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10. Honolulu, Hawaii

Image: Angela Bailey

Entering the heart of the Pacific can transport you to a world unlike any other, and Honolulu certainly lives up to its reputation as a destination for 2.7 million international travelers . With its backdrop of crystal-clear waters and the imposing presence of Diamond Head, nature's wonder is on full display. But Honolulu offers more than just beach vibes ; it's a journey through the rich history of the island chain.

Waikiki Beach draws crowds in droves, its allure immortalized in countless social media posts. And for those seeking a deeper dive into Hawaiian culture, the Bishop Museum stands as a treasure trove of artifacts and stories. Yet, to truly grasp the essence of Hawaii, one must experience the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival.

This place is in eternal improvement, always striving for better experiences for both locals and visitors.

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9. Boston, Massachusetts

Image: Kareya Saleh

Boston is one of the most visited cities in the country because it combines the best in history, culture, and innovation. It has a rich past and a bustling present and even if there’s another city that never sleeps, Boston doesn’t stay quiet either.

On the one hand, there are several trails that invite visitors to learn not only about America’s history but also about the diverse communities living within the city and the innovations that society experienced over 400 years. These trails are the Freedom Trail, the Innovation Trail, and the Walking City Trail .

But that is not all, Boston also bustles with sport and athleticism and no visit to Boston is complete until tourists have experienced the Boston Marathon , one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors.

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8. Chicago, Illinois

Image: Sawyer Bengtson

Every year, over a million travelers from overseas flock to Chicago and it’s no surprise why since Chicago has it all.

First let’s talk architecture, just a river cruise tour is enough to drop any visitor’s jaw with the stunning skyline that blends history with modernity in the most picturesque way.

Then there are also museums. The Field Museum, for example, houses a mind-boggling collection of over 40 million artifacts and specimens. Visitors could spend days there and still not see it all! And of course, Millennium Park is a must-visit to look at its iconic Cloud Gate structure, better known as The Bean.

However, no visit to Chicago is complete until one has a slice of pizza or a Chicago-style hot dog! Who doesn’t need one of those to charge up and continue their visit?

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7. Washington, D.C.

Image: Maria Oswalt

When travelers decide to include Washington D.C. in their itineraries, there’s not much planning to do, the city itself takes them along the most important spots around.

One can start at the iconic Washington Monument, smack dab in the heart of The Mall. From there, visitors find themselves surrounded by history and landmarks galore. The Lincoln Memorial, the White House, the Jefferson Memorial, and Tidal Basin. If that’s not enough, the Capitol is also there for tourists to see, and of course, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is a must.

Now, beyond the classics, there are also hidden gems to discover. For example, Planet Word, a funky museum that delves into the origins of language, has been housed in a historic schoolhouse since 2020. And for art lovers, the renovated National Museum of Women in the Arts is back in action.

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6. Las Vegas, Nevada

Image: Grant Cai

Las Vegas is a top contender in this ranking because of the different events you can witness there.

For example, the music scene is flourishing with epic concerts that take the stage of The Sphere. But beyond this, Vegas recently made waves with its inaugural Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix and hosting the Super Bowl LVII.

For an unforgettable experience, no visitor can miss the Bellagio Fountains, depicted in many movies and TV shows throughout the years. These stunning water displays, set to music and lights, create a wonderful show right in the heart of Las Vegas.

Another must-see hotspot is the Fremont Street Experience. This vibrant, pedestrian-only street features a massive LED canopy that displays dazzling light shows, live music, and street performers!

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5. San Francisco, California

Image: Braden Collum

One visit to San Francisco is not enough, no matter how tight your itinerary is. Considering this, it’s no surprise it made it to the list of most visited cities in the U.S., it is jam-packed with iconic sights and experiences.

Travelers’ must-do list includes a ride on a cable car, a stroll down the famous Lombard Street, and a good view from the top of Coit Tower. Moreover, the Presidio Tunnel Tops has quickly become a favorite hangout spot, while the Landing at Leidesdorff offers cool pop-up cultural events.

