by Dan Murray

Created on: February 01, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

You can't narrow to 500 a list of U.S. tourist destinations, but you can take five that are can't-miss and capture an unforgettable snapshot of the United States. So we're very aware that this list doesn't include a destination in the American heartland, and family-oriented, outdoorsy magnets such as Branson, Mo., can justify their arguments for inclusion. But these five are can't-miss:

1. Washington, D.C.: Americans and non-Americans alike owe it to themselves to visit the nation's capital at least once to see the historic buildings and beautiful monuments and be reminded of the democratic ideals they represent.

2. Las Vegas: Nevada's desert oasis represents is the other side of American idealism: money-driven excess. But family entertainment options about beyond the adult world of casinos, sex and dreams of instant riches. Sky-high roller coasters, abundant golf courses and scenic day trips to Lake Mead and the Grand Canyon offer something for everyone.

3. New York City: All the glitter without the gambling, New York is probably the face of America. From Broadway to museums to the Bronx Bombers, the city has every entertainment option imaginable. With its diverse ethnic neighborhoods, the world's media center is the kind of place you discover anew every time you visit.

4. Yosemite National Park in the spring: You can substitute Yellowstone or any other choice, but one of America's national parks has to be on the list, and it's hard to beat Yosemite in the spring, when the snow-covered peaks of the Sierra Nevada charge the park's famous waterfalls. You are awe-struck by the area's natural beauty before you even enter the boundaries of the park and see El Capitan, Half Dome and nature's other granite sculptures that have captivated so many, from naturalist John Muir to photographer Ansel Adams. Any trip to Yosemite is likely to take you through San Francisco and John Steinbeck country, the farmlands of the Central Valley. Go from San Francisco down the coast to Monterey, then across the Central Valley to Yosemite and you will have taken a trip you'll remember the rest of your life, for the scenery if nothing else.

5. Los Angeles: So culturally counter to New York, L.A. is where they chased the American Dream into the Pacific then kicked back to watch the sun set. Disneyland, Hollywood, movie stars, Laker girls ... like, dude, what else do you want?

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