1

Hawaii (1,052 miles)

Image: Karsten Winegeart

Over 1,052 miles of volcanic islands, a unique blend of black sand beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs await.

Snorkel with sea turtles in Hanauma Bay on Oahu, or learn to surf on the legendary waves of Waikiki Beach. You could also visit the dramatic cliffs of Kauai, featured in film sagas like Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean.

2

Oregon (1,410 miles)

Image: Dave Hoefler

You might remember seeing Haystack Rock featured in the film The Goonies , or glimpses of the charming town of Astoria , where the classic Free Willy was filmed.

These are just two of the many jewels of Oregon's Pacific coastline. Dramatic sea stacks, hidden coves, and beautiful towns like Cannon Beach also await.

3

New York (2,625 miles)

Image: Tommy Kwak

New York's coastline offers a mix of bustling beaches, charming towns, and iconic landmarks. There’s the famous Coney Island boardwalk , as well as the historic lighthouses and sandy shores of Long Island.

If you’ve seen the romantic drama Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind , surely you’ve felt curious about visiting the remote, nostalgic beaches of Montauk.

4

Washington (3,026 miles)

Image: Jennifer Arlem Molina

Rugged beaches, dramatic cliffs, and waterfront cities line the 3,026 miles of Washington's coastline. You can visit Pike Place Market in Seattle, or take a ferry to the Olympic Peninsula to hike through rainforests and explore tide pools.

The Washington State Ferries system can also take you to the San Juan Islands archipelago, famous for its forest waterfalls and whale-watching tours.

5

Virginia (3,315 miles)

Image: Steve Adams

Virginia ranks among the 10 states with the longest coastlines. Its sandy beaches and wide shores are also home to many historical landmarks .

You can explore Colonial Williamsburg, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, as well as Mount Vernon by the Potomac River.

6

Texas (3,359 miles)

Image: Thomas Park

On Texas's Gulf Coast, you'll find Padre Island, the longest barrier island in the world , with pristine beaches and a haven for wildlife. There’s also Galveston Island, which blends history and entertainment with its Victorian architecture, museums, and family-friendly attractions like Moody Gardens.

7

North Carolina (3,375 miles)

Image: Joe Dudeck

The iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is just one of the stunning views along North Carolina's Outer Banks. This state is famous for its Outer Banks , a chain of barrier islands with windswept beaches.

A notable attraction is the shipwreck-littered Graveyard of the Atlantic, a stretch of treacherous waters that fascinates many and features its own museum. And we can’t forget the historic Kitty Hawk, where the Wright brothers made their first flight.

8

Michigan (3,288 miles)

Image: John Schaidler

With over 3,000 miles of Great Lakes coastline, Michigan offers some of the most diverse shoreline experiences in the US.

You can explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore along Lake Michigan, or step back in time on Mackinac Island, known for its Victorian charm and car-free roads . Another gem is the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior, with its dramatic cliffs.

9

Maine (3,478 miles)

Image: Rachel C

Maine's rugged coastline is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring cliffs, picturesque fishing villages, and abundant wildlife.

If you love animals in their natural habitat, you can visit seals and puffins in Bar Harbour. If you like hiking to stunning views, you can visit Acadia National Park and make it to the top of Cadillac Mountain .

10

California (3,427 miles)

Image: Meriç Dağlı

The Golden Coast must be included, of course! California's iconic coastline is a dream for beach lovers. Surfers can catch waves in Huntington Beach, a.k.a. "Surf City USA."

Other must-see spots include the Golden Gate Recreation Area, San Diego’s La Jolla, and, of course, Santa Monica’s colorful and bustling pier and boardwalk .

11

Louisiana (7,721 miles)

Image: Brent Woods

Louisiana's bayous and wetlands make its coastline unique. The Mississippi River Delta is an ecological treasure, home to abundant birdlife and fisheries, while the Atchafalaya Basin boasts the largest wetland and swamp in the US.

Of course, New Orleans is the cultural heart of this state, where jazz, gumbo, and beignets summon tourists from all over the world.

12

Florida (8,436 miles)

Image: Lance Asper

Florida! Sun-kissed beaches year-round and magnetic turquoise waters make this state’s coastline one of the most visited in the country.

The Florida Keys offer coral reefs perfect for diving, especially in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. One should explore Miami Beach’s Art Deco District, the Everglades that spill into Florida Bay, and of course, the dreamy sights along Key West.

13

Alaska (33,904 miles)

Image: jesse orrico

Finally, with over 33,904 miles of coastline, there’s Alaska—a treasure trove of natural wonders like the ice formations of Glacier Bay National Park and the playful otters of Kenai Fjords National Park.

In Juneau, the state capital, you can witness humpback whales breaching in Auke Bay. So, if you don’t mind the cold or the long journey, you might want to visit and experience the breathtaking scenery!

