Patuxai is a war monument in the centre of Vientiane, Laos, dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France. It was built between 1957 and 1968. The monument has 5 towers that represent the 5 principles of coexistence among nations of the world. They are also representative of the 5 Buddhist principles of “thoughtful amiability, flexibility, honesty, honour and prosperity”.

Lucius Septimius Severus was a Roman Emperor born in Leptis Magna, in present day Libya, who reigned 193 until his death in 211. The Arch of Septimius Severus cannot be dated precisely, but it is likely that the citizens of Lepcis started the construction immediately after their fellow citizen had become emperor. The central scene on the arch shows the emperor shaking hands with his sons, Caracalla and Geta. Caracalla is shown as a tall young man and this offers a clue for the moment of completion of the arch, probably in the early 200′s.

Arch of Titus in Rome was constructed in 82 AD by the Roman Emperor Domitian shortly after the death of his older brother Titus to commemorate Titus’ victory in the Sack of Jerusalem in 70 AD. The Arch of Titus has provided the general model for many of the triumphal arches erected since the 16th century including the Arc de Triomphe.

Timgad was a Roman colonial town in present day Algeria founded by the Emperor Trajan around 100 AD. At the west end of the town rises a 12 meter (39 feet) high triumphal arch, called Trajan’s Arch (or the Timgad Arch), which was partially restored in 1900. The chief material used in building the arch was sandstone. The fluted columns are of fine white limestone and smaller columns are of colored marble.

Situated in the north of Jordan, Jerash was one of the most important cities in the Roman province of Arabia. The Romans ensured security and peace in this area which enabled its people to achieve great prosperity. Emperor Hadrian visited Jerash in AD 129-130. The Arch of Hadrian was built to celebrate his visit. This triumphal arch was intended to become the main Southern gate to the city but the expansion plans were never completed.

flickr/Storm Crypt

Situated next to the Colosseum in Rome, the Arch of Constantine was erected in 315 AD to commemorate Emperor Constantine I’s victory over Emperor Maxentius. The battle marked the beginning of Constantine’s conversion to Christianity. According to chroniclers, Constantine had a vision that God promised victory if his army daubed the sign of the cross on their shields. Although The triumphal arch certainly attributes Constantine’s success to divine intervention it does not display any overtly Christian symbolism.

flickr/5telios

The white marble Arch of Septimius Severus at the northeast end of the Roman Forum in Rome was built in 203 AD to commemorate the victories against the Parthians of Emperor Severus and his two sons. After the death of Severus, his sons Caracalla and Geta were initially joint emperors until Caracalla had Geta assassinated in 212 AD. Geta’s memorials were destroyed and inscriptions referring to him were removed from the triumphal arch.

This iconic Arc de Triomphe forms the focus of the main east-west road axis of Paris, running between the Louvre and the Grande Arche de la Défense in the west. The monument was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz. It was finally completed in 1836, long after his death. Famous victory marches around or under the Arc have included the Germans in 1871, the French in 1918, the Germans in 1940 and the French and Americans in 1944.

The Ilulissat Icefjord is located close to Ilulissat town, on the west coast of Greenland, 250 km north of the Arctic Circle. The fjord runs 40 km (25 miles) from the Greenland ice sheet to Disko Bay. The area around the head of the icefjord is an amazing site, where icebergs from one of the world’s fastest moving glaciers (19 meters per day) create fantastic and dramatic scenery.

Doubtful Sound is a very large fjord situated on the south-western corner of New Zealand’s South Island. Best known for its wilderness and wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fjords in Fiordland National Park and it is 3 times longer and 10 times larger than the more famous and accessible Milford Sound.

The Nærøyfjord is considered to be the wildest and most beautiful branch of the Sognefjord, the largest fjord in Norway. The Nærøyfjord is 17 km long and the narrowest point is only 250 metres wide. The passage through Nærøyfjord is one of the most dramatic fjord trips in Europe.

Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most famous tourist destinations and claimed the number one spot for TripAdvisor’s 2008 Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards. Lying at the most northern and accessible end of Fiordland National Park, Milford sound offers some of the world’s most staggering coastal scenery with its dramatic peaks and dark blue waters. The area’s frequent downpours only enhance this South Island beauty, sending numerous waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.

Geiranger is the crown jewel of all the famous fjords of Norway. The snow-covered mountain peaks, the beautiful waterfalls, the lush green vegetation and the deep blue waters all add to the experience. The fjord can be explored by booking one of the 130 cruise ships that come here every year or taking the car ferry between Hellesylt and Geiranger, a small town that lies at the head of the Geiranger Fjord.

10. Sao Tomé

São Tomé Island is the largest island of São Tomé and Príncipe, a Portuguese-speaking island nation straddling the Equator, off the western coast of Central Africa. Few tourists make it to the island so visitors can dive and snorkel in uncharted waters and explore the sleepy fishermen’s villages at their own, leisurely pace. Other activity options include going to a chocolate factory and enjoying some of the world’s best coffee.

9. Sal

Sal is the most popular island of Cape Verde, an archipelago of 10 African islands located in the central Atlantic Ocean. The island of Sal, which means salt in Portuguese, has become popular due to its nice sandy beaches. The main town is Santa Maria, where there are restaurants, bars, music and nightlife. Pastel shaded houses and shops line the streets.

8. Mohéli

Mohéli, also known as Mwali, is the smallest of the three African islands which make up the nation of Comoros. It’s wild, undeveloped and sparsely populated with few modern amenities. It is also home to the only national park in the Comoros, Mohéli Marine Park and snorkelers looking for colorful coral reefs will not be disappointed. Sea turtles, dolphins and whales are all protected in the park.

7. Nosy Be

The small island of Nosy Be is Madagascar’s premier tourist destination attracting thousands of tourists from across the globe year round. Although Nosy Be’s beaches don’t look as picture perfect as some other beaches in the Indian Ocean, they do win points for tranquility, clear turquoise water and excellent seafood restaurants serving seafood diner on the sand.

6. Djerba

Djerba is the largest island of North Africa located off the coast of southern Tunisia. It boasts beautiful sandy beaches and a peaceful and silent countryside. It is one of the few remaining places in Tunisia where a Berber language is still spoken. The town of Ajim was the 1977 location of the Mos Eisley exterior scenes in the first Star Wars movie.

5. Reunion

Reunion is a French overseas territory with a population of about 800,000 located east of Madagascar and south west of Mauritius, the nearest island. Swahili, Arab and Portuguese sailors all visited the island but it was the French who colonized the island in 1665. Reunion is similar to the island of Hawaii insofar as both are located above hotspots in the Earth’s crust. It’s highest volcano is Piton des Neiges at 3,070 meters (10,070 feet) above sea level.

4. Lamu Island

Lamu Island is a part of the Lamu Archipelago of Kenya. Lamu Old Town, the main town on the island, is one of the oldest and best preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa. Made of coral stone and mangrove timber, the town features inner courtyards, verandas, and elaborately carved wooden doors. There are no roads on the island, just alleyways and trails, and therefore, there are few vehicles on the island.

3. Mauritius

Mauritius is a small, multicultural island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar and southeast of the Seychelles. Mauritius was an uninhabited island until the Dutch arrived in 1598. The Dutch left in 1710 due to tough climatic conditions. The French took their chances 5 years later only to surrender the island to the British in 1810. From then on, the island was renamed Mauritius and remained under British rule until it attained independence. Mauritius is well-known for having been the only known habitat of the dodo. This bird was an easy prey to settlers due to its weight and inability to fly, and vanished less than 80 years after the initial European colonization.

2. Zanzibar

Zanzibar (also referred to as Unguja or Zanzibar Island) is the largest and most populated island of the semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania. The African island has been for centuries an important trading center, a melting pot of African, Indian and Arab influences. Zanzibar’s major attraction is Stone Town, with its whitewashed, coral rag houses, charming shops, bazaars, mosques, squares and courtyards. Another big attraction are the beautiful white sandy beaches lapped by the turquoise sea.

