10 best places to visit in the US

The United States of America may seem to be the most familiar place in the world to many people, thanks to the input of Hollywood in reflecting the culture, lifestyle and environment of real american cities and suburbs. Many people do indeed have a 'must-visit' list of their own for the US, yet to help simplify your own ideas, Arab News has been there, done that, seen it all, and have prepared a list of the top places to visit and enjoy all year long.
To be sure, there is something for everyone in this huge country, whether you're a sport lover, food enthusiast, cultural junkie, artistic master, beach-goer, fishing addict, or shopaholic, America offers it all. We'll help you choose the best 10 places to visit in the United States of America this coming year.

1) Chicago, Illinois:
Known as the 'Windy City', Chicago is home to some amazing skyscrapers, and is where you will find the tallest tower in the US: the Willis tower.
You will also find a beautiful selection of museums that focus on topics ranging from history and art, to science and industry. If you visit during the summer, you can attend a Cubs’ baseball game in the oldest baseball stadium in the country. The city is a cornucopia of modern art, fine dining, cutting edge comedy, and die-hard sports events.
You cannot visit Chicago without going to the Millennium Park and the Grant Park, and make sure to see the Buckingham Fountain if you have time. Be sure to book a ticket to one of the city's many comedy shows, as this city is the home of the Second City Theater, the professional launch pad of many famous comedians.

2) New York city, New York:
New York is where the magic happens; it's where the natural and the contemporary blend together at every turn. This is the capital of fashion and the place to see - and be seen! It’s called the big apple, and is where many travel to visit the Central Park and to get lost admiring its beauty. The people are loud, busy and always rushing, but this is what makes this place so special. You will fall in love with thither restaurants and will find any cuisine you might be craving along the streets - from Michelin star chef restaurants, to small hotdog stands. Don’t forget to peruse the racks of the high end shops lining Fifth Avenue, admire the cutting-edge art collections at the MoMa and the Met, catch a memorable show on Broadway or sit down for a meal at the latest "it" restaurant.
If you have a few days, you'll need to visit the statue of liberty, the empire state building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and you can also step off the beaten path in thousands of directions by heading to the medieval Cloisters museum in upper Manhattan, Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, or by taking a tour of the pizzerias in Brooklyn. To be sure: New York is never boring!

3) Washington DC
John F. Kennedy once described this city as a "city of southern efficiency and northern charm”. It’s the nation’s capital, and is home to all of the major governmental monuments, serving as the hub of American politics and history. Washington DC attracts many tourists and school groups, and offers great tours for those who want to learn more about the American democratic system and its origins. Washington also has a huge collection of museums where you can learn about the culture or the United States as well as the Native Americans, and most of these offer free entrance. You cannot miss the memorials and monuments dedicated to great American leaders, and you can also enjoy a White House tour, or head to George Town for a walk and maybe a meal. Enjoy the beautiful setting at the Reflection Pool within the National Mall, which is among the most patriotic places in the whole country.

4) New Orleans, Louisiana:
This may be the best place for you to enjoy a dinner while listening to a live Jazz concert. New Orleans is known to be the city of Jazz, where Jazz clubs are lined up right next to each other and play great tunes all night long with many globally famous jazz musicians.
New Orleans offers the perfect balance of beautiful architecture, great food and a guaranteed good time. You will fall in love with the scenery of the historic French Quarter, the elegant Garden District and the colorful characters of Frenchmen Street. If you can, take a guided ghost or vampire tour through the taverns, alleyways and cemeteries, or just experience the city's supernatural vibe at the Voodoo Museum.

5) San Francisco, California:
One thing you cannot forget in this city is your camera. This city offers postcard perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39 where you can see the beautiful sea lions, the bay, china town, Lombart Street and more. Its almost as though every neighborhood in this city has its own personality and charisma - from the hipster grit of the Mission, to the hippie-chic of the Upper Haight, wandering the streets of San Francisco is just so much fun.
The Marina district boasts trendy bistros and the Noe Valley offers attractive and quiet boutiques. Don't forget to go and sample some local cheese at the Ferry Building, or sit in on a yoga session in Dolores Park, or marvel at the Dutch Windmill across from Ocean Beach.

6) Phoenix, Arizona:
The weather is great all year long in Pheonix, which means you can visit anytime of the year and still enjoy a pleasant and comfortable stay. This is why Phoenix is one of the top golf destinations in the world, with several impeccably designed championship courses.
There are also many cultural attractions such as the internationally renowned Heard Museum where one can learn more about Native American history. If this is not to your fast, perhaps you might consider perusing the fine collection at the Phoenix Museum of Art. You can also enjoy another kind of art at the ornate Orpheum Theater where you can catch a ballet performance.
The city also offers a plethora of outdoor adventurous activities such as rock climbing, hot-air ballooning, desert jeep tours and more. Take a four hour drive to visit the Grand Canyon, which is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It is an incredible, majestic sight and is among the world’s largest natural landmarks. Don't miss this stop on your journey!

7) Seattle, Washington:
The Central Public Library cannot be missed when visiting this city, with its modern architectural marvel of glass grids, unusual shapes, and a book spiral that climbs four stories. Seattle is known to be one of the best coffee cities in the country so make sure to visit the original Starbucks and take a coffee with you when you stroll over to the Pike Place Market.
In the heart of the city lies the amazing Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition, which will dazzle you with its colorful and delicate worksp If you're able to visit during the spring season, you'll see the cherry blossoms bloom right in front of your eyes. Enjoy a panoramic views of the mountains surrounding the city by gliding to the top of the Space Needle tower.

8) Honolulu, Hawaii:
It's always a great vacation when you get to lay on Waikiki beach and get a tan alongside the soft sands and great surf. As the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu has been called the greenest city in America. You can enjoy a bicycle trip on one of the bike paths, or perhaps take some photos in front of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Be sure to include a trip to the different museums, cultural centers and of course the famous Waikiki Aquarium in the city, which is also a working marine biology laboratory.
On a non-beach day, pass by the historic structures such as Iolani Palace and Ali'iolani Hale. It’s recommended that you go to the top of Diamond Head, which is a 350-acre volcanic crater, to witness a majestic Oahu view.

9) Miami, Florida:
Everything is beautiful here: from the architecture to the beach, the food and even the people, of course. You can enjoy all the water activities you could ever want here, including swimming, surfing, jet skiing, diving and sailing in the crystal clear, warm Atlantic waters at the Miami Beach. It’s a perfect destination for families as well as singles, and the city offers many great places to satisfy your cravings for many different activities by the beach or on the solid ground!

10) Los Angeles, California:
It’s everyone’s dream to visit this city; it is a city made up of several mini-cities, and travelers get the opportunity to experience them all, whether they're headed to Hollywood, Venice Beach, Santa Monica or Beverly Hills. In every location, it is always a dazzling experience to remember.
The lives of the rich and famous really are as ostentatious as stereotyped, as is proven on the frequent tours of celebrity homes and movie studios that are among the city's most popular activities. Don't forget to go to a good vantage point and see the Hollywood sign in real life! Shopping on Rodeo Drive gives you the opportunity to spot movie stars and style icons walking the streets. Make sure to also visit the walk of fame, Getty center art museum and universal studios.
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