Orlando/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1960 | A concert near Lenox, Massachusetts.
NUM LPPHOTO/ShutterstockBy World War II, Strong, Maine, became known as The Toothpick Capital of the World, producing 95% of all wooden toothpicks manufactured in America — more than 75 billion annually. The final mill closed down there in 2003, though, so now the number's been whittled down to zero.
EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER/ istockphoto.comOpened in 1909, the Santa Monica Pier is a historic attraction in Southern California. Pacific Park, an amusement park with 12 rides including the world's first and only solar-powered Ferris wheel, is located on the pier, which also has an original 1920s carousel. There is also an aquarium and a video arcade, as well as restaurants, bars and shops. In the summer, the pier plays host to outdoor concerts, movies and other activities free to the public.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiMoviegoer Elijah Groth has a row to himself at the Music Box Theatre for a viewing of "2001: A Space Odyssey" on July 3, 2020, in Chicago. The theater reopened that day with COVID-19 guidelines in place.
iStock.com/baluzekMany Midwesterners visit Devil's Lake State Park to enjoy the namesake lake, but if you take to the trails you'll discover the rock formations that are the real centerpiece of this Wisconsin park. The most noteworthy of these is Devil's Doorway, a gravity-defying quartzite formation looking down hundreds of feet to the lake below.
Fredlyfish4/ShutterstockThe four highest peaks in Texas are all located in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, but none of them are what's often described as "most beautiful spot in Texas." That would be the serene McKittrick Canyon. Hiking the canyon takes visitors through shaded forest paths, past grottos and caves to the ridge of the canyon with fantastic views, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing colors.
iStock.com/Dean_FikarMontana's Glacier National Park is a massive outdoor playground with more than 700 miles of hiking trails across different landscapes from meadows to forests to mountains. But a visit here wouldn't be complete without seeing one of the park's namesake glaciers, which are shrinking every year. One superbly scenic trail leads visitors right up to 152-acre Grinnell Glacier.
iStock.com/Sisoje9/11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM - NEW YORK, NY | The National September 11 Memorial Museum tells the story of the largest terrorist attack in American history. The highly informative 110,000-square-foot museum tells the history of the World Trade Center before September 11, 2001, what happened on that fateful day and how 9/11 changed the landscape of New York and the United States forever. The National September 11 Memorial features twin reflecting pools where the Twin Towers once stood. The names of the 2,977 people killed in the 9/11 attacks and the six victims of the 1993 terrorist attack at the World Trade Center are etched in bronze around the waterfalls. It's a somber yet important place for every American to visit.
istock.com/JennysitaBelieved to be the oldest living thing east of the Mississippi River, the Angel Oak is located on John's Island outside Charleston. It stands 65 feet tall and provides 17,000 square feet of shade, and some of its branches are so heavy that they rest on the ground. It's estimated to be 1,500 years old.
Shelly Hauschel/ShutterstockIowa is home to more pigs than any other state: 22.7 million as of June 2018. And with a population of only about 3.2 million as of July 2018, this means that there are a lot more pigs (and bacon) than people there.
Shutterstock/ Danita DelmontThe U.S. territory of American Samoa spans seven islands, with the three islands of Tutuila, Ofu and Ta'u being part of American Samoa National Park, the most remote national park in the country. The beaches, coral reefs and rainforests of all three islands are breathtaking, but Ofu has a 350-acre coral reef for snorkeling as well as one of the most spectacular beaches in the world.
aimintang/istockphoto.comPoint Pleasant Beach is family-friendly location and home to Jenkinson's Boardwalk, a mile-long stretch with a retro charm. Eat some ice cream and pizza while trying your hand at carnival games and mini golfing. The boardwalk also has an arcade and amusement rides.
istockphoto.comWhile you might think sand dunes are synonymous with the American Southwest, the largest freestanding dunes in North America are located in Idaho. Bruneau Dunes State Park's tallest dune stands 470 feet tall, making for amazing hiking, camping, sandboarding and star-gazing.
iStock.com/ideeoneBahia Honda State Park is home to some of the country's best beaches, with palm trees, clear waters and sugar sand. There's also a lot to see above the water at the Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, a former rail bridge and highway that's open to pedestrians to take in the view from one of the highest points in the Florida Keys.
DenisTangneyJr/ istockphoto.comThe Pier at Old Orchard Beach has been destroyed by storms and rebuilt twice, but its first iteration came in 1898. It's home to Palace Playland, a beachfront amusement park that's been open since 1902 and remains the only one of its kind in New England. The wooden pier stretches 500 feet and is lined with carnival-style food stalls and souvenir shops with a night club at the end of it.
James Mayo/baiduhaiA person portraying a Fort Dearborn frontiersman fires a Kentucky rifle during the Chicago Park District's Independence Day celebration at the Chicago Historical Society at Clark Street and North Avenue on July 4, 1970.
Three Lions/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1955 | Cheerleaders are ready to catch a beautiful sunset while they practice on a beach in California.
istock.com/benedekMount St. Helens may be the most well-known volcano in Washington, but it is actually only one of five major volcanoes in the state, including Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, Mount Adams and Mount Rainier, which is the highest mountain in the state and considered to be one of the most dangerous volcanoes on earth.
iStock.com/NetaDeganyAn almost unbelievable oasis in the desert, Havasu Falls lies deep inside the Grand Canyon on the Havasupai Indian Reservation west of Grand Canyon National Park. The beautiful, bright blue falls are only accessible on foot, on horseback or via helicopter. Reservations are required to visit the falls, and spots fill up fast when they're opened for the year each February.
iStock.com/grovebSan Diego, Maui … Sheboygan? Believe it or not, The Wisconsin city is renowned for its great surfing, so much so that it's been dubbed "the Malibu of the Midwest." Surfers take to Lake Michigan year-round, but peak surf season runs from fall through early spring.
istockphoto.com/evenfhCalifornia's Humboldt Redwoods State Park preserves the world's largest remaining old-growth coast redwood forest in the state's largest redwood state park. The park's exceptional trees include the Stratosphere Giant, the fourth-tallest known tree, and one of the last remaining "drive-thru" redwood trees.
Kevin Ruck/ShutterstockMyrtle Beach has a complete entertainment district in its 1.2 miles of boardwalk. The city has had a boardwalk in various forms since the 1930s and its current iteration boasts the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, an arcade and even zip line adventures.
f11photo/istockphoto.comA Chicago landmark and officially listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Navy Pier is a popular attraction. Almost 9 million people visit every year to enjoy its famed Ferris wheel and other rides. The pier is also home to the indoor botanical garden, Chicago Children's Museum and other attractions.
Atlantic-Kid/iStock via Getty Images Plus1958 | New members of the Jehovah's Witnesses congregation begin baptism at Orchard Beach in New York City.
Orlando/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1960 | People listen to a concert near Lenox, Massachusetts.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiPeople spend time along the lakefront in downtown Chicago while celebrating the 4th of July 2020.
iStock.com/Eloi_OmellaGRAND CANYON - AZ | If you're looking for the most breathtaking views of America while you learn a thing or two about this country, look no further than the Grand Canyon. The history of this Arizona wonder is largely in the visitors center on the South Rim. Here, you can watch a 20-minute movie about the canyon, see historic artifacts from the region or sign up for a guided tour of the area. The Yavapai Geology Museum is nearby, as is the Tusayan Ruin and Museum, where you can learn about Puebloan Indian life.
istockphoto.com/skibreckThe Black Hills of South Dakota are home to famous man-made monuments like Mount Rushmore as well as natural creations like the amazing granite Needles. These geological phenomena can best be seen from a 14-mile stretch of road known as Needles Highway.
Walter Kale / baiduhaiThe barbecue scene at Lincoln Park on July 4, 1978.
iStock.com/ColorPlayerOne of America's subterranean wonders is Mammoth Cave, which lives up to its name by being the longest known cave system in the world. Its labyrinthine caves stretch for more than 400 miles. Rangers offer a variety of tours, but the most strenuous is the 5-mile, six-hour Wild Cave Tour, which includes crawling through narrow passages on your stomach.
H. Armstrong Roberts/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1950 | Crowds of people relax on the beach during an amazing summer vacation.
H. Armstrong Roberts/Retrofile RF via Getty Images1960 | A family of five in bathing suits walks toward the beach carrying a parasol and picnic basket.
MaxFX/ShutterstockIn parts of Alaska, the sun can shine for up to 20 hours during the summer months, making it one of the best places to visit during the season. For this reason, plants in the state, particularly cabbage, can grow to be abnormally large. Examples of this freakishly large produce include a 138-pound cabbage, a 65-pound cantaloupe and 35-pound broccoli.
Central Press/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1952 | Carol Randolph and Jan Tidwell taste some of the delicious ice cream cones for sale from vending machines in Washington.
iStock.com/Michael CastanedaYosemite National Park has more than two dozen waterfalls. But a jaw-dropping phenomenon takes place at Horsetail Falls for three weeks every winter. Horsetail transforms into Firefall when the sunset is reflected into the stream, creating the illusion that the water is orange lava. This is one American landmark that's better to see in the winter than in the summer.
Jacobsen/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1955 | Children play on a beach at Heckscher State Park in Long Island, New York.
Lisa Holder/ShutterstockNebraska may have the koolest state drink in the country. Kool-Aid was invented in Hastings, Nebraska, by Edwin Perkins in 1927, and the drink became the official beverage of Nebraska in 1998. There's even an annual festival held there each August to honor the drink mix, called Kool-Aid Days.
Jacqui Wedewer/The Daily MealDINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE'S DINO JERK SAUCE | Jazz up your bottled barbecue sauce with jalapenos, thyme, habaneros, brown sugar and a few other pantry staples. Pour over wings, grilled chicken, grilled pork or shrimp. For the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que's Dino Jerk Sauce recipe, click here.
BlueBarronPhoto/ShutterstockTHE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE - DAYTON, OH | The National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, is the official museum of the United States Air Force. This museum tells the story of military aviation through its collection of planes, missiles and uniforms from World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War and more. The museum also tells the history of pioneers in flight, including Ohio's own Wright Brothers.
iStock.com/microgenAmid the marine life and coral reefs of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a large bronze statue known as Christ of the Abyss, the third copy of the original Italian sculpture.
iStock.com/mdesigner125One of the most photographed sights in Arizona is the distinctive Cathedral Rock, a natural sandstone butte near Sedona in Red Rock State Park. Hikers can take a steep, dog-friendly trail to the top for breathtaking views.
Harry Benson/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1966 | Friar Capistran Ferrito plays basketball with boys from Harlem, New York.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiDontana Johnson races against his children, Damurious, 9, left, Kobe-Michael, 6, center, and Baby, 5, on the lawn of Millennium Park's Pritzker Pavilion while celebrating the 4th of July 2020. The family lives in North Lawndale.
f11photo/ShutterstockPRESERVATION HALL - NEW ORLEANS, LA | Jazz is arguably the American musical art form, and Preservation Hall in New Orleans, Louisiana, is the home of jazz. This music venue, which has been open since the 1960s, has multiple shows nightly where you can see the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. American history is also about culture, and the Cajun culture and the excitement of a big brass band is a must-do for those who have never seen real, live jazz.
