United States Local Attractions

The glittering lights, bustling streets, and enduring magic of Manhattan have made it one of the most visited destinations on the planet. While there are many typical routes to follow, particularly around Times Square where tourism is a thriving industry, the key to really enjoying a weekend in this famed metropolis is

Angel Island State Park is one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s best-kept secrets. Attracting mostly residents and children on school trips, the park offers quiet beaches, recreational activities, historic attractions and unparalleled views of the entire San Francisco Bay. Tourists often miss out on this attraction because of

Although a white Christmas isn't exactly the style in Los Angeles, California, the city still puts on some of the country's best holiday celebrations. Throughout December locals and visitors can get into the spirit of the season and take advantage of the city's mild winter climate at a variety of fun festive events. Holiday must-dos include...

In 1630, the Puritans of the Massachusetts Bay Colony founded Boston, in hopes of building a Christian utopia. Its advantageous position on the harbor and freshwater source appealed to affluent settlers who decided to name the area after Boston, Lincolnshire, England, where many of them hailed from.

Miami is a bright and energetic city where the fun never seems to end. Often referred to as the “Magic City,” Miami has a lot to offer, from an electric nightlife to gourmet dining to sunny beaches and passionate people. Being the gateway to Latin America, Miami is known for its diverse culture and as a city that never sleeps. So, without further ado, let's get this party started with the best Miami has to offer.

There's a famous line that reads "life is like a box of chocolates..." but luckily for chocolate lovers there are several sweet tooth attractions that look outside of the box. These candy attractions range from a mystical chocolate world to a relaxing chocolate spa to a high end chocolate fashion show.

In the past, images of naval ships and submarines were probably the first to come to mind in association with the southern Californian city of San Diego. Although San Diego still is a prominent naval base in the United States, it's also surfacing as a sought-after holiday destination for families.

The first documented arrival of Europeans to San Francisco Bay was in 1769 when a Spanish exploration party, led by Don Gaspar de Portola, landed on the peninsula. Seven years later, they created the Mission San Francisco de Asis. Upon independence from Spain in 1821, the area became Mexican territory, during which time the mission was converted into a town by the name of Yerba Buena. For the next 25 years the town continued to attract American settlers. The area changed domination once again in 1846 after the Mexican-American war, when it was claimed by the United States. Yerba Buena was subsequently renamed San Francisco, which, due to the Gold Rush and promise of riches, would eventually become the metropolis it is today.

There is more than just tabloids and tan lines to keep people up at night in California, a state that boasts the mysterious redwood forest and wine country to the north and the history of the Spanish missions, settlements and the ethnic diversity to the south.

Chicago has been the creative center of American architecture for more than 100 years. Architect Cesar Pelli in Chicago once wrote that Chicago is the American City—"its name conjures a mythical place where its architects were larger than life...

Beyond Hawaii's luxury hotels, white sand beaches and stellar golf courses sits Oahu's most prized possession--the Diamond Head State Monument. This 761-foot-tall (23 m) tuff cone looms in the horizon, providing a dramatic backdrop to the island's untamed beauty.

Most districts and neighborhoods in New York enjoy artistic, historical and shopping areas. Distinct boutiques, specialty shops and cultural joints are found in a number of vibrant and lively sections of the city, especially in the southern part of Manhattan Island, usually referred to as Lower Manhattan.

Though seemingly small when compared the USA's vast landmass, the beaches of the country are diverse, and attract a motley crew of visitors. Whether looking for a nude beach to sunbath on, or an icy shore to explore, the USA has it all.

New Orleans is known for its music, diverse culture and Mardi Gras but below the surface of this vibrant city lies a totally unique religion created from African, Haitian and Western cultures. Founded in 1718 by the French Mississippi Company, New Orleans was named Nouvelle Orleans for Phillipe II, Duke of Orleans.

"America's Greatest Street Party," otherwise known as Mardi Gras, is New Orleans's most elaborate and highly acclaimed event of the year. This popular festival is accompanied by a seemingly endless stream of parades...

Surrounded by the spectacular natural beauty of rolling hills, mountains, sunny skies and some of the best wine in the world, travelers will not be disappointed on a Napa Valley wine tour. Located in northern California, Napa Valley's Mediterranean climate is ideal for growing quality grapes and ensuring visitors enjoy

Spending the holidays in New York City is an opportunity to bask in the warm glow of twinkling lights and seasonal festivities, while absorbing the unrivaled cultural sights. The festive season is typically launched by Thanksgiving, culminating with the spectacle known as

People need something to smile about during the winter and swooshing down snowy slopes on a pair of skis or a snowboard seems to do the trick. Skiing (and boarding) is enjoyed by many, from kids who haven't even been walking long to cautious moms to extreme sport junkies. It's something that the entire family can enjoy and even better when ski resorts

Saint Patrick's Day is an Irish tradition long celebrated far beyond Ireland's borders. Green-clad, Guinness-drinking, Irish-jigging people across the globe get together on this festive day of March to share tales of leprechauns and shenanigans, look for lucky shamrocks and gawk at grand parades, all for the love of

A great way to combat the sweltering heat on a hot summer day is to make a splash at a waterpark. There are a wide variety of parks all over North America where visitors can experience slippery loops, drops and

Unlocking a fascinating world perhaps otherwise only seen in nature documentaries or on an African safari, today’s zoos are losing a tarnished reputation of cruelty and are instead heralded as environmental blessings. The world’s greatest zoos are committed to the conservation of wildlife and its natural environment and are making a positive impact on the survival of threatened species in the wild.

