Isn’t it your dream to make the United States your holiday destination at least once? Well, different people are at different levels in this regard. We all imagine of going at least once to see this world’ most progressed country. However, a few of them let it remain in their dreams, few go a step further and make it a positive aim of their life, while others are so passionate about it that they go and settle there forever. Ranging from minima to maxima, the glory of this country has touched the hearts of each human on this planet irrespective of where he/she is residing.
On the same lines, even I desired to go to this vast country whose each state is a small country in itself offering diverse cultures and traditions. This is one of the reasons along with my limited time journey that I could only visit the capital and the New York City.
United States Tourist Attractions
Washington, DC, United States
There are versions of this great capital city. One is full of monuments, museums, grand restaurants, clubs, and cultural centres – Washington DC; while the other is far away from all this showing the lazy modern life along with political activities. Here, we visited the following places.
- African American Civil War Memorial:
Located at the core of a granite plaza, the bronze idol of troops with rifle is simply awesome example of art. There is the Wall of Honor on its three sides that has the names of 209,145 black troops who battled in the Union Army along with the 7000 white soldiers. - Anacostia Museum:
Run by the Smithsonian institution, this was later lengthened into a regional heritage center marking the black history and culture. Here, you can have a glimpse at the rotating exhibits regarding the transatlantic slave trade, the earliest free black communities, photography, and sculpture by black artists. In the Black History Month of February, the museum hosts free concerts, films, and workshops. - Arthur M Sackler Gallery:
A research physician, medical publisher, and philanthropist Dr Arthur M Sackler who was passionate about the aesthetic Asian art, collected over 1000 pieces that also included ancient ceramic, jade, and bronze creations. After his death in 1987 A.D., he gave these items with around US$4 million to the Smithsonian for the purpose of a gallery. - B’nai B’rith Klutznick Museum:
Here, you can explore one of the largest Judaica collections – history and culture along with rare ones such as a 1556 Torah scroll. The displays here tell you about the early Jewish settlement in the US, Holocaust, and their contribution to the American history and arts. Among them, the newest one is the National Jewish American Sports Hall of Fame. - Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception:
This is the largest Catholic Church in the Western Hemisphere, which has the capacity to hold 6000 worshippers. Further, the Marian shrine exhibits an assorted fusion of Romanesque and Byzantine motifs ranging from conventional towers to a dome. In addition, a large gift shop holds literature, rosaries, and statues. - Benjamin Banneker Park:
This green land is dedicated to Benjamin Banneker, a free black, self-trained astronomer, and a mathematician. Banneker along with Andrew Ellicot were appointed by George Washington in 1791 to aid in setting the 10-sq-mile plot to define the District by celestial estimations. A drive is mandatory here, as it is a grassy spherical spot besides the Waterfront. - Black Fashion Museum:
Offering the art work of the historic and current black designers, this museum holds the slaves’ wear, the dress of Rosa Parks, she wore at her historic bus ride, and the popular figures from Mary Todd Lincoln to Jackie Kennedy. - C&O Canal & Towpath:
Located within the Georgetown’s central zone, follow the locals on a hot summer day to reach the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal and its towpath in order to experience some hiking, biking, or canoeing. The walkways and bridges interlace the canal that is edged with ancient stores and factories that are now given a shape of retail and entertainment complexes. - Capitol:
This is an unmatched tower of 285 feet and cast-iron dome crowned by the bronze Statue of Freedom, elaborate fountains, and marble Roman pillars located on lawns and blooming gardens. - Cathedral of St Matthew – The Apostle:
With its exterior being strong red-brick, its interior is simple gorgeous with mosaics and gild. Built in 1889, its each corner is decorated either with stained glass, murals, or sparkling Italianate mosaics. I would suggest to come here in the evenings when burning candles lit up this cathedral. You can also come on Sunday morning to attend the mass. - City Museum of Washington, DC:
This is a fun-filled museum exhibiting particular environs and ethnic groups or themes. A vast library here holds ancient photographs, maps, and other archives. A funny look at the coincidence between the federal city and local DC is fun for kids here. - DC Ducks:
This is an exciting 90-minute tour via amphibious land/water vehicles starting from the Union Station. On this tour, you roam around the city streets and float beside the Potomac visiting the Mall and monuments. - Dea Museum:
This museum collects all the memories regarding the never-ending US War on Drugs linking terrorism and drugs.
New York, United States
United States is the city where you can find your won dreams come true.
- 111 Front Street Galleries:
An orange banner at its facade welcomes you to explore over 11 independent artists and art organizations. - 6th and B Garden:
This is 17,000 sq-foot land of plots, vines, statues, and flowers. - Abrons Art Center:
This is an admired cultural heart offering three theaters. Among these, the largest one is the Harry De Jur Playhouse (a national landmark) having a lobby, fixed seats, and a deep stage with better visibility. - Abyssinian Baptist Church:
This church is worth visiting due to its beautiful architecture and a magnificent choir. - American Museum of Natural History:
Set in 1869, the museum’s halls are alluring with over 30 million artifacts along with the exciting Rose Center for Earth & Space of 2000 A.D. The highlights here are its three huge, dinosaur halls and huge blue whale (artificial) hanging from the ceiling of the Hall and Ocean Life. - Battery Park:
Located at the tip of lower Manhattan, this is a breezy, delightful land of 13 public art pieces, 35 acres of foliage, the Holocaust Memorial, the Irish Hunger Memorial, the Hope Garden of roses, and views of Lady Liberty. - Cathedral of St John – The Divine:
In the country, this cathedral is the largest site of worship, but still not finished in construction. After completion, this 183 m-long cathedral will be the third largest church on the planet. Do not miss the Great Rose Window that is the country’s largest stained-glass window. - Children’s Museum of the Arts:
Well, this is not a place to look and explore, but a stage to participate and feel. Yes! Great multipurpose activities are organized here for education and entertainment under the vigilant facilitators who are all trained actors. - Colonnade Row:
Formerly holding nine Greek Revival mansions since 1833 A.D., the row currently holds only four of them. All of them were made from stone by the prisoners from the upstate Sing Sing prison and that all the classic facades are worth visiting.
Best Time to Visit United States
Main holiday season is summer – from the Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) to the Labor Day (the first Monday in September) in United States.
United States Accommodation
In New York
- Union Square Inn – $99
- Hampton Inn Manhattan/Seaport/Financial District – $104
- Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan – at Chelsea – $135
- Renaissance New York Hotel – $143
The United States is a multicultural nation, home to a wide variety of ethnic groups, traditions, and values.
Aside from the now small Native American and Native Hawaiian populations, nearly all Americans or their ancestors immigrated within the past five centuries.
The culture held in common by most Americans—mainstream American culture—is a Western culture largely derived from the traditions of European immigrants with influences from many other sources, such as traditions brought by slaves from Africa.
More recent immigration from Asia and especially Latin America has added to a cultural mix that has been described as both a homogenizing melting pot and a heterogeneous salad bowl in which immigrants and their descendants retain distinctive cultural characteristics.
The United States is a multicultural nation, home to a wide variety of ethnic groups, traditions, and values.
The culture held in common by most Americans—mainstream American culture—is a Western culture largely derived from the traditions of European immigrants with influences from many other sources, such as traditions brought by slaves from Africa.
More recent immigration from Asia and especially Latin America has added to a cultural mix that has been described as both a homogenizing melting pot and a heterogeneous salad bowl in which immigrants and their descendants retain distinctive cultural characteristics.