1

Alabama - Driving Regulations

Image: Ed 259

We have all tried to ride a bike with no hands when we were kids. You probably got to the point of taking the challenge one step further and driving with no hands on an empty road. Now, driving blindfolded is a bit extreme, right?

Alabama has a law that forbids drivers from driving blindfolded and that is not all, drivers aren’t allowed to drive if they can’t see what’s to the sides or in front of them. Now, if the law exists, that must mean it was needed at some point, right?

2

Louisiana - Pizza Party

Image: Kelvin T

Sending gifts is a great way to say "I love you" or "I’m sorry." Whatever the situation, we’ve seen it a million times: a knock on the door, a pizza delivery guy handing a pizza box, and a cheesy, but loving message as a topping: "I love you."

Well, if those were your plans but you live in Louisiana, you might as well think twice before you do it. This state has a law that forbids inhabitants from sending unsolicited pizza, no matter how considerate this gesture might be. If you do, be ready to pay a $500 fine. How much is your love worth?

3

Virginia - Halloween Arrangement

Image: Szabó János

All across America, when October comes, millions of people get their costumes ready for the spookiest night of the year. And we are not talking only children here. How many Adults-only Halloween parties have you been to?

However, the Halloween fun is limited in Chesapeake City, Virginia. Dress up all you want and party all night long, but don’t you dare go trick-or-treating alone if you are over 14 . Not because you might get haunted by ghosts, but because the law forbids you. And for the under-14s you know, let them know they have to be home by 8 pm according to the curfew. Quite a bummer, huh?

4

South Caroline - Pinball Limitations

Image: Senad Palic

Ah, to be young and play games again, right? The possibilities were endless, board games, card games, pinball… Well, not anymore, not for everyone, at least!

In South Carolina, pinball is forbidden for people over 18 years of age. And it has nothing to do with maturity, it is not that they don’t allow the fun in adults. The reason behind this regulation has to do with the fact that the game is considered addictive and dangerous for some reason we can’t figure out! Can you imagine what it is? If this sounds bizarre, wait until you read the next one!

5

Vermont - Permission to Get Teeth Done

Image: engin akyurt

Now, this is where America gets a bit bizarre. For a very long time, women have needed men’s permission to get all sorts of things done around the house and about their health. But as we said, society has changed and America has adapted to those improvements.

Surprising as it may be, Vermont has a law that requires women to ask for their husband’s permission before they get false teeth. You heard that right!

It must have been a surprise for the government itself as it is a law that is not enforced anymore, but it still hasn’t been overturned!

6

Kentucky - Marriage restrictions

Image: Samantha Gades

Speaking of husbands and wives, Kentucky must have seen the weirdest things when it came to marriages. That is fair, relationships are a complex business.

You fall in love and you get married. You fall out of love and you get a divorce. But love, funny thing, huh? You might fall back in love and want to get married again to the same person. Well, that is about it in Kentucky.

The state’s legislators have limited marriage so that no man can marry the same woman more than three times . This is just bizarre, even if you were allowed to do so, why would you? Right?

7

Oregon - Cemeteries Are Off the Limits

Image: Sandy Millar

Hunting is a very much praised activity in the United States. However, for different reasons, such as animal protection or nature conservation, some aspects of the hobby have been banned across the country.

In the state of Oregon, for example, you cannot hunt within the limits of a cemetery. Now, this sounds just about right, doesn’t it? After all, it is sacred soil. Well, as morally obvious as this may sound, the case of a specific hunter carrying his business in a cemetery led legislators to forbid the activity. Wait for it, this is nothing compared to the last prohibition!

8

Ohio - Mind Your Gas

Image: Juan Fernandez

Driving can be quite soothing, although it requires a high level of attention. You must check your tires, turn the lights on, and place the mirrors in the right position. And of course, you have to get the tank full before anything else.

Even if it seems quite unlikely that anyone would run out of gas intentionally, Youngstown, Ohio has a law that forbids drivers from running out of gas. If this happens, it is considered a misdemeanor offense. Running out of gas in the middle of your driving is bad enough, add a ticket to it!

