20 Legendary US Landmarks That Show Off the Best of America

You probably already know some of these famous American landmarks, like the Statue of Liberty and the Golden Gate Bridge. But how many of these have you actually visited?

I’ve traipsed through 40 states, ticking off many of the biggies. Yet, two on this list, Mount Rushmore and the Kennedy Space Center, have still evaded my grasp.

Let’s take a trip through some of America’s most well-known places and see how many you have already checked off your travel bucket list. Otherwise, it may just be an excuse to plan that next road trip!

1. Statue of Liberty, New York

Lady Liberty is an American icon and symbol of freedom. Gifted by France in 1886, she stands proudly in New York Harbor, still welcoming visitors to US soil.

Bet you didn’t know she’s made of copper and used to be the same color as a penny. Over time, she got her green patina due to oxidation.

Climb the 354 steps to her crown, and you’ll get a workout and a view. Otherwise, hop on the Staten Island Ferry for free!

2. Grand Canyon, Arizona

Stretching 277 miles long, the Grand Canyon has been carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. Standing at the edge will either make you feel incredibly small or like you’re on top of the world.

The colors change throughout the day, giving you a different view every hour. If you’re adventurous, try the Skywalk, a glass bridge that lets you walk 70 feet out over the West Rim canyon. For the adventurous, hike one of the toughest hikes in America from the north to the south rim.

3. White House, Washington DC.

Home to every US president since John Adams, the White House is as iconic as it gets. With 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and a bowling alley, it’s had many renovations, including Teddy Roosevelt adding the West Wing.

Free public tours are available but must be requested through a Member of Congress. On the day of, be prepared for strict security measures and bring your documentation.

4. Golden Gate Bridge, California

This striking red-orange suspension bridge is San Francisco’s pride and joy. Spanning 1.7 miles, it connects the city to Marin County. Despite its name, it’s not actually golden; it’s painted a color called “International Orange.”

Built during the Great Depression and completed in 1937, it was the longest and tallest suspension bridge at the time. On foggy days (which is most days), it looks like it’s floating in the clouds.

Biking across is a popular activity, but beware of the wind. The bridge has been featured in countless movies.

5. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

Mount Rushmore is where four US presidents, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, are immortalized in stone.

Sculptor Gutzon Borglum started carving it into the Black Hills of beautiful South Dakota in 1927, and it took 14 years to complete. Each head is about 60 feet tall, roughly the height of a six-story building.

6. Empire State Building, New York

Once the tallest building in the world, the Empire State Building is a New York City icon. Completed in 1931, it stands 1,454 feet tall, including its antenna. The Art Deco design is as charming as it gets, and the view from the 86th-floor observatory is something else.

King Kong made it famous, but it’s the millions of visitors each year that keep it legendary. The building lights up in different colors to celebrate various events and holidays.

Taking the elevator up is like a mini adventure if you don’t mind waiting two hours in line to get up there.

7. Times Square, New York

If New York City had a heartbeat, it would be Times Square. Neon lights, gigantic billboards, and a vibe that screams “the city that never sleeps” make it unforgettable.

Known as the “Crossroads of the World,” it’s where the New Year’s Eve ball drop happens. Street performers, costumed characters, and the TKTS booth for discounted Broadway tickets are always vying for your attention.

The sheer energy of Times Square can be overwhelming but exhilarating, and unless it’s 3am, it’s always crowded.

8. Hollywood Sign, California

Perched on the hills of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Sign is synonymous with the entertainment industry.

Originally reading “Hollywoodland,” it was an advertisement for a real estate development in 1923. The “land” part was dropped in 1949, and it became the symbol of showbiz dreams.

Hiking up to the sign gives you a fantastic view of LA. It’s been restored several times, most recently in 1978, with the help of celebrities like Hugh Hefner. The sign’s 45-foot tall letters are more imposing up close than you’d think.

9. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone is the granddaddy of national parks, established in 1872 as the first in America and the world. It’s a geothermal wonderland with iconic national park landmarks like Old Faithful and colorful hot springs. The park spans three states, but most of it is in Wyoming.

Herds of wildlife regularly block traffic or can be seen grazing almost too close for comfort next to bubbling mud volcanos and steam vents.

10. Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC.

