From the glitter of Hollywood to the majestic wilderness of British Columbia to millennia-old Maya temples in the Yucatan: The third largest continent on earth offers a huge range of awe-inspiring travel experiences. Often its only the two more powerful states, the USA and Canada, that are associated with North America, but actually a total of 23 countries belong to the 24,930,000 km² continent. That includes Mexico, Greenland and the Caribbean island states.
Table of Contents
- Country Travel Guides
- Top 10 Tourist Attractions
- The 5 Most Underrated Destinations
- Best Instagrammable Spots in North America
- Fun Facts about North America
Country Travel Guides for Your Travels in North America
If you already know where you want to head, then dive straight into our travel guides for these countries in North America…
TOP 10 Tourist Attractions
From the Statue of Liberty in New York City to beautiful natural landmarks like Niagara Falls, North America has a lot to offer curious adventurers.
#1 The Statue of Liberty, New York, USA
One of the most famous landmarks in the world and symbolic of the American Dream like nothing else: The Statue of Liberty in New York. In the crown there is a viewing platform for visitors (great views for personalized photo postcards!)
#2 Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA
The bright orange of the breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco highlights the beauty of the surrounding rolling landscape. Pedestrians and cyclists can cross the 2.7 km long bridge (for free) and enjoy the view of the bay from there.
#3 Maya Ruins of Chichén Itzá, Mexico
Around 8,000 visitors a day come to see the best preserved ruins of the Maya culture, so you should get there early in the morning. The ruins are counted among the seven wonders of the world.
#4 Niagara Falls, New York, USA / Ontario, Canada
The best way to admire the rugged beauty of the world’s most famous water fall is by boat or on designated trails.
#5 Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
The canyons of the Grand Canyon, one of the great natural wonders of the world, are mighty and impressive. The viewing platforms and hiking trails offer you magnificent panoramas.
#6 Las Vegas Strip, Nevada, USA
At night on the 6.8 km-long Las Vegas Strip, everything flickers and flashes tremendously – you shouldn’t miss it. Just immerse yourself in the world of luxury hotels and casinos for an evening or two!
#7 The Northern Lights in Alaska, USA
Between September and March, the chances of seeing the heavens in unreal swirling colors are at their highest. A cold, cloudless night is ideal.
#8 Kauai Islans, Hawaii, USA
Supposedly the most beautiful of the South Sea islands, Kauai Island has wonderful beaches, lush vegetation and the largest coral reefs. No wonder it serves as the backdrop for many Hollywood films.
#9 Havanna Old Town, Cuba
Havana has a flair that will immediately cast its spell on you. Colorful vintage cars, Cuban rhythms, half-ruined buildings left over from colonial times – and the infectious good mood of the residents: an irresistible mix.
#10 Sunset Boulevard, Kalifornien, USA
You don’t have a choice – if you are in Los Angeles, you must drive down the legendary Sunset Boulevard. It spans across the entire city, including the posh districts of Beverly Hills and Bel Air.
Top 5 Underrated Places in North America
#1 Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Old San Juan is also referred to as the most beautiful Old Town in the Caribbean. Colorful alleys and Fortaleza Street specifically with its colorful umbrellas are a real feast for the eyes and invite you to take a leisurely stroll.
#2 The Mayan Tempels in Tikal, Guatemala
The Mayan temples in Tikal are great alternatives to the popular – and therefore very busy -Mayan temples in Chichén Itzá in Mexico. Our tip: get up early and experience the sunrise in the jungle against this mystical backdrop.
#3 Grotto of the Redemption, Iowa, USA
The Grotto of Redemption – a hand-made, bizarre place portraying the ordeal of Jesus is decorated with millions of semi-precious stones, shells and fossils: absolutely fascinating, a little crazy and definitely unique.
#4 Wallace, Idaho, USA
Wallace used to mine silver. The village has retained its lovely old silver mine charm. It tourism relies to this day on pretty antique shops and its numerous historical sights. Wallace’s mayor was so enthusiastic about this town in 2004 that he went so far as to call it the “center of the universe” without any hesitation. Seems people have a sense of humor here too!
#5 Wickenburg, Arizona, USA
In Wickenburg you’ll be transported back in time to the wild west. You’ll meet cowboys in jeans and checked shirts, and can go with them to burger joints, salons or old hardware stores.
TOP 5 Instagrammable Spots
- #brooklynbridge (3,327,047 posts)
- #sevenmagicmountains (128,258 posts)
- #route66roadtrip (58,580 posts)
- #wollmanrink (14,966 posts)
- #swimmingpigsbahamas (9,334 posts)
Fun Facts about North America – Did you know …?
… that the sand dunes in Death Valley in the US state of California “sing” if you listen carefully?
… that there is only one city that still has a city wall in all of North America? It’s Quebec in Canada.
… that New York is home the largest population of ethnic Chinese people outside of Asia?
… that the only UFO landing pad in the world is in North America? It’s in Alberta, Canada.
… that in Whittier, Alaska, the majority of the approximately 220 residents live in a single building, which is also a church, bank, post office and hospital?