9+ Unmissable Iconic US Landmarks (Updated 2024)
US Landmarks. A certain mental image of the United States has been ingrained in the minds of people throughout the world for a long time. Even though you’ve seen these locations numerous times in pictures and on screens, there’s something unique about going there in person. The popular Cloud Gate sculpture in Chicago and the contemporary Gateway Arch in St. Louis are just two examples of the classic images that may be taken in the United States that proudly declare, “I was here.” Prepare your selfie stick and pull out your bucket list—iconic America is waiting for you.
US Landmarks
1. Statue of Liberty, New York City
It is possible to see many of the major ones on a single visit to New York City.
Start your journey to the Statue of Liberty in downtown New York City. This enormous sculpture greets both immigrants and tourists to Manhattan’s coasts. The 93-meter-tall, famous statue is every bit as amazing as it seems. Once you’ve seen it, visit Wall Street in Downtown Manhattan to get a picture with the statue of the Charging Bull (with its partner, the Fearless Girl). The iconic Flatiron Building can be found as you head uptown before entering Times Square’s vibrant bustle. Both Central Park and the Subway network are iconic. Not to mention the Natural History Museum, the Brooklyn Bridge, and classic districts like Chinatown, DUMBO, and Greenwich Village. Make sure to grab a bagel, a slice of pizza, and an “I Heart NY” shirt to round out your classic circuit.
2. National Mall, Washington, D.C.
There are many more American sites in Washington, D.C., which is located around three hours south.
Take a stroll around the National Mall, a broad, grassy area that is home to numerous US monuments. You will see the White House, the residence of the President of the United States, as well as memorials to former Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, as well as American heroes like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and World War II, Vietnam, and Korean War veterans, on a tour of the area. More than a dozen of the most well-known museums in the country are free to visit while you’re there, including the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Air & Space Museum, and the National Gallery of Art.
3. Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles, California
The famous 14-meter-tall white letters that spell out “Hollywood” are located on Mount Lee in the Hollywood Hills on the West Coast. They can be seen up close or far away.
The well-known stars on Hollywood Boulevard’s Hollywood Walk of Fame are also visible in the vicinity. Take a stroll down the Venice Beach Boardwalk, a traditional American experience, when you’re in Los Angeles. Plenty of vibrant characters and equally vibrant artwork that is probably best viewed rather than purchased may be found there. After that, proceed to the well-known Santa Monica Pier to view the Route 66 end sign.
Pops 66 Oklahoma’s Soda Ranch in Arcadia
4. Route 66, Oklahoma
American landmarks are dispersed across the nation, such as Route 66, the well-known route popular with travelers and those who want to stop for side attractions.
A staple of Route 66 are quirky, enormous landmarks. Examples include “The Blue Whale,” a gigantic, cartoon-like whale that floats over a wayside pond in Catoosa, and the largest concrete totem pole in the world, located in Totem Pole Park, Chelsea. In case you become thirsty, seek out the 20-meter soda bottle situated at the door of “Pops,” which is a restaurant, petrol station, and supplier of more than 700 varieties of soda, categorized by color. Try out novel flavors like bacon, mustard, and dirt, or stick to the tried-and-true selection of more than 70 types of root beer. Stay for the neon light show in the enormous bottle that happens after dark if it’s almost sundown.
5. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
The magnificent red-orange Golden Gate Bridge, which spans San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, is located just up the coast in the city.
Even though the Golden Gate Bridge is frequently photographed, there is something particularly unique about viewing it in person. It is known as the “Wonder of the Modern World.” See more of San Francisco’s iconic landmarks, such as the magnificent Painted Ladies, the infamously crooked Lombard Street, the cheerful sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf, and, if you can, the renowned Alcatraz, if you can schedule a trip far enough in advance.
6. Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri
The highest arch in the world, located in St. Louis, Missouri, was constructed as a representation of the US government’s westward expansion.
Known as the “Gateway Arch,” it honors the American people and is quite amazing to see. The almost 200-meter-tall stainless steel construction is Missouri’s tallest accessible building and the highest man-made landmark in the Western Hemisphere. The ten-story, 100-year-old surrealist wonderland known as City Museum, which mixes the refinement of modern architecture with the whimsical charm of a children’s playground, is also located in St. Louis. It’s also worthwhile to visit Mark Twain’s childhood home, another famous museum in the vicinity.
7. Space Needle, Seattle, Washington
See Seattle’s famous Space Needle, a 158-meter viewing tower, by traveling there.
Constructed for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle is a testament to ingenuity and Seattle’s progressive mindset. With its stunning volcanic peak rising to a height of over 4,300 meters, Mount Rainier, a legendary and iconic landmark, provides Seattle’s urban center with a natural background. Seattle is also known for its renowned Starbucks coffee establishment. Visit the Starbucks Seattle Roastery to experience one unlike any other.
8. Cloud Gate, Chicago, Illinois
The adorable and frequently photographed sculpture known as “The Bean,” or Cloud Gate, is located in Chicago. The sculpture, an amorphous reflection, was made by Sir Anish Kapoor and is located in Millenium Park. Take in a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, one of the nation’s oldest baseball stadiums, then indulge in a slice of Chicago’s renowned deep-dish pizza for more iconic views of the city.
9. Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls, the highest flow-rate waterfall in North America, spans the boundary between New York and Canada.
These three waterfalls are recognized as important sources of hydroelectric power in addition to their unspoiled beauty. Take the Niagara Scenic Trolley to see the surrounding area and the Niagara Falls, and then head over to the Seneca Niagara Casino, a gaming establishment established by the Seneca Indian Tribe of the area. Take an Eerie Canal boat or go on a self-guided tour to explore the area’s historic architecture, which includes the Railway Station and the stunning Ellis-Taylor House, a 19th-century residence constructed by the Ellis family who lived nearby.
10. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
To see the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, travel to the Black Hills region of South Dakota.
Four previous US presidents’ faces are etched into the side of the enormous granite mountain at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, rising to a height of about 20 meters. Visit Lincoln, Washington, Roosevelt, and Jefferson for yourself, and make sure you get a picture of one of the most famous American monuments. Another significant site nearby is the Crazy Horse Memorial, which honors Crazy Horse, a Lakota warrior and leader of the Native American tribe.
11. Monument Valley, Utah
See Monument Valley, the famous red-sand desert that is home to many of the region’s stunning natural sandstone buttes.
For the greatest view of the region, which has been the setting for numerous Western films over the years, take the 27-kilometer loop. Despite being a part of the Navajo Nation, the largest Native American Indian reservation in the country, Monument Valley is situated on the border between Arizona and Utah. To immerse yourself in the history and culture of the region, make sure to visit the Navajo Nation while you’re there.
Many monuments, landmarks, and historical locations have withstood the test of time and serve as symbols of American ideals and historical moments that served as the foundation for modern-day America, alongside the country’s ongoing progress. These famous American sites are unquestionably worth seeing in person, even if you’ve only ever seen them in pictures or movies.