1

Carl Sagan

Image: Greg Rakozy

Astronomer Carl Sagan showed the wonders of outer space to an entire generation of Americans. Besides his groundbreaking innovations in his field of study, Sagan co-wrote and presented the TV series "Cosmos: A Personal Voyage", on which he tackled heavy questions like the origin of life and humankind’s place in the universe.

What’s most interesting about "Cosmos" is how this short series left such an unforgettable impact , considering the show lasted 13 episodes between 1980 and 1981. A big part of this show’s legacy is thanks to Sagan’s passion: His dedication to outer space made us truly believe we were made of "star stuff".

2

Julia Child

Image: Светлана Хуснутдинова

Even if we didn’t focus on her extraordinary cooking skills , the life of Julia Child would still be a fascinating subject: She served her country during WW2 as a spy and a researcher and helped develop an extremely effective shark-repellant that would have made 60’s Batman proud. Regardless, arguably her most iconic contribution to the world was the many hours of entertainment she recorded, in her effort to teach America the joys of cooking.

Julia Child’s iconic cooking show "The French Chef" debuted in 1962, and ran for ten years throughout the entire nation. Not only that, this show was the very first to win an Emmy award for an educational program.

3

Bill Nye

Image: Hal Gatewood

The title of "Science Guy" might not seem the most glamorous but trust us: Bill Nye is directly responsible for thousands of scientists. You won’t have to look hard to find a scientist who was inspired to pursue a career in science after countless hours watching Bill Nye’s show on PBS as a kid.

Bill Nye's work history isn’t exactly orthodox: After a successful career as a mechanical engineer for Boeing, Nye left this path to pursue comedy. However odd this combination might seem, it made Nye the perfect host for this science show for kids. His on-screen character was a wacky and hyper-kinetic scientist who managed to both entertain and educate an entire generation of American children.

4

Mr. Rogers

Image: Darren Bockman

Franklin D. Roosevelt once said "The whole world is one neighborhood", and we believe that many Americans who grew up watching Fred Rogers will agree: After all, his warm voice and kind demeanor welcomed us to "Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood" every single day.

This show was groundbreaking in so many ways: Through each thirty-minute episode, Mr. Rogers could educate his audience on various subjects, or spark their imagination over regular trips to the "Neighborhood of Make Believe" . "Mr Rogers’ Neighborhood" held the title of longest-running children's show for almost 40 years, and helped start the careers of such iconic actors as Keith David and Michael Keaton.

5

Walter Cronkite

Image: ThisisEngineering

Any journalist would be proud to be known as "the most trusted man in America" . However, it is a title befitting to only a select few, determined by their integrity, work ethic, and professionalism. Walter Cronkite is no exception to this rule: His 20-year tenure as anchorman for the CBS Evening News earned him a place in journalism history.

Known for his iconic signing-off catchphrase "and that’s the way it is", Cronkite's career earned him a myriad of accolades and recognitions , including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1981.

6

Alfred Hitchcock

Image: James Lee

Alfred Hitchcock might be most remembered for his groundbreaking contributions to the world of cinema. To this day he is considered one of the most influential directors in the history of this medium. However, there’s a reason he made it to this list: For almost ten years, Hitchcock hosted his iconic anthology series "Alfred Hitchcock Presents".

The series consisted of single episodes that featured guest actors and directors, including legends like Clint Eastwood, Vincent Price, and Robert Redford. Time magazine included this show in their "100 Best TV Shows of All Time" list.

7

Johnny Carson

Image: Tiziano Brignoli

You know the drill: We say "Johnny Carson was so incredibly funny" and you reply "How funny was he?" To be honest, we didn’t really think about a punchline here, other than the fact that Carson was so funny he remained as the undisputed host of "The Tonight Show" for thirty years.

Filmed in the iconic 30 Rockefeller Plaza building, Carson and his sidekick and announcer Ed McMahon brought uncontrollable laughter to the millions of Americans tuning on to his show on NBC. He is considered by many to be the father of the late-night talk show and inspired many late-night entertainers like Conan O'Brien or Stephen Colbert.

8

Bob Ross

Image: Yannis Papanastasopoulos

Bob Ross taught millions of Americans how to find happiness in a new and extremely demanding hobby. You probably remember his soothing voice and calm manners while hosting his iconic TV show "The Joy of Painting" : He would usually encourage viewers to embrace mistakes while painting, calling them "happy little accidents".