Frances M. Ginter/Staff/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1979 | Women walk down the sidewalk of Chinatown in the Lower East Side of New York City. Chinatown is one of the most photogenic neighborhoods in New York City.
f11photo/ShutterstockMARK TWAIN HOUSE & MUSEUM - HARTFORD, CT | Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, is one of the country's most famous authors. He wrote quintessential American works, such as "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, Connecticut, is the Clemens family home and where Clemens wrote some of his most famous books. You can take a guided tour of the home, watch a Ken Burns documentary on Mark Twain and see the adjacent museum.
linangflo/ShutterstockFor one of the best bird's-eye views in all of Arkansas, head to the top of the 1,256-foot-tall Hot Springs Mountain Tower. The observation deck overlooks 40 square miles of Hot Springs National Park and the Ouachita Mountains below.
istock.com/zzvisionAlso known as Mount McKinley, Denali is the highest mountain peak in North America, rising more than 20,000 feet above the surrounding 6 million acres of Alaska's wilderness in Denali National Park. It is one of the world's Seven Summits to mountain climbers, but visitors can also take in the mountain's majesty from above via helicopter or sightseeing plane or by driving down Denali Park Road.
iStock.com/vkbhatThese more than 50-foot falls, which are colored by the acid from tree needles and hemlock sprigs that fall in the water, can be seen from several viewing platforms and are one of the most photographed natural sights in West Virginia.
iStock.com/travelpixproMOUNT RUSHMORE - KEYSTONE, SD | If you're interested in and respect former presidents, then Mount Rushmore near Keystone, South Dakota, is the tourist destination for you. The likenesses of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln are carved into stone here. For history buffs, we recommend renting an audio tour wand and listening to the story of Mount Rushmore and how this American vision was brought to life.
istock.com/Martin WahlborgThe Venus flytrap is one of the most famous and intriguing plants on earth, but it's actually only native to the coastal plains around Wilmington, North Carolina. For this reason, it's been dubbed the North Carolina State Carnivorous Plant.
iStockphoto.com/ Colin QuirtTall Trees Grove in Redwood National Park lives up to its name — it is home to some of the tallest trees in the world, with some standing more than 300 feet tall. To help protect the trees, visitors to this national park must obtain a free permit to be able to marvel at these ancient giants.
Metro/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1957 | Florida's Watermelon Festival queen, Frances Layton, bites into a slice of melon while she kneels in the Atlantic surf.
Arthur Bovino/The Daily MealGRILLED CHICKEN WITH ALABAMA WHITE SAUCE | Of all the regional barbecue styles out there, Alabama style, with its mayonnaise-based sauce, is one of the richest. For the Grilled Chicken With Alabama White Sauce recipe, click here.
Evening Standard/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1976 | In 1976, actress Jane Fonda relaxes by the sea.
George Quinn / baiduhaiFlags fly from every house in the 7100 block of South Wabash Avenue on July 4, 1961. In the foreground are, from left, Elmer Myer, Sybil Myer, and Mrs. Ernest Wash with her children Paula, 2, and Lonnie, 1. Myer was a veteran and the vice president of the block club responsible for the flags.
istock.com/Sean PavoneVermont's capital, Montpelier, is the smallest capital in the country by population, with only about 7,436 residents. Even more shocking is that it is the only capital city in the U.S. that does not have a McDonald's; the nearest one is located just outside of the city, in Barre.
iStock.com/lightpixArches National Park in Utah is home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. One of the most famous and impressive is Delicate Arch. The opening underneath is 46 feet high and 32 feet wide, making Delicate Arch the largest free-standing arch in the park. Hike the trail to the arch at sunrise or sunset for an especially beautiful sight.
iStock.com/lipikaThe only national park in Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley National Park hosts one of the Buckeye State's most beautiful spots: Brandywine Falls. The 65-foot-tall waterfall can be seen from an observation boardwalk along the gorge, making it a great spot for hikers.
istockphoto.com/zrfphotoSkyline Drive runs 100 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. The road is a popular fall destination as it offers amazing vistas of the leaves changing, but it's worth seeing any time of year.
Albert Pego/ShutterstockNATIONAL MALL - WASHINGTON, DC | Some of the most famous monuments in America surround the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Head to this grassy field, where numerous famous protests and presidential inaugurations have occurred. After you soak in that sight, see the nearby monuments, which include the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, Washington Monument, Reflecting Pool and more.
istockphoto.com/ visionsofmaineAcadia is one of America's most popular and beloved national parks. For some of the most amazing views in the 47,000-acre park, head to secluded Schoodic Point. From this rugged outcrop of the Maine coast, visitors can see crashing waves, seabirds, lighthouses, Cadillac Mountain and Mount Desert Island.
Orlando/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1960 | Music enthusiasts sit in the sun listening to a concert at Tanglewood near Lenox, Massachusetts.
George Marks/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1950 | A couple plays on the beach.
F. Roy Kemp/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1972 | In July 1972, a group of young people spray paint graffiti on a New York City wall.
Frances M. Ginter/Staff/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1979 | In 1979, street vendors sell an array of umbrellas, leather bags, watches and sunglasses on an NYC street.
Charles Knowles/ShutterstockWhy watch the ball drop in Times Square when you can watch the potato drop in Boise? Since 2013, thousands of "spec-taters" have gathered at the Idaho State Capitol for a fireworks display, live entertainment, food trucks and, as the clock strikes midnight, the lowering of a giant, illuminated "GlowTato."
Kimberly Boyles/ShutterstockIf you find a diamond while scouring the 37-acre field at Murfreesboro's Crater of Diamonds State Park, you are allowed to keep the gem. White, brown and yellow diamonds have been dug up, along with amethyst, garnet and many other gems, rocks and minerals. More than 33,000 diamonds have been found there since 1972, including the largest diamond ever unearthed in America, the 40.23-carat "Uncle Sam." You're welcome to bring your own mining equipment or rent tools on-site, but they can't be battery-powered or motor-driven.
istockphoto.com/ ferrantraiteA worthwhile detour from nearby Yosemite National Park, Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve is home to dozens of otherworldly tufa towers. These limestone rock formations originally formed underwater, and some of them stand more than 30 feet tall.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiVehicles snake around the parking lot at SeatGeek Stadium before the Bridgeview Park District's drive-up fireworks event on July 3, 2020.
Hulton Archive/Staff/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1975 | Four boys play basketball on an outdoor court in New York City, 1975.
iStock.comtoddmediaOne of the tallest waterfalls in Alabama is DeSoto Falls, which plummets more than 100 feet to the basin below along the Little River. Visitors can hike to both the summit and the base of the falls for different views of the rushing water feature.
istockphoto.comRising out of Kentucky's gorgeous Daniel Boone National Forest rather than a park, Natural Arch is one of the best places in the state to appreciate its natural beauty. Carved from ancient sandstone, the arch is 50 feet high and 100 feet across.
Chicago Herald and ExaminerThe Mooseheart student band marches during the 42nd annual Loyal Order of Moose convention on July 4, 1930, in Mooseheart. Secretary of Labor James J. Davis spoke at the event, which merged with a Fourth of July celebration, where he "emphasized the influence of the Spirit of '76 on American life today, and expressed an optimistic view of the country's future," the Tribune reported. A crowd of 30,000 attended the holiday celebration.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiSigns preventing groups of moviegoers from sitting too close to one another are posted on seats in Theatre 2 at the Music Box Theatre on July 3, 2020, in Chicago. The theater reopened that day with COVID-19 guidelines in place.
Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesMountain Dew can trace its roots to Tennessee. It was invented in Knoxville in 1932 by brothers Barney and Ally Hartman as a chaser for low-quality whiskey, and the name itself is an old slang term for moonshine.
Douglas Grundy/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1950 | These deck-swabbing teenagers are under the discipline of a summer camp at the Admiral Farragut Academy in Toms River, New Jersey.
Mark Makela/Getty ImagesFor a variety of reasons, Delaware is a great state to incorporate your business, and more than 1 million businesses (including Coca-Cola, DuPont and Google) have incorporated or reincorporated there. With a 2018 population of about 967,000, that's more businesses than people.
Evgeny Karandaev/ShutterstockBACON-INFUSED BURGER | What truly makes the best burger blend ever, you ask? Adding bacon into the ground beef. For the Bacon-Infused Burger recipe, click here.
iStock.com/NNehringBumpass Hell in California's Lassen Volcanic National Park draws intrepid explorers to this less-visited national park. This geothermal area around the active volcano Lassen Peak has mesmerizing hot springs, fumaroles and boiling mud pots due to the volcanic heat beneath the surface.
Schafer/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1962 | A group of children play in the street on a hot summer's day.
Archive/Getty ImagesThe state of Colorado actually once had three governors in one day. Back in 1904, Democrat Alva Adams won the gubernatorial election, but his Republican opponent, James H. Peabody, contested the election after learning that Adams had used "repeaters," or people who voted more than once. Adams, in turn, countered that Peabody had enlisted mine owners to force their employees to vote Republican or risk losing their jobs. After an investigation verified both claims, Adams was forced out of office (after three months on the job) and replaced by Peabody, under the condition that Peabody would resign within 24 hours. After resigning, Peabody was replaced by Lieutenant Governor Jesse F. McDonald.
Sean Pavone/ShutterstockFORD'S THEATRE - WASHINGTON, DC | The site of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., will teach you about the impact of that singular, violent act as well as the rest of Lincoln's presidency. A museum at the theatre features a number of artifacts, including the weapons assassin John Wilkes Booth used to murder our 16th president. The theatre itself is also a stunning, historical venue, and live shows take place there regularly.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiHammocks are tied to tree trunks at the Lakefront Trail, south of Foster Avenue Beach, on Saturday, July 4, 2020.
Evans/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1950 | Sunbathers greet a trio of surfers pulled along the beach by an all-terrain vehicle near Southampton in Long Island, New York.
iStockphoto.com/ Joecho-16The Narrows, the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, follows the Virgin River between the canyon's 2,000-foot-tall striated sandstone walls. At their narrowest, a stretch nicknamed "Wall Street," the Narrows are only 20 to 30 feet wide. The best time to hike here is in the early morning.
Harry Benson/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1966 | A lifeguard on lookout duty at Coney Island beach in Brooklyn, New York.
