Must-See American Places

Want to call yourself a true American? Here is a starter set of only-in-America sights that should stir the patriot in you, bring the nation’s history to life, or just provide an experience that people travel from far away to have. (Yeah, Las Vegas. You’ll hear as many accents and languages there as you hear on the streets of New York City.) International travel is important and mind-expanding, but don’t neglect the wonders of your own home country.

Ellis Island – Immigration is the essence of America and the stories told here are deeply moving. You can see the Statue of Liberty from here, too, which brings it all home.

Grand Canyon – It’s a hundred times bigger, grander and more stirring than your imagination can devise.

Las Vegas — Love it or hate it, it’s over-the-top and quintessentially American.

USS Arizona Memorial — Here, the bombing of Pearl Harbor feels raw and emotional, as if it happened just yesterday.

New York City — Though more like a European city than an American city, its energy is unmatched anywhere.

Mount Rushmore — Kitsch wrought enormous, this large scale hero-worship is exciting and moving.

Disney World — See “Las Vegas,” above.

Monument Valley — The spectacle of this land, which lies within the Navajo Nation, speaks directly and viscerally to American Indian spirituality.

Los Angeles and surrounds — Hollywood, of course. But also Santa Monica, Malibu, Venice. This is the America the whole world knows from TV and movies.

Washington D.C. — The heart of our government beats here. Feel the power.