31 Surprising Travel Facts About America You’ve Never Heard Before

Travel trivia

With its diverse landscapes, remarkable attractions, and immense size, the United States is one of the world’s most visited countries. Beyond its well-known landmarks, it offers a host of surprising features, from a record-breaking park and quirky state laws to hidden villages and a secret station. Here, we explore the American travel facts that are hard to believe.

Click through this gallery to discover 31 of America's most unbelievable travel facts...

The Hollywood Sign was originally an advert

The Gateway Arch is the tallest monument in the US

Standing an impressive 630 feet tall, Missouri's Gateway Arch is both a towering marvel and a tribute to St. Louis' historic role as the 'Gateway to the West' during the 19th century. As the tallest man-made monument in the United States, it serves as a striking emblem of exploration and ambition.

The largest airline in the world is American Airlines

American Airlines is considered the largest airline in the world based on certain metrics. In 2022, it carried more passengers than any other airline globally, followed by Delta Air Lines and Ryanair. It also operates the largest fleet, with 1,569 aircraft as of 2023. However, when it comes to revenue, Delta Air Lines holds the top spot among public airlines, with American Airlines Group ranking second. This makes American Airlines the largest by passengers carried and fleet size, though not by revenue.

The world’s tallest roller coaster is in California (for now)

For 19 years, Kingda Ka at New Jersey's Six Flags (pictured) reigned as the world's tallest roller coaster, soaring 456 feet into the air. In November 2024, its era came to an end when the park announced its closure to make way for a new 'multi-record-breaking launch coaster' set to debut in 2026. For now, the title of the tallest operating coaster belongs to Superman: Escape from Krypton in California, standing at 415 feet – but not for long. Ohio’s Top Thrill 2, reaching 420 feet, is slated to reopen in 2025, only to be outdone by Falcon's Flight in Saudi Arabia, projected to hit a staggering 531 feet the same year.

The Empire State Building has a 103rd floor

New York City’s most iconic building holds a fascinating secret. Hidden above the Empire State Building’s official top floor lies the exclusive 103rd level, originally conceived as a mooring mast for airships when the tower was built. However, strong winds and air currents made passenger disembarkation impossible, and the floor was closed to the public. Today, access is reserved for VIPs and celebrities. Reached by a narrow staircase, the private balcony offers a rare, unobstructed view of the cityscape – free from the glass and railings of the public observation deck below.

The White House has secret rooms

In the basement of the White House, there are several rooms that you probably didn't know existed. The unexpected secret rooms in the presidential residence include a bowling alley, chocolate shop, flower shop, and a home theater – plenty to keep visitors occupied.

There’s a store in Alabama that sells unclaimed baggage

The Fenelon Place Elevator is both the shortest and the steepest elevator in the world

Texas is larger than any country in Europe

The 'Everything is bigger in Texas' trope certainly rings true for its sprawling size. With an area of 268,820 square miles, Texas is not only the second-biggest state in the US (after Alaska), it is also bigger than any country in Europe.

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In Arizona, it’s illegal for a donkey to sleep in a bathtub

This law is so silly that it’s very hard to believe – but it is in fact true. The legislation was prompted by an incident near Kingman, where a rancher's donkey had developed the habit of sleeping in an abandoned bathtub on the property. When a local dam broke, floodwaters swept the donkey and the bathtub a mile down the valley. The town invested considerable resources to rescue the animal, leading to the establishment of this unusual law, which remains on the books to this day. 

Times Square used to have a different name

The most expensive hotel suite in the world is in Las Vegas

A city synonymous with luxury and entertainment, it may be no surprise that the most expensive hotel room in the world can be found in Las Vegas, Nevada. The price however may shock you, as the Empathy Suite at the Palms Casino Resort will set you back an eye-watering $200,000 for a two-night minimum stay. Designed by artist Damien Hirst, the lavish suite includes a 24-hour butler service, gym, 12-seat curved bar, games room, media room, and a luxury pool overlooking the Las Vegas Strip.

Greyhound is the biggest intercity bus company in the world

Founded in 1914, Greyhound is one of the most recognizable names in North American transportation and the largest provider of intercity bus services in the region. Now part of FlixMobility, Greyhound serves around 2,400 destinations across the United States and Canada, carrying nearly 16 million passengers annually. Its extensive network and century-long history have solidified its role as a cornerstone of intercity travel.

Hawaii is home to America’s only royal palace

An unexpected piece of royal history stands in the heart of Honolulu: Iolani Palace, the only official royal residence in the United States. Completed in 1882, this grand palace was home to Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Lili‘uokalani. Remarkably advanced for its time, it boasted electricity, indoor plumbing, and even a telephone. Following the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, the palace served as a government capitol building until its restoration and reopening as a museum in 1978.

