Top 10 American Beauties to Visit this Summer

July 13, 2006 — -- If you're looking to wow yourself and your family this summer, then look no further than these Top 10 American Beauties. "Good Morning America" teamed up with AAA New York's Car and Travel Magazine to bring you this list of gorgeous spots around the country, which make ideal destinations for summer vacations.

* External links are provided for reference purposes only. ABC News is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites.

1. Mount Rushmore, Keystone, S.D.

Sometimes called the Shrine of Democracy, Mount Rushmore isa colassal sculpted tribute to Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Lincoln. It took hundreds of workers 14 years to realize the dream of sculptor Gutzon Borglum. For those inspired by the view, there are free sculpting classes at the visitors' center.

When you get hungry, check out the Miner's Cafe, a popular local place best known for its tasty buffalo burgers. It gets pretty hot in the summer, so to cool off head to Horse Thief Lake for a refreshing dip. While you're in the area, you might want to visit the Crazy Horse Memorial, just 17 miles from Mt. Rushmore.

For more information, visit the South Dakota Office of Tourism, and if you're interested in the western part of the state, check out the Black Hills, Badlands and Lakes Association and the Rapid City Convention and Visitors Bureau.

2. Niagara Falls, N.Y.

This honeymoon capital attracts 50,000 newlyweds yearly. The lovebirds enjoy picnics overlooking the marvelous falls and evening strolls along the river, when the spectacle of colored lights offers an enchanting experience.

If you don't mind getting wet, take a ride on Maid of the Mist or go on a Cave of the Winds trip, where you take an elevator to view the falls from the bottom. You'll also get a look at Bridal Veil Falls, where rainbows are visible day and night.

3. The Gateway Arch, St. Louis

The stainless steel arch is 630 feet high and commemorates what was the gateway to the West for thousands of 19th-century pioneers. To enjoy a view of St. Louis and beyond, take the Journey to the Top tram ride, which lasts approximately 60 minutes. When you're back on the ground, you can also watch three different 45-minute films about the arch and the history of settling the West.

4. Statue of Liberty at Ellis Island, N.Y.

This is an amazing spot to experience history. Ellis Island in New York Harbor was the nation's main point of entry for millions of immigrants from 1892 to 1954. The Statue of Liberty, one of the most recognizable symbols of freedom and democracy, was presented to the United States by France in 1886 in commemoration of the two countries' alliance during the American Revolution.