List of 9 Famous Landmarks to Visit in USA (2024)

The United States is home to some of the greatest attractions and scenery in the world, with many of them being the most recognizable icons on the planet. Tourists from all over the world come to check out these destinations. It can be pretty difficult to come up with a list of landmarks and places to see, especially keeping the size of the country in mind. Many people plan their trips to one region in the US, such as the Southwest, the East Coast, the beaches of California or Florida, or the outlying states of Hawaii and Alaska.

List of 9 Famous Landmarks to Visit in USA

From city sights to parks and natural areas, with so many incredible places to check out, here is a list of famous landmarks to visit in the USA.

1. Grand Canyon

One of the most well-known landmarks in the United States that are known all over the world is the Grand Canyon. Located in northern Arizona, this is a massive geological wonder that was carved out by the Colorado River over a period of millions of years. Today, the canyon measures 277 miles (about 446 kilometers) in length, and over a mile (1.6 kilometers) deep, and 18 miles (29 kilometers) wide. While it is not the longest or the deepest canyon in the world, but the sheer magnitude of its size and the colorful landscape offers sights that are hard to match at other places in the world.

Over the years, the Grand Canyon has become the greatest tourist attraction in the United States, and millions of visitors visit this magnificent natural wonder every year. The Grand Canyon is managed and protected by the Grand Canyon National Park, and the canyon is contained within the boundaries of the national park while also falling on the Hualapai and Havasupai Indian Reservations.

The Grand Canyon is primarily separated into two main sections, the remote North Rim and the very popular South Rim. Since the most accessible parts for tourists comes under the South Rim, visitors are left awed by the many historical sites that are also located in this part of the canyon, including the Grand Canyon Railway Depot, the El Tovar Hotel, and the Desert View Watchtower. The South Rim is also home to the Grand Canyon Village, where visitors can find many options for spending the night or a few days as per their itinerary.

As visitors explore this park, you will find miles and miles of awe-inspiring landscapes, historic sites, wildlife roaming around, and even adventurous activities to indulge in.

To explore the canyon, there are many well-marked trails to check out, including the South Kaibab Trail, which is one of the most popular. If you want to really stretch yourself and take a really long hike, try out the Rim-to-Rim Trail, but remember to pack plenty of water as you embark on this route as you will be hiking under the unrelenting desert sun.

One of the most famous attractions at the Grand Canyon is the Havasu Falls, which is an incredible waterfall that cascades down 120 feet (37 meters) to form a natural swimming pool with breathtaking turquoise water.

Some of the other sights and experiences that are there at the Grand Canyon include jeep tours, whitewater rafting, helicopter rides, and the Skywalk, which is a breathtaking sightseeing structure that stretches for 4000 feet (1200 meters) over the rim of the magnificent Grand Canyon. This is a must-see attraction to take in some of the most amazing views of the Grand Canyon.

2. Niagara Falls

The Niagara Falls is one of the most renowned waterfalls in the world. Located along the US-Canada border, the sight of this incredible waterfall can indeed be breathtaking. It is the water from Lake Erie that flows into Lake Ontario and comes over these massive waterfalls, which are known for the enormous quantity of water that keeps constantly cascading over this huge vertical fall.

Niagara Falls is best described as a set of three waterfalls. The largest section, called the Horseshoe Falls, has a drop of whopping 187 feet, while the second part on the American side of the river, called the American Falls, has a drop of 89 feet, and the third section is much thinner and located just next to the American Falls and known as Bridal Veil Falls. It has a drop of 78 feet.

You get to enjoy some incredible views on both sides of the river, though the Canadian side gives a completely different perspective of the waterfall, and if you don’t mind crossing the border into Canada, this side of the waterfall can definitely be worth a visit.

Summertime is the best time to visit this incredible landmark as the weather is warm, the gardens nearby are in full bloom, and wandering around this area can be a very pleasant experience. Meanwhile, the winter months provide visitors a unique opportunity to see the ice-covered railings and snow-covered shores, trees, and the street signs as the entire area transforms into a winter wonderland.

If you visit the Falls on a clear day, you can even see the plume of mist rising up from Niagara Falls from as far away as the CN Tower in downtown Toronto in Canada, right from the opposite shore of Lake Ontario.

The waterfall is an iconic landmark to visit when you are in the United States.

3. Statue of Liberty

No trip to the US can be complete without a visit to the magnificent Statue of Liberty. Known as the universal symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty is synonymous with America, and it is perhaps the most identifiable icon of the country. Standing tall and proud in New York Harbor, you can admire this majestic statue from many points around the city, especially from Battery Park, or you can even take a ferry and go right to the statue.

For those who want to physically go and see the actual statue, there are several options. You can get grounds tickets, crown tickets, or pedestal tickets, all of which allow different levels of access to the statue. One of the best ways to check out this iconic landmark is to take a tour and view both the magnificent Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island together.

