The United States is home to a handful of world-class cities. It is no stretch to say San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago are all among the most famous cities in the world. But those who have never visited before might want to schedule a trip soon.
According to a recent report by CNBC, several of the country’s renowned cities have the potential to be wiped out or at least severely damaged by Kim Jong Un’s itchy trigger finger. North Korea’s nuclear missile program is believed to have the capability of hitting several U.S. metropolises. Chinese and Russian leaders are asking for cooler heads to prevail, so an imminent strike seems like a far-fetched idea.
But, if worse comes to worst, here are eight of the more notable cities within missile range — and what could be lost if a North Korean strike were to take place. Do you live in or near any of these cities?
1. Honolulu
What could be lost: USS Arizona Memorial, Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach
The island paradise and nearby naval base could be an enticing target for North Korea. Prevailing winds would blow much of the fallout southwest out into the sea, but a strike would wipe out the historic sites at Pearl Harbor and put a damper on the tourist attractions near downtown Honolulu.
2. Los Angeles
What could be lost: The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, MacArthur Park
Some of the most iconic landmarks known to movie buffs would be in danger were a missile from North Korea to strike Los Angeles. The Getty Center museum, with its iconic architecture and views of downtown, could be erased. MacArthur Park, a slice of nature dropped into urban surroundings, would be gone. And your chance to dance like Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone at the Griffith Observatory would be severely hampered.
3. San Francisco
What could be lost: Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39
In another West Coast metropolis within range of the North Korea KN-08 missile, Alcatraz Island and the nearby Golden Gate Bridge wouldn’t stand a chance. Pier 39, a popular tourist site thanks to the seals that perch near the water, probably wouldn’t hold the same appeal if a missile were to hit.
4. Denver
What could be lost: Denver Botanical Gardens, Denver Art Museum, Molly Brown House Museum
One missile hitting downtown Denver would wipe out some of the city’s well-known and most beloved attractions. The Molly Brown House Museum, which highlights the life of perhaps the United States’ most progressive woman of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, could be destroyed. So too would be the nearby Denver Botanical Gardens and the Denver Art Museum, the latter of which is home to a well-known collection of Native American art. But the Coors brewery in Golden, Colorado, to the west, might be spared. So you would be able to drown your sorrows.
5. Chicago
What could be lost: The Art Institute of Chicago, John Hancock Center, Navy Pier, Willis (Sears) Tower
If a missile were to hit downtown Chicago, the renowned collection of works at the Art Institute would be lost. And the iconic John Hancock Center, the adjacent Magnificent Mile, and tourist hot spot Navy Pier would be subjected to radioactive fallout. The Chicago Board of Trade would also be hit. That would make it hard to re-enact your favorite scenes from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
6. Boston
What could be lost: Faneuil Hall, Bunker Hill Monument, Paul Revere House
Some of the United States’ most historic moments could be within range of North Korea’s missiles if a launch takes place. Faneuil Hall, the site of some speeches that helped ignite the American Revolution, has already been gutted by fire in its history but could be completely wiped out. Paul Revere’s house and historic Fenway Park would likely be decimated, too. A strike could make it very hard to test out your Boston accent on the locals at a Dunkin’ Donuts.
7. New York
What could be lost: Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Central Park
The United States’ best-known city would be rendered nearly uninhabitable by a 15-kiloton nuclear weapon courtesy of North Korea. That size is comparable to the “Little Boy” bomb, the smaller of the two dropped on Japan near the end of World War II.
According to NukeMap, a large portion of lower Manhattan would be leveled and radioactive fallout could spread up the island and into Connecticut as nearly 400,000 people would be immediately impacted. Needless to say, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and some of the city’s other well-known attractions wouldn’t be very fun to visit then, but Times Square might be a little less crowded.
8. San Diego
What could be lost: Mission Bay Park, San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum
San Diego and the large naval base just south of downtown would be within range and an enticing target for North Korea. San Diego’s temperate climate makes visiting the renowned San Diego Zoo and the USS Midway Museum, a decommissioned aircraft carrier that has planes spanning from World War II to Operation Desert Storm, a pleasant experience. But the temperature might be a little too warm if a missile were to strike.
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