by Michael Orr

Created on: January 28, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

The United States is a massive country with wildly varying terrains, climates and people. In each of these very different places there are beautiful sights, cool things to see and do. From the humid and warm Florida everglades, frigid wonders of the Rocky Mountains, to the lush rolling grass hills in Tennessee and the concrete jungle of Manhattan, America has so much to offer. As such, in naming the top five tourist attractions in the USA one should try to see the best of as many variants as possible.

5. ESTES PARK, COLORADO
This picturesque Rocky Mountain town, located about an hour and a half northwest of Denver, is surrounded by the Rocky Mountain National Park and the Roosevelt National Forest. With it's hiking trails,magnificent scenery and abundant wildlife there is plenty to see and do. The town itself has great lodging and dining opportunities, from typical western steakhouses to elegant restaurants and everything in between. If you want to get a feel for the Rockies, Estes Park is a great destination.

4. WASHINGTON D.C.
There is no better place to learn about the history of America, than in it's capitol. Whether you have an interest in politics there are many things to see and do in Washington, some of which are absolute 'must-see' attractions. See the foundations of Democracy at the Capitol building, take a tour of the White House, view the overwhelming memorials on the mall, marvel at the architectural designs and the massive and timeless pieces of history at the Smithsonian Museums.

3. ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA
A city that has built itself around the world famous Disneyland theme park and it's sister attraction California Adventure. Walt Disney had a vision and the wonderful artists and creators have created a place of fantasy, fun and magic for kids and adults alike. In addition to the parks, there are wonderful places just a short hop away, Fashion Island, Laguna beach, Beverly Hills, Malibu and Hollywood are all within 40 miles of Anaheim and offer unique experiences.

2. GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA
This spectacular canyon is one of the most famous natural attractions in the world. The steep-sided canyon was carved into the rock over thousnad of years by the Colorado River and is part of a vast national park, one of the first ever set up in the United States. The new horseshoe-shaped glass Skywalk allows a unique and often frightening view of the canyon, as it extends more than sixty feet out over the lip offering clear views from nearly four thousand feet.

1. NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK
New York is one of the most unique cities in the world. From the lights of Times Square and Broadway, to the blend of archetectural structures, the enormous and seemingly out of place Central Park, There is something for every one. Some of the best restaurants in the world are here. There are also unique cultural divisions that are rarely seen so prominently in other cities. As Chinatown crosses into Little Italy and Spanish Harlem extends past the upper east side. New York is definitely this most uniquely American city on the Planet.

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