The United States is home to diverse natural wonders and historic sites that capture the essence of the nation’s spirit. In fact, the U.S. boasts over 2,600 national historic landmarks, attracting millions of visitors each year.1
In 2023 alone, over 66.5 million international tourists explored the country’s treasures.2 But these landmarks are more than just popular tourist destinations; they are powerful symbols of American identity and pride.
Here are 18 must-see landmarks that showcase the rich history, stunning beauty, and enduring legacy of the United States.
1. Statue of Liberty – New York City, New York
Standing tall in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty is an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy. This colossal copper statue, gifted by France in 1886, welcomes visitors with her torch held high and the promise of a better life.
Take a ferry to Liberty Island and climb to the crown for breathtaking views of the city skyline. Don’t miss the nearby Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, which tells the stories of the millions who passed through its halls in search of the American Dream.
2. Grand Canyon – Arizona
One of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Grand Canyon is a testament to the power of time and the elements. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, this vast chasm stretches 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep.
Whether you hike along the rim, take a scenic drive, or brave the rapids on a whitewater rafting adventure, the Grand Canyon’s sheer scale and beauty will leave you speechless. For an unforgettable experience, watch the sun rise or set over the canyon, painting the ancient rocks in a kaleidoscope of colors.
3. Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco, California
An iconic symbol of the City by the Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge is a marvel of engineering and design. Spanning 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait, this striking orange suspension bridge has been captivating visitors since its completion in 1937.
Walk or bike across the bridge to take in the stunning views of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, and the Marin Headlands. For a different perspective, take a boat tour under the bridge or visit one of the many nearby viewpoints, such as Battery Spencer or Fort Point.
4. Mount Rushmore National Memorial – Keystone, South Dakota
Carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore, this colossal sculpture features the 60-foot-tall heads of four of America’s most revered presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The memorial, completed in 1941, is a testament to the nation’s history and the ideals these leaders embodied.
Take the Presidential Trail for an up-close view of the sculpture and learn about the monument’s creation at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center. Stick around for the evening lighting ceremony, where the faces of the presidents are illuminated against the night sky.
5. National Mall – Washington, D.C.
At the heart of the nation’s capital, the National Mall is a 2-mile-long park that’s home to some of America’s most iconic landmarks and museums. From the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument, the Mall is a living history lesson that showcases the country’s triumphs and struggles.
Spend a day exploring the Smithsonian Institution’s world-class museums, such as the National Air and Space Museum or the National Museum of American History. Take a stroll along the Reflecting Pool, pay your respects at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and marvel at the neoclassical architecture of the U.S. Capitol Building.
6. Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
America’s first national park, Yellowstone is a wonderland of geothermal activity, wildlife, and stunning landscapes. Spanning nearly 3,500 square miles across three states, the park is home to half of the world’s geysers, including the iconic Old Faithful.
Watch in awe as the geyser erupts every 35 to 120 minutes, shooting steam and boiling water up to 180 feet in the air.
Explore the park’s many other attractions, such as the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring, the thundering Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, and the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley, where you might spot bison, elk, wolves, and bears.
7. Independence Hall – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The birthplace of American democracy, Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. This modest brick building, constructed in 1753, was the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress and later served as the first U.S. Capitol building.
Take a guided tour of the hall to learn about the founding fathers and the momentous events that took place within its walls. Don’t miss the nearby Liberty Bell Center, where you can see the famous cracked bell that became a symbol of freedom and justice.
8. Gateway Arch – St. Louis, Missouri
Soaring 630 feet above the Mississippi River, the Gateway Arch is the tallest man-made monument in the United States. Completed in 1965, this stainless steel arch commemorates St. Louis’ role as the gateway to the American West during the 19th century.
Take a tram ride to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city and the river. Visit the Museum at the Gateway Arch to learn about the city’s history and the westward expansion that shaped the nation.
9. Niagara Falls – New York
One of the world’s most famous waterfalls, Niagara Falls straddles the border between the United States and Canada. The American side of the falls, located in New York State, offers a variety of ways to experience the thundering cascades.
Ride on the Maid of the Mist boat, which takes you right up to the base of the falls, or walk along the Cave of the Winds boardwalk for a close-up view of the Bridal Veil Falls. For a bird’s-eye view, head to the observation deck at the top of the Prospect Point Park.
