"The Gray Lady" remains the go-to online newspaper in the country. It is the only news site to make it into the top 15, landing in the last place.

Its renowned journalism—and, let’s be honest, its Wordle and crossword puzzles—have captivated millions, keeping readers coming back for comprehensive coverage of national and international news.

2

ESPN

Image: Tech Daily

Sports enthusiasts have made ESPN the ultimate online destination, securing its spot at number 14 on the list. From live games and scores to in-depth analysis and highlights, ESPN provides a 24/7 feast for sports fans.

Most of us have favorite teams we follow religiously, while others visit the site just to stay casually up to date with the world of sports .

3

Microsoft Online

Image: Bram Van Oost

A powerful and versatile tool, Microsoft Online secured the 13th spot on the list. Its sprawling digital landscape offers everything from cloud computing services (Azure) and productivity software (Microsoft 365) to gaming (Xbox) and search (Bing).

It's a one-stop shop— one that many people have set as their default site when they open their browser!

4

ChatGPT

Image: Jonathan Kemper

Officially the newest site on the top-15 list, this powerful AI tool became the 12th most visited in 2024, taking the world by storm with its chat-like approach to artificial intelligence searches.

Launched in late 2022, this chatbot can generate text, translate languages, write various types of creative content, and answer questions—like having a super-smart, endlessly patient research assistant. Of course, it’s always wise to double-check its answers!

5

eBay

Image: Oberon Copeland @veryinformed.com

The master of online auctions , eBay has been connecting buyers and sellers since 1995—and we keep coming back for more.

Whether you're looking to thrift, hunt for rare collectibles, or finally get rid of that printer gathering dust, eBay is a treasure trove of unique finds and deals. It’s just as handy for decluttering your attic as it is for fueling your latest obsession at a bargain price.

6

Walmart

Image: Marques Thomas

The popularity of online Walmart couldn’t fall far behind its physical stores. Products at competitive prices make it one of the most visited retail sites.

From groceries and electronics to clothing and home goods, Walmart.com offers a convenient one-stop shop for online shoppers looking for value and variety . It's a digital extension of the familiar in-store experience.

7

Wikipedia

Image: Oberon Copeland @veryinformed.com

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, is a collaborative project that has become an indispensable resource for information seekers worldwide. Since its launch in 2001, it has helped users navigate everything from academic studies to random curiosities and long-standing doubts.

This crowdsourced encyclopedia covers a vast range of topics, from historical events and scientific breakthroughs to pop culture and biographies. While its accuracy is often debated, Wikipedia remains a go-to starting point for research .

8

Instagram

Image: Solen Feyissa

Instagram, the visually driven social media platform owned by Meta, allows users to share photos and videos, express themselves, and connect with others.

The app has evolved far beyond its early days when heavily filtered meal photos dominated feeds. Today, it serves as a digital hub for exploring interests, building communities, staying in touch with loved ones, and capturing life’s moments.

9

X (formerly Twitter)

Image: Kelly Sikkema

X, formerly known as Twitter, is a fast-paced social media platform where news breaks, conversations spark, and 280-character thoughts dominate.

It’s the go-to space for staying updated on current events, engaging in lively debates, and following the musings of everyone—from world leaders to your next-door neighbor.

10

Yahoo

Image: Dylann Hendricks

Did you know that Yahoo was one of the early pioneers of the Internet? While it may not hold the top spot anymore, it remains a popular portal and search engine . (More on the reigning champion later.)

Offering a variety of services, including email, news, finance, and sports, Yahoo provides a centralized hub for online activities. It's a familiar hub for many longtime internet users.

11

Reddit

Image: Brett Jordan

Reddit isn’t for everyone, but for millions, it’s essential. The self-proclaimed " front page of the internet " is a vast network of online communities where users discuss just about anything and everything imaginable.

From niche hobbies and fandoms to breaking news, psychology, and political debates, Reddit offers a forum for every interest imaginable.

12

Facebook

Image: Timothy Hales Bennett

Facebook, now known as Meta, the social media giant , has been connecting billions of people worldwide for over a decade.

It’s a space for sharing updates with friends and family, joining communities with shared interests, and discovering new content. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 193.5 million people have a Facebook account!

13

Amazon

Image: Christian Wiediger

Amazon has revolutionized the way we shop. What began as a humble bookselling site has grown into an unparalleled retail giant, offering an endless selection of products.

Standing third on the podium among the most-visited websites, Amazon is the go-to destination for online shoppers, making it easy to find just about anything you need—or didn’t know you wanted.

14

YouTube

Image: charlesdeluvio

YouTube claims the second spot on the podium as the world’s largest video-sharing platform—it’s a treasure trove of entertainment, education, and information.

From music videos and movie trailers to tutorials and comedy bloopers, users search for just about everything. And, of course, no list would be complete without cat videos.

