10457 Best Sights in USA

This is a great beach to sit and people-watch as diving and fishing boats, kayakers, and canoe paddlers head out to sea. Shore and throw-net fishermen frequent this harbor as well. It's not a particularly large harbor, so it retains a quaint sense of charm, unlike Nawiliwili Harbor or Port Allen. The lawn is a good picnic and ball-tossing spot, and the bay is a nice protected area for limited swimming, but with all the boat traffic kicking up sand and clouding the water, it's not good for snorkeling. Outside the breakwater, there is a decent surf spot. Amenities: parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: picnics; sunset; swimming.

This picturesque garden has assimilated itself naturally into its precipitous 8-acre habitat. More than 2,500 plants and trees fill the enchanted garden, including native koa (prized by woodworkers) and kukui (the state tree, a symbol of enlightenment). A flowing stream feeds into a koi pond, where nene and ducks meander, and a paved, stroller- and wheelchair-friendly pathway winds through the grounds. The carved tiki exhibit, aviary, and Jackson chameleon exhibit entertain the keiki (children).

This ½-mile trail takes you from the Kipahulu Visitor Center down to the pools of Oheo at Kuloa Point, where the freshwater pools and ocean meet. On the trail, you pass native trees and precontact Hawaiian sites. Easy. Tempting as it is, swimming in the ocean is strongly discouraged. While it may seem calm near sea level, unpredictable conditions at higher elevations cause flash flooding and other dangers.

This Sonoma Valley operation (now more than a century old) prides itself on producing 100% estate wines from its 1,850-acre property, which rises 1,700 feet from the valley floor. The Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs are among the best wines, with a Zinfandel from 1880s vines standing out among the reds. Although the winery changed ownership in late 2024, fourth- and fifth-generation members of the founding Kunde family still hold key positions.    Ask about the Mountain Top Tasting, a late spring–mid-fall vineyard tour to a tree-shaded valley-view ridge.

The Story Wall, comprising 10 plaques along the waterfront, recounts the history of African Americans in Maryland. These granite-framed markers lead to a sculpture group depicting Alex Haley, famed author of Roots, reading to a group of children of different ethnic backgrounds. Here you'll also see a plaque that commemorates the 1767 arrival of Kunta Kinte, who was brought from Africa, sold into slavery, and later immortalized in Haley's novel. Across the street is "The Compass Rose," a 14-foot-diameter inlaid bronze map of the world oriented to true north with Annapolis in the center.

This poignant little pocket park along the muddy banks of the Wishkah River pays homage to grunge legend and Nirvana front man Kurt Cobain, who grew up in a modest home two blocks away. A guitar sculpture, lyrics to “Something in the Way,” and other remembrances—like an empty instrument-stand sculpture identified as the musician's air guitar—mark the quiet spot that fans still seek out nearly 30 years after the rock star's death. Some leave messages on the park bench and picnic table as well as under the bridge.

If you've been driving too long and want a place to stretch your legs, unbeatable views of the Smokies, and an ecological lesson, take the ½-mile (1-mile round-trip) trail from the Kuwohi Visitor Center parking lot to the observation tower at the top of Kuwohi, the highest peak in the Smokies. The tower itself is a spiraling, concrete architectural marvel. While paved, the trail is fairly steep, and at 6,643 feet of elevation, you'll probably be gasping for air. Previously known as "Clingmans Dome," the mountain was formally renamed Kuwohi—its original Cherokee name, meaning "mulberry place"—in 2024. Many of the fir trees here are dead, killed by an alien invader—the balsam woolly adelgid. There's a small visitor information station on the trail. In the parking lot, often full in season, there are restrooms. Moderate. If the paved trail isn't appealing, you can use the Kuwohi Bypass Trail and the Appalachian Trail as an alternative, or make it a loop.

While not a full-fledged visitor information center, Kuwohi has a staffed information kiosk, along with a small park store and bookshop. There are restrooms in the Kuwohi parking lot.

The house where author L. Frank Baum dreamed up The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has been replaced by an affordable housing complex. But Baum's connection to the corner lot hasn't been forgotten; in 2019, the current building's developer paved the sidewalks with yellow brick, and installed a colorful mosaic depicting Dorothy and the gang beneath the author's famous words, "There's no place like home."

