Best Places to Visit in North America

The Panama Canal is an 82 kilometer artificial waterway. It connects the Caribbean Sea with the Pacific Ocean. This route allows ships to pass through the narrow Isthmus of Panama. Locks at each end lift ships to Gatun Lake. This fresh water lake sits 26 meters above sea level. Damming the Chagres River created the lake and reduced the need for heavy excavation. The best time to visit is from January to April during the dry season. The original locks are 33.5 meters wide and allow the passage of large ships across the continent.

The Grand Canyon is a steep gorge in Arizona. The Colorado River carved the canyon over millions of years. It measures 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide. The depth of the canyon is over one mile. The walls reveal nearly two billion years of the geological history of the Earth. These rock layers are visible from many points along the rim. The best months to visit are April, May, September, and October. During these times, the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller than in the peak summer.

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge in California. It spans the one mile wide strait between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The bridge links San Francisco to Marin County. It carries US Route 101 and California State Route 1 across the water. There are also lanes for people walking and riding bicycles. The bridge is part of US Bicycle Route 95. Visiting from May to June or September to October offers the best chance of clear weather. During other months, heavy fog often obscures the view of the bridge towers.

The Gateway Arch is 630 feet tall and located in St. Louis, Missouri. The monument is made of stainless steel and follows the shape of a weighted catenary arch. It honors the westward expansion of the United States. This is the tallest human made monument in the Western Hemisphere. The arch is dedicated to the American people. It is a National Historic Landmark in Gateway Arch National Park. Plan your visit for May, June, September, or October for the most comfortable temperatures. The park grounds are easier to walk when the summer humidity has faded.

Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. It covers 1,187 square miles of land and borders several national forests. Almost 95 percent of the park is managed as wilderness. The area is famous for its high granite cliffs and large waterfalls. It also contains groves of giant sequoia trees and clear mountain streams. The park is home to many different species and various mountain habitats. May and June are the best months to see the waterfalls at their full flow. September and October are better for hiking when the trails are dry and the air is cooler.

Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon on Navajo land in Arizona. It is located east of the town of Lechee. The site has six separate sections of narrow canyon walls including the Upper Canyon and the Lower Canyon. These sections are sometimes called The Crack and The Corkscrew. They are the main attractions of the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park. A hiking trail nearby leads to Rainbow Bridge National Monument. The best months to visit are April, May, June, and September. During these times, the light enters the narrow passages and highlights the smooth curves of the sandstone walls.

Antigua Guatemala is a city in the central highlands of Guatemala. It served as the capital of the region for over two hundred years. Most of its architecture dates back to the colonial period. The city features many buildings with Spanish Baroque influences. The layout includes original churches and ruins from the 16th and 17th centuries. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The dry season from December to April is the best time for a trip. You will avoid the heavy rains and find the temperature perfect for walking on the cobblestones.

Manuel Antonio National Park is a small conservation area in Costa Rica. It is located on the Pacific coast south of Quepos. The park was established in 1972 to protect the local environment. Residents pushed for the park to stop development on the beaches and keep them open to the public. The park includes both land and a large marine area. It features rainforest trails and white sand beaches. Visit between December and April to enjoy the beaches without rain. This is the peak season for wildlife sightings as animals move toward water sources.

The Pitons are two volcanic peaks on the coast of Saint Lucia. They are named Gros Piton and Petit Piton. These steep mountains rise directly from the Caribbean Sea. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is recognized for the unique volcanic geography of the peaks. The mountains are a primary landmark for the island. From December to April, the weather is generally dry and suitable for hiking. The clear skies allow for better views of the peaks from the ocean.

Arenal Volcano is an active stratovolcano in northwestern Costa Rica. It stands 1,633 meters high and has a conical shape. The crater at the top is 140 meters wide. The volcano is young and is estimated to be less than 7,500 years old. It was dormant for many centuries before an eruption in 1968. It is located near the town of La Fortuna. The months of December through April offer the clearest views of the volcano. During the rainy season, clouds often cover the top of the mountain for days at a time.