Published: November 14, 2024
The United States is full of stunning landscapes and rich history, as seen in the diversity of its American landmarks. These landmarks reflect the nation's spirit, from awe-inspiring natural wonders to monuments recognizing historical figures and achievements.
In this post, we’ll explore 25 of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S. that are worth a visit at least once in your lifetime. Get ready to discover the vast beauty of the United States.
The expansive region of the American West is home to some of the country's most iconic landmarks and attractions. From staggering mountains and rugged coastlines to sprawling deserts and U.S. national parks, the West offers plenty in the way of breathtaking landscapes and scenes.
Location: San Francisco, California
Must-see feature: Don’t miss the stunning view from the south vista point, where you can witness the bridge’s intricate design and panoramic views of the city skyline, Alcatraz Island and the Pacific Ocean.
A quintessential symbol of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in the USA. This suspension bridge spans the Golden Gate Strait, connecting the city to Marin County. Considered one of the most beautiful bridges in the world, its vibrant orange color and graceful arch make for a stunning sight day or night.
Location: Los Angeles, California
Must-see feature: Head to Griffith Observatory for the best views of the Hollywood Sign. Here, you’ll find 360 views of the city and the sign. Or, hike to Griffith Park Trails Cafe for a scenic picnic and views of the sign and the surrounding hills.
Nestled on top of Mount Lee in Griffith Park, the Hollywood Sign is a staple landmark of Los Angeles and the entertainment industry. It was originally erected in 1923 as a real estate advertisement — and the sign has since become a global icon recognized across the world. While the sign itself is off-limits to the public, plenty of viewpoints and LA hiking trails offer picture-perfect views of the landmark.
Location: Seattle, Washington
Must-see feature: The main highlight of the Space Needle is the observation deck, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of Seattle and the surrounding area. For an elevated experience, dine at the Space Needle’s SkyCity restaurant for stunning views of the city lights at night.
The Space Needle is a towering American landmark symbolizing Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair, this futuristic-looking observation tower offers panoramic views of the city, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. With its saucer-shaped observation deck and slender spire, the distinctive design of the Space Needle has become a standout feature of the Seattle skyline.
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Must-see feature: Visit the USS Arizona Memorial or the USS Missouri Memorial, which serve as a reminder of the end of World War II.
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a tribute to the lives lost in the attack on December 7, 1941. This historic site includes the USS Arizona Memorial, which rests over the sunken battleship, and the USS Missouri Memorial, where the Japanese surrender was signed. In this solemn but important American landmark, visitors can learn about the events of the historic day through exhibits, films and guided tours.
Location: Springdale, Utah
Must-see feature: For the more adventurous, check out Angels Landing, a challenging but rewarding hike that leads to a breathtaking summit overlooking the canyon. For something more leisurely, hike to the Emerald Pools and witness waterfalls and serene blue water.
Zion National Park is a natural wonderland known for its staggering sandstone cliffs, vibrant red rock formations and beautiful landscapes. The park’s Zion Canyon, which was carved by the Virgin River, offers a spectacle of rich colors. You can explore the trails in the park that range from easy strolls to more challenging climbs.
Location: Yosemite Village, California
Must-see feature: Don’t miss Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America. Hike to the base of the falls or take a shuttle to the top for stunning views.
Yosemite National Park is known for its towering granite cliffs, gushing waterfalls and ancient sequoia groves. The park’s famous Valley, framed by Half Dome and El Capitan, offers a breathtaking site. Yosemite has numerous hiking trails for those seeking an adventure travel destination and is the perfect place to camp under a starry sky.
In the Southwest, you can expect to find a region of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From towering mountains and arid deserts to ancient ruins and vibrant cities, the Southwest has much to offer.
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Must-see feature: The Alamo offers guided tours to teach you about the Battle of the Alamo and help bring the exhibits to life.
The Alamo is a historic fortress located in San Antonio, Texas, known for the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. This pivotal event in Texas history saw Texan and Tejano defenders fight against the Mexican army for Texans’ independence and ultimately led to the creation of the Republic of Texas. Today, the Alamo is a popular tourist site and a strong symbol of Texas’s history and spirit. For a destination off the beaten path in San Antonio, be sure to make a stop at this historic site.
Location: Navajo County, Arizona
Must-see feature: Stop at Painted Desert, an expanse of colorful hills and valleys formed by volcanic ash and sediments. For impressive examples of petrified wood, don’t miss Crystal Forest.
The fascinating landscape of Petrified Forest National Park is a U.S. landmark where ancient trees, turned to stone over millions of years, lie scattered across the desert floor. The park is filled with colorful petrified wood formations, ranging from small pieces to massive logs, and serves as a testament to the region’s prehistoric past. Explore the park’s hiking trails and take in the beauty of the ancient treasures this park has to offer.
