Memorial Day is a uniquely American holiday, so why not use the weekend to take a uniquely American road trip? From the statue that greeted millions of immigrants coming to start a new life in the US to the end point of America's Mother Road, and all of the interesting monuments and natural features in between, here are 7 of the most iconic road trip destinations!
More than 12 million immigrants sailed into New York Harbor to start new lives as Americans. For many, the first sight that greeted them was the Statue of Liberty. The copper statue, a gift from the French, depicts the Roman goddess of liberty holding a torch and a tablet, with broken chains at her feet. She looks magnificent from the shore, but hop on a ferry out to Liberty Island to climb into the statue and take in the views from her crown. On the ferry ride back, hit up Ellis Island, also in the harbor, to learn the story of the immigrants who Lady Liberty welcomed in.
Another iconic structure, the Gateway Arch is dedicated to America's Westward expansion across the Mississippi, and to St. Louis's impressive riverfront. The sleek oblong arch has a museum below it, elevators in the legs, and an observation deck offering views of the Mighty Mississippi and beyond from the top. It's one of the most-recognized and most-visited man-made objects, and it's a great stop while road-tripping through or to St. Louis.
Texas is a great road trip destination, and the state's most iconic spot has to be The Alamo. Originally called the Mission San Antonio de Valero, the Alamo is best known for the role it played in the Texan Revolution, when a small band of settlers held out against General Santa Anna's army for 13 days before falling. Texas eventually won the revolution and its independence, spurred on by cries of "Remember the Alamo!"
A monument to American ingenuity, Mount Rushmore is one of America's icons that begs to be seen while on a road trip. Carved into a mountain in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the four massive Presidential busts were carved into the side of the mountain by a Danish-American citizen and his son. And if somehow, you don't find Mount Rushmore impressive, head to the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial!
Yellowstone's most famous feature, Old Faithful has been geysering up like clockwork several times a day since before America was a country, and will likely continue to long after we're gone (unless the reason that we're gone is because of the supervolcano below Yellowstone erupting.) The times it's going to geyser are well-posted throughout the park, and make sure to get there early to get a good view. Bonus: the nearby Old Faithful Inn is a stunning lodge hotel that looks like a log cabin mansion!
The Grand Canyon might be America's most legendary National Park, and one visit here will show you why. The North Rim and the South Rim offer different experiences, and while you're there, make sure to take advantages of various hikes and scenic overlooks in the area so you can fully appreciate the awe-inspiring wonder of this giant hole in the ground.
The Santa Monica Pier is not only an old-school beach attraction, but it's also the end point for Route 66. It's been around since 1909 and has all of the roller coasters, rides, restaurants, shops, games and attractions that you expect from a classic boardwalk. Plus, there's no better place to dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean!
Wherever your road trip takes you, remember to enjoy the journey there as well... and take plenty of pictures along the way!