Raquel Zaldivar/baiduhaiVarious canned cocktails are pictured in the baiduhai test kitchen on Monday, June 28, 2021. For Josh Noel piece. (Raquel Zaldivar/baiduhai)
iStock.com/Ed-Ni-PhotoARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY - ARLINGTON COUNTY, VA |The Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, features over 400,000 graves of American soldiers, both those who died in battle and those who retired and died later of other causes. Every American should see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is the final resting place for unknown soldiers from World War I, World War II and the Korean War. Every hour in the summer (and half hour in cooler months), there is a changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, complete with a moving ceremony. Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of John F. Kennedy, William Howard Taft, the space shuttle Challenger's crew and more.
SERGEI GAPON/AFP via Getty ImagesBELARUS | Belarus has three different independence days. Minsk, the capital of Belarus, was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II from 1941 to 1944. July 3 is recognized as the country's official independence date as it is the day Minsk was freed from German occupation. However, Belarus remained under Soviet occupation until 1990. Belarus also celebrated July 7, the day it declared independence from the Soviet Union, as its independence day until 1996, when citizens voted to reinstate July 3 as the official Belarusian Day of the Republic. Other portions of the population celebrate March 25, the date the Belarusian People's Republic was declared in 1918, as the proper Independence Day.
Ronnie Chua/ShutterstockThe greatest temperature change in 24 hours took place in Browning, Montana, on Jan. 23 and 24, 1916, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. During that span, the temperature fell from 44 degrees F to minus 56 degrees F, a drop of 100 degrees.
Keystone/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1960 | A lifeguard directs two cyclists in Daytona Beach, Florida.
iStock.com/Anne LindgrenCanyonlands is a sprawling desert landscape carved over centuries by the Colorado River. The Utah park has four districts, with Island in the Sky being the most accessible. Island in the Sky embodies its name, as it sits atop a massive mesa 1,500 feet above the surrounding terrain with panoramic views 100 miles in every direction.
Image Source/Getty Images/Image SourceTHESE COUNTRIES HAVE MULTIPLE INDEPENDENCE DAYS
iStock.comJeffGouldenDeception Pass Bridge is a two-lane bridge linking Washington's Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island. The bridge has a sidewalk that is open to pedestrians, who can enjoy views of the Pacific coastal shoreline from 180 feet above the water.
istockphoto.com/ jamespharaonWith sheer cliff walls rising a staggering 1,500 feet, Santa Elena Canyon creates a feeling of being dwarfed by nature. Take a raft or canoe trip down the Rio Grande River through the canyon to take in the majestic Texas scenery.
f11photo/ShutterstockBUNKER HILL MONUMENT - CHARLESTOWN, MA | One of the first monuments in the United States, the Bunker Hill Monument in Boston, Massachusetts, is actually on Breed's Hill, which is where the misnamed Battle of Bunker Hill actually took place. Here, you'll hear a talk on why this costly British victory was a major turning point for the colonies during the Revolutionary War and can learn about the soldier's weapon of choice, the musket.
istockphoto.com/ zrfphotoEverything's bigger in Texas from the food to the scenery, including Palo Duro Canyon. Located in the Texas Panhandle, Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the United States. It's 120 miles long and 800 feet deep with 30 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails to explore.
Schafer/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1962 | Two young girls play with balls in the street.
f11photo/ShutterstockBETSY ROSS HOUSE - PHILADELPHIA, PA | Betsy Ross is known as the woman who sewed the first American flag, but this seamstress had a more complicated life than you might think. The Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, tells her story. The 18th-century home features an audio tour of the building, which tells Betsy's story. There are also special exhibits, including presentations about working women during the Revolutionary War.
istockphoto.com/ OrchidpoetAmong the most famous American attractions are the iconic Niagara Falls, a series of waterfalls along the border between Canada and New York state. The roaring trio of waterfalls are a classic romantic adventure destination that's also a must-see for anyone visiting the area.
Atlantic-Kid/iStock via Getty Images Plus1958 | Members of the Jehovah's Witnesses community settle on the lawn of Yankee Stadium in New York City.
istock.com/PgiamCleveland's Cuyahoga River was so polluted that it was essentially covered with a permanent oil slick, and between 1868 and 1969 the river actually caught fire a whopping 10 times, at least. The 1969 fire proved the most consequential, though, as the uproar it caused finally spurred the city to clean it up and it served as an inspiration for the founding of the Environmental Protection Agency the following year.
Schafer/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1962 | A group of children play in a street that has been closed to traffic by the police.
John Titchen/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1970 | In 1970, teenagers dance at a free rock concert in Honolulu's Kapiolani Park.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiEight-year-old Giovany Bermudes, left, and his older brother, 11-year-old Alexis Bermudes, watch from atop their parents' SUV as fireworks explode over SeatGeek Stadium during the Bridgeview Park District's drive-up fireworks event on July 3, 2020.
Mark Runde/ShutterstockLouisiana is home to the longest bridge over a body of water in the world. The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is nearly 24 miles long and connects the towns of Metairie (just outside New Orleans) and Mandeville.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiA man sunbathes in the Lakefront Trail south of Foster Avenue Beach on Saturday, July 4, 2020.
iStock.com/RudyBalaskoOne of the most picturesque state parks in the country, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur spans redwoods, cliffs, beaches, tunnels and more. One of its highlights is the dreamy McWay Falls, which drops 80 feet into the Pacific Ocean.
Keystone/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1960 | Young people enjoy themselves at a beach party on the white sands of the Miracle Strip, a stretch from Pensacola to Panama City, Florida.
istockphoto.com/ zrfphotoThe namesake volcanic rock formations of City of Rocks State Park rise as high as 40 feet above the Chihuahuan Desert, creating a city of skyscraper-like pinnacles.
Archive Photos/Staff/Archive Photos via Getty Images1978 | A parade of hot air balloons takes to the sky at a ballooning event, 1978.
TTstudio/ShutterstockNATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN - WASHINGTON, DC | The rich culture of American Indian communities from the past and present is on display at the National Museum of the American Indian. The museum has two locations, one in Washington, D.C., and another in New York City. Both are definitely worth a visit, but the D.C. museum is an absolute must-see. This museum has one of the largest collections of Native American art and artifacts in the world, with over 800,000 items.
Hulton Archive/Staff/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1976 | The New Hope Singers international marching band wears 18th-century costumes as they play the flute, guitar and drums during the Spirit of '76 American Bicentennial celebrations in Central Park.
istockphoto.com/ july7thThe Paradise region of Mount Rainier National Park lives up to its name no matter the season. Its meadows bloom with wildflowers in the spring and summer, and the area receives on average 643 inches of snow a year in the wintertime. Paradise also has plenty of amazing views, including Myrtle Falls, making it perfect for exploring and camping.
iStock.comdentdelionJoshua Tree National Park has acres of captivating remote desert landscape perfect for hiking and rock climbing. But one of the park's most spectacular sights is the Cholla Cactus Garden. The garden contains more than 100 fluffy-looking cholla cactus, which are covered in vibrant yellow blooms in the spring.
turtix/ShutterstockTHE WHITE HOUSE - WASHINGTON, DC | Yes, you actually can visit the White House without being a member of the presidential administration. You can request a public tour through your Congressman. The self-guided tour allows you to see public areas of the home of the executive branch, including the Red Room, the East Room and more.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiPeople watch the fireworks display at Navy Pier in Chicago on Saturday, June 12, 2021 following Illinois and Chicago reopening completely under Phase Five on Friday. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)
Orlando/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1953 | Hula dancers on Honolulu's Waikiki Beach form the word Hawaii with large letters.
MIGUELITO PARCERO/AFP via Getty ImagesPHILIPPINES | The Philippines declared independence from Spain on June 12, 1898, after the conclusion of the Spanish-American War. However, it remained a U.S. territory before receiving full independence on July 4, 1946. The Philippines celebrated July 4 as its independence day until 1962. Today, the Philippines recognizes June 12 as their independence day and July 4 is unofficially known as Philippine-American Friendship Day.
Three Lions/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1955 | A group of students dressed for the beach lounge in a music room and laugh among themselves.
istock.com/ventdusud
Vladone/istockphoto.comLocated on Cape May, the Ocean City Boardwalk is two and a half miles of classic boardwalk with cotton candy, bumper cars, roller coasters and carousels. The 140-foot Ferris wheel offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. You can also enjoy mini golf, go on a bike tour or enjoy food at an oceanfront café.
Atlantic-Kid/iStock via Getty Images Plus1958 | The new members of the Jehovah's Witnesses faith community arrive by bus at Orchard Beach in New York City.
iStock.com/Thomas GoebelJust a few miles outside Portland, the 1 million-acre national forest area around Mount Hood has been protected since 1892. A more than 11,000-foot-tall stratovolcano, the mountain is a popular destination for hiking and skiing and for enjoying the many surrounding sights including waterfalls, hot springs and glaciers.
-/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images1971 | Protesters against the United States' participation in the Vietnam War block the offices and employees of the American conscription headquarters in May 1971.
E.C. Casad/ShutterstockIn 2004, Maryland instituted a "flush tax" of $30 per year on residents in order to improve sewage treatment plants. The amount was increased to $60 in 2012, so if you live in Maryland, you're paying $5 a month for the privilege.
iStock.com/Kenneth KeiferOne of the best sights in Ohio is Ash Cave in Hocking Hills State Park. The open-faced sandstone cave is 100 feet deep and 700 feet wide with a waterfall that plummets over its rim.
Hulton Archive/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1954 | A man holds on to a tree by the seashore against severe winds during Hurricane Carol in Brooklyn, New York.
jmoor17/istockphoto.comSanta Cruz Beach has a boardwalk that's become so extensive that it's literally an amusement park — the oldest surviving one in California, having been founded in 1907. Two of the 35 rides here are recognizes as a National Historic Landmarks; the Looff carousel was built in 1911, and the wooden Giant Dipper roller coaster was built in 1924.
iStock.com/jimfengBOSTON TEA PARTY SHIPS & MUSEUM - BOSTON, MA | There's no shortage of things for history buffs to do in Boston, Massachusetts, but the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is an absolute must-see. The museum itself tells the story of the events that happened leading up to the American Revolution, and you'll see a colonial town meeting in action and can "dump the tea" on the ship. The Boston Museum features perhaps one of the most fascinating objects from this era of American history, the Robinson Tea Chest, the only known remaining tea chest from the Boston Tea Party in 1773.
Jane Bruce/The Daily MealGRILLED BISON SKIRT STEAK | Bison has a naturally rich flavor that is perfect for the grill. It's also leaner than beef and other meats, making it a healthy dinner option. For the Grilled Bison Skirt Steak recipe, click here.
Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesEver wonder where the term "Teddy Bear" came from? In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt was hunting near Onward, Mississippi, with the state's governor, and was the only one in the group who hadn't shot a bear. When one was found and tied to a tree for him to shoot, Roosevelt refused to do so. A cartoon satirizing the event appeared in the Washington Post later that year, leading a candy shop maker to make and sell a stuffed bear in his honor which he dubbed "Teddy's Bear."
iStock.comStrekoza2Cannon Beach and its iconic Haystack Rock have been featured in many Hollywood films set in the Pacific Northwest. The beach itself is part of Ecola State Park, whose cool climate, secluded coves, trails and abandoned lighthouse make it an Oregon gem.
iStock.comJoesboyAssateague Island is a barrier island in the Atlantic with calm, secluded beaches for lounging and surfing as well as proximity to rugged nature. The island is perhaps most famous for its wild horses, which wander through the park's campsites and beaches.
Kristi Blokhin/ShutterstockMARTIN LUTHER KING JR. NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK - ATLANTA, GA | The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta, Georgia, features several buildings documenting the life and work of one of America's foremost civil rights activists. Learn about MLK's roots by seeing his childhood home and the church where he was baptized. His final resting place is also in this national park in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. This center also features exhibits on King, his wife Coretta Scott King and Mahatma Gandhi. Be sure to stop by the visitor center where you can see exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement.
iStock.com/MampfredKENNEDY SPACE CENTER - CAPE CANAVERAL, FL | If you have any interest in NASA and space, then Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, is a must-visit. Since 1968, Kennedy Space Center has been NASA's primary launch center. The facility still launches rockets every so often, which you can watch — and it really is a sight to behold. Even if there is no launch, you will see the launchsite of the Apollo missions, including the famous Apollo 11 flight during which astronauts walked on the moon for the first time. This awe-inspiring center is one of the best things to do in Florida beyond Disney and the beach.
Harry Benson/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1966 | People relax on the beach at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York.
Brian Alpert/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1979 | During the June 1979 fuel shortage, motorists in New York City queue up outside the petrol station on 42nd Street and 11th Avenue.
iStock.com/Craig ZerbeThe Grand Canyon is a spectacular natural landmark that's stunning at any angle. But one of the best spots along the South Rim is Hopi Point. With its unobstructed canyon vistas, it's a top place in one of American's most popular parks to see the sun rise or set over the canyon.
ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty ImagesBRUNEI | Brunei gained independence from the United Kingdom on Jan. 1, 1984. However, Brunei celebrates its independence on Feb. 23, known as Hari Nasional or "National Day." Feb. 23 commemorates the day the U.K. officially relinquished control of the country.
Susan Schiff Faludi/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1960 | A street scene in Harlem, New York.
iStock.com/DendronThe deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake is the centerpiece of its own national park in Oregon. The former volcano has some of the clearest and bluest water on Earth, and the surrounding cliffs, wildlife and greenery provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures.
iStock.com/NAN104ALCATRAZ - SAN FRANCISCO, CA | A 15-minute ferry ride from San Francisco, California, takes visitors to Alcatraz Island. On this 22-acre island, you can visit the former fort and federal prison, which is said to be one of the most haunted places in the world. Here, you can learn about military history and the infamous escapes from Alcatraz. The island also features exhibits on the 1969-71 occupation of Alcatraz Island by American Indian activists and information about the island's topography.
iStock.com/kojihiranoUtah's Capitol Reef National Park is famous for its rock formations.
Dominic Gentilcore/ShutterstockIn 1940, a human skeleton was discovered in a small cave in the foothills of Nevada's Stillwater Mountains that was dubbed the Spirit Cave Mummy. In the 1990s, radiocarbon dating revealed that it was in fact 9,400 years old, making it the oldest human mummy found in North America.
Michael Gordon/ShutterstockFRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM - HYDE PARK, NY | Opened in 1941, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, New York, was the first presidential library and continues to be a must-see for anyone interested in the presidency. FDR was the president during the Great Depression, New Deal and World War II, and his library features documents and self-guided exhibitions about that fascinating period of American history. A $20 ticket to this museum also grants you access to Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt's home, with a guided tour from a park ranger.
Lauren Gordon/The Daily MealGRILLED VEGGIE PIZZA | Grilled vegetables go on top of grilled pizza dough for a double dose of char in this healthy yet irresistible grilled veggie pizza recipe. For the Grilled Veggie Pizza recipe, click here.
iStock.com/pinggrPEARL HARBOR - HONOLULU, HAWAII | While there are many stunning places to visit in Hawaii, if you're looking for American history, be sure to travel to Honolulu and visit Pearl Harbor. This National Historic Landmark actually features four different attractions, so plan for a whole day here. The USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri Memorial both commemorate those who lost their lives when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. One can also take a self-guided tour of the World War II submarine USS Bowfin and visit the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
ADEM ALTAN/AFP via Getty ImagesTURKEY | Republic Day celebrates the day Turkey officially became a republic on Oct. 29, 1923, after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. The day is recognized with processionals, concerts, fireworks and more. The country also celebrates National Sovereignty and Children's Day, which takes place on April 23, which is the anniversary of the first General Assembly of Turkey in 1920.
iStock.com/JimValleeCheaha Mountain in Cheaha State Park is the highest point in Alabama. The area around the peak was extensively logged until President Roosevelt created Talladega National Forest in 1936. Today, visitors standing in Bunker Tower atop the mountain can enjoy the majesty of the surrounded regrown trees.
Orhan Cam/ShutterstockCAPITOL BUILDING - WASHINGTON, DC | The home of Congress, the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., is the pillar of the legislative branch of the American government. On a guided tour, you can see the Crypt, the Rotunda and National Statuary Hall, which feature truly stunning Greek-inspired architecture. You can also obtain a pass from your state senator or House representative to see the Galleries of the Senate and House. Here, you'll be able to watch Congress in action.
HandmadePictures/ShutterstockThe residents of Utah consume so much Jell-O, and clearly enjoy it so much, that the dessert became the official state snack in 2001.
istockphoto.com/ SumikoPhotoThe Racetrack is a dry lake bed, or playa, filled with rocks with trails behind them, indicating their uncanny movement along the ground. The rocks can stand still for decades, and it wasn't until 2014 that scientists discovered they are dragged or pushed forward by the right combination of wind and ice.
f11photo/ShutterstockAn astonishing amount of things were invented in Connecticut; these include the toothpaste tube, the Colt revolver, the flycing disc, the tape measure, the can opener and the submarine.
Three Lions/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1955 | A young couple jumps over a sand dune together on West Beach in Michigan, Indiana.
-/Contributor/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1964 | The contestants in the Miss Universe pageant pose in swimsuits, sashes and high heels on the roof of the Belmont Plaza Hotel in New York.
iStock.comAMB-MDLocated on the shore of Lake Superior, the almost 10,000-acre Tettegouche State Park has four inland lakes and four waterfalls, including the highest falls in the state of Minnesota, aptly named High Falls. The 70-foot-tall falls can be reached by a short hike and seen from above via a wooden viewing platform.
Central Press/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1970 | Young girls prepare to compete for the title of Miss Pears 1970.
istockphoto.com/ cumulus_humilisKnown as the highway to the sky, Trail Ridge Road is one of the most scenic drives in America. The road gradually rises for miles above the treeline, giving visitors absolutely stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including wildlife and alpine wildflowers.
LeoPatrizi/istockphoto.comBetter known as the Coney Island Boardwalk, Riegelmann Boardwalk runs along the southern shore of Brooklyn's Coney Island for 2.7 miles. It's home to a roller coaster, a Ferris wheel and the New York Aquarium. Food options include hot dogs at Nathan's Famous and the classic Feltman's of Coney Island.
iStock.com/JacobHValley of Fire, Nevada's oldest and largest state park, feels worlds away from the bright lights of nearby Sin City. Within the isolated park is Fire Wave, a rock formation created with undulating layers of beige and orange sandstone that can be seen on an easy 1.5-mile round-trip hike.
Peter Keegan/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1975 | People march in the annual gay rights parade in New York City on June 29, 1975.
Three Lions/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1955 | Teenagers sit on West Beach in Michigan, Indiana.
Jacqui Wedewer/The Daily MealDINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE'S SPICE RUB | A good rub is the key to perfect grilled ribs, and this one comes straight out of the kitchen from New York's Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. For Dinosaur Bar-B-Que's Spice Rub recipe, click here.
shaadjutt/Getty Images/iStockphotoLAOS | Laos achieved independence from France twice — once on July 19, 1949, becoming an independent state within the French Union, and again in 1954, becoming a constitutional monarchy. July 19 is officially recognized as Laos' Independence Day, but the country also celebrates National Day on Dec. 2 to commemorate the proclamation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975.
iStock.com/alexeysKentucky is home to many peaceful parks and natural areas, including "the Niagara of the South," Cumberland Falls. This waterfall is 125 feet wide and at night during a full moon, it creates a moonbow, a phenomenon not found anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere.
Stuart Perry/ShutterstockFlorida is known for many strange things — a list that seems to grow every day — but one of the weirdest facts about Florida is that the state is home to the Psychic Capital of the World, Cassadaga. This tiny town, about a half-hour from Orlando, is home to many mediums, psychics and healers. Shops selling crystals and tarot cards line streets named Spiritualist Street and Mediumship Way.
AwakenedEye/istockphoto.comLocated within the southern tip of New Jersey, Wildwood's boardwalk stretches two miles and is full of carnival games, food stalls, souvenir shops and tons of rides and water parks. Wildwood Boardwalk is home to not one but three amusement park piers. Located further from the sea than most boardwalks, it's also the venue of many concerts, sporting events and monster truck rallies.
iStock.com/PgiamNATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE - WASHINGTON, DC | There are a lot of museums in Washington, D.C., so don't worry if you haven't been to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It's relatively new; it opened in September 2016. The museum highlights the culture and strength of African-Americans in America but doesn't hide from the tragedies that they have faced during the country's short history. Must-see items include garments worn by slaves, a bible owned by rebellion leader Nat Turner and Emmett Till's glass-topped casket.
CLAUDIO CRUZ/AFP via Getty ImagesMEXICO | Many people confuse Mexico's Independence Day with Cinco De Mayo, or May 5. Cinco De Mayo marks the anniversary of the first battle of Puebla in which Mexican soldiers headed off French invasion and colonization during the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1862. Mexico celebrates Sept. 16 as its independence day. On Sept. 16, 1810, Mexican revolution leader Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla began the first push for independence from Spain in an unsuccessful uprising attempt. After more than a decade, Mexico finally achieved its independence in 1821.
Hulton Archive/Staff/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1970 | People walk by a carwash in New York City, circa 1970.
iStock.com/daniloforcelliniThe namesake mountains of Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park are amazing, and Jenny Lake is one of the best places in the entire 310,000-acre park to enjoy them. The lake's sapphire blue mountain water is sublime and allows visitors places to boat, cycle, hike and drive through its lush scenery.