What you might not know is that Bob Ross’ previous job didn’t involve this gentle motivation. Quite the contrary, actually: Ross served for approximately 20 years in the United States Air Force, on which he rose up to the rank of first sergeant . However, once he retired, Ross sought a professional career that didn’t involve yelling orders around terrified trainees.

9

Roy Rogers

Image: JosephHershMedia

Roy Rogers wasn’t known as "The King of Cowboys" for nothing: He was an amazing rodeo performer and one of the most popular Western actors of all time. He is still fondly remembered for his iconic appearances on "The Roy Rogers Show", a Western television series that cemented Rogers as one of the most recognizable actors of the 50s.

Accompanied by his trusted animal sidekicks, Trigger the Horse and Bullet the Dog, Rogers delighted American children with his Western exploits. His character would often face con-men and bank robbers, before departing with his iconic ending theme song, "Happy Trails".

10

Oprah Winfrey

Image: Ioann-Mark Kuznietsov

We’ll end this article with a television giant. There’s a reason why Oprah Winfrey is known as "The Queen of All Media" : She’s an Academy Award-nominated actress, best-selling author, and CEO of a multimedia production company. However, she’s best recognized as the undisputed queen of daytime talk shows, having hosted the iconic Oprah Winfrey Show for 25 years.

Since the end of her series in 2011, Oprah’s mark in American television and pop culture has proved to be completely indelible. Among her many accolades, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.

1

Hawaii (1,052 miles)

Image: Karsten Winegeart

Over 1,052 miles of volcanic islands, a unique blend of black sand beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs await.

Snorkel with sea turtles in Hanauma Bay on Oahu, or learn to surf on the legendary waves of Waikiki Beach. You could also visit the dramatic cliffs of Kauai, featured in film sagas like Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean.

2

Oregon (1,410 miles)

Image: Dave Hoefler

You might remember seeing Haystack Rock featured in the film The Goonies , or glimpses of the charming town of Astoria , where the classic Free Willy was filmed.

These are just two of the many jewels of Oregon's Pacific coastline. Dramatic sea stacks, hidden coves, and beautiful towns like Cannon Beach also await.

3

New York (2,625 miles)

Image: Tommy Kwak

New York's coastline offers a mix of bustling beaches, charming towns, and iconic landmarks. There’s the famous Coney Island boardwalk , as well as the historic lighthouses and sandy shores of Long Island.

If you’ve seen the romantic drama Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind , surely you’ve felt curious about visiting the remote, nostalgic beaches of Montauk.

4

Washington (3,026 miles)

Image: Jennifer Arlem Molina

Rugged beaches, dramatic cliffs, and waterfront cities line the 3,026 miles of Washington's coastline. You can visit Pike Place Market in Seattle, or take a ferry to the Olympic Peninsula to hike through rainforests and explore tide pools.

The Washington State Ferries system can also take you to the San Juan Islands archipelago, famous for its forest waterfalls and whale-watching tours.

5

Virginia (3,315 miles)

Image: Steve Adams

Virginia ranks among the 10 states with the longest coastlines. Its sandy beaches and wide shores are also home to many historical landmarks .

You can explore Colonial Williamsburg, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, as well as Mount Vernon by the Potomac River.

6

Texas (3,359 miles)

Image: Thomas Park

On Texas's Gulf Coast, you'll find Padre Island, the longest barrier island in the world , with pristine beaches and a haven for wildlife. There’s also Galveston Island, which blends history and entertainment with its Victorian architecture, museums, and family-friendly attractions like Moody Gardens.

7

North Carolina (3,375 miles)

Image: Joe Dudeck

The iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is just one of the stunning views along North Carolina's Outer Banks. This state is famous for its Outer Banks , a chain of barrier islands with windswept beaches.

A notable attraction is the shipwreck-littered Graveyard of the Atlantic, a stretch of treacherous waters that fascinates many and features its own museum. And we can’t forget the historic Kitty Hawk, where the Wright brothers made their first flight.

8

Michigan (3,288 miles)

Image: John Schaidler

With over 3,000 miles of Great Lakes coastline, Michigan offers some of the most diverse shoreline experiences in the US.

You can explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore along Lake Michigan, or step back in time on Mackinac Island, known for its Victorian charm and car-free roads . Another gem is the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior, with its dramatic cliffs.