If one is after views and sightseeing, crossing the Golden Gate is a plan you just cannot miss out on, its towering red spires against the backdrop of the bay are simply breathtaking. The Golden Gate Park also offers endless beauty to explore since it represents a sprawling oasis in the heart of the city.

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4. Los Angeles, California

Image: Venti Views

Los Angeles is the ultimate star-studded destination, drawing in millions of visitors each year. One of the city’s biggest draws is the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where you can stroll along the sidewalk and spot the stars of your favorite celebrities. Nearby, the legendary TCL Chinese Theater stands as a symbol of Hollywood’s golden era.

For thrill-seekers, L.A. houses Universal Studios Hollywood in which you can explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and get an inside look at how movies are made on the studio tour.

Of course, no trip to L.A. would be complete without a visit to its iconic beaches . From the bustling boardwalk of Venice Beach to the scenic shores of Malibu, there’s sun, sand, and surf to enjoy aplenty.

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3. Orlando, Florida

Image: Aditya Vyas

Orlando is a magnet for families seeking endless fun, drawing millions of visitors worldwide every year. The city's iconic attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and Legoland Florida Resort keep the excitement going year-round.

Beyond the theme park thrills, Orlando offers a taste of nature too. Whether it's birding at Gatorland Bird Rookery, kayaking with Epic Paddle Adventures, or zip-lining at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden , there's something for every nature enthusiast.

Plus, for those looking to explore beyond Orlando, the eco-friendly Brightline rail service connects Miami, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach.

At first sight, Orlando might seem like the perfect place to visit with kids, but it’s actually the perfect scenario for adults and couples on a romantic getaway!

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2. Miami, Florida

Image: aurora.kreativ

Miami is more than just beaches and parties, it is a cultural hotspot with endless things to see and do. Sure, South Beach and Ocean Drive are iconic, but Miami offers much more today.

Wynwood, once a neglected area, has blossomed into an art lover’s paradise. The Wynwood Walls boast 35,000 square feet of vibrant murals, making it the trendiest district in town. Don’t miss the Museum of Graffiti or the Nader Art Museum of Latin America.

Miami’s Magic City nickname is well-deserved with attractions like The Underline, a 10-mile-long urban park , opening in phases.

For a unique experience, check out Circ X, an avant-garde performance troupe that pushes the boundaries of traditional entertainment. Their shows are electrifying and unforgettable! Whether you are into art, nature, or luxury living, Miami is ready to receive every kind of visitor!

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1. New York City, New York

Image: Thomas Habr

New York City, the Big Apple, or the city that never sleeps, whatever you call it, there’s no denying its status as a global icon. From towering skyscrapers to world-famous landmarks, New York offers a dizzying array of attractions that captivate millions of visitors each year.

Times Square is a classic with its dazzling lights and bustling energy, it is definitely a must for first-time visitors. Take a Broadway show, snap a selfie with the iconic billboards, and soak up the electrifying atmosphere.

For a bird's-eye view of the city, head to the top of the Empire State Building or One World Observatory, the panoramic views are simply breathtaking. And if the views are what you are after, you cannot miss the chance to take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The Fifth Avenue, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, and so much more to see!

New York is representative of the rest of the country, it is a melting pot of culture, cuisine, creativity, and more. The Big Apple never fails to leave a lasting impression!

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Friends

Image: Ilse Orsel

Who couldn’t sing along to the opening song of Friends ? "I'll be there for you" is an anthem that sparks instant nostalgia. Friends was the comfort blanket of the '90s and early 2000s: Six pals navigating life and love in a surprisingly affordable New York apartment.

Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe. Over 52 million viewers watched the finale. For ten years, Friends made millions feel like part of the gang.

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The Ed Sullivan Show

Image: william f. santos

For over two decades, between 1948 and 1971, The Ed Sullivan Show was America’s Sunday night ritual. It had over 20 million average weekly viewers!

Families gathered in living rooms across the country to watch this variety show that brought together everything from opera to Elvis . And in 1964, over 73 million viewers tuned in to see four mop-topped Brits called The Beatles make their U.S. debut!