1. Praslin

Praslin is the second largest island of the Seychelles with a population of around 6,500 people. Once a hideaway for pirates and Arab merchants it is now a popular tourist destination with several hotels and resorts. It’s white sandy beaches such as Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette are among the most beautiful in the world. It also has substantial expanses of tropical forests with birds such as the endemic Seychelles Bulbul. The beautiful Vallée de Mai Nature Preserve is known for the unique coco de mer and vanilla orchids.

The Laguna Verde, a salt water lake, is located in the southwest of the high plains of Bolivia. For those of you who speak Spanish, it will be no surprise to you that the waters of the Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) are an amazing shade of green. Situated at the foot of the Licancabur Volcano, the beautiful green hue is caused by debris that includes copper deposits. The colored lake is also known for its beautiful surroundings and hot springs.

Lake Pukaki in New Zealand gives the color “glacier blue” a whole new meaning. The colorful lake was created by receding glaciers decades ago. Today, that glacier feed produces finely ground rock particles, known as glacier flour, that give the lake a distinct icy blue color. Lake Pukaki is the second largest alpine lake in the Mackenzie Basin, located in New Zealand’s South Island.

The Laguna Colorada is located in Bolivia close to the border of Chili. The reddish color of the waters is thanks to red sediments and the pigmentation of algae. Other than the red waters, the Laguna Colorada is also home to many varieties of flamingos and a number of white borax islands. Borax islands are formed by the repeated evaporation of seasonal lakes, like the Laguna Colorada.

The Kelimutu Volcano contains three summit crater lakes of different colors. Tiwu Ata Mbupu is usually blue; Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai is normally green; and Tiwu Ata Polo is usually a reddish hue. The source of the unique color combination is thought to be openings in the earth’s crust, known as fumaroles. The beautiful lakes are a popular tourist attraction, and also attract many geologists on a yearly basis. The fact that the three lakes are all different colors, yet are located on the same volcano crest, is a source of much debate and interest.

The Havasu Canyon is part of the Grand Canyon and is inhabited by the Havasupai tribe, who live in the small town of Supai. It is one of the most remote villages in America and normal access is via a helicopter ride or a 13 km (8 mile) dusty horse trail from a car park at Hualapai Hilltop.

The main reason to visit the Havasupai (which means “people of the blue-green water”) is because of the colorful waters and falls. The most spectacular of these is Havasu Falls. The beautiful color of the water is caused by carbonate minerals settling to the bottom, turning it white, and acting as a reflector of the surrounding green and brown mossy cliffs plus the blue sky.

Fed by glaciers, Moraine Lake, locate in Banff National Park, is known for its stunning blue waters. The coloration is thanks to light refracting off the glacier flour. Located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is surrounded by the beauty of the impressive Canadian Rocky Mountains. There are a number of hiking trails around Moraine Lake. Just be sure to check the trail conditions before you set out to go as they are sometimes restricted because of grizzly bear activity.

The Jiuzhaigou Valley of China is home to dozens of blue, green and turquoise-colored lakes. The local people call these bodies of water “Haizi,” which in Chinese means “son of the sea.” The numerous colorful lakes were created by glacier activity, and today, many waterfalls empty into these pristine waters. The beautifully colored water is also known to be extremely clear, in many cases visitors are able to see to the bottom of the lakes.

Located in a national park in Croatia, the Plitvice Lakes are sixteen lakes that are located near the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The beautiful lakes are famous for their unique colors, including azure, green, blue, and gray. The lakes’ colorations changes consistently, depending on the quantity of minerals, deposits, or organism in each body, or how the sun is hitting the water.

At 14 km long and up to 440 meter (1443 feet) high, Látrabjarg is one of the three largest bird cliffs in Iceland, with the other two being Hornbjarg and Hælavíkurbjarg. Látrabjarg is by far the easiest of the three to visit as a road leads practically to the cliff’s edge. It is fitting that Látrabjarg itself is at the end of a road, as it marks the end of a continent marking the most western part of Europe.

