2339 Best Sights in USA

This valley-floor winery’s name and collector-worthy J.H. Wheeler label celebrate the Wheeler family, who owned a much larger parcel in the late 19th century. The current 11-acre property contains a flower and culinary garden, a small fruit orchard, and 7-plus acres of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, all farmed organically and biodynamically. One of two contemporary stained-cedar buildings holds a state-of-the-art winery and cellar, the other a handsome hospitality center. The latter space, with views north through floor-to-ceiling windows to Mt. St. Helena, comes off more upscale Wine Country living room than tasting venue. One experience involves small bites, two others full lunches. Appointments are required; call for same-day visits.

A private institution in a building shaped like a traditional octagonal Navajo hogan, the Wheelwright opened in 1937. Founded by Boston scholar Mary Cabot Wheelwright and Navajo medicine man Hastiin Klah, the museum originated as a place to house ceremonial materials. Those items were returned to the Navajo in 1977, but what remains is an incredible collection of 19th- and 20th-century baskets, pottery, sculpture, weavings, metalwork, photography, and paintings, including contemporary works by Native American artists, and typically fascinating changing exhibits. The Case Trading Post on the lower level is modeled after the trading posts that dotted the Southwestern frontier more than 100 years ago. It carries an outstanding selection of books and contemporary Native American jewelry, kachina dolls, weaving, and pottery. There are also several interesting educational programs for visitors and locals to enjoy.

This 4,000-acre nature preserve houses top-notch natural-history exhibits. You'll find 30 bird-watching platforms, two self-guided nature trails, several boardwalks, boating facilities, and 40 miles of hiking, cross-country skiing, and horseback-riding trails. The Nature Museum has displays depicting the natural diversity found throughout the preserve, dioramas, live animals, a beehive, a digital microscope, and other unique exhibits of interest to kids of all ages (especially the scavenger hunt).

White Sands National Monument encompasses 145,344 acres of the largest deposit of gypsum sand in the world, where shifting sand dunes reach 60 feet high. The monument, one of the few landforms recognizable from space, has displays in its visitor center that describe how the dunes were (and are continually) formed from gypsum crystals originating at a dry lake bed called Lake Lucero, where winds and erosion break down the crystals into fine particles of sand. A 17-minute introductory video at the visitor center is very helpful if you intend to hike among the dunes. There are also a gift shop, snack bar, and bookstore.

A 16-mi round-trip car ride takes you into this eerie wonderland of gleaming white sand. You can climb to the top of the dunes for a photograph, then tumble or surf down on a sled sold at the visitor center. As you wade barefoot in the gypsum crystals you notice the sand is not hot, and there's even moisture to be felt a few inches below the surface. Gypsum is one of the most common minerals on earth and is finer than the silica sand on beaches. A walk on the 1-mi Big Dune Trail will give you a good overview of the site; other options are the 4¾-mi Alkali Flat Trail and the 600-yard Boardwalk. The Nature Center in the Dunes museum has exhibits and other information that includes interpretive displays with depictions of animals and plant life common to the dunes, along with illustrations of how the dunes shift through time. The center usually is open during regular hours, but is staffed by volunteers (so it sometimes closes unexpectedly). Call first to make sure it's open. The picnic area has shaded tables and grills. Backpackers' campsites are available by permit, obtainable at the visitor center, but there aren't any facilities. Once a month from May to September, White Sands celebrates the full moon by remaining open until 11, allowing you to experience the dunes by lunar light. Call for information and reservations for monthly auto caravans on Saturday to Lake Lucero, the source of the gypsum sand deposit. Rangers lead tours daily at sunset, starting at the visitor center.

The secluded 70-acre Whitehead Island, located in the western mouth of West Penobscot Bay, is home to this lighthouse, which was commissioned in 1803 and rebuilt in 1852 and which continues as a beacon for boaters. The seven-bedroom keeper’s house can be rented on a weekly basis June through October, or adults can attend one of the on-site programs that are offered. Rates include transportation to the island in a light station boat.

The only plantation museum in the area focused exclusively on slavery, the goal of Whitney Plantation is to convince visitors that a plantation tour isn't about a house, but rather about the cruel and unfair system of human bondage that took place on these grounds in the 18th and 19th centuries. Ninety-minute guided tours (as well as self-guided tours) are offered multiple times each day, leading visitors into and around 16 original structures, including the Big House and slave cabins. The plantation also features several memorials to enslaved African Americans forced to live and work across Louisiana. Before or after the tour, there's are exhibits focused on topics such as the slave trade, and a gift shop with an impressive collection of indigenous crafts and topical books. The house might not be the grandest, and the plantation's subject matter is harrowing, but that's the point: it's impossible to get an accurate picture of the region without confronting the atrocities Whitney Plantation wants to ensure we understand. Tours are extremely popular and online reservations are strongly recommended.