10. Alcatraz Island – San Francisco, California
Once home to America’s most notorious prison, Alcatraz Island is now a popular tourist attraction that offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s penal history.
Located just 1.5 miles off the coast of San Francisco, the island housed some of the nation’s most infamous criminals, including Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.
Take a ferry to the island and explore the former prison buildings, including the main cellhouse, the recreation yard, and the warden’s house. Listen to the award-winning audio tour, “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour,” which features interviews with former inmates and guards.
The launch site for some of America’s most historic space missions, the Kennedy Space Center is a must-visit for anyone interested in the country’s space program. Located on Florida’s Space Coast, the center has been the starting point for every U.S. human space flight since 1968.
Join a bus tour of the sprawling facility, which includes stops at the massive Vehicle Assembly Building and the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where you can see a restored Saturn V rocket. Don’t miss the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, which showcases the iconic orbiter and tells the story of the shuttle program.
12. Freedom Trail – Boston, Massachusetts
A 2.5-mile walking trail that winds through the heart of Boston, the Freedom Trail connects 16 historically significant sites that tell the story of the American Revolution. From the Boston Common to the USS Constitution, each stop along the trail offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history.
Follow the red brick path to iconic landmarks such as the Old North Church, where Paul Revere’s famous “one if by land, two if by sea” signal was sent, and the Bunker Hill Monument, which commemorates the first major battle of the Revolutionary War.
13. French Quarter – New Orleans, Louisiana
The oldest and most famous neighborhood in New Orleans, the French Quarter is a vibrant mix of history, culture, and revelry. Known for its colorful buildings, lively music scene, and delicious Creole cuisine, the Quarter is the heart and soul of the Big Easy.
Stroll down Bourbon Street to take in the sights and sounds of the city’s most famous thoroughfare, or visit Jackson Square to see the iconic St. Louis Cathedral and the historic Cabildo building. Don’t miss the chance to sample some of the city’s famous dishes, such as gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets.
14. Hoover Dam – Nevada/Arizona Border
An engineering marvel that tamed the mighty Colorado River, the Hoover Dam is a testament to American ingenuity and determination. Built during the Great Depression, the dam created Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, and provides power to millions of homes and businesses in the Southwest.
Take a guided tour of the dam to learn about its construction and inner workings, or simply marvel at the massive concrete structure from one of the many observation points. Don’t miss the chance to walk across the dam and stand with one foot in Nevada and the other in Arizona.
15. Denali National Park – Alaska
Home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali National Park is a vast wilderness of rugged mountains, glaciers, and tundra. Spanning over 6 million acres, the park is a haven for wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, and moose.
Take a bus tour along the park’s only road, the 92-mile Denali Park Road, for a chance to spot some of the park’s iconic animals and take in the stunning views of the Alaska Range.
For a closer look at the park’s beauty, hike one of the many trails that wind through the wilderness, such as the Savage River Loop or the Triple Lakes Trail.
16. The Alamo – San Antonio, Texas
A symbol of Texas independence and American courage, the Alamo is a former Spanish mission that played a pivotal role in the Texas Revolution. In 1836, a small group of Texan defenders, including Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, held off a much larger Mexican army for 13 days before being overrun.
Visit the Alamo to learn about the battle and the men who fought and died there. Explore the mission’s beautiful grounds and buildings, including the iconic church and the Long Barrack Museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits related to the Alamo’s history.
17. The White House – Washington, D.C.
The official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, the White House is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Constructed in the late 18th century, the neoclassical mansion has been home to every U.S. president since John Adams.
While tours of the White House are limited and must be arranged through your congressional representative, you can still take a photo of the iconic building from outside the fence on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Don’t miss the chance to walk through Lafayette Square, the park just north of the White House, which features statues of famous Americans and foreign allies.
18. Yosemite National Park – California
A crown jewel of the U.S. national park system, Yosemite is a stunning landscape of towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees.
Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, the park is home to some of the most iconic natural landmarks in the country, including Half Dome and El Capitan.
Take a scenic drive through the park to take in the breathtaking views of the Yosemite Valley, or hike one of the many trails that wind through the park’s wilderness. Don’t miss the chance to see the park’s famous waterfalls, such as Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall, which are at their most spectacular in the spring and early summer.
From sea to shining sea, the United States has a lot of iconic landmarks that tell the story of our nation’s history, culture, and natural beauty. These 18 must-see destinations offer a glimpse into the American experience.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