The mammoth L.A. Live entertainment complex was opened in 2007 when there was little to do or see in this section of Downtown. Since its inception, this once creepy ghost town has become a major hub for sports, concerts, award shows, and more. The first things you'll notice as you emerge from the parking lot are the giant LED screens and sparkling lights, and the buzz of crowds as they head out to dinner before or after a Lakers game, movie, or live show at the Microsoft Theater. There are dozens of restaurants and eateries here, including Los Angeles favorite Katsuya, the spot for sizzling Kobe beef platters and excellent sushi (the crab rolls are not to be missed).

Park for free on weekdays from 11 am to 2 pm if you eat at one of the dozen or so restaurants here.

This 1,654-acre, full-service park has hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails along with overnight camping. There are full hookup sites, tent sites, small cabins, and even a horse camp. Lush rolling hills, forests, and deep canyons are terrific for bird-watching, wildflower walks, and other relaxing pursuits. An 18-hole disc golf course winds its way through a dense forest. In case you don't know, in disc golf players throw a disc at a target and attempt to complete the course with the fewest throws.

This shaded vineyard makes its Twisted Sisters wines from the sweet muscadine grapes grown on the property. Tastings and tours are available on Wednesdays and Saturdays for $15 and include live music. The gift shop offers everything from wine to savory dips and fun grape-themed items.

The high-profile brand's multistory tasting space occupies a restored early-1900s redwood barn used over the years for hops, hay storage, and as a stable. With its cool Russian River Valley maritime climate, the celebrated Saralee's Vineyard fits the preferred La Crema profile for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. You can sample wines on the patio or (if you book ahead) hop aboard a golf cart for a vineyard tour followed by a tasting.

This spot may be located a short jaunt from the rest of the traditional Texas Wine Trail, but it’s absolutely worth a visit to experience a winery that’s always done things a little differently. Inspired by his friend and fellow winemaker Tony Coturri, Lewis Dickson began planting grapes and producing natural wine back in 2000. The winery is named after the old Mexican graveyard cross in the vineyard (ask Dickson for the full story behind it), and the eclectic tasting room is set in a house filled with plenty of art, photographs, and relics to marvel at while you sample the wines.

A fonda (inn) has stood on this site southeast of the Plaza for centuries, and architect Isaac Hamilton Rapp built the area landmark that stands there today in 1922. The hotel was sold to the Santa Fe Railway in 1926 and remained a Harvey House hotel until 1968. The property completed its latest major renovation in 2013, its guest rooms receiving a smart but still classic makeover, but the historic public areas retain their original design elements. Because of its proximity to the Plaza and its history as a gathering place for everyone from cowboys to movie stars (Errol Flynn stayed here), it's referred to as "The Inn at the End of the Trail." Free docent tours, which touch on the hotel's rich history and detail key pieces in the astounding public art collection, are offered Wednesday through Saturday morning at 10:30. Step inside to browse the shops on the main floor or to eat at one of the restaurants, including the impressive greenhouse glass-topped La Plazuela. The lobby bar often has live music. In warm months, enjoy a drink at the fifth-floor Bell Tower Bar which offers tremendous sunset views.

Headquarters to the Dorchester County Historical Society, this property houses two historic homes. The three-story, 18th-century Georgian Meredith House is rich with Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton period antiques, and the Children's Room holds an impressive doll collection, cradles, miniature china, and baby carriages. Portraits and effects of seven former Maryland governors from Dorchester County adorn the Governor's Room. In the Neild Museum are agricultural, maritime, and Native American artifacts. There's also a restored smokehouse, blacksmith's shop, and medicinal herb garden on the grounds. Fall is ablaze with vibrant leaves and many family activities.

It's a walk of 145 sometimes slippery steps down a tunnel to Sunny Jim, the largest of the seven caves in La Jolla Cove and the only one reachable by land. This is a one-of-a-kind local attraction, and worth the time if you have a day or two to really enjoy La Jolla. The man-made tunnel took two years to dig, beginning in 1902; later, a shop was built at its entrance. Today the Cave Store, a throwback to that early shop, is still at the cave entrance and is the oldest running business in La Jolla. The shop sells jewelry, postcards, shells, and watercolors by local artists. All visitors are required to sign a safety waiver at the entrance. Sturdy shoes are recommended for the 15-minute self-guided tour. You can overstay your welcome by booking out the Airbnb above the Cave Store.

