17 Iconic US Landmarks Everyone Knows + 5 Hidden Gems Worth The Trip
America’s landscape is dotted with incredible sights that showcase our nation’s natural beauty, rich history, and engineering marvels. From towering monuments to breathtaking natural wonders, these landmarks tell the story of our country.
While many are instantly recognizable worldwide, some equally amazing spots remain hidden treasures waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers.
1. Statue Of Liberty
Standing tall on Liberty Island, this copper colossus has welcomed visitors since 1886. The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France symbolizing friendship and freedom.
Visitors can climb 354 steps to the crown for breathtaking harbor views, though tickets must be reserved months in advance.
2. Grand Canyon
Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, this natural marvel stretches 277 miles long. The Grand Canyon reaches depths of over a mile, revealing colorful rock layers that tell Earth’s geological story.
Hikers can venture below the rim on trails like Bright Angel, while others enjoy spectacular viewpoints along the South Rim.
3. Mount Rushmore
Four presidential faces carved into granite watch over South Dakota’s Black Hills. Mount Rushmore features Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln in 60-foot sculptures.
Completed in 1941 after 14 years of dangerous work, this monumental achievement attracts over two million visitors annually who come to marvel at its scale and craftsmanship.
4. Golden Gate Bridge
Spanning the entrance to San Francisco Bay, this engineering marvel opened in 1937. The Golden Gate Bridge’s distinctive “International Orange” color was originally just a primer but proved perfect against fog and sea.
Walking its 1.7-mile span offers incredible views of Alcatraz, the city skyline, and the Pacific Ocean.
5. Empire State Building
Soaring 1,454 feet above Manhattan, this Art Deco masterpiece was completed in just 410 days. The Empire State Building held the title of world’s tallest building for nearly 40 years.
Its observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors provide spectacular 360-degree views of New York City that have appeared in countless films and photographs.
6. The White House
Behind its stately columns and pristine façade lies the nerve center of American government. The White House has been home to every U.S. president except George Washington since 1800.
Despite being the president’s residence, limited public tours allow visitors to see historic rooms like the East Room and State Dining Room.
7. Times Square
Dazzling electronic billboards light up this iconic intersection visited by 50 million people annually. Times Square transformed from a dangerous area to a tourist magnet through major revitalization efforts in the 1990s.
Famous for its New Year’s Eve ball drop, Broadway theaters, and street performers, it embodies the energy and excitement of New York City.
8. Hollywood Sign
Perched on Mount Lee since 1923, these 45-foot-tall letters originally spelled “Hollywoodland” to advertise a real estate development.
The Hollywood Sign has survived earthquakes, vandalism, and even a few renovation projects to become cinema’s most recognized symbol. Hikers can view it up-close via several trails in Griffith Park.
9. Yellowstone National Park
Established in 1872 as America’s first national park, this wilderness wonderland spans three states. Yellowstone features over 10,000 geothermal features, including Old Faithful geyser, which erupts approximately every 90 minutes.
Visitors marvel at colorful hot springs, dramatic canyons, and abundant wildlife including bison, elk, and reintroduced wolf packs.
10. Space Needle
Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, this retro-futuristic tower has become Seattle’s defining landmark. The Space Needle stands 605 feet tall and was designed to withstand winds up to 200 mph and earthquakes up to 9.0 magnitude.
Its recently renovated observation deck features the world’s first rotating glass floor, offering unparalleled views of the city.
11. Gateway Arch
Reaching 630 feet into the St. Louis skyline, this gleaming stainless steel curve commemorates westward expansion. The Gateway Arch is America’s tallest monument, designed by architect Eero Saarinen and completed in 1965.
Tiny tram cars carry visitors to the top, where windows offer views extending 30 miles on clear days.
12. Lincoln Memorial
Watching over the National Mall sits a 19-foot marble figure of our 16th president. The Lincoln Memorial features 36 columns representing the states in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death.
Famous for hosting Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, this neoclassical temple continues to serve as a powerful symbol of unity and equality.
13. Hoover Dam
Constructed during the Great Depression, this concrete giant tamed the mighty Colorado River. Hoover Dam required enough concrete to build a two-lane highway from San Francisco to New York.
Besides generating electricity for three states, it created Lake Mead, America’s largest reservoir, which provides water to millions across the Southwest.
14. Alcatraz Island
Rising from San Francisco Bay, this rocky outpost housed America’s most notorious prison from 1934-1963. Alcatraz held infamous criminals like Al Capone and Robert Stroud in cells measuring just 5 by 9 feet.
Despite numerous escape attempts, the frigid waters and strong currents surrounding the island meant no confirmed successful escapes during its operation.
15. Independence Hall
Within these red brick walls, a nation was born through heated debates and bold declarations. Independence Hall witnessed the signing of both the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the U.S. Constitution in 1787.
The original Assembly Room remains furnished as it was during the Constitutional Convention, allowing visitors to step back into this pivotal moment in history.
16. The Las Vegas Strip
Stretching 4.2 miles through the Nevada desert, this neon-lit boulevard transforms fantasy into reality. The Las Vegas Strip features mega-resorts that transport visitors to ancient Egypt, Venice, Paris, and New York City all in one day.
Beyond gambling, attractions include elaborate fountain shows, world-class restaurants, and spectacular entertainment from top performers.
17. Walt Disney World Resort
Covering 25,000 acres of Florida countryside, this magical kingdom welcomes over 58 million visitors annually. Walt Disney World includes four theme parks, two water parks, and dozens of resort hotels connected by an elaborate transportation system.
Cinderella Castle serves as its iconic centerpiece, standing 189 feet tall and visible throughout the Magic Kingdom.
18. Great Sand Dunes National Park
Rising mysteriously against Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo mountains, North America’s tallest dunes reach heights of 750 feet. Great Sand Dunes National Park offers a surreal landscape where visitors sandboard down massive slopes and cool off in seasonal Medano Creek.
Night brings another wonder—exceptionally dark skies perfect for stargazing, with the Milky Way visible on clear nights.
19. Apostle Islands Sea Caves
Carved by Lake Superior’s powerful waves, these red sandstone caverns become nature’s most spectacular ice sculptures each winter. The Apostle Islands feature 21 islands dotting Wisconsin’s northern shoreline, with mainland sea caves accessible by kayak in summer.
When conditions permit, winter transforms them into an otherworldly frozen landscape visitors can explore on foot.
20. The Wave
Hidden in Arizona’s Vermilion Cliffs wilderness, nature’s perfect sandstone sculpture awaits the fortunate few. The Wave features undulating patterns of red, orange, and yellow stone formed by wind erosion over millions of years.
Access is strictly limited to just 64 daily permits obtained through a highly competitive lottery, protecting this fragile formation while making it one of America’s most exclusive hikes.
21. Dry Tortugas National Park
Seventy miles west of Key West lies an isolated paradise combining history and pristine nature. Dry Tortugas National Park centers around massive Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century coastal fortress built with over 16 million bricks.
Surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, this remote outpost offers world-class snorkeling with minimal crowds due to its boat-only access.
22. Craters Of The Moon
Sprawling across southern Idaho’s Snake River Plain, this otherworldly volcanic landscape looks like something from science fiction. Craters of the Moon features bizarre lava formations, cinder cones, and caves created by eruptions as recent as 2,000 years ago.
Visitors can explore underground lava tubes and hike through fields of jagged black rock where NASA once trained Apollo astronauts for lunar missions.