Discover More of the United States
The USA is a big and interesting country with lots of fun facts. Here are ten surprising things about the USA that you might not know!
10 Surprising Facts About the USA
1. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
In many big cities like New York City, Washington, D.C., San Francisco and Boston, you can take special bus tours called "hop-on hop-off." These tours let you get on and off the bus whenever you want, so you can explore different parts of the city at your own pace. It’s a fun way to see all the major sights!
2. New York City Has Its Own "Little Italy"
New York City is famous for being a melting pot of cultures, and one of the most popular neighborhoods is Little Italy. This area is full of delicious Italian restaurants, bakeries and shops. It’s a great place to visit if you love pizza and pasta!
3. Washington, D.C. Has No Skyscrapers
Unlike many other big cities, Washington, D.C. has no skyscrapers. This is because there’s a law that says buildings can’t be taller than the Capitol, where the U.S. Congress meets. This keeps the city’s skyline low and gives it a unique look.
4. San Francisco Has a Crooked Street
San Francisco is home to Lombard Street, one of the most crooked streets in the world. It’s famous for its steep hill and sharp turns. Many tourists visit just to drive down this twisty road and take pictures.
5. Boston Has the Oldest Public Park in the USA
Boston Common, located in the heart of the city, is the oldest public park in the USA. It was established in 1634! Today, it’s a beautiful place to relax, have a picnic or go for a walk.
6. New York City Has a Hidden Subway Station
There’s a hidden, abandoned subway station in New York City called City Hall Station. It was one of the city’s first subway stations and has beautiful architecture, including stained glass and tiled arches. While it’s no longer in use, you can still catch a glimpse of it if you ride the 6 train.
7. Washington, D.C. Has Free Museums
Many of the museums in Washington, D.C., are free to visit! The Smithsonian Institution, which includes museums like the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History, offers free admission. This makes it easy to learn about history, art and science without spending a dime.
8. San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge Isn’t Golden
Despite its name, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is actually painted a color called "International Orange." The bridge got its name from the Golden Gate Strait, the entrance to San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean.
9. Boston Has a Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail in Boston is a 2.5-mile path that takes you through 16 historic sites, including Paul Revere’s House and the Boston Massacre site. You can follow the red-brick path to learn about the city’s important role in American history.
10. New York City Has Central Park’s Secret Waterfall
Central Park in New York City is full of surprises, including a hidden waterfall! The waterfall is located in the park’s North Woods area. It’s a peaceful spot where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature.
Uncovering the USA
These surprising facts show just how much there is to discover in the cities of the USA. From hidden waterfalls to crooked streets, each city has its own special secrets waiting for you to explore!
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