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All aboard our whirlwind tour of the most beautiful places in the US! It is a country of magical landscapes, unexpected contrasts, and breathtaking scenery that fills the senses.
We have created a comprehensive list of America’s most beautiful places. From the dramatic, stark backdrops of ancient deserts to lush forest settings with towering waterfalls and plenty of natural wonders in-between.
Life is not about how many breaths we take but rather about the moments that take our breath away.
Let’s explore the most beautiful places in America so you can create your bucket list of trips and don’t miss any hidden treasures.
51 Most Beautiful Places In The USA
It was challenging to make such a short list, but here are some of the most beautiful places in the United States of America!
1. Glacier National Park, Montana
Nestled within Montana’s Rocky Mountains is one of the prettiest places in the US.
Pristine clear glacial lakes, plunging canyons, and miles of alpine meadows filled with wildlife are just some features of this enchanting wilderness area.
Cracker Lake within Glacier National Park has intense turquoise color water that must be experienced in person, as photos will never be able to capture its magnificent beauty.
Summer and fall are the perfect time to travel the mountainous Going-To-The-Sun road.
Experience sun-drenched days filled with scenic hikes, river rafting, cycling, and camping against a pristine backdrop of high glacial peaks.
It is no wonder this park is known as ‘The Crown Of The Continent’ and one of the best places to visit in the USA.
2. Yellowstone National Park; Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming – One Of The Most Beautiful Places In The United States
There are many ways to describe the rugged beauty of Yellowstone’s 2.2 million hectares of unspoiled terrain, but they can all be summed up as breathtaking.
The sheer magnitude of the wide open spaces will take you back to a time and place in nature that existed long ago.
Yellowstone isn’t only one of the most beautiful places in the US; it is also one of the best places to go if you love viewing wildlife.
The impressive size of the park allows it to sustain an intact ecosystem – so you will experience the wonder of seeing bison, elk, wolves, and bears roaming free across the unspoiled plains.
3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If you prefer urban beauty, then Philadelphia is a treasure-trove of scenes that will stay with you forever. After all, Philly is one of the most beautiful American cities.
This modern city is chock full of unspoiled, classic American scenery that transports visitors back to a classic era.
It also boasts many historical masterpieces, like Elfreth’s Alley, which is regarded as the nation’s oldest residential street and has been carefully restored for visitors.
Philadelphia is positioned amidst scenic rivers and lakes. There are plenty of parks to relax outdoors while taking in the magnificent architecture that stretches skyward in the background.
In spring, pink and white cherry blossom trees burst into flowering splendor and truly make the urban area one of the prettiest places in the US.
4. Death Valley National Park; California and Nevada
Don’t let the name put you off – Death Valley National Park is one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to dramatic scenes of spectacular natural splendor.
This national park is a place of extremes that provides spectacular views of striking contrasts and breathtaking scenery.
Despite its name, Death Valley is alive with life and dramatic panoramic vistas that will give you the feeling that you are visiting another planet.
Dry dunes that extend for miles give way to unexpected snow-covered peaks.
However, visit Rhyolite, a ghost town nearby, to experience the contrast with this incredible park.
The sheer size of the harsh yet pristine setting makes it utterly spectacular, and this place of barren wonder is definitely worth a spot on our list of the most beautiful places in the US.
Read next: Best Things To Do In Nevada
5. Turnip Rock, Michigan
Turnip Rock is a gravity-defying natural wonder that looks a bit like a perfect, oversized bonsai.
The epic splendor of the rocky formation, dramatically jutting out of the peaceful waters of Lake Huron, will take your breath away and leave you with no doubt that it is high on the list of the most beautiful places in the US.
The massive rocky feature is a particularly appealing attraction for anyone who loves kayaking – you don’t need to be a pro, but you should be reasonably fit as Turnip Rock is about 7 miles offshore.
Fortunately, boat tours are also available, which are a more relaxing way to experience the magnificence of this unusual rock formation in one of the most beautiful states in the US.