Keystone/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1955 | A group of surfers from the Hermosa Beach Surf Club in California practice for a competition.
iStock.com/Sean PavoneCloudland Canyon State Park is one of the best hiking and camping destinations in Georgia thanks to sights like waterfalls, creeks, caves and clear vistas of sunrises and sunsets along the rim of the canyon. The area also has trails for mountain biking and horseback riding.
iStock.com/KarimalaWhile most of our country's national and state parks preserve America's rich natural beauty, some of them also protect man-made structures. San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge is the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world and is considered a modern wonder.
Three Lions/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1955 | A group of teenagers drink Coca-Cola together on West Beach in Michigan City, Indiana.
Atlantic-Kid/iStock via Getty Images Plus1958 | Women of the Jehovah's Witnesses faith community await their baptism in Orchard Beach in New York City.
Douglas Grundy/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1950 | A senior cadet instructs a younger camper on how to use a bow — one of the many non-naval activities for the campers — at the Admiral Farragut Academy summer camp.
istockphoto.com/ WesthoffMichigan's Tahquamenon Falls State Park covers almost 50,000 acres, but its centerpiece and crown jewel is its namesake two-tiered falls. The upper portion of Tahquamenon Falls is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, which can be viewed via walking trail along the river bank or by taking a rowboat to the island at the base of the lower falls.
Fox Photos/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1972 | Competitors surf during a competition held at Miami Beach in September 1972.
iStock.com/JacobHGEORGE WASHINGTON'S MOUNT VERNON - MOUNT VERNON, VA | Learn the history of the family of our country's first president by visiting George Washington's Mount Vernon in Mount Vernon, Virginia. You can see the mansion, its stunning grounds and even George Washington's distillery. Learn more about Washington and his history as a military general during the Revolutionary War at the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center. There are also important exhibits about the life of Martha Washington, slaves at Mount Vernon and a moving wreath-laying ceremony at the Washingtons' tomb.
Kristie Collado/The Daily MealSHRIMP WITH CILANTRO-CHILI SAUCE | Shrimp cooks on the grill in a matter of minutes, making for a quick yet healthy and delicious dinner. The cilantro-chili sauce adds the perfect kick. For the Shrimp With Cilantro-Chili Sauce recipe, click here.
Harry Benson/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1967 | A couple on the streets of Greenville, Mississippi.
iStock.com/ehrlifThere's something for every kind of beach-goer at Myrtle Beach State Park. Along the beautiful coast, visitors can go fishing and crabbing and watch beautiful sunrises along the long pier as well as explore trails for hiking and horseback riding.
Orlando/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1950 | Two children jump through a water hydrant's shower on a New York street.
f11photo/ShutterstockINDEPENDENCE HALL - PHILADELPHIA, PA | Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is technically where U.S. history began, so of course any history buff should have this on their travel bucket list. At the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, you embark on a 40-minute guided tour where you see the Assembly Room as it actually was during the Constitutional Convention. An original draft of the Constitution is also a must-see.
Three Lions/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1955 | Young women balance on young men's shoulders while playing in the water at West Beach in Michigan City, Indiana.
Michael B. Thomas/Getty ImagesUNITED STATES |Though July 4 is the official day that the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, America also has another day of freedom: June 19. On this day in 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news of victory in the Civil War and the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation, which effectively ended slavery in the U.S. after more than 200 years. Today, 47 states and the District of Columbia recognize Juneteenth as official state holidays and a growing number of companies are making June 19 a paid holiday for employees.
Png Studio Photography/ShutterstockNATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY - WASHINGTON, DC | The National Portrait Gallery of the United States opened in 1968 and showcases the likenesses and stories of the people who have shaped America. No trip to this gallery would be complete without seeing the America's Presidents exhibit, which has the largest, most complete collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House. It's truly remarkable. The only museum in the country dedicated to portraiture, the gallery also features paintings of Benjamin Franklin, Michelle Obama, Martha Washington and more.
Keystone/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1960 | The chief of police opens up a fire hydrant, spraying water over children playing on a designated "play street" closed to traffic during the hot New York summer.
RCole3/ShutterstockBoth the highest and lowest points in the contiguous United States can be found in California; Mt. Whitney soars to 14,500 feet and the Badwater Basin in Death Valley is 282 feet below sea level. Amazingly, the two are only about 88 miles apart as the crow flies.
Jacqui Wedewer/The Daily MealMORANDI'S GRILLED PIZZA-STYLE FOCACCIA | This simple grilled pizza recipe uses prosciutto and arugula, but you can top it however you choose. For Morandi's Grilled Pizza-Style Focaccia recipe, click here.
iStock.com/The World TravellerLocated on the island of Maui in Hawaii, Iao Valley State Park showcases the state's beauty beyond some of the best beaches in the world. The park is home to one of Maui's most recognizable landmarks, the 1,200-foot-tall Iao Needle, as well as lush tropical flowers and greenery.
istockphoto.com/ Robert MichaudLocated on the island of Kauai, Waipo'o Falls is one of the most stunning, romantic waterfalls in the country. You can see the 800-foot falls from the Waimea Canyon Overlook or Pu'u Ka Pele Lookout along Highway 550. Hikers can get a closer look via a roughly 3-mile hike through Waimea Canyon, nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
V_E/ShutterstockNATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY - WASHINGTON, DC | Any history buff could easily get lost in the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. Nearly 4 million people visit this Smithsonian-run institution annually. Exhibits here focus on every part of American history and culture, including entertainment, politics, science and the military. Not-to-be-missed items on display include Julia Child's kitchen, the John Bull locomotive, the lunch counter at which the Greensboro civil rights sit-in took place, a display of first ladies' dresses and the original flag that inspired the "Star Spangled Banner."
istock/com/weible1980In the town of Centralia, a coal mine fire from 1962 is still burning underground. Due to the smoke and ongoing danger from the fire — which began in a coal seam and remains fueled by abandoned mine tunnels — the state forced out all the town's residents and condemned all its buildings, although a handful of holdouts remain in this ghost town.
iStock.com/Yvonne NavalaneyThe 6-mile beach in Cape Henlopen State Park is a paragon of Delaware's coastal beauty. Located north of Rehoboth Beach and across the water from Cape May, the beach has a charming lighthouse and amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean.
marchello74/ShutterstockUntil 1969, the official language of Illinois was technically "American" as opposed to English. This was set into law in 1923 when State Senator Frank Ryan proposed the bill, which aimed to punish "American Tories… who have never become reconciled to our republican institutions and have ever clung to the tradition of King and Empire."
Hulton Archive/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1951 | American actress and dancer Cyd Charisse poses on the beach.
istockphoto.com/ lightphotoRifle Falls is an impressive triple waterfall that launches 70 feet down from the limestone cliffs above. Hikers can visit the base and top of the falls as well as the hidden caves behind them.
iStock.com/zrfphotoNicknamed the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania," Pine Creek Gorge in north-central Pennsylvania is also considered the crown jewel of the state. The 47-mile-long, 1,000-foot-deep gorge spans two state parks with plenty of trails for hiking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.
BIPS/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1965 | A visiting nun plays a skipping game with children in New York City.
Sherman/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1956 | Two girls take a break from their summer jobs at the Palisades Amusement Park in New Jersey to bask in the noontime sun.
f11photo/ShutterstockNATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM - MEMPHIS, TN | Built around the site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination at the former Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, the National Civil Rights Museum tells the story of the search for civil rights in America from slavery in the 1600s to present day. This moving yet highly educational museum has over 260 artifacts, 40 films and interactive exhibits that show the history of racism and resistance in America.
Central Press/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1974 | A converted floating museum, hotel and shopping center in Long Beach, California, is seen on July 4, 1974.
Nalaphotos/ShutterstockPizza lovers may be interested to learn that Pizza Hut was born in Kansas. Brothers Dan and Frank Carney opened the very first Pizza Hut in downtown Wichita in 1958 after borrowing $600 from their mother, and the first franchise opened in Topeka a year later. They decided on "Pizza Hut" because the sign had room for only eight letters.
istock.com/Solange_ZIn the mid-1950s, a major Minneapolis property owner named Leslie Park proposed connecting buildings via covered pedestrian bridges as a way to revitalize Downtown and protect residents against the harsh winter elements. The first one was built in 1962, and the idea took off. Today, Minneapolis is home to the world's largest "skyway" system, connecting 80 blocks spread out over 8 miles.
Susan Schiff Faludi/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1970 | A jazz band plays on the back of a truck as it drives through the streets of Harlem, entertaining children during a hot New York summer in 1970.
Zack Frank/ShutterstockFORT MCHENRY NATIONAL MONUMENT - BALTIMORE, MD | Without Fort McHenry, there would be no "Star-Spangled Banner." During the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812, the raising of the American flag over this battlefield inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the song that would become our national anthem. Today, you can visit the Fort McHenry National Monument and hear talks about the famous battles that took place at this Baltimore, Maryland, spot. You can also raise and lower replicas of the flag that inspired Key.
istockphoto.com/ Ron and Patty ThomasThe largest of California's state parks, Anza-Borrego's remote desert climate comes alive with vibrant colors in the springtime. Visitors come from around the state and around the country to see the park's fields of blooms.
NaughtyNut/ShutterstockTHE STATUE OF LIBERTY - NEW YORK, NY | Perhaps the most iconic symbol of American freedom, the Statue of Liberty in New York City is also a national park and museum you can visit, though advance tickets are highly recommended. After a ferry trip to Liberty Island, you'll be able to explore the lush green grounds around the statue. You can also access the pedestal and see a museum telling the story of how the Statue of Liberty was built and how it became such an icon. With an advance reservation, you can also step into the crown of Lady Liberty to see a truly stunning view of New York.
Malachi Jacobs/ShutterstockWILLIAM J. CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL CENTER AND PARK - LITTLE ROCK, AR | Located in Little Rock, Arkansas, the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park features artifacts from Bill Clinton's two terms as president with the largest archives and library space of any presidential library. There are over 2 million photos, 80 million pages of documents and other items from this time in American history. Learn about Clinton's life and see a timeline of his presidency. The Clinton Library also features a full-scale replica of the Cabinet Room in the White House, where presidents will meet with their advisors.
istock.com/pabradyphotoSouth Dakota and its capital, Pierre, are the only state and capital in the U.S. that don't share any letters.
AFP/AFP via Getty ImagesCAMEROON | French Cameroun achieved independence from France on Jan. 1, 1960, and then formally joined with formerly British-controlled Southern Cameroons to form the Federal Republic of Cameroon on Oct. 1, 1961. The federation later became the United Republic of Cameroon on May 20, 1972, which today is celebrated as National Day across the country. T
iStock.com/zrfphotoConsidered the birthplace of American rock climbing, Oregon's Smith Rock State Park is a mecca for climbers as well as runners, hikers and campers. One of the best places to take in the area's sheer cliffs is from below along the Crooked River, the starting point for many wonderful hiking trails.
Leonard G. Alsford/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1960 | A group of women water ski in formation at Florida's Cypress Gardens.
