Top 25 Things to Do in the USA & Canada

Wed, Jan 14, 2009

List Mania: Viator's Top Picks, Press & Publicity, USA, Canada, Mexico

If you’re already following Viator’s ‘Top 25 Things to Do’ list mania, then no explanation is needed; this is the second-to-last installment in our series of Top Things to Do in 2008, this time focusing on the USA & Canada.

And there are a few surprises. Apparently New York City was and is all the rage in 2008. New York was our most popular North American destination this past year, as evidenced by the number of NYC tours and activities that made it on the Top 25 list below.

Nipping at New York’s heals was good ol’ Las Vegas, Sin City. It’s no surprise that Las Vegas is one of the top travel destinations in the USA. But what is a little surprising is how Las Vegas is evolving into a regional hub for travelers to visit the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, even Death Valley.

#1 in 2008? The Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas

#1 in 2008? Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Las Vegas

The other big surprise in the list? Helicopter tours. You love them. Whether in New York City or the Grand Canyon or Las Vegas, helicopter tours and 2008 went together like peanut butter / Marmite / Vegemite and jelly / butter (take your pick). Finally, we were also pleased to see San Francisco, Orlando, and Los Angeles represented on this year’s list, and hope to see more of them in 2009.

Top 25 Things To Do in USA & Canada: 2008

25. Grand Canyon West Rim Sunset Helicopter Tour, Las Vegas, Nevada

A magical sunset tour of the Grand Canyon with champagne picnic, flying low over the dazzling Vegas Strip on your return.

24. Skip The Line: Front of Line Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles, California

Go straight to the front of the line for Universal Studios Hollywood’s attractions, and get the best seats in the house at all the shows.

23. Skip The Line: Grand Canyon Skywalk Express Helicopter Tour, Las Vegas, Nevada

Express trip to the Grand Canyon with a scenic helicopter flight to the West Rim, and fast-track entrance to the Skywalk, for travelers on a tight schedule.

22. Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight, New York City, New York

Magnificent views of Manhattan from the sky, see the Statue of Liberty close-up, Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, New York Harbor, and the famous skyline on this thrilling ride.

21. Grand Canyon West Rim Combo: Luxury SUV, Helicopter and Boat, Las Vegas, Nevada

Take it all in on this combo tour, a luxury SUV Ride to the Grand Canyon West Rim, helicopter flight into the Canyon, boat ride on Colorado River, Eagle and Guano Points, and a deli-style lunch.

20. Grand Canyon West Rim Indian Country Deluxe Air and Ground Day Trip, Las Vegas, Nevada

Fly to the Grand Canyon and tour the West Rim by coach with a Hualapai Indian guide, stopping at Eagle and Guano Points with a barbecue above the mighty Colorado River.

19. Mamma Mia! On Broadway, New York City, New York

Fall in love with the music, story and characters of Broadway’s ultimate feel-good show, “Mamma Mia” an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship told with the music of ABBA.

18. The Lion King On Broadway, New York City, New York

The Hamlet-like tale of Simba, Prince of African Lions comes alive in “The Lion King,” a visual and audio Tony-winning extravaganza with music by Elton John and Tim Rice.

17. Hop On Hop Off Tour, New York City, New York

Get to know the city that never sleeps over 48 hours, creating your own itinerary from the Uptown, Downtown, and Brooklyn Loops or take the Night Tour.

16. New York Helicopter Flight: Grand Island, New York City, New York

Bite into the Big Apple, in a thrilling flights with fantastic aerial views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, Verrazano Bridge and the world-famous skyline.

15. Alcatraz and San Francisco City Tour, San Francisco, California

The ultimate introduction to San Francisco, with a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz, audio walking tour and drive along the waterfront to see the Golden Gate Bridge and Park.

14. Grand Canyon West Rim Self-Drive Hummer Day Trip, Las Vegas, Nevada

Hit the road and take the Grand Canyon your way, heading out past Boulder City and Joshua Tree Forest in a Hummer to explore the West Rim, Guano and Eagle Point at your leisure.

13. Grand Canyon West Rim Air and Ground Day Trip with Skywalk, Las Vegas, Nevada

See the Grand Canyon from air and land, amazing views from you airplane flight, skywalk and drive to Eagle and Guano Points for an afternoon and barbecue on the West Rim.

12. Las Vegas Night Strip Helicopter Flight, Las Vegas, Nevada

Travel like a star over the city of neon, as you sip champagne with dazzling views of millions of lights on the Las Vegas Strip.

11. Grand Canyon Helicopter and Ranch Adventure, Las Vegas, Nevada

Hang out with the cowboys on Grand Canyon West Ranch, ride a wagon along the trail of Joshua Trees and take a spectacular helicopter ride below the rim.

#3 - Niagara Falls from New York

10. Universal Orlando 2-Park Unlimited Admission Ticket, Orlando, Florida

You’re the star at Universal Studios Orlando, where all your comic and cartoon heroes come to life, get in the picture from the Simpsons to Shrek on these fabulous rides and attractions.

9. Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour, Las Vegas, Nevada

Pass through millions of years of geological time deep into the mysterious Grand Canyon on the most extensive helicopter tour, ending with an unforgettable pass over the Las Vegas Strip.

8. Big Apple Helicopter Tour, New York City, New York

Experience the grandeur of Manhattan’s famous skyline up close, come face-to-face with the Statue of Liberty, the Chrysler Building and George Washington Bridge.

7. Grand Canyon Skywalk, West Rim, Hoover Dam, Las Vegas, Nevada

Travel through the ancient Joshua Tree Forest by coach to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, with lunch at the Hualapai Buffet, Skywalk and spectacular views over Colarado River.

6. New York in One Day Sightseeing Tour, New York City, New York

The perfect introduction to the Big Apple, this comprehensive guided tour takes you to all the major sites, from Times Square to the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Strawberry Fields.

5. New York Elegant Dining Cruise, New York City, New York

Enjoy the ever-changing panorama of the New York City skyline along with your superb four-course dinner, dance the night away or take a moonlight stroll on the Hudson and East Rivers.

4. Grand Canyon West Rim Air Adventure Day Trip from Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada

After an exhilarating helicopter flight, take a champagne picnic deep in the canyon and revel in the natural beauty during this unforgettable experience.

3. Niagara Falls from New York by Air, New York City, New York

Ride on the historic “Maid of the Mist”, or take a Journey Behind the Falls to discover the awesome power and beauty of Niagara Falls close enough to feel the mist on your skin.

2. Ultimate Grand Canyon 4-in-1 Helicopter Adventure, Las Vegas, Nevada

The ultimate Grand Canyon adventure, complete with helicopter flight, boat ride and skywalk.

1. Grand Canyon All American Helicopter Flight, Las Vegas, Nevada

After an exhilarating helicopter flight, take a champagne picnic deep in the canyon and revel in the natural beauty during this unforgettable experience.

Do you have your own list of favorite things to do in the USA & Canada? We’d love to hear about them. Simply leave us a reply below and we’ll add them to the list.

Stay tuned for more lists in the coming days, to help you plan your next trip across the globe. In the meantime, if your curious about the top things to do last year in the USA & Canada, keep on reading…

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In 2007 the big trends were Las Vegas & New York (surprise surprise) along with a healthy dose of Miami, San Francisco, and Orlando. In case you’re nostalgic and want to recap last year’s winners here they are: