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Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles

Image: Nathan Dumlao

Sunset Boulevard is a famous Los Angeles street that spans approximately 24 miles. It runs through districts such as Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Bel Air. This iconic street's best-known section is the Sunset Strip , where you can find restaurants, hotels, boutiques, colorful billboards, comedy clubs, and nightclubs.

Today, Sunset Boulevard is synonymous with luxury and glamour, but it wasn't always the case. In the first decades of the 20th century, Sunset Strip was home to illegal casinos and was the go-to place to find alcohol during Prohibition. Then, in the 1930s and 1940s, the new restaurants and clubs were packed with the rich and famous . In the 1960s Sunset Strip became a meeting point for rock musicians and the hippie counterculture, who were later forced to leave when prices rocketed in the ‘80s.

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Bourbon Street, New Orleans

Image: Kristina Volgenau

Bourbon Street is a historic street in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter. Stretching 13 blocks from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue, it is one of the wildest and rowdiest streets in the world . Famous for its numerous bars, restaurants, and art galleries, Bourbon Street is best known for hosting the annual Mardi Gras carnival.

But it has not always been a place for partying and madness. During colonial times, it was mostly a residential area and one of the most populous streets in the city. Contrary to popular belief, this street is not named after the famous liquor. It was actually named after the French royal family that reigned in 1721 when French engineer Adrien de Pauger designed the layout of New Orleans. Now, was the liquor named after the street? That, my friends, is a story for another article.

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Lombard Street, San Francisco

Image: NISCHAL MALLA

Although it's known as "the crookedest street in the world," Lombard Street isn't even the steepest street in San Francisco . That title technically belongs to Vermont Street, between 20th and 22nd Streets in Potrero Hill.

Those curves on that 40-degree incline may seem dangerous to you now, but they were actually built to increase the safety of the street. The natural incline was considered too unsafe, so in the 1920s, a resident suggested creating a series of zigzag curves that would not only add scenic appeal to the street but also make it safer for pedestrians . Today, it is a major tourist attraction for the two million people who visit San Francisco every year.

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Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington D.C.

Image: Library of Congress

Pennsylvania Avenue is known throughout the world as the heart of the nation's capital , as America's Main Street . American history has paraded, marched, strolled, and protested along this avenue since its creation. It is not just another street. This is where the country’s history and all the political power are concentrated: it is where the White House and the Capitol are located.

Pennsylvania Avenue, like the entire city of Washington, was specially designed in the late 18th century by French-American artist and engineer Pierre Charles L'Enfant at the request of George Washington. For many years, this diagonal street inspired by the Champs Elysees in Paris, was a graceless dirt road. That changed when Thomas Jefferson ordered rows of Black Poplar trees to be planted along it. Finally, in 1832, it was paved to best fight the dust and dirt.

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Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Image: Jonathan J. Castellon

The most famous portion of Michigan Avenue is known as the Magnificent Mile . Crowned by tall skyscrapers, it has hundreds of luxury stores and restaurants . It is also filled with famous landmarks such as Millennium Park, Chicago Water Tower, and the Art Institute of Chicago, among other buildings.

The Magnificent Mile began construction during the 1920s as part of the Burnham Plan of Chicago, which recommended adding wider streets, parks, and new buildings. In 2007 it was chosen as one of the 10 Great Streets by the American Planning Association. Nowadays, the Magnificent Mile has become a favorite destination for more than 22 million tourists who visit Chicago annually.

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Wall Street, New York City

Image: Uwe Conrad

Wall Street is undoubtedly one of the most famous and well-known streets in the United States and the world. Located in Lower Manhattan, it is considered the "Financial District" because it houses multiple financial institutions and large banks , such as the Central Bank of the United States, the Federal Reserve, and the New York Stock Exchange.

But did you know why it's called like this? The Wall Street name refers to a wooden wall built by Dutch settlers to defend against possible attacks by British pirates during the Anglo-Dutch wars in the 17th century. Originally known in Dutch as Het Cingel —"the Belt" in English—, the wall was more than 2,340 feet long and approximately 9 feet high. It also had two gates, known today as the corner of Wall Street and Pearl Street.

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Beale Street, Memphis

Image: Heidi Kaden

Beale Street in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee, is a street developed in the 1840s. Today it is best known for its pivotal role in the history of blues music, but was originally named after Edward Fitzgerald Beale, a military hero from the Mexican–American War. Part commercial, part suburbs, in the 1860s Beale Street was the go-to place for African American traveling musicians to perform.

Since then, blues and jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, and Albert King have played on Beale Street, contributing to the development of the style known as Memphis Blues . In fact, B.B. King was once known as "the Beale Street Blues Boy." In 1977 this historic street was officially declared "Home of the Blues."

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Newbury Street, Boston

Image: Aline Sales

Considered the "Rodeo Drive of the East," Newbury Street in Boston is one of the most expensive streets in the world . But did you know that once upon a time most of it was underwater? Until the mid-1800s, Newbury Street was part of Boston Harbor until it was filled in with dirt from neighboring communities. Back then, it was mostly a residential area with very little charm.

It wasn’t until the 1980s that Newbury Street started to become the trendy shopping mecca we know and love today. Surrounded by 19th-century brownstones turned into high-end boutiques and restaurants, nowadays you can find modern art galleries and concept stores that still retain the sophisticated style of its glory days.

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Ocean Drive, Miami

Image: Dennis Rochel

The Ocean Drive boardwalk, located in the South Beach area, is probably the most popular street in Miami and one of the most famous in the world. Known for its white sand beaches, turquoise sea, and colorful Art Deco architecture , here you will find some of the best restaurants, bars, and hotels in the entire city.

Ocean Drive's history is full of reinventions. Originally, in the early 20th century, it was a dusty street. In the 1920s, Miami Beach became a tourist destination and the area began to develop. From the 1930s on, Ocean Drive was nicknamed the "Great White Way" and played host to big stars such as Frank Sinatra and Jimmy Durante . Today, after a remodeling that cost millions of dollars, the mythical street has been modernized and reborn.

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Las Vegas Boulevard, Clark County

Image: David Vives

Did you know that the famous Las Vegas Strip is not within Las Vegas city limits? The Strip is a stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard, one of the most filmed and photographed streets in the United States. However, contrary to what many people think, it is located in the unincorporated town of Paradise , in Clark County.

Originally, the Strip was nothing more than a highway with a few nightclubs and motels. With the construction of the Flamingo Hotel in 1946, the Strip began to change and develop into what it is today. Regardless of its exact location, today the Strip is home to the most iconic hotels and casinos , including Caesars Palace, the Bellagio, and the Venetian, and is a must-stop for anyone visiting Sin City.

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French Bulldog

The French Bulldog has held the title of the most popular dog breed in the US since 2022. Their friendly and adaptable nature, combined with their small size, makes them perfect companions for people living in apartments or smaller homes. They may snore a little when they sleep, but that only makes them even cuter.

Just be cautious around water. Despite their bold personalities, French Bulldogs are not strong swimmers. So it’s important to supervise them closely near pools, fountains, or any other body of water.

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Labrador Retriever

In second place, we have the beloved Labrador Retrievers, who were surpassed by French Bulldogs only in 2022. For more than three decades, the sweet Labrador was America’s favorite dog, and for good reason.

Known for their outgoing and gentle temperament, they get along wonderfully with adults, children, and even other animals. Their intelligence and sensitivity also help them stand out not only as loyal family pets and hunting companions, but also as therapy and service dogs.

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Golden Retriever

Right behind Labradors are Golden Retrievers, the good guys of the neighborhood. With their warm temperament and endless energy, they’ve earned the number three spot among the most popular breeds. Often described as "people pleasers," Goldens are more than just obedient; they’re quick learners who are always eager to join you on any adventure.

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German Shepherd

Fourth on the list are German Shepherds, elegant, impressive dogs renowned for their loyalty, intelligence, and ability to learn quickly. Unlike Labradors and Golden Retrievers, however, they often have a more serious image, largely because they’re commonly associated with police work, search and rescue, and service roles. Naturally protective, they tend to be reserved at first but become affectionate with those they trust.

Do you remember Rin Tin Tin? He was a great example of the breed and helped bring German Shepherds to worldwide fame.

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Poodle

It’s hard to write a paragraph about Poodles, not because we don’t have anything to say, but because it’s easy to be distracted by all that cuteness. Ranked fifth among the most popular breeds, Poodles also rank among the most intelligent dogs in the world. Their extraordinary smarts and enthusiasm to learn come from their history as skilled hunting dogs and even circus performers. Thanks to their obedience, agility, and strong bond with people, they continue to hold a top spot among America’s favorite breeds.

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Dachshund

In sixth place are the adorable Dachshunds. Famous for their long bodies, short legs, and big personalities, these dogs weren’t in the top rankings a decade ago. Many believe their surge in popularity has been fueled in part by viral internet videos showcasing their charm and humor. But don’t let their small size fool you: Dachshunds may be small, but their deep, bold bark makes them sound much bigger than they really are.

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Beagle

Beagles come in seventh place, though if there were a contest for best ears, they’d surely take first. They’re loved not only for their adorable looks but also for their intelligence and, above all, their extraordinary sense of smell. Originally bred as rabbit-hunting hounds, Beagles have a highly efficient nose and a powerful tracking instinct.

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Rottweiler

With their striking appearance and muscled bodies, Rottweilers naturally command respect. Known for their loyalty and strong protective instincts, Rottweilers are a favorite among families who have enough space for these large, energetic dogs.

Did you know they’re considered one of the oldest surviving dog breeds? It’s true! Their ancestors are believed to have accompanied the legions of the ancient Roman Empire, where they were used to herd and guard livestock.

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Bulldog

They may have a grumpy look, but Bulldogs are incredibly sweet and calm. Ranked number nine on the list, this lovable breed is a great choice for anyone looking for a dog that easily adapts to their home and lifestyle. While they’re not exactly lazy, Bulldogs do enjoy taking plenty of breaks and conserving their energy, often choosing a cozy spot on the couch over a run around the block. Plus, with those funny faces, you’ll never run out of excellent pictures.

