The North America continent is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world.
From natural wonders like Niagara Falls and Yellowstone National Park to icons like Mount Rushmore, there’s plenty for visitors to see.
And while these are just a few of the many attractions, they’re among some of the most popular ones that draw millions each year.
Also Read:
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20 Most Famous Bridges in USA
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18 Best Art Museums in USA
If you’re looking for something a bit more off-beat, then head south into Mexico where you’ll find ancient pyramids at Chichen Itza and Uxmal or over to Canada where Banff National Park is an incredible place for outdoor enthusiasts with its stunning mountain scenery and towering glaciers.
All in all, this region has something for everyone!
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Famous Landmarks of United States of America
There are many iconic places in USA that you might not know about, even if you live in the area!
From the Statue of Liberty to Niagara Falls to Yosemite Park, America has many sites that are worth visiting at least once in your lifetime.
Statue of Liberty, New York
The Statue of Liberty is, undoubtedly, one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It was a gift from France and now it is a symbol of both the USA and NY.
This famous tourist attraction is located on Liberty Island and visitors can take a cruise to see the iconic monument from up close.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is an especially popular destination for tourists, hikers, and nature lovers alike.
Yosemite Park is one of the oldest national parks in America.
The park covers an area of 761 square miles and it is home to some incredible natural landmarks.
The most famous part of Yosemite Park is Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite Valley is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains and it’s home to Half Dome, El Capitan, and also the Bridal Veil Falls among many other spectacular sites.
The park is awesome and one of the most popular spots for hikers and tourists in North America.
9/11 Memorial
One cannot visit New York without visiting the 9/11 Memorial.
It’s located near the One World Trade Center which is the tallest building in the western hemisphere.
9/11 Memorial is very moving and will make you think about what happened on that tragic day.
Visitors can not only attend many special events held at this memorial throughout the year but also visit the museum located near the memorial.
US Capitol
The US Capitol building is, undoubtedly, one of the iconic landmarks in North America.
Located in the capital city of Washington D. C, the US Capitol is a large striking building with a distinctive dome.
This is the home of the US Congress and it’s one of the most important buildings in the country along with the White House.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks of North America.
It’s also one of the most photographed bridges in the world and it is considered a symbol of San Francisco.
The Golden Gate Bridge was completed in 1937 as a way to connect Marin County with the city of San Francisco.
The Golden Gate bridge is 1.7 miles long and spans over the blue waters of the San Francisco Bay.
It has two lanes per driving direction and is one of the most important attractions for local and tourists, especially during the summer.
It also has dedicated walkway for pedestrians and cyclists.
In fact, biking the Golden Gate Bridge all the way to Marin County is one of the best things to do in San Francisco.
The suspension bridge is an engineering marvel and one of the most significant North America landmarks.
Both California Highway 1 and Highway 101 pass over the Golden Gate Bridge and it is a must stop on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip.
Empire State Building, New York City
The Empire State Building is an iconic landmark of the New York City skyline.
It was the tallest building in the world until the Twin Towers were built but it remains one of the most famous skyscrapers.
It has been featured in movies including Sleepless in Seattle and is also an American cultural icon.
The Empire State Building is located at 34th Street and Fifth Avenue in Downtown Manhattan.
It has 103 floors and 1,250 feet tall.
It was built in 1931 and it was the first building to have more than 100 floors.
Today, the Empire State Building continues to be an iconic landmark of New York City as well as one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world.
There are two observation decks on the top of the Empire State Building – at 86th floor and also at the 102nd floor.
The 102nd floor deck is the outdoor observation deck and offers spectacular birds eye views of the New York City skyline.
This is a great place to take in the entire city.
Times Square, New York
New York is home to several most famous landmarks in North America; Times Square being on top of the list.
It’s one of the busiest places in the New York City and the center of it all.
Times Square is a major intersection, surrounded by stores, restaurants, theaters and other attractions.
It is often called “The Crossroads of The World” since it has so many stores and businesses.
Cloud Gate, Chicago
Cloud Gate is one of the most stunning sculptures of the modern world.
Surrounded by skyscrapers, this monumental icon is something you do not want to miss.
Located at Millennium Park in Chicago, the sculpture is often referred to as “The Bean” and it is a must see in the Windy City.
Independence Hall and Liberty Bell, Philadelphia
Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in USA and undoubtedly belongs on this list.
It is home to two iconic landmarks: Independence Hall and Liberty Bell.
Independence Hall was the place where Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.
It now houses a museum that tells an interesting story of its history as one of many famous North American landmarks.