The Bunda Cliffs are just one of the many dramatic sea cliffs of Australia’s long coastline. Bunda Cliffs is an aboriginal name used for the Nullarbor coastal cliffs. The sea cliffs, which are some 60 (200 ft) to 120 meters (400 ft) high, extend for around 100 km along the Great Australian Bight near its northern extremity and are close to the Nullarbor Plain in a very sparsely settled area of Australia. Besides cliffs, the coast line of the Great Australian Bight is characterized by surfing beaches and rock platforms, ideal for whale-watching.

Cabo Girão is located in the southern part of the Madeira Islands. At 570 meters (1,870 ft), the cliff is often referred to as the highest sea cliff in Europe but at least three European cliffs are higher. The view down the almost sheer drop to the ocean is thrilling nonetheless. The terraced fields that can be seen beneath the cliff used to be only accessible by boat. In 2003, a cable car was installed on the slope of the cliff so farmers can reach these low-lying fields.

Acantilados de Los Gigantes (“Cliffs of the Giants”) are sea cliffs along the western coast of the Canary Island Tenerife. The almost vertical walls reach heights of 500 meters (1640 ft) in some places and represent the highest cliffs of the Canaries. Across a small bay lies the little port and resort town of Los Gigantes which features a black sand beach and a marina. Form the marina, you can take a boat ride out to the foot of the Los Gigantes cliffs where you can truly appreciate the immensity and beauty of these gigantic cliffs.

The Greek island of Santorini is famous for its dramatic views, stunning sunsets, the white-washed houses, and its very own active volcano. Fira, the capital of Santorini, is a marriage of Venetian and Cycladic architecture, whose white cobblestone streets bustle with shops, tavernas, hotels and cafes, while clinging on the edge of the 400 meter (1,300 ft) high sea cliffs.

Located on the Hawaiian island of Molokai, Kalaupapa is a village at the base of the highest sea cliffs in the world, as recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records, dropping about 1,010 meters (3,315 feet) into the Pacific Ocean. Views of these sea cliffs are featured in the movie Jurassic Park III. Because of the steep cliffs and surrounding ocean, Kalaupapa cannot be reached by car and visitors are transported by trail descending along the cliffs to Kalaupapa. Some of the workers at the village also commute on foot daily on this trail.

The Cliffs of Moher are amongst the most impressive coastlines in the world, and are widely considered to be one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions, drawing almost one million visitors each year. The cliffs rise 120 meters (394 ft) above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag’s Head, and reach their maximum height of 214 meters (702 ft) just north of O’Brien’s Tower, eight kilometers away. There are many animals living on the sea cliffs. Most of these are birds, with an estimated 30,000 birds, representing more than 20 species.

Trot Around The Red Square!

The legendary Red Square was named in the 17th century using an old, Russian word for “beautiful” and has been the central square of Moscow ever since. Walk through the recently refurbished Resurrection Gate, which has been the entrance to Red Square since the 16th century. As you walk past the square, you would notice the beautifully ornate St. Basil’s Cathedral, built in the 16th century under the rule of Ivan the Terrible. The building with its interiors painted with Russian orthodox depictions was restored in 2004. Right in front of the cathedral lies the ‘Lobnoye Mesto’, which was used as a stage for the Tsar’s edicts, venue for religious ceremonies as well as a platform for making important public announcements. Lenin’s mausoleum, in Red Square, is also a great place to visit. It is the tomb where Lenin’s body lies mummified in a glass tomb.

Visit The Kremlin!

The word Kremlin means “fortress” in English and is the center of government in Russia, present in every major Russian city. Surrounded by a thick brick wall, with cathedrals, an arsenal, an armory, a palace and numerous government buildings constructed within its premises, the Moscow Kremlin is a giant fortress and a world in itself. It would be an afternoon well spent if you take up a guided tour to explore this historical landmark. While Cathedral of the Assumption is the oldest church here where many of Russia’s tsars were crowned, the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel contains the remains of several Russian leaders. The state armory is Russia’s oldest museum and plays host to a massive collection of the state and royal treasures, along with countless other artifacts. The other things of popular interest are the Tsar Bell and Tsar Cannon. While the 200 ton bell has never been rung so far, the cannon built to protect the Kremlin’s savior gate has never been fired.

