Top five tourist attractions in the USA – Part 14

Five Great Tourist Attractions

My criterion for tourist attractions is based upon how many visits I have made to these locales. Although there are numerous candidates for the five greatest tourist attractions, these are my favorites.

I would say Estes Park, Colorado ranks 5th. You can visit fabulous Rocky Mountain National Park, complete with scores of elk and deer, occasional bears and even a few Rocky Mountain sheep. The scenery is spectacular along Trail Rim Road and is not for the squeamish! Activities in and out of the park include fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, 4 wheeling, horseback riding and golf. There are various types of accommodations or bring an RV to travel in and around the park. Every season is special here.

Fourth on my list is Disneyland in Anaheim, California. If you are brave enough to drive in the greater Los Angeles area, rent a car and spend some time along the ocean too. Try the incredible bicycle path along the Pacific Ocean, stretching from Redondo Beach to the Marina del Rey. We usually eat our way along the beach, stopping for Cioppino in Redondo, raw oysters in the Marina del Rey, and coffee and sweet rolls along the way. If you go into Los Angeles, visit Olivera Street or Lawry’s Restaurant. Take a spin along Highway 101, the Pacific Coast Highway, and wind up at Gladstone’s for Fish. Great memories are made of such excursions.

Third is Washington, D.C. Anyone who has not yet traveled there has missed out on the excitement of seeing our government at work. Museums that are too numerous to count offer great insights into the development of our country; its history, art, politics, media, and literature. The Smithsonian is a must and there is an outstanding tour of the FBI building. Travelling by the recently created subway system is an easy way to get around. Poeple watching is common at many of the fine restaurants. D.C., by night, is filled with numerous illuminated monuments that are a delight to the eyes.

Secondly, I enjoy the Naples, Florida area with its many colorful communities gathered around the Gulf of Mexico. A trip over to the Everglades and a tour of this inland sea is fascinating. Another great location is the Rod and Gun Club, Everglades City. This is a fine place to stop for a piece of geniune key lime pie and a little history. If you get over to Sanibel Island, take in the Bing Darling Wild Life Preserve. Don’t forget your camera!

First on my list is Kauai. It is more adventure oriented with kayaking on the river, snorkeling, diving or sailing in the Pacific Ocean, golf, fishing, hiking the Waimea Canyon and relaxing by a pool surrounded by tropical plants. To feel Hawaiian, attending a luau and watching the graceful hula and Tahitian dancers transports you to another time. Again, many restaurants beckon to you and fish is the freshest and the best. My favorite time to go is in the fall because it is reliably hot, the crowds have thinned, and prices are a little lower.

One of my observations in my travels is that foreigners seem to enjoy American tourist locations more than anyone. Wherever I have gone, I have found people from many places all over the globe vacationing. I hope you will try out these locales and enjoy yourselves.