USA Bucket List: 10 Best Places to Visit in the US

Parampara Patil HashmiFebruary 28, 2022

USA Bucket List: 10 Best Places to Visit in the US

Every year the number of incoming tourists in the US have increased comprehensively. As per Statista.com, the US has recorded around 1.47 million travellers from India in 2019 and due to the effect of COVID-19, it has dropped to 340 thousand in 2020.

But, after a breather of almost 2 years, in 2022, the US is ready to welcome new travellers wishing to explore the states. However, for a successful trip, it is wise to opt for travel insurance beforehand. Such a plan covers expenses arising due to personal accidents, emergency medical treatment and evacuation, loss of transport, loss of checked-in baggage, accidental death and disability, to name a few.

Whether you are a regular visitor or visiting the US for the first time, the country has a bazillion things to offer and for ease of planning, here is the list of the top 10 best places to visit in the US.

List of the 10 best places to visit in the USA

A comprehensive list of best places to visit in the US is –

1. Austin, Texas

They say that everything is bigger in Texas, and they are not wrong. Austin is a city that will never fail to leave your mouth agape. No matter what you call it, ‘Bat City’, ‘The City of Legends’ or ‘Blueberry in the Red State’, this city is always ready to welcome you. Additionally, with lovely weather and coruscating sunshine, a traveller can find myriad things to do here.

Things to see in Austin

Congress Avenue Bridge

It is by far one of the largest urban bat colonies in the world. Visitors can witness around 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats under this. Visit the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge during dusk to witness them taking to the sky to feed. Visitors can also take a boat tour for a unique perspective and everlasting memory.

Texas Capitol

The Texas capitol is about 95 metres in height, taller than the US capitol building in Washington DC. It was constructed in an Italian Renaissance Revival style in the year 1885. Visitors can take a guided tour of 30 minutes for free, containing numerous monuments and statues.

Zilker Park

The park is for fun, relaxing, and has the beauty of frondescence. Located in the south of the Colorado River from downtown Austin, it covers an area of 351 acres. This is a picnic spot comprising volleyball courts, playgrounds, botanical gardens, nature centre and theatre. It is open throughout the year from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and visitors can enjoy the natural spring of 3 acres that remains at a constant temperature of 20⁰C throughout the year.

Read More: Things we love about nature.

2. Boston, Massachusetts

The city of Boston is a real-life Shangri La. With plenty of experience opportunities, BeanCity, the nickname of Boston, hosts the world’s most prestigious universities such as Harvard University, Berklee College of Music and others. Some of the top destinations of this city are provided below.

Things to see in Boston, Massachusetts

Museum of Science

Visitors of all ages can enjoy the museum’s scientific presentations, which presents live presentations, 700 interactive exhibits, and shows at the Mugar Omni Theatre and Charles Hayden Planetarium. In addition, tourists can spend around 2 to 3 hours of productive enjoyment to allow them to learn about science.

Freedom Trail

The red lines of the skywalk will lead you towards the sites of the American Revolution. This freedom trial assists in the self-guided tour that starts at Boston Common, America’s oldest public park and ends at Bunker Hill Monument.

Boston Tea Party Ships and Museums

Located on the Congress Street Bridge in Boston, the floating museum will surprise you with opportunities for adventure. Be the part of this famous event that altered American history. This tour will last approximately 1 hour and will showcase several interconnected things. However, they have to pay an admission ticket for around $25-$30.

3. Seattle, Washington

Seattle is a flamboyant city with extraordinary natural and urban beauty. With many exploring opportunities, a visitor can locate several places for entertainment. Seattle is particularly famous among visitors for its coffee culture, the tech industry, outdoor lifestyle, grunge music scene and others.

Things to see in Seattle, Washington

Space Needle

The space needle is an observation tower and, due to its signature design and height, has become the most iconic building of this city. Visitors can enjoy magnificent views from this tower to add a whole new dimension to a trip. But, tourists should also check the timing of this from the official website, but in general, this is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Museum of Pop Culture

It is a non-profit museum in Seattle and is famous for richly innovative detailed exhibitions. It also covers various topics such as musicians and their instruments, indie video games, fantasy, science fiction and others. The interior of MoPOP reflects the total fluidity and energy of rock music with kaleidoscopic textures.