A visit to this family-owned winery can be an enlightenment with its combinations of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite Syrah, Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir. The winery is known for its big reds like Refugio Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as its Amour de L'Orange sparkling wine, which pairs well with breakfast dishes and hors d'oeuvres. There's live music Thursday through Sunday from 1 to 4 pm.

Come face-to-face with some 600 free-roaming animals at the 615-acre drive-through wildlife park. Inhabitants include alligators, cheetahs, cougars, African elephants, gibbons, lions, giraffes, grizzly bears, Tibetan yaks, Siberian tigers, and many more species. There's also a petting zoo, a miniature train, up-close animal feedings and encounters, and engaging wildlife talks. The admission price includes two same-day drive-throughs. This nonprofit zoological park is a respected research facility with full accreditation from the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, with a mission to conserve and protect endangered species through education and breeding programs. Through its cheetah breeding program, for example, more than 215 of these animals have been born here.

If you’re heading west on U.S. 290 to Fredericksburg from Johnson City in the warmer months, you’ll inevitably note a large, expansive spread of land flush with vibrant colors. (You may see less of this color in late fall and winter, but the sweeping fields are still hard to miss.) You’re looking at the largest working wildflower farm in the country. Owner John Thomas created Wildseed Farms in 1983 in an effort to share the Hill Country’s bounty with all who visited. The farm has more than 200 acres under cultivation and produces over 88 varieties of wildflower seeds. You can walk the meadows, step into the live butterfly house, and purchase packets of wildflower seeds.

This five-story tower was dedicated in 1937, after a tragic plane crash claimed the life of Will Rogers, America's favorite—and funniest—cowboy. The shrine's viewing deck provides an impressive panoramic view of Colorado Springs and the surrounding area. The tower interior is painted with all manner of Western murals in which Colorado Springs benefactor Spencer Penrose figures prominently, and is plastered with photos and homespun sayings of Rogers. In the chapel are 15th- and 16th-century European artworks.

Stretching 110 miles along the western slopes of the Cascade Range, this forest boasts boundless recreation opportunities, including waterfall exploration, camping, hiking, boating, ATV riding, and winter sports. It extends from the Mt. Jefferson area east of Salem to the Calapooya Mountains northeast of Roseburg, encompassing 1,675,407 acres.

Headquartered about 3 miles east of downtown Long Beach via a bumpy and windy road, this 17,000-acre refuge comprises four main units: the largest is Long Island, an estuarine island with old-growth forest that's reached by kayak or canoe, most easily from the boat ramp across from the smaller East Hills unit, off U.S. 101 about 11 miles north of Ilwaco. The South Bay unit, where the headquarters and a small visitor center are located, consists of wetlands and marshes inhabited by bear, elk, bobcats, and all sorts of birds. Three trails (½ to 2½ miles) traverse it. The Leadbetter Point Unit, which adjoins Leadbetter State Park at the north end of the peninsula, 3 miles beyond Oysterville, is great for bird-watching. Black brants, sandpipers, turnstones, yellowlegs, sanderlings, and knots are among the more than 200 species here. The dune area at the end of the point is closed from March to September to protect the nesting snowy plover. From the parking lot, the ½-mile  paved, wheelchair-accessible Beach Trail leads to the ocean, and a 2½-mile loop trail winds through the dunes along the ocean and Willapa Bay. Several trails along the loop lead to isolated patches of coastline. These trails flood from late fall through early spring, so call the headquarters for guidance at this time.

The collection at this fine museum (moving to a new home in 2027) spans a range of eras and cultures, with American and 20th-century art as two major focuses. Get an inside look at Williams students' experience with Object Lab, a hybrid gallery-classroom curated by faculty to coincide with students' studies.

Sampling first-rate biodynamic vino, including an elegantly balanced Nebbiolo and an aromatic Viognier-Roussanne blend, is just part of the fun of visiting this eco-friendly winery high on a ridge overlooking breathtaking Cowiche Canyon. The property is laced with walking paths and gardens—you can even hike down into the canyon, joining its extensive network of trails. There are food trucks and live music from spring through fall, a great time of year to spread out on a blanket on the property's expansive lawn. There's also a distillery that produces organic grappas and brandies in imported copper stills.