6. Thor’s Well, Oregon
The ocean provides many picturesque places, and one of the most unforgettable places on earth lies off Highway 101 along the Oregon Coast Highway.
Thor’s Well is so named as it looks like the god Thor himself struck a hole into the rocky coastline to create a spectacular drainage pipe for the Pacific Ocean.
If you love the ocean, the intense power of this beautiful place will fascinate and inspire you.
To enjoy the sheer magnificence of the sea raging up through Thor’s Well before the water drains away again spectacularly, time your visit to coincide with high tide.
Be sure to wear non-slip shoes and get ready to feel the damp sea air kissing your face as a fine mist and spray from the feature can be felt, even from a distance.
7. Lake Tahoe; California and Nevada- One Of The Most Beautiful Places In The United States
Lake Tahoe is a major tourist area and one of the best places to visit in California. The sheer beauty of the crystal clear lake sports breathtaking scenery throughout the year.
This lake is unquestionably one of the most beautiful places in the US.
Summer or winter, the stunning views are equally magnificent, and visitors will be spoiled for choice when it comes to activities.
Whether you visit Lake Tahoe on the California or Nevada side, there are plenty of large lakeside resorts and quiet secluded spots so you can experience the best of both worlds.
Secret Cove Beach on the Nevada side is just one of many idyllic spots- a turquoise paradise popular with paddlers – and interestingly, it is a clothing-option beach!
Read next: Best Places To Visit In Nevada
8. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Snorkel the warm, crystal-clear waters of Dry Tortugas National Park to experience a rainbow of colorful marine life that will dazzle your senses.
This remote island paradise, approximately 70 miles west of Key West is one of the most fantastic national parks in Florida.
This beautiful place offers visitors a perfect blend of natural splendor and historic buildings.
Dry Tortugas National Park is only accessible by seaplane or boat, so it is an ideal getaway for anyone who yearns to explore off the beaten track.
The imposing unfinished Fort Jefferson fortress remains as impressive and austere as it was in the 19th century.
Read next: Best Places To Visit In Florida
9. Kauai, Hawaii
When anyone thinks of the most beautiful places in the US, Hawaii is sure to feature high on the list.
And while many spots in the island paradise are beautiful, the ‘Garden ‘of Kauai is a rare gem, even amongst the other jewels, making it one of the best places to visit in Hawaii.
The magnificent forest island jutting out from the blue ocean waters all around is simply enchanting. In other words, Kauai is the perfect romantic getaway in the US.
Most of the surface of the island is covered in tropical rainforest, and it boasts dramatic sheer cliff faces and spectacular ocean vistas.
The island has played host to more than seventy Hollywood movies, and the versatile island setting has been the perfect backdrop to a diverse range of films, from King Kong to Pirates Of The Caribbean.
10. Yosemite National Park, California
At sunset, the ancient granite rock formations in Yosemite National Park in California glow like embers in a fire during some months of the year.
That is just one of the remarkable and stunning features that make this National Park one of America’s most beautiful places.
Although most travelers to Yosemite prefer visiting in the summer months, when the dramatic waterfalls are running at their most intense and throw shimmering rainbows into the air, the rugged winter wilderness holds its own charm.
Winter sightseeing, sports, and backcountry ski tours in the pristine landscape are precious memories just waiting to be made. The glacial Yosemite Valley is also a top sight in the park.
11. Carlsbad Cavern, New Mexico
Carlsbad Cavern is well worth adding to your bucket list of the most beautiful places in the US!
This unusual attraction is a large cave chamber situated in the Guadalupe Mountains in southeastern New Mexico.
Carlsbad Cavern is one of a vast network of natural cave formations set within a National Park. The main cave chamber is almost 4000 feet long, 625 feet wide, and 255 feet high.
Even the most claustrophobic visitors will appreciate the magnificent natural beauty of the natural limestone stalactites that cling to the roof.
To visit the main cave and appreciate the incredible beauty on offer, you can either hike to the natural entrance or use the convenient elevator from the visitor center.
A visit to Carlsbad Caverns is truly a unique and unforgettable experience.
