USA Travel Guide

The world’s first movie-themed Universal park, nestled at the foot of the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles. It opens with the Studio Tour — a tram ride through the still-working Universal backlot with Jaws, earthquake and flood effects — while the upper lot packs immersive lands like Harry Potter, Minion Land, Transformers and Jurassic World. Equal parts theme park and real movie studio.

Established in 1872, Yellowstone was the world’s first national park, spanning Wyoming, Montana and Idaho across about 8,983 km². Sitting atop a supervolcano, it holds one of Earth’s most active geothermal systems — Old Faithful geyser, the rainbow-hued Grand Prismatic Spring, bubbling mud pots and steam vents. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone Lake and countless waterfalls shape a dramatic plateau, while bison, grizzly bears, wolves and elk roam free, making it a living showcase of North American wilderness.

The Statue of Liberty, a 1886 gift from France, was designed by sculptor Bartholdi with an internal steel frame by Eiffel. Sheathed in copper now turned iconic green, the figure stands about 46 m, 93 m with pedestal, raising a torch in her right hand and holding the Declaration of Independence in her left—a world symbol of freedom and immigration, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Access is by the exclusive Statue City Cruises ferry; boarding requires airport-style security. The pedestal holds a museum and observation platform; the crown requires climbing 162 narrow spiral steps from the pedestal top, no elevator, overlooking New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline.

Disneyland Resort, in Anaheim southeast of Los Angeles, was personally unveiled by Walt Disney in 1955 as the world's first Disney park — the original Happiest Place on Earth. It comprises two theme parks: Disneyland's nine lands stretch from Main Street, U.S.A. to a galaxy far, far away, with classics like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and the Matterhorn; next door, Disney California Adventure leans into thrill rides and California culture, led by Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout! and the Pixar Pal-A-Round wheel. Evening fireworks and parades crown the magic, with Sleeping Beauty Castle at the end of Main Street as every fan's pilgrimage site. Use the official app for ride reservations and wait times; two days, one park each, is the relaxed plan.

The Empire State Building is an Art Deco Midtown landmark, completed in 1931 with 102 floors and about 443 m including the antenna—long the world's tallest. The 86th-floor open-air observatory offers a 360-degree view over Manhattan's grid and the Hudson; the enclosed 102nd-floor deck rises even higher. The tower lights change color for holidays and anniversaries, a classic symbol of the New York night and a favorite film location.

The White House is the official residence and workplace of the U.S. president, at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, founded in 1792 and occupied in 1800 — a neoclassical icon. Its north lawn and Ionic portico face the city, while the Oval Office sits to the south. A living museum and the ultimate symbol of American power.