1

Tony the tiger

Image: Sten Ritterfeld

Tony the Tiger is a strong contender for the title of the world’s most famous cereal mascot: his go get 'em' attitude and amazing design have cemented him as a pop culture icon. Tony has been the quintessential mascot for Frosted Flakes since the 1950s, encouraging families to add this delicious cereal to their kids’ breakfast.

Curiously, Tony first appeared as part of a group of mascots that included characters like Katy the Kangaroo or Elmo the Elephant. However, this tiger’s immense popularity made him Frosted Flakes' sole representative. In due time, Tony’s family got bigger: the character now has a spouse called "Mrs. Tony" and two children, Antoinette and Tony Jr.

2

Ronald McDonald

Image: Erik Mclean

McDonald’s chooses to describe their iconic mascot and symbol, Ronald McDonald as "The Smile Known Around the World." This phrase perfectly summarizes this clown’s unbelievable popularity: McDonald’s claims that Ronald is only second to Santa Claus in terms of recognition and that virtually every schoolchild in America can immediately identify him.

In his 1963 television debut, Ronald McDonald’s appearance was quite different: these television spots featured a clown with yellow hair, striped yellow pants, and a McDonald’s cup on his nose. It wasn’t until 1966 that a real-life clown helped redesign the character, turning him into this instantly recognizable mascot.

3

Snap, Crackle, and Pop

Image: SqueakyMarmot from Vancouver, Canada, CC BY 2.0

Not many people know this, but the names of the three timeless Rice Krispies mascots actually come from a 1930s radio ad. At the time, Rice Krispies was advertised as "the talking cereal" and they promised to "merrily snap, crackle, and pop in a bowl of milk." A few years later, illustrator Vernon Grant took these onomatopoeic sounds to name the trio, calling them Snap, Crackle, and Pop.

Since their first appearance in 1933, these elf-like creatures have appeared in countless ads, often voiced by a myriad of talented actors that include names like Ben Schwartz, Tom Kenny, and Josh Brener.

4

Toucan Sam

Image: Necip Duman

As you might have noticed through their unusual spelling, Froot Loops are all about their loopy shape and the fun times that come with them. In that sense, this colorful breakfast cereal has an equally colorful representative: Toucan Sam, Froot Loops’ mascot since 1963.

Originally voiced by Hollywood legend Mel Blanc (responsible for voicing Bugs Bunny and Barney Rubble, among others), Toucan Sam has an extraordinary sense of smell, which helps him find Froot Loops from a great distance. Most Froot Loops ads end with Sam using his nose to locate a hidden bowl of cereal, before chanting his catchphrase "Follow your nose! It always knows!"

5

Phillie Phanatic

Image: Michael Stokes, CC BY 2.0

Few characters literally stand out as the Phillie Phanatic does. The moment you arrive at Citizens Bank Park to watch the amazing Philadelphia Phillies play, you will immediately notice this furry, green bird dancing somewhere in the stadium. Since 1978, this character has brought joy and treasured memories to countless Philadelphians.

Did you know that the Phanatic is a distant relative of the Muppets ? You would think his green fur made him a long-lost cousin of Kermit the Frog, but this relation comes from the fact that one of the Phanatic’s creators, Bonnie Erickson, also created the Muppets’ Miss Piggy and Statler & Waldorf.

6

Mr. Met

Image: Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York from United States of America, CC BY 2.0

We hope we don’t start any heated baseball debates by including this mascot, who many believe to be the very first Major League mascot to appear in human form. While Mr. Met first appeared as a cartoon character in programs, it was his 1964 introduction as a live costumed mascot that skyrocketed him to fame.

Although his design has varied over the years, Mr. Met is instantly recognizable through his striped Mets uniform and large baseball head. Soon after his inception, Mr. Met was given a female counterpart companion known as "Mrs. Met," who joins him in Citi Field to cheer on every New York Mets game.

7

Smokey the Bear

Image: Brian Wangenheim

Since 1944, Smokey the Bear has helped U.S. forests and landscapes with his prevention campaigns. Generations of American children have been inspired and encouraged by Smokey and his memorable catchphrase: "Only you can prevent wildfires!"

What’s interesting is that this iconic fictional bear inspired the name of a beloved real bear. In 1950, a three-month black bear cub was rescued from a massive wildfire in the Capitan Mountains in New Mexico. Although he was originally named "Hotfoot Teddy" by his rescuers, the cub was renamed "Smokey" after the fire safety mascot and was relocated to the National Zoo, where he grew up to become an American icon.

8

The California Raisins

Image: Syed F Hashemi

How did a 1986 commercial promoting the California Raisin Advisory Board end up becoming an Emmy-nominated, Billboard Hot 100-listed supergroup? Well, that’s the magic of the California Raisins at work. No one expected these anthropomorphized claymation raisins to be as popular as they were, and yet they went on to become the quintessential mascot for one of California’s most cherished agricultural products.

