1

Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California

Image: Aman

Los Angeles’ hellish traffic is world-famous and every experienced driver in this city has her or his own shortcuts to save time. But this one is a universal one for sure.

When driving through Hollywood, never take Hollywood Boulevard . Take, instead, Franklin or Fountain to get around the tourist mayhem. And, if you want to avoid the awful traffic of a Hollywood Bowl show, try Mulholland Drive.

2

Getting to the airport in Los Angeles, California

Image: Lukas Souza

Nobody likes missing a flight. Or, at least, most of us don’t care for that particular situation. And, when driving in the terrible Los Angeles traffic, that possibility is always looming in the background.

A sound advice from frequent flyers is to avoid the freeway altogether and take Crescent Heights until it dead-ends. Then, drive through La Cienaga to La Tijera all the way to the symbols that point to the airport.

3

Leaving New York is never easy, New York City, New York

Image: Matteo Catanese

Caught at the right time, New York City traffic can be as bad as LA traffic. And, as it usually happens, commute hours are the worst. The endless crowds and vehicles getting in and out of Manhattan through the different bridges and tunnels can create some serious delays.

Brooklyn Bridge, George Washington Bridge, and the Lincoln Tunnel are some of the most congested routes during rush hours. So, if you have no other options, make sure to schedule extra time just in case the traffic is as bad as it can be.

4

I-95, Miami, Florida

Image: Baron Alloway

Another city with legendary traffic is, without a doubt, Miami. And, as usual, commute hours can be a nightmare. I-95 is a major Interstate Highway on the East Coast and the Miami section is usually very congested . If you are trying to go south from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. or north from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., you have to expect delays, since those are the peak times for commuters who work downtown.

The High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes run from north of Miami to north Dade. You can only enter these lanes before 112/I-95 and you can only get off at the Golden Glades exit. Don’t take these lanes if you are trying to go anywhere between downtown and Northwest 183rd Street as there are no exits. Also, HOT lanes only accept SunPass as payment.

5

Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois

Image: Neal Kharawala

Continuing with another one of the monster-traffic cities of America, we can’t avoid the Windy City. Locals say that the city has two seasons: winter and construction , as the number of blocked streets, avenues, and roads can be nerve-wracking.

A shortcut locals use when driving through Lake Shore Drive to get off on Michigan Ave, heading southbound with a final destination past Illinois Ave, is to take Inner Lake Shore Drive and avoid the heavy congestion on Michigan Ave, as well as the occasional standstills on southbound Lake Shore Drive.

6

San Felipe instead of Westheimer, Houston, Texas

Image: Kevin Hernandez

Houston locals are familiar with busy Westheimer Avenue and know better than to fall into its trap during rush hour. They’d get stuck between multiple METRO bus routes, potholes, and never-ending construction sites.

The savvy drivers instead use San Felipe to get downtown or to the Galleria in a much shorter time.

7

Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway, Phoenix, Arizona

Image: Nils Huenerfuerst

Even the widest highway will become congested once everyone finds out about it. We are looking at you, Los Angeles. But, for a while at least, new roads offer a smooth and quiet ride to the lucky few who discover them first.

This is the case with Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway. The 22-mile-long portion of the Valley beltway from 59th Avenue on the west side to Ahwatukee , which opened in late 2019, is a smooth drive. Rolling through a part of the Valley unspoiled by development, this freeway has light traffic and no, or very few, holes –for now.

8

San Diego International Airport, San Diego, California

Image: Justin Wolff

It may seem calmer compared to neighboring Los Angeles, but San Diego can have its traffic congestion, like any big city. Getting to the airport on time is always paramount and locals have tricks up their sleeves for this ride.

Drivers can take Washington Street to Pacific Highway and get to the airport that way, or they can also take Pacific Highway north to Barnett, then Lytton, then Rosecrans, then Nimitz, which can be better than going through Sassafras if there’s traffic.

9

LBJ interchange, Dallas, Texas

Image: Zack Brame

Dallas, Texas, is a major city with major traffic jams during rush hours. Trying to get to the LBJ interchange can be a recipe for disaster if you are in a hurry but there is a shortcut that can save quite some time.

If you are on the Central Expressway, you can get off at Coit Road , which will allow you to bypass the interchange. Instead, you'll wind around a corner and find yourself right back at the entrance ramps for LBJ. From there, you just wait for a light and merge back onto LBJ, having skipped over the whole mess.

10

I-35 alternatives, Austin, Texas

Image: MJ Tangonan

Texas’ hippest city, Austin has some major highways, including the I-35, Mopac Expressway (Loop 1), and Highway 183. These big highways can cause big delays if taken from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

But the city provides alternatives. Lamar Boulevard and Burnet Road provide time-saving options for I-35 . During rush hour and special events, knowing these lesser-used routes can save time.

1

American Alligator

Image: Joshua J. Cotten

Let's start with a powerful one. While they say not to judge by appearances, only one look at an American alligator's face can confirm it might not be the friendliest creature around.

