I created this list article as part of the 'Introduction to Digital Journalism module of my Level 4 BscHons Photographic Journalism course at Leeds Metropolitan University.

1. 10 Places to Visit in Western
USA
Sophie Davey
Thinking of visitingWestern America? I have compiled a list of 10 places you
must see.

2. To hand pick 10 must see places in Western USA is difficult, as there is so much to see
for everyone of all tastes. However in this list article I have chosen 10 places I have
personally visited which I feel are unmissable when travelling to this part of the world.
All the photographs are my own, taken over the last 3 years during my travels to the
USA. I could have included so many more favourite places of mine, however I feel the 10
I chose can not be missed by anyone planning a trip to Western America.

3. 10) San Francisco
San Francisco is the fourth most populated city in California with over 7.5 million inhabitants. The
city is ranked 35th out of 100 most visited cities worldwide and has a massive tourist appeal. Some
key places to visit are Pier 39, The Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz prison.

4. 9) Portland
The most populated city in Oregon, Portland has a massive arts & music scene with hundreds of
charming boutiques, book shops, parks and cafes which inspire and motivate your creative side.
Some key places to visit are Powell’s City of Books, the Portland Art Museum and Washington Park.

5. 8) Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a beachfront city located in Los Angles. The most popular attraction is the 100 year
old pier which plays host to an amusement park, an aquarium and various pubs and restaurants.
Some key places to visit in Santa Monica are the pier and the Third Street Promenade.

6. 7) Orange County Beaches
There are around 10 major beaches located on the coast of Orange County, California. Each with
something different to offer, there is something for everyone whether it be shopping, water sports,
arts & music or simply relaxation. The must- see spots are Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach and
Newport Beach.

7. 6) Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon, Utah, attracts approximately 1.6 million visitors a year. Due to its remote location,
relatively few tourists actually know about the phenomenon. There is a scenic drive with 13
viewpoints from various points along the rim of the canyon as well as 8 marked hikes to follow,
varying in length and difficulty.

8. 5) Seattle
The largest city in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle has a total population of approximately 7.6
million. There are 150 listings in Seattle on the National Register of Historic Places. Some must
see places are the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and The Experience Music Project & Science
Fiction Museum.

9. 4) Antelope Canyon, Arizona
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Just outside Page, Arizona, Antelope Canyon is the most visited Slot Canyon in the Southwest.
Accessible only through authorised tours, local Navajo guides take each group of approximately 8
by a bumpy jeep ride from Page to the canyons. Antelope Canyon is a must visit location for all
photographers.

10. 3) Las Vegas
World famous for it’s casinos, shopping and fine dining, Las Vegas is a must for all those looking
to visit West USA. There is something for everyone of all ages and interests in Las Vegas, known
as ‘The Entertainment Capital of The World”

11. 2) Route 66
Route 66, also known as the ‘William Rogers highway’ covers a distance of almost 2,500 miles. It
originally ran through Chicago, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and
Arizona before ending in Los Angeles, California. Millions of tourist retrace the route each year,
stopping at the many attractions along the way.

12. 1) Grand Canyon
Visible from space, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA was formed by the Colorado river over
millions of years. Now 277 miles long and sitting within it’s own National Park, the canyon attracts
approximately 5 millions tourists every yearand is now considered as one of the Seven Natural
Wonders of the World.