The Raisins were created by the advertising firm Foote, Cone & Belding. According to legend, one of the firm’s writers came up with the concept after saying "We have tried everything but dancing raisins singing 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine'." To everyone’s surprise, the Raisins' rendition of Marvin Gaye’s classic song became a massive success and paved the way for numerous other TV appearances, including a Saturday morning cartoon and a Christmas special.

9

McGruff the Crime Dog

Image: sydney Rae

In a medium already filled with exemplary TV detectives, McGruff the Crime Dog broke through the ranks and taught an entire generation of American children to "Take a bite out of crime!" Dressed in his iconic beige raincoat (reminiscent of the legendary Frank Columbo), this anthropomorphic hound was created by the National Crime Prevention Council in an effort to help prevent crime in America.

Over 40 years have passed since his national debut, but McGruff the Crime Dog still manages to do his part in increasing the safety of all Americans. This iconic character has appeared in national campaigns as recently as 2022, and will undoubtedly return whenever his country needs him.

10

Uncle Sam

Image: Steve Shook from Moscow, Idaho, USA, CC BY 2.0

We’ll end with what many believe to be the most iconic personification of the United States. While Uncle Sam is perhaps most known for the "I Want You" posters encouraging citizens to enlist in WWI, the truth is that the character is much older than that. In fact, his origins can’t be entirely traced, to the point that the birth of this iconic character is still shrouded in mystery.

Most historians agree that Uncle Sam first came into use during the War of 1812. According to this popular theory, the man who inspired this mascot was Samuel Wilson, a meatpacker from New York who supplied rations to the Army during the war. Apparently, many soldiers jokingly referred to the U.S. initials in their packages (that stood for "United States") as the initials for "Uncle Sam," unknowingly giving birth to this American legend.

1

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Image: Mandy Beerley

If you've ever imagined what hell might look like, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park could come close—not because it’s a place of suffering (you'll actually witness some of the most incredible views on Earth), but because it's full of glowing, molten, menacing lava. The lava flows from Kīlauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. But not everything here burns; this national park is also home to unique flora and fauna.

2

Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming

Image: Dan Meyers

What you're looking at might resemble a weather forecast map, but it's not. It's the Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone's most famous hot spring. With its brilliant blue, orange, yellow, and green hues, it looks like a surrealist painting. Although it might look small in pictures, the Grand Prismatic Spring is huge—about 370 feet in diameter and 160 feet deep. That makes it the largest hot spring in the US and the third largest in the world!

3

Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Image: Fudo Jahic

If you want to feel like you're walking through a giant red stone maze, Antelope Canyon near Page, in northern Arizona, is the perfect spot. Carved over thousands of years by flash floods and erosion, its towering walls allow sunlight to stream in from above, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors.

4

Painted Hills, Oregon

Image: Ashley Bard

If an artist were to paint a series of enormous hills in vibrant colors, it would probably look a lot like Oregon's stunning Painted Hills. Located within the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, these hills display stripes of red, yellow, gold, and black. But that's not all! The colors shift with the seasons and change throughout the day, creating a breathtaking, ever-changing landscape.

5

Mendenhall Glacier Ice Caves, Alaska

Image: Salomé Guruli

Exploring caves can be risky and terrifying for many, but imagine a cave system made entirely of ice! It sounds like something from a fantasy movie, but it really exists—and it's in Alaska. The stunning Mendenhall Glacier Ice Caves lie beneath the glacier of the same name, formed by meltwater carving tunnels and chambers deep within the ice.

6

Turnip Rock, Michigan

Image: Maria Teneva

Turnip Rock, located in the famous Lake Huron in Michigan, is as fascinating as it is mysterious. What makes this rock so special? Standing about 20 feet tall, it has a turnip-like shape—its narrow base supports a much wider top—giving it a perfectly balanced appearance that amazes all who see it.

7

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Image: Peter Hansen

The Mendenhall Glacier Ice Caves are just one of Alaska's many spectacular sights. Another must-see is the incredible Hubbard Glacier in southeastern Alaska, one of the largest and most active tidewater glaciers in North America. Trust us— its sheer size and dramatic ice cliffs will absolutely blow your mind!

8

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico

Image: Robert Harkness

When it comes to surreal landscapes, New Mexico's Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness can't be left out. Its towering rock formations, blending shades of white, gray, red, and orange, were shaped by erosion and look like something straight out of another planet!

9

Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

Image: Adrien Tanic

A cave doesn't always have to be a small, cramped space. Mammoth Cave stands out with its enormous underground chambers, filled with impressive rock formations in both shape and size. In fact, it's the world's longest-known cave system—and it's right here in the state of Kentucky!

10

Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana

Image: Carlo Lisa

If you're easily spooked, Louisiana's Atchafalaya Basin might not be your idea of a fun trip, especially at night! It's the largest swamp and wetland area in the US, packed with twisting bayous, spooky cypress trees, and massive alligators lurking around.