Harry Benson/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1965 | American soul singer Shirley Ellis dances in the street to "The Clapping Song" with a group of children in Harlem, New York.
istock.com/benedekQuick: name the oldest state capital in the U.S. Boston? Richmond? Nope. It's Santa Fe, which was founded by the Spanish between 1607 and 1610 — the Pilgrims didn't even arrive in Plymouth until 1620. It's America's second-oldest city, and also the highest capital in the country at an elevation of about 7,000 feet.
istock.com/6381380The New River Gorge Bridge is one of the most iconic West Virginia landmarks; it's the longest steel span in the Western hemisphere and was featured on the state's commemorative quarter. It's also notable in another way: On the third Saturday of every October, BASE jumpers are invited to parachute off of it.
iStock.com/kelp_dipThe Na Pali Coast of the Hawaiian island of Kauai is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. The area is brimming with lush plants, wildlife and amazing landscapes, including the 300-foot Hanakapiai Falls off the famed Kalalau Trail.
istockphoto.comMany people don't know that there are rainforests in the mainland United States. One of the largest is Hoh Rainforest in Washington's Olympic National Park. This temperate rainforest gets an average of 170 inches of rain a year resulting in mighty trees topped with a layer of ferns, moss and lichens creating a blanket of green.
iStock.com/qiaohuavipInspiration Point in Bryce Canyon National Park lives up to its name. This overlook is the best place to appreciate the amazing detail and symmetry in the red rock pinnacles and spires along the canyon.
ViewApart/istockphoto.comLos Angeles' Ocean Front Walk, also known as the Venice Beach Boardwalk, is located in the LA neighborhood of Venice. Famous for its canals and beach, Venice's 2.5-mile stretch of boardwalk is full of quirky street performers, vintage boutiques, interesting vendors and colorful murals, making it a hotspot for tourists, locals and even celebrities.
iStock.com/Ricks MoultonManaged by Navajo Parks and Recreation rather than as a national park, Monument Valley is a quintessential image of the American West. Though it was a popular filming location for many movies, nothing compares to seeing its majestic sandstone towers, some as high as 1,000 feet, in person.
rez-art/iStock/Getty Images PlusGRILLED CHICKEN FAJITAS | If you're looking for a superb Mexican recipe, it doesn't get much simpler or much tastier than a classic grilled chicken fajita. For the Grilled Chicken Fajita recipe, click here.
Keystone Features/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1979 | Brazilian soccer star Pele works with a young fan attending his soccer school in New York City, August 1979.
George Marks/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1950 | A woman protects her skin by applying suntan lotion on a boat during summer.
iStock.comTheBlindHogThe view from Dead Horse Point Overlook is one of the most breathtaking places in all of Utah. The overlook point stands 2,000 feet above the Colorado River overlooking a panorama of canyon country and rock formations.
iStock.com/apelletrIn the woods of Maine sits Baxter State Park, home to the state's highest peak and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, Mount Katahdin. At more than 5,000 feet tall with 360-degree views, the mountain is an amazing hiking and camping destination. The precarious Knife's Edge trail is only 2 to 3 feet wide at points.
iStock.com/PgiamPAUL REVERE HOUSE - BOSTON, MA | Though it's along the Freedom Trail in Boston, Massachusetts, the Paul Revere House is worth a special stop. This 17th-century house is the oldest house in downtown Boston, which is already interesting enough, but this was also the actual home of Paul Revere during the American Revolution. Here, you can learn about this silversmith's role in the early days of the Revolution and what really happened during his famous midnight ride as he warned that the British were coming — without actually muttering that phrase.
iStock.com/ferrantraiteYELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - WY | While hiking across Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park may not be every American history buff's idea of a good time, this 2.2-million acre park has a storied history. It was designated as America's first national park by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1872 and has numerous different ecosystems that tell the larger story of America's topography. Of course, be sure to see the erupting geyser Old Faithful, which goes off every 45 to 125 minutes.
Leonard Bartholomew / baiduhaiThe Spirit of '76 was evident as Mark Presmyk, 10, from left, Peter Kroll, 13, and Donald Luptak, 12, led the children's Fourth of July Parade on Byron Street, from Central Avenue to Austin Avenue, on July 4, 1964, in Chicago.
baiduhai historical photoJerilynn Zamco, 3, and her grandfather, George Fricek, watch the Fourth of July Parade in Brookfield on July 4, 1968.
berni0004/ShutterstockHENRY FORD MUSEUM OF AMERICAN INNOVATION - DEARBORN, MI | The history of American transportation and invention is told at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, Michigan. Car culture is at the forefront of this museum; the Driving America exhibit is a must-see, with the first car built by Henry Ford and the history of the American automobile. Other fascinating artifacts at this museum include steam engines, Rosa Parks' Bus, Model T Fords, JFK's limo and other presidential vehicles.
H. Armstrong Roberts/Retrofile RF via Getty Images1960 | A boy and girl race along a suburban street on bicycles.
ILMARS ZNOTINS/AFP via Getty ImagesLATVIA | Like Lithuania, Latvia was first declared as a republic in the early 1900s. Nov. 18 is celebrated as Latvia's Proclamation of the Republic to commemorate its first declaration of independence in 1918. But, like Lithuania and other Baltic countries, Latvia was occupied by the Soviet Union until it declared independence once again on May 4, 1990.
Helmut Kretz/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1961 | A female lifeguard at Steeplechase Park in Brooklyn, New York, points at a transgressor in the pool below.
istock.com/luomanThere are only two escalators in the entire state of Wyoming (technically four, because they both have ascending and descending sides), and they're both located in Casper, one in Hilltop National Bank and the other in First Interstate Bank. Apparently, they're such a novelty that they're considered something of a tourist attraction.
Keystone Fetures/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1975 | A tram reaches the top of Hyde Street Hill in San Francisco, with Alcatraz Island in the background, 1975.
Three Lions/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1960 | Women in bathing suits enjoy iced drinks at a bar in Las Vegas.
Andriy Blokhin/ShutterstockMONTPELIER - ORANGE COUNTY, VA | Montpelier in Orange County, Virginia, was the plantation home of James Madison, the fourth president of the United States and primary author of the Constitution. The estate features over 8 miles of hiking trails and offers a variety of tours, most of which touch on the Constitution and on Madison as a man. Slavery was also a huge part of Montpelier, and the former plantation does not hide or gloss over this fact. The permanent exhibition "The Mere Distinction of Color," curated by descendants of slaves who worked on the Madison family property, tells the story of slavery's impact on Virginia.
Keystone/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1960 | Surfers perform stunts in Hawaii.
Evans/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1955 | Three artists at work on a beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Orlando/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1955 | A couple ride a tandem bike along an American street on a summer's day.
PETRAS MALUKAS/AFP via Getty ImagesLITHUANIA | Lithuania celebrates both its independence days, rather than swapping one out for the other. Russia controlled Lithuania throughout the 18th and 19th century until 1918, when Lithuania signed the Act of Independence of Lithuania on Feb. 16. Lithuania was reoccupied by the Soviet Union in 1940 and continued to be occupied until it declared independence again on March 11, 1990, though the country's sovereignty wouldn't be recognized by the Soviet Union until 1991. Today, Lithuania celebrates March 11 as its Restoration of Independence Day and Feb. 16 is the country's Restoration of State Day.
istockphoto.com/ KenWiedemannSandwich is the oldest town on Cape Cod and its boardwalk was first built in 1875. The Sandwich boardwalk is simple in design and stretches 1,350 feet across Mill Creek into Town Beach. Destroyed multiple times as a result of storms, it was most recently rebuilt in June 2018 using the boardwalk's original design.
Three Lions/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1955 | Cheerleaders enjoy the warm weather while they practice their stunts on the beach.
Chalabala/ShutterstockAn airport hassle even more obnoxious than missing your flight is losing your bag, and lots of bags are never claimed at all. The Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, Alabama, is a 40,000-square-foot store where lost luggage goes to be reborn. It is organized by department — women's, men's, formal wear, electronics, books, fine jewelry, footwear and, of course, luggage — to make it easier for customers to find what they're looking for.
iStock.com/Michael Ver SprillWhen most people think of Death Valley, it's Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, that they're envisioning. Badwater Basin is a mesmerizing geometric salt flat left behind by evaporated salt water, and it's a must-see when visiting Death Valley.
iStock.com/felixmizioznikovELLIS ISLAND - NEW YORK, NY | America would be nothing today without immigrants, and between 1892 and 1924, more than 12 million of them were processed at Ellis Island. Today, Ellis Island in New York, New York, is the home to a museum where you can see the plight and hope of these immigrants. Some 100 million Americans can trace their ancestry back to one of the aforementioned 12 million immigrants. At Ellis Island, you can visit the American Family Immigration History Center and try to trace your own family's heritage.
H. Armstrong Roberts/Retrofile RF via Getty Images1960 | A little girl with a bugle leads another girl on a tricycle decorated with balloons and American flags.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiTaisjon Jones, 11, and his sister, McKenna Jones, 12, cool off in Lake Michigan at Monroe Harbor while celebrating the 4th of July 2020. The family lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Diane Rossen Worthington/TNS/Diane Rossen Worthington/TNSBread pudding comes in all shapes and flavors.
iStock.com/franckreporterGiant Forest spans almost 2,000 acres within Sequoia National Park and contains some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world. This cathedral-like forest is home to the General Sherman tree, which stands almost 275 feet tall and more than 36 feet in diameter, making it the largest tree in the world by volume.
H. Armstrong Roberts/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1950 | A group of children play in a swimming pool.
JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty ImagesSLOVAKIA | Slovakia's dual independence days commemorate the Declaration of Independence of the Slovak Republic on July 17, 1992, and Republic Day, which marks the day Slovakia officially became an independent state on Jan. 1, 1993, following the dissolution of Czechoslovakia.
Keystone/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1957 | New York children splash about in a flooded street after the police opened the fire hydrants to beat the unbearable summer heat.
Travel_with_me / ShutterstockYou'll find the highest posted speed limit in the country as you drive through Texas east from San Antonio. The speed limit on Texas State Highway 130 is 80 miles per hour along its tolled section, but between Austin and Seguin the limit is 85 — making it the only road you'll legally be able to travel at such a high speed in the country.
iStock.comnarvikkWhile some U.S. natural wonders are household names, others like the General Grant Tree are more underrated but certainly worthwhile to see. Located in Kings Canyon National Park, this magnificent tree is the second largest in the world and the only living thing Congress has named a national shrine.
Schafer/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1962 | A group of children play basketball in the street.
istockphoto.com/ robertcicchettiBigger in size than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier and Grand Canyon national parks combined, the Adirondack Park forest preserve is an exciting destination for lovers of outdoor adventure. The area has rushing waters for whitewater rafting, more than 3,000 lakes and ponds and many small towns in which to rest and relax. But the park's famous centerpiece is Whiteface Mountain, whose developed summit offers a 360-degree view of the Adirondacks.
