21 Incredible Historical Landmarks in the U.S. That Belong on Your Bucket List

You wouldn’t think that the Gamble House in Pasadena, California was built well over 100 years ago…in 1908 to be exact. The building and Pasadena staple is an outstanding example of American Arts and Crafts–style architecture. Its features include intricate woodwork, handcrafted details, and a design that blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape.

The best views of Los Angeles, California, are from Griffith Observatory, perched on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. Opened in 1935, the observatory is a landmark staple in the City of Angels with a great view of the Hollywood Sign and the Pacific Ocean. Pro tip: hike up to the Hollywood Sign first, then navigate two miles to Griffith Observatory for a sunset view. Visitors can also trek to the iconic giant sign by horse with Sunset Ranch Hollywood. The building itself is a textbook example of Art Deco architecture and houses a planetarium plus a variety of star-themed exhibits inside.

Walk through a town of living time capsules in the historic district of Williamsburg, Virginia, encompassing 301 acres with restored and reconstructed buildings from the 18th century. Buildings include the Governor’s Palace and the Capitol, plus tons of shops, homes, and taverns staffed by costumed interpreters to explain colonial life. Downtown Williamsburg is also a must-see stop, with quaint local shops, eateries, and even ghost tours.

The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., dedicated in 1922, is a grand monument honoring the 16th President of the United States. The memorial's architect was Henry Bacon, who took inspiration from Greek Doric temple designs, while the larger-than-life seated sculpture of Abe was designed by Daniel Chester French. The memorial is a place for reflection and inspiration, as it was the site of the historic “I Have a Dream” speech by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963.

Another city that is flooded with great American history is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's home to the Liberty Bell, a symbol of independence and freedom that was cast in 1752. The bell originally hung in the Pennsylvania State House, which is now known as Independence Hall. A symbol through the Revolutionary War, the inscription reads, “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.”

The Freedom Trail in Boston, Massachusetts is a wonderful 2.5-mile walk through the downtown area. Visitors will find 16 historically significant sites related to the American Revolution. The path is easy to follow with a red line and includes stops such as Boston Common, Paul Revere’s House, the site of the Boston Massacre, and more.

Between 1892 and 1954, Ellis Island in New York City was the primary immigration station in the country. Over 12 million immigrants passed through its halls. The main building that houses the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration is a symbol and reminder of how diverse the roots of America are.

What’s so special about Yellowstone National Park? Established in 1872, it’s the first national park in the world. The park is too giant to fathom as it spans three states: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, covering over a staggering 2.2 million acres. Tourists flock here for the unique geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser. Aside from the geyser, there’s plenty of hiking, stunning views, and wildlife.

If you’ve come across a giant spoon with a cherry in Minneapolis, Minnesota, you’ve found the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. This 11-acre park has a wide range of contemporary sculptures such as Spoonbridge and Cherry, an iconic piece by Claes Oldenburg, amongst works by other artists. It’s one of the largest sculpture gardens in the United States, seamlessly exhibiting contemporary art in a natural landscape.

One of the most distinguished and iconic landmarks to see in Texas is the Alamo. Located in San Antonio, the building was the site of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, where a small group of Texan defenders fought against the Mexican army during the Texas Revolution. While the Alamo today is a museum, it also stands as a symbol of independence and bravery. After a visit, you can wander around the San Antonio River Walk—it's a hustling part of town with restaurants, shops, bars, and a boat tour.

A bucket list item for every history buff should be Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. The heads of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln stand at a surreal 60 feet high. This site attracts more than 2 million visitors a year. It’s a phenomenal road trip stop that will certainly stand out in your memory.

Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, California houses the infamous prison of the same name. It was used as a military prison and later as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963. Notorious inmates include Al Capone and the “Birdman of Alcatraz” Rober Stroud. Today the site is popular with tourists, who can learn about its history with guided tours.

History buffs will know that the turning point in the Civil War happened at the Battle of Gettysburg from July 1 to July 3, 1863. Travelers who visit the Gettysburg National Military Park can find the battlefield, numerous monuments, and the Gettysburg National Cemetery. A very significant speech was given at this cemetery—the Gettysburg Address by President Abraham Lincoln. It’s a necessary stop on any road trip in the area to stand on the very ground where such monumental battles took place.

You can’t skip viewing the exterior of the White House on a visit to Washington, DC. Designed by James Hoban, it’s been the official residence of every U.S. President since John Adams in 1800. Travelers need to reach out to their representative in Congress to plan a visit, which can take months in advance to secure. If a tour can’t be secured, we'd still recommend getting a good look next to the fence in front of the front lawn.

This rock, located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, symbolizes so much more than what it physically is—it’s the approximate landing site of the Pilgrims in 1620. It represents the early settlement of New England and the foundations of American society and is a focal point of Thanksgiving celebrations.

The Pearl Harbor National Memorial commemorates the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service on December 7, 1941. The site memorializes and honors the lives lost during the attack and serves as a poignant reminder of the events that led the United States into World War II.

You can’t visit Seattle, Washington without checking out the views from the Space Needle observation tower. Originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the futuristic structure stands at 605 feet tall. The saucer-like observation deck stands at 520 feet, offering panoramic views of the city skyline, Puget Sound, Cascade Mountains, and Mount Rainier.

Before venturing to more remote parts of Alaska, make sure to visit the Anchorage Museum, the largest one in the state. With select exhibits being introduced for a limited time, the museum is dedicated to the art, history, and culture of Alaska and the Arctic. There’s something for everyone from learning about the rich traditions and lifestyles of Alaska's indigenous peoples to enjoying innovative contemporary art exhibits.