Best Places to Visit in North America: Amazing Beauty Awaits
North America is a vibrant continent bursting with diverse landscapes, bustling cosmopolitan cities, ancient ruins, pristine beaches, and breathtaking natural wonders just waiting to be explored. From the dazzling lights of New York City to the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán and the captivating coral reefs of Belize, there are endless destinations to inspire you.
Apart from this, during my first north America trip, I was curious to know about the best places in north America that can inspire me. After spending 20 days there I found some incredible places. Now, I want to inform you about the best places to visit in north America so that you can save your time and directly visit these places instead of asking from the random people.
Additionally, whether you’re a city slicker looking for exciting urban adventures, an avid hiker seeking stunning vistas, or a culture and history buff eager to uncover the past – I have explored all the incredible places in North America for you.
In short, some of the best places to visit in North America includes Niagara Falls, The Grand Canyon, Walt Disney World, Eiffel Tower Replicas, Yellowstone National Park and much more. Lets have a deeper look at all the incredible places in North America.
Tourist best places to visit in north america
North America brims with major tourist attractions that should be at the top of any travel bucket list. Here are some of the most popular places visitors flock to see:
1- Niagara Falls
Straddling the border between the United States and Canada, the thundering waters and majestic views of Niagara Falls draw millions of visitors yearly. Visitors can view the falls from multiple vantage points or even take a boat tour to experience the falls up close from below. The vibrant towns and cities around Niagara Falls also make it ideal for shopping, casinos, museums and endless entertainment.
2- The Grand Canyon
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon astonishes with its sheer size and intricately layered multi-colored rock formations carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. You can hike along the canyon rim, raft through the white water rapids deep within the canyon walls, or admire epic sunrises and sunsets.
3- Walt Disney World
Home to Cinderella’s castle, Fantasyland and more magical themed lands spanning over 40 square miles, Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida brings Disney characters and stories to life. Families with kids will love riding rollercoasters, watching parades, and meeting Belle or Buzz Lightyear.
4- Eiffel Tower Replicas
You can experience views from the iconic Eiffel Tower without leaving North American soil. Head to the Paris Las Vegas hotel on the legendary Las Vegas Strip, where a 50-story replica soars high into the Nevada skyline. Or visit Kings Island Amusement Park in Ohio for their 300-foot scale model version.
Top Destinations to Visit by Region
From cosmopolitan north American cities to ancient ruins buried in jungles to glacier-carved peaks, here is where to go and what to see in each major region of North America:
1- United States
The United States offers enormous diversity from coast to coast. Must-visit destinations include:
- New York City: The City That Never Sleeps dazzles with towering skyscrapers, Broadway musicals, world-class museums, endless foodie haunts and lively nightlife
- Los Angeles: LA provides a glamorous Hollywood backdrop, beautiful beaches like Santa Monica, Griffith Observatory’s epic views and The Getty museum’s impressive art collections
- Las Vegas: America’s playground entices visitors with over-the-top themed casino resorts lining the legendary Strip, lively pool parties, world-class entertainment and around-the-clock energy
- National Parks: Protecting stunning landscapes, unusual rock formations, steaming geysers, and groves of giant sequoia trees, national parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon allow you to experience the great outdoors
2- Canada
Some top places to visit in Canada include:
- Toronto: One of the most multicultural cities in the world, Toronto highlights include the 553-meter tall CN Tower, restaurants serving cuisine from across the globe, vibrant districts like Little Italy and Chinatown, plus nearby Niagara Falls
- Vancouver: Set against snow-capped mountains and the Pacific Ocean’s shimmering waters, Vancouver wows with Stanley Park’s lush rainforests, Granville Island Public Market’s artisan food producers and the Capilano Suspension Bridge swaying 230 feet above a river canyon
- Montreal: Montreal impresses visitors with historic architecture, French-inspired art and cuisine, Notre-Dame Basilica’s intricate designs, and world-famous comedy festivals
3- Mexico
Mexico tempts travelers with Aztec and Mayan ruins, exotic wildlife, gorgeous beaches spanning two coastlines, complex cuisine and vibrant festivals. Must-see places include:
- Mexico City: Wander the massive main square called the Zócalo with its monumental cathedral and National Palace filled with epic murals by Diego Rivera, browse the trendsetting shops in artsy Roma Norte, then dine on inventive tacos and sample fine tequilas into the night
- Chichén Itzá: One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this well-preserved ancient city features iconic step pyramids like El Castillo designed with the Mayans advanced knowledge of astronomy and mathematics
- Cabo San Lucas: Known for its stunning rock formations rising from the azure waters of the Sea of Cortez, Cabo offers stretches of powder soft sand beaches, world-class resorts and luxury yachts swaying in the marina
Experiences You Can Only Have in North America
In addition to sightseeing famous attractions, here are some quintessential North American experiences to add to your itinerary:
1- Road Tripping Along Iconic Highways
From cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway in California, taking in dramatic ocean vistas or driving through classic Americana spots on Route 66 to gawking at quirky roadside attractions on Nova Scotia’s world-famous Cabot Trail – road-tripping allows you to see diverse landscapes across North America.
