10 Iconic U.S. Landmarks That Will Leave You in Awe
The United States is a land of incredible diversity. From one corner of this country to the next, there are natural wonders that seem pulled from a dream and architectural wonders beyond human imagination. These are the iconic landmarks of history and culture. Some are ancient, some modern, but they tell stories woven into the fabric of the nation.
Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or someone who wants to cross awe inspiring destinations off their bucket list, here are American landmarks that will leave you in awe.
Statue of Liberty
Nearly 90 feet tall on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty is much more than a monument — much more than just old, grainy pictures hanging in a dusty museum. France gave Lady Liberty to the United States in 1886, her torch guiding millions of immigrants to a new beginning. Visitors can now climb up to her crown for views of the city, or just stare in awe at her from the Staten Island ferry.
Grand Canyon
Visiting the Grand Canyon in Arizona is an amazing experience. With the sheer size, and layers of red and orange rock, visitors are often left speechless. From hiking along its rim, rafting the Colorado River, or just standing at the edge trying to get your head around how vast it is, the Grand Canyon is one of those places that you can never get enough of.
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. It has a striking orange-red hue set over the San Francisco Bay. Not only are the views of the city and bay jaw dropping, but walking or biking across this engineering marvel makes you feel a connection to history. Fun fact: The iconic color of the bridge was initially to make it visible in the fog.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is America’s first national park. It spans Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho and is home to geysers such as Old Faithful, bubbling hot springs, and a variety of wildlife including bison and grizzly bears. Nature’s raw power and beauty are evident on every corner of the park.
Mount Rushmore
The faces of four U.S. presidents—Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln—are carved into the granite of South Dakota’s Black Hills at Mount Rushmore. Although most come for the sight of this patriotic landmark, they remain for its impressive scale as well as the interesting backstory. It is a humble reminder of the nation’s past and leadership.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls straddles the country between New York and Canada. These three waterfalls pour millions of gallons of water every minute. Whether you are on the boat catching the mist or looking at it from the decking above, the sight and sound of the falls are mesmerizing.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is a must-see on a trip to New York City. The Art Deco skyscraper has been a symbol of the city since it opened in Manhattan in 1931. Its observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors have seemingly endless views, and it’s easy to see why it’s a must see.
The Alamo
In Texas, the Alamo is an American historical site best known for its 1836 battle, where Texan defenders made a stand against Mexican forces. This former mission in San Antonio is one of the most important historic sites in all of Texas.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This park on Hawaii’s Big Island features the dramatic power of volcanic activity. It is home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes. You can see molten lava flows, hike lava tubes and explore landscapes sculptured by their fiery eruptions.
Independence Hall
The United States was born at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. Both Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and signed in this historic site. You can almost feel the weight of those decisions made here that changed the course of history.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.