The U.S. has so much to offer when it comes to scenery and history. If you’re starting to think about where to vacation, then you may want to plan it around the country’s iconic landmarks. Here are 18 that everyone should see at least once.
Statue of Liberty, New York
The National Park Service writes, “‘The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World’ was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States and is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy.” You can access the Statue of Liberty by ferry, with tours available.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
If there’s one thing the Grand Canyon is known for, it’s the landmark’s incredible size. It also has a unique and colorful landscape, which has made it one of the natural wonders of the world. There’s plenty to do if you choose to visit the Grand Canyon, such as hiking, rafting, and helicopter tours.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA
This used to be the longest suspension bridge, but now it’s mainly known for its bright red color. You can walk or bike over the bridge for some spectacular views of San Francisco Bay. It’s best to visit the Golden Gate Bridge in late spring or early fall for the best weather conditions.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
Yellowstone National Park was the first national park in the U.S. and is home to a variety of wildlife species. You may be able to spot animals such as elk, bison, ravens, and wolves. The park also has geothermal wonders such as the Old Faithful Geyser.
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore is the iconic sculpture of the four presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. There are also many hiking trails for you to try out, as well as the option to visit a sculptor’s studio. Mount Rushmore is located in the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota.
The Freedom Trail, Boston, MA
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile path through downtown Boston that passes 16 important historical locations. Highlights of this trail include historical museums, churches, and burial grounds. You can experience the Freedom Trail through guided tours so that you don’t miss anything important.
The White House, Washington, D.C.
One of the biggest landmarks in the U.S. is the White House, thanks to its political significance. This is supported by Old Town Trolley Tours, which writes, “It has also served as the home of every U.S. president except George Washington.” There are options for public tours, but you’ll need to book them in advance.
Empire State Building, New York
This skyscraper used to be the tallest building in the world. If you visit New York City, it’s something you need to do, and with observation decks, you’ll have some incredible views. The Empire State Building is also famous for its light shows commemorating various occasions.
Hoover Dam, Nevada/Arizona
Located on the border between Nevada and Arizona, Hoover Dam was constructed in the Great Depression and is an ode to modern engineering. It’s located close to Las Vegas and makes for a great trip out of the city. There are tours of both the dam and power plant, making it a great learning experience.
Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles, CA
The Hollywood sign is one of the most famous landmarks in the U.S., as it’s known for its glamor in the entertainment industry. You’ll find the sign on Mount Lee, but it’s best viewed from Griffith Park, which is a popular place to hike.
Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.
This memorial honors the 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. It’s become a famous landmark thanks to its significance in political movement speeches such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream.” This landmark is open 24 hours a day, with guides available to answer any questions.
Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls is a huge waterfall well-known for its natural beauty. It’s also become a popular honeymoon destination. There are many ways to view the waterfall, such as on a boat tour, in an observatory, and in surrounding parks. It even illuminates in different colors during the night.
Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, CA
Alcatraz is best known for being a federal prison and is now open for tours. For example, Britannica writes, “From 1934 to 1963, it served as a federal prison for some of the most dangerous civilian prisoners.” The island is accessible by ferry, and plenty of tours are available to guide you through its history.
Grand Central Terminal, New York
This historic train station is best known for its beautiful architecture. Along with catching trains, you can also eat and shop at Grand Central Terminal. The station is loved for its “Whispering Gallery” and its celestial ceiling in the main concourse. Even if you don’t have a train to catch, it’s still worth a visit.
Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia
Arlington National Cemetery is America’s premier military cemetery, with lots of memorials and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It’s also the place of burial for President John F. Kennedy. There are public tours available for this cemetery, giving you the option to pay your respects.
Crazy Horse Memorial, South Dakota
The Crazy Horse Memorial is still under construction, but the monument is going to commemorate the Lakota warrior Crazy Horse. The goal is for it to become the largest mountain carving in the world. Along with viewing the memorial, you’ll also be able to visit the Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Cultural Center.
Ellis Island, New Jersey/New York
Statue of Liberty.org writes, “After welcoming more than 12 million immigrants to our shores, Ellis Island is now a poetic symbol of the American Dream.” The island also has a museum to help you understand how important immigration was. You’ll be able to view photographs and artifacts and listen to oral histories.
Space Needle, Seattle, WA
The Space Needle was built in 1962 for the World’s Fair and features an iconic, futuristic design. You can take part in activities in the Space Needle, such as dining on a rotating glass floor, which is sure to be an experience if you don’t mind heights. You’ll find some incredible views of downtown Seattle and Mount Rainier from the Space Needle.
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