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German Shorthaired Pointer

Last on this list, but still among the most popular breeds in the country, the German Shorthaired Pointer is admired for its elegance and presence. Originally bred in Germany as versatile hunting dogs, this breed excels at pointing, retrieving, and tracking. With their boundless energy, German Shorthaired Pointers are best suited to homes with plenty of outdoor space, as their athletic build and enthusiasm also help them shine in a wide range of dog sports.

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12. Portuguese

Image: Etienne Girardet

Today, there are over 845,000 Portuguese speakers in the United States, making it the 12th most spoken language after English.

The Portuguese-speaking community is composed of immigrants from both Portugal and Brazil. Since the 1960s, many Portuguese immigrants have settled along the coast of Massachusetts, where they could continue their traditional fishing activities. Besides Massachusetts, Portuguese is most commonly spoken in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Utah.

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11. Hindi

Image: Rohan Solankurkar

Hindi is the most widely spoken Indian language in the United States, with more than 890,000 people speaking it . Hindi belongs to the Indo-European language family and has been included on the U.S. State Department's list of critical languages due to strategic commercial interests in South Asia.

Hindi-speaking Indians began immigrating to North America in the early 19th century. The community has primarily settled in large cities such as New York City, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

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10. Russian

Image: Tessakay

There are currently almost 950,000 Russian speakers in the United States. Did you know that Russian is one of the two official languages aboard the International Space Station? NASA astronauts typically take Russian language courses to communicate with their Russian counterparts.

Another well-known Russian-speaking community is in New York's Brighton Beach neighborhood, often referred to as "Little Odessa." Cultural events, festivals, and markets featuring traditional Russian foods, music, and crafts are common sights here. Los Angeles is another city where Russian is regularly used.

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9. Korean

Image: 昆 阿

Over the past few decades, the number of Korean speakers in the United States has grown significantly, with nearly 1,100,000 people now speaking Korean .

Los Angeles is home to the largest Koreatown in the country, and many residents in other major cities speak Korean at home, helping to maintain and promote the heritage of this Asian culture in the United States.

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8. Arabic

Image: Rawan Yasser

With more than 1.2 million speakers, Arabic is the eighth most spoken language in our country.

Arabic is spoken in immigrant communities from countries such as Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. These communities are most prominent in states like California, New York, and Michigan, where Arabic is commonly heard in homes and community centers.

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7. German

Image: FotosFuerBlogger

German is widely spoken in states with high populations of German ancestry, such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Texas. When including Yiddish, Pennsylvania Dutch, and other West Germanic languages, there are over 1,450,000 German speakers in the United States.

Cities like Fredericksburg and New Braunfels, Texas, were founded by German immigrants and continue to celebrate their heritage with festivals such as Oktoberfest. In Pennsylvania, a large number of Pennsylvania Dutch speakers—predominantly among the Amish and Mennonite communities—speak this German dialect, which is not, as one might expect, Dutch.

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6. Vietnamese

Image: Huynh Van

The number of Vietnamese speakers in the United States is similar to that of the previous language on this list, with more than 1.5 million people speaking the language of this Southeast Asian country.

In recent decades, the number of Vietnamese immigrants has been increasing exponentially. Most have settled in California, followed by Texas, Florida, Washington, and Georgia.

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5. Tagalog

Image: Emmanuel Nicolas Jr.

Despite being the fifth most spoken language in the United States, Tagalog is often overlooked. For those who have never heard of it, Tagalog is one of the official languages of the Philippines.

A significant number of Filipino immigrants have settled in the United States since the early 19th century. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are currently more than 1.7 million Tagalog speakers . Thirty-eight percent of Filipinos in the United States live in California, with relatively large concentrations also in Hawaii and Texas.

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4. French

Image: Erik Mclean

If we include Patois, Cajun, Haitian, and Louisiana Creole—a hybrid of French and various African languages—French is the fourth most widely spoken language in the United States.

The French influence, which dates back to the 17th century, is evident in a wide variety of American English words and phrases. Today, there are nearly 2.1 million French speakers in the country.

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3. Chinese

Image: 五玄土 ORIENTO

The Chinese language, including its different variants such as Mandarin, Cantonese, and Hokkien, contributes significantly to the cultural diversity of the United States. Although the gap between the second and third most spoken languages in the country is considerable, the number of people who speak Chinese is still representative.

With approximately 3.5 million Chinese speakers across the country, the greatest influence of this culture can be found in states with the highest concentrations of Chinese immigrants, such as New York and California.

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2. Spanish

Image: Leeloo The First

Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States and one of the fastest-growing languages in the country. This is no surprise, as approximately 19% of the total population is of Hispanic origin.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 40 million people speak Spanish in addition to English in the United States. Hispanic communities are found throughout the nation, with the largest concentrations in California, Texas, Florida, and New York.

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1. English

Image: Wilhelm Gunkel

Although it is not surprising that English is the most widely spoken language in the United States, it is still not recognized as an official language. However, more than half of the 50 states have passed laws granting it official language status.

English speakers make up a large percentage of the U.S. population, with approximately 78 percent speaking only English . American English is also incredibly rich, composed of dozens of regional dialects with distinct grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.