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All in the Family

Image: Daniel von Appen

At the center of the 70s sitcom All in the Family was Archie Bunker, a prejudiced but lovable working-class man played by Carroll O’Connor, whose outdated views clashed with his liberal son-in-law "Meathead" (Rob Reiner).

The show tackled topics like racism, women’s rights, and the Vietnam War, and viewers loved seeing arguments they were having at home play out on screen.

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Bonanza

Image: Olivier Piquer

Bonanza was the number one show between 1964 and 1967, although it aired from 1959 to 1973. Set on Ponderosa Ranch, near Lake Tahoe, Bonanza was a cowboy family drama .

Audiences fell in love with the Cartwrights: Ben, the wise patriarch, and his three very different sons. The show stood out for its lush color cinematography (very rare at the time) and storylines that combined action with moral lessons.

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Gunsmoke

Image: Brice Cooper

Gunsmoke, which also boasted the Western genre, remained number 1 for multiple years as well. It was one of the first TV titans to accomplish such a thing. It held the record for the longest-running primetime drama for decades. Set in Dodge City, it followed law-upholding Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness).

When Chester, Dillon’s original deputy, left the show, fans were devastated. With over 600 episodes , Gunsmoke redefined the genre and left a permanent mark on American pop culture.

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Jeopardy!

Image: Gift Habeshaw

Jeopardy! is a legacy that started in 1984 and is still going strong! That has led to its amassing over 10 million average viewers over the decades. How many TV shows share the same claim?

For generations, it’s been the show that makes you feel smarter just for watching (if you can outsmart the participants, that is). The answer-first, question-last format ("What is the Eiffel Tower?") became iconic, and the theme music is forever ingrained in America’s collective brain.

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Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

Image: Jordon Conner

Whenever Regis Philbin asked, "Is that your final answer?" America held its breath. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire exploded onto U.S. screens in 1999 at the turn of the millennium.

The phenomenon drew 28 million viewers at its peak. The first winner, John Carpenter, made headlines for not using a single lifeline until the final question, when he used "Phone a Friend" just to call his dad and say, "I’m about to win a million dollars." That moment alone is a TV legend.

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Survivor

Image: Rowan Heuvel

Sixteen strangers marooned on a tropical island, forced to build shelter, find food, and outwit each other for a million dollars. This had a social-experiment factor that made it impossible for America to look away.

The very first season, set in Borneo, was an instant smash, with 28 million viewers. Host Jeff Probst’s fire-snuffing catchphrase ("The tribe has spoken") became iconic.

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American Idol

Image: Eduardo Balderas

Did you watch live as the life of American Idol’s first-ever winner (Kelly Clarkson!) changed forever? In the early 2000s, American Idol turned everyday dreamers into superstars and had the whole country voting on their fates.

At its peak, it drew over 30 million viewers each week.

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60 Minutes

Image: Alla Eddine Taleb

Do you remember a 60 Minutes episode that had you at the edge of your seat? Beginning in 1968, this show proved that journalism could be far more riveting than fiction.

Its secret was in smart and human storytelling, no-nonsense interviews, and a lineup of legendary correspondents like Mike Wallace, Morley Safer, and Ed Bradley.

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The Cosby Show

Image: Francisco Andreotti

In the 1980s, The Cosby Show was the cultural touchstone. At its heart was the Huxtable family, an upper-middle-class Black household in Brooklyn, led by Cliff (Bill Cosby), an affable obstetrician, and Clair (Phylicia Rashad), a sharp attorney. Plus their chaotic five kids.

One of the most beloved moments was the family lip-syncing Ray Charles' "Night Time Is the Right Time" for Cliff’s birthday.

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Seinfeld

Image: Rob Laughter

The premise of Seinfeld was a show about nothing . The sitcom ended up stealing the show. Between 1989 and 1998, Seinfeld cast a light on mundane life (you know, waiting in line, losing socks, awkward small talk) and turned it into comedy gold.

This "show about nothing" gave us four unforgettable New Yorkers: Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer. Its finale drew 76 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched episodes ever.