9

Maine (3,478 miles)

Image: Rachel C

Maine's rugged coastline is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring cliffs, picturesque fishing villages, and abundant wildlife.

If you love animals in their natural habitat, you can visit seals and puffins in Bar Harbour. If you like hiking to stunning views, you can visit Acadia National Park and make it to the top of Cadillac Mountain .

10

California (3,427 miles)

Image: Meriç Dağlı

The Golden Coast must be included, of course! California's iconic coastline is a dream for beach lovers. Surfers can catch waves in Huntington Beach, a.k.a. "Surf City USA."

Other must-see spots include the Golden Gate Recreation Area, San Diego’s La Jolla, and, of course, Santa Monica’s colorful and bustling pier and boardwalk .

11

Louisiana (7,721 miles)

Image: Brent Woods

Louisiana's bayous and wetlands make its coastline unique. The Mississippi River Delta is an ecological treasure, home to abundant birdlife and fisheries, while the Atchafalaya Basin boasts the largest wetland and swamp in the US.

Of course, New Orleans is the cultural heart of this state, where jazz, gumbo, and beignets summon tourists from all over the world.

12

Florida (8,436 miles)

Image: Lance Asper

Florida! Sun-kissed beaches year-round and magnetic turquoise waters make this state’s coastline one of the most visited in the country.

The Florida Keys offer coral reefs perfect for diving, especially in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. One should explore Miami Beach’s Art Deco District, the Everglades that spill into Florida Bay, and of course, the dreamy sights along Key West.

13

Alaska (33,904 miles)

Image: jesse orrico

Finally, with over 33,904 miles of coastline, there’s Alaska—a treasure trove of natural wonders like the ice formations of Glacier Bay National Park and the playful otters of Kenai Fjords National Park.

In Juneau, the state capital, you can witness humpback whales breaching in Auke Bay. So, if you don’t mind the cold or the long journey, you might want to visit and experience the breathtaking scenery!

1

The Plaza Hotel, New York

Image: Harri Nieminen

The Plaza Hotel, located at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South in Manhattan, New York City, is one of the most famous hotels in the world . It was opened in 1907 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Known for its luxury, iconic architecture, and high-society clientele, it has a past of having hosted figures like F. Scott Fitzgerald (who immortalized it in The Great Gatsby ) and Marilyn Monroe.

The Plaza’s featuring in several films has gained international fame. Scenes from Home Alone 2 or North by Northwest , and Eloise at the Plaza have the iconic backdrop of the hotel as its setting. It was also the lodging The Beatles chose for their first stay in the U.S. in 1964, but the hullabaloo of the fan craze was such that they chose lower-profile hotels for their subsequent visits.

2

Willard InterContinental, Washington

Image: Pixabay

Just two blocks from the White House in Washington, D.C. stands the Willard InterContinental. The same site has hosted a hotel since 1818, but the current building opened in 1901. It’s nicknamed the "Residence of Presidents" because nearly every U.S. president since Franklin Pierce has either stayed there or visited.

Its notable location granted the Willard other historical honors. For example, it’s said that President Ulysses S. Grant enjoyed spending calm moments in the opulent hotel’s lobby, but there he would be crowded by people who would seek favors or influence policy decisions. He coined the term "lobbyists" to refer to them. It was also where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. completed his famous "I Have a Dream" speech before delivering it.

3

The Stanley Hotel, Colorado

Image: Luke Scarpino

If the sight of The Stanley Hotel makes you a bit uncomfortable, you are not alone. It is the very building that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining (1977). After staying there in the 1970s, King had a dream about his son running through the hotel’s halls, which led to the idea of the haunted Overlook Hotel featured in the book. Though the Stanley itself is not the setting for either the novel or Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation, the myth surrounding this 1909 hotel has made it a hotspot for paranormal tourism.

The hotel is said to be haunted, after all. Reports of mysterious piano music, flickering lights, and strange apparitions keep drawing fans to it. Room 217, where Stephen King stayed, is the most famous of these "haunted" rooms . Guests and staff have reported seeing Mrs. Wilson, a housekeeper who worked at the hotel in the early 1900s, tidying up the room.