Liberty Bell is another important national symbol that lies in front of Independence Hall on 5th street.
Yellowstone
Yellowstone is the world’s first national park. It is located in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.
Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and catch a glimpse into America’s past with some of its famous landmarks like the Old Faithful, which is a geyser that erupts approximately every 91 minutes.
Yellowstone has several different wildlife including black bears and grizzly bears.
French Quarter, New Orleans
The French Quarter is the oldest section of New Orleans, Louisiana.
One of the most historic districts in America, this was the city’s commercial center up until the 20th century.
Today, much of its French and Spanish architecture can still be seen throughout this district.
Crater Lake
In Oregon, you will find the beautiful Crater Lake, which was formed by a volcano that erupted 7,700 years ago.
The lake is several feet deep and was originally created as an ancient caldera.
It continues to be filled with rainwater even today.
The Crater Lake National Park has a stunning landscape of lava flows, waterfalls and forests and attracts more than two million visitors annually.
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest and most famous bridges in America.
It connects Manhattan and Brooklyn across East River.
The bridge has two towers, which are connected with cables used as suspenders.
The bridge is also a large steel suspension bridge, which was considered a technological marvel at its time.
Freedom Trail, Boston
Boston’s Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile historic trail that takes visitors to 16 sites in downtown Boston that played a significant part in the country’s history.
The Freedom Trail was created as a way to preserve several historic buildings and structures in central Boston, including the Old State House (1679), Park Street Church (1809) and the Massachusetts Statehouse (1798).
Visitors can use a free smartphone app called Boston Freedom Trail or print out an activity guide to learn more about sites along the trail. There are many guided tours also available.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon, carved by the Colorado River, is considered a natural wonder of the world.
It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most iconic landmark in North America.
The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and 1 mile deep.
The Grand Canyon is located in Arizona and you can explore it by hiking, on horseback or even helicopter!
For a more thrilling experience visit the glass floor Skywalk on the West rim or raft down the Colorado River to see the Grand Canyon from below.
The Grand Canyon national park also has many hiking trails to enjoy the views from above including Bright Angel Trail that leads down to Phantom Ranch.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine is a small city in Florida that’s also the oldest one in the US.
St. Augustine was founded in 1565 and it has a very old city center with lots of history that can be seen to this day.
The most well known landmark in St. Augustine is Castillo de San Marcos fort, which is itself on the National Register of Historic Places.
It was built by Spain to protect its colony from pirates and invaders.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Pearl Harbor is one of the famous military landmarks in North America.
It’s a memorial to those who died in the Japanese attack on Pear Harbor and it’s a symbol of peace.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial is very powerful and moving, even for kids!
Lincoln Memorial
Lincoln Memorial, located in the National Mall, is another iconic landmark.
The statue of Abraham Lincoln stands tall and it is a must see spot in Washington D.C.
The buildings around the memorial are also very impressive; The US Capitol Building, Washington Monument and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.
It’s one of the most visited sites in DC and quite popular among tourists as well.
Gateway Arch
Gateway Arch, one of the most unique landmarks in North America, is located on the banks of the Mississippi River in St. Louis.
It is one of the the tallest manmade monument in the United States and can be seen from several miles away.
The archways are supposed to represent westward expansion of American civilization.
The White House
The White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States.
It’s located along Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D. C, only a few blocks away from the US Capitol building.
The White House has iconic architecture, beautifully landscaped gardens and is a very popular tourist attraction.
Great Smoky Mountains
The Smokies in Tennessee are home to one of the most beautiful national parks in North America.
The Great Smoky Mountains are filled with lots of natural beauty and fun activities to enjoy.
popular things to do in the Smokies includes visiting Clingman’s Dome, hiking the trails and viewing wildlife which includes bears, foxes and lots of other animals.
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island, located off the coast of San Francisco is a popular tourist spot.
The place has lots of history and was once a very famous prison.
Most Americans will probably be familiar with this landmark but it’s worth visiting at least once in your lifetime.
Redwood National Park
California’s Redwood National Park is home to some of the world’s tallest trees and has a stunning natural beauty.
Redwood National Park, established in 1968, is one of the several parks that make up Redwoods National and State Parks.
The park has an impressive old-growth forest with some of the tallest trees in the world.
Visitors can take scenic drives through the giant trees or hike to see a redwood grove on a Northern California road trip.
Washington Monument, Washington D.C
Located in the National Mall of the capital of America, you will find the Washington Monument.
It is an iconic monument commemorating first president George Washington.
George Washington is remembered for leading the American Revolution against Britain and the monument is a great place to pay respects to the leader.
