Top Things to do in United States
10 Historic Sites in United States That You Shouldn't Miss
Spanning 2,800 miles (4,506 kilometers) from east to west, the US is a vast patchwork of landscapes and metropolises. From Arizona’s red-rocked canyons and California’s coastal beaches to New York’s big city and Virginia’s storied past, it covers any topic any traveler could want or need.
Restaurants in United States
1. Savannah Historic District
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14,018 reviews
Savannah's picturesque historic district brings the traditional southern atmosphere to life.
Reviewed By mmwinters
The Savannah historic district will thrill those who love American history, especially colonial or civil war times; African American history; art and architecture; seafood or southern foods; trees and landscaping; fountains and sculptures. Several convenient modes of travel will help you get around - trolleys, horse-drawn carriages, Uber type services, and the free DOT bus system. Parking for cars is limited. I think it would be difficult to try to see things with your personal car. Be sure to wear a good pair of walking shoes and stay hydrated. It’s hard to recommend the “best” things to see and do. As a history lover, I wanted to see it ALL and hope to return someday to see the places I couldn’t get worked in. I think Savannah, budding and blooming in the spring, would be the most beautiful time to tour. August is very hot and humid, but bearable because the the sites are just so darned interesting and the beach is nearby!
2. Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,524 reviews
The Martin House (Buffalo, NY, 1903-05) exemplifies Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie House ideal and ranks as one of his finest residential works. Designed for Larkin Soap Company executive, Darwin D. Martin, the multi-residential estate is a one-of-a-kind composition consisting of the main Martin House, the smaller Barton House, a carriage house with chauffeur’s quarters and stables, a glass-roofed conservatory linked to the main house by a 100-foot pergola, and a gardener’s cottage. Tours explore the restored and reconstructed buildings, surrounding landscape, and an extensive collection of art glass and furnishings, all designed by Wright, which together form a totally integrated architectural masterwork. We welcome you to this National Historic Landmark.
Reviewed By bonnieh111 - Palmyra, United States
Went to the Darwin D Marting House and the summer home and I really enjoyed the tour. The guide was very good and didn't mind all of my questions, If you like architecture or how the wealthy lived, this is a must see.
3. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,255 reviews
A green oasis in the middle of Pittsburgh’s vibrant Oakland neighborhood, Phipps has provided a world-class garden experience to its visitors since 1893. Visit to discover breathtaking seasonal flower shows and special exhibits, a nationally-recognized orchid collection, butterflies, botanical gardens, fun family activities, and much more.
Reviewed By Greenthumb185 - Pittsburgh, United States
We have visited Phipps multiple times over the year. A top rate conservatory with many special interests such as the cactus room, children's garden etc. Wonderful use of green technology
4. Alcatraz Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55,332 reviews
Park rangers conduct tours by recounting the prison's thrilling history along with intriguing anecdotes about Al Capone and other legendary figures that made a "home" here.
Reviewed By Piggin01
I did the night tour it was amazing and very interesting love that former inmates and staff did the audio recording for the tour which is easy to follow and very informative would highly recommend and would do again
5. Historic Jamestowne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,335 reviews
Historic Jamestowne is the original site of the first permanent English settlement in America. Ongoing archaeology at the site of James Fort has changed our understanding of the struggles and triumphs of early 1600s life in Virginia. Living history programs and an archaeology museum tell the story of this dramatic rediscovery. The site is jointly administered by the National Park Service and Preservation Virginia.
Reviewed By Seabiscuit47 - Washington DC, United States
This was a pleasant and educational surprise. It is well worth the short walk from the visitor center to the ruins, archeological dig and museum. The interpretive introduction by the volunteer, in character as John Rolfe was both fascinating and humorous. The archeology museum is a wonderful source of artifacts and reconstruction of 17th century life in the settlement. The small restaurant onsite serve nice sandwiches/wraps and has a patio on the banks of the river.
6. Waimea Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,434 reviews
Experience Hawaiʻiʻs Living Culture in Waimea Valley, deeply rooted in authentic Hawaiian History, Culture, Spirituality and Tradition. Waimea Valley is a world apart from Waikiki, be in the quiet of nature, beautiful flowers, rare plants, cultural sites and a beautiful waterfall for swimming.
