Exploring the 10 Best U.S. National Monuments to Visit is like paging through a living scrapbook of America’s history and natural beauty. These sites stretch from volcanic peaks in the Pacific Northwest to desert carvings in the Southwest, each preserving a piece of the nation’s story. Whether you’re drawn to Indigenous heritage, Revolutionary War history, or sheer geological wonder, these monuments bring past and present together in unforgettable ways.
Statue of Liberty, New York
Dedicated in 1886 as a gift from France, the Statue of Liberty National Monument is America’s enduring symbol of freedom. A short ferry ride from Manhattan takes you to Liberty Island, where you can climb up to the crown for sweeping harbor views. Pair your visit with Ellis Island, the gateway for over 12 million immigrants, to fully grasp its role in shaping American identity. The museum on site also displays the statue’s original torch, a powerful relic of its long history.
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Carved into the granite of the Black Hills between 1927 and 1941, Mount Rushmore National Memorial immortalizes Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. The monument attracts millions each year with its larger-than-life faces and nightly lighting ceremony. While in the area, don’t miss the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial, which offers a different perspective on the region’s heritage. Scenic drives through the Black Hills make the entire trip a blend of history and natural beauty, much like a classic American road trip through national treasures.
Devils Tower, Wyoming
Declared the first U.S. National Monument in 1906 by Theodore Roosevelt, Devils Tower rises 867 feet above the Belle Fourche River. Its dramatic columns draw climbers from around the world, while Native American tribes continue to hold the site sacred. A loop trail around its base gives visitors incredible perspectives of this volcanic wonder. It even gained pop culture fame as a backdrop in the 1977 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Canyon de Chelly, Arizona
Nestled within the Navajo Nation, Canyon de Chelly National Monument preserves nearly 5,000 years of human history. Its sheer sandstone walls shelter ancient cliff dwellings, including the famous White House Ruin. Guided tours led by Navajo rangers provide cultural context and personal stories that bring the canyon to life. Seasonal changes paint the canyon in different colors, making every visit unique.
Organ Pipe Cactus, Arizona
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1976, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument showcases the only place in the U.S. where this cactus thrives naturally. Scenic drives like Ajo Mountain Loop highlight desert landscapes dotted with giant saguaros and chollas. Winter and spring bring ideal weather for hikes under brilliant desert skies. If you visit in March, the desert wildflowers blanket the ground with bursts of color, a hidden gem much like those featured in our 8 Spectacular Desert Destinations in the USA.
Castillo de San Marcos, Florida
Built by the Spanish in 1672, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in St. Augustine is the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. Its coquina stone walls withstood sieges for centuries, making it a must-see for history lovers. Daily cannon firings and costumed reenactments bring its colonial past to life. The waterfront location also offers some of the best views in historic St. Augustine, echoing the charm of towns we covered in 12 Historic American Cities Perfect for a Weekend Trip.
White Sands, New Mexico
Recently upgraded to a national park in 2019, the site is still often called White Sands National Monument by locals. Its dazzling gypsum dunes cover 275 square miles, creating a surreal, ever-shifting landscape. Sunset strolls and sledding down the dunes are experiences you won’t forget. Photographers especially love the way the dunes glow under the rising or setting sun.
Muir Woods, California
Just north of San Francisco, Muir Woods National Monument preserves an ancient stand of coastal redwoods, some soaring over 250 feet tall. Designated in 1908, it remains a sanctuary for quiet walks under towering trees. Boardwalk trails make it easy to explore, with cathedral-like groves that inspire awe year-round. Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and catch the forest at its most peaceful, much like a quiet coastal stop you’d find on 10 Iconic U.S. Road Trips You Need to Take at Least Once.
Craters of the Moon, Idaho
Formed by volcanic eruptions between 15,000 and 2,000 years ago, Craters of the Moon National Monument looks like another planet. Its lava tubes, cinder cones, and dark basalt flows stretch for miles across Idaho’s Snake River Plain. Established in 1924, it’s a favorite for stargazing thanks to its designated Dark Sky status. Summer ranger programs often include guided hikes and telescope nights under the stars, making it a wonderland for both geologists and dreamers.
Fort Sumter, South Carolina
Standing at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter National Monument marks where the first shots of the Civil War were fired in April 1861. Today, visitors arrive by boat to explore the brick ruins and learn about the war’s beginnings. The surrounding harbor views add a powerful backdrop to its historic weight. Be sure to stop at the visitor center on the mainland for a deeper look into Charleston’s Civil War history before you step onto the fort itself.
