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Are you the type of traveler who likes to visit famous landmarks? Every country has its own landmarks. Some are historical, and others offer beautiful views of oceans, mountains, and other sites.
The great part about the United States is that there are iconic landmarks to discover wherever you are. These must-visit attractions are ideal if you’re looking for iconic memorials, fascinating locations, historical sites, or natural beauty.
Check out our list of 16 iconic American landmarks you must see when traveling to America.
1. Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii
December 7, 1941, was the most tragic day in American History before the September 11, 2001 attacks occurred. The surprise attack by Japan sent our country into World War II and left the island nation of Hawaii in despair.
Today, thousands of visitors flock to the USS Arizona monument in Honolulu to pay their respects to those lost in the tragic event. The site offers guided tours, museums, and artifacts that help tell the story of the attack and its aftermath.
2. Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah
Delicate Arch in Utah is an iconic landmark that often symbolizes the Southwestern state. Each year, hikers take the 3-mile hike to view this geological phenomenon.
The park is home to over 2,000 arches, but the Delicate Arch is unique because it’s 46 feet tall and 32 feet wide, making it the largest free-standing arch. These sandstone marvels will eventually succumb to gravity, so see this attraction before it’s gone.
3. Cloud Gate, Chicago, Illinois
Did you visit Chicago without taking a picture underneath the famous “Bean?” The iconic bean-shaped structure has become a staple for tourists visiting the windy city.
The sculpture is in the middle of Millenium Park, one of Chicago’s most popular tourist areas. You can get your picture taken, then enjoy the 24-acre park for a nice picnic and outdoor stroll.
4. Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California
Initially a Civil War fortress, it was turned into a federal prison open from 1934 to 1963. The prison was notorious for being inescapable due to the ocean currents and freezing water.
Today, it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Bay Area. Visitors can tour the facility, learn about the island’s history, and enjoy a beautiful view of the San Francisco skyline view.
5. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
Another icon that people need to see is the Golden Gate Bridge. The bright red-orange bridge has been dubbed the “Wonder of the Modern World” and is one of the most photographed structures in the country.
Visitors can walk or bike over the bridge and enjoy fantastic bay views and the San Francisco skyline.
6. Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
History buffs will love touring the same building where our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Even if you aren’t the biggest history fan, it’s neat to be in the same room as the men who helped shape our country’s roots. Philadelphia is rich in U.S. history, so visitors can spend a day seeing the other landmarks the city is known for.
7. Space Needle, Seattle, Washington
The Seattle skyline is easily identified due to the Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle represents Seattle’s innovation and forward-thinking ideas.
After sampling the city’s famous breweries, coffee shops, and fish markets, tourists ride the elevator to the top of the Needle for epic views of the city and, on a clear day, Mount Rainier in the background.
8. Statue of Liberty, New York City, New York
The Statue of Liberty might be our country’s most iconic landmark. It has long been a symbol of what our country stands for, welcoming immigrants to the shores of Manhattan looking for a better life.
The 305-foot-tall statue is as much of a part of the New York skyline as any of the city’s other skyscrapers. Visitors often make the monument one of their priorities when visiting the Big Apple.
9. Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls, New York
New York is much more than Manhattan, Times Square, and Central Park. Upstate New York has some beautiful scenery, including the mighty Niagara Falls.
Right on the Canadian border, Niagara Falls has three different falls. It serves as a beautiful landmark and a valuable source of hydroelectric power. Tourists can take a ferry to get up close and personal with the falls or view the scenery from the many lookouts.
10. Mount Rushmore, Keystone, South Dakota
The Black Hills of South Dakota are home to one of the more unique landmarks in our nation. The faces of four U.S. presidents are carved directly into the mountainside.
These 60-foot-tall faces of Lincoln, Washington, FDR, and Jefferson are carved into the granite face of the protruding mountain. Visitors to the park can take selfies with the monument and check out Crazy Horse nearby. It’s a memorial dedicated to Crazy Horse, a Native American leader and Lakota warrior.
11. Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park
The famous geothermal geyser, which erupts every hour, is located in Yellowstone National Park. It’s a marvelous testimony of how wonderful Mother Nature truly is. The geyser got its nickname in 1870 and has been wowing tourists to the park for over a century.
The whole park is a landmark people should visit. From the free-roaming bison to the mesmerizing mountains and valleys, Yellowstone is the epitome of natural beauty in America.
12. Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
There is a lot of history packed into this small area of Pennsylvania. Not only was it where Abe Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address, but it was also a turning point in the Civil War. Union troops defeated Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s attempt to invade the North, resulting in the war’s bloodiest battle.
Today, visitors can tour the battlefield, visit shops, and take in lectures about the battle. You can’t get much closer to American history than standing on a battlefield you learned about in grade school.
13. Washington Monument, Washington, D.C.
George Washington is arguably the most famous American in our country’s relatively short history. He was not only our first president but also the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and one of our founding fathers.
Construction of the monument began in 1848 and was finally finished in 1888. The result is a 500-foot hollow Egyptian-style stone obelisk column. The site is located in the larger National Mall, home to other landmarks you can cross off your list of attractions in Washington, D.C.
14. The White House, Washington, D.C.
Although George Washington oversaw the construction of the White House, he never had the pleasure of living there. Still, every president since has called the White House home at some point.
The house offers daily tours for tourists looking inside the historic building. There’s something cool about walking down the same hallways as the men and women who shaped our country.
15. Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.
Abraham Lincoln served as president during one of the darkest times in our country’s history. The Civil War took its toll on the U.S. and our 16th president. The Lincoln Memorial showcases the vast difference between his terms. The left side of his face is calm and relaxed, while the right side is tense, showing the stress and hardship of the war.
The memorial is one of the most photographed landmarks in The National Mall. It sits at the western end of the mall and is a must-see when you visit the nation’s Capitol.
16. The Grand Canyon, Arizona
There are many beautiful views in the United States, but one of my favorites is the view of the southern rim of the Grand Canyon. Standing above a 6,000-foot-deep canyon carved out over a billion years helps you understand why it’s considered one of the world’s natural wonders.
The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited parks in the country. Its astonishing views attract artists, photographers, hikers, and thrill-seekers who want to explore it and the rushing Colorado River flowing through the canyon bottom.
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One of my favorite things about this country is the differences in each state. A cross-country road trip can take you from the mountains to the desert, coast, and swampland, with each region representing its unique charm and culture. I’m an avid road tripper and have spent some time in these small towns. They left their mark on me in the best way possible.
17 Underrated U.S. Destinations Every Traveler Should Explore
Finding new and exciting destinations can be difficult for seasoned travelers. Many have their favorite places and go back to them time and time again. Some of the better destinations—hidden gems, if you will—are outside the mainstream. We have some top-notch places to try if you want to get outside mainstream locations.
These destinations are not tourist hotspots like Las Vegas, San Francisco, or Martha’s Vineyard. These spots are unique and quiet, making them some of our favorite hidden gems in America.
These destinations offer rich, memorable experiences for every traveler, from families to couples to solo explorers.
12 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations You Thought You Couldn’t Afford
Just because you’re watching your money doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a trip abroad. All it takes is a little sifting through countries with the lowest exchange rates. Located in the Americas, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa, these hot spots offer dynamic cities to explore and stunning landscapes to escape it all. These exotic locations allow you to splurge without blowing a stack of cash. These destinations were chosen by sorting through the lowest exchange rates for each country against the U.S. dollar. Then, the final selection was made by examining features, including safety, the quality of cultural and outdoor activities, and easy accessibility to natural beauty, such as mountains, rivers, and the ocean. So, if you’ve avoided international travel due to cost, we think the places on this list represent a great opportunity you probably didn’t know about.