Location: Navajo Nation, Arizona and Utah state line
Must-see feature: John Ford Point is a scenic overlook offering views of the valley’s stunning formations.
Monument Valley perfectly captures the spirit of the American Southwest, known for its towering sandstone buttes and mesas. This region’s scenery has been featured in countless movies and television shows, so you may already recognize it. Explore the valley’s scenic roads, hike its many trails and experience the beauty of the desert landscape.
Location: Boulder City, Nevada (near the border of Arizona)
Must-see feature: Check out the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, a soaring concrete arch bridge that spans the canyon above the dam and connects Arizona to Nevada.
The Hoover Dam is an engineering wonder that spans the Colorado River on the border of Arizona and Nevada. This massive concrete arch dam is one of the largest in the world and serves to provide flood control, hydroelectric power and a steady water supply to millions of people in the Southwest. If you visit, you can tour the dam’s interior and learn more about its construction.
Often overlooked by travelers seeking more exotic destinations, the Midwest is a hidden gem brimming with stunning natural wonders and historic landmarks. Stretching from the Great Lakes to the plains, this region offers diverse landscapes and a welcoming spirit.
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Must-see feature: One of the highlights of the Gateway Arch is the tram ride to the top. Enjoy stunning views as you rise to the arch’s interior, and take in the city from up high once you reach the top.
The Gateway Arch is a renowned symbol of St. Louis, representing the western expansion of the United States. This stainless steel arch is the tallest man-made monument in the West, standing as a tribute to the pioneers who ventured across the Mississippi River. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the arch for sweeping views of the city and the Mississippi River.
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Must-see feature: For the truly adventurous, check out The Ledge in the Skydeck Chicago: a glass-bottomed balcony that extends outward from the building, where a mere 1.5” of glass separates you and the 103 floors below you.
Formerly known as the Sears Tower, the Willis Tower is an iconic skyscraper that dominates the Chicago skyline. The towering structure offers incredible views of the city and sparkling Lake Michigan. If you visit, you can take the Skydeck Chicago, the highest observation deck in the West, which offers views of the city from 1,353 feet above the ground.
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Must-see feature: Lie beneath the Bean and look up at the sky for a mesmerizing view of colors and shapes.
Affectionately known as “the Bean” to locals and tourists alike, Cloud Gate is a striking metallic sculpture in Millennium Park, Chicago. Standing at 33 feet tall, this reflective, bean-shaped structure is made of stainless steel and gives off a distorted reflection of the surrounding buildings and sky. You’ll find people around and beneath the sculpture snapping unique photos if you visit.
Location: Keystone, South Dakota
Must-see feature: When visiting the sculpture, walk along the Presidential Trail, which provides close-up views of the presidents’ faces and information about their lives and accomplishments.
Perhaps one of the most recognizable landmarks in the U.S., Mount Rushmore National Memorial displays the faces of four former U.S. presidents carved into granite: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. The majestic memorial is a symbol of American freedom and democracy and offers a nod to the country’s history.
Location: Black Hawk, South Dakota
Must-see feature: During your visit, you can also check out the Indian Museum of North America, which exhibits artifacts and artwork from various Native American tribes.
Another sculpture located in South Dakota is the Crazy Horse Memorial, which is still in progress since construction began in 1948. This massive sculpture aims to be the largest mountain carving in the world, surpassing even Mount Rushmore. The memorial is a tribute to the Lakota people — specifically the Lakota warrior Crazy Horse — and Native American culture.
Location: Multiple cities and towns across the United States
Must-see feature: Stop through Seligman, a town along Route 66 in Western Arizona that’s home to many classic Route 66 motels, stores and landmarks — like Snow Cap Drive-In and Black Cat Bar.
Often referred to as the “Mother Road,” Route 66 is a historic highway stretching across the United States from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. Countless songs, movies and books have paid tribute to the iconic road, representing a spirit of American adventure and exploration. While Route 66 is no longer a single continuous highway, many sections have been preserved and are now popular tourist destinations on southwest road trips.
The Southeast is filled with everything from hills and mountains to beaches and wetlands. With coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, there’s no shortage of natural beauty in the Southeast. From the Appalachian Mountains to the Gulf Coast, the Southeast offers a diverse range of landscapes and experiences, plus some excellent landmarks to marvel at along the way.
Location: Tennessee and North Carolina
Must-see feature: Take a scenic drive along the Cades Cove Loop Roop, an 11-mile loop with mountain views and chances to spot wildlife like black bears and wild turkeys.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park isn’t just a famous U.S. landmark but a world-renowned national park. Straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, it’s known for its awe-inspiring mountains, lush forests and diverse wildlife. The park's Great Smokies are the highest mountain range in the eastern U.S. Here, you can explore the many hiking trails, camp on the campgrounds and immerse yourself in the Appalachian wilderness.