Abraham Lincoln sits majestically in his chair, overseeing the National Mall. In 1922, the Lincoln Memorial was built as a tribute to the 16th president.

Henry Bacon’s design resembles a Greek Doric temple and features Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address inscribed on the walls. The statue itself is 19 feet tall and made of Georgia white marble. In front, there’s the Reflecting Pool that looks to the Washington Monument.

It’s been the site of many historic events, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

11. Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls isn’t just one thundering waterfall; it’s three: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. It’s a natural wonder that straddles the U.S.-Canada border. Over 3,000 tons of water rumble over the falls every second.

The Maid of the Mist boat tour gets you right up to the spraying mist and the roaring water. At night, the falls are illuminated in vibrant colors.

12. Hoover Dam, Nevada

Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel in Nevada that holds back the mighty Colorado River that creates Lake Mead. Completed in 1936 during the Great Depression, it provided much-needed jobs and electricity.

The dam straddles the Nevada-Arizona border, so you can literally stand in two states at once. It’s 726 feet tall and 1,244 feet long. The dam generates enough electricity to serve over a million people.

It’s free to walk around, but paid guided tours will take you into the exterior and along the top of the dam.

13. Liberty Bell, Pennsylvania

The Liberty Bell may be just a cracked piece of metal sitting in the Pennsylvania capital, but this bell is a symbol of American independence.

It originally hung in the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia but has since been moved to Liberty Bell Center.

The bell cracked on its first ring in 1752 and was recast twice. It’s inscribed with the words “Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof.” The crack, which appeared in the early 19th century, has not been repaired.

14. Space Needle, Washington

The Seattle skyline wouldn’t be the same without the futuristic-looking Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it stands 605 feet tall.

At the top, there’s a revolving restaurant with 360-degree views of the city. The elevator ride takes a mere 41 seconds, and the glass floor will either thrill or terrify you.

Designed to withstand earthquakes and winds up to 200 miles per hour, this needle isn’t going anywhere.

15. Gateway Arch, Missouri

At 630 feet, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis is the tallest man-made monument in the US. Completed in 1965, it commemorates the westward expansion of the United States. Architect Eero Saarinen designed it to be made of stainless steel that gleams in the sun.

You can take the tram ride that acsends to the top. Once up there, the view of the Mississippi River and the cityscape is worth the claustrophobic trip.

16. French Quarter, Louisiana

No celebration in America beats the Mardi Gras in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Even without the parades and trading for beads, its vibrant nightlife and trumpeting jazz music are daily happenings in its historic buildings.

Founded in 1718, it’s the oldest neighborhood in the city, full of narrow, cobblestone streets and wrought-iron balconies. Bourbon Street is the heart of the action, famous for its bars, live music, and, let’s be honest, some wild partying.

17. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park is a nature masterpiece of bare granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias.

You’ll find many fearless climbers trying to get the highly coveted permit to hike Half Dome or El Capitan to scale these giants. Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, and the mist trail to Vernal Falls is a must-do hike.

18. Las Vegas Strip, Nevada

The Las Vegas Strip is where the neon lights shine bright, and the party never stops. Stretching 4.2 miles, it’s home to some of the world’s most famous casinos and hotels.

From the Bellagio’s dancing fountains to the replica of the Eiffel Tower, you can hop from the skyline of NYC to the Luxor pyramids.

The Strip is a playground for adults. No judgment if you want to gamble everything away in high-stakes poker or get married by an Elvis impersonator. The nightlife here is legendary, with clubs and bars that stay open until sunrise.

19. Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

Pearl Harbor marks the site of the infamous 1941 attack that led the US into World War II.

Located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, it’s now home to the USS Arizona Memorial, which sits above the sunken battleship. The memorial is a somber place that honors the 1,177 crew members who lost their lives.

Visitors can take a boat tour to the memorial and explore the onshore museums, just a short drive from Hawaii’s other stunning sites.

20. Kennedy Space Center, Florida

Ever wondered where rockets blast off? Florida is the place.

Located on Merritt Island, Kennedy Space Center is NASA’s launch headquarters. Since 1968, NASA has launched all its manned space missions here, including the iconic Apollo 11 mission that put the first man on the moon.

You can tour launch sites, see real-life rockets and spaceships, and even meet an astronaut. The center showcases humanity’s greatest achievements in space exploration.

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✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.