Oahu continues to be an ultimate Hawaiian hot spot for family vacations. Not only is the island blessed with great weather and tropical beaches, it also boasts a diverse range of theme parks and interpretive centers. Whether educational purposes or solely for fun, these sites reflect Hawaiian culture and spirit, and make the island an ideal choice for a getaway with the family.

As the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama has inspired millions with his humble beginnings, positive message, and grass roots approach to politics.

Every sport has its Super Bowl. Hockey has the Stanley Cup, baseball has the World Series. For the professional rodeo scene, it’s the National Finals Rodeo. And it’s held in the unlikeliest of places—Vegas. Yes, the one of gambling tables, glittering stage shows and grandiose-themed hotels. But Las Vegas with buckin’ bulls and big shiny belt buckles? Yep. For 10 days every December, Sin City comes alive with professional cowboys and cowgirls who prove you needn’t win big at Blackjack to leave town rich.

With legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and General Custer echoing among the peaks, the craggy Black Hills' mountains rise triumphantly from the plains, calling to mind the vivacious spirit of the tough Old West. This oasis-like, little mountain range, located in western South Dakota, boasts some of America's tallest summits east of the Rocky Mountains and

Visitors to Nashville, Tennessee probably won't require a map when in search of live music. Lit-up cowboy boots, flickering neon guitars and the beat of foot-thumping country tunes are enough to guide those with even the poorest sense of direction to the city's honky tonk scene.

Although thousands of talented American authors have mastered the craft of holding one's attention there are a handful of writers that are still a page ahead of the rest. This WorldWeb.com guide invites readers on a literary tour across the United States to get to know some of the nation's greatest authors and their best attractions.

The world is full of natural wonders and spectacular panoramas which have inspired humanity since time immemorial. And while man has continually tried to capture Earth’s beauty in word, art and imagery, such attempts simply scratch the surface. Its prized possessions should be experienced in person, surrounded by the very scenery which have won such acclaim.

There are some images and landscapes recognized the world over. Just as a photograph of Uluru (formerly called Ayers Rock) immediately brings to mind the Australian Outback and the Arctic makes one think of polar bears and ice caps, the dramatic red landscapes of the American Southwest conjure up images of vast canyons, Old West movies and stunning panoramas.

With a drink, hot dog and Cracker Jacks in hand, there is nothing like the experience of watching America's national pastime from a seat in one of the country's legendary ball parks. Luckily for baseball fans, the United States is a mecca for parks with interesting history, state-of-the-art architecture and distinct character formed by odd superstitions.

The 5th of May—or in Spanish, el Cinco de Mayo—in many United States cities means one thing: fiesta time. Mariachi music winds through streets as sombrero-clad Mexican men play guitars and women click their castanets and dance folkloric-style along parade routes in large hooped dresses. Boulevards and squares are festooned with red, white and green, and street vendors and restaurants offer up tamales and empañadas washed down with cold cervezas and tequila.

The origins of Easter egg painting date back nearly 2,500 years and these colorful creations continue to be a global symbol of rebirth and hope. Bearing this positive exuberance in mind, a wealth of festivals and celebrations take place during this spring holiday.

Every summer the United States comes together as a nation to celebrate its favorite holiday--its birthday. The fourth of July marks the date when America gained its independence from the British and signed the Declaration of Independence.

All over the world partygoers look for the ultimate New Year’s Eve bash. Major cities have a plethora of bars, clubs, and restaurants but it can be hard to find a truly original and exciting way to welcome in the new year. For those looking for a unique way to celebrate the occasion, check out these 10 spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations across America.

As the night of October 31st looms, the urge to feel scared creeps into the minds of many. Fortunately for those eager for a fright there's a line-up of blood-thirsty vampires, bandaged zombies and deranged clowns ready to deliver. In fact, there are terrifying attractions across the entire country, ranging from haunted hayrides to eerie hotels where brave visitors can let their imaginations run wild...

In the not too distant past, perhaps a mere 150 to 200 years ago, most people earned a living on the farm, or in industries stemming from agriculture. While in today's rat-race society the rural lifestyle may seem simple and old-fashioned, the fruits of farming still account for a big piece of each state's economic pie, and the country's string of exuberant state fairs acknowledges, promotes and celebrates that.

The origins of American Thanksgiving date back to the early 17th century, when the pilgrims of Plymouth celebrated a successful harvest through feasting and religious observance. While many of those traditions have remained over the centuries, including the ubiquitous trimmed-turkey dinner and family gatherings, Thanksgiving in the United States has evolved to embrace many new and imaginative customs. Numerous festivities occur across the country but a few distinct celebrations stand out...

Long known as the American Spa, Hot Springs National Park is a world-renowned destination due to the abundance of natural hot springs found in the area.

It's so easy when life consists of loud music, parties, drinking and having nothing but a good time. Many young rebels, eccentrics and party-happy fun-seekers live this life every night on the infamous Sunset Boulevard. The portion of the road that plays host to the all-night debauchery has simply become known as “The Sunset Strip.” This popular stretch of road in West Hollywood

Contemporary urban art is a visceral and exhilarating movement that can no longer be ignored. Vilified by some, and championed by others, the evolution of the art-form has a storied past. In its infantile stage the art was a method for neighborhood gangs to mark their territories. "Tagging" was soon taken up by street artists and art-school students who enjoyed the notoriety and competition of seeing who could leave their mark in as many locations as possible.