Harry Benson/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1967 | Four musicians from the London Symphony Orchestra play their instruments in Daytona Beach, Florida.
iStock.com/SeanPavonePhotoTHE ALAMO - SAN ANTONIO, TX | The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, is the most-visited tourist attraction in the Lone Star State. The mission and fortress was the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, at which a small garrison of Texas independence fighters was finally overwhelmed by a much larger Mexican army after a 13-day siege. Today, visitors can take guided or self-guided tours of the mission to learn more about the church, the various rulers of Texas, the Texas Revolution and the defenders of the Alamo, including famed pioneer Davey Crockett.
Harry Benson/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1966 | People relax on the beach at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiCandynce Boney leans on Courtney Jackson as they sit south of Foster Avenue Beach on Saturday, July 4, 2020,.
Hulton Archive/Staff/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1970 | In 1970 New York City, a boy playing stickball poses in the batting position.
Hulton Archive/Staff/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1972 | American television host Ed McMahon and comedian Bob Newhart fish from a rowboat in Cypress Gardens, Florida, in 1972.
iStock.com/CaronBGRACELAND - MEMPHIS, TN | Rock 'n' roll music is an integral part of the American story, and perhaps no artist has had as much impact as Elvis Presley. Today, his mansion Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, is a memorial to the "King of Rock 'n' Roll," and you can take an iPad-led tour of his mansion home. There's also Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum and a collection of Elvis' automobiles in Memphis. Of course, the musical history in this town doesn't begin and end with Elvis; while in Memphis, be sure to also visit the legendary Sun Studio, where B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and more recorded some of their biggest hits.
Brian Alpert/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1977 | Workers adjust the sign outside a restaurant with only liquor left during the July 1977 New York blackout.
istockphoto.com/ :KirkikisKentucky is home to many amazing sandstone arches carved out by wind and water across millions of years. One of the most breathtaking is the Natural Bridge, located in Red River Gorge. The landmark is 65 feet tall, 78 feet long and 20 feet wide. After walking across the arch, head out along the more than 20 miles of hiking trails throughout the park.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiPeople watch the fireworks display at Navy Pier in Chicago on Saturday, June 12, 2021 following Illinois and Chicago reopening completely under Phase Five on Friday. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)
Peter Keegan/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1977 | Shoppers look for bargains at a flea market on Avenue of the Americas in New York City in August, 1977.
Mio Buono/ShutterstockMichigan is the only state in the country made up of two peninsulas — the Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula — with the Straits of Mackinac separating the two. It's also the only state that borders four of the five Great Lakes. Due to this unique geography, it has the longest freshwater coastline in the world and the longest shoreline of every state except for Alaska, extending for 3,288 miles.
Harry Benson/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1965 | British actor, singer and songwriter Anthony Newley plays with his daughter, Tara, in Central Park in New York City.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiPeople spend time along the lakefront in downtown Chicago while celebrating the 4th of July 2020.
baiduhai historical photoChildren buy fireworks June 28, 1936, in preparation for their Fourth of July celebration.
iStock.com/lhongfotoYosemite's Half Dome is an American icon, and visitors can climb to the 8,800-foot summit on an arduous but outstanding 10-to-12-hour round-trip hike. Metal cables allow hikers to climb the final 400 feet to the top without rock climbing equipment.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiA boat of people lounge off Foster Avenue Beach on Saturday, July 4, 2020.
iStock.com/SeanPavonePhotoClingman's Dome has many superlatives, including the tallest mountain in the Smokies, the highest spot in Tennessee and the highest point along the Appalachian Trail. From the observation deck on a clear day, visitors can see up to 100 miles away.
H. William Tetlow/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1970 | A boy is photographed in the garden of his New York home with a bird feeder made by his father from a repurposed car hubcap, September 1970.
Fox Photos/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1968 | A mother and daughter make a sandcastle together on the beach in St. Petersburg, Florida.
MAHMUD TURKIA/AFP via Getty ImagesLIBYA | Libya gained independence from Italy on Dec. 24, 1951. Libya had been colonized by several countries, including France, who ceded control in 1947. After the military coup of Col. Mummar Qaddafi in 1969, Libya's previous independence day was replaced by the date of Qaddafi's coup, Sept. 1, 1969. The original date of Dec. 24 was reinstated and celebrated once again in 2011, the 60th anniversary of Libya's independence from Italy.
Farknot Architect/ShutterstockIn Gainesville, Georgia, it's illegal to eat fried chicken with a fork. One of the weirdest laws in America says it is only legal to eat fried chicken with your hands, and it was passed as a sort-of public relations stunt in 1961. A 91-year-old woman was actually cited for breaking the law back in 2009, but she was quickly pardoned by the mayor after a few laughs with the police chief.
aphotostory/ShutterstockFREEDOM TRAIL - BOSTON, MA | The Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path across downtown Boston, Massachusetts, features a great number of historical sites tied to the early history of the United States. Walk this trail (recommended from south to north) to see Old South Meeting House, the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, the USS Constitution and more sights. The Freedom Trail also includes the Granary Burying Ground where the likes of Samuel Adams and Paul Revere are buried as well as King's Chapel Burying Ground, where early pilgrims are buried.
iStock.com/YinYangHaleakala is the dormant shield volcano that makes up the majority of the island of Maui. Haleakala Crater sits 10,023 feet above sea level and offers views of one of the most spectacular sunrises on earth. Don't make the mistake of trying to come see the sunrise without a permit. Reservations are required to view this magnificent sight from one of the park's four viewpoints.
Orlando/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1955 | A couple in summer clothes talk on Mackinac Island, Michigan.
istockphoto.com/ wisanuboonrawdLocated in the Wyoming section of Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful is one of America's most famous natural wonders. Its reputation is deserved as it regularly erupts about 20 times a day, shooting 100 to 180 feet into the air.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiMax plays on the breakwater south of Foster Avenue Beach on Saturday, July 4, 2020.
iStock.com/YinYangStep back in time and marvel at the architecture and ingenuity of the Pueblo people at Mesa Verde National Park, home to the magnificent Cliff Palace. The largest cliff dwelling in North America, this Colorado landmark has 150 rooms and once housed about 100 people.
Dreamstime/TNS
Aneta Waberska/ShutterstockMissouri is home to more than 6,000 caves, so it's no wonder why it's been dubbed "The Cave State."
THONGCHAI.S/ShutterstockMUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION - PHILADELPHIA, PA | If you're looking for one of the best museums in America, look no further than the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. This museum has an expansive collection of Revolutionary War weapons, diaries, letters and other personal items, telling human stories of a war that happened long ago. See a replica of the Boston Liberty Tree, where the first rumblings of revolt were discussed. Must-see items also include George Washington's tent, a 13-star flag and a copy of the first newspaper printing of the Declaration of Independence on July 6, 1776.
iStock.com/ovidiuhrubaruFORT SUMTER - CHARLESTON, SC | The Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie monument in Charleston, South Carolina, is the site of the first shots of the Civil War. Here, you can take a self-guided or ranger-led tour to learn about how slavery and sectionalism in the early history of the United States eventually led to the devastating Civil War. This educational spot is meant to be a reflective, historical and contemplative place.
-/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images1970 | Three girls are photographed in 1970 at a Native American reserve in northeastern Arizona.
marco mayer/ShutterstockLEMON-CAPER GRILLED CHICKEN RECIPE | When life gives you lemons, make this lemon-caper grilled chicken recipe for dinner, which can be prepped in a grill pan on the stove or on the grill itself. For the Lemon-Caper Grilled Chicken recipe, click here.
Lukasz Szwaj/ShutterstockWhen people think of Kentucky, most will think bourbon. But it's one of those states you didn't know made wine. Surprisingly, Kentucky is home to America's first commercial winery, fittingly named First Vineyard. It was founded in 1798 by John James Dufour in what is known today as Nicholasville and was entered into the National Historic Register in 2015.
stuart_m/ShutterstockConsidering Hawaii, the happiest state in America, has an entire food festival dedicated to Spam, it may not shock you to know that Hawaiians eat more of this canned meat product than any other state in America. How much do Hawaiians eat? About 7 million cans annually, according to the company. With a population of about 1.4 million, that's five cans per resident.
iStock.comPatrickCivelloExit Glacier is one of 38 named glaciers within Harding Icefield in Alaska's Kenai Fjords National Park, but it's one of just a few that visitors can stroll up to. Experience the crystal blue ice and hear it creak and crackle. Take a daylong hike along the Harding Icefield Trail to see the expanse of the 700-square-mile icefield from above.
- /Contributor/AFP via Getty Images1960 | Two young girls in a boat admire an artist on the shore of Central Park Lake in New York.
iStock.com/XsandraThe Maroon Bells are a pair of peaks in Colorado's White River National Forest near Aspen. The distinctive mountains rise above Maroon Lake and Maroon Creek valley, forming a scene that is one of the most photographed in the whole state. Visitors can explore the area on many dog-friendly campsites and hiking trails.
istock.com/-Ivinst-Ever hear of coffee milk? Unless you live in Rhode Island, probably not. It's similar to chocolate milk, but instead of adding chocolate syrup to milk, it's coffee syrup (usually made by Autocrat) that's stirred in.
George Marks/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1950 | A woman poses at the beach.
iStock.com/magicalflute77Kilauea is one of two active volcanoes at the center of Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island in Hawaii. It last erupted in 2018, causing its section of the park to be closed for months and thousands of nearby residents to be evacuated. Most of the area has since reopened for visitors to see its raw, destructive beauty, a truly life-changing experience.
Orlando/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1950 | Two boys write in a notebook at an American children's summer camp.
istockphoto.com/ MichaelJustUtah's Zion National Park is home to many stunning sights, but for hikers, the strenuous 9-mile Subway route is a must. This path along the left fork of North Creek requires scrambling up boulders and wading and even swimming through cold pools of water. This hike requires a permit and lots of experience.
iStock.com/William DummittChickees are elevated camping platforms that sit right over the water, which were used by the indigenous people of southern Florida. Chickees can sleep up to six people, and are the perfect place to stop on an Everglades kayaking trip.
istock.com/ventdusudWe tend to think of zip codes as being the domain of neighborhoods, and for much of New York City that's the case. But 42 of the city's buildings actually have zip codes of their own, including the Empire State Building (10118), 30 Rockefeller Plaza (10112), the MetLife Building (10166) and the Woolworth Building (10279).
George Marks/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1950 | A couple on a lake in a paddleboat.
Will Budiaman/The Daily MealGRILLED EGGPLANT WITH FETA AND CUCUMBER | One of the best vegetarian recipes around can be made on the grill. This simple grilled eggplant salad is great as a main course or a side. For the Grilled Eggplant With Feta and Cucumber recipe, click here.
