Top 10 UNESCO Sites In The USA

Top 10 UNESCO Sites In Usa
Pala
Pala 
Updated
| 4 min read

A large nation in North America, the United States of America is also known as “the U.S”, “the USA”, “the States”, “the United States”, or just “America”. The country boasts 22 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in total. All these sites have got the special status for their unmatched cultural or natural heritage. These sites are as diverse and unique as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Egypt’s Pyramids, or East Africa’s Serengeti. All the UNESCO World Heritage Sites showcase an excellent opportunity for the country to share the unparalleled diversity of its people, the beauty of the land, and the complete tale of America. Here are the top 10 UNESCO Sites in the USA you should definitely visit once in your lifetime.

1. Yosemite National Park

California, Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Valley from Yosemite Falls
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Lucas·G used under CC BY-SA 4.0

You need to start from the city of San Francisco and pass through the Great Central Valley while following the lovely Merced River, till you reach the base of the magnificent Sierra Nevada Mountains, which is where the spectacular Yosemite National Park is located. You can spend a few hours in this park with your family. Take a guided tour for the first hour and then explore the site on your own for the rest of the time. There are a number of places here where you will love to take pictures. Prominent among them is El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Cathedral Spires, Bridalveil Falls, and many more.

Yosemite National Park

Address: California, USA

Website: Yosemite National Park

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While Yosemite is mostly visited during the warmer seasons, winter offers a few unique experiences, such as ice skating in Curry Village Ice Rink, one of the most scenic, if not the most scenic, ice rinks in California. Another amazing experience is observing the famous "Firefall" at Horsetail Falls, which only happens in mid-late February. Many of the trails, such as John Muir Trail, Mirror Lake, Lower Yosemite Falls and Artist Point, are open and offer a completely different experience in wintertime too.

You can also go snowshoeing in Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Nelder Grove, Dewey Point/Glacier Point Rd, and Clark Range View Trail or drive the Yosemite Valley Loop and Hetch Hetchy Road to enjoy the amazing winter scenery.

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2. Statue of Liberty


The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States of America from France in a unique gesture of friendship and goodwill. The monument is regarded as a universal sign of democracy and freedom. The people of France gifted it on October 28, 1886. In 1924, America declared it as a National Monument of the country. If you are planning to visit this UNESCO site, enhance your trip further by doing the park ranger guided trips, self-guided tours, and the museum.

Statue of Liberty

Address: New York, NY 10004, USA

Website: Statue of Liberty

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3. Everglades National Park


This park safeguards an unmatched and stunning landscape and provides a habitat for innumerable endangered and rare species, such as the American crocodile, the difficult to find Florida panther, and the manatee, among others. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers numerous activities including a chance to take a short walk along the Anhinga Trail, so that you can spot wildlife in the form of alligators, herons, turtles, and many more. You can also climb on the top of the Shark Valley’s observation town to catch a bird’s eye view of the open and clear space of the woods or enjoy a boat ride to explore the marine life.

Everglades National Park

Address: Florida, USA

Website: Everglades National Park

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4. Redwood National and State Parks

Redwood National and State Parks
Source: Photo by Flickr user ilya_ktsn used under CC BY 2.0

You should visit the majestic Redwood National and State Parks once in your lifetime. The parks boast the tallest trees on Earth. There are plenty of activities you can indulge in while you are here ranging from waking and exploring to experiencing the grandeur and calmness of the forests not found elsewhere in the world. If you are fond of hiking trails or scenic drives, there are plenty of choices available here. You will also come across authentic tiny towns featuring a vibrant culture and rich history, along with great lodging and dining options.

Redwood National and State Parks

Address: 322 1st St, Eureka, California, USA

Website: Redwood National and State Parks

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5. Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park

MK02244 Waterton Glacier International Peace Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Martin Kraft used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The WGIPP or Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park was set up in 1932 to celebrate the goodwill and peace shared between the United States of America and Canada. In fact, it was the only the international peace park in the world when it got started and today there are about 170 peace parks worldwide. Everyone who visits here will invariably find their own slice of paradise. Starting from lakes with crystal clear water to the fields with lovely wildflowers in alpine meadows, there is so much to see and do here.

Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park

Address: Browning, MT 59417, USA

Website: Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park

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6. Yellowstone National Park

Emerald Hot Spring, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Rennett Stowe used under CC BY 2.0

Yellowstone National Park offers something for everyone. It has the distinction of being the first national park in the world. Marvel at the hidden power of a volcano that rises up in hot springs, geysers, and mud pots. You can also explore lakes, forests, and mountains and watch the diverse wildlife. Enjoy the luxury of sitting and watching the beautiful sunset or go for a strenuous hike.

Yellowstone National Park

Address: ID, MT, WY, United States of America

Website: Yellowstone National Park

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7. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Interior Formations
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Marshman used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Carlsbad Caverns National Park features deep rocky canyons, desert wildlife, flowering cactus, and ancient high sea ledge. There are over 119 caves concealed beneath the surface which were formed as a result of sulphuric acid dissolving the limestone and creating a number of caverns of varying sizes. You can also choose from a wide variety of ranger-guided tours from simple to challenging in nature. The visitor center offers a wide selection of drinks and food items and also has special stations for filling your water bottles.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Address: New Mexico 88220, USA

Website: Carlsbad Caverns National Park

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8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Smoky Mountains, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user USchick used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Great Smoky Mountains National Park gives you an opportunity of a lifetime to marvel at the wonderful diversity of life. The woods sit across the states of Tennessee and North Carolina in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous internationally for its diverse and rich animal and plant life, and beautiful ancient mountains, making it the most frequented national park in the United States of America. If you are fond of hiking, you can come here during any time of the year.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Website: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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9. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (2008) 01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nandaro used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has opened once again for its visitors from all over the world after remaining closed for a few months. The park has two active volcanoes called Kilauea and Mauna Loa. While the first one is regarded as one of the most active volcanoes in the world, the latter is a massive shield volcano. Located on the island of Hawaii, in the United States of America, the park is open 24 hours a day and you will be greeted by smiling rangers and lovely weather.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Address: Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718, USA

Website: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

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10. Chaco Culture National Historical Park


Chaco Culture National Historical Park is situated in northwest New Mexico and boasts of one of the most architecturally advanced, best preserved, and largest ancient Southwestern villages. Even today, the remains of the massive buildings testify to the engineering and organizational abilities that are not found elsewhere in Southwest America. You can avail guided tours to explore Chaco systematically, go on biking and hiking trails, or be a part of night sky programs and evening campfire talks.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Address: New Mexico, USA

Website: Chaco Culture National Historical Park

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Plan your vacation fast!

Statue of Liberty
Source: Unsplash

All the above-listed destinations are extremely popular tourist attractions in the United States of America. Hence, you need to ensure that your holiday packages and accommodation are booked early so that you do not miss out on the excitement. Check out these top 10 UNESCO sites in the USA and have a memorable experience.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Pala Sen is an avid follower of travel and health updates, current affairs and entertainment news from all across the world and writing is a passion for her. She had been previously associated...Read more

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