Tourist Attractions in USA: Part – I

Hello viewers, welcome to the series of lectures on Tourist Attractions in USA. As we all know
and discussed in previous episodes United States of America is a large country not only by size
but also in its tourism resources. USA has widespread of tourist attractions in every nook and
corner of the country. Within the limitations what we have, we are discussing on some top tourist
states in USA which are most commonly visited by domestic as well as international tourist. For
your convenience I have made the list of Top ten States in USA in terms of total number of
tourist arrival and spending. In this Part I we are discussing about the first five states and other
five in Part II.

1. Tourist attractions in California

2. Tourist attractions in Florida
3. Tourist attractions in Nevada
4. Tourist attractions in Texas
5. Tourist attractions in New York

United States of America is the third largest country by area comprises 50 states, out of that 48
states are in mainland USA and two are separated from mainland those are Alaska and Hawaii.
Among these 50 states of USA some states have remarkable image in both domestic and
international tourism markets for their unique attractions, naturally rich destinations,
connectivity, tourist friendly environment and for many other reasons. The most popular tourist
attractions of these selected states are as follows

1. Tourist attractions in California

California is a state in western coast of United States of America. California is most popular state
in USA tourism for its dramatic terrain, stunning cliff lined beaches, redwood forest, Sierra
Nevada Mountains, fertile farmlands and Mojave Desert. California has two sprawling cities Los
Angeles knows for Hollywood, the seat of entertainment industry and San Francisco, the city
famous for its pleasant weather, beaches and Golden Gate Bridge. California is one of the most
visited and top rated tourist states in USA. California has been awarded or rated as the best and
most visited tourist destination in USA by number of leading travel magazines and tourism
associations. The statistical outcome of several tourist surveys also proves that, California is one
of the most preferred destinations to visit both by domestic and international tourist.

i. Disneyland: Disneyland is the first theme park of its kind opened on 17th July 1955
in Anaheim, California. Disneyland has number of resort hotels, theme based
amusement parks and entertainment venues for visitors. Millions of tourist visit every
year to this wonderful theme park.
ii. Golden Gate Bridge: The Golden Gate Bridge is a prime landmark of San Francisco
city. The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge of Orange colour on the blue
water of San Francisco bay and the Bridge connects San Francisco and Marin County
 to the north. The Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge span in the
world when it was completed in 1937. The famous red-orange color of the bridge was
chosen to make the bridge more easily visible through the thick fog. San Francisco
city also has some of the popular tourist attractions like, Fisherman’s Wharf, San
Francisco museum of Modern Art, San Francisco City Hall, Baker Beach, Ocean
Beach, China Town and many more unique attractions.

iii. Yosemite National Park: Yosemite National Park is one of the most scenic and
famous National Park in USA located in the Northern part of California State. The
mountains, valleys, Glaciers peaks, rivers and huge waterfalls have converted this
National Park area in to picture perfect heaven for nature lovers, tourists and artists.
National Park is home for number of cascading waterfalls the major one is Yosemite
Falls. Travel Photographers clicked number of award winning photos of nature from
the area of this national park.

iv. Death Valley: Death Valley is the desert area in California State, encompasses
Death Valley National Park. Death Valley is famous for its high temperature,
inhospitable terrain, salt fields, sand dunes, mountains and lakes that are below sea
level makes this strange land beautiful. Tourist can drive through the park and stop
for unique sightseeing’s, do some adventure on sand dunes and lake water.

v. Big Sur: Big Sur is the beautiful and long coastal highway along the side of
picturesque beaches. Highway passes through some of the beautiful landscapes,
mountain peaks and wilderness areas. Driving and sightseeing along the Big Sur
route is memorable travel experience for the tourists.

vi. Lake Tahoe: Lake Tahoe, the scenic looks like a painted lake located on the valley
of high hilly area. This spot is popular tourist attraction throughout the year, in
Summer Lake offers boating and other water based activities and winter tourist can
enjoy skiing in surrounding mountains.

2. Tourist attractions in Florida

Florida is the southernmost state in mainland USA and the peninsular state shares border
with Atlantic Ocean on its east and Gulf of Mexico on west, Alabama and Georgia Sates to
the north and Strait of Florida and Cuba to south. Florida comes in the 22nd place by size, 3rd
place by population and 8th place by density of populations in USA. Jacksonville is the
largest city by area in mainland USA and most populous city in Florida State. The Spanish
explorer Juan Ponce de Leon named the state as La Florida means ‘land of Flower’ when he
 landed in this part on 1513. Florida has some of the world’s best and beautiful beaches
throughout its 2170 Kilometres long coastline on Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Strait
of Florida in fact Florida has the longest coastline in contiguous USA. Miami and Orlando
are the two most popular tourist cities located in Florida State. Florida has some unique flora
and fauna found only in this State. The American alligator, American crocodile, Florida
panther and Manatee can be found in Everglades National Park. Some of the popular tourist
attractions in Florida States are as follows.

