The United States is 3.79 million square miles in size and home to over 333 million people from all walks of life. It also has an impressive number of natural wonders and historical landmarks that are iconic symbols of the country’s wilderness, culture, and history. Let’s take a look at 17 all-American sites that you simply must visit at least once, especially if you live in the U.S.!
The Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
This colossal canyon was carved out by the Colorado River over a period of 6 million years and stretches for 277 miles. At some points, it is over 18 miles wide and attains a depth of over a mile! The brightly colored rock layers, formed from millions of years of sediment deposits, provide a beautiful backdrop to hiking trails and tours with breathtaking views.
Statue of Liberty, New York
According to the NPS, Lady Liberty was a gift from France to the U.S. in 1886 to commemorate independence from the British. The 305-foot-tall copper statue has since come to symbolize freedom and acted as a welcome beacon to immigrants arriving by boat from Europe during the 19th century. It can be visited by taking a ferry across New York Harbor to Liberty Island.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, Yellowstone is a geothermal wonder with over 10,000 hydrothermal features. The most famous is the aptly named Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts every 44 to 125 minutes without fail. The park is also home to a great diversity of spectacular wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk.
The National Mall, Washington, D.C.
This expansive 2-mile park is like a journey through American governmental history. It includes important historical monuments like the solemn Lincoln Memorial, a tribute to the 16th president, and the Washington Monument, an obelisk honoring the nation’s Founding Father. There are also many Smithsonian museums housing fascinating artifacts and exhibits.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite’s granite cliffs are home to the world’s tallest waterfall, Yosemite Falls (2,425 ft), and some ancient giant sequoia trees that scientists believe to be over 3,000 years old! The landscape’s ancient natural beauty is awe-inspiring, and you can fully appreciate it at panoramic viewpoints or get active and hike the Half Dome or Glacier Point trails.
Golden Gate Bridge, California
This orange bridge spans the Golden Gate strait, connecting San Francisco to Marin County. Britannica says it was the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world when it was first built in 1937. It may have lost its title more recently, but it’s still an impressive feat of human engineering. You can walk or bike across it for some stunning views or take a ferry ride underneath.
Niagara Falls, New York
Straddling the U.S.-Canada border, Niagara Falls is the collective name for three separate waterfalls—Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side, American Falls on the U.S. side, and Bridal Veil Falls separating the two. Together, they create a majestic spectacle of powerful, cascading water with a combined flow rate exceeding 6 million cubic feet per minute!
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
Sculptor Gutzon Borglum spent 14 years carving the faces of presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln into the granite face of Mount Rushmore. When he finally finished in 1941, it became a memorial commemorating these influential leaders. We recommend hiking the Presidential Trail and attending a nighttime lighting ceremony.
The White House, Washington, D.C.
This neoclassical mansion has served as the official residence of every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800, making it perhaps the most important government landmark in the U.S. You can take a public tour around the classically decorated, opulent rooms and learn about the building’s influential history. We also recommend viewing the grounds, which have beautiful gardens and walking paths.
Empire State Building, New York
ESBNYC calls this 1,250-foot skyscraper the most iconic building in the Manhattan skyline. It was the tallest building in New York City from its completion in 1931 until the World Trade Center towers were constructed in the 1970s. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views from the observation decks, which have been featured in countless movies and television shows.
Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles
Perched on the hills overlooking Los Angeles, the Hollywood sign is an iconic symbol of the American film industry, recognized the world over. Originally erected in 1923 to advertise a housing development called “Hollywoodland,” the sign has since become associated with the glitz and glamor of moviemaking. Surprisingly, there are some lovely hiking trails nearby, offering unique viewpoints.
Times Square, New York
If you don’t mind crowds and busy places, immerse yourself in the dazzling lights and constant buzz of Times Square. Nicknamed “The Crossroads of the World,” this intersection is dominated by jumbo screens, flashing billboards, Broadway theaters, street performers, and a constant stream of people. Catch a show, go shopping, or simply soak up the energetic vibe!
The French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans has a colorful and fascinating colonial history, which can be explored and experienced in its French Quarter. Everything here has a French or French-Caribbean influence, including the wrought-iron balconies lining narrow European-style streets and the jazz music coming from open bars. We also recommend trying some local, Creole-inspired cuisine.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and offers amazing views from its dramatically steep cliffs and glacier-carved bays, as well as pink granite sand beaches to explore. The rugged beauty is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, and you can find all sorts of activities on offer, including hiking trails, kayaking, and wildlife spotting.
The Space Needle, Seattle, Washington
According to Seattle Attractions, you can “experience a 360° view of Seattle, including the Cascade and Olympic mountains, at the Seattle Space Needle.” This tall, futuristic Seattle landmark was built for the 1962 World State Fair and remains a popular viewpoint for visitors. Enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline, or challenge yourself to climb the stairs without stopping!
The Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Florida
This scientific landmark is one of the most important locations for space exploration in the world. It played a crucial role in putting the first man on the moon and in many other accomplishments. You can tour launch facilities, witness rockets standing on launchpads, and learn about America’s sole role in space travel and the physical science behind it all.
The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas
The Alamo is one of the most famous historical battles involving outnumbered armies. It is a former Spanish mission that became a pivotal battleground in the Texas Revolution. During the Siege of the Alamo, approximately 2,200 Mexican troops won a victory against no more than 260 Texan defenders, who showed immense courage and resilience against such odds!
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