Did you know that the USA is home to 22 of the 981 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the world? From the Pyramids of Egypt to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage Sites are some of the most iconic places on the planet, each receiving the recognition for its natural or cultural heritage.
In the US, these include the Grand Canyon and the Statue of Liberty. We’ve rounded up the most beautiful sites you need to see…
World Heritage Sites In The US
1. Taos Pueblo, New Mexico
Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community and is both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The multi-story adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over a 1,000 years. Archaeologists say that ancestors of the Taos Indians lived in this valley long before Columbus discovered America and hundreds of years before Europe emerged from the Dark Ages!
2. Independence Hall, Pennsylvania
Designated a World Heritage Site in 1979
The U.S. Declaration of Independence and Constitution were both signed in this building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The universal principles of freedom and democracy set forth in these documents are of fundamental importance to U.S. history and have also had a profound impact on lawmakers around the world. Visitors can also explore the First Bank of the U.S., Congress Hall, Old City Hall, Franklin Court and Liberty Bell Center.
3. Statue of Liberty National Monument, New York
Designated a World Heritage Site in 1984
The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was a gift of friendship from the people of France on the 100th anniversary of U.S. independence in 1876, dedicated on Oct. 28, 1886. Standing at the entrance to New York Harbor, it has welcomed millions of immigrants to the USA ever since.
4. Redwood National and State Parks, California
Designated a World Heritage Site in 1980
Home to the oldest and tallest trees on earth, the redwood forest in this area is also home to remnants of a group of trees that have existed for 160 million years. The park also protects vast prairies, oak woodlands, wild river ways and nearly 64 kms of pristine coastline.
5. Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming
Designated a World Heritage Site in 1978
Yellowstone National Park contains half of all the world’s known geothermal features (10,000) and the world’s largest concentration of geysers (more than 300, or two thirds of all those on the planet!). It has diverse wildlife such as grizzly bears, wolves, bison and wapitis. Yellowstone is the USA’s first national park and attracts visitors from around the world.
6. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Designated a World Heritage Site in 1979
The Grand Canyon has been referred to as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The Grand Canyon is easily Arizona’s most distinguishable landmark—a natural wonder you must see to believe. Stretching 277 miles from end to end, its rocky walls descend more than a mile to the canyon’s floor.
Everyone should see the Grand Canyon at least once in their life!
7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
Designated a World Heritage Site in 1983
The USA’s most-visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains, is truly stunning. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, and covers 520,000 acres. The Smoky Mountains are known for the blue mist that always seems to hover around the peaks and valleys.
