2339 Best Sights in USA

Directly behind the Acadian Cultural Center, this living-history village—serene and set beautifully along a bayou—re-creates the early life of the region's Creoles, Cajuns, and American Indians, focusing on the late 1700s to 1890. On select days, visitors can see a blacksmith demonstration or watch weavers at work. There are exhibits in 19 Acadian-style structures, including a music hall where live Cajun or zydeco music is played on weekend afternoons, often luring locals onto the dance floor. A large, rustic restaurant serves Cajun classics. Check ahead for live demonstrations from the on-site cooking school.

With its 27 glistening-white 80-foot radio-telescope antennae arranged in patterns (their configuration is altered every four months or so), the Very Large Array is a startling sight when spotted along the Plains of San Augustin. The complex's dish-shaped "ears," each weighing 230 tons, are tuned in to the cosmos. The array is part of a series of facilities that compose the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. The antennas, which provided an impressive backdrop for the movie Contact, based on the Carl Sagan book, form the largest, most advanced radio telescope in the world. The telescope chronicles the birth and death of stars and galaxies from 10 to 12 billion light-years away. Hundreds of scientists from around the world travel to this windy, remote spot to research black holes, colliding galaxies, and exploding stars, as well as to chart the movements of planets. Visitors are permitted to stroll right up to the array on a self-guided walking tour that begins at the unstaffed visitor center. Staff members emphasize that their work does not involve a search for life on other planets.

Sophisticated whimsy is on full display at Chateau Potelle's tasting room. Jean-Noel Fourmeaux, the winery’s bon vivant owner, fashioned this jewel of a space out of a nondescript bungalow south of downtown St. Helena. The residence, decorated with contemporary art (some wine-themed), is the scene of leisurely paced, sit-down, appointment-only tastings, some accompanied by gourmet bites from Napa's La Toque restaurant. On Fridays, the chefs prepare a three-course lunch paired with six wines. Fourmeaux prefers fruit grown at higher elevations because he believes the extended ripening time grapes require in a cooler environment produces more complex and flavorful wines. His Cabernet Sauvignons and other reds support this thesis. The Chardonnays star among the whites.

On a 92-acre property with valley views west to the Mayacamas range, this boutique winery partway up Howell Mountain was established in 1986. Founder Delia Viader bucked conventional wisdom by planting her vines vertically down a 32% slope instead of terracing them horizontally. Smooth and supple yet intense and aromatic, the three principal red blends, these days assembled by her son Alan, are similarly atypical in that they're not, per Delia, "trying to hijack your palate with high tannins or alcohol." A curving knoll of oaks, madrones, and manzanitas separating two vineyard sections holds the winery and nearby appointment-only tasting room. The latter's vistas and terrace are as alluring as the much-sought-after wines.

With 33 miles of views from the tippy top of the Prudential Center, View Boston offers a 360-degree observation deck (part of which is open-air) high above the heart of Boston. A true bird’s-eye experience, there are elevated viewing spots, as well as the fun, interactive Virtual Viewers discovery tool to help ID neighborhoods. The Boston 365 activation is a remarkable 3D model of the city with projection mapping, and the 270-degree immersive theater showcases street-level sights up close. Dine among the clouds at the Beacon Bistro or grab a cocktail at Stratus.

More than 200 local artists, including glassblowers, enamel workers, wood-carvers, sculptors, painters, jewelers, and photographers, work and give demonstrations of their craft on a rotating basis within and outside these red tile–roof studio-galleries that were set up for the 1935–36  California Pacific International Exposition in the style of an old Spanish village. The center is a great source for memorable gifts.

The downtown tasting room of owner-winemaker Nathan Vader's boutique winery occupies a restored 1891 structure made of volcanic rock. Top Sierra Foothills vineyards supply grapes for his primarily reds lineup, led by best sellers Barbera and the Primitivo-based Phoenix blend. Merlot, Grenache, and the Venus red blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cabernet Franc, rank among the other stars, served inside or on the shaded rear patio.

Fans of this down-home winery's flagship Petite Sirah snap it up so quickly that visitors to the plywood-paneled tasting room have to buy "futures" of wines still aging in barrels. The same holds true for other small-lot wines. Founder Vincent Arroyo replaced a prune orchard with Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon, and later Zinfandel, the winery's top sellers. Later came more acreage and Merlot, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Chardonnay, and other grapes. These days, Vince's daughter, Adrian, and her husband—the current winemaker, Matthew Moye—own and run the appointment-only winery. The presentation here is charmingly old-school.

Owners Suzy and Jim Gullett draw raves for their Sangioveses, which range from light and fruity to rich and heavy. They also produce Rosato di Sangiovese (aka rosé), old-vine Zinfandel, and a few other varietals. Most tastings take place in the red barn where the couple began operations in the 1980s or on a nearby patio.

