Greater Los Angeles Top 10

For many travelers, shopping is more than a frivolous and superficial pursuit. It is a chance to explore a city's history, architecture, cuisine and culture. The United States has an international reputation for its phenomenal retail industry, with malls, boutiques, outlets and department stores at every corner.

The 5th of May—or in Spanish, el Cinco de Mayo—in many United States cities means one thing: fiesta time. Mariachi music winds through streets as sombrero-clad Mexican men play guitars and women click their castanets and dance folkloric-style along parade routes in large hooped dresses. Boulevards and squares are festooned with red, white and green, and street vendors and restaurants offer up tamales and empañadas washed down with cold cervezas and tequila.

Every summer the United States comes together as a nation to celebrate its favorite holiday--its birthday. The fourth of July marks the date when America gained its independence from the British and signed the Declaration of Independence.

As the night of October 31st looms, the urge to feel scared creeps into the minds of many. Fortunately for those eager for a fright there's a line-up of blood-thirsty vampires, bandaged zombies and deranged clowns ready to deliver. In fact, there are terrifying attractions across the entire country, ranging from haunted hayrides to eerie hotels where brave visitors can let their imaginations run wild...

The origins of American Thanksgiving date back to the early 17th century, when the pilgrims of Plymouth celebrated a successful harvest through feasting and religious observance. While many of those traditions have remained over the centuries, including the ubiquitous trimmed-turkey dinner and family gatherings, Thanksgiving in the United States has evolved to embrace many new and imaginative customs. Numerous festivities occur across the country but a few distinct celebrations stand out...