Watch An Opera!

Bolshoi is Russia’s largest and most renowned theatre, with a seating capacity of 2000. The five-storied auditorium is of 19th century Russian neoclassical style and was refurbished to its original standards in the year 2005. If you visit Moscow, a ballet performance or an opera, sitting in the luxurious precincts of Bolshoi is a must. You wouldn’t want to deprive yourself of the magnanimous experience of watching an opera in Bolshoi, when in Russia. After all, you do not get a chance to visit the place every time!

Walk Past The Old Arbat

Considered to be the cultural nerve centre of Moscow, this is one of the few pedestrian streets in the city. Russia’s most famous artists, composers, musicians and writers have lived here in their times of fame and glory. Though it is no more a home to Russia’s intelligentsia, it has become a tourist destination. The country’s most celebrated writer, Pushkin’s home is now a museum where his ardent fans daily pay a visit. This street is also famous for its souvenir and art shops. Vendors selling paintings, fur hats and scarves, hand painted boxes as well as nestling dolls draw tourists towards the Arbat street.

Stand Tall On The Moscow State University

Under the rule of Stalin in the 1950s, seven gothic skyscrapers were built and the 36-storied Moscow State University is the largest of these buildings, known as “seven sisters”. Standing tall on the sparrow hills, this place is worth a visit for those who wish to see the impressive architectural extravaganza of Moscow. Tourists are not permitted inside the building, but standing on the terrace, one can have a bird’s eye view of the entire city of Moscow.

Trip To Izmailovo Park

A favorite among tourists, this place has a huge open-air market which sells traditional Russian souvenirs, cold-war memorabilia, exquisite antiques as well as art. Most of the stalls remain open only on the weekends and haggling with the vendors to get the best deal is a common trend out here. Just a short walk away from the bustling market is the Izmailovo Royal Estate. It was a childhood getaway of Tsar Peter the Great and his family. Visit this place to witness several other 17th century structures like the Ceremonial Gate and the Cathedral of Intercession.

Shopper’s Paradise!

If you are on a shopping spree and looking for expensive brands, rush to the GUM department store, which is an arcade-type shopping complex running all along the east side of Red Square. For those with a restricted budget, fret not as Moscow offers you great deals as well! Just close to the department store, you would come across plenty of mid-range shops to suit your pocket and places where you can grab a bite or sip an energy drink.

1. Heritage Park

This is a historical village that replicates the settlements of Western Canada, which is developed in the 1800s. It covers 127 acres of land next to Calgary’s Glenmore Reservoir. The attraction is family friendly and appeals to people of all ages.

2. Calgary Zoo

The Calgary Zoo is a home of over 1,000 animals all over the world. Kamala, the famous painting elephant, the Botanical Garden and the Prehistoric Park for dinosaurs are some of its famous attractions.

3. Spruce Meadows

This is an equestrian facility in Calgary. Watching a tournament with the family will surely be one of the most memorable events you will ever experience with your travels in this region.

4. Prince’s Island Park

It is a recreational island situated in the Bow River. Services offered includes hiking, biking and fishing that will be perfect for stressed-out urban families.

5. Stampede Park

This is the site of Pengrowth Saddledome, the home of the Calgary Flames NHL ice hockey team. The park also hosts the 10-day Calgary Exhibition and Stampede that offers the spectator experiences in rodeo, chuck wagon races, art exhibit and sale, trade fair, agricultural fair & exhibitions, midway, Indian Village, and much more.

6. The Military Museum

This museum is packed with war scenery dioramas that will surely interest everyone to learn more of the Canadian military history.

7. Canada Olympic Park

This park is good for families who love to ski. Mountain biking, luge rides, bungee trampolining, outdoor wall climbing, and mini golf are also available during summers.