2- Celebrating Culturally Festive Events
North America hosts vibrant events that let you dive into food, music, art and history unique to each culture. Highlights include New Orleans’ lively Mardi Gras parades, Montreal Jazz Fest’s world-class performers, traditional pow-wows at Native American reservations, and Mexico’s spirited Day of the Dead celebrations.
3- Trying Local Cuisine Specialties
North America tantalizes tastebuds with diverse cuisines distinct to each region. Must-try foodie finds include feasting on fresh lobster rolls in Maine, sampling Montreal-style smoked meats, digging into Tex-Mex enchiladas and tacos across the Southwest, and indulging in Mexico City’s melt-in-your-mouth pastries.
Off the Beaten Path Destinations
Beyond major tourist hubs, uncover hidden gem destinations where you can avoid crowds and have more immersive cultural experiences. Here are the top underrated spots:
1- Charleston, South Carolina
Its beautifully preserved antebellum architecture, quaint cobblestone streets, historic downtown laden with boutiques and art galleries, and location between the Ashley and Cooper Rivers – Charleston delights visitors with small-town charm and Southern hospitality.
2- Québec City, Canada
Wandering the only North American fortified city north of Mexico feels like a walk back through history. Québec City is enchanted with 17th-century architecture, alleyways bursting with Parisian-style restaurants and sidewalk cafés, and the dramatic Château Frontenac Castle looming over the St. Lawrence River.
3- Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca provides a window into authentic Mexican life with its bright painted buildings flanked by gorgeous remote beaches along the Pacific coastline, bustling markets brimming with handmade crafts, ancient Zapotec ruins and flavorful mole sauces and street food you won’t find elsewhere in Mexico.
North America’s Natural Wonders
Nature lovers will find an incredible array of landscapes and exotic wildlife in North America. Top natural wonders include:
1- Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone holds the title as America’s first national park (as per nps.gov) with hydrothermal areas of bursting geysers, bubbling mud pots and steaming hot springs including the iconic “Old Faithful.” You may also spot wild bison, elk, bald eagles and even gray wolves roaming freely.
2- The Everglades
This unique subtropical ecosystem in Florida protects rare and endangered species like American crocodiles, ghost orchids, Florida panthers and West Indian manatees gliding through its lush mangroves and slow-moving river. Visitors can explore via airboats, walking trails, kayaks and more.
3- The Arctic Tundra
The remote Arctic tundras above the northernmost forests in Canada and Alaska offer rare sights during warmer months like massive caribou migrations across the open plains, wild muskoxen grazing on tundra grass, and even frolicking baby polar bear cubs emerging from their dens if you’re lucky. Visitors can spot wildlife and natural wonders via tour groups or cruise ships.
4- Belize Barrier Reef
The second largest barrier reef in the world, this UNESCO World Heritage site stretches 186 miles with hundreds of sand cays and tropical islands surrounded by vibrant coral reef systems and turquoise waters teeming with nurse sharks, sea turtles, stingrays and schools of colorful fish.
