10450 Best Sights in USA

This was once the winter home of Charles Carroll, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. It's now a museum dedicated to the history of the city and the neighborhood, Historic Jonestown, as told by the various occupants of the house through the years.

On the morning of November 30, 1864, General Jacob D. Cox seized the Carter family’s home and made it the Federal Army’s headquarters for the Battle of Franklin. Today you can tour this one-and-a-half-story brick house and hear how the Civil War changed the lives of one family in particular, the country at large, and the enslaved people who also lived here. Combination tickets are available with Carnton and Rippa Villa.

If apple cider is more to your taste, visit Carter's Mountain Orchard for stunning views of Charlottesville and some of the best apples in the state, or pick your own bushel during the season.

Snoopy, Wonder Woman, Batman, and other colorful cartoon icons greet you at the Cartoon Art Museum, established with an endowment from the late cartoonist-icon Charles M. Schulz. The museum's strength is its changing exhibits, which have highlighted subjects such as emerging artists, "Sunday Funnies" comic strips (which supposedly may have started in the San Francisco Examiner in the late 1800s), and artwork that highlights the landmarks of San Francisco. Serious fans of cartoons—especially those on the quirky underground side—will likely enjoy the exhibits; those with a casual interest may be bored. The store here carries cool titles to add to your collection.

Devoted to teaching the public about ecology, the Carey Institute lets you explore the walking trails and roadways where you'll find fields, upland forests, and wetlands. Stroll through a fern glen and discover diverse habitats—or relax in Adirondack chairs and take in the sounds of the creek. The center also offers free lectures on ecology and birding and one-day courses about everything from Hudson Valley landscapes to rock-garden basics.

La Casa de Estudillo was built on Mason Street between 1827 and 1829 by San Diego's first County Assessor, Jose Antonio Estudillo, in collaboration with his father, the commander of the San Diego Presidio, José María Estudillo. The largest and most elaborate of the original adobe homes, it was occupied by members of the Estudillo family until 1887. It was purchased and restored in 1910 by sugar magnate and developer John D. Spreckels, who advertised it in bold lettering on the side as "Ramona's Marriage Place." Spreckels's claim that the small chapel in the house was the site of the wedding in Helen Hunt Jackson's popular novel Ramona had no basis; that didn't stop people from coming to see it, however. Today, the historic structure is open daily for the public to explore.

This historic train depot was built around 1911 (the first 1885 structure was destroyed by fire) and was one of the original Harvey Houses, providing dining and lodging for rail passengers. Waitresses at the depots were popularized in movies such as The Harvey Girls with Judy Garland. It now houses offices and three museums: the Western American Railroad, Route 66 Mother Road, and the NASA Goldstone Deep Space Visitor Center, but you can still walk along the porticos of the impressive Spanish Renaissance Classical building, or stroll into the restored lobby to see the original staircase, terrazzo floor, and copper chandeliers.

This site, whose original purpose still eludes archaeologists, was unknown to European explorers until Father Kino, a Jesuit missionary, first recorded the site's existence in 1694. The area was set aside as federal land in 1892 and named a national monument in 1918. Although only a few prehistoric sites can be viewed, more than 60 are in the monument area, including the 35-foot-tall—that's four stories—Casa Grande (Big House). The tallest known Hohokam building, Casa Grande was built in the early 14th century and is believed by some to have been an ancient astronomical observatory or a center of government, religion, trade, or education. Allow an hour to explore the site, longer if park rangers are giving a talk or leading a tour. On your way out, cross the parking lot by the covered picnic grounds and climb the platform for a view of a ball court and two platform mounds, said to date from the 1100s.