Populating freshwater habitats in the southeastern U.S., males can grow up to 15 feet long. In addition to their impressive size, they have incredibly strong jaws , one of the most powerful in the animal kingdom.

American alligators are also excellent hunters, as they know how to blend into their surroundings while waiting for prey to approach. Clever tactics!

2

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Image: Amber Wolfe

The American alligator is not the only reptile on this list. We also have the stellar presence of the impressive Western diamondback rattlesnake. With a name like that, how could it possibly go unnoticed? But believe us, its name is not the only surprising thing about it.

This reptile has particularly large fangs compared to other snakes, and what's even more fascinating is that they are quickly replaced if one breaks or gets damaged. When this carnivorous predator confronts its prey —generally rodents, birds, or some other reptiles— it uses those fangs to inject its venom , a toxin capable of hindering coagulation and even causing tissue damage.

3

Grizzly bear

Image: Becca

This huge creature is far from a cuddly care bear. We are talking about the fearsome grizzly bear, a giant that can weigh up to 1,500 pounds and reach 10 feet tall when standing on its hind legs.

And as if its size were not enough, the great strength of this beast and its territorial nature make it a threat to other species. In addition, despite being omnivores, their sharp claws and large teeth make them tough predators.

One more scary detail: Don't be fooled by its size; grizzly bears can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour!

4

Cougar

Image: Robert Sachowski

"Cougar" is a nicer name for the creature also known as a mountain lion, an impressive feline that ranks as the second-largest cat in the Americas, just behind the jaguar.

The cougar can weigh up to 220 pounds and measure up to 8 feet long. Can you imagine a kitten that size? With its claws, teeth, and pointed ears! Despite its name, the mountain lion can adapt to different environments: cold mountains, forests, and even deserts.

But what truly distinguishes this animal is its stealthiness. This solitary creature is an intelligent and cautious predator, approaching its prey slowly and quietly until it's time to attack.

5

American bison

Image: Leslie Driskill

If you got shocked by the 220 pounds of the cougar or the 1,500 pounds of the grizzly bear, just wait until you hear how much the American bison can weigh.

Males of this imposing animal can reach 2,000 pounds! In addition, some specimens reach 6.5 feet from hoof to shoulders. Despite its size and strength, the American bison is an herbivore , which means it doesn't attack other animals for food.

But wait, if this beautiful animal gets angry, its defense can be truly intimidating; just picture a horned creature of that size approaching. It can also run at a speed of up to 35 miles per hour! Definitely an incredible animal.

6

Black widow spider

Image: Jared Subia

The black widow is not only a comic book character but also one of the most feared creatures on this list. This arthropod lives throughout the southern and western United States, as it prefers warm, dry climates.

Unlike other animals, the black widow is a threat to other species and also to its own. This spider's name comes from its notorious behavior: sometimes, the female devours the male.

In addition to this creepy detail, its appearance is also spooky. It has a shiny black body with a bright red marking on its abdomen. But that's not all; this spider also has potent venom used to immobilize its prey. Fortunately, experts say it typically only bites in self-defense.

7

Great white shark

Image: Gerald Schömbs

5,000 pounds , 20 feet long, and several rows of sharp teeth capable of delivering a bite force of up to 4,000 pounds per square inch; this is the impressive great white shark.

Despite its size, it can swim agilely with a speed of up to 25 miles per hour. This fearsome predator, found along both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the United States, uses all its advantages to attack its prey quickly and surprisingly.

While their visibility is low, they rely on their ability to perceive the electromagnetic fields of other creatures! Looks like an invincible predator, doesn't it?

8

Black bear

Image: Greg Johnson

While slightly smaller than the grizzly bear, the black bear is still intimidating. With an average weight of 450 pounds , it's a large animal, equipped with sharp claws and teeth that can quickly appear if it or its cubs feel threatened.

In addition to their speed of up to 30 mph, these agile animals can also climb trees! And yes, the myth is true: they do love honey (who wouldn't, right?).

Here's another fun fact: despite their name, black bears can have black, brown, or blond fur.

9

Coral snake

Image: MART PRODUCTION

The rattlesnake isn't the only snake making this list. The coral snake definitely earned its spot, too.

Famed and feared worldwide, this snake species possesses a potent venom that can immobilize and cause respiratory failure in its prey. In addition, its small size (about 2 to 3 feet in length) helps it go unnoticed by other animals before it bites them.

Found in the southeastern United States, the coral snake is known for its impressive appearance but is generally not very aggressive unless provoked. Did you know other snakes mimic the coral snake's colors to appear more intimidating and keep predators away? You know, nature is wise.

10

Fire ants

Image: oktavianus mulyadi

This list isn't just about huge horns, sharp teeth, and hefty bodies; there are also creatures the size of a rice grain.

We're talking about fire ants, tiny but strong insects with a fearsome reputation. Why is the aggressiveness of such a small creature so scary? Well, because their stings are really painful , something that no animal species would want to experience. But that's not all; fire ants have the ability to sting and bite at the same time, causing pain, itching, and burning.

