Over 75 million people visit the United States of America from other countries every year, but have you ever paused to wonder why?
With 50 states and several local territories, the US is one of the most diverse places you could possibly wish to visit anywhere in the world. In fact, there is a pretty solid argument that suggests no country on Earth has as many different cultures and ways of living joined together under one flag.
With that in mind, we are going to take a look at some of the reasons you might visit the US.
Attractions
The first place to start whenever you discuss tourism in the United States is with the major attractions, the likes of Disneyland and Universal Studio.
The reason for that is in the numbers; the two capitals of theme parks in the US – Orlando and Anaheim – have a combined visitor count of over 96 million people per year.
It can never be overstated just how important to the US tourism market it is that they have the home of Disney in two different states. So that is our first reason for visiting, to meet Mickey Mouse in one of the two Disney locations and then make your way over to Universal Studios where you can see the world of Harry Potter brought to life.
Landmarks
The US is full of infamous landmarks that holidaymakers love to feature in their travel photos.
In Los Angeles, you have the Hollywood sign that sits atop Mount Lee and stands at 45-foot tall. Las Vegas, most renowned for the strip of casinos featuring Caesars Palace and the Belluschi, has the Las Vegas Sign, and San Francisco the Golden Gate Bridge.
This iconic structure stretches across the Golden Strait and is one of the most impressive feats of human engineering ever accomplished. These are just three examples of the endless number of landmarks that the US is proud to call its own.
Not just that, as SF also has Bay Bridge with its Bay Bridge Lights that you could enjoy at night.
New York
Some places are so unique that they need to be featured on their own.
New York continues to be the most visited tourist destination in the United States with 60 million visitors every year, and for good reason.
In New York City itself, there is the Broadway, the home of American theatre which sits just off of Times Square, the architecture with the Empire State Building possible the most well-known building in the US, and the Statue of Liberty, the symbol of hope that sits just off of the main island.
But New York as a state has a lot more to offer still, not least a natural wonder that you need to see at least once in your lifetime with Niagara Falls. Situated in Buffalo, you can visit the American side of Niagara and see a waterfall like no other.
History
Officially founded in 1776, the United States has spent the last few centuries building up quite the reputation for itself. Now, some of these locations could have featured under landmarks but their significance to the history of the US means they deserve their own section.
Starting with Washington D.C. there is the White House and the Lincoln Memorial. These are just two examples of how American history has been heavily influenced by its politics.
The recent presidents still reside at the White House and it has been home to some of the most prestigious of people.
Down in San Francisco, you can take a tour of Alcatraz, an island prison that held some of America's notorious criminals including Al Capone. And what would a look through the history of the United States be without considering its musical influences and Memphis, Tennessee, home to Graceland the residence of Elvis Presley?
Sports
And finally, the sporting accomplishments of the United States. In its 243 years of existing, the US has developed some of the most well-known and played sports including American Football with its prestigious league the NFL, baseball, and basketball.
While in the United States you should do all you can to experience some of these events because there is nothing quite like experiencing a culture through its sports.
In New York, there is Madison Square Garden where you can see the NBA and NHL, across in Chicago there is Soldier Field for the Chicago Bears of the NFL – a stadium that has stunning views of Lake Michigan which only adds to the experience. Sport is central to the lives of millions of Americans and there really is something for everyone.
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