Built in the 13th century, the pueblo complex at 14½-acre Casa Malpais Archaeological Park has a series of narrow terraces lining eroded edges of basalt (hardened lava flow) cliff, as well as an extensive system of subterranean rooms nestled within Earth's fissures underneath. Strategically designed gateways in the walls of the "House of the Badlands," as Spanish settlers called it, allow streams of sunlight to illuminate significant petroglyphs prior to the setting equinox or solstice sun. Casa Malpais's Great Kiva (any kiva larger than 30 feet is considered great) is square-cornered instead of round, consistent with Ancestral Puebloan practice. Some archaeologists believe the pueblo served as a regional ceremonial center for the Mogollon people. Both the Hopi and Zuni tribes trace their history to Casa Malpais. Start your visit at the Springerville Heritage Center, home of the Casa Malpais Museum. Two-hour tours leave at 9 am and 1 pm, but the Park recommends calling ahead.

A signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, lawyer, legislator, and Tejano civil rights advocate José Antonio Navarro built these three limestone, brick, and adobe buildings in the 1850s for his residence and law office. He had sold his ranch near Seguin and moved to San Antonio to be active on the city council. Open to visitors, the half-acre site in Old San Antonio's Laredito area is now a National Historic Landmark and features period furniture and copies of Navarro's writings—he wrote about the history of Texas from a Tejano's perspective and in the Spanish language. Navarro served in Texas legislatures under Mexico, the Republic of Texas, and the State of Texas. Casa Navarro is San Antonio's only historic site focused on the Mexican history and heritage of Texas from the viewpoint of a native Texan with Mexican ancestry.

Perhaps the most stunning of Albuquerque's wineries, Casa Rondeña was designed to resemble a Tuscan villa, with its green-tile roof and verdant grounds laced with shade trees, fountains, and of course, vineyards. Though a true patina of age has yet to develop (the winery was founded in 1995 by vintner John Calvin), this is a most pleasant place for sipping. Respect for the centuries-old heritage of wine in the state is shown through their very drinkable "1629" red blend (made from Tempranillo, Syrah, and Cabernet grapes, it's a nod to the Spaniards who carried the first vines here in that year). A vintage oak fermentation sits in the great hall where tastings are conducted.

Take a one-hour tour here past awe-inspiring limestone formations, deep caverns, stalactites, and stalagmites; you may even catch a glimpse of the endangered Cascade Caverns salamander. Watch for the impressive 100-foot waterfall spilling into a black pool at the end of the tour. Wear rubber-soled shoes; the caverns are wet and can get slippery.

A Hudson Valley wine pioneer, the now well-established winery produces a collection of reds and whites. The winery was built in 1977 by novelist Bill Wetmore, who recently passed the torch to his daughter Joanie Yahn.

One of the West's most underrated national park units, this 114,000-acre swath of wilderness preserves a diverse landscape of towering volcanic mountains, arid high desert, and fertile river valley. Follow Highway 66 east from Ashland to access some of the monument's best hikes, which include a 3-mile round-trip jaunt up to Hobart Bluff, a 4-mile round-trip climb to the observation tower atop Soda Mountain, and a 2.8-mile round-trip trek to Pilot Rock, an ancient volcanic plug. A long section of the Pacific Crest Trail also passes through the monument, including an easy section around Hyatt Lake, a pristine reservoir that's popular for kayaking, trout fishing, and camping. Not far from the lake, Green Springs Inn & Cabins offers rustic but beautifully situated accommodations; adjacent to it is a BLM contact station where rangers can supply maps and advice on what to see in this rugged section of southern Oregon. 

This birds-of-prey educational center and hospital is home to nearly 40 resident education raptors. A visit is a great outing for kids, who can learn what owls eat, why and where birds migrate, and all sorts of other raptor facts. Some of the full-time residents include bald eagles, owls, hawks, falcons, and osprey.

One of the more imaginative adaptations you'll ever see of a mid-century modern grocery store, this sustainably designed regional art museum sits on the edge of downtown Edmonds, steps from the ferry terminal. The museum presents rotating exhibits that focus heavily on Pacific Northwest art from the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries, and the curators make it an important part of their mission to include female, minority, and LGBTQ artists. Classical music performances are held here monthly.

