Tourist attractions in the United States facts for kids
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The United States is a huge country with many amazing places to visit! From busy cities to beautiful national parks, there's something for everyone. Millions of people travel across the U.S. each year to see famous landmarks, exciting theme parks, and stunning natural wonders. This article will tell you about some of the most popular spots that tourists love to explore.
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Top Tourist Spots in the U.S.
Want to know where most people go when they visit the U.S.? Here are some of the most visited places in 2011. These spots attract millions of visitors every year!
- Times Square in New York City, New York: This famous square is known for its bright lights and huge billboards. Over 41 million people visited it in 2011!
- Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota: This giant shopping mall is more than just stores. It has an indoor amusement park and an aquarium, drawing 40 million visitors.
- Central Park in New York City, New York: A massive green space in the middle of New York City, perfect for walks, picnics, and enjoying nature. It also had 40 million visitors.
- Union Station in Washington, D.C.: This historic train station is also a beautiful building and a busy hub, with 36.5 million visitors.
- Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada: Famous for its hotels, casinos, and entertainment, this street attracted 29.5 million people.
- Millennium Park in Chicago, Illinois: Home to the famous "Bean" sculpture, this park is a popular spot for art and outdoor fun. It had 25 million visitors.
- Grand Central Terminal in New York City, New York: Another stunning train station in New York, known for its grand architecture, with 21.6 million visitors.
- Lincoln Park in Chicago, Illinois: A large park with a free zoo, gardens, and lake views, visited by 20 million people.
- Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida: The classic Disney park, home to Cinderella's Castle, saw 17.1 million visitors.
- Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California: The original Disney park, a magical place for families, attracted 16.1 million visitors.
- Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco Bay Area, California: This iconic red bridge is a must-see landmark, with 15 million visitors.
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston, Massachusetts: A historic market area with shops and food, drawing 15 million visitors.
- Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California: A large urban park with museums, gardens, and more, visited by 13 million people.
- Balboa Park in San Diego, California: A cultural park with museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo, also with 13 million visitors.
- Epcot at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida: A Disney park focused on world cultures and future technology, with 10.8 million visitors.
- Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington: A famous public market known for its fresh seafood and lively atmosphere, attracting 10 million visitors.
- Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida: A Disney park with animal exhibits and thrilling rides, visited by 9.8 million people.
- Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida: A Disney park celebrating movies and entertainment, with 9.7 million visitors.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee: A beautiful national park known for its misty mountains and wildlife, attracting 9 million visitors.
- South Street Seaport in New York City, New York: A historic district on the waterfront with shops and restaurants, visited by 9 million people.
- Mackinac Bridge between St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, Michigan: A very long suspension bridge connecting Michigan's two peninsulas, with 9 million visitors.
- Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois: A popular pier with rides, restaurants, and entertainment, attracting 8.7 million visitors.
- Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California: Famous for its sea lions and shops, visited by 8.1 million people.
- High Line in New York City, New York: An elevated park built on old railway tracks, offering unique city views, with 5 million visitors.
Famous Landmarks Across the U.S.
The United States has thousands of special places called "landmarks." These are buildings, areas, or sites that are important because of their history, beauty, or culture. For example, New York City alone has over 23,000 landmarks! These places help tell the story of a city or region.
Amazing Natural Monuments
Beyond cities, the U.S. is home to many incredible natural monuments. These are protected areas that show off the country's stunning natural beauty, like huge rock formations, deep canyons, or ancient forests. They are very popular for outdoor adventures and sightseeing.
Sports and Tourist Fun
Sports are a huge part of American culture, and they also bring in a lot of tourists! People travel from all over the world to watch major sporting events like basketball games, football matches, or marathons. The sports industry in the U.S. is massive, and a big part of that comes from people traveling to see their favorite teams or participate in events. For example, the New York City Marathon once had 12,000 participants from outside the U.S.!
Where to Stay: Hotels for Tourists
Hotels are not just places to sleep; many are tourist attractions themselves! Some hotels are very old and have a lot of history, while others are famous for their unique design or amazing services. They can be a fun part of your travel experience.
More Great Places to Visit in the U.S.
There are so many different types of attractions in the United States. Here are some lists to help you find what you're looking for:
Places by Type
- Art museums: See amazing paintings and sculptures.
- Botanical gardens: Explore beautiful plants and flowers.
- Amusement parks: Go on thrilling rides and have fun.
- Aquariums: Discover incredible sea creatures.
- Beaches: Relax by the ocean.
- Casinos: Enjoy games and entertainment (for adults).
- Castles: Find historic and grand buildings.
- Festivals: Experience local culture, music, and food.
- Heritage railroads: Ride historic trains.
- Museums: Learn about history, science, and more.
- National Park System areas:
- National Battlefield Parks: Learn about important battles.
- National Historic Parks: Explore historic sites.
- National Lakeshores: Enjoy beautiful lake areas.
- National Military Parks: Visit sites of military history.
- National Monuments: See natural or historic wonders.
- National Parks: Discover stunning natural landscapes like Yellowstone National Park.
- National Recreation Areas: Have fun outdoors.
- National Seashores: Explore coastal areas.
- National Wildlife Refuges: See animals in their natural homes.
- Nature centers: Learn about local wildlife and ecosystems.
- Open-air and living history museums: Step back in time and see how people lived long ago.
- Renaissance fairs: Experience medieval times with costumes and shows.
- Shopping malls: Find stores, food, and entertainment.
- Ski areas and resorts: Enjoy winter sports.
- Auto racing tracks: Watch exciting car races.
- Indoor arenas: See concerts or sports events.
- NASCAR tracks: Experience high-speed racing.
- Seaside resorts: Enjoy vacations by the sea.
- Stadiums: Watch major sports games.
- Tennis venues: See professional tennis matches.
- Reenactment sites: Watch historical events brought to life.
- U.S. National Forests: Explore vast forests and nature.
- U.S. state parks: Discover parks managed by individual states.
- Zoos: See animals from all over the world.
- Wine festivals: Celebrate local wines (for adults).
Places by City or Region
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Louisville metropolitan area, Kentucky
- Orlando, Florida: Home to many theme parks.
- Silicon Valley, California: A hub for technology and innovation.
- Adirondack Park, New York: A huge protected wilderness area.
- Disney theme parks: Specific lands and attractions within Disney parks.
- Jacksonville, Florida
Other Popular Tourist Destinations
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: A popular beach vacation spot.
- Charleston, South Carolina: A historic city with beautiful architecture.
- Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Known for its golf courses and beaches.
- Atlantic City, New Jersey, and the Boardwalk: Famous for its casinos and boardwalk.
- California's Wine Country: Beautiful vineyards and wineries.
- Richmond Strip, Houston, Texas: A lively entertainment area.
- New Orleans, Louisiana with the French Quarter: Famous for its music, food, and historic charm.
- Hollywood, California: The heart of the movie industry.
- Outer Banks of North Carolina: A string of barrier islands with beautiful beaches.
- Pennsylvania Dutch Country: Learn about Amish culture.
- Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania: A popular area for outdoor activities.
- Salem, Massachusetts: Known for its history of witch trials.
- Alamo Mission in San Antonio, Texas: A historic fort and symbol of Texas independence.
- Hanauma Bay, Hawaii: A beautiful nature preserve and snorkeling spot.
- Miami, Florida: A vibrant city with beaches and nightlife.
- Key West, Florida: A tropical island paradise at the southernmost point of the U.S.
- Aspen, Colorado: A famous ski resort town.
Images for kids
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Times Square is a very popular place to visit in New York City.