The 4-acre campus of this museum has multiple historic structures, and a fascinating lot of information to impart. The main building houses anthropologist-geologist John Howard Wilson’s collection of prehistoric artifacts from around the world. The John & Phebe Perkins House is a restored 1763 residence originally built on what is now Court Street. The house fell into disrepair until the 1960s, when the Castine Scientific Society had it taken down piece by piece and reassembled on the grounds here. Inside, you can find Perkins family heirlooms and 18th- and early-19th-century furnishings. On the lower level, exhibits in the Perkins Gallery share stories and objects from 19th-century Castine, Penobscot, and Brooksville. The museum shop here features a curated selection of books for all ages, historical maps and prints, souvenirs, crafts, and educational toys.

The Hutchins Education Center offers year-round programs and seasonal exhibits. The Blacksmith Shop holds demonstrations showing all the tricks of this old-time trade. In addition to displays of small traditional boats, the Wood Shop has woodworking demonstrations and a workshop where boats are often under construction. The Bagaduce Engine Company showcases early firefighting memorabilia, including Castine’s 1917 fire alarm, which still works.

Known to Native Americans for centuries, Wind Cave was named for the strong air currents that alternately blow in and out of its entrances. The cave’s winds are related to the difference in atmospheric pressure between the cave and the surface. When the atmospheric pressure is higher outside than inside, the air blows in, and vice versa. With more than 160 miles of known passageways divided into three different levels, Wind Cave ranks among the longest in the world. It’s host to an incredibly diverse collection of geologic formations, including more boxwork than any other known cave, plus a series of underground lakes, though they are located in the deepest parts of the cave not seen on any tours. All tours are led by National Park Service rangers and leave from the visitor center. These tours allow you to see the unusual and beautiful formations with names such as boxwork, cave popcorn, and frostwork. The cave remains a steady 54ºF year-round, so wear closed-toe shoes and bring a jacket or sweater. Tickets are sold at the visitor center and sometimes sell out more than an hour before each tour during summer, so plan accordingly. Check out the park website for the different tours, times, and pricing.

With more than 150 miles of explored passageways (and counting), Wind Cave ranks as the seventh-longest cave in the world, several places behind Jewel Cave, which is also in the Black Hills. Cave tours at Wind Cave range from one to two hours and are first-come, first-served, so it's advisable to arrive early in the morning. If you miss the tour or want something to do afterward or while you wait, don't miss the opportunity to explore the park's surface area, which is one of the most underappreciated yet ruggedly beautiful parts of the Black Hills. You'll likely see some of the park's bison, prairie dogs, and other wildlife, and there are numerous hiking trails.

Please see the Wind Cave National Park chapter for more detailed information.

With its rocky shoreline and strong shore break, Windansea stands out among San Diego beaches for its dramatic natural beauty. It's one of the best surf spots in San Diego County. Surfers love the unusual A-frame waves the reef break here creates. Although the large sandstone rocks that dot the beach might sound like a hindrance, they actually serve as protective barriers from the wind, making this one of the best beaches in San Diego for sunbathing. The beach's palm-covered surf shack built in 1946 is a protected historical landmark, and a seat here at sunset may just be one of the most romantic spots on the West Coast. The name Windansea comes from a hotel that burned down in the late 1940s. You can usually find nearby street parking. Amenities: lifeguards (seasonal); toilets. Best for: solitude; sunset; surfing.

Don't be surprised if someone in tie-dye greets you at the downtown salon of this winery whose labels psychedelic art whiz Stanley Mouse—known for his rock posters and Grateful Dead album covers—designs. The hippie ethos that begat the 1960s back-to-the-land movement survives and thrives in the wines, whose grapes come from vineyards cofounder Phil Coturri manages. Dubbed the "Wizard of Green” by Wine Spectator magazine, Coturri is an expert at organic and biodynamic viticulture. Grenache is a particular jam, but he coaxes the best out of whatever fruit he tends. Hosts pouring rosé, a Rhône white blend, Grenache, Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, or other wines are happy to explain Coturri's wine-growing philosophy—but only after you've selected some vinyl (classic jazz or rock) to accompany your session.

One of the only museums in the United States devoted to the Asian Pacific American experience provides a sophisticated and often somber look at how immigrants and their descendants have transformed (and been transformed by) American culture. The evolution of the museum has been driven by community participation—the museum's library has an oral history lab, and many of the rotating exhibits are focused on stories from longtime residents. Museum admission includes a guided tour through the East Kong Yick building, where scores of immigrant workers from China, Japan, and the Philippines first found refuge in Seattle (check the schedule, as this is the only way to see this section). The museum also offers weekly guided tours of the neighborhood along rotating themes.

