The best destinations to visit in the United States

As a New Zealand man of Indian origin, travel is a subject that always excites me. That is why it has taken its place among my many interests which are animals, prehistory, mystery, music, movies and documentaries of various genres. Even when I am not travelling I like to collect many elements related to travel, especially travel books and my favourite travel companies include Lonely Planet, Insight Guides and Rough Guides just to name a few.

For many tourists, going to the United States is the ultimate holiday although when I was a boy I had little or no interest in travelling to the US. As I grew however, I came to realize that many of my interests have some connection to the US and as I entered my late teens, I slowly became more open to going to the US. When I was 18 in my last year of grammar school, I took a trip to the United States with my family. We started in Los Angeles followed by San Diego, then onto Las Vegas before proceeding to Washington. We took a break from the trip by visiting Canada and returned to our American holiday in San Francisco where we finished our trip.

My holiday in the US is an experience that I will never forget and I would like to go there again one day. A few years after my American holiday, I discovered a travel company known as Expoza on YouTube. Unlike many travel companies, they do not write travel books but make wonderful documentaries and inevitably the United States is one of them. I came to rank four places in the US as the best ones to visit thanks to viewing their documentaries; the best in my opinion are Los Angeles, San Diego, New York and San Francisco although the third destination I am still to visit

They have unique attractions and are special because of their place and embodiment of the United States in general. To ye, these travel destinations may represent something completely different albeit special.

Los Angeles
The city of Angels, Los Angeles is one of the most easily recognized places of not just the United States but anywhere in the world as the starting point of any Californian holiday. It is the largest place in California and the third largest State in the United States after New York. In addition to its Mediterranean Climate, LA as the state has come to be known as is also known for its ethnic and cultural diversity, its film industry and its sprawling metropolitan area

1. Hollywood
   A neighbourhood in the central region of Los Angeles, this name whose representation needs no introduction has come to be a shorthand reference for the American film industry and the people associated with it. Many of its studios, the most notable being Disney and Universal Pictures were founded here. Hollywood was incorporated as a municipality in 1903 and was consolidated with the city of Los Angeles in 1910. Soon thereafter a prominent film industry emerged, eventually becoming the most recognizable in the world.
   
   
   
   - Walk of Fame
   Comprising more than 2, 690 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalk along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood are stars of a public and permanent monument to achievement in the entertainment industry bearing the names of (both past and present) musicians like Elton John, actors, directors, producers, music groups like the Backstreet Boys, fictional characters such as Mickey Mouse and so many others. The Walk of Fame is administreted by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and maintained by the self-financing Hollywood Historic Trust
   
   
   
   - Grauman's Chinese Theatre
   Built by showman Sid Grauman and opened in 1927, this Chinese pagoda-like theatre has been the king of all premieres since then, the most notable being those making glittering debuts. The first cinemascope film known as the ‘The Robe’ was presented here in 1953. Chinese food served as popcorn and drink in the theatre until 1959 when it became too expensive to hire cooks from the Republic of China. The hand and footprints of many celebrities feature around the theatre although it is not known how Grauman came up with the idea of having this yet it is always an honour to be selected for this ‘tribute in cement’
   
   
   - Beverley Hills
   This is the residence of the rich and wealthy and most importantly the stars of stage and screen. With beautiful gardens and richly spread homes, since 1987 it has belonged to the wealthiest man in the world, the Sultan of Brunei.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Universal Studios
   One of the most famous film companies in the world, created by Carl Laemmle, this studio has produced some of the most successful films to date such as Jaws and Jurassic Park which are represented by elements which lie throughout this attraction that embodies all the films that it produced. Film characters from Universal productions such as Xena the Warrior Princess and the Wolf Man greet visitors and many film sets are instantly recognizable, a recollection of even the silent era where people paid to see film stars working on a set. A notable action-related event is Waterworld where pirate related stunts and the use of special effects are presented
   
   
   
3. Disneyland
   Opened in 1955 by the creator and namesake of Disney, Walt Disney, this theme park is a phenomenon not just in the Untied States but all around the world attended by 5,000 visitors each year. It is perhaps the world’s oldest surviving and original theme park. Famous characters such as Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse greet their guests as they arrive. A journey through Toontown on its bumpy tramway is a stimulating experience for people of all ages and Cinderella’s castle stands proudly as the recognizable logo of Disney

San Diego
The most family friendly destination in the United States

1. North Harbour Drive
   This part of San Diego is represented by the presence of many ships which are a part of the daily life. The most notable of these is one that is no longer in use, an old vessel that lies at anchor known as ‘The Star of India’ which is now fully restored and open to the public. Its huge sails give the feel of a sense of adventure and fanciful images of its numerous adventures and exploits all over the world
   