In the 18th century, this Saunderstown farmstead overlooking Narragansett Bay was the summer residence of the Casey family, who leased the land to tenant farmers. Today, this community-supported farm, managed by Historic New England, is operated by resident managers who raise organic vegetables. More than 10 miles of stone walls divide the 300-acre farmstead's fields. Guided tours are offered on Saturdays from mid-May through October. Hiking trails offer access to the wooded back end of the property along the Narrow River.

A weekly farmers' market takes place on Saturday, May–October.

the Casey Jones Home and Railroad Museum contains a diverse assortment of railroad memorabilia. On the grounds is a replica of Old No. 382, Casey's steam engine

In Casey Jones Village. The Casey Jones Village Old Country Store, also in the village, has a restaurant, an 1890s-style ice cream parlor, and gift, souvenir, confectionery, and antiques shops.

The Casey Jr. circus train has just pulled into town, and train cars full of faux circus animals are taking a break in this circus-theme play area across from Dumbo the Flying Elephant. The critters might not be real, but they sure do put out a lot of water as children run hooting and squealing past spitting camels, spraying elephants, and other water hazards. For people with disabilities: Wheelchair accessible. While the kids cool off and burn energy, parents can take a break and grab a hot dog or soft pretzel from nearby carts. Pack towels and fresh clothing for cooler days.

You'll get a full entertainment experience here with a steak house and buffet, concerts, and other live performances, and plenty of gaming including blackjack and keno. There's live music and dancing most nights.

Locals come here for blackjack, poker, keno, more than 200 slot machines, and a dash of Las Vegas–like nightlife.

Named for the Casino Resort, the island's first tourist spot when it opened in 1931 (the same day as the first Pensacola Beach Bridge), this beach offers everything from seasonal live entertainment to public restrooms and showers. You can also lounge in the shade of the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier. Casino Beach has the most parking for beach access on the island and is just a short stroll from dining, entertainment, and major hotels. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (seasonal); free parking; showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.

The Pascua Yaqui tribe's main facility, Casino del Sol Resort has live poker and blackjack, bingo, and slots. The excellent PY Steakhouse, an Asian-fusion restaurant, and several casual eateries provide multiple dining options. Attached to the casino are a 215-room hotel and conference center (a pleasant enough base if you don't mind being a half-hour from town), a golf course, and the 4,600-seat outdoor amphitheater AVA, which books top entertainers from September through May.

The Pascua Yaqui tribe's original gaming venture, just down the road from Casino del Sol, has slot and video-gambling machines only, and one casual restaurant.

This restored home that dates from about 1924 is a small museum run by the Delray Beach Historical Society. It's furnished as though the original inhabitants still lived there and filled with period relics, including a pump organ donated by descendants of a Delray Beach pioneer family. There's a garden of native plants out front and two small bungalow-style buildings on the property that have displays on the town's architectural evolution and history. The cottage is a block north of Atlantic Avenue and right across from the Delray Beach Center for the Arts at Old School Square.

The Casper Planetarium has multimedia programs on astronomy. There are also interactive exhibits in the lobby and a gift shop. Public programs, which last an hour, are scheduled regularly year-round.

Sarasota County's largest park is known for its fossil finds. Amenities: playground; showers; toilets. Best for: solitude; walking.

By the time you spot the picturesque Casselman River Bridge, you're almost in Grantsville. This single-span stone arch bridge ½ mi east of town was built in 1813; at the time it was the largest of its kind. Though the bridge is no longer in use, it serves as the backdrop for a small state park and picnic area.

This circular, 15-foot-wide, 3-foot-deep, 2,000-foot-long waterway is satisfyingly soothing. Just snag an inner tube and float placidly along a clear creek that winds through the park and around the Surf Pool and beaches. You'll pass through a rain forest that showers you with spray, slide through caves and grottoes, float beneath overhanging trees, and get drenched from the "broken pipes" at the Water Works. The current flows a gentle 2½ feet per second. Along the way are five landing areas. For people with disabilities: Guests using wheelchairs must transfer to an inner tube.

A full circuit takes about 20 minutes, longer if you stop at one of the five lifeguard-manned launches.