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Cheers

Image: Andrea Mininni

This gem of the 80s invited America into a cozy Boston bar that felt like home. Centered around bartender Sam Malone (Ted Danson) and a colorful cast of barflies, waitstaff, and neurotic patrons, it delivered laughs, heart, and genuine warmth.

The chemistry of the ensemble was golden. And what people loved the most was that "Cheers," much like the "Central Perk" of Friends , was a place of belonging.

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Dallas

Image: K. Mitch Hodge

Of course, Dallas, the ultimate primetime soap, cannot be left out of this list! This dramatic master of cliffhangers left the nation gasping. At its core was J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman), one of TV’s most devious villains, who still had fans rooting for him.

The show became a cultural phenomenon, especially in 1980 when America asked, "Who shot J.R.?" That season finale was watched by more than 80 million people.

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MAS H

Image: Robert Ruggiero

Set during the Korean War, MASH was unlike anything else on TV. It mixed satire and unforgettable characters in a mobile army surgical hospital. Alan Alda led the cast as Hawkeye Pierce, backed by a beloved ensemble that included Loretta Swit, Jamie Farr, and Mike Farrell.

The show’s final episode, "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen," aired in 1983 and drew 106 million viewers. That was a record that stood for decades!

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Stand and face the bear

Image: Robert Thiemann

If a black bear approaches you, stand your ground and face it directly . Never run away from or approach it. The bear is most likely just as surprised as you are and will avoid getting into a fight. If the animal sees that you don’t flee, it will simply walk away looking for an easier, less crowded direction.

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Appear big

Image: Tristan Frank

A trick often employed in nature by animals and insects that need to deter bigger creatures is to make themselves appear larger by any means necessary. The same tactic should be employed if you encounter a black bear. Make yourself look as big as possible by spreading your arms or, better yet, using a coat if you have one at hand.

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Make some noise

Image: Isabel Lee

No other animal in nature can create noises like a human can. Either screaming at the top of your lungs or banging on a pan, the kind of noise you can produce is extremely startling for almost any animal, including bears, which will leave you alone as soon as they can.

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Keep bear spray at hand

Image: Michael Anfang

Bear spray is a highly effective deterrent against black bears. If a bear approaches and you have bear spray, don't hesitate to use it . The animal will find the whole ordeal extremely unpleasant and will flee immediately.

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Fight back

Image: Julia Fiander

In the extremely rare event of a black bear trying to attack you, attempt to escape to a secure location. If escape is not possible, fight back using any available object . Focus your blows on the bear's face and muzzle. Never play dead, as this can encourage the bear to continue its attack.

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Remove what attracted the bear

Image: Susan Elizabeth Jones

If you have seen a bear near your home or the area where you are staying, be sure to remove whatever attracted them to the location . This could include a used barbecue grill with leftover grease or meat, a bird feeder, unattended pet food, or garbage.

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Alert your neighbors

Image: Alla Kemelmakher

If you have seen bears or any signs of their presence in your area, alert your neighbors. Even if you have taken the necessary precautions to deter the presence of bears, your neighbors might be doing otherwise if they are not aware of the situation.

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Keep your pet safe

Image: Camerauthor Photos

If you are in an area where black bears, or any bears, are known to exist, always check for their presence before letting your dog, cat, or any other pet go outside. If a bear is in the vicinity, create a safe, enclosed space where your pet can retreat. If possible, move your pet indoors quickly and calmly, keeping them away from windows or doors where they could attract the bear's attention.

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Give the bear an escape route

Image: Bruce Warrington

If you encounter a bear in your area, follow the advice mentioned earlier and always make sure to leave an escape route for the bear to leave easily. If the animal feels cornered, there is a much bigger chance of getting into an aggressive situation.

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Airtight containers

Image: Marcus Urbenz

Make sure to store garbage in secure, airtight containers inside a garage or other enclosed storage area. Adding ammonia to trash cans and bags will help reduce odors that attract bears. Also, clean garbage cans with ammonia at least once a week to eliminate residual odors.

Do not store recyclables on a porch or in a screened sunroom, as bears can smell these items and will rip through screens to get to them. Place garbage outside only on the morning of collection, not the night before.