i. Miami: Miami is one of the most famous, fascinating and popular holiday
destinations in USA located in the south-eastern tip of the Florida State. Miami is
known for its beautiful beaches, Cuban influence on culture and as a main port for the
starting point of most of the luxury cruises to Caribbean Islands. Some of the popular
attractions to name are, Miami Beach, South Beach, Art Deco District, Bay side
market place, Zoo Miami, Jungle Island, Freedom tower, Little Havana and number
of museums and galleries.
ii. Orlando: Another most popular holiday destination in Florida is Orlando ‘The city of
theme parks’ located at the centre of the state. Orlando has almost 12 theme parks and
mega amusement parks the most popular among those are The Walt Disney World
with four theme parks and Universal Orlando with two theme parks. Kennedy Space
Centre on Cape Canaveral is accessible from Orlando. City has countless restaurants,
golf courses and other attractions for the tourist to enjoy. Some of the other popular
attractions in the city are SeaWorld Aquarium, Islands of adventure, Orlando Science
Centre and Gatorland Crocodile Park.
iii. Everglades National Park: Everglades National Park is in the Everglades wetlands
a unique geographical land in Florida. Everglades has an area of 1.5 million hectare
wetland consisting more than 10,000 islands is rich with mangroves, Pine Flatwoods,
saw grass marshes and home to hundreds of animal species. Everglades National
Park is a home for some of the endangered species of Fauna such as Leatherback
Turtle, Florida panther and West Indian Manatee. Tourist can enjoy by doing several
activities in the Everglades National Park. Thrilling helicopter tours on Mangroves,
guided boat tours, walk tours in the islands and mangroves, Kayaking in Grass River,
fishing and many other adventure activities are offered by the operators in
Everglades.
iv. Anna Maria Island: Anna Maria Island also called as Anna Maria Key is the island
on the coast of Manatee county in Florida State. The Anna Maria Island is famous for
picturesque beaches, Surfing, fishing and shopping.
3. Tourist attractions in Nevada

Nevada is located in the western part of United States and America surrounded by California,
Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Arizona States. Nevada State is mainly known for its large desert and
largest city in the state Las Vegas ‘The City of Gambling’ which has 24 hours casinos and
entertainment facilities. Nevada is largely desert and one of the least populated states among
USA States. Tourism is the largest employment generator in Nevada and Nevada has some gold
mines as well to support its economy. Tourism industry flourished in the state especially in the
20th century due to legalising Gambling and Nevada is the only state in USA where prostitution
is also legalised. Nevada has incredible natural diversity from desert to snow covered peaks at
Sierra Nevada and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking,
horse riding, skiing and fishing. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Nevada States are
discussed below.

i. Las Vegas and Las Vegas Strip: Las Vegas City sometimes simply called as Vegas is
the largest city in Sothern Nevada State located in the Mojave Desert. The city is
leading commercial, cultural and tourism hub of Nevada State. Las Vegas is primarily
known for its Las Vegas Strip. Las Vegas Strip has some of world’s largest hotels,
luxury resorts, museums, upscale shopping malls, diverse restaurants nightclubs and
vibrant shows for visitors. This two and a half miles highway alongside looks like
heaven especially at night when illuminated. The two and a half miles stretch of this city
is completely filled with entertainment. Las Vegas Strip is famous for gambling,
shopping, fine dining and nightlife.
ii. Carson City: Carson City is the capital city of State Nevada and named after a
mountain man Kit Carson. Carson City offers wide array of activities such as outdoor
adventures, fine restaurants, golf courses and many more. The popular attractions such
as Lake Tahoe situated both in California and Nevada States, Sierra Nevada Mountains
and historical Virginia City are just at the driving distance from Carson City.
iii. Hoover Dam and Lake Mead: Hoover Dam and Lake Mead are major tourist
attractions located in the border area of Nevada and Arizona States. Hoover Dam built
on Colorado River in Black Canyon area near Boulder City of Nevada. The dam was
constructed between 1931 and 1936 during the time of great depression to provide
employment. Hoover Dam serves the purpose of irrigation, drinking water and power
generation and supplies electricity to Nevada, Arizona and California States. Reservoir
formed by Hoover Dam known as Lake Mead the largest reservoir in USA when it is
full. Lake Mead is situated just 29 miles southeast of Las Vegas. Lake Mead offers
visitors activities such as boating, fishing, water skiing, swimming and sun bathing.
iv. Valley of Fire State Park: Valley of Fire State Park is the oldest park in Nevada and
identified as National Natural Landmark. Park derives its name from the red sand stones
formation. Park has some of the oldest rock formation and human settlement areas.
Tourist can perform trekking, hiking and camping at Valley of Fire State Park.
v. Virginia City: Virginia City was once the big mining city for silver mining when silver
deposit discovered in this place. By 1878 city became like a ghost city when people
moved out of this place once mining stopped. But still city remained as a good
sightseeing place for visiting mining yards and old buildings.
 4. Tourist attractions in Texas

