Reunion Tower, Dallas

At night, the lights that cover the geodesic dome atop Reunion Tower create a dazzling display. So dazzling, in fact, that when the tower first opened in 1978, traffic on the local freeways came to a screeching halt as drivers turned their heads upwards to marvel at this new sight. Reunion Tower has since become an icon of Dallas' skyline, but travel the 470 feet up to its observation deck, the GeO-Deck, and the panoramic vista is still enough to stop anyone in their tracks.

Windows wrap around the observation area, known as GeO-Deck, immersing visitors in views of the city and any looming mothras on the horizon. Interactive touch-screens provide facts on the surrounding area, while high-definition cameras let guests zoom in close on landmarks in real time. Head outside for a lap around the exterior deck and feel the wind in your hair as you stand 470 feet in the air. An impressive sight to be sure, but as Joy Tipping of the Dallas Morning News put it, "You could spend hours exploring before even beginning to take in the 360-degree views of Dallas."

Gift shops and photo ops provide mementos of time spent up in the air.