   
2. Amtrak Station
   The train tracks of this station connect California with many other cities especially with the bordering city of Santa Fe. A red tram known as the ‘San Diego Trolley’ travels to the Mexican border from here. Adjacent to a modern apartment block, the station’s small ticket office has the appearance of a typical Mexican-style building and everywhere blossoming flowers and sparkling fountains represent the beauty of this garden station which makes it easy to forget the arid terrain of the nearby desert
   
   
3. San Diego Zoo 
   The most famous zoo in the United States which contains 8,500 animal species is also one of the most hospitable zoos. Open air double-decker busses take tourists around the zoo. Birds such as flamingos and parrots greet visitors with their presence and animals such as giraffes and rhinos are not disturbed by the presence of guests. The enclosures of many animals such as bears often give the feeling that they are in charge of their surroundings while African elephants and Asian elephants not only share the same enclosure but are made to feel as if they are in the wild because of their landscape such as a pond to play in. The most popular animals by far are the gorillas who are in a playful mood because of their seemingly realistic rainforest that embodies their enclosure. Other animals such as gibbons, zebras, oryx and takin are also equally considered by visitors to be popular animals at the zoo
   
   
4. SeaWorld
   As the name of this theme park suggests it is all to do with the ocean and one of the most popular activities here is a watery ride in a rubber boat. But the highlight of this park is the performance of the orca whales as well as the dolphins who at the command of their swimsuit attired trainers leap through the water and jump out almost athletically in return for fishy treats. They may also carry their trainer through the water in front of 5,000 visitors. Beluga whales which look like oversized dolphins may not perform for audiences but they are still a graceful sight as they swim elegantly and harmoniously in their pool which can be viewed behind glass. Another highlight here is sharks of which the nurse shark and the sand tiger shark are the main attraction. Above all, the tranquillity of the ocean can be observed here where various kinds of fish have made their home

New York
The Big Apple and a symbol of the American Dream

1. Grand Central Terminal
   This terminal is synonymous with its creators, the Vandervelde family who left an incredible mark and legacy whereupon it has stood and served as a means of travel in New York since 1913. It has been designated as a historic monument since 1978 The huge hall has a magnificent Bozarth style and its infrastructure is ideal with pedestrian, rail and access roads distributed on various levels with the actual railway being at ground level
   
   
2. Chrysler Building
   One of New York City’s artistic highlights created by industrial executive, Walter Percy Chrysler who based his headquarters here and adapted it to the age of the automobile thanks to it being adorned with numerous car motifs. The building is a mile away from the Headquarters of the United Nations which since the 1950s has been the general assembly
   
   
3. Empire State Building
   This instantly recognizable building symbolizes the glamour of the world city and was the tallest city in the world for 40 years with 102 floors and 381 meters above sea level. Up to 3, 400 workers built an average of 404 floors a week The building became famous for the climax of the film ‘King Kong’ where a giant gorilla taken from his habitat in a jungle island into New York seeks to find a woman he fancies and climbs the building to escape his assaulters although it rightly bears the nickname of ‘Cathedral of Heaven’
   
   
4. Statue of Liberty
   New York’s most famous element that needs little introduction attracts a constant flow of visitors since 1886 when it was first unveiled. Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, one of the two leading sculptors of this important landmark as a gift from France at 93m high and 225 barrels heavy. The first ten floors are accessible by elevator and a long spiralling staircase leads up to the crown of the statue of the Roman Goddess Libertas
   
   
5. Chinatown
   Most Chinese in New York apart from the Republic of China also come from Hong Kong and Taiwan, many of whom are unable to speak a word of English. This enclave is representative of the 1,550 Chinese that live in the city as well as Chinese Americans in general and gives a feeling of being in China thanks to its predominating elements and characters such as shops or stores with typical Asian souvenirs, scrolls, silk shoes, earthenware and dragon design. Its restaurants even kitchens on every street corner also have open kitchens viewable for cooking. However while this territory is one of the most fascinating parts of the city, most New Yorkers go to Chinatown just to eat

San Francisco
The last stop of any Californian holiday

1. Golden Gate Bridge
   The main landmark of San Francisco, its cable construction spans over the expanse of the bay of San Francisco like a gate to one of the largest and most secure harbours in the world as well as one of the most successful bridges worldwide. Built between 1933 and 1937, the bridge after 20 years of preparation was opened. More than a thousand million vehicles have subsequently passed across the curved red gate. A walk in fresh air at high altitude is a special experience. No matter what the weather this bridge always portrays elegance and bold energy
   
   
2. Chinatown
   A stay in San Francisco is unthinkable without a visit to this ethnic enclave where one can see, hear and smell China. This wonderful world so far from Mainland China is the largest Chinese settlement outside Asia and is a celebration for all the senses, referred to as the ‘big city’ since it attracts more visitors than the Golden Gate Bridge. Chinatown is situated between three hills and embodies China through pagoda roofs, colourful flags, decorated balconies, shops and restaurants all with Chinese characters. Everything here appears as authentic yet westernised Chinese