by K. W. Callahan

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

While it's difficult to pick just five from all the amazing features America has to offer, there are certain sites that are "must sees" during one's lifetime.

THE LAS VEGAS STRIP

Visit the world in a day. Venture from Egypt to Paris, then down the road to Japan and across the street to Italy as you wander the themed casinos of the Vegas strip. This is Vegas's very own take on the world tour, glazed in slices of neon and baked in the glare of a million light bulbs. While in town, take a quick drive up the road to visit

Lake Mead. Reports indicating that this majestic beauty might be dry by 2021 mean you're running out of time to see it. Created by Hoover Dam, the lake supplies energy and water to over 25 million people of the American Southwest.

GRAND CANYON

Yes, while it is the old standby, there's nothing else like it in the world. Pictures and movies just don't do it justice. Carved out over millions of years by the Colorado River and stretching nearly 280 miles, it's a mile and a half deep in spots and a remarkable sight to behold. Located largely inside the confines of Grand Canyon National Park, consider camping while visiting the park to take advantage of fantastic hiking opportunities and river rafting on the Colorado.

NEW YORK CITY

Yes, the entire city! There's just too much to see and do in "the city that never sleeps" to narrow it down to just one attraction. So why not see the whole thing? Visit Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Little Italy, China Town, SoHo, see Wall Street, take in a Broadway show, or just relax at a Yankees or Mets game.

HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

Besides baseball and apple pie, what's more American than Hollywood and its world-renowned Walk of Fame? This portion of sidewalk, running along Hollywood Blvd. and Vine Street, stretches nearly three and a half miles and is inlaid with 2500 stars, over 2000 of which are filled with honorees of radio, music and film. Stars being added to the walk this year include Cameron Diaz, Robert Downey Jr., Hugh Jackman, William H. Macy, and John Stamos. The best thing is - it's free! Along the way, be sure to stop by Grauman's Chinese Theatre and check out the over 200 celebrity handprints, footprints and signatures, of Hollywood's elite.

WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

Disney World sits upon 25,000 acres and is an amazing place to visit no matter what your age. Actually comprised of four separate parks, including the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom, the resort is located just outside Orlando, Florida and attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year. Kids, teens, and adults alike can explore their inner-child when they step foot inside these hallowed grounds. Whether you're looking for the fast-paced excitement of thrill rides and water slides, a leisurely spa treatment, a round of golf, or a learning experience for the kiddies, there's something for everyone at the "house of the mouse"!

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