10 Best Historical Sites In The United States To Visit

Apart from some remarkable landmarks, there are various historical sites in the United States that are worth exploring especially when you are keen to learn more about the country’s history. Be it a national park, square, old building, University, or even a bridge, each of them represents the rich history of the country.

The United States of America is popular for its rich lifestyle, and technology and also for being the major international business hub. Whenever you will hear about the United States, the first thing that will come to your mind will the Statue of Liberty, the White House, the stunning streets of New York City, or the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco.

In case you are confused and wondering where to start, then read along and know about the top 10 most notable historical sites in the United States. 

Top 10 Historical Sites In The United States To Visit 

1. Hearst Castle

The Hearst Castle is one of the most beautifully designed historical sites in the United States that lies in the San Simeon city of California. The construction of this castle was started in 1919 by William Randolph and completed in 1958 after Hearst’s death. Spanning up to 127, the Castle now serves as one of the National State Parks and can only be accessed via boat. 

As you can see, the Castle has some inspiration from Spanish architectural designs due to William Hearst’s passion for Spanish art and design. Even the cottages where he lived were named Casa Grande, Casa Del Monte, Casa Del Mar, and Casa Del Sol. 

Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry Fee: Click Here To Know More

Location: San Simeon, California

Also Read: 10 Most Amazing Tourist Attractions in Boston, the Athens Of America

2. Capitol Building “White House”

The capital building is the major landmark and the meeting place of congress and the house of Representatives. It is one of the most popular historical sites in the United States and is recognized throughout the globe. Also, known as the “White House”, the building represents the 19th-century neoclassical architecture design. 

The Building has been recently renovated with complete restoration of its Dome and more than 1000 cracks were fixed. The building opened for visitors in 2008 and allows them to explore galleries and the Congress library. However, Capitol Building is currently closed for visitors and is more likely to open on May 30th, 2022 with minimal visitors. 

Visiting Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Location: Capitol Hill, ‎Washington, D.C.

3. Castillo De San Marcos

Buil between 1672 to 1675, the Castillo De San Marcos is a Spanish castle built to defend the Europe trade route against the invasion. It is the largest as well as the oldest masonry fort in the United States. The fort originally belonged to Spanish Empire and was later bought by the United States in 1821 for U.S Army. 

While visiting the Castillo De San Marcos, you can explore the fortress while wearing the period dress. Being a major historical landmark, you can also find a range of wildlife species including marine life near the sandy shores.  

Visiting Hours: 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM

Entry Fee(Adult 16+): $15

Location: Castillo Dr, St. Augustine

Also Read: 5 Most Unique Tourist Attractions In Arizona | The Grand Canyon State 

4. Alcatraz Island 

Alcatraz Island was once served as the home to some of the most infamous criminals of the United States such as Al Gabriel Capone and Robert Stroud. The island was developed in 1934 and constructed with military prison, a military fortification, and a lighthouse. The prison was shut down in 1963 and since then the island one of a major tourist attraction. 

Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM

Location: San Francisco, California

5. Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is situated on 12 acres of island in the lower Manhattan of New York City. It is one of the most popular landmarks in the world and the major center of attraction in the United States. As a visitor, you can either witness its beauty from the outside or visit the museum to explore and learn more about the history of this magnificent statue. 

There is also an exhibit dedicated to this statue right on the second floor of the Statue of Liberty that showcases a huge collection of photographs and artworks describing the history of the monument. There is no entry fee required to visit the Statue of Liberty exhibit. 

Visiting Hours: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Entry Fee: 

• Children(4 to 12): $12:30

• Adults(13+): $23:80

• Senior Citizen(62+): $18:30

Location: New York City, New York  

 Also Read: 17 Reasons To Have New York On Your Travel Bucket List

6. Jackson Square

Situated in New Orlean a few steps away from the Mississippi River and the St. Louis Cathedral, the Jackson square is one of the most notable landmarks in New Orleans. Being the most picturesque location in the city, the square also houses a public park named General Andrew Jackson. 

If you are looking for a place to eat in Jackson, then there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to eat from within the square. Cafe du Monde is the most popular cafe in Jackson Square which remains for 24 hours. The morning hours i.e breakfast is usually crowded meanwhile the lunch hours offers quick services. 

Visiting Hours: 24 Hours

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

7. Taos Pueblo

Taos Pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the northern region of Taos. The place was inhabited by Native Americans for over 1000 years and multi-story clay buildings. Taos Pueblo covers a massive area of 95,000 acres where around 4,500 people are still living. This is one of the must-visit sites for those who are keen to learn native American history.

Other highlights near the Taos Pueblo include Taos Plaza, Rio Grande Gorge, and State Francis De Assisi Catholic Church. 

Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Location: Taos, New Mexico

Also Read: 5 Best Places to Visit in New Mexico

8. Harvard University

It doesn’t matter whether you are a newly admitted student at Harvard or just visiting the University as a tourist, there are plenty of things to discover in the 386 years old campus. Harvard University is no less than a heaven for those visiting it for the first time. It is one of the most visited places by tourists in Boston.

The University campus contains numerous Old and new buildings and most of which are the perfect spot to click pictures. Some places are only open to students and can be accessible only if you are accompanied by a Harvard student.  

Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

9. The Brooklyn Bridge 

The iconic Brooklyn Bridge was built in 1883 to connect transportation between Manhattan and Brooklyn. The Bridge has been frequently featured in some popular Hollywood movies and tv shows such as Spiderman(2002), Godzilla, Fantastic Four, and Manhattan(1979). 

The Bridge took around 24 years to build and it was the first bridge to be built on the East River. If you are coming here during the high season, it is best advised to visit early morning or night as daytime is filled with a massive crowd. 

Visiting Hours: 24 Hours 

Location: Brooklyn, New York City

Also Read: 10 Most Amazing Tourist Attractions in Boston, the Athens Of America

10. Fort Ticonderoga

Fort Ticonderoga is a worth visiting site in the United States especially when you traveling with your family. The Fort was built in the 18th century by the French that stands near Lake Champlain in New York City. You can plan your entire in this Fort as there are plenty of places to explore with a range of things to do. 

Various daily shows and events are organized at Fort Ticonderoga and during the warm seasons, many tourists come here to relax t King’s Garden and enjoy these beautiful landscape views. Currently, the fortress is closed to the public and it is likely to open on May 7, 2022. 

Visiting Hours: 9:30 to 5:00 PM

Location: Ticonderoga, ‎New York