For history buffs, waterfall chasers and antique collectors alike, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path destinations to discover in America.
When exploring a new destination, be sure to explore Google maps’ satellite view for undiscovered beaches, ruins, lakes and more. You might be pleasantly surprised at what you uncover!
The High Line
Once a disused railroad track, the High Line has become an iconic greenway and must-visit destination. Running for 1.45 miles (2.4 kilometers) above Manhattan streets, it offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River.
Locals and tourists alike come together in this park, taking in views of New York’s skyline as well as taking in the surrounding neighborhoods. Furthermore, it has become a showcase for commissioned art displayed throughout its walkways, rooftop water tanks, and on nearby buildings.
The park is divided into distinct sections, each with its own special charm. Some pay homage to the wild plants that once thrived along the rails while others provide cultivated landscapes and views of Manhattan’s skyline. Plus, there are plenty of spots where you can sit back and take in the view.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park, situated in DUMBO, extends 1.3 miles along the East River. It boasts parks, piers, restaurants and walking & biking paths that give visitors breathtaking views of the city skyline.
The 85-acre waterfront park was a longtime dream to transform post-industrial piers into vibrant open space and development. HR&A helped break a two-decade impasse by devising an effective funding strategy for this award winning public space.
Sustainability is a paramount concern at Brooklyn Bridge Park, which relies on stormwater recycling to meet 70% of its irrigation needs. Furthermore, its construction emphasizes the reuse of materials.
The park boasts six piers, two playgrounds, as well as various food and drink concessions. Families will especially love visiting Jane’s Carousel – an iconic attraction that must be seen by children of all ages.
The Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge may appear to be an obscure landmark, but it’s actually one of San Francisco’s most stunning attractions – so much so that the American Society of Civil Engineers named it one of their “Seven Wonders of the Modern World.”
The Golden Gate Strait, traversed by the bridge, is a natural route connecting San Francisco and Marin County. Along its length are numerous lakes, rivers, wildlife preserves and bays.
No one could possibly imagine how the Golden Gate Bridge was constructed without considering this strait, which is over 300 feet deep and covered in mud. Yet somehow, construction finally wrapped up in 1937.
The initial major step in construction was to construct the two anchorages that would secure the main cables at each end of the bridge. This massive task necessitated excavating three and a quarter million cubic feet of dirt by an experienced team.
The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty, situated atop Liberty Island, has become a timeless icon of liberty and democracy. Modeled after Roman goddess Libertas – who symbolized sovereignty and liberation – this statue stands as an inspiration to millions around the world.
The statue was designed by French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and presented to America by France in 1886. Its copper shell was created using Eugene Viollet-le-Duc’s repousse technique, while Gustave Eiffel designed its metal framework.
This iconic Neoclassical sculpture is affectionately known as The Statue of Liberty, though its official title was “La Liberte eclairant le monde,” or “Liberty Enlightening the World.”
Lady Liberty is an iconic symbol of America and its dedication to liberating humanity from oppression. She holds a torch in her right hand, tablet in her left – both signifying enlightenment – as well as broken chains at her feet to symbolize America’s commitment to ending oppression.
