Top 10 things to do in the USA

From west coast to east, the USA is brimming with things to see and do, from fascinating wildlife and iconic structures like the Golden Gate Bridge to awe-inspiring mountain ranges such as the Rockies, sprawling national parks and sun-kissed beaches. 

Here is a rundown of Saga’s top 10:

Climb the Statue of Liberty

New York, New York

The Big Apple has many sights, but none get into your soul quite as much as the Statue of Liberty. 

A gift from France, the first lady of New York was the first face to greet thousands upon thousands of immigrants as they sailed to America to make a new life for themselves. 

The crowds may now be thicker, but the poignancy has not thinned, and it is one of the best things to see in New York.

Walk the Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco, California

This vermillion landmark, opened in 1937, is arguably the most famous suspension bridge in the world. 

Rising out of the often foggy skyline of the city by the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge is considered to be a symbol of human ingenuity, so if you get a chance for a photo opportunity on your holidays, don’t miss it! 

For those feeling energetic, a walk or even cycle ride across the bridge to the other side is the perfect way to look back across San Francisco.

A day in San Francisco

Visit the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

One of the most unmissable natural wonders in the world, the Grand Canyon has been carved out by the Colorado River for 6 million years and extends over 277 miles. 

The sheer scale of the canyon is hard to put into words until you see it with your own eyes and marvel at the magnificent views on the north, south, east or west sides of the canyon.

Two days at the grand canyon - a first hand account of one of the world's modern 7 wonders

See the recovering ecosystem in Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park, Idaho/Montana/Wyoming

This national park extends over three states – Wyoming, Montana and Idaho – and spans an area of almost 3,500 square miles. 

The park is famed for its beauty and the hundreds of species that live within its boundaries. Recently Yellowstone has seen a regeneration of its flora and fauna after wolves were reintroduced in 1995, restoring order to the delicate ecosystem.

Discover some of America's most iconic sites on Saga's National Parks Discovery tour

Get splashed at Niagara Falls

Niagara, Canada/USA

Niagara Falls is made up of three waterfalls that sprawl across the United States and the Canadian border. 

Niagara has the most visited waterfalls in the world, with up to 20 million visitors each year coming to this destination to feel the water spray their faces. 

Fed by the great lakes, Niagara Falls is a natural showpiece that does not fail to impress.

Discover the highlights of Eastern Canada, including the magnificent Niagara Falls

Step into politics at the Lincoln Memorial

Washington Capital, Washington D.C.

Fifty-seven years after Abraham Lincoln – the 16^th President of the United States – was killed, this memorial opened in the heart of the city of Washington. 

This marble monument was the site of the Million Man March. Stand where Martin Luther King Jr stood when he recited his dream of freedom to people all over the world.

Listen to Jazz in the French Quarter

New Orleans, Louisiana

Caribe, Spanish, French and American cultures all blend here in the jewel of New Orleans, the French Quarter, the oldest neighbourhood in the city. 

Visitors can go on tours of the most haunted areas of the Vieux Carré and hear about rumours of vampires, all set against a backdrop of jazz music with the scent of jambalaya and chicory coffee rising in the warm air.

The spirit of New Orleans - travelling to the Big Easy

Drive the Pacific Coast Highway

Western Coast of California

The stretch of road dubbed Highway 1 is one of the most beautiful motorways in the world. 

Hugging the western coastline from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, the drive on one side consists of rocky outcrops and a sea as blue as the sky, while on the other, golden green hills, redwood forests and typical Californian beach towns stand side by side.

Lounge on a Floridian beach

Key West, Florida

Discover the beaches in Florida Keys, where the temperature averages around 25°C all year round, the water is an iridescent blue, and visitors can go diving, snorkelling, see dolphins, and go on eco tours in this spectacular tropical paradise.

Revel in the tropical sights of southern Florida and the Caribbean

Trek in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Alaska

Glacier Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has over 3 million acres of natural landscapes and wildlife native to this extraordinary part of the world. 

See moose and grizzly bears on land, and humpback whales and orca pods in the water.

Experience the USA for yourself on a holiday or cruise with Saga