15

Google

Image: Pixabay

Naturally, Google sits at the top of this list and has the crown. The ubiquitous search engine is so deeply tied to finding information online that it has even become a verb in everyday language.

Every minute, 5.9 million searches are conducted on Google worldwide, with 60% of U.S. searches coming from mobile devices. Ask yourself—how many times a day do you turn to the great search engine? Probably more than you realize!

1

Clint Eastwood

Spaghetti Westerns wouldn’t have been the same without Clint Eastwood, and neither would cinema as a whole. He not only won our hearts with unforgettable performances but also built a career as a respected director and even stepped into politics. But that’s not all: It turns out he’s also one of the tallest actors in Hollywood, standing at an impressive 6'4"!

2

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise is famous for performing his own stunts in some truly dangerous scenes. At 5'7", he may not be Hollywood’s tallest leading man, but that doesn’t stop him from skydiving while flipping through the air, piloting planes, filming atop skyscrapers without a harness, and, of course, being one of the highest-paid actors in the world.

3

John Wayne

Western films and war movies owe a lot to the talented John Wayne. Known as "The Duke," his tough-guy persona came not only from his roles but also from his imposing size: he stood an impressive 6 feet 4 inches tall.

4

Dolly Parton

The queen of country music doesn’t need height to stand out: At just 5 feet tall, she became one of America’s most beloved female singers. Creator of hits like "Jolene," "9 to 5," and "I Will Always Love You," she often wears heels during performances and TV and movie appearances.

5

Danny DeVito

If you thought Dolly was the shortest person on this list, think again, as the talented and beloved actor Danny DeVito stands at 4'10''. His height is due to a genetic condition called multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED), which affects bone growth. Far from holding him back, Danny has showcased his talent in successful films like Batman Returns (1992), Matilda (1996), Big Fish (2003), and many more.

6

Brooke Shields

Height isn’t just for men; just look at actress Brooke Shields, who stands an amazing 6 feet tall. Known for films like The Blue Lagoon (1980) and the sitcom Suddenly Susan (1996–2000), her height and striking beauty also contributed to her great success in the fashion world.

7

Dustin Hoffman

The Graduate (1967), Midnight Cowboy (1969), and Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) are cinematic classics, in large part thanks to Dustin Hoffman’s outstanding performances. While he wasn’t the tallest protagonist at 5 '7", his height never got in the way of these and many other films achieving huge success.

8

Dwayne Johnson

Also in the Tall Club is Dwayne Johnson, better known as "The Rock." Standing an impressive 6'5", his strength goes beyond his height and acting talent, as he also gained fame as a professional wrestling superstar.

9

Taylor Swift

Named Time’s Person of the Year in 2023, Taylor Swift is undeniably one of the biggest sensations of this era. But her musical talent and knack for creating hit songs aren’t all she brings to the table: Her 5'11" height also adds to her stunning stage presence.

10

Al Pacino

Mr. Al Pacino may have brought to life some of the toughest characters, and even a few criminals. But his rugged image might make you think he’s a bit taller. To many people's surprise, Al actually stands around 5' 6". Short or tall, he was destined to be a star!

11

Uma Thurman

Brooke Shields and Taylor Swift aren't the only tall women on this list. The star of Pulp Fiction (1994) and Kill Bill (2003–2004) also ranks among the tallest. At 5'11", Uma Thurman has always stood out for her versatility and commanding screen presence.

1

Frankford Avenue Bridge, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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

Long before America declared independence, a bridge was already standing strong in Philadelphia. Built in 1697, the Frankford Avenue Bridge holds the title of the oldest bridge still in use in the United States. Picture stagecoaches rattling across its stone arches, carrying passengers between Philadelphia and New York. Today, cars hum across the same path, hardly noticing they’re rolling over a structure that has endured for more than three centuries —a quiet survivor of colonial times still woven into modern city life.

2

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

Image: Maarten van den Heuvel

What if we told you that a bridge once called "impossible" now defines an entire city? When it opened in 1937, the Golden Gate spanned an incredible 4,200 feet, a record that stunned engineers across the globe. Its sweeping cables and graceful towers are much more than just steel —it’s poetry over water. Painted in its famous "international orange," this bridge doesn’t just stand tall against the fog, it glows through it, serving as both a practical crossing and a proud emblem of San Francisco’s scenic location.

3

Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Tampa Bay, Florida

Image: Joseph Corl

Reaching gracefully across 4.1 miles of Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge rises like a fleet of white sails frozen in motion. Finished in 1987, it was designed to do more than just connect two shores—it was built to inspire. Its towering piers and broad cables give it the look of a ship setting out to sea, a fitting image for Florida’s sunlit coast. On bright days, motorists often describe the drive as more than a commute; it feels like gliding above the Gulf itself, where the horizon stretches endlessly and the water sparkles below like glass.

