America is filled with landmarks, and some of them are distinctly and uniquely American. They’re notable not just for their appearance or location but also because they represent something important about American culture or history. These landmarks serve as tangible pieces of the nation’s narrative, embodying the spirit, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped the United States.
Following are 15 such landmarks that are worth a visit on a future trip or all on their own. From iconic symbols of freedom and democracy to breathtaking natural wonders and feats of engineering, each site tells a part of the American story. Visiting these places offers a chance to step into the pages of history, understand the country’s diverse heritage, and witness the landmarks that have become synonymous with American identity.
1. The Statue of Liberty
Lady Liberty was a gift from France, and for a long time now, it has welcomed immigrants and visitors to America and New York City. It’s impressive even from afar, but the best way to appreciate this colossal statue is by a tour up close.
This emblem of freedom and democracy stands tall on Liberty Island, serving as a beacon of hope for millions. The statue’s crown and torch, accessible via a challenging stair climb, offer breathtaking views and a unique perspective on New York Harbor.
2. The Empire State Building
Another iconic sight in New York City is the Empire State Building. For a time, it was the tallest building in the world, and even today, it’s still one of the city’s most remarkable buildings.
A symbol of American ingenuity and ambition, this skyscraper offers panoramic views from its famous 86th and 102nd-floor observatories. The Art Deco masterpiece is a testament to the era’s architectural innovation and the city’s indomitable spirit.
3. Niagara Falls
Far upstate from New York City is one of the world’s most famous waterfalls. Even though many write off Niagara Falls as a tourist trap, it’s worth going at least once because the falls themselves truly are spectacular.
This natural wonder, straddling the border between the United States and Canada, offers awe-inspiring views and thrilling boat rides near the falls. Its immense power and beauty have made it a symbol of nature’s majesty and a must-visit destination.
4. The White House
Like New York, Washington, D.C. has an abundance of landmark buildings. The White House, home and office of the President of the United States, is one of the most significant. Within those walls, leaders have shaped world history ever since their construction.
As the official residence and workplace of the U.S. President, it’s a symbol of the nation’s government and its democratic ideals. Public tours reveal the building’s grandeur and its pivotal role in American history.
5. The Lincoln Memorial
President Abraham Lincoln led the nation through the Civil War, ended slavery, and strove to reunite the Union and Confederate states. Among the most moving sights at this memorial are the giant statue of Lincoln himself and the inscribed quotations from his second inaugural address and the Gettysburg Address.
This revered monument honors one of America’s most esteemed presidents and serves as a site for reflection and national unity. Its grand architecture and reflective pool create a solemn and inspiring atmosphere that draws visitors from around the world.
6. The Grand Canyon
Arizona is home to the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. The journey down into it and back up is very strenuous, but it’s easy to admire the canyon from the many overlooks along its rim, and most of them require just very short walks to reach.
This vast and colorful landscape offers a profound sense of scale and geological history, inviting exploration and adventure. Its immense size and unique geological formations make it a quintessential American landmark.
7. Monument Valley
Arizona and Utah share this iconic desert landscape, with the most famous formations being in the Utah section. Monument Valley has been featured in numerous movies, including some classic Westerns.
The stark red buttes and vast, open skies of Monument Valley embody the rugged essence of the American West. It’s a sacred land that tells stories of the Navajo Nation and the cinematic history of the Western genre.
8. The Hollywood Sign
Mount Lee in the Hollywood Hills is the site of the famous letters spelling out the moviemaking heart of the country. You can view the sign from a distance or get up close to it.
An international symbol of the entertainment industry, this iconic sign represents the dreams and aspirations of artists worldwide. Hiking trails in the surrounding area offer visitors a closer view and a taste of Hollywood history.
9. The Golden Gate Bridge
It’s easy to find pictures of this San Francisco “Wonder of the Modern World,” but as good as some may be, they don’t measure up to seeing this bridge in real life. Many just view and photograph it from a distance, but there’s also a pedestrian walkway that enables you to walk the entire span.
An engineering marvel and iconic structure, the bridge is a testament to human ingenuity and resilience. Its majestic presence and striking color against the backdrop of the San Francisco Bay make it a beloved American icon.
10. The Gateway Arch
The world’s tallest arch, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, symbolizes the country’s westward expansion. As of this writing, the arch and its grounds are now our country’s newest national park.
This monument to westward expansion reflects the pioneering spirit and challenges faced by early American explorers and settlers. The Arch’s museum and tram ride to the top provides historical insights and stunning city views.
11. The Space Needle
Seattle, Washington has a reputation for innovation and being forward-thinking, and the Space Needle is a testament to that. It was built for the 1962 World’s Fair and stands nearly 500’ tall.
An enduring symbol of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, the Space Needle captures the spirit of innovation and offers unparalleled views of the city and surrounding natural beauty from its observation deck.
12. EPCOT
Walt Disney World (Orlando, FL—Disneyland is the one in California) contains four major parks, with EPCOT being one of them. It celebrates global cultures and has rides, an aquarium, international-themed restaurants, and more.
EPCOT, with its celebration of human achievement and international cultures, embodies Walt Disney’s vision of a utopian future. The park’s blend of educational exhibits and cultural experiences makes it a unique and inspiring American destination.
13. Mount Rushmore
The Black Hills of South Dakota is where you’ll find this famous American landmark. It’s a granite mountainside with the faces of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt carved into it.
This monumental sculpture immortalizes four U.S. presidents who represent the nation’s birth, growth, development, and preservation. The site also offers insights into the monumental effort and artistry behind its creation.
14. The Alamo
“Remember the Alamo!” was the battle cry as Texan revolutionaries charged the Mexican army at the Plain of San Jacinto. The Alamo itself was a Spanish mission in San Antonio that Texans holed up in to fend off a siege by the Mexicans. They lost, and there were no survivors.
The Alamo is a shrine to Texas independence, where the battle’s legacy continues to inspire freedom and sacrifice. The historic site, now a museum, offers a deep dive into the pivotal events and figures of the Texas Revolution.
15. Hoover Dam
Located on the border between Arizona and Nevada, Hoover Dam is an emblem of American resolve and engineering prowess. Built during the Great Depression, it not only created thousands of jobs but also now controls the mighty Colorado River, providing essential water and power to the Southwest. A tour of the dam offers insights into its monumental construction and lasting impact on the region.
No Passport, No Problem: You Don’t Need One to Vacation in These Countries
If you’re an American citizen traveling out of the country, you have to have a passport to be allowed into somewhere else, right? While that’s mostly true, there are some exceptions. Some are independent countries, while others are U.S. territories that largely operate independently.
Note: Before you visit any of these places, make sure you look into what the entry requirements are. For example, you may need an enhanced ID or proof of certain vaccinations.
No Passport, No Problem: You Don’t Need One to Vacation in These Countries
15 Fascinating Facts About Famous Landmarks Hardly Anyone Knows
There are countless iconic landmarks that dot the globe, each with its own unique story and significance. However, even the most famous of these landmarks harbor secrets and fascinating facts that are often overlooked. These 15 fascinating facts remind us that there’s always more to discover about the world’s most famous landmarks, no matter how well-known they may seem.
This article was produced by Our Woven Journey. Featured
Robert Sihler is an educator, freelance writer, and rock climbing guide and instructor living with his family in Driftwood, Texas. In his spare time, he enjoys reading fiction, streaming films, completing crossword puzzles, and rock climbing. When he goes on vacation, he likes to visit the mountains of the West and climb remote, obscure peaks that have seen few or no prior ascents.