What do you absolutely have to see on a trip to the United States? Here are ten places most representative of American history and culture, from New York to San Francisco via Washington, Seattle or Chicago.
Historic, unusual, excessive… The most famous monuments in the United States attract millions of travelers every year who come to contemplate and immortalize these legendary places. From California to New York via South Dakota and the impressive Mount Rushmore, here’s how to live the American dream through the ten most emblematic monuments of the country.
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Statue of Liberty in New York, the face of America
Inaugurated on October 28, 1886, “Liberty Enlightening the World” is a gift from the French people to the American people, on the occasion of the centenary of the American Revolution. This iconic statue, perched on a small island in the middle of New York Bay, welcomed waves of immigrants in the early 20th century. Today, the Statue of Liberty sees more than 4 million tourists pass by its feet each year. A word of advice: preferably go there in the morning when the sun shines on your face. Do not miss a visit to the fascinating museum, completely remodeled in 2019.
Statue of Liberty, Liberty Island. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Admission: $24 ($12 for children 4 to 12 years old and $18 for seniors from 62 years old). Website
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The Empire State Building in New York, mythical skyscraper
The 443 meters of the Empire State Building (including the antenna) are now largely exceeded by the new towers of the Financial District and Midtown, but this skyscraper, completed in 1931, is nonetheless the symbol of New York. The Empire State Building is distinguished by its elegant Art Deco style and its spire which lights up according to the events. On the 86th floor, a large open terrace allows you to enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of New York.
Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10118. Open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to midnight Friday through Sunday. Admission: $44 ($38 for children 6 to 12 years old and $42 for seniors from 62 years old). Website
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The White House in Washington, heart of American power
Not a day goes by without the media talking about the “White House”. This imposing building was built from 1792 to 1800, close to the National Mall in Washington to house the official residence of the American Presidents. A place chosen by George Washington, the first American President, but it was his successor, John Adams, who was the first tenant. For lack of being able to enter, the best point of view is along the park which borders the southern facade.
White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue – NW, Washington, DC 20500. Free guided tours on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 am to 12:30 pm, only for American nationals and aliens residing in the United States. Website
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Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States
In the heart of Philadelphia, Independence Hall is a small red brick building that seems very frail in front of the glass towers and the surrounding massive buildings. Its symbolic and historical importance is nevertheless immense: it is here that the American declaration of independence was signed on July 4, 1776, and the American constitution on September 17, 1787. An adjoining pavilion houses a mythical relic: the Liberty Bell, a split bell erected as a symbol of Liberty.
Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Guided tours daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (until 7 p.m. on weekends). Mandatory reservation. Admission: $1. Website
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Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the gateway to the Pacific Ocean
Guarding the entrance to San Francisco Bay since 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge has become one of the icons of the American West, with its characteristic “international orange” color and its two 230-meter-tall towers. The crossing on foot, by bike or by car offers a breathtaking view of the bay and the Pacific Ocean. The bridge is also a photographer’s delight, especially when morning fog shrouds the bridge deck and San Francisco.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Website
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Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles, American cinema
The story of the Hollywood sign is worthy of a movie! Originally, this billboard was installed in 1923 by the promoter of Hollywoodland, a high-end real estate project at the foot of Mount Lee. The panel deteriorated over the years, before finally being taken over and restored by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce in 1949, then listed as a historic monument in 1973. Since then, it has single-handedly embodied the film industry and the American dream !
Hollywood Sign, Griffith Park, Mount Lee, Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA 90068. For the best view of the Hollywood Sign, go along Mulholland Highway at 6100. Website
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Mount Rushmore in Keystone, a tribute to America’s fathers
From October 1927 to October 1941, 400 workers chisel the granite of Mount Rushmore under the guidance of sculptor Gutzon Borglum. The result ? A gallery of monumental portraits of the 4 American presidents who contributed the most to the formation of the United States: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Each face is 18 meters high! To review before the visit: Alfred Hitchcock’s “Death on the Trail”, the final scene of which takes place at Mount Rushmore.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, 13000 Highway 244, Keystone, SD 57751. Open daily 5am-11pm. Admission: parking fee of $10 per vehicle. Website
Space Needle in Seattle, the UFO
Built for the 1962 World’s Fair in Seattle, the Space Needle still appears today as one of the most futuristic landmarks in the United States. “The needle of space” rises to almost 185 meters high, capped by a surprising flying saucer. The tower is open to the public with an observatory completely redesigned in 2018. At the top, have a drink at “The Loupe” lounge: this dizzying bar is equipped with the only rotating glass floor in the world.
Space Needle, 400 Broad Street, Seattle, WA 98109. Open daily 9am-11pm. Admission: $35 ($26 for children aged 5 to 12 and 30% for those over 65). Website
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Gateway Arch in Saint-Louis, an extraordinary arch
The Gateway Arch rises 192 meters above the banks of the Mississippi and the buildings of Saint-Louis, winning the title of the largest arch in the world since its inauguration in 1965. A challenge to gravity imagined by the Finnish-born architect Eero Saarinen to honor President Thomas Jefferson and his vision for the country’s expansion westward. Even more surprising: futuristic capsules climb inside the arch to serve a narrow observatory at the top.
Gateway Arch, 11 North 4th Street, St. Louis, MO 63102. Open daily 9am-8pm summer, 9am-6pm winter. Admission: $15 ($11 for children aged 3 to 15 and $13 for those over 60). Website
Cloud Gate, Chicago in the Clouds
Created in 2004 by the famous British artist Anish Kapoor, this monumental sculpture, 10 meters high and 20 meters wide, gives a new dimension to Millennium Park in Chicago. Its surface, covered with 168 perfectly polished stainless steel plates, echoes the texture of liquid mercury and invites passers-by to play with the reflections and distortions of the skyline. Its odd shape has also earned it the affectionate nickname of bean.
Cloud Gate, 201 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60602. Millennium Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Free admission. Website
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