America is the land of bigger and better, and these US landmarks take that idea to the max. Whether you’re looking for Mother Earth’s most iconic creations or want to witness humankind’s incredible ingenuity, these spots must be added to any travel itinerary.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
It is often said that pictures don’t do a place justice, and there is no place where that is more true than the Grand Canyon. Until you see it up close and in person, it is impossible to grasp the scale of this breathtaking natural wonder.
Statue of Liberty, New York
The Statue of Liberty looks out over New York Harbor and is known as the Gateway to America. This iconic statue defines the American dream and is a must-visit for anyone passing through New York City.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park was America’s first national park and remains, to this day, one of the most iconic in our incredible National Park system. Where else can you see jaw-dropping geysers, wildlife that feel like they stepped out of a movie, and natural landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see?
Golden Gate Bridge, California
This iconic red (not golden) bridge spans the entrance to the San Francisco Bay and connects the Marin Headlands to San Francisco. It offers wide pedestrian walkways, so you can walk or bike the entire length of the bridge and take in the breathtaking views of downtown San Francisco, Alcatraz Island, and the Pacific Ocean.
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Odds are you have seen countless photos of Mount Rushmore. It is when you see the monument in person, though, that you can truly appreciate the effort it took to transform a mountainside into the monument it is today. Designed by artist Gutzon Borglum, the monument includes the faces of Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson, who represent some of the most important events in this country’s history.
Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls, located on the border of Ontario, Canada, and New York, is a breathtaking natural wonder known for its awe-inspiring beauty and sheer power. The falls consist of three distinct sections: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, with millions of gallons of water passing over the falls every minute. Visitors can enjoy the views from above the falls or get an up-close look (and a free shower!) from one of the many tour boats that will take you to the base of the falls.
Redwood Trees, California
Redwood National Park and the nearby Redwood State Park are home to the tallest trees in the world. These parks have miles of trails that will take you through the homes of these living giants and give you an appreciation for the unique habitats both on the forest floor and within the tree canopies themselves.
Everglades National Park, Florida
The Everglades are known not for their impressive mountains or deep canyons but for the biodiversity within this massive swamp. This subtropical wilderness is the largest in the country and is home to creatures such as the manatee, Florida panther, and American crocodile.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park is home to Denali, the tallest peak in North America. This expansive park is also an incredible place to view wildlife, such as brown bears, wolves, moose, foxes, and caribou. With only a single road for entering and exiting the park, you are certain to get a wilderness experience you’ll always remember!
Empire State Building, New York
The Empire State Building is perhaps the most well-known skyscraper in the United States. This 103-story building has been front and center in the New York City skyline since 1931. A trip to the lookout deck on the 83rd floor affords incredible views of The City that Never Sleeps.
Gateway Arch, Missouri
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, is the tallest man-made monument in the United States and one of the most popular attractions along the iconic Route 66 highway. At 630 feet tall, the arch houses a gondola that whisks visitors to the top, where they can gaze out over the start of the American West.
Hoover Dam, Nevada/Arizona
The Hoover Dam is one of the most impressive engineering marvels of the 20th century. When it was completed in 1935, it was the largest dam in the world. Standing on top of the dam and looking down its sides, you can only imagine the difficulties workers experienced in the 1930s while constructing this incredible structure.
Space Needle, Washington
The Space Needle was built for the 1962 World’s Fair and still stands today as the most iconic building in the Pacific Northwest. No picture of the Seattle skyline is complete without the Space Needle standing tall over the city. A trip to the top of the Needle is a must for any visitor to the Emerald City, as you’ll get expansive views of the city, mountain ranges to the east and west, and Puget Sound.
Wrigley Field, Illinois
Wrigley Field, located in Chicago, Illinois, has a rich baseball history spanning over a century. As one of the oldest and most iconic baseball stadiums in the country, Wrigley Field is a must-visit for any baseball fan. Its ivy-covered outfield walls, historic scoreboard, and well-photographed marquee make it a symbol of America’s pastime.
Hollywood Sign, California
The Hollywood Sign, located in Los Angeles, California, was initially erected as an advertisement for local development and has since become one of the most iconic and well-photographed landmarks in the United States. The sign stands 50 feet tall and 450 feet long above Hollywood, the entertainment capital of America.
