The Top 10 Landmarks in the US

The site of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington DC has served as the backdrop for a wide range of historically and culturally significant events. The pool holds nearly 7 million gallons of water and was redesigned in 2012 to be more environmentally friendly. "No visit to DC is complete without a visit to the Lincoln Memorial. Poignant and elegant, it is a must-see stop," commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Average Summer bookable rates in Washington DC: June: $307, July: $260, August: $226

Reason to book now: 2016 Memorial Day Parade along Constitution Avenue — May 30, 2016

Top-rated tour: Viator VIP: Best of DC Including US Capitol and National Archives Reserved Access, the White House and Lincoln Memorial — tickets start at $125 per person

Spanning 4,200 feet across the Golden Gate strait, the Golden Gate Bridge is synonymous with San Francisco. Despite its name, the color of the bridge is actually "international orange," which was chosen to improve visibility in the city's foggy conditions. "Best viewed from Marin County, this is the ultimate icon of San Francisco. Take a few hours to hike around the hills and the WWII fortifications," advised one TripAdvisor reviewer.

Average Summer bookable rates in San Francisco: June: $287, July: $285, August: $298

Reason to book now: Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park — Aug. 5-8, 2016

Top-rated tour: San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour — tickets start at $55 per person

Located just over a mile from the San Francisco coast, Alcatraz has housed such well-known US criminals as Al Capone and James "Whitey" Bulger. While the island is known for its eponymous prison, Alcatraz is also home to lush gardens and a variety of birds and small animals. Commented one TripAdvisor reviewer, "Alcatraz is an amazing National Park that everyone should visit at least once. You don't realize how big the island is until you arrive on the boat. The audio tour is very informative and you can wander around all day if you'd like."

Average Summer bookable rates in San Francisco: June: $287, July: $285, August: $298

Reason to book now: Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon starts at Alcatraz Island — June 12, 2016

Top-rated tour: Viator VIP: Early Access to Alcatraz and Exclusive Cable Car Sightseeing Tour — tickets start at $190 per person

The USS Arizona Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii, pays a somber tribute to the more than 2,000 American lives lost during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. The memorial, which was built in 1962, is only reachable by boat and is located above, but not on, the sunken Battleship USS Arizona. "An absolute must do while in Honolulu. To witness this piece of world history first-hand is incredible," added one TripAdvisor reviewer.

Average Summer bookable rates in Honolulu: June: $234, July: $257, August: $242

Reason to book now: 9th Biggest Little Airshow in Hawaii at the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor — June 4-6, 2016

Top-rated tour: Pearl Harbor — USS Arizona — Honolulu City Tour — tickets start at $45 per person

With more than 750,000 visitors passing through its cavernous halls each day, Grand Central Terminal in NYC is one of the busiest in the world. The "Whispering Gallery" is one of the terminal's most interesting features — thanks to the building's unique architecture, two people standing on opposite sides of an area outside of the Grand Central Oyster Bar can hear each other loud and clear by speaking into a specific archway. A TripAdvisor reviewer shared, "So much more than just a train terminal. The architectural structure is breathtaking — so much history and beauty. Enjoy the shops and eateries. This is a place that should be seen and experienced by all."

Average Summer bookable rates in Midtown: June: $352, July: $310, August: $318

Reason to book now: 3rd Annual "Life's a Picnic in Grand Central" free indoor public picnic in Vanderbilt Hall — Aug. 22-26, 2016

Top-rated tour: Grand Central Terminal Audio Tour — tickets start at $9 per person

Gifted to the US from France in 1886, the Statue of Liberty in NYC has long stood as a welcoming beacon for new arrivals to the country. Lady Liberty owes her distinct green color to oxidation, which took place when the statue's outer layer of copper reacted with the surrounding air and water. "This was a highlight of our trip . . . so much history, and an engineering marvel. Make sure to include a trip up to the crown if you really want the full experience," advised one TripAdvisor reviewer.

Average Summer bookable rates in the Financial District: June: $331, July: $297, August: $299

Reason to book now: River to River Festival in Lower Manhattan — June 12-26, 2016

Top-rated tour: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour — tickets start at $59 per person

Once the tallest building in the world, the Empire State Building is known for its distinct Art Deco architecture and unobstructed panoramic views of New York City. The tower has been featured in more than 200 movies and TV shows and has an exclusive observation deck reserved for celebrities. Commented one TripAdvisor reviewer, "Amazing. This was the first place we visited on our arrival in New York. It was just getting dark and to see the city light up was breathtaking. Worth getting 'jump the queue' tickets as it gets very busy at the box office."

Average Summer bookable rates in Midtown: June: $352, July: $310, August: $318

Reason to book now: Empire State Building's 85th Anniversary — May 2016

Top-rated tour: Viator VIP: Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and 9/11 Memorial — tickets start at $109 per person

Built by George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895, the Biltmore Estate stands as a luxurious reminder of the Gilded Age in Asheville, North Carolina. The Biltmore House, the main house on the estate, boasts more than 178,000 square feet of floor space and is considered the largest privately owned house in the US. "Biltmore Estates was absolutely amazing. The house and grounds speak for themselves but the staff only added to the magical essence of the place. They were so helpful and informative but not intrusive," wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Average Summer bookable rates in Asheville: June: $175, July: $185, August: $171

Reason to book now: 20th Annual Biltmore Concert Series, hosted on the South Terrace of Biltmore House — July 28-August 31, 2016

Top-rated tour: N/A

First opened in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge sees the daily passage of more than 124,000 vehicles between Brooklyn and Manhattan — and that doesn't include the many bicyclists, runners and walkers that also cross the bridge each day. History buffs should pay close attention to the bridge's anchorages on the Manhattan side, as one features a plaque that marks the site of the first Presidential Mansion. A TripAdvisor reviewer shared, "Wow. The views are wonderful. The bridge itself is breathtaking. Gorgeous architecture. Really enjoyed walking over this New York institution."

Average Summer bookable rates in Brooklyn: June: $210, July: $204, August: $211

Reason to book now: World Science Festival, multiple events in Brooklyn Bridge Park — June 1-5, 2016

Top-rated tour: Brooklyn Bridge Historical Walking Tour — tickets start at $25 per person

Designed to function as a "city within a city," Rockefeller Center in New York City is home to a wide variety of art, style, and entertainment. The popular Today Show premiered live from its studio in Rockefeller Center in 1952, and has since filmed more than 16,000 episodes in the area. "This is definitely a place every tourist should see. You can go to the Top of the Rock (for a fee), meander outside, or simply get lost in the underground eating and shopping extravaganza," one TripAdvisor reviewer commented.

Average Summer bookable rates in Midtown: June: $352, July: $310, August: $318

Reason to book now: "Elmgreen & Dragset: Van Gogh's Ear" art installation at the entrance to the Channel Gardens at Rockefeller Center — on display through June 3, 2016

Top-rated tour: NYC at Night: Sightseeing Cruise and Bus Tour — tickets start at $55 per person