Texas is another popular and second largest State in USA both population and area. Texas is
located in the south central part of USA and shares border with Gulf of Mexico to the southeast,
Louisiana State to the east, Arkansas State to the northeast, Oklahoma State to the north, New
Mexico State to the west and international border with Mexico to the southwest. Houston is the
most populous city in the state and San Antonio is the second most populous. Austin is the
capital city of Texas State. Texas is also known as ‘Lone Star’ because of the independent
republic status before joining USA and struggle for independence from Mexico. Texas is a
developed state in USA coming out from its old image of cowboy, and now leading the country’s
export revenue with the industries including agriculture, petrochemicals, energy, computers and
electronics, aerospace and biomedical sciences. Tourism is also significantly contributing in
states economy and employment. World class cities, galleries and museums and space centre in
Houston are some of the prime attractions in Texas. Texas State is also known for its multi-
cultured society as the state was ruled by different countries majorly Spain and Mexico. Popular
tourist attractions in Texas State are listed and discussed here.

i. The Alamo: The Alamo is a most important historical site in USA and Texas. The
Alamo war held between the troops of Texans and Mexican in this place played major
role in Texas revolution for independence from Mexico. The brave and heroic deed of
200 Texan volunteer soldiers against the big troop of Mexicans for 13 days fight in the
battle of Alamo war became enduring symbol of independence movement. At present
The Alamo monument rebuilt at the same place attracts millions of tourist annually.
ii. Sixth Floor Museum: The sixth Floor Museum is one of the important museums
established at the venue where then American president John F Kennedy was
assassinated. Museum is in the sixth floor of tall red brick building in Dallas City where
the president was shot dead.
iii. Space Centre Houston: Space Centre Houston is an education foundation imparting
education in science, technology, engineering and Mathematics. Space Centre also has
visiting scientist from NASA and becoming very popular tourist attraction in Houston,
Texas. Tourist can explore the centres many exhibits, film shows, astronaut related
artifacts, collection of real rockets, can dress up like an astronaut and experience the
space simulator.
iv. Big Bend National Park: Big Bend National Park is one of the most spectacular
wilderness areas in Texas and located south-western part of the state along the border of
Mexico. The Big Bend National Park derives its name because of the great bend the
River Rio Grande takes in this Park. Park is home to rich diversity of flora and fauna
including 400 species of birds, 1100 species of plants and several animal species. Park
has several miles long hiking trails, watching points, canyons, valleys and river trips to
explore the wilderness.
 v. San Antonio’s River Walk: An amazing and excellent river walk on the Bank of Rive
San Antonio for several miles is offered in the city San Antonio. Long pedestrian
walkways along the side of river passing through the city’s best shopping areas, finest
restaurants, hotels and attractions.
vi. State Capitol, Austin: One of the finest state legislature buildings in USA is ‘The Texas
State Capitol’ built in 1888 known for its architectural splendid. The State Capitol is in
the heart part of the capital city Austin and surrounded by the 22 acre park which houses
number of monuments dedicated to Texas people participated in several war for
independence and in Vietnam War.

5. Tourist attractions in New York

New York State is one of the most popular states in United States of America located in the
North-eastern part of the country. New York State is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts and
Connecticut States to the east, maritime boundary with Atlantic Ocean with Rhode Island, New
Jersey and Pennsylvania States to the south and international border with Canada to its north and
west. New York City is the capital city of New York State. New York City is the largest, most
populous city and also economic hub in the State. New York City is often referred to as ‘Global
City’ because of immigration took place to this city from all over the world and its significant
impact on global commerce, finance, media, fashion, technology and entertainment. United
Nations Headquarters situated in New York City making it an important centre for international
diplomacy and relationship.

New York State has some wonderful and iconic tourist attractions of United States. It is very
well said that without a visit to some of the prime attractions of New York State such as New
York City, Niagara Falls and Statue of Liberty the tour to USA tour is incomplete. Some
important tourist attractions of the state are discussed below for your understanding.

I. New York City: New York City has some of the most popular attractions, urban areas
and shopping avenues in USA. Some must visit places in New York City are Manhattan
marvellous urban locality in New York City, Empire State building, guided city tours
and, ferry to Liberty Island to see most iconic Statue of Liberty, Largest gathering of
people at Times Square and Hudson River Valley. New York has some of the World’s
best restaurants, dining places, café’s and shopping streets.
II. Niagara Falls: Niagara Falls situated along the Canada-USA border and one of the
Natural World Wonders in the Northern America. Tourist can watch Niagara Falls
through walking above the fall area, small river cruises sailing close to water sheet and
base or mobile tram rides.
III. Buffalo: Buffalo is another important industrial town famous for its neoclassical and Art
Deco arts. City is situated on the bank of Lake Erie.
Finger Lakes: The Finger Lakes an amazing natural tourism resource in the central part of State
is actually a group of 11 lakes. The name Finger Lakes came because lakes look like human
fingers from aerial view. Fingers lake offers wide range of water based activities along the
shoreline.