7. Colonial Williamsburg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,204 reviews
Colonial Williamsburg is the only place that takes you back in time to the dawn of America. This isn't just a place where things once happened. They're happening, right now, here in the 18th century. We're the place where the idea of our country is being born; the place where the ideals we stand for as Americans are being defined. We are the 18th century "live," filled with the stories of the women, men, and children—free and enslaved—whose values and visions gave us a new world. Step back in time and meet the people who made America—sing with them, dance with them, eat with them, and have fun with them. For every person who wants to understand this country, this is your place.
Reviewed By 511lindam - Chapel Hill, United States
We stayed at the Williamsburg Lodge and loved everything about it! Williamsburg is great fun and I would recommend a multi day pass to explore all of Colonial Williamsburg!! Overall just a great place to visit for all ages!!
8. Monticello
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,916 reviews
Monticello and its many historical rooms, gadgets, furniture, buildings, and artifacts tell us a lot about Thomas Jefferson, the president who built it and lived there.
Reviewed By jayrandall24 - Westerville, United States
My wife and I were more than pleasantly surprised by our visit here today. It was more than just a tour of a big house! It was a whole lesson on a life of a man, his passions, his family, his successes and his failures. It was a lesson on slavery and racism. We were amazed by the tour guides there, including Don, Lou and the woman who did the slavery tour (can’t remember her name) :( They were extremely knowledgeable and helpful and friendly! It was a real eye opener and more than worth the time! We recommend it highly!!
9. Harvard University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,134 reviews
Founded in 1636, Harvard is America's oldest institute of higher learning and one of the country's most prestigious universities. Among the illustrious alumni are civil rights leader W.E.B. Du Bois, philosopher Henry David Thoreau, writer Gertrude Stein, composer Leonard Bernstein, cellist Yo Yo Ma and seven U.S. presidents.
Reviewed By vincentdE9094KZ - Dún Laoghaire, Ireland
The Harvard campus is a beautiful and historic place to experience calm, mature trees, and beautiful red brick buildings. If the Memorial hall is open it is worth going in.
10. Biltmore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26,629 reviews
George Vanderbilt's historic country estate in Asheville, NC; Biltmore includes Biltmore House--America's largest home--plus gardens, winery, Antler Hill Village, historic farm, 4-star Inn on Biltmore Estate, shops, restaurants, branded products, and outdoor adventures. This National Historic Landmark is an amazing destination offering a wide range of activities for all ages.
Reviewed By travelerfromsj - San Jose, United States
We did the self-guided audio tour of the house early in the morning, with tickets bought on-line a month earlier. While the house itself was fascinating, I have to say the audio part of it was a little corny and overacted at times- all about guests going to a party, and not much about the history or architecture of the house; but I liked seeing the period clothing. The tour ended appropriately with a tour of the servants quarters, at the bottom of the house. After that we walked around the gardens, to the Bass pond and back. The highlight was definitely the Conservatory, which was stunning; make sure to stop in there to see the orchids. After a quick lunch we took the Legacy of the Land tour, which is a shuttle tour that makes a few stops for guests to get out and look around. I think our tour guide was Jim, and it was absolutely fascinating. I was expecting a tour of the Farm, but it was more about Vanderbilt’s decision to build the Biltmore, how he acquired the land, Olmsted’s design of the grounds, the beginnings of the US forestry service… It was definitely a nice counterpoint to the house tour, and I highly recommend it. We ate at Antler Hill Village twice while here, and sampled wine at the winery. I have to say this place is HUGE; it’s about 5 miles between the Biltmore House and Antler Hill Village, so you’ll definitely want a plan and a car. Plan on spending at least a day. The only negative we ran into is that parking for the Biltmore House tours was confusing and not well signed, especially if you’re looking for the park and walk lot. Pretty much every car that came in ended up driving all the way up to the lawn in front of the house, where a guard told them to do a U-turn and go back. More signs or a couple of folks directing traffic in the morning would be really helpful.
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