August 27, 2024 | Alex Summers

15 Things Non-Americans Love About the U.S.


15 Things Non-Americans Love About The US

The United States is made up of a beautiful array of cultures and landscapes, drawing in millions of international visitors each year.

While it may be famous for its iconic landmarks and active city life, it’s the everyday experiences that often leave the deepest impressions on people.

From innovative technology and irresistible outlet malls to excellent customer service and impressive college sports, here’s 15 things that non-Americans love about the US. 

Hollywood

Touring the entertainment capital of the world and having the chance to see filming locations up close is apparently very fascinating to foreign visitors.

According to one Reddit user, “Hollywood is surreal. Walking the Walk of Fame and seeing the iconic sign–you feel like you are part of the movies".

Hollywood SignThe City Project, Flickr

Innovative Technology

There are many places around America that showcase our impressive technological flare, with Silicon Valley being only one of the best ones.

One visitor wrote on Trip Advisor, “Visited Silicon Valley, and it’s like being in the future. The tech campuses, the innovation–it’s a geek’s dream. Wonder what they’re inventing next!”

Aerial View Of Apple ParkDaniel L. Lu, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Iconic Landmarks

The US is home to countless iconic landmarks. From the Statue of Liberty and Times Square in New York to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, visitors rave about these incredible landmarks that can only truly be appreciated in person.

Times Square, New York USAArmando Olivo Martín del Campo, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Customer Service

The quality of customer service in the US, especially in retail and hospitality, often surprises international visitors.

One review claimed, “Customer service in the US is top-notch. They genuinely go the extra mile to make you feel welcome. Makes a trip even more enjoyable".

Target retail storeColleen Michaels, Shutterstock

Historical Sites

America has an incredibly rich history, and it is preserved in many beautiful places around the country. Boston’s Freedom Trail, Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, and Washington DC’s national monuments and museums are said to be some of the top visited sites.

Independence Hall, Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaGPA Photo Archive, Flickr

Scenic National Park

There is certainly no shortage of natural beauty in America. In fact, there is a whopping 63 designated National Parks in the US—each offering unique natural wonders and experiences.

One person wrote on Trip Advisor, “Yellowstone blew my mind. The wildlife, geysers, and landscapes were like stepping into a nature documentary. Can’t get this anywhere else".

Grand Canyon Of YellowstoneGrastel, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

College Sports

America’s enthusiasm around college sports is something said to be unique to the US. Attending a college football game is often a highlight for international visitors.

College Sports in AmericaKen Lund, Flickr

Shopping Malls And Outlets

The sheer number of outlet malls in the US is outstanding, and certainly a hot spot for tourists.

One Reddit user said, “Outlet malls are a shopper’s paradise. The variety and discounts are insane. Spent way more than I planned, but no regrets!”

Florida MallMiosotis Jade, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Diverse Landscapes

The landscapes vary greatly across the nation. From deserts to lush forests, snowy mountains and tropical beaches, the US offers such diverse climates, it’s like a whole world in and of itself.

The White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire, USAweesam2010, Flickr

Space Exploration

Space enthusiasts—and there’s more of them than you may think—rave about institutions like NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, which offers incredible insight into past, present, and future of space exploration.

Nasa Kennedy Space Center, Cape CanaveralReinhard Link, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Road Trip Culture

America is well known for our road trip culture. Not only are there endless opportunities for road trips, but they are quite easily one of the most popular kind of trips people, both internationally and locally, enjoy taking.

Another reddit user raved, “Drove Route 66, and the freedom of the open road is exhilarating. The quirky roadside attractions and the small-town vibes are the heart of America".

Route 66Chuck Coker, Flickr

Amusement Parks

Another amazing opportunity in America are the amusement parks. While there are numerous “smaller” theme parks that are also quite popular, Disneyland takes the cake: “Disneyland was magical, not just for kids. The attention to detail is incredible. It’s the happiest place on Earth for a reason".

Pixar Pier - Disneyland ResortCrispyCream27, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Music And Arts Festivals

Another thing we have no shortage of: festivals! Music and arts festivals are particularly popular with tourists. Some will travel from all over the globe for America’s world-famous festivals, such as Coachella, Burning Man, and South by Southwest.

Coachella 2012 Weekend 2 Day 2Jason Persse, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Cinematic Cities

Since a lot of filming is done all across America, many international tourists find our major cities to have a cinematic flare to them.

One review said, “Walking through Manhattan felt like being in a movie. The skyline, the yellow cabs–it’s the stuff you see in films, but real!”

Lower East ManhattanEric Kilby, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Diverse Food Scene

While many countries have specialty cuisines, America is said to have numerous specialties. From Southern barbecue to Tex-Mex cuisines and soul food, there is something for everyone.

Barbeque partyMonkey Business Images, Shutterstock


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