Some of the most popular places to visit in the United States are also the most popular places to film Movies. They are the following monuments:
Hoover Dam
Colorado River, Arizona/Nevada state line
The idea of 4.36 million cubic yards of concrete alone doesn’t sound like much of a landmark. But when that cement refers to the Hoover Dam and its operations, that’s something else. Just a short drive from Las Vegas -- and a source of power for Sin City’s gazillion lights -- our No. 10 landmark is one that can be appreciated by day when tours are available, as well as by night when the crowds have gone and the well-lit mass seems even greater in size against the walls of Black Canyon.
Empire State Building
New York, New York
Not many American landmarks have their own zip code or have been depicted as a jungle gym for an ape. It doesn’t seem possible for this 102-floor New York City landmark to have gone up so quickly, but it did, in one year and 45 days from 1930-31. Sure, it’s a tourist trap (3.5 million yearly) and the lines for the elevators will keep you waiting to get to the 86th floor observation deck. But this just gives you more time to admire the art deco styling and ponder its place in our culture.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Keystone, South Dakota
What other landmark was portrayed by having Cary Grant crawl around on presidents’ heads? Even if one of North by Northwest’s pivotal scenes wasn’t filmed on the face of the monument, you’ll still be moved by the granite-carved faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln against the Black Hills backdrop. It took Gutzon Borglum and a crew of 400 to create the monument between 1927 and 1941, but their efforts were certainly worth it.
Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco, California
Synonymous with the “City by the Bay,” this landmark has to be driven, walked and then viewed from vista points to the northeast and southeast to be fully appreciated. Contrary to the belief of some, the bridge was not named because of its color (which isn’t golden, but actually called “International Orange”). The name is related to Golden Gate Strait at the entrance of San Francisco Bay. Regardless, this American landmark is more than just a way to get to and from the city.
Grand Canyon National Park
Arizona
Let’s not think about the toilet seat-shaped tourist trap that now defaces Grand Canyon West. Think of the “real” Grand Canyon when you visit one or both of its more pristine vantage points: the popular South Rim and the less-traveled but equally impressive North Rim. Whichever vantage point you choose, your breath will be taken away. The elevation doesn’t help matters, but no wide angle lens can come close to interpreting the magnitude this American landmark.
Statue of Liberty
New York, New York
For the millions who have seen her in person, nothing comes close to this standout American landmark -- a gift from France, by the way. “Liberty Enlightening the World” is more commonly known as the Statue of Liberty, Lady Liberty or in this case, the ultimate American landmark. Visitors to the main attraction of Liberty Island haven’t been allowed into the torch since 1916 or into the crown since 2001, but it really doesn’t matter. There’s no better view than from outside, where you can reflect on everything she represents