Seattle Aquarium

This aquarium was opened in 1977 and has the mission of conserving the marine ecosystem. Visitors can witness various exhibitions such as Crashing Waves Exhibit, Window of Washington Waters, Pacific Coral Reef, etc. This is an ideal place for kids and adults, and travellers can visit here with their families.

4. Houston, Texas

Houston is a major city in Texas and the third-most populous city in the US. City residents speak about 145 languages, and individuals from 90 countries have consular state representation. This city is also the world capital of air conditioning, space exploration, the international energy industry and petroleum exploration.

Things to see in Houston, Texas

Space Centre Houston

The Space Centre Houston is a science museum and serves as an official visitor centre for NASA Johnson Space Centre Houston. This museum attracts visitors from across the globe and hosts STEM programs for all ages. It displays about 400 space artefacts, the Apollo 17, Gemini 5 and Mercury 9 space capsules. Before the visit, a traveller must check the date and timings from the official website.

Houston Zoo

Opened in 1922, Houston Zoo is located in Hermann Park, Houston, Texas. It is home to about 700 species and thousands of animals. Hence, it is a perfect place for both children and adults. Visitors might have to purchase an online ticket; however, they are advised to check the guidelines beforehand.

Houston Museum of Natural Science

HMNS is a great place to visit for young individuals and nature lovers. Visitors can find myriad information on several subjects such as astronomy, palaeontology, Chemistry, wildlife, etc. One of the most famous centres of the museum is the Cockrell Butterfly Centre.

5. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a city in Louisiana and is famous for its cuisine, music, festivals, notably Mardi Gras. One of the primary things that most youths praise about the city of New Orleans is its nightlife at Bourbon Street. However, apart from it, the town allows travellers various options for shopping, witnessing history, visiting museums and others.

Things to see in New Orleans, Louisiana

The National WWII Museum

It is an ideal place for every history lover. This unique place has opportunities to witness some of the impressive collections of artefacts and films documenting WWII. Ideally, visitors can spend around 2 hours, and they have to buy tickets to get into this place.

Garden District

It is a relaxing place to hang out for tourists and is located southwest of the French Quarter. Visitors can take a walk around the garden and witness the beautiful architecture of the neighbourhood at any time of the day. Also, the leafy streets host some of the best cafés and shops where you can stop by.

The Cabildo

This monument was constructed in 1799 and was once a seat of the Spanish government. It is one of the ideal places to witness Spanish architecture and often displays archaic artefacts. The Cabildo is open from 10 a.m. to4.30 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday.

6. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is Georgia’s capital city and is one of the most famous US cities for travellers. The cityscape and climate of this city will keep you in the mood and will surely make your trip memorable.

Things to see in Atlanta, Georgia

Piedmont Park

This soothing 185-acre park is a must place for a visit. Apart from it, Piedmont Park hosts Atlanta Botanical Garden and summer festivals. Average tourists can spend up to 1 to 2 hours here and take some stunning photographs for memories.

Georgia Aquarium

Located in downtown Georgia, this museum is one of its kind. It has six separate galleries containing 70 habitats and 10 million gallons of water, and thousands of marine species. It is an ideal place for kids and visitors can spend more than 3 hours here.

Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta is one of the finest zoological institutions in the US. As a family-friendly place, kids can have a great time witnessing over 1000 types of animals, including Pandas. For tickets, visitors must check the official websites, and they can easily spend around 2 to 3 hours here.

7. Orlando, Florida

Located in Florida, Orlando is one of the most traveller-friendly cities in the US. It is best known for its Disney World and Universal, but the city has a lot to offer apart from it.

Things to see in Orlando, Florida

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This theme park at World Disney Resort in Bay Lake is the visitor magnet. Travellers worldwide visit this place to experience the magic of imagination. However, to check the prices and opening hours, they have to visit the official portal of the studios.

Universal Orlando Resort

This resort provides amazing entertainment for the family. Visitors can witness shows, events, dining and shopping facilities. Apart from it, the rides are one of the most amazing things and to check details travellers must check the official website.

Sea World Orlando

This is a theme park and also a marine zoological park. The entitlement complex consists of three parks and many hotels. Visitors can spend a great family time here and can witness the cute sea lions.

Read More: The Top Things to Do in Florida

8. Chicago, Illinois

The City of Chicago is one of the largest and most populous cities in the US. Every ear thousands of travellers worldwide visit the city to experience its history, culture and monuments.

