USA – three letters behind which are 50 states that attract countless travelers every year with their unique landscapes and cities. A round trip through the third largest country in the world therefore takes time. But of course, there are some pearls that have special appeal and that travelers in the United States of America should not miss.
The Big Apple – New York’s multi-layered appeal
Among the many metropolises in the USA, New York on the East Coast is one of the biggest tourist attractions. The “Big Apple” on the Atlantic used to be the first port of call for emigrants from the European continent. The first eye-catcher was the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island in New York Harbor. Today, visitors climb the spiral staircase of the 93-meter-high statue and enjoy the view from above over the harbor to Manhattan, the urban heart of the city. Washed by the Harlem, East and Hudson Rivers, the island is home to bustling Times Square and the sprawling and popular Central Park. The green lung of the city throws twice the size of Monaco into the balance for those seeking relaxation and athletes. The 443-meter-high Empire State Building goes up. The galleries in the building impressively show the origin of the high-rise building, which is so magnificently illuminated at night. In the 86th and 102nd Observation decks offer unbeatable views over one of the most densely populated areas in the world. A visit to the city also includes the monument to September 11 at “Ground Zero”, where the two towers of the World Trade Center once stood. Right there are two water basins today, framed by the engraved names of the victims.
Hawaii – tropical paradise with lava, beaches and rainforest
Far out in the Pacific lies the archipelago of Hawaii. The 50th US state fascinates with two of the most active volcanoes on earth, paradisiacal beaches, breathtaking nature and a warmth of the people that is second to none. The tropical paradise with its volcanic origin is the epitome of lush flora, casual joie de vivre and palm-fringed dream beaches such as Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu. The main island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, has a whole series of black beaches to the south and southwest and the green beach of Papakolea. Water sports enthusiasts will find perfect conditions for snorkeling, diving and surfing. The landscape captivates with lush rainforests and unique diversity, which is also due to the climate. Warmth is guaranteed here all year round. The Big Island is dominated by the volcanoes Mauna Loa and Kilauea, which are still active. They are part of the Hawaii Volcano National Park, which is part of the World Heritage Site. In any case, Hawaii has the largest volcanic system in the world.
Spectacle in the desert – Las Vegas
It attracts people who want to get married and gamblers as well as tourists – Las Vegas, the city of casinos and legendary shows. Located in the middle of the desert of the state of Nevada in the southeast of the USA, the city turns into a sea of lights at night. Replicas of the Eiffel Tower or Venice, a pyramid or a copy of the Statue of Liberty – the hotels and buildings of Las Vegas are all eye-catchers in their own right. Trying your luck at the gaming tables or “one-armed bandits” is a must. Many trendy clubs offer the opportunity to turn night into day. Of course, the many shows also attract visitors to the desert city, where show stars such as Celine Dion make guest appearances.
Hollywood and a legendary bridge – L.A. and San Francisco
In California on the Pacific , two special metropolises await visitors: Los Angeles and San Francisco. In L.A., stars and starlets cavort in Hollywood – the “Walk of Fame” is a must when visiting. The famous Venice Beach and the pier in Santa Monica are also worth a visit. San Francisco’s most famous landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge, spans the bay for over 2,700 meters in length. In that bay is also Alcatraz, the notorious prison that can be explored on a guided tour. The old houses from Victorian times are also an absolute eye-catcher.
Landscapes full of differences – the national parks
The climatic conditions of the huge country make for completely different landscapes. The swamps of the Everglades in Florida are no less attractive, as are the impressive Niagara Falls. In addition, the USA has 61 national parks, all of which are worth visiting. One of the most famous national parks is, of course, the Grand Canyon. The gorge with its enormous dimensions is up to 1,600 meters deep and almost 450 km long, with an average width of 16 kilometers. The Colorado River has dug itself into the rock here over time. It is not for nothing that the Grand Canyon is considered one of the world’s greatest wonders of nature and is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yosemite National Park, located in the Sierra Nevada in California, is also a World Heritage Site.
The diverse fauna and flora, the giant sequoia trees and the dominating, over 2,000-meter-high granite mountains Half Dome and El Capitan have brought it into the headlines worldwide. The state of Utah has 5 national parks to offer. Their common nickname “Big Five” is fitting, as Arches, Bryce, Canyonlands, Zion and Capital Reef National Parks are peppered with red mountains, impressive waterfalls, rivers and natural stone arches – a hiker’s paradise.
All these landscapes and metropolises are representative of the great diversity that makes up a round trip through the USA. Between the Pacific and the Atlantic, there are many well-known, but also some unknown beauty that are waiting to be discovered.