The Virginia Air and Space Center traces the history of flight and space exploration. The nine-story, futuristic, $30 million center is the visitor center for NASA Langley Research Center and Langley Air Force Base. Its space artifacts include a 3-billion-year-old moon rock, the Apollo 12 command capsule, a lunar lander, and NASA's new Orion space craft. The center also holds a dozen full-size aircraft, a 3-D IMAX theater that is five stories high, a variety of flight simulators, and hands-on exhibits that let you see yourself as an astronaut or launch a rocket.

After a $150 million expansion, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has doubled its exhibition space, added a casual bistro and fine dining restaurant, and expanded its accessibility with a schedule that will keep it open 365 days a year. Already one of the top contemporary art museums in the nation, the VMFA has a fine collection of American art, British sporting art, and Fabergé. Its collection of 22,000 works also includes Impressionist, Postimpressionist, Himalayan, and African art. The soaring limestone and glass of the new wing and the whimsy of the adjacent sculpture garden blend the old and new to create a superb arts complex. Updated holiday hours will allow more visitors to take advantage of the free general admission throughout the year.

A two-tier octagonal structure perched on the edge of this 730-foot-high cliff offers unparalleled 30-mile views up and down the Columbia River Gorge. The building dates to 1917, its rotunda and lower level filled with displays about the Gorge and the highway. Vista House's architect Edgar Lazarus was the brother of Emma Lazarus, author of the poem displayed at the base of the Statue of Liberty.

Of the 10,000 people living in Miami between 1912 and 1916, about 1,000 of them were gainfully employed by Chicago industrialist James Deering to build this European-inspired residence that resembles a tropical version of Versailles. Once comprising 180 acres, this National Historic Landmark now occupies a 30-acre tract that includes a rockland hammock (native forest) and more than 10 acres of formal gardens with fountains overlooking Biscayne Bay. The house, open to the public, contains 70 rooms, 34 of which are filled with paintings, sculpture, antique furniture, and other fine and decorative arts. The collection spans 2,000 years and represents the Renaissance, baroque, rococo, and neoclassical periods. The 90-minute self-guided Discover Vizcaya Audio Tour is available in multiple languages for an additional $5. Moonlight tours, offered on evenings that are nearest the full moon, provide a magical look at the gardens; call for reservations.

The newest outpost of the New Mexico Museum of Art, Vladem boasts a more modern approach to the artistic experience than the city’s historic buildings provide. The striking structure was purposefully designed to accommodate large-scale installations, multimedia exhibitions, performances, educational programs, and much-needed art storage, including a photography vault for fragile historic photos. With nearly 10,000 square feet of gallery space and over 2,500 square feet of outdoor space, plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring the artwork and grounds. The $12 admission also gets visitors into its sister museum at 107 West Palace Avenue in the Plaza.

The byway is a 500-mile scenic drive connecting Lassen with Oregon's Crater Lake National Park. The route's southern loop begins in Chester and winds for about 185 miles through the forests, volcanic peaks, hydrothermal springs, and lava fields of Lassen National Forest and Lassen Volcanic National Park. The all-day excursion into dramatic wilderness includes a detour north to 129-foot-tall Burney Falls. Note, though, that the Dixie Fire of 2021 scorched the forested areas along Highway 36 and Lassen National Park Highway near Chester.

Not all volcanic soils are ideal for the cultivation of grapes, but this winery grows its own grapes and produces some interesting vintages. The Macadamia Nut Honey Wine is a nutty, very sweet after-dinner drink. The Infusion Tea Wine pairs estate-grown black tea with South Kona's fermented macadamia nut honey for a smooth concoction perfect for brunch through early evening. Though this isn't Napa Valley, the vintners take their wine seriously, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Wine tasting and flights are available; you can also enjoy wine and cheese inside or in a shaded picnic area. A gift store carries a selection of local crafts.

The planetarium might take you back to grade-school field trips, but learning about stars never gets old. Clear night skies over the city's plateaus come to life during astronomy programs presented by society members and guest speakers. The facility, located on a mountain in Monte Sano State Park includes two telescope-equipped observatories, an astronomical library, and a solar telescope.

The nation's oldest public art museum—and the first American museum to acquire works by Salvador Dalí and Italian Renaissance artist Caravaggio—houses more than 50,000 artworks and artifacts spanning 5,000 years, along with 7,000 items documenting African American history and culture in partnership with the Amistad Foundation. Particularly impressive are the museum's Baroque, Impressionist, and Hudson River School collections.

A 1½-mile-long paved beach walk allows you to stroll among Wailea's prettiest properties, restaurants, and rocky coves. The trail, teeming with joggers in the morning and late afternoon, is landscaped with rare native plants like the silvery hinahina, named after the Hawaiian moon goddess. In winter, keep an eye out for whales. The trail is accessible from Polo Beach as well as from the many Wailea beachfront resorts. Bring your wallet for a treat like banana bread or iced coffee at the resorts' casual eateries along the path.

