Across the country, landmarks and landscapes tell the American story in powerful ways. From the beautiful natural spaces of our national parks to iconic American buildings and other manmade wonders, there’s so much to discover as you travel through the states.
For many, visiting these American icons is a lifelong pursuit, whether it’s walking the cobblestone streets of Boston, standing beneath the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor or watching Old Faithful erupt in Yellowstone National Park. What’s on your list?
America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 is also inspiring special events and renewed interest in these American landmarks and historic sites, making it as good a time as ever to start checking them off your must-see destinations.
Celebrate America with an unforgettable vacation. Learn more.
Nearby American Icons
Boston
History practically seeps up from the cobblestone streets of one America’s oldest cities. Visitors can see many of Boston’s iconic landmarks by following the red brick line of the 2½-mile Boston Freedom Trail. Many sites are significant to the American Revolution, but the trail is designed to provide a sample of Boston’s long and eventful history. The trail includes Boston Common, Old North Church and Paul Revere Park. No trip to Boston is complete without a stop at Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, overflowing with shops and eateries from gourmet restaurants to street carts. Art and history museums round out your visit.
Philadelphia
Visit the city where the American story launched 250 years ago. The nation’s first World Heritage City, Philadelphia is home to numerous iconic American landmarks, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the National Constitution Center. It also has the world’s biggest city-owned urban park system and is proud of its museum mile, also called Benjamin Franklin Parkway or the Parkway Museums District, which boasts more than a dozen art, history and science museums. Feel free to run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, like Rocky. Lest you think the dining experience is limited to cheesesteaks, the central section of the city alone is home to more than 1,000 restaurants.
New York City
Anytime is a good time to travel to the Big Apple, but spring and summer are perfect for taking a ferry to explore iconic American landmarks such as Ellis Island or Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty. Visitors can purchase additional tickets to tour the statue’s pedestal or take the 162 steps all the way up to the crown. Not far from the ferry, in Battery Park is South Street Seaport, with its restaurants, shops and historic ships for boarding. Discover more ways to plan your day in New York City.
Let's plan something wonderful
Book your next trip with AAA Travel now or call 888-780-5185 to speak with a travel advisor.
Book NowWashington, D.C.
If you want to immerse yourself in American (and world) history and art and iconic American buildings, the nation’s capital is the place to go. See the original signed parchment copy of the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives. Washington, D.C., is also home to the Smithsonian, a network of museums, galleries, research centers and a zoo spread across the National Mall and beyond. Other sights to see include the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and monuments that honor service members from different conflicts.
Book now: Enjoy a nine-day journey through Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
National Parks
Nothing is more iconic than America’s national parks. These protected natural spaces are filled with mountains, forests, streams, wildlife and iconic monuments and welcome millions of hikers, campers, fisherman and other explorers every year.
These are just a few of the country’s top parks to experience.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon in Arizona is a geological marvel, stretching for 277 miles with a maximum depth of 6,000 feet. You can view the canyon from above at the north or south rim. The inner canyon is accessible by hiking or mule riding. For a classic travel experience, consider a train trip for slow, cinematic views unlike any other.
Book now: Canyon Country Featuring Arizona and Utah.
Yellowstone National Park
Explore America’s first national park, established by Congress and approved by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1872. Described by some as otherworldly, this massive park covers almost 3,500 square miles primarily in Wyoming but extending into parts of Montana and Idaho as well. Guests can enjoy breathtaking scenery, waterfalls, geysers and wildlife and choose from more than 1,100 miles of hiking trails. Yellowstone has more geysers and hot springs than anywhere else in the world, including Old Faithful, the park’s most famous geyser, and one of the few whose eruption times can be tracked.
Book now: America’s Cowboy Country.
Yosemite National Park
Stretching over almost 1,200 square miles in California, Yosemite is famous for its waterfalls but is home to almost every natural formation and woodlands, including mountains, cliffs, valleys, meadows, forests, rivers and lakes. Hiking is popular, and guided tours are also available. The park also has iconic historic sites, including several museums, an art gallery and an art and nature center.
Book now: Northern California with Yosemite National Park, eight-day guided tour.
More National Park Wonders
While there are countless national park highlights to explore, a few of the most famous include the sandstone arches of Arches National Park in Utah, the jagged peaks of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming and the misty grandeur of Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddling North Carolina and Tennessee. Each park showcases a different side of America’s natural diversity.
If Badlands National park is on your must-see list, you can make it a road trip to another South Dakota American icon: Mount Rushmore is about 2 hours away. Need a ride? AAA offers exclusive member savings when you rent with Hertz.
Book now: See America’s national parks like never before on a nine-day train adventure with Railbookers.
You’ve Read About It — Now Experience It
Let AAA Travel make your dream vacation a reality. Connect with a travel advisor for free trip planning, custom itineraries, exclusive perks and expert guidance every step of the way.
Call 888-780-5185 | Find a AAA Branch | Contact Online
How many of these American icons have you visited? What is next on your list? Tell us in the comments.
Last updated on June 23, 2026 by AAA Staff
Ellen is a content producer for AAA Northeast, covering automotive, finance, public affairs and electric vehicle news. She is a former newspaper reporter with experience writing for print and online publications about everything from higher education to sustainability. She recently returned to her native Long Island after living in Connecticut for 20-plus years, and has never met a beach she didn’t like.
Related Articles
Trending Articles
NEWEST ARTICLES
One Thought on “Must-Visit American Icons”
Leave A Comment
Comments are subject to moderation and may or may not be published at the editor’s discretion. Only comments that are relevant to the article and add value to the Your AAA community will be considered. Comments may be edited for clarity and length.
I can’t believe Minuteman National Historic Park in Lexington, MA was not mentioned since it is where the Revolutionary War began. It’s an awesome place to visit and learn some history.