Things to see in Chicago, Illinois

Cloud Gate

Cloud Gate is a public sculpture famous for its bean-shaped, attracting tourists from all around the world. You can take pictures here and embrace its uniqueness.

The Chicago Theatre

This is a unique landmark of the city and travellers can buy tickets to enjoy comedy shows, magic shows and others. It is a unique place for evening relaxation serves as a marquee place in Chicago.

9. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is internationally renowned and one of the most visited locations in the states. It is famous for its nightlife, entertainment, fine dining, and gambling industry. You will love to see some well-known casinos such as MGM Grand, Caesar’s Palace, and the Bellagio. Apart from casinos and gambling, the lavish performance by bar girls will blow your mind. Undoubtedly, Las Vegas suit people of all ages.

Things to do in Las Vegas, Nevada

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area has adventurous hiking trails that will make your day. The Rock Scenic Drive covers a total of 20 hiking trails along with some luxurious resorts and stunning shopping points. The area usually remains hot in the summer, but you can expect calm weather during spring and winter. However, April and May is the best time to visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It’s just a half an hour drive from Las Vegas, and you will get some surprising points for photography.

Las Vegas Natural History Museum

Despite being small in size, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum offers tons of educational and informative things. It’s a perfect place for kids, and you don’t have to walk too much. The museum operates every day between 9 AM to 4 PM, and the ticket cost is just $10. The centre of attraction is the replicas of the present and extinct animals, along with giant sloth fossils. Furthermore, you get to see the Treasure of Egypt, which has replicas of chariots and golden shrines.

10. Washington DC

Washington DC, the US capital, is full of numerous great monuments and museums. Surprisingly, most of these places are free to visit and thus the capital is one one the most visited cities in the country. The town is best suited for people interested in US history with places like Ford’s Theater, Mount Vernon, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of the American Indian, etc.

Things to see in Washington DC

Lincoln Memorial

Located at the west end part of Washington D.C, the grand Lincoln Memorial is among the most beloved American monuments. The memorial has a 19 foot long Lincoln statue within a grave chamber, surrounded by 36 columns. Each column represents states in the union that existed during Lincoln’s death. Just as other memorials, the Lincoln Memorial is open throughout the day.

The White House

Never miss a chance to visit the White House whenever you are in Washington. Almost a maximum of us know about the White House due to its pure white structure. It’s the home of the U.S. president. The place has no entry fees, but the visiting time and days are limited.

Days & Timing

Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Fridays and Saturdays: 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM

National Gallery of Art

Packed with some artistic photos, paintings, prints, and sculptures, visiting the National Gallery of Art is worth it. The art gallery has some fantastic masterpieces from Picasso, Raphael, Rembrandt, and van Gogh. The place was built in 1937, and today, it has excellent contemporary and modern artworks from American and European artists.

Things to Keep in Mind While Planning Your US trip

If planning for a US trip, make sure to follow a few simple pointers for a hassle-free experience.

Get a US Tourist Visa

Citizens of India, willing to visit the US, must apply for a B-2 visa, which is meant for tourists on vacation and individuals coming to participate in social events, amateur contests, and others. To get a US tourist visa from India, individuals must submit a few documents, including passport, insurance coverage, proof of funding, financial documents and others.

Get Travel Insurance

Although a travel insurance policy is not mandatory for a short term visit, it is highly recommended to buy one. It will provide you with substantial coverage and will make travel tension-free.

A few coverages of travel insurance are:

Medical Emergencies
Loss and misplaced visa or passport
Natural calamity
Riots and strikes
Missing flight
Flight delay
Baggage lost
Hospitalization
Jinxed cancellation

Be Aware Of All The Health Advisories In Place

As health advisories and regulations are changing every day due to the sudden appearance of a new COVID-19 wave, it is important to check each state’s official website for availing of prompt news. Or make sure to follow news channels to get the latest updates.

Know About All The Necessary Vaccinations

As plenty of coronavirus vaccines are available worldwide, ensure that your vaccine is recognized and accepted in the US. However, if you are not vaccinated, get yourself jabbed before traveling, as it is mandatory for international travel.

Hence, it is no secret that the United States of America provides ample opportunities for travelers worldwide. However, as there is still uncertainty about the travel restrictions, make sure to opt for a travel insurance plan. It will cease the unnecessary monetary outflow due to unfortunate circumstances such as flight cancellation, baggage loss, health emergencies, etc.