8. AeroSpace Museum

This museum features the history of aviation in Western Canada. It was founded on the year 1960. This is a perfect for the family. Operation hours are usually 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Here, you could learn the stories of the pioneers who dreamed of flying. Discovering the trailblazers who adopted aircraft for trade and recreation are found here. Canadian heroes who fought in aerial wars and set their eyes on the outer space can also be experienced at this location.

9. Glenbow Museum

Glenbow Museum is both history and art museum. It is known as the largest museum in Western Canada. There are exhibits on everything about the traditions of piercing and tattooing and the life of certain tribes from Western Africa to Canada.

10. Calgary Tower

This tower offers visitors the most spectacular view of Calgary. It stands 525 feet above the ground. The visitors are asked to enter the Observatory Deck with glass floors. This way, they will experience a thrill when they look at the view beneath their feet.

Whether you choose one or all of these things to do in Calgary, your trip to Canada is sure to be a rewarding and memorable experience. Remember, if you are an American citizen, you need to bring your valid passport, as you will be required to present it when traveling to Canada. Have a safe trip and enjoy!

Not only you can escape the large crowds, but also enjoy a picnic, fun recreational activities or simply going for a relaxing walk while marveling at gorgeous plants and flowers!

When it comes to garden places, America boasts some of the best botanical gardens in the world, and the great thing is that they’re great educational places where you can actually learn a thing or two about how to grow your own veggies!

1. Rio Grande Botanic Garden

Rio Grande Botanic Garden is without a doubt one of the best botanical gardens in US that you’ll ever set foot in!

Rio Grande Botanic Garden is located in Albuquerque New Mexico at the ABQ BioPark and boasts plenty of things to do and see such as enjoying daily activities, attending one of the regular events and checking out the exhibition areas such as the Japanese Garden, the Children’s Fantasy Garden and the Railroad Garden.

Spring and summer time are undoubtedly the best times to visit Rio Grande Botanic Garden, particularly during the summer months when you can catch nightly live performances at the botanic garden.

Rio Grande is certainly one of the many interesting places to visit in New Mexico, and the best thing about a visit to Rio Grande Botanic Garden is that you can hop aboard the park’s scenic train and check out other nearby attractions such as Albuquerque Aquarium, Tingley Beach and Rio Grande Zoo.

2. San Francisco Botanical Garden Society

SF Botanical Garden is located in Golden Gate Park (around 15 minutes drive west of San Francisco’s city centre), and it is one of the most stunning and largest urban parks in the US (along with NYC’s Central Park).

San Francisco Botanical Garden is a great place to take the family or a loved one for a fun day out picnicking on the grassy areas.

You can enjoy daily tours and family activities at the SF Botanical Garden such as summer educational programs for families with kids that teach about nature and plants.

The San Francisco Botanical Garden is also one of the best in California, and the great thing about this attraction is that it’s located nearby other great attractions such as De Young Museum, Japanese Tea Garden, and Stow Lake where you can enjoy paddle boating.

3. New York Botanical Garden

New York Botanical Garden isn’t only one of the best botanical gardens in US, but also one of the top attractions to visit in New York City.

New York Botanical Garden boasts amazingly beautiful rainforest and desert plants, and other interesting areas that you can explore such as Japanese Zen garden, as well as enjoying hands on activities.

Visiting the New York Botanical Garden is not surprisingly one of the top 10 things to do in NYC with family and friends, especially during the summer months when the botanical gardens offers a quite sanctuary away from the large crowds of New York City!

4. Boston Public Garden

Boston Public Garden is located within the downtown area of Boston, and it’s simply one of the most stunning gardens on the east coast of USA!

Even though Boston Public Garden isn’t a botanical garden per say, you can still enjoy marveling at stunning garden beds and beautiful plants such as tulips and daffodils.

You can also enjoy picnics with the family, walks, checking interesting monuments and statues, enjoy people watching, feeding the ducks and catching a boat ride on a fun swan boat.

5. Atlanta Botanical Garden

Atlanta Botanical Garden is located a short drive north of downtown Atlanta, in Ansley Park district, and it’s another gem of botanical garden to visit in the country!

The Atlanta Botanical Garden boasts a beautiful plant collection that includes hundreds of desert and tropical plants on display, as well as many cool animals such as geckos and wood turtles.