4. The White House

The White House is an iconic landmark that is easily identifiable and famous all over the world. For those who don’t know, the White House is the official residence of the President of the United States, and it should be on top of your list of landmarks to visit in Washington. This historic building has been home to every president of the country, except for George Washington.

While here, don’t forget to check out Lafayette Park, which is located on the north side of the White House. Beyond this is a pedestrian-only zone, full of many interesting characters and a perfect place to take many great photos.

The White House was initially constructed by James Hoban in 1792, and after it got burnt down by the British forces in 1814, the structure was rebuilt in 1818. Free tours of the White House take place throughout the day, but you have to make sure that you make a reservation at least three weeks in advance. There are strict rules that need to be followed during your visit.

5. Walt Disney World Resort

Who hasn’t heard of the Walt Disney World Resort, and who has not wanted to visit this incredible place? This is a mega amusement park located in Orlando, and it is known to be the top family attraction in the US. This park has been catering to both the young and old for decades. Walt Disney World opened its doors in 1971, and it has maintained its relevance and allure for children and adults for many years now.

Not only are there many theme parks inside this resort, but there are also many shopping places, theaters, water parks, fine dining places, and even golfing opportunities to indulge in. You can quite easily spend a full day or even a week here.

6. Yellowstone National Park

A visit to the United States cannot be complete without visiting the Yellowstone National Park. The famous Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first and oldest national park. Even today, this national park is one of the most stunning wilderness regions to exist in the world. And what’s more, no vacation to the US will be complete without a visit to the Yellowstone National Park. This is the perfect place to observe geothermal activity combined with some of the most stunning landscapes and plenty of wildlife. You will be left in awe to see the steam coming out of the ground as you take a walk along the many walking and hiking trails throughout the park.

The Yellowstone National Park opened its gates in 1872, and quickly formed a name for itself as being the largest and unique geothermal park in the world. From hissing geysers to bubbling mud pots and steaming hot springs, visitors are surprised to learn that the landscape formed over a thousand years ago. And not only these, but you also get to witness some of the most breathtaking waterfalls come crashing down the steep ravines.

You can take a drive throughout the park, though the better way to explore the national park is on foot. There is a widespread network of biking and hiking trails that crisscross through the park and when you take a walk through these trails, you get to witness the park’s diverse landscape and beautiful ecosystem up-close. You can also decide to camp out at one of the many scenic camping sites at the park. For those who would like to cut down their time and check out only the major attractions at the park, some of the sights to definitely visit include the Old Faithful geyser, Yellowstone Lake, and the scenic Lower Falls.

The multicolor Grand Prismatic Spring is the first thing to check out at Yellowstone National Park. This is the main attraction you can find at the Midway Geyser Basin. The Grand Prismatic Spring is also the biggest hot spring in the entire country, and the third-biggest hot spring in the world.  It is easy to recognize the unique attraction that is the Grand Prismatic Spring as chances are high that you would have seen it in one of the photographs of the Yellowstone National Park.

The Old Faithful Geyser is another remarkable landmark of this national park. You simply cannot miss visiting the Old Faithful Geyser when you are in the park. It is another famous attraction of Yellowstone National Park and one of the 500 geysers found inside the park. The Old Faithful is also the very first geyser in the park to have received a name, named during the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition in 1870. It was only after this that the national park was established in 1872.

While you are here, don’t forget to check out Fairy Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in the park. It is possible to reach this stunning waterfall only by hiking. Combining your visit to Fairy Falls with your trip to see the Grand Prismatic Spring is a great idea.

And as you go about exploring the park, you will get to see huge herds of bison roaming free in the valleys. The abundant wildlife includes gray wolves, elk, grizzly and black bears, majestic bald eagles, and trumpeter swans.

7. Waikiki

Waikiki is a major tourist destination in the US. Home to the most popular and beautiful beach in the Hawaiian Islands, Waikiki is the perfect cross between a modern city and a tropical paradise.

This beautiful stretch of sand surrounded by palm trees blowing in the wind serves as the perfect relaxation, and you will know that you are truly in the Hawaiian Islands. Surfing, sunbathing, shopping, and dining can all be carried out right here itself. This place is popular with tourists of all ages from all parts of the world.

8. Golden Gate Bridge

Framed in a beautiful arch over the San Francisco Bay and joining Marin County and San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge has been an iconic landmark in the US right from when it was constructed in the 1930s. Contrasting beautifully against the blue water that flows underneath, the orangish-red color of the bridge highlights its beauty, adding uniqueness to the city’s skyline.

The bridge is especially a sight to behold when it is shrouded in fog, and only the peaks of the main towers stand out through the low-lying fog clouds. The bridge is two miles long, and on a clear day, one of the best places to see it is on Conzelman Road, located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

9. Times Square

Everyone has seen visuals of the bustling Times Square sometime or the other. This iconic spot is famous for its flashing billboards and its New Year’s Eve countdown. With a constant crowd of people flocking here, Times Square is located at the heart of Midtown Manhattan. While it is a fantastic place to visit during the day, but it is best to check it out at night, when the square comes alive with the lights of the billboards coming on.