Tony Duffy/Staff/Via Getty Images Sport Classic1972 | American Rod Milburn crosses the line to win the gold medal in the 110-meter hurdles final event at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany.
Douglas Grundy/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1950 | Teenagers at the Admiral Farragut Naval camp in New Jersey on a butterfly hunt, nets at the ready.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiLuke Malzone puts an arm around his girlfriend, Ashley Schreader, both 16, while sitting atop Ashley's mother's SUV as a gull flies past an almost full moon above the parking lot at SeatGeek Stadium before the Bridgeview Park District's drive-up fireworks event on July 3, 2020.
iStock.com/wdstockTENEMENT MUSEUM - NEW YORK, NY | The immigrant story in New York City and the United States isn't always a glamorous one, and the Tenement Museum in Lower Manhattan, New York, tells that tale. You can see actual apartments that immigrants lived in and learn their stories. The Tenement Museum tells the history of people from a variety of backgrounds, including immigrants from Ireland, Germany, Poland, Greece, China, Puerto Rico and more.
Keystone/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1970 | Two young women read in a park in 1970.
Kristie Collado/The Daily MealSTEAK TACOS | Or if grilled steak is more your style, have taco Tuesday any night of the week with these simple grilled steak tacos. For the Grilled Steak Tacos recipe, click here.
iStock.com/rypsonUNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM - WASHINGTON, DC | Though the horrors of the Holocaust took place largely overseas, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum not only tells the international story but also the story from the American point of view and asks why very few Americans helped. Like other places on this list, this museum is a sobering yet important place for all Americans to visit and asks us to confront other modern genocides and instances of antisemitism.
Orlando/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1955 | Bert and Ellie Lang, a young American couple on their honeymoon in Hawaii, play leapfrog on Honolulu's Waikiki beach. The extinct volcanic crater of Diamond Head can be seen in the background.
iStock.comJeffGouldenFannette Island is truly one of a kind, as it is the only island in Lake Tahoe. It sits in Emerald Bay on the California side of the lake and is accessible by boat, canoe or kayak. After making it ashore, visitors can hike to a cool abandoned teahouse to experience a view of the surrounding bay and mountains.
iStock.com/eurobanksTHE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES - WASHINGTON, DC | The legislative branch of government is headed by the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, D.C. This stunning building is where the nine Supreme Court justices make some of the most important constitutional decisions that impact the everyday lives of Americans and their rights. There are no guided tours of the Supreme Court, but there are self-guided tours you can take, and you can see exhibits about former Supreme Court justices and the architecture of the building. Courtroom sessions are also open to the public and subject to availability. When the court is not in session, courtroom lectures are given in the space.
iStock.com/yhelfmanLocated in Los Padres National Forest rather than a national park, the secluded shorelines of Pfeiffer Beach are home to Keyhole Rock, one of the most photographed landmarks in Big Sur. Try to visit at sunset when the last rays of the day shine brightly through the keyhole. Don't miss the purple sand at the north end of the beach.
McHugh/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1974 | In September 1974, a teenage girl wears a metallic dress as she dances at a disco.
iStock.com/JustinreznickWhile many people first think of Old Faithful when they think of Yellowstone, the hypnotic neon colors of Grand Prismatic Spring give it a run for its money. The largest hot spring in the United States, Grand Prismatic Spring's bright multicolored bands are caused by different species of bacteria living in the water.
Marty Nelson/ ShutterstockIn 2005, Idaho consolidated several small parks and some of the state's most impressive geography into a new park called Thousand Springs. Crystal clear water bursts through the canyon walls of the Middle Snake River, creating waterfalls, springs and pools. Niagara Springs is just one of many stunning aquatic sights in the park, which includes plenty of swimming holes, lagoons and fishing spots as well.
TuiPhotoEngineer/ShutterstockIf you're over the age of 18, there's no law in New Hampshire mandating that you buckle your seatbelt. That makes it the only state in the country that doesn't require adults to buckle up.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiFireworks explode over SeatGeek Stadium during the Bridgeview Park District's drive-up fireworks event on July 3, 2020.
iStock.com/benedekFive remote volcanic islands comprise Channel Islands National Park, but Anacapa Island is home to dramatic views of its 300-foot-tall cliffs from yet another aptly named Inspiration Point. From this scenic spot on the west side of the island, you can see seabirds, seals and sea lions and jagged islets jutting out of the sea.
joojoob27/ShutterstockSupai and Phantom Ranch, both located deep in the Grand Canyon, are the only places left in the U.S. where mail is delivered by mule. At Supai, located near Havasupai Falls, postman Hank Delaney has been taking the 16-mile round trip to deliver the mail since 1999.
Keystone Photos/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1971 | Decorations seen on Canal Street in New Orleans, June 1971.
Orlando/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1951 | Two tourists in matching Hawaiian shirts pose with their cameras at the ready as they await the arrival of Hula dancers in Hawaii.
Marina Keremkhanova/ShutterstockIn 1897 there was a bill introduced by the state's legislature to round up the lengthy decimal value of pi (generally shortened to 3.14) to 3.2, after physician Edward J. Goodwin discovered what he believed to be a new way of solving the old mathematical riddle of "squaring the circle" by tweaking the figure. Squaring the circle was already a proven impossibility, though.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiFireworks explode over SeatGeek Stadium during the Bridgeview Park District's drive-up fireworks event on July 3, 2020.
Valentina_G/ShutterstockGRILLED CORN | Grilled corn is one of those classic barbecue sides. It's so simple that you'll want to make it every night of the week once corn is in season. For the Grilled Corn recipe, click here.
istockphoto.com/ JimValleeOne of the most breathtaking places in New York is the series of waterfalls at Letchworth State Park. Nicknamed "the Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth has more than 25 waterfalls, but the most majestic are the three sections of waterfalls created along the Genesee River known as the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls.
istock.com/ImagineGolfOne of the tiniest towns in America, Ruso, North Dakota, has a population of just 4. There were only three inhabitants when its longtime mayor, Bruce Lorenz, passed away at age 86 in 2018, which caused a problem: In order to be incorporated, a community needs at least three residents. Thankfully, a nearby couple, Greg and Michelle Schmaltz, moved to the town later that year, saving it from disincorporation.
LauriPatterson/E+ via Getty ImagesSAUSAGE AND PEPPER HEROES | No summer is complete without at least a few sausage sandwiches reminiscent of a baseball game. This simple grilled sausage and peppers dish will help you recreate the ballpark in your own backyard. For the Sausage and Pepper Heroes recipe, click here.
istockphoto.com/ Purdue9394The iconic striated mounds of this section of Badlands National Park are striped with not just yellow but also orange, pink, red, tan and brown. Take in these unique layered formations from Yellow Mounds Overlook for a fantastic view and learn how they were created.
iStock.com/JanetEverhardFall Creek Falls plummets more than 250 feet straight down. The 26,000-acre park has multiple other waterfalls as well as cascades, gorges and streams, making it a popular weekend getaway for outdoor recreation.
Peter Keegan/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images1973 | In 1973, a woman walks her dog and buys ice cream from a graffitied ice cream truck in New York.
Orlando/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images
1 of 339
1960 | A concert near Lenox, Massachusetts.
ExpandPUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
Independence Day is here again and with less restrictions than 2020 festivities. This year you can celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks, recipes and American culture.
Fireworks are back for Fourth of July 2021: All the Chicago and suburban shows
Fireworks shows are back for Independence Day weekend this year. Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events announced in June that Chicago would have a display. Towns and suburban communities are listed here with their plans for Independence Day. Read more.
Fourth of July 2021 essentials
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to celebrate this Independence Day in style. We cover everything, including great party favors, fun games and activities to set up, as well as where to find festive stars and stripes decorations that are bound to impress your guests. Read more.
More Top Picks 3d Printer
15 Chicago restaurant specials for July 4 weekend, from bottomless crab legs to RPM Steak grill kits
Ditch the routine pack of hot dogs and go all out with restaurant-level steak grilling kits, or enjoy a stress-free holiday meal with dine-in specials like unlimited crab legs and burgers; tapas; and frozen cocktails perfect for a patriotic patio toast. Read More.
Fire up the grill to make these easy recipes for steak, chicken, pizza and more
One of life’s simplest pleasures is cooking outdoors on the grill. Keep your stove off this Fourth of July and fire up these 20 easy and satisfying recipes. Read more.
This July 4 you can get a cocktail with all the same ease and simplicity of a beer. Of the dozens of ready-to-drink cocktails on shelves, here are the ones to savor — and those to avoid. Read more.
What are the most dangerous Fourth of July fireworks? One of them might surprise you
“Sparklers can burn at about 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. That is almost four times your oven temperature when you bake your bread,” said Dr. Dhaval Bhavsar, medical director of the Gene and Barbara Burnett Burn Center at The University of Kansas Health System. Read More.
11 explosive facts about fireworks in the US
In many places across the U.S. fireworks are synonymous with summer. Large lavish displays as well as front porch sparklers light up warm nights, but they don’t come without warnings and danger. Here are some facts and figures on fireworks in the U.S. Read more.
Fourth of July in Chicago, amid COVID-19
Take a look back at how Chicagoans celebrated Independence Day last year amid park closures, mask mandates and social distancing recommendations. Read more.
This land is your land: Awe-inspiring sights from state and national parks
Feeling patriotic? Check out these 100 landmarks to celebrate America. Read more.
A vintage Fourth: Independence Day through the years
Take a look back at Fourth of July celebrations in the Chicago area, from a Depression-Era fireworks vendors to a 1969 Lake Shore Drive fireworks display. Read more.
Seriously Simple: A patriotic bread pudding to celebrate Fourth of July
This bread pudding with raspberries and blueberries is not only beyond delicious but also patriotic. A tuft of freshly whipped cream on top is always appreciated. You can serve this warm or at room temp. Don’t expect any leftovers, but it’s wonderful cold for breakfast. Read more.
These countries have multiple independence days
Americans light up the sky with fireworks July 4, but for other nations around the world, more than one day holds significance in their fight for statehood. Here are countries around the world with more than one Independence Day celebration. Read more.
These American boardwalks will take you back in time
More Top Picks Best Amazon Prime Day Pellet Grill Deals 2026
Celebrate summer and the U.S. with a uniquely American pastime: strolling along a boardwalk. These American boardwalks retain a retro, timeless charm. Read more.
50 American destinations every history buff should visit in their lifetime
If you’re fascinated by American history but are far removed from the days when you would sit in a classroom and learn about it, know that your days of expanding your knowledge are far from over. Read more.
Fascinating facts you might not know about every state
We’ve tracked down some of the strangest facts about every state and Washington, D.C., and even these oddities are just scratching the surface. Read more.
Summertime scenes from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s
Sunbathing at beautiful beaches, having rowdy backyard barbecues and hanging with friends defined the quintessential American summer during the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. Read more.