America is packed with beautiful places to explore from north to south and east to west. The most beautiful places in the US include huge waterfalls, majestic rock formations and deep canyons. With such a wealth of natural beauty it’s hard to pick a winner among the most spectacular places in the US.
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1. Niagara Falls, NY
On the border between the US and Canada you find the waterfall with the highest flow rate of all the waterfalls on the continent. Niagara Falls offers a powerful experience like no other place in the US.
Every minute millions of cubic feet of water crash down into the deep Niagara Gorge. The spectacular Niagara Falls consists of three falls but it’s the biggest Horseshoe Falls that gets the most attention.
A fantastic way to enjoy the jaw-dropping American attraction is to take a boat tour. To get face-to-face with the power of Niagara Falls is something you never forget.
2. Antelope Canyon, AZ
Year after year Antelope Canyon was a well-kept secret in Arizona. Today, not so much any longer. Big volumes of tourists find their way to the unique American sight each year.
Antelope Canyon has wavy canyon walls and if you visit during the so called golden months you might even get to see a light beam or two. However, with or without the light beams Antelope Canyon is one of the most photogenic places in the US.
3. Horseshoe Bend, AZ
The Arizona city Page is truly blessed with natural beauty. It’s just a few miles from the wave-like structures of Antelope Canyon to another of the most beautiful places in the US, Horseshoe Bend.
From the overlook at Horseshoe Bend it’s a sweeping drop of roughly a thousand feet (305 m) down to the Colorado River. The red cliffs and blue or sometimes green water go so well together and create a magnificent view.
4. Grand Canyon, AZ
The famous Grand Canyon is constantly referred to as one of the most beautiful places in the US. It’s a majestic American wonder that attracts visitors from far and wide.
Carved out by the Colorado River its gigantic size is hard to imagine. Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and has a max depth of more than a mile (1847 m).
As a bonus the overlooks in the park make it easy to enjoy the spectacular surroundings. Just a few steps take you to the edge of the rim and the panoramic views.
5. Yellowstone, WY
Yellowstone National Park is so vast that it’s even larger than some small states. Its beauty is multifaceted and there are certainly many reasons to visit Yellowstone.
The huge park is full of things to discover. Most importantly it’s estimated that about 60% of the world’s hot springs and geysers are inside the park. In particular Grand Prismatic Hot Spring is colorful like something from out of this world.
6. Grand Teton, WY
Adjacent to Yellowstone the mighty Teton Range towers up. Known as the mountains of imagination it’s easy to see the features that make Grand Teton National Park one of the most beautiful places in the US.
Above all the monumental mountains are the most spectacular backdrop there is to envision. But in addition the blue lakes, calm rivers and fascinating wildlife create the perfect cocktail for the nature-lover.
7. Great Smoky Mountains, TN/NC
In Great Smoky Mountains National Park you find scenic coves, splashing rivers and of course smoky mountains. The natural fog that often hangs over the tree tops in the area has made it known as smoky.
The best things to do in the Smokies range from grand hikes to scenic drives. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the US, and it offers a quintessential park experience.
When visiting you can’t deny the fact that it’s something special about the Tennessee and North Carolina mountains. The enchanting natural attraction is exactly like something from a childhood fairytale.
8. Monument Valley, AZ/UT
If you have seen the classic movie Forrest Gump you know what Monument Valley is all about. The huge rock formations on the red valley floor on the border between Arizona and Utah are otherworldly.
Monument Valley is the ultimate road trip destination and one of the most amazing places to drive in the US. As you road trip through the red American valley it’s easy to wonder if you have traveled to another planet.
Where to stay
To make a visit extra special there are options for where to stay in Monument Valley with valley views. With valley views you effortlessly can enjoy the breathtaking surroundings from early morning to late evening.
- The View Hotel – Inside Monument Valley Tribal Park.
- Goulding’s Lodge – Historic lodging.
9. Badlands, SD
The area of Badlands National Park was for a long time just called “bad land” for its rough terrain. Nowadays, the fascinating rock formations in the park are its biggest draw.