Once you've made it past Hana town, you're rewarded with views of what many consider to be the most beautiful and most photographed waterfall in Maui. The best part is that you don't even have to get off of the highway to see the stunning 80-foot falls that end in a gorgeous pool. Look for the occasional local vendors in the parking area.

Kauai has plenty of noteworthy waterfalls, but this one is especially gorgeous, easy to find, and easy to photograph from the road. You may recognize the impressive cascade from the opening sequences of the Fantasy Island television series. To reach it, drive north from Lihue following Maalo Road in Hanamaulu, then travel uphill for 3 miles.  Do not hike down to the base of the falls to access the water.

One of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu, Waimanalo is a local pick, busy with picnicking families and active sports fields. Expect a wide stretch of sand; turquoise, emerald, and deep-blue water; and gentle shore-breaking waves that are fun for all ages. Theft is an occasional problem, so lock your car. Amenities: lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunrise; swimming; walking.

Carved over countless centuries by the Waimea River and the forces of wind and rain, Waimea Canyon is a dramatic gorge nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific"—but not by Mark Twain, as many people mistakenly think. Hiking and hunting trails wind through the canyon, which is more than 3,600 feet deep, 1 mile wide, and about 14 miles long. The cliff sides have been sharply eroded, exposing swatches of colorful soil. The deep red, brown, and green hues are constantly changing in the sun, and frequent rainbows and waterfalls enhance the natural beauty. This is one of Kauai's prettiest spots, and it's worth stopping at both the Puu ka Pele and Puu Hinahina lookouts within the state park.

Public restrooms and parking are at most proper lookouts, and the main one has ramps for strollers and wheelchairs. If you stop at small pullouts, park completely off the highway and look for cyclists before opening car doors.

If you enjoy hiking, go up the stream from the Pools of Oheo on the 2-mile hike to Waimoku Falls via Pipiwai Trail. The trail crosses a spectacular gorge, then turns into a boardwalk that takes you through an amazing bamboo forest. The hike also includes a giant banyan tree, views of Makahiku Falls, and forests of tropical plant life. After returning from your hike you can pitch a tent in the grassy campground down by the sea if you've made reservations in advance.

An easily accessible access point to see the beauty of the Waipio Valley, this lookout offers a stunning view of the valley and the high cliffs that surround it. Not surprisingly, it's a popular spot, but there's plenty of parking to handle the cars on most days; Hawaii County maintains the park at the top. A treacherous paved road leads down from the Waipio Valley Lookout, but no car rental companies on the island allow their cars to be driven down. Please don't try, even if you rented a four-wheel drive. You can walk it, and you should if you can. The distance is actually less than a mile from the lookout point—just keep in mind that the climb back gains 1,000 feet in elevation and is highly strenuous, so bring water and a walking stick. Your best bet for seeing the wonders of the valley floor is with a guided four-wheel-drive tour such as the Waipio Valley Shuttle. Due to repair work, Waipio Valley Road going down to the valley was closed at the time of writing for all but essential uses. Check ahead and confirm with outfitters.

For lovers of Early American literature, a trip to Concord isn't complete without a pilgrimage to Henry David Thoreau's most famous residence. Here, in 1845, at age 28, Thoreau moved into a one-room cabin—built for $28.12—on the shore of this 100-foot-deep kettle hole formed by the retreat of an ancient glacier. Living alone for the next two years, Thoreau discovered the benefits of solitude and the beauties of nature. Walden, published in 1854, is a mixture of philosophy, nature writing, and proto-ecology.

The site of the original house is staked out in stone. A full-size, authentically furnished replica of the cabin stands about a half mile from the original site, near the Walden Pond State Reservation parking lot. During the summer, don't be shocked if you aren't allowed entrance: Walden Pond has limited parking. Get there early or visit later in the day for the best chance of getting in, but it's worth it. Swimming in Walden Pond is a special treat.

The Walker Art Center has an outstanding collection of 20th- and 21st-century American and European sculpture, prints, and photography, as well as traveling exhibits and national and international acts. The Irene Hixon Whitney Footbridge, designed by sculptor Siah Armajani, connects the arts complex to Loring Park, across I–94.

This South Dakota original got its start in 1931 by offering free ice water to road-weary travelers headed for Mount Rushmore. Today, its dining rooms seat 530 visitors at a time. A life-size mechanical Cowboy Orchestra and Chuckwagon Quartet greet you inside, and, in the back, you'll find an animated T. rex, a replica of Mount Rushmore, and a panning and mining experience. The attached Western Mall has 14 shops selling all kinds of keepsakes from cowboy hats, boots, and Black Hills gold jewelry to T-shirts, Western-themed books, and fudge. Just don't skip the doughnuts.

This family-friendly swimmers' beach has bright white sand, a picnic area, a store, and beautiful views of the Isles of Shoals. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.