Dedicated in 1885, the Washington Monument is a must destination for every visitor of D.C.
Built from sandstone, marble and granite it’s one of the tallest masonry structures in the world at 555 feet tall.
The Washington Monument is shaped like an obelisk and is widely considered among famous North America landmarks.
Several movies have been filmed at the Washington Monument and this is a great place to learn about George Washington.
One of the most popular times to visit the Washington Monument is during the Cherry Blossom festival.
Space Needle
Space Needle is instantly recognizable to anyone living in America.
It’s an observation tower located in the center of downtown Seattle, Washington.
The Space Needle is one of the best tourist destinations in North America.
The top of the observation deck has a great view of the city, Mt. Rainier, and the Pacific Ocean.
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, you will find one of the most famous North America landmarks – Mount Rushmore National Monument.
This iconic monument is carved into granite mountain and it features 60 foot tall heads of four famous USA presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.
Between 1930-1941 this was the largest sculpture project in US history.
Mount Rushmore is a major tourist attraction that attracts more than two million visitors annually.
Mount Rushmore is a beautiful work of art that you should definitely consider visiting on your trip to USA.
Fallingwater, Pennsylvania
Fallingwater is one of the most striking homes ever built in the United States.
The famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed the structure over a waterfall in Pennsylvania.
The house has striking architecture as well as exquisite details and can be seen on a guided tour.
Fallingwater has some of the most beautiful views in Pennsylvania and it’s as close to the outdoors as you can get while still being inside.
Las Vegas Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is one of the most famous landmarks in North America and a destination for many tourists.
With its several large hotel casinos and striking icons like the pyramid of Luxor, Eiffel Tower, New York New York and the Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas is certainly a must see place.
It is very exciting just to walk down the strip and admire all of the ‘fancy’ hotels on the street.
The strip is also home to several famous landmarks such as Madame Tussaud’s wax museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition.
Alamo, San Antonio
The Alamo is one of the most famous landmarks of the Lone Star State. In 1836 it was the site of a famous battle between Texas and Mexico.
The Alamo is one of several important historic sites in San Antonio that stands today as testament to its rich history.
Visitors can take a tour around this sacred place, which tells many interesting stories about the time when Texas became a part of America.
Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam is a concrete arch dam in Nevada.
Built in the 1930s, the Depression-era dam is an engineering marvel of the modern world.
Hoover Dam is 726 feet tall and contains 18 million cubic yards of concrete.
The construction of Hoover Dam took five years to complete and led to the creation of many jobs for people around the country.
Today, hundreds of thousands visit this dam every year, making it one of the most famous landmarks in North America.
Famous Landmarks of North America – Canada
Canada has several iconic landmarks too from the popular tourist attraction of CN Tower to the stunning glacial Lake Louise.
You should definitely check out some of the famous landmarks of Canada on your next trip.
Banff National Park
Banff National Park is home to the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks and is a beautiful place to explore.
The park is famous for its incredible views as well as stunning turquoise glacial lakes.
Snow brings a lot of tourists to Banff in winter and hikers can explore the park by walking along trails that lead to five large glaciers.
You should definitely visit Lake Louise in Banff National Park, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Alberta.
Peggy’s Point, Nova Scotia
Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is located in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Built in 1868, the lighthouse is still an active lighthouse today and popular with visitors.
This famous Canadian landmark, located on the East Coast, has beautiful architecture and is one of the iconic symbols of Canada.
Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City
The most famous landmark in Quebec City is undoubtedly the Chateau Frontenac hotel located on the bank of the St. Lawrence River.
Famous architect Edward Maxwell built the Chateau in 1893 and modeled it after medieval castles in France.
The building has over 40 rooms and seven floors.
CN Tower, Toronto
The CN Tower is one of the most striking landmarks in not only North America but also the world.
It is a communications and observation tower located in downtown Toronto.
The CN Tower was once the world’s tallest free standing structure on land and it was the tallest building in Canada until 2007.
The CN Tower is open every day and has shops, restaurants and an observation deck.
From the observation deck of the CN Tower, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city.
The CN Tower is a stunning place to visit anytime of year, but make sure you go at night to see some beautiful lights illuminating this iconic landmark!
Vancouver Skyline
The Vancouver skyline has become a Canadian landmark due to its natural beauty and beautiful buildings.
The dramatic backdrop of the North Shore Mountains makes for a wonderful view when visiting the city.
One of the best places to take the Vancouver skyline photo is from Stanley Park.
Palais de Justice, Montreal
There are lots of beautiful historic buildings in Canada that have become iconic landmarks.