Best Beaches in North America
With miles of coastlines facing both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans plus scenic lakeshores and river beaches inland, you’ll discover spectacular shores across North America. Top beach destinations include:
1- Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
On the island of Oahu, Waikiki’s famous golden sand and curling waves create iconic Hawaiian postcard views backed by tropical green mountains while resorts, shops and restaurants line its shores. Visitors can surf, stand up paddleboard, take hula lessons on the beach and enjoy nightly outdoor entertainment.
2- Miami Beach, Florida
Miami Beach dazzles with its vibrant Art Deco historic district, perfect palm tree dotted shores, lively South Beach nightlife and luxury hotels right on the sand. Days fill with tanning on the beach while nights sizzle with rooftop pool parties and restaurants dishing up exotic fusion cuisine.
3- Paradise Beach, Newfoundland
Overlooking scenic Conception Bay on Canada’s eastern coastline, Paradise Beach impresses visitors with its secluded setting, creamy soft sand lining dramatic reddish cliffs and icebergs floating by offshore depending on the season. You may even spot whales from shore.
Top Urban Destinations
From financial and cultural epicenters to entertainment capitals and tech hubs, North America boasts many vibrant metropolitan areas worth exploring. Leading north American cities include:
1- New York City
The City That Never Sleeps sets the trends for art, fashion, food, finance and culture. Must sees encompass the towering skyscrapers of the iconic Manhattan skyline, world-famous museums lining Museum Mile and Central Park’s leafy urban oasis plus Broadway musicals and shopping on Fifth Avenue. it is one of the great places to visit in north America.
2- Los Angeles
LA provides a glamorous Hollywood backdrop with A-list celebrities, beaches dotting its sun-soaked coastline, Santa Monica Pier’s carnival rides with views of the Pacific Ocean, Griffith Observatory’s epic views over the city, world-class art collections and museums plus a globally inspired, ever evolving culinary scene. This is also a best vacation destinations in north America. Its never ending beauty and charm will definitely make your vacations a memorable event.
3- Silicon Valley
This northern California region includes towns like Palo Alto, Cupertino and Menlo Park – the headquarters of iconic tech giants like Apple, Facebook, Google, Netflix and more. In addition to shaping the future of technology and innovation, Silicon Valley offers top universities, unique tech-focused museums, nature trails with gorgeous views and a vibrant food scene.
Ancient Sites to Explore
History buffs will marvel at well-preserved ancient ruins found scattered across Mexico, Central and South America offering glimpses into Mesoamerican and pre-Colombian civilizations. Top ancient sites in North America include:
1- Teotihuacán, Mexico
Once the largest city in the pre-Columbian Americas, this 2,000+ year old site northeast of Mexico City astonishes visitors with archaeological wonders like the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon and the Avenue of the Dead linking its monumental temples and palaces.
2- Chichén Itzá, Mexico
Deep in Mexico’s Yucatán jungle lie well-preserved Mesoamerican ruins, which were once a major Mayan center boasting epic structures like El Castillo pyramid with an astronomical observatory and the Great Ball Court where rituals and games were held.
3- Machu Picchu, Peru
Nestled high in the Andes Mountains, the 15th century Incan Citadel of Machu Picchu amazes with over 200 stone structures built with precisely carved blocks without mortar, overlooking sheer granite cliffs and the Urubamba River valley below.
4- Tikal, Guatemala
Enveloped by lush rainforests, this breathtaking Mayan metropolis dates back over 1,000 years with 3,000+ ancient structures still standing strong including massive step pyramids like the iconic Temple IV rising 230 feet into jungle canopies filled with howler monkeys and toucans.
Final Thoughts
I am sure this North America travel guide provides all the necessary information and now you can easily plan your north America trip. The amazing destinations and attractions across North America waiting to be uncovered. From world famous sites to hidden local gems, jaw-dropping landscapes to spirited cultural festivals, delectable cuisine to action-packed adventures – North America offers incredible travel experiences for everyone.