This is one of San Diego's most popular beaches due to its wide sandy shore, gentle waves, and incredible views of La Jolla Peninsula. There's also a large grassy park, and adjacent to La Jolla Shores lies the San Diego--La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, 6,000 acres of protected ocean bottom and tidelands, bordered by the Seven La Jolla Sea Caves. The white powdery sand at La Jolla Sands is some of San Diego's best, and several surf and scuba schools teach here. Kayaks can also be rented nearby. A concrete boardwalk parallels the beach, and a boat launch for small vessels lies 300 yards south of the lifeguard station at Avenida de Playa. Arrive early to get a parking spot in the lot near Kellogg Park at the foot of Calle Frescota. Street parking is limited to one or two hours. Amenities: lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking.

The state's most fully restored mission, founded in 1787, stands in a stark and still remote location that powerfully evokes the lives and isolation of California's Spanish settlers. Docents lead tours Wednesday to Sunday (daily June to August), and vivid displays illustrate the secular and religious activities that formed mission life.

At the mouth of Quileute River, La Push is the tribal center of the Quileute people. In fact, the town's name is a variation on the French la bouche, which means "the mouth." Offshore rock spires known as sea stacks dot the coast here, and you may catch a glimpse of bald eagles nesting in the nearby cliffs.

In the park’s northwest corner, this 14-mile round-trip hike with an elevation gain of a little over 1,000 feet leads to one of the largest freestanding arches ever discovered. Kolob Arch spans nearly the length of a football field (287 feet) and is reached via this pleasant trail alongside La Verkin Creek and beneath the vivid red cliffs of Shuntavi Butte and Timber Top Mountain. Multiple campsites are available to make this an overnight itinerary (a wilderness permit is required for overnight stays). You can connect with the Hop Valley Trail to head into the main section of Zion National Park. Difficult.

The Highway of Legends passes through the tiny, laid-back resort town of La Veta before intersecting with U.S. 160 and turning east toward Walsenburg, another settlement built on coal and the largest town between Pueblo and Trinidad.

Meaning "Little Village," La Villita is a prime square block of shopping, dining, arts and entertainment and host to more than 200 festive events each year. It was the original settlement in Old San Antonio and one of the city's first neighborhoods founded almost 300 years ago. Stroll among the adobe, brick, and stone structures in varying architectural styles. Enjoy browsing (and buying!) at about two dozen boutiques and galleries selling art, jewelry, and handmade items by local and regional artists, who occasionally present workshops and exhibitions on-site. La Villita Historic Arts Village is named on the National Register of Historic Places. Be sure to pick up a map so you don't miss anything in this charming hamlet.

New Mexico's oldest winery—established in 1977—La Viña Winery is now run by proprietors Denise and Ken Stark. La Viña hosts a popular wine festivals in October and April. A wide variety of wines is produced here—from a crisp Viognier, to Pinot Noir, to White Zinfandel.

Towering coconut trees provide some shade and lend a touch of tropical beauty to this pretty little beach park, which may well be the Big Island's most intriguing stretch of sand. A migratory beach of sorts, it can disappear when strong surf washes away the small white-sand parcel (hence the name "Magic Sands"). Then suddenly, all the sand can reappear within days. You'll know you've found it when you see the body and board surfers. It's often quite crowded, no matter what time of year. Large shore breaks here can be dangerous, so always listen to lifeguard instruction. Amenities: lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; surfing.

Set on a leafy hilltop midway between Milford and Manchester, this contemporary winery with high ceilings and tall windows contains a tasting room, a bistro serving excellent lunch and dinner fare, an art gallery with rotating exhibits, and a spacious dog-friendly terrace.

This complex of lovely town houses, built in the 1830s by sugar planter Jean Baptiste LaBranche, fills the half block between Pirate's Alley and Royal and St. Peter streets behind the Cabildo. The house on the corner of Royal and St. Peter streets, with its elaborate, rounded cast-iron balconies, is among the most frequently photographed residences in the French Quarter.

The southernmost pristine glacial lake in the United States, Lake Lacawac is an important center for ecological research. It’s surrounded by a nonprofit nature sanctuary that’s popular with hikers and walkers; trails range from the quarter-mile Meadow Trail to the relatively strenuous Big Lake Trail, almost 3 miles long. The sanctuary is also home to the 1903 Great Camp, the former estate of coal-baron congressman William Connell. Free hour-long educational tours of the sanctuary and the Great Camp are conducted every Wednesday and Saturday at 1 pm.

Just one block from Gateway National Park's north entrance, this nine-block district is complete with cobblestone streets, 17 historic buildings, eight restaurants, and one great view of the river. Arch parking is available here, and the MetroLink light rail stops at this location, too.