The Palais de Justice is one of the most beautiful buildings in Montreal.
It has been open since 1878 and today houses both a courthouse and the city’s police station.
Parliament Hill, Ontario
Parliament Hill in Ontario is an important North American landmark and houses the Canadian Parliament.
It’s one of the main attractions in Ottawa and a great place to explore.
The Parliament Hill has been an important part of Canada since 1866, hosting many different buildings over the years.
One of the best times to visit is at night when all the buildings light up!
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Niagara Falls is one of the most famous North American landmarks. It is also one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world.
On your next trip to Niagara Falls you will see its three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
There are many exciting ways for visitors to enjoy the spectacular views of Niagara Falls.
For example, you can take a tour on the Niagara River or walk across the Rainbow Bridge.
In the winter you can see the stunning views of the frozen Niagara Falls.
This beautiful spot is one of the most visited places in Canada and it’s definitely worth seeing if you’re traveling around North America!
Hopewell Rock, New Brunswick
Hopewell Rock in New Brunswick is one of the oldest tourist attractions in Canada and a very popular place for hiking.
It is possible to walk on top of the ocean waves along Hopewell Rocks, which makes this a truly unique experience you can share with your friends and family or simply enjoy by yourself.
Notre Dame basilica, Montreal
Montreal has so many wonderful buildings to explore, including the famous Notre-Dame Basilica.
This basilica, built in 1824, stands 200 feet high.
It is one of the oldest churches still standing in North America.
The Notre-Dame Basilica is worth visiting on your next trip to Montreal.
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, built in 1856, is a very important landmark in Canada.
The fort, located atop the hill, defended the area from the invaders.
The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is open for visitors every day, so make sure to check it out on your next trip to Nova Scotia!
Drumheller Badlands, Alberta
Alberta’s Drumheller Badlands are a fascinating landscape of eroded rock formations.
The Drumheller badlands are excellently preserved since the Ice Age.
They are a popular tourist spot today and have lots of unique things to see, like dinosaur skeletons.
The Drumheller Badlands are open for visitors every day and there is also an on-site museum where you can learn more about this beautiful area and see fossils.
When visiting the Drumheller Badlands be sure to check out the Triassic Park, where you can walk in a reconstructed sea from 250 million years ago.
Famous Landmarks of North America: Mexico
Mexico is home to several ancient ruins as well as several iconic landmarks in ancient history of the Americas.
Here are some of the most iconic landmarks south of the US border from the ancient city of Chichen Itza to the beautiful Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City.
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza, located on the Yucatan peninsula, is obviously one of the most recognized landmarks in Mexico.
It is a famous ancient Mayan city with beautiful buildings and monuments.
You can explore Chichen Itza on a guided tour, which includes an English-speaking guide to tell you all about this amazing archaeological site.
Chichen Itza is reminiscent of an ancient Egyptian temple or a pyramid and is an amazing place to visit.
Tulum
The city of Tulum is most popular because it contains an impressive view of the Caribbean Sea.
The ancient city is located on the Yucatan peninsula and is an significant historic site.
At Tulum, there is an amazing well-preserved historic structures, perfect for a picnic and some great pictures. So, stay at one of the best boutique hotels in Tulum and experience all this magical city has to offer.
Metropolitan Cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral, located in Mexico City, has striking Spanish colonial architecture.
The Cathedral has a stunning façade made of marble and sandstone and its interior contains amazing works of art.
When visiting Mexico City, be sure to visit this famous cathedral!
Teotihuacan
The Teotihuacan Pyramid is amongst the largest ancient pyramids in Mexico.
The Aztec civilization built this perfectly symmetrical pyramid.
The pyramid is famous for its unique, striking look.
Many tourists visit this landmark every year because of its impressive structure.
Copper Canyon
The Copper Canyon is a massive ravine in northern Mexico, located near the border of the United States.
This canyon has several waterfalls, which flow through it all year long.
If you want to visit some amazing natural scenery on your trip to Mexico, be sure to check out this beautiful canyon!
Great Pyramid of Cholula
If you are planning a trip to Mexico, the Great Pyramid of Cholula is definitely worth a visit!
This historic structure is an ancient Mesoamerican pyramid and one of the largest monuments built by pre-Columbian people.
This giant pyramid has a volume greater than that of the Great Pyramid of Giza, at a third of its size!
These landmarks from North America have survived centuries and still stand today as symbols of the people who created this country.
We hope that this article has helped you discover new places and sites worth checking out on your next trip to North America.
What are your favorite famous landmarks in Canada, Mexico, and the United States? Which famous landmark will you visit first? Comment below!