The US is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks; millions from across the globe trek thousands of miles to see them! There are too many to mention, but here are 19 classic American landmarks everyone should see at least once!
Hollywood Sign
You know you’re in Tinseltown when you see the Hollywood Sign! This historic landmark, which is on Mount Lee, overlooks Los Angeles and is a cultural icon. According to Smithsonian Magazine, it was originally constructed to advertise an upcoming housing development but has since become a tourist attraction.
The Statue of Liberty
There is no landmark more ‘New York’ than Lady Liberty. Nestled on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and hope. Visible from Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Jersey City, you can catch a boat tour to get a closer look at this iconic copper statue.
Empire State Building
With New York renowned as the Empire State, you can’t visit NYC without seeing the Empire State Building! This Art Deco skyscraper has graced the skyline of The Big Apple for almost a century and is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the US.
Times Square
Regarded as the central hub of New York City, Times Square is another must-see landmark in the city that never sleeps. As the largest commercial intersection on the planet, Times Square is said to be so bright that you can see it from outer space!
Central Park
Another classic New York landmark is Central Park. At half a mile wide and 2.5 miles long, there is so much to see in this iconic park. It’s home to a zoo, an art gallery, 21 playgrounds, and much more, so hire a bike and get exploring!
9/11 Memorial
A visit to the 9/11 Memorial is one of the most tragic albeit moving experiences in America. Remembering the events and lives lost in the World Trade Center attacks, the memorial features the two largest manmade waterfalls in the US in the footprints of the Twin Towers.
Space Needle
Seattle’s iconic Space Needle is the most prominent part of the city skyline. Seattle.gov explains that it was designed for the 1962 World’s Fair and the visual highlight before becoming a Seattle landmark. From its observation deck, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the city, and it features the world’s first rotating glass floor.
Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is a tribute to the 16th President of the United States in the heart of Washington, D.C., and is hugely important to US history. Considered to be the most influential American president, Abraham Lincoln’s huge statue leaves visitors in awe, and two of his famous speeches engrave the walls.
The White House
As the home of US politics, The White House is a must-visit in Washington, DC. Welcoming around 6,000 visitors every day, tourists flock to The White House to catch a glimpse of US history and maybe even the US President. If you’re into politics and history, don’t miss it!
Mount Rushmore
Featuring the heads of the four most influential founding fathers, Mount Rushmore is a testament to US history, heritage, and politics. At 60 feet tall, the US Presidents make up one of the world’s largest sculptures. Carved into a granite mountain face in South Dakota, it truly is a marvel of hard-working Americans.
Golden Gate Bridge
Considered the world’s most famous bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge is a classic symbol of San Francisco. With its unique red hue, the bridge attracts more than ten million visitors every year. Whether you walk across, cycle it, or just admire it from the waterfront, the Golden Gate Bridge is a must-see.
Niagara Falls
Straddling the border of the US and Canada, Niagara Falls strikes awe in all who visit. The three waterfalls make up one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. Best of all, you can take a quick look over Canada’s border while you visit it!
Alcatraz
Just off the coast of San Francisco, Alcatraz Island is a former maximum-security prison that’s now one of the biggest American landmarks. The FBI says it was the world’s most secure prison until it shut down in 1963 due to operating expenses. However, visitors can still explore this prominent part of US history.
Grand Canyon
While it’s only the second-most visited national park in the US, the Grand Canyon is the most famous globally. Boasting phenomenal scenery that will take your breath away, the Grand Canyon is a geological phenomenon in Arizona, with the deepest part over a mile deep! It’s well worth a visit.
Gateway Arch
Located in St. Louis, the Gateway Arch is a symbol of national identity. At 630 feet, it’s the tallest monument in the US and commemorates America’s westward expansion. The monument and the national park in which it resides were inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s vision for Missouri to be the ‘Gateway to the West.’
Keys View
Joshua Tree National Park is home to some of the most unique and captivating scenery in the US; the desert landscape is overflowing with natural beauty. The scenic point of Keys View is the best place to take in the true wonder of the park and is a leading California landmark.
Millenium Park
Chicago’s iconic Millenium Park is most recognized by its iconic Cloud Gate statue, known as The Bean. It’s home to state-of-the-art architecture and phenomenal design, making the park a huge outdoor work of art. The park is easily one of the most peaceful places in the city, one that everyone should visit once.
Route 66
Route 66 is a huge part of America’s history; passing through some of the best and most remarkable cities, it’s a road trip that motorheads and tourists alike should embark on. It’s the essence of the American spirit, and you’ll pass through so many cool places on your journey.
Disneyland
How could this list be complete without Disneyland!? As the original Disney theme park, Disneyland Anaheim is a nostalgic US landmark that every tourist should visit. The Orange County Register boasts that many corners of the park are on the California Register of Historic Places, so you can enjoy Disney characters and rides while also observing history.
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