Location: Orlando, Florida
Must-see feature: If you have to choose just one destination in Disney World, make it Magic Kingdom Park, the heart of the resort and one of the most popular parks there. Here, you’ll find long-loved attractions like Cinderella Castle, the Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain.
Walt Disney World takes amusement parks to another level, bringing the world of Disney to life. More than just a theme park, this sprawling resort complex in Orlando, Florida, features four theme parks, two water park and an array of hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues. From exciting rides to live-action shows and musicals, Walt Disney World promises something for everyone.
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Must-see feature: In addition to attending a live Grand Ole Opry show, take part in a guided backstage tour showcasing the history of country music.
Country music lovers, rejoice: the Grand Ole Opry is a legendary country music radio show that’s been on air since 1925. It features live performances from everyone from country legends to rising stars and is the longest-running radio broadcast in the United States. This famous Nashville landmark is held at the historic Grand Ole Opry House in Tennessee, where artists like Elvis Presely, Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton have performed.
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Must-see feature: Take a ferry to the island to tour the fort’s ruins and the events that led to the Civil War. You’ll also see stunning views of the Charleston Harbor from the fort.
For history buffs, this USA landmark is a must-see. Fort Sumter is a historic island fortress located in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, and is known as the site of the first shots of the American Civil War. The Confederate army attacked and captured the fort in 1861, leading to the outbreak of the Civil War. Now, Fort Sumter remains a popular tourist site and a reminder of the nation’s history.
Home to many of America's largest metropolitan areas like New York City and Boston, the Northeast is the most densely populated region in the U.S. From bustling city streets to quaint New England villages, there’s much to explore among the New England and Mid-Atlantic states that reside here.
Location: New York City, New York
Must-see feature: The crown of the Statue of Liberty is a must-see attraction, offering views of the city skyline and surrounding harbor. You’ll have to climb a narrow staircase with 215 steps to reach it, but the effort is well worth it.
An iconic symbol of freedom and democracy recognizable around the world, the Statue of Liberty stands tall on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. The giant copper statue was a gift from France to the United States and now welcomes countless visitors from across the globe every year. Visitors can take a ferry to Liberty Island and climb to the crown of the statue for sweeping views of the surrounding city.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Must-see feature: An Independence Hall tour takes you through thievery rooms where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. You can also see the Liberty Bell housed in a nearby visitor center, both are top attractions in Philadelphia.
Independence Hall is a historic building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed. A renowned landmark, it represents American democracy and the birth of the nation. Visitors can tour the hall and even see the original documents that have been preserved for 247 years since 1776.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Must-see feature: History buffs will appreciate a guided tour of the White House grounds, which includes the South Lawn, Rose Garden and the Oval Office.
Perhaps the most widely recognizable American landmark on this list, the White House is where the President of the United States and their family officially live and work. Built in 1792, the historic mansion has been the home of every U.S. president since John Adams became president in 1797. Given it’s where the President resides, the White House itself isn’t open to the public, but visitors are welcome to take a guided tour of the grounds and learn more about the history and architecture of this historic landmark.
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Must-see feature: One of the most popular sites along the Freedom Trail includes the Boston Tea Party Ship, where visitors can see a reenactment of the famous tea party.
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile trail connecting 16 historic sites in Boston, telling the story of the American Revolution. The trail winds through some of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods, such as North End, Charlestown and Downtown, and includes sites like Massachusetts State House and the Benjamin Franklin Statue. On the self-guided trail, visitors can witness historical landmarks like the Boston Tea Party Ship, Faneuil Hall and the Bunker Hill Monument. If you’re looking for memorable things to do in Boston, make sure this is on your list.
Location: Niagara Falls, New York (U.S.) and Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada)
Must-see feature: Check out the Cave of the Winds, a walkway that takes you behind the American Falls, for a unique perspective of Niagara Falls.
Nature enthusiasts will surely appreciate the natural wonder of Niagara Falls, the breathtaking waterfall straddling the U.S. and Canadian border. It actually consists of three falls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. If you’re wondering what to do in Niagara Falls, there’s much to be discovered: It’s a popular tourist destination filled with exciting boat tours and attractions along the site that can bring the landmark to life.
From the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the warm beaches of the Atlantic coast, the United States is home to an array of incredible American landmarks. Whether you’re seeking adventure, stunning scenery or a deep dive into America’s history, there’s something for everyone. Book your trip with AAA Travel to simplify travel logistics and find the best deals on flights and hotels so you can start enjoying your trip sooner.
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