9

Indiana - Horses Are Just Horses

Image: Holly Mandarich

Even if these majestic animals were used for transportation for a very long time , we can all agree that they have served their purpose and now is time to let them be. Well, Indiana must have been a place where this wasn’t the case until a law forbidding horse racing was passed.

The law actually says that horse-based travels are not allowed to run over 100mph . Even if the reasons are not so clear, one can only assume this was a nuisance for the inhabitants of the state.

10

Arizona - Donkeys Belong Elsewhere

Image: Erwan Hesry

This article comes to an end with what is, probably, the weirdest law of them all and it involves bathtubs and donkeys . Just saying it sounds bizarre.

Back in the 1920s, a very much-pampered donkey sleeping in a bathtub caused a home to flood. Don’t worry! The animal made it, although it didn’t quite notice as it was asleep the whole time.

Now, as a consequence, Arizona still has a law that forbids donkeys from sleeping in a bathtub in an attempt to avoid such an occurrence repeating itself! You better go buy a proper bed for your donkey now!

1

Griffith Park, Los Angeles

Image: Venti Views

Covering over 4,000 acres, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. Located in the hillside neighborhood of Los Feliz, this park is full of natural spaces , with hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, baseball fields, tennis courts, and golf courses.

Probably the two most famous attractions in Griffith Park are the Griffith Observatory at the top of the hillside and the Hollywood Sign on the southeastern slope of Mount Lee. Griffith Park also features a number of museums and themed gardens, including the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum, the Autry Museum of the American West, and the Los Angeles Zoo.

2

City Park, New Orleans

Image: Farah Almazouni

Imagine a spring afternoon sitting on a bench by the lagoon, in the shade of an 800-year-old oak tree, reading your favorite book. Is there a more delightful plan? This pleasant dream can come true if you visit City Park in New Orleans!

In addition to its 1,300 acres of woodlands, waterways, and wildlife, this park is full of cool attractions. From amusement and theme parks (Carousel Gardens and Storyland) to a 1930s Art Deco-influenced Botanical Garden, an art museum with 40,000 objects in exhibition, and a sculpture garden. Trust us, it's worth leaving the French Quarter for a little while to take a stroll around this majestic city park!

3

Sculpture Garden, Minneapolis

Image: Paul Esch-Laurent

Built in 1988 and spanning 11 acres, Sculpture Garden in Minneapolis is one of the top urban sculpture gardens in the country. The garden is an ongoing collaboration between the city's parks department and the Walker Art Center.

In 2017, Sculpture Garden underwent an extensive renovation. A few pieces by contemporary artists such as Theaster Gates and Katherina Fritsch were added, a former wetland was restored, and native flora was planted to help feed essential and endangered pollinators.

While most visitors are drawn to the garden's inaugural centerpiece, "Spoonbridge and Cherry," the park features 40 permanent art installations and many temporary pieces that rotate periodically.

4

National Mall, Washington D.C.

Image: Jacob Creswick

The National Mall is often considered the political heart of the United States. This landscaped park in downtown Washington, D.C., is surrounded by impressive monuments, iconic government buildings, and amazing museums. Nearly two miles long, it stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol.

At the center of the National Mall is the Washington Monument. This obelisk, the highest point in the city, is surrounded by 56 flags representing the 50 states plus Washington D.C. and 5 U.S. territories.

Throughout this iconic park, you can also find 10 Smithsonian museums. For example, the National Museum of American History, which houses the first version of the American flag, and the National Museum of Natural History, with rooms full of dinosaurs and the Hope Diamond.

5

Forest Park, St. Louis

Image: Keran Yang

If you're looking for a peaceful place to relax after a busy day in the big city, Forest Park is the best option. It is visited by 13 million people a year for a reason! This 143-year-old park covers 1,326 acres of meadows and wetlands that are home to a great variety of birds and wildlife. It also features a six-mile bike ride, paddle boats, a golf and tennis center, an amphitheater, a skating rink, and a restaurant.