4

Brooklyn Bridge, New York, New York

Image: Alexander Rotker

Here’s a tale worth telling: when the Brooklyn Bridge first opened in 1883, many New Yorkers doubted its strength. To calm their fears, showman P. T. Barnum led 21 elephants across the span, proving once and for all that the monumental structure could hold far more than horse-drawn carriages. With its stone Gothic towers rising like cathedrals and its web of cables fanning out in graceful arcs, the Brooklyn Bridge is both an engineering triumph and a work of art. More than a century later, it still stands as a symbol of American ingenuity.

5

Memorial Bridge, Washington, D.C.

Image: Devansh Bajaj

Picture this: a bridge that doesn’t just link two shores, but two chapters of American history. The Arlington Memorial Bridge, completed in 1932, was designed to align the Lincoln Memorial with Arlington House, symbolizing a nation healing after the Civil War. Its central span works like an enormous see-saw—an elegant bascule that tips upward, heavy as a freight train, to open the way for ships on the Potomac. More than steel and stone, it’s a gesture of reconciliation and remembrance.

6

Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct, Nicholson, Pennsylvania

Image: WallyFromColumbia at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Imagine standing at the foot of a concrete wall as high as a 20-story tower, stretching farther than the eye expects a bridge could go. That’s what people experienced in 1915 when the Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct—better known as the Nicholson Bridge—first appeared on the Pennsylvania landscape. Spanning 2,375 feet with arches rising 240 feet above the valley, it was the largest concrete bridge in the world at its completion. More than a century later, trains still roll across its 12 arches, looking like miniature toys against the bridge’s sheer immensity.

7

Roebling Suspension Bridge, Cincinnati, Ohio

Image: Thomas Rupp

If the Brooklyn Bridge impressed you, the Roebling Suspension Bridge in Ohio will blow your mind, as it was built years earlier by the same man. When it opened in 1867, it set a world record as the longest suspension bridge, stretching an impressive 1,057 feet across the Ohio River. It was John A. Roebling’s first marvel, only overtaken by his own later New York landmark. For the people of Cincinnati, the bridge was proof that American engineering could rival anything in the world, a daring leap that linked two cities and paved the way for future icons.

8

North Bridge, Concord, Massachusetts

Image: Christopher Ryan

Set foot on the North Bridge in Concord and you’re not just crossing the Concord River—you’re walking into the pages of history. It was in this exact place that, in April 1775, a musket fire rang out, sparking the first battle of the American Revolution and changing the course of a nation forever. The bridge visitors see today is a careful 1956 reconstruction, built to honor the original. Yet, the setting remains almost the same: the quiet river below, the fields beyond, and the sense that this unassuming wooden span still carries the echoes of liberty’s first call.

9

Middle Covered Bridge, Woodstock, Vermont

Image: Michelle_Pitzel

There’s a certain mystique about covered bridges, and Woodstock’s Middle Bridge feels like it was lifted straight from a storybook. Though built in 1969, it was crafted with traditional techniques, giving it the spirit of a much older landmark. Stretching 135 feet across the Ottauquechee River, its peaked wooden roof frames a perfect New England scene —red barns, rolling hills, and the steady flow of water beneath. Beyond its whimsical charm, the roof serves a purpose: protecting the bridge’s sturdy timbers from Vermont’s long, snowy winters so it can stand strong for generations.

10

New River Gorge Bridge, Fayetteville, West Virginia

Image: Ian Pearthree

From a distance, the New River Gorge Bridge might seem like any other stretch of highway. But step onto it, and it’s a different story. Opened in 1977, this steel arch rises 876 feet above the rushing waters below—higher than stacking two Statues of Liberty end to end. It is a symbol of West Virginia’s rugged beauty, celebrated each October during "Bridge Day," when traffic halts, and the bridge transforms into a stage for daring jumps, local crafts, and awe-struck visitors soaking in one of the most breathtaking views in America.

11

Bow Bridge, Central Park, New York, New York

Image: Pierre Blaché

As light as lace yet forged from iron, Bow Bridge sweeps in a gentle curve across Central Park’s shimmering lake. Completed in 1862, it quickly became more than a passage—it turned into a stage for the city’s daily rhythms. Artists set up easels to capture its elegance, photographers frame it against the water, and couples linger at its railings, savoring the view. Street musicians often fill the air with music, while beyond the trees, New York’s skyline stretches high. Amid the steel and stone of the metropolis, Bow Bridge endures as a quiet piece of poetry shaped in metal.

12

Harbor Bridge, Corpus Christi, Texas

Image: Vladislav Osterman

You now know what the oldest bridge in America is, but what about the newest? Unveiled in 2025, the new Harbor Bridge in Texas was designed to last up to 170 years. Its sleek towers and graceful cables rise 205 feet above the water, high enough for massive cargo ships to glide underneath without pause. By day, it’s a marvel of modern engineering, but when night falls, it completely transforms. A sophisticated computer system of LED lights ripples across its frame, painting Corpus Christi’s shoreline in vivid colors. More than a crossing, it’s a staple of economic growth.