Besides the cool plant displays, one of the best things that makes the Atlanta Botanical Garden one of the best botanical gardens in US is its many educational classes on offer such as flower photography, and how to grow bulbs and your own vegetables.

6. Missouri Botanical Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden (also known as Shaw Botanical Garden or MoBot) is one of the most popular places to visit in St Louis without a doubt!

The Missouri Botanical Garden is not only one of the most interesting places to visit in Missouri, but also one of best botanical gardens in US that you can visit and learn about gardening practices and techniques.

The Missouri botanical garden boasts many different areas such as a Children’s Garden, Japanese Garden and an Ottoman Garden where you can see stunning Turkish plants and flowers.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is also home to St. Louis’ top annual events such as the Japanese Fest on Labor Day weekend, Whitaker Music Festival in August and the Chinese Culture Days in late May.

The Hollywood Sign isn’t just one of the most famous landmarks in US, but also one of the most recognizable and iconic signs in the world! The Hollywood Sign is truly one of the top attractions in California with a great story behind it.

For those of you that don’t know, the Hollywood Sign once read Hollywoodland in early 1920’s when it was first erected as an advertisement slogan, though around the early 1950’s the City of Los Angeles acquired the sign and dropped off the ‘land’ part.

2. Las Vegas Welcome Sign

Just like the Hollywood Sign, Las Vegas Welcome Sign is iconic landmark that is recognized around the world. The actual sign reads: “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada”

Las Vegas Welcome Sign was first erected in early 1960’s and it is today one of the top tourist attractions in the US.

3. Space Needle Tower

The Space Needle Tower is another of the most famous landmarks in US and one of the most recognizable symbols in Washington State.

The Space Needle was built also in early 1960’s in Seattle and stands today at around 600 ft tall.

There are other great observation towers in the US such as the Tower of Americas in San Antonio Texas. However, what makes the Space Needle such a world renowned landmark is its unique spaceship-like design and its amazing panoramic views.

4. Cape Canaveral Launch Pad/ Space Center

Cape Canaveral Rocket Launch Site is another of the most recognizable landmarks in America, as it’s the site where NASA launches rockets and shuttles into space.

The Cape Canaveral Launch Pad is located along the East Coast of Florida at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, which is located east of Kissimmee.

Besides the checking out the launch site, there is also the JF Kennedy Space Center, which is just an amazing attraction you can’t miss visiting when in Cape Canaveral.

5. Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is another landmark that is instantly recognizable at home and abroad, which isn’t surprising since the Golden Gate Bridge is simply breathtaking sight, especially at night!

It’s not surprise then that the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco would rank on our list as one of the most famous landmarks in US as it offers incredible views of the sea and the infamous Alcatraz prison.

6. Mount Rushmore National Memorial

The Mount Rushmore Memorial located in Keystone South Dakota is one of the most famous and talked about national monuments in the US.

Mt Rushmore monument is a memorial to honor former Presidents of the USA (George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Thomas Jefferson).

7. Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC is bar the White House one of the most recognizable landmarks in the US hand down!

The memorial was built around 1920’s and it stands today as one of the most awe inspiring sights, and most popularly remembered as the sight where Dr. Martin Luther King gave its famous “I have a dream” speech.

A visit to the Lincoln Memorial is truly an amazing experience, especially at night when the memorial is beautifully lit up.

8. Empire State Building

Famous landmarks in the United States don’t come as iconic as the Empire State Building in Manhattan Island, which has been forever immortalized as a pop culture icon in movies such as “King Kong” and “Independence Day”.

The Empire State Building is one of the most recognizable buildings in the New York City Skyline and a top attraction as well, as it boasts a great observation deck where you can get impressive views of the City!

9. Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous landmarks in US and recognized across the world as a symbol of freedom.

The Statue of Liberty structure was actually a gift from France to the United States in recognition of the friendship between the two countries.

The Statue of Liberty is located in Liberty Island in New York City, and it’s another popular icon instantly recognizable both in the US and internationally.