10 Places to Visit in Western USA

Sophie Davey

Thinking of visiting Western America? I have compiled a list of 10 places you must see.

To hand pick 10 must see places in Western USA is difficult, as there is so much to see for everyone of all tastes. However in this list article I have

chosen 10 places I have personally visited which I feel are unmissable when travelling to this part of the world. All the photographs are my own, taken

over the last 3 years during my travels to the USA. I could have included so many more favourite places of mine, however I feel the 10 I chose can not

be missed by anyone planning a trip to Western America.

10) San Francisco

San Francisco is the fourth most populated city in California with over 7.5 million inhabitants. The city is ranked 35th out of 100 most visited cities worldwide and has a massive tourist appeal. Some key places to visit are Pier 39, The Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz prison.

9) Portland

The most populated city in Oregon, Portland has a massive arts & music scene with hundreds of charming boutiques, book shops, parks and cafes which inspire and motivate your creative side. Some key places to visit are Powell’s City of Books, the Portland Art Museum and Washington Park.

8) Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a beachfront city located in Los Angles. The most popular attraction is the 100 year old pier which plays host to an amusement park, an aquarium and various pubs and restaurants. Some key places to visit in Santa Monica are the pier and the Third Street Promenade.

7) Orange County Beaches

There are around 10 major beaches located on the coast of Orange County, California. Each with something different to offer, there is something for everyone whether it be shopping, water sports, arts & music or simply relaxation. The must- see spots are Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach and Newport Beach.

6) Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon, Utah, attracts approximately 1.6 million visitors a year. Due to its remote location, relatively few tourists actually know about the phenomenon. There is a scenic drive with 13 viewpoints from various points along the rim of the canyon as well as 8 marked hikes to follow, varying in length and difficulty.

5) Seattle

The largest city in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle has a total population of approximately 7.6 million. There are 150 listings in Seattle on the National Register of Historic Places. Some must see places are the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and The Experience Music Project & Science Fiction Museum.

4) Antelope Canyon, Arizona

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Just outside Page, Arizona, Antelope Canyon is the most visited Slot Canyon in the Southwest. Accessible only through authorised tours, local Navajo guides take each group of approximately 8 by a bumpy jeep ride from Page to the canyons. Antelope Canyon is a must visit location for all photographers.

3) Las Vegas

World famous for it’s casinos, shopping and fine dining, Las Vegas is a must for all those looking to visit West USA. There is something for everyone of all ages and interests in Las Vegas, known as ‘The Entertainment Capital of The World”

2) Route 66

Route 66, also known as the ‘William Rogers highway’ covers a distance of almost 2,500 miles. It originally ran through Chicago, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona before ending in Los Angeles, California. Millions of tourist retrace the route each year, stopping at the many attractions along the way.

1) Grand Canyon

Visible from space, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA was formed by the Colorado river over millions of years. Now 277 miles long and sitting within it’s own National Park, the canyon attracts approximately 5 millions tourists every year and is now considered as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.