In addition, Forest Park is an important cultural hub . As well as housing the Saint Louis Art Museum, it hosts events such as the Great Forest Park Balloon Race, the Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis, and the LouFest Music Festival. But perhaps the most visited place in the park is the Saint Louis Zoo, which has a collection of 18,000 animals. It's impossible to get bored in Forest Park!

6

Balboa Park, San Diego

Image: Leslie Yu

Balboa Park is a must-see for anyone visiting the city of San Diego. This huge 1,200-acre cultural and urban park was built in 1868, making it one of the oldest public spaces in the United States. Moreover, in 1977, it was declared a National Historic Landmark.

Balboa Park's 15 museums play a predominant role in the city's cultural life. These include the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Us, and the Museum of Art. Secondly, you can ' t miss the themed gardens, especially the Japanese Friendship Garden. Finally, the San Diego Zoo is one of Balboa Park's star attractions. This 99-acre zoo is considered one of the most important in the world, both for its diversity and its concern for the protection of animal species.

7

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Image: Jeffrey Eisen

Golden Gate Park is huge. At 1,017 acres, it is the largest park in San Francisco. Almost anything you can think of can be done in Golden Gate Park; from hiking and biking to disc golf and archery. But don’t worry if you are not a sports buff; this National Historic Landmark also has many relaxing spots to discover.

Some of the most interesting features you can visit are: the picturesque Dutch Windmill; the Garden of Fragrance, specially designed for blind visitors; the Japanese Tea Garden, decorated with bonsai and pagodas; or Shakespeare's Garden, with more than 200 flowers mentioned across the author’s works. Oh, and don't forget to head to the top of Strawberry Hill for an iconic view of the Golden Gate Bridge!

8

Patterson Park, Baltimore

Image: Aaron Burden

Patterson Park was once a key defense site for Americans fighting the British during the War of 1812. Today, this historic park, nicknamed "Best Backyard in Baltimore," is busy with bikers, joggers, and strollers who enjoy 137 acres of 50 different species of trees, smooth pathways, lakes, picnic areas, and sports fields.

In addition, during the summer, people can cool off in the swimming pool and, during the winter, have fun skating on the ski rink. But perhaps the park's main attraction is the Patterson Park Observatory, a gorgeous 1890s pagoda that serves as an observation tower and reflects Baltimoreans' fascination with the Orient.

9

Boston Common Park, Boston

Image: Josephine Baran

Boston Common was founded in 1634, making it the oldest public park in the United States. The site has great historical significance since many events related to American independence took place here. Today, the park is used primarily for recreational purposes and is the perfect spot to relax after a busy day.

Every spring, the famous swan-shaped boats sail away, as they have done for more than 140 years. In summer, the go-to place is the Frog Pond, which offers a refreshing wading pool for children. During winter, this same pond becomes a skating rink enjoyed by both kids and adults.

Fun fact: did you know that Boston Common sits on top of Boylston Station, the first subway station in the U.S.? Lots of "firsts" for this amazing site!

10

Central Park, New York City

Image: Michael Matloka

You may be thinking, what else can anyone tell me about Central Park that I don't already know? Yet, this city park is so iconic that it still has some secrets to reveal. For example, did you know Central Park is larger than the entire city-state of Monaco? Often referred to as "The Green Lung", this oasis in the heart of Manhattan is also the most filmed public park in the world, appearing in more than 500 movies.

With an extension of 843 acres, Central Park has a large number of attractions worth visiting, such as the Belvedere Castle, the "Imagine" mosaic, the Bethesda Fountain, the Alice in Wonderland Statue, the Central Park Zoo, lakes, 58 miles of pedestrian paths, many green areas to relax, two ice skating rinks and, in the warm season, outdoor theater and cinema. So, next time you visit New York City, you might want to check one of these out!

1

Northern frontier

Image: UC Berkeley, Department of Geography

Location: Point Barrow, AK

Point Barrow, the northernmost point in the U.S., was first explored by Europeans in 1826. Sitting at 71°23′N, it endures long, brutal winters with near-constant darkness.