With white sand and dunes, Wingaersheek Beach is a well-protected cove with both a beach side and a boat side. The white Annisquam lighthouse is in the bay. The beach is known for its miles of white sand and calm waters. Make a required parking reservation online after Memorial Day through Labor Day. The parking lot is accessible and beach wheelchairs are available on request. Amenities: food and drink; parking (fee); toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.

The great American landscape painter created many of his best-known works in this seaside home from 1883 until his death in 1910. It's easy to see how this rocky, jagged peninsula might have been inspiring. Access to the historic property, which is on a gated residents-only road, is only allowed via a guided 2½-hour tour with the Portland Museum of Art. Tours depart from the museum’s downtown Portland campus at 7 Congress Square.

Henry Francis du Pont (1880–1969) housed his nearly 90,000 objects of American decorative art in this 1,000-acre country estate with a sprawling mansion; his collection, displayed in 175 rooms, is recognized as one of the nation's finest. Its objects, created or used in America between 1640 and 1860, include Chippendale furniture, silver tankards by Paul Revere, and Chinese porcelain made for George Washington. General admission includes a self-guided introductory tour and access to special exhibitions, the garden tram, and grounds. Themed guided tours (reserve in advance; extra fee) allow a deeper look at the ceramics, textiles, furniture, and more. Children are welcome on introductory tours but must be eight years old for themed tours. Surrounding the museum are landscaped lawns and 60 acres of famous naturalistic gardens, including spectacular azaleas in spring, which you visit on a narrated tram ride (weather permitting) or on your own. There are also 25 miles of walking trails. The Enchanted Woods is a fantasy-theme 3-acre children's garden with an 8-foot-wide bird's nest, a faerie cottage with a thatch roof, and a troll bridge. A gift shop and cafeteria are on the grounds.  Allow four hours minimum to explore the museum, gardens, and grounds.

Another of Prosser's crop of younger wineries that have developed a big reputation, Wit Cellars offers tastings in a dapper space in Vintners Village. In addition to producing an eclectic array of superb wines, from a old-world-style Cabernet Franc to a late-harvest Riesling and a port-style Petit Verdot dessert wines, the winery stands out for its exceptionally welcoming staff.

A treasure trove of Texas and regional history, art, heritage, natural history, and science, the Witte is one of the city's best museums. As you enter, walk through the H-E-B Lantern, where a replica of a giant Quetzalcoatlus overhead ushers visitors into the beginning of their journey into Texas Deep Time. The Kittie West Nelson Ferguson People of the Pecos Gallery spans the entire second floor and focuses on the prehistoric hunter-gatherers of Texas. Other demonstrations include encounters with native Texas animals that make the Witte their home and exhibits on how the People of the Pecos created rock art that has survived thousands of years. The Bolner Family Museum Store has exclusive items inspired by the museum's collections and exhibitions.

The volcanic eruption that led to the creation of Crater Lake resulted in the formation of this magical island a ¼-mile off the lake's western shore. The views at its summit—reached on a somewhat challenging 2-mile hike—are stupendous.

Getting to the island requires a strenuous 1-mile hike down (and later back up) the steep Cleetwood Cove Trail to the cove's dock. There, board either the shuttle boat to Wizard Island or a Crater Lake narrated tour boat that includes a stop on the island. If you opt for the latter, you can explore Wizard Island a bit and reboard a later boat to resume the lake tour.

The hike to Wizard Summit, 763 feet above the lake's surface, begins at the island's boat dock and steeply ascends over rock-strewn terrain; a path at the top circles the 90-foot-deep crater's rim. More moderate is the 1¾-mile hike on a rocky trail along the shore of Wizard Island, so called because William Steel, an early Crater Lake booster, thought its shape resembled a wizard's hat.

The park's best picnic venue is on Wizard Island; pack a lunch and book yourself on one of the early-morning boat tour departures, reserving space on an afternoon return. There are no formal picnic areas and just pit toilets, but you'll discover plenty of sunny and shaded spots where you can enjoy a quiet meal and appreciate the astounding scene that surrounds you.

Interactive, immersive, and impactful, this "museum" features a variety of contemporary and experiential art installations grouped under one roof. The highlight is Yayoi Kusama's mirrored Infinity Room, while other exhibits react and play with you thanks to generative light floors, monochromatic lights, and audio tracks on old-fashioned telephones. Visitors can buy beer, seltzer, or soda to take around the museum, and you can also peruse the small gift shop after.