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The Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. (Photo: Alamy)

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You Won’t Believe Your Eyes: 9 Things You Can Only See in the USA

The Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. (Photo: Alamy)

The United States of America is home to hundreds of unparalleled treasures, both natural and manmade, including one of the deepest, most pristine lakes in the world; the world’s largest volcano and iconic skylines and monuments recognized the world over. We’ve rounded up a handful of places unlike any others on the planet that you can see here in the USA.

1. The Grand Prismatic Spring

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The Grand Prismatic Spring in Wyoming‘s Yellowstone National Park is not only the largest hot spring in the USA, but also one of the country’s most colorful natural wonders. The coloring is as vivid as pictured, with the unexpected reds, yellows and oranges caused by bacteria that thrive on the mineral-rich waters. For a bird’s-eye view of the pool, take a helicopter ride or put on your hiking shoes and climb the Fairy Falls Trail.

2. The New York City Skyline

New York City, New York

New York City, New York‘s skyline is one of the most iconic in the world. Part of what makes the skyline so spectacular is the lofty number of skyscrapers that comprise it. Since 1890, 11 structures in New York have held the title of the world’s tallest building. Many tourists journey to the top of the Empire State Building for panoramic views, but a quick trip over the East River to Brooklyn Bridge Park offers a less chaotic and more scenic experience. Brooklyn Bridge Park also features several sports fields and plenty of places to enjoy a relaxing picnic.

3. The Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Not even the highest definition photographs can truly capture the power and majesty of the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona. The Colorado River and its tributaries have been slowly carved the 277-mile-long and up to 18-mile-wide canyon for 6 million years, creating stunning panoramas. Grand Canyon National Park is about a four-hour drive from Las Vegas, Nevada, and a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Phoenix, Arizona. Most of the nearly 1,930 square mile park is maintained as wilderness and beautiful views can be found all over.

4. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Big Island, Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the perfect place to see Mother Nature in action. The park, located on the southeast coast of Hawaii‘s Big Island, is a hotbed of steam vents, craters, calderas, lava tubes and two active volcanoes. Manua Loa is the world’s largest volcano, and both Kilauea and Manua Loa are among the most active volcanoes in the world. Take a night drive through the park and you can see the red-orange glow of hot lava oozing out of the earth.

5. Gateway Arch

St. Louis, Missouri

Missouri‘s Gateway Arch is a striking piece of minimalist architecture. Stretching across the skyline of St. Louis, the centerpiece of Jefferson National Expansion Memorial makes the city instantly recognizable in photographs. The 629-foot-tall arch was built to commemorate President Thomas Jefferson, who bought the Louisiana Territory and made possible westward expansion in the USA. You can ride a tram to the top of the stainless steel structure, where you can see up to 30 miles in either direction, giving bird’s-eye views of the city’s downtown and the Mississippi and Missouri rivers.

6. Oak Alley Plantation

Vacherie, Louisiana

Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana, is a great place to slow down and take in some Southern charm. A one-hour drive from New Orleans and a stone’s throw from the Mississippi River, the old mansion harkens back to a bygone era reminiscent of the film, Gone With the Wind. Valcour Aime, known as the “Louis the XIV of Louisiana,” built the sugar plantation, “Le Petit Versailles,” in the 1830s. Gnarled 300-year-old oak trees line the 240-meter path leading to the Mississippi River. You can explore the mansion and the gardens, which make a nice spot for an afternoon picnic.

7. The Washington Monument

National Mall, Washington, D.C.

A trip to Washington, D.C., wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Washington Monument. Made of white marble, granite and blue gneiss, the elegant obelisk proudly commemorates the first president of the USA, George Washington. Rising 169 meters from the center of the National Mall, the monument is the tallest obelisk in the world. Tickets to the top are free and can be reserved in advance. There is an observation deck at 498 feet, with sweeping views of the city, and a museum at 488 feet.

8. Crater Lake

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

The centerpiece of Crater Lake National Park, located roughly 267 miles south of Portland, Oregon, Crater Lake is a picturesque landscape of crystal blue waters and sheer cliffs. Formed after a volcanic explosion about 7,700 years ago, it is one of the most pristine lakes in the world. At 1,942 feet deep, it is also the deepest lake in the USA and among the deepest in the world, fed almost entirely by snow and rain. You can take a boat tour across the lake’s placid waters or simply hike around the rim — either way you are in for a visual treat.

9. The Hollywood Sign

Los Angeles, California

It’s hard to imagine Los Angeles, California, without the Hollywood sign. Erected in 1923 as an advertisement for a suburban housing development, the sign, which originally read “Hollywoodland,” was supposed to be temporary. However, it remains a permanent fixture of the Los Angeles hillside. As you explore the greatest entertainment hub in the USA, you’ll always see the sign in the distance, acting as a reminder of the area’s grand history and also the perfect background for a selfie. For stunning views of the sign, head to the Griffith Park Observatory.

This article was published through a partnership with Visit the USA, inspiring travelers to explore America’s boundless possibilities.