USA Travel Guide: 10 Must-Visit Iconic Landmarks
Discover the Most Famous Landmarks of the United States
The United States is filled with unique and iconic landmarks. These landmarks are known around the world and are a part of the history and pop culture of the United States.
Mount Rushmore, Cloud Gate, and the Statue of Liberty are just a few of the landmarks you will find on this list. So, whether you are looking for trails, outdoor art installations, or places to learn more about the history of the United States, you’ll want to check out this list of the best landmarks in the country.
1. Grand Canyon, Arizona
“One of the great sights that every American should see”
Good for: Adventure, History, Photo
These were the words of Teddy Roosevelt when speaking about the Grand Canyon. Nestled in Arizona, the Grand Canyon stretches across 277 miles and was carved out by the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon is spilt into two regions, the North and South rim, which includes the skywalk.
The Grand Canyon is on the homeland of at least 12 Native American tribes and sees over 6 million visitors a year. The Grand Canyon is a national park and offers lodging and campgrounds inside the park for visitors to take advantage of. There are shuttles to take you through the park. They do run a seasonal schedule so be sure to check their website for the most up-to-date opening hours and times.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
2. Statue of Liberty, New York
A great gift from France
Good for: History, Photo
Statue of Liberty was a gift given to the United States by France in 1886 to signify and celebrate their friendship during the American Revolution. How did they ship a statue, you might ask. It was broken down into 350 pieces and then packed into 214 crates.
The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island, a short ferry ride from Ellis Island. Statue of Liberty tickets also now include admission to the historic Ellis Island immigration center. Be sure to purchase tickets online ahead of time to avoid long wait times at the ticket office. Read more
Open: Daily from 9 am to 4.30 pm
Phone: +1 212-363-3200
Statue of Liberty, New York
3. Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles
A sign was born
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Photo
The famous Hollywood sign has been featured in countless shows, films, and other media for years. If you find yourself in Los Angeles, definitely make time to stop by the legendary Hollywood sign to see it in person.
There are three different hiking trails to get to the sign, from easy to more difficult trails. The Mt. Hollywood Trail would be perfect for beginners and takes around 2 and a half hours, while the Cahuenga Peak Trail is for more adventurous travelers and will take just under 2 hours. Or, opt to view the sign from the DASH Observatory bus that runs 7 days a week. Read more
Open: Daily sunrise to sunset
Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles
4. Niagara Falls
The oldest state park in the United States
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
No passport is needed to view the US side of Niagara Falls located in Buffalo, New York. The Niagara Falls state park is the oldest state park in the United States, established in 1885. Niagara Falls State Park is over 400 acres long and nearly 140 of those acres are underwater.
There is no shortage of attractions and tours here. In addition to the many hiking trails available throughout the park, there is a firework and light show, a cave tour, and the Maid of the Mist boat tour. The Maid of the Mist tour will take you up close to the falls. Be sure to wear your rain gear, there’s a good chance you’ll get wet along the way.
Niagara Falls
5. Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.
Honoring President Abraham Lincoln
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
The Lincoln Memorial honors President Abraham Lincoln, who was the 16th president and abolished slavery in the United States in 1863. The statue itself was carved by the Piccirilli brothers and took 4 years to complete.
The memorial stands 99 ft tall, 190 ft long, and 120 ft wide. Inscribed on the memorial are quotations from Lincoln’s second Inaugural Address and the Gettysburg Address. There are also 12-ft-tall painted murals of notable events in Lincoln’s life. Tours and events are regularly scheduled, so be sure to check the website to see what’s coming up. Read more
Location: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20002, USA
Open: 24/7
Phone: +1 202-426-6841
Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.
6. Monument Valley, Utah
One of the natural wonders of the United States
Good for: Adventure, Photo
They say that it was 50 million years of wind and water eroding the land that created the Monument Valley. The valley stretches 17 miles and includes sandstones that are up to 1,000 ft tall.
Monument Valley is also a Navajo Tribal Park, and you have the opportunity to purchase handcrafted jewelry and other specially made items made by locals to remember your trip by. During the warmer months, there is a guided tour by jeep that will take you through the valley. Be prepared for any inclement weather and longer wait times during peak season which is from March to August.
Monument Valley, Utah
7. EPCOT, Florida
Celebrating cultures through rides, games, and shows
Good for: Families, Food, Photo
EPCOT is one of four major parks at Walt Disney World in Florida. EPCOT is all about celebrating cultures from across the globe. From their International Flower & Garden Festival to their concert series, EPCOT shines a light on countries all around the world.
Take a ride to outer space on the Guardians of the Galaxy ride. Check out Nemo and his friends at the aquarium. Once you’ve worked up an appetite walking around EPCOT, head to one of the stellar outdoor kitchens specializing in different bites with French, Italian, and Asian influences.
Location: Bay Lake, FL, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 9 pm
Phone: +1 407-939-5277
EPCOT, Florida
8. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
2 miles of Art Deco styled towers and stunning vistas
Good for: History, Photo
In 1933 architects started construction on the Golden Gate bridge and 4 years later it was completed. The bridge was originally called Chrysopylae, or Golden Gate in Greek, and cost $35 million to construct.
The bridge spans 2 miles and is over 700 ft tall. Each year the Golden Gate bridge sees more than 10 million visitors. There are five different on-site exhibits for visitors to explore that showcase the bridge’s history, science, and engineering. To get started, visit the welcome center and grab some advice and a map of the area. Read more
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
9. Cloud Gate, Chicago
Stainless-steel art in the heart of Chicago
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
In the heart of downtown Chicago is Millennium Park and nestled in this park is Cloud Gate. This sculpture was completed by British artist Anish Kapoor and is his first outdoor piece of work to be displayed in the United States. It is also one of the world’s largest permanent outdoor art installations.
The sculpture weighs 110 tons and is made of stainless steel plates. Visitors can see the lovely Chicago skyline in the reflection. Perhaps even cooler is the 12-ft arch underneath where visitors can stand and see their reflections. Snap some unique selfies under the arch and then point your camera to the Cloud Gate itself.
Location: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
Cloud Gate, Chicago
10. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Bringing visitors face to face with America’s history
Good for: Adventure, History, Photo
Mount Rushmore is another landmark in the United States to have been featured in countless movies and shows. The faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, some of the most influential men that built this country’s history, stare down from the rock face.
Many visitors come to simply take in the site. However, there are other activities to do here. You can hike the Presidential Trail that hikers can travel to get different views of Mount Rushmore. Or visit the Sculptor’s Studio to learn all about the process of carving this enormous sculpture.
Location: Mount Rushmore, SD 57751, USA
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
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