Winter temperatures drop below -50°F, and the sea remains frozen for much of the year. Despite the conditions, native Iñupiat communities have thrived here for centuries. Today, it remains a key site for Arctic research.

2

Lowest land

Image: Karsten Winegeart

Location: Badwater Basin, CA

First documented in the mid-1800s, Badwater Basin in Death Valley is the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. It was named after a surveyor’s horse that refused to drink the salty water.

The basin’s extreme location means temperatures here frequently top 130°F in summer. Salt flats stretch for miles, remnants of an ancient lake that dried up thousands of years ago.

3

Hottest spot

Image: Pablo García Saldaña

Location: Furnace Creek, CA

On July 10, 1913, Furnace Creek recorded 134°F, the highest temperature ever measured on Earth. This Death Valley outpost still holds the title for the hottest inhabited place in the U.S.

Despite the heat, Furnace Creek has a permanent population and even a golf course, making it one of the strangest places where people manage to live. The area’s extreme conditions attract researchers studying heat endurance.

4

Coldest cold

Location: Prospect Creek, AK

Alaska’s Prospect Creek hit -80°F in 1971, the lowest temperature ever recorded in the U.S. Originally an outpost for pipeline workers, it’s now abandoned due to its brutal winters.

At this temperature, exposed skin can freeze in seconds, and vehicles must run continuously to avoid freezing. The area sees only a few hours of daylight in winter, making survival nearly impossible without proper equipment.

5

Windiest place

Image: Dan Meyers

Location: Mount Washington, NH

Mount Washington holds the record for the fastest surface wind speed ever recorded outside a tornado: 231 mph, measured in 1934. This New Hampshire peak is notorious for its deadly weather.

Though just 6,288 feet tall, its location at the convergence of several storm systems makes it feel like the roof of the world. Hikers often face hurricane-force winds, whiteouts, and below-zero temperatures even in summer.

6

Wettest town

Image: Martin Zangerl

Location: Kukui, HI

Kukui, on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, receives an average of 460 inches of rain annually. In 1982, it saw a staggering 683 inches, making it one of the wettest places on Earth.

The rain feeds lush tropical forests and countless waterfalls, but the steep terrain means flash floods are a constant danger. Despite its beauty, the relentless downpours make long-term settlement nearly impossible.

7

Deepest cave

Image: Joshua Sortino

Location: Lechuguilla Cave, NM

Discovered in 1986, Lechuguilla Cave is the deepest in the U.S., plunging 1,604 feet below New Mexico’s surface. It remained hidden for centuries due to its small, concealed entrance.

Its vast chambers contain formations found nowhere else on Earth, including giant gypsum chandeliers. Access is restricted to scientists, as the cave’s unique ecosystem is still being studied.

8

Largest volcano

Image: Sherry Jiang

Location: Mauna Loa, HI

Mauna Loa is the world’s largest volcano, covering half of Hawaii’s Big Island. It last erupted in 2022, continuing a pattern of activity dating back over 700,000 years.

Rising 33,500 feet from the ocean floor, Mauna Loa dwarfs even Everest when measured from base to peak. Its slow-moving lava flows have repeatedly reshaped the island’s landscape.

9

Deepest lake

Image: Jeff Hopper

Location: Crater Lake, OR

Formed by a collapsed volcano 7,700 years ago, Crater Lake is the deepest in the U.S. at 1,949 feet. Its intense blue waters come from rain and snowmelt, with no rivers flowing in or out.

The lake’s purity allows sunlight to penetrate to great depths, creating an otherworldly glow. Among its many wonders, the submerged "Old Man of the Lake," a floating log, has been drifting in its waters for over a century.

10

Most remote

Image: Harrison Hargrave

Location: Yellowstone Thorofare, WY

The Yellowstone Thorofare, 32 miles from the nearest road, is the most remote place in the Lower 48. It remains nearly unchanged since its first mapping in the 19th century.

Even experienced hikers struggle here, as grizzly bears, sudden storms, and subzero temperatures make survival difficult. This untouched wilderness offers a rare glimpse of what America once was.