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The 10 Best Places to Visit in the USA

Summer is almost here, and you know what that means; a well-deserved vacation is right around the corner! If you haven't gotten the chance to sit down and plan a trip yet, we're here to help spark a few ideas.

According to U.S. News, these destinations are as good as it gets. In their words, "U.S. News considered various factors, such as attractions, accommodations, dining options, and votes from thousands of travelers, to determine the places to visit in the USA."

Who are we to argue with that?

Here are the top 10 best places to visit in the USA:

1. Grand Canyon: "Grand" doesn't even begin to do this canyon justice! Measuring approximately 277 river miles in length, up to 18 miles in width, and a mile deep, this massive chasm in northern Arizona is truly a wonder. Managed by the National Park Service and officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand Canyon leaves its 6 million visitors per year awestruck. 
2. Yosemite: Yosemite National Park features nearly 1,200 square miles of sheer awe: towering waterfalls, millennia-old Sequoia trees, striking, daunting cliff faces, and some of the most unique rock formations in the United States. 
3. Yellowstone: With dramatic peaks and pristine lakes, Yellowstone National Park is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. While you traverse its 3,000-plus square miles of mountains, canyons, geysers, and waterfalls, be prepared to share the trails with permanent residents like buffalo, elk, and maybe even some grizzlies.
4. Maui: One of the archipelago's most popular tourism spots, Maui can be found sandwiched between the Big Island and the much tinier Molokai. Maui offers a taste of just about everything the Aloha State has to offer, from impressive wildlife to intriguing history and culture.
5. Glacier National Park: Named for the remnant of glaciers from the ice age, Glacier National Park is located on the border of Canada and Montana. It is often called the "Crown of the Continent" because of its dizzying array of natural beauty. Aside from its breathtaking geological features, it's also home to a fair amount of history. 
6. New York City: There are endless ways to spend your time in the city that never sleeps! As the most populous city in the U.S., NYC is at the forefront of food, fashion, and the arts. The Big Apple blends big city splendor with small-town charm. 
7. San Francisco: A jumbled collage of colorful neighborhoods and beautiful views, San Francisco draws those free-spirited types who have an eye for edgy art, a taste for imaginative cuisine, and a zeal for adventure. Often described as Los Angeles' more refined northern cousin, San Francisco hosts many vibrant quarters.
8. New Orleans: New Orleans is known for its European-style architecture, mouth-watering Creole cuisine, and all-around good-time vibes. Jazz, blues, rock, and Zydeco tunes ooze from every city crevice. 
9. Zion National Park: Named after the Hebrew word "refuge," Zion National Park is nestled in the southwestern corner of Utah. This park is now one of the most visited in the country, welcoming more than 4 million visitors per year. 
10. Honolulu: Oahu blends cosmopolitan luxury and breathtaking scenery more than any other Hawaiian island. The state's capital city, Honolulu, showcases the island's urban appeal. Its top-notch restaurants, vibrant cultural events, and wild nightlife further showcase this island as a "Gathering Place" of Hawaiian culture. 

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Why Should You Use the Maps Capsule?

While we're on the subject of traveling, don't forget that you can include a Map Capsule in your article using the HubTool! It's easy to neglect this underused tool, but it can add value to your writing. Whenever you're writing about a particular place, including a Map Capsule can be a great way to engage readers.

For instance, if you wrote an article called "The 5 Best Pubs on the Olympic Peninsula," adding a roadmap-style Map Capsule that marks the five locations would allow your readers to see where each eatery is located and get directions without ever leaving your article. 

If you wrote an article called "My 3 Favorite Hikes in Mount Ranier National Park," including three separate, terrain-style Map Capsules would allow your readers to see the topography of each hike and determine which one would be the best match for their hiking ability. 

So, next time you're writing about a place and want to make your article as engaging and helpful as possible, remember—the Map Capsule's got your back!

hannahcastelli, From Wollongong, Australia, 0 Fans, 1 Hubs, Joined 8 days ago

Moving Abroad!

Our HubPages fresh face of the week is Hannah Castelli! Hannah is a freelance writer from Wollongong, Australia. She enjoys traveling and exploring the world around her. For Hannah, the best part about experiencing life is documenting it and sharing it with readers both locally and globally. 

Check out her article about why you should move to a smaller city when moving abroad.

Happy travels!

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