4

The Bellagio, Las Vegas

Image: Antonio Janeski

Las Vegas Strip, an area bright enough to be visible from space, holds in its heart many impressive hotels. But The Bellagio probably takes the crown. It was the most expensive hotel ever constructed when it opened in 1998, having cost $1.6 billion. Its facade features the famous Fountains of Bellagio , which perform water shows synchronized to music and lights daily.

In its boastful style, the hotel also has an upscale casino, five-star restaurants, and the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art , which features rotating expositions but once featured works from Picasso, Monet, and van Gogh, among others. The hotel has also, since its opening, been home to Cirque du Soleil’s show "O", aquatic-themed and occurring in and around an on-stage pool.

5

Palace Hotel, San Francisco

Image: Pixabay

San Francisco’s Palace Hotel opened in 1875, so it was already around for the 1906 earthquake, which damaged it and demanded renovations. But it always remained a stunning hotel, featuring a grand lobby with a stained-glass dome and chandeliers. Many prominent guests walked its halls, including Mark Twain, Frank Sinatra, and Queen Elizabeth II .

In its inauguration in the 19th century, it was the largest hotel in the world. 19 presidents of the U.S. have been esteemed visitors, and most notably President Woodrow Wilson hosted luncheons at the Palace Hotel when he was building support for the Treaty of Versailles to end World War I.

6

Crescent Hotel and Spa, Arkansas

Image: Evgenia Basyrova

Eureka Springs’ Crescent Hotel and Spa is a top tier in many lists of "most haunted hotels." Its old age and eerie story are enough to earn it this honor. Opened in 1886, the Victorian in the 1930s functioned as a hospital for treating cancer patients. It is said that a con doctor called Norman Baker took patients in to allegedly cure them, but caused some untreated guests to pass away as a result.

Legend has it, that one of his patients, as well as Baker, still haunts the rooms of Crescent Hotel. Some TV shows, like "Ghost Hunters" and "Ghost Adventures", have explored the venue. Of course, the hotel also offers ghost tours .

7

Jekyll Island Club Resort, Georgia

Image: Pixabay

The Jekyll Island Club Resort is located on Jekyll Island, one of the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia. It was founded in 1886 as a winter retreat for some of America’s wealthiest families , including the Morgans, Rockefellers, and Pulitzers. This earned the place the reputation for being one of the most exclusive and prestigious social clubs in American history.

The hotel houses the Historic Jekyll Island Museum, which showcases the island’s past in the Gilded Age. To this day it is still praised for its beautiful natural landscapes and trails. The island offers stunning natural surroundings , and the hotel prides itself on its commitment to preserving its environment.

8

Omni Parker House, Boston

Image: Patrick Foreman

The Omni Parker House from Boston, Massachusetts, opened in 1855 as the "Parker House", and is now the oldest continuously operating hotel in the United States. It has hosted many notable guests, like Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and John F. Kennedy. Babe Ruth and other baseball greats frequented its restaurant. The place also holds the separate honor of being the birthplace of the Boston Cream Pie , a chocolate-and-cream dessert that now symbolizes Massachusetts.

Of course, a hotel that is 169 years old cannot be free from haunted allegations. Reports of ghostly apparitions and unexplained noises are common for the Omni Parker House, particularly around its historic rooms.

9

Chateau Marmont, Hollywood

Image: Edgar Colomba

Chateau Marmont, from West Hollywood, California, has been operating since its opening in 1929. It was designed in a French Gothic style, inspired by the Château d'Amboise in France. Its location has granted it a long history of receiving a large celebrity clientele and fame associated with glamour, legend, and scandal.

James Dean and Judy Garland would find refuge in the hotel, which soon became known as a haven for stars for its strict privacy policies . The Chateau has also appeared in Hollywood self-referential films like The Player or A Star is Born .

10

Hotel del Coronado, Coronado Island

Image: Donhu Rickerby

The Hotel del Coronado, a.k.a. "The Del," is a historic beachfront hotel that opened in 1888. Its grand exterior with red-and-white striped roofs is easily recognizable, and it has been declared a National Historic Landmark. Many dignitaries have visited it, like Richard Nixon, Princess Grace of Monaco, and Thomas Edison, although, opposing popular belief, he had nothing to do with the early installation of electricity that the hotel boasted.

If you’ve seen Some Like It Hot , featuring Marilyn Monroe , you have spied places in the hotel. Many scenes were filmed there, which made it appear as the "Seminole Ritz Hotel" in Miami in the film.