“This place (Niagara Falls) has major Mount Rushmore vibes,” my wife added. “Super patriotic and beautiful.”

She’s not wrong.

Having visited both Niagara and Iguazu, I’m happy to report that the latter takes nothing away from the former. On top of that, Niagara Falls, New York, is certifiably charming and my new favorite East Coast town — one that’s filled with incredibly kind and generous people, family-friendly streets dotted with games and delightful landscaping, and the oldest state park in the nation that’s as free as it was the inspiration for the many National Parks that followed.

Having experienced Niagara Falls in every way possible — by helicopter, by boat, by hot air balloon, on foot, and from both the American and Canadian sides — here’s what my smitten family enjoyed most after our weeklong visit.

Most powerful: Cave of The Winds Boardwalk

For $23 per adult ($18 for children), you can step into the basin of one of Niagara’s three thrilling waterfalls at Cave of The Winds, located in Niagara State Park. Even with the provided ponchos, you’ll probably still get drenched in the “Hurricane Zone.” But the powerful payoff, elated laughter, and once in a lifetime memories are something I’ll never forget. Heck, I’d pay double to do it again — it was the family favorite.

Like the impressive introductory movie foretold, the world really did change here. Not only is Niagara Falls the impetus of protected public parks, it was the birthplace of electricity, if not the idea that beauty and power can coexist when we work together.

The Classic: Maid of The Mist Boat Ride

If you want the legendary falls experience — into the roar and spray of the cascades — go with Maid of the Mist. This large barge motors right into the center of Horseshoe Falls, the largest of Niagara. Ponchos are provided but you’ll still get wet.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to up close views and stunning vistas from both sides of the border. On top of that, admission grants access to the best observation deck on the American side, which extends out over the river for impressive stacked views of all three falls.

The Splurge: Rainbow Air Helicopter Tour

At $180 per person, this 15 minute helicopter tour that flies into both American and Canadian airspace ain’t cheap. But it’s an exhilarating experience in brand new Airbus helicopters that seat up to six passengers at a time. It also offers a bird’s eye view of the falls you’ll get no where else.

My family loved it. What’s more, the new hanger offers 11 virtual reality simulators that let you paraglide into the falls using the same impressive technology that both Disney and Universal use in their parks. It was an overall great experience, my family’s second favorite of the trip.

The Unsung: Niagara State Park Proximity

Located right in downtown, Niagara Falls State Park gives you stunning, close-up views of American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and part of Horseshoe Falls with better proximity and access to the edge, more trails, picnics, and walkways, and more serenity when compared to the louder and overdeveloped Canadian side, which gives of some major “Vegas Lite” vibes.

Every night at 10 pm, there’s a short but potent fireworks show over the river as the falls are lit in red, white, and blue. These are best seen from Prospect Point or rim walkway. Either way, there’s no better way to experience the 12,000 year old fans than from the superior state park. ProTip: Ride the scenic trolly if you want or need a break from the many flowered and concession lined walkways.

The Kitschy: All That Glitters in Canada

America has the falls, Canada has the view. That’s the best way to distinguish the two sides of Niagara. While I definitely recommend walking across Rainbow Bridge for a sunset stroll along the falls view parkway and twinkling, if not carnival-like Clifton Hill road in Canada, I wouldn’t spend more than an evening and night doing so.

For a more peaceful, tranquil, and less crowded experience, I prefer staying and enjoying the American side quite a bit more. If you have a passport, you should definitely do both as the pedestrian walkway is quick and easy. But for me and my house, we biasly prefer the American side for being less developed, calmer, and closer to the falls.

Blake Snow contributes to fancy publications and Fortune 500 companies as a bodacious writer-for-hire and seasoned travel journalist to all seven continents. He lives in Provo with his wife, five children and one ferocious chihuahua.