12 Must-Visit American National Monuments 2025

From wonders of Mother Nature to sites deliberately constructed by mankind, the US is home to a vast number of National Monuments. Visiting these gives travelers fascinating glimpses into the natural and social history of this part of the planet. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the best natural and man-made national monuments in America.

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Misty Fjords National Monument, Alaska

President Carter designated the Misty Fjords National Monument in Alaska in the late 1970s, comprising over 2 million acres of forest. You can camp in the area, there are various hiking trails for discovering the wilderness, and boat trips among the fjords are available. Look out for wildlife, including killer whales and bears, while visiting this part of the Tongass National Forest.

The National Mall, Washington D.C.

The National Mall is a must because it has many important monuments. It’s an attractive site for a stroll, with broad, tree-lined avenues dotted with grassy parkland. Head here, and you can see the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and more, plus the United States Capitol and the White House.

Natural Bridges, Utah

Natural Bridges was Utah’s first National Monument, and the natural structures here are amazing to behold. The surrounding landscape is a lovely place for hiking, and a nighttime visit is recommended to see the stars. With minimal light pollution and the shadowy shapes of the arches, there are some striking sights to experience.

George Washington Birthplace, Virginia

Located where Popes Creek meets the Potomac River in Westmoreland County, Virginia, the George Washington Birthplace National Monument is devoted to the man regarded as the nation’s founding father. You can see historical reenactments while visiting the site, which is a great way to engage with the past. Born in 1732, the site covers over 550 acres of land, home to seven generations of Washingtons.

Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

Designated by President Roosevelt, the Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming is a truly incredible natural wonder. Long before European settlers stumbled upon it, the awesome tower was sacred to Native Americans. A hike in the local area is a great way to see it, and a campground is nearby. Be sure to look out for the local prairie dog population while exploring.

Carrizo Plain National Monument, California

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The Carrizo Plain National Monument is famous for being the site of the San Andreas Fault. The huge grassland plain is located around 100 miles north of Los Angeles, yet feels far more remote. Time your visit right, and wildflowers could be carpeting the plain. You can also see the dry bed of Soda Lake, so called because of the white, sun-dried, salty deposits. The area is also rich in flora and fauna, rare species, and culturally significant to Native Americans.

Statue of Liberty, New York

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The Big Apple’s colossal icon is on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, a sculptor, with a framework constructed by Gustave Eiffel, the neoclassical copper statue was given to America by France in 1885. There is no entrance fee to visit the National Monument, though you’ll need a ferry ticket to reach the island.

The Giant Sequoia National Monument, California

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The biggest trees on the planet are always a jaw-dropping sight, and the giant sequoias of California might also be the largest species ever to live on Earth. It’s a popular site to visit, particularly in summer, with many local hiking trails to follow. If you head here in winter instead, be prepared to tackle snowy and icy roads.

Fort Sumter, South Carolina

If you visit only one Civil War monument in the US, make it Fort Sumter in South Carolina. The first gunfire occurred here in 1861, and the fort remained in use until 1947. You’ll need to take a ferry to access the fort, and it’s best to time your visit with a reenactment, if you can, for a more immersive experience.

Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona

Among all National Monuments, this is the one for geologists. The vast boulders, supported only by smaller rocks, must be seen to be believed. Take a hike to view these natural phenomena at close quarters, though you might want to avoid the searing heat of midsummer. Looking out for South and Central American migrating birds, journeying north or south, is also a popular pastime at Chiricahua National Monument.

Canyon de Chelly, Arizona

This National Monument is also in Arizona and is home to a vast selection of prehistoric art. The area was inhabited by various Native Americans, some of whom left behind remnants of Pueblo villages. There’s nowhere else in the US better for encountering Native American life, and the area remains under the ownership of the Navajo Nation.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota

This colossal granite sculpture cannot fail to make visitors imagine what its creation must have involved. Now, you can see the faces of Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and George Washington hewn into the rock. Work ended in 1941, and the sculptures are 60 feet high. An interactive museum here explains the history and ethos behind Mount Rushmore.

12 Must-Visit American National Monuments