With such a rugged environment Badlands is unlike any other of the most beautiful places in the US. It’s a different kind of beauty but that certainly doesn’t make it less appreciated.
10. Shoshone Falls, ID
Just outside Twin Falls in Idaho you find Shoshone Falls. Called the “Niagara Falls of the West” its nickname is certainly flattering. Still the waterfall is often forgotten as people tend to rate Niagara Falls higher.
It’s true that Shoshone Falls doesn’t have the same impressive flow rate as the world-famous Niagara Falls. But Shoshone Falls is in fact is higher than Niagara. Shoshone is roughly 40 feet (12 m) taller than Niagara Falls.
11. Everglades, FL
The enormous wetland Everglades spans around two million acres in South Florida. There is no place like the Everglades in the US or even the world.
In Everglades you find the legendary alligator but also exotic birds, lizards and other tropical animals. The unparalleled ecosystem makes the wetland one of the most unique places in the US.
A great way to grasp the area and to see alligators in Everglades is to take an airboat tour. By airboat you with little effort get into the very heart of the distinctive American wetland.
But remember that Everglades still is as wild as ever. You don’t want to end up on a dinner plate somewhere in the huge swamp.
Where to stay
You find places to stay at Everglades National Park right where the wilderness begins. In the gateway town you find Gulf Coast Visitor Center and airboat companies.
- River Wilderness Waterfront Cabins – A unique choice.
- Everglades Adventures Hotel Suites – Modern lodging.
12. Florida Keys, FL
Off Florida’s southern coast the Florida Keys welcomes visitors to enjoy its rich natural beauty. The island chain is renowned for its clear water and rich marine life.
Above all the Florida Keys is home to the world’s third longest coral reef. The Great Florida Barrier Reef starts near Miami and ends at Dry Tortugas National Park.
So the island chain is certainly a unique place in the US when it comes to diving, snorkeling and boating. All over the Keys you find an abundance of world-class water conditions to enjoy.
But if you want to see some of the most untouched parts of the reef it’s a great idea to head to Dry Tortugas National Park. In the westernmost part of the island chain and far away from the Florida mainland the marine life really thrives.
13. Zion, UT
Zion National Park is the oldest among the 5 mighty national parks in Utah. Especially when you hike in Zion it’s easy to see why the park is regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the US.
Popular hikes in Zion include both the jaw-dropping Angels Landing and the family-friendly Riverside Walk. As you hike your way through the park the beauty is striking.
The characteristic cream, pink and red sandstone cliffs in Zion National Park are wonderfully contrasted by evergreen plants. It’s the diversity and mix of colors that makes Zion one of the most unique American places to visit.
14. Mammoth Cave, KY
Underground in Kentucky you find the longest known cave system in the world, Mammoth Cave. The explored passageways in the cave are more than 400 miles (640 km) long.
Although already the longest cave system in the world there is much more of the Kentucky giant yet to be explored. The huge cave is nothing less than impressive and without competition the darkest place on the list with the most beautiful places in the US.
15. White Sands, NM
In the deserts of New Mexico, White Sands National Park amazes visitors from near and far. The enormous white sand dunes that spread out over around 275 square miles (712 square kilometres) makes the park one of the most breathtaking places to visit in the US.
White Sands is a huge distance away from the ocean, but the area was a seabed in a distant time. Nowadays when visiting the unique American area sand sledding is a popular activity to try out.
16. Acadia, ME
The Atlantic coastline with its wild beauty is awe-inspiring. To enjoy some of its most spectacular parts Acadia National Park in the New England state Maine is the perfect place to go to. When you drive the Park Loop Road you find one stunning sight after another.
In particular the panoramic views that Cadillac Mountain offer are breathtaking. From the summit of Cadillac Mountain you’re also one of the first in the US to see the sunrise. So when you visit Acadia you not only get to see one of the most beautiful places in the US but you’re also in for a head start.
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