The highest point of the lower 48 states is in California

Soaring 14,505 feet above sea level, Mount Whitney, located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, is the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. Part of the majestic Sequoia National Park, this iconic summit attracts hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe. The popular Mount Whitney Trail, which begins near the town of Lone Pine, offers a challenging yet rewarding 22-mile round trip to the summit, providing breathtaking views of rugged alpine landscapes. The peak is a striking contrast to the nearby Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park, the lowest point in North America.

The world’s longest commercial flight is between New York and Singapore

The Singapore Airlines flight between New York’s JFK Airport and Singapore’s Changi Airport, launched in 2020, holds the title of the world’s longest commercial flight. Spanning an incredible 9,537 miles, the journey takes an average of 18 hours and 40 minutes to complete. This non-stop route bypasses traditional layovers, making it a time-efficient option for travelers navigating between two of the world’s major financial and cultural hubs. 

The Golden Gate Bridge wasn’t supposed to be orange

America’s most famous bridge and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge was not always meant to be its now-iconic orange shade. The US Navy wanted the bridge to be painted in blue and yellow stripes to increase its visibility, but when the steel arrived in a burnt red primer, the consulting architect decided that the eye-catching color was more pleasing... so it stayed. The bridge’s color is officially known as International Orange.

There’s enough concrete in Hoover Dam to span the nation

Constructed in the 1930s to control the Colorado River and mitigate flooding, the Hoover Dam is a marvel of engineering, made from an astounding 4.5 million cubic yards of concrete. To put that into perspective, the amount of concrete used could pave a two-lane highway stretching from Seattle, Washington, to Miami, Florida, or create a four-foot-wide sidewalk that circles the Earth at the Equator. This colossal structure not only represents a feat of human ingenuity but also remains a critical source of hydroelectric power and water for the southwestern United States.

Niagara Falls was America’s first state park

Niagara Falls, the world’s most iconic waterfall, is also home to the United States’ oldest state park. Established in 1885, the Niagara Reservation became the first park in the country dedicated to preserving natural beauty. Today, Niagara Falls State Park draws over eight million visitors annually, offering breathtaking views of the falls, scenic trails, and immersive experiences. 

The US has one of the biggest coastlines on Earth

America is home to around 95,000 miles of coastline, which is more than all but eight countries in the world.

Atlanta has the busiest airport in the world

The US is home to the longest road in the world

Stretching across some 19,000 miles from Alaska to Argentina, the Pan-American Highway is the longest road on Earth. The impressive route starts from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska, passing through the US, Canada, Mexico, and Central America before ending at the southern tip of Argentina.

There’s a village inside the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is more than just layers of striking red sandstone. Hidden 3,000 feet deep within its rocky expanse lies Supai, the only village in the Grand Canyon and the most remote settlement in the contiguous United States. Accessible only by foot, horseback, or helicopter, Supai is part of the Havasupai Indian Reservation and offers a glimpse into a way of life far removed from modern conveniences. Its isolation is so profound that mail is still delivered by mule, making it the only place in the country to maintain this historic practice.

The world’s tiniest park is in Portland, Oregon

Located in downtown Portland on SW Naito Parkway, Mill Ends Park measures just two feet across, with a total area of 452 square inches, making it the smallest park in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

In Louisiana, it's illegal to send a surprise pizza

If you're traveling with a pal in Louisiana and want to send them a nice cheesy surprise, well think again. Ordering a pizza to your friend without them knowing is considered harassment and could land you a hefty fine of up to $500.

Port Miami is the busiest cruise port in the world

There’s a secret station hidden under the Waldorf Astoria

Hidden beneath New York City's Waldorf Astoria Hotel is Track 61, a little-known railway platform connected to Grand Central Terminal. Built in the 1910s, it originally served as a storage area for train cars and provided access to the hotel's heating and power systems. In the 1930s, it gained fame when President Franklin D. Roosevelt used it to discreetly enter the hotel, helping to conceal his polio condition during World War II. While now largely unused, it remains a fascinating part of New York’s hidden history.

The Library of Congress contains enough bookshelves to stretch from Houston to Chicago

Known as the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress is home to more than 162 million items on approximately 838 miles of bookshelves, which is long enough to stretch from Houston to Chicago.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited in the US

Though less famous than landmarks like the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park holds the distinction of being the most visited national park in the United States, according to the National Park Service. Located in Tennessee, the park attracts over 12 million visitors each year. Spanning more than 500,000 acres, it offers awe-inspiring mountain views, diverse wildlife, and over 800 miles of scenic hiking trails.

The Washington Monument defies gravity

Towering over Washington DC since 1888, the Washington Monument’s marble blocks are held up by just gravity and friction, no mortar was used to keep it in place. Standing 555 feet high, it is the world’s tallest obelisk and is a true engineering wonder.

The Grand Central Terminal has a tennis court

Many people may not know that New York City’s historic train terminal has been hosting sporting events and activities since the 1960s. Originally an art gallery located on the terminal’s fourth floor, the Vanderbilt Tennis Club features one indoor hardcourt, a junior court, two practice lanes, and a fully equipped fitness room. The tennis club is open to the public all year from 6am until 2am.

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