Like all ants, they have a very organized society . Every time they perceive their colony threatened, they launch a chemical alarm and start defending their home like an army!

1

It was built for the Seattle World’s Fair

Image: Seattle Public Library, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons

The Space Needle wasn’t supposed to be a permanent monument. It was completed in 1962 specifically for the Seattle World’s Fair, an event aimed to highlight science, technology, and forward-looking design. During the fair, the tower helped visitors orient themselves within the Seattle Center grounds and served as a central meeting point. After the fair ended, the building was not dismantled, as many other fair structures were. Instead, it remained open to the public and gradually became a regular part of the city’s skyline.

2

The original colors had distinctive Space Age names

Image: Thom Milkovic

When the Space Needle first opened, its paint scheme reflected the era’s optimism about technology and space exploration. The main tower was painted Astronaut White, while the central core used a darker tone called Orbital Olive. Accent areas were finished in Re-Entry Red, and the top featured a warm, yellow-orange color called Galaxy Gold . These names were officially used at the time and appeared in design documents and promotional materials. Although later renovations replaced this scheme with more neutral colors, the original palette shows how strongly the tower’s design was tied to early 1960s ideas about the future.

3

Elvis was there

Image: Courtney Hutchin

Not long after it opened, the Space Needle entered American pop culture. Elvis Presley filmed scenes at the tower for the movie It Happened at the World’s Fair , which was released in 1963. The filming took place shortly after the 1962 World’s Fair, when the structure was still new. At that time, many Americans had never traveled to Seattle, and television and movies were major sources of information about distant cities. Hence, the film helped introduce the Space Needle to a nationwide audience.

4

It was inspired by a UFO

Image: Patrick Hodskins

The building’s most recognizable feature, the round observation deck, was shaped with intention. Designers chose a wide, circular form that reflected the Space Age themes common in the late 1950s and early 1960s. At the time, images of spacecraft and flying saucers appeared often in popular magazines, films, and exhibitions. The Space Needle’s top was meant to echo those ideas in a way that was easy to recognize from a distance. This design helped distinguish the tower from older observation structures and aligned it closely with the forward-looking message of the World’s Fair.

5

It was built in 400 days

Image: Andy Li

Speed mattered. Construction began in 1961, and the entire tower was completed in roughly 400 days so it could open on time for the World’s Fair in 1962. This schedule required crews to work in carefully planned stages, with steel sections fabricated off-site and assembled quickly once delivered. Concrete for the foundation and core had to be poured and set on a tight timeline. Despite the fast pace, engineers followed existing building standards, and inspections were carried out to ensure the tower could safely handle weight, wind, and daily public use.

6

Forget the elevator, take the stairs

Image: HAYOUNG CHO

Most visitors take the elevator, but the Space Needle also has stairs, 848 of them, from the base to the observation level. The stairs are primarily used for maintenance and special events rather than daily tourist access. Structurally, the tower is held together by tens of thousands of bolts and rests on a deep concrete foundation. Engineers designed the foundation and central core to withstand high winds and seismic activity, which are common in the Pacific Northwest. These construction details are not visible to most visitors, but they play a key role in keeping the tower stable and open to the public year after year.

7

It harbored a secret time capsule from the 1980s

Image: Mick Haupt

In 1982, staff placed a time capsule inside one of the Space Needle’s steel beams without a public announcement. The capsule was sealed and left in place as part of a routine update, rather than a formal ceremony. It remained hidden for more than thirty years until it was rediscovered and opened in 2017. Inside were everyday items from the early 1980s, including handwritten letters, photographs, and postcards. Several of these items were saved and included in a new capsule, which is planned to be opened in 2062 to mark the tower’s 100th anniversary.

8

It was the site of a famous April Fools’ prank

Image: Ben Mater

In 1989, a local television station aired a report claiming the Space Needle had collapsed. The segment was intended as an April Fools’ joke and included on-screen text explaining that it was not real. Even so, many viewers did not notice the disclaimer or tuned in late. Emergency phone lines and the station’s own offices received hundreds of calls from concerned residents and relatives. The reaction showed how familiar and important the Space Needle had become to people in Seattle and beyond.

9

There’s a restaurant at the top

Image: Jason Dent

Dining has always been part of the Space Needle experience. A restaurant opened with the tower in 1962 and was designed to give guests a place to eat while overlooking the city. Over the years, the restaurant has changed names, seating arrangements, and menu styles to match new trends and renovations. Despite these updates, the basic idea has stayed the same. Visitors can order food or drinks and spend extended time at the top, rather than just stopping briefly to look out the windows. For many people, the combination of a meal and a wide city view defines the visit.

10

It has the world’s first and only revolving glass floor

Image: Morgan Petroski

A major renovation in 2018 introduced The Loupe, a rotating glass floor in the observation area. The platform moves slowly, allowing visitors to stand in one place while the view changes. Through the clear panels, people can look straight down at streets, buildings, and open spaces below. This is the only revolving glass floor of its kind in the world. The addition shows how the Space Needle continues to update its visitor experience while keeping its original structure intact.