12. White Sands National Park, New Mexico
If you think desert vistas are boring, then it’s time for a trip to White Sands National Park to change your mind.
The intense white color of the endless sand dunes is an extraordinarily beautiful phenomenon, unlike anything you have ever seen before.
White Sands National Park is situated in the state of New Mexico, and the unique and intense white color of the sand is because the sand is comprised mainly of gypsum crystals.
There are plenty of activities, including sand sledding and dune drives.
13. Great Smoky Mountains National Park; North Carolina and Tennessee
The filmy fog that lingers among the trees and hills of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park gives the region a distinctive, ‘lost in time’ feeling that enchants the senses.
The park, which lies on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, is a popular attraction and offers loads of lush scenery, high mountain peaks, and stunning waterfalls.
Great Smoky Mountain National Park is noted as one of America’s oldest mountain ranges, and the intense color of the leaves in fall makes a visit at that time of the year unforgettable.
The lingering romantic mist all around supports an incredible diversity of life which can be enjoyed on horseback, bicycling, paddling, hiking, or relaxing at a campsite.
14. Golden Gate Bridge, California
The Golden Gate Bridge is not only a distinctive American landmark recognized worldwide, but it is also one of the most beautiful artificial structures ever created.
This mile-long feat of human engineering connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County.
This San Francisco’s immense structure, Golden Gate Bridge, is a spectacle to behold and is recognized throughout the world.
Whether it is viewed during the day or when it is lit up at night, it is a monument to human achievement. Be sure to walk the bridge so you can experience the bridge close-up—one of the best things to do in California.
15. Blue Ridge Parkway; Virginia and North Carolina – One Of The Most Beautiful Places In The United States
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile trip of sheer scenic beauty.
This National Highway runs through the Virginia and North Carolina countrysides and links the Great Smoky Mountains with the Shenandoah National Park.
This beautiful trip should be taken slowly and savored – the route is filled with picturesque waterfalls and littered with historic sites and places of interest.
There are many overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway, so visitors can take a slow drive and enjoy pit stops to take in and appreciate the scenery.
The trip includes not only one but many of the most beautiful places in the US, so well worth making the trip.
16. Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
Haleakala translates as ‘House of the Sun’ in Hawaiian and is the name of a national park on the island of Maui.
The enormous volcanic crater by the same name dominates the landscape and can be viewed from every point of the island.
It is claimed that the sunrise viewed from the Haleakala Visitor Centre is one of the most spectacular sunrises on earth.
The 30 000-acre park features everything from dusty red rocky landscapes to lush oases, gardens, and waterfalls.
Haleakala boasts several endangered species of animals and plants. The rare and unique silversword plant is only found on the upper slopes of Haleakala.
17. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Badlands is just the opposite of its name if you are visiting! This national park is in Southwestern South Dakota and is home to abundant wildlife and flora despite its unusual and forbidding-looking landscape.
The incredible richness of the peculiar maze of canyons pitted with erosion and featuring towering spires will stay with you for a lifetime.
Whether you amble along a hiking trail or enjoy the stark scenery from a helicopter, Badlands National Park is a place of intense raw beauty.
The best time of the year to visit Badlands is before the main tourist season.
Visitors during the shoulder seasons can enjoy the jaw-dropping views of majestic banded canyons and appreciate why the area is a rich fossil bed that has offered up incredible fossil finds.
18. Watkins Glen State Park, New York
Watkins Glen State Park is a tiny gem among the collection of parks in the United States.
Unlike many of the others that are immense, visitors can walk through this little wonderland in as little as 2 hours.
Situated in the village of Watkins Glen in New York, the 778 acres, with its natural gorges and beautiful scenery, feature no less than 19 waterfalls!
Three hiking trails are open from mid-May to the start of November. One of the best-known places within Watkins Glen State Park is a stone staircase called Jacobs Ladder, located near the park’s upper entrance.
19. Savannah, Georgia
For an authentic taste of southern charm, a trip to the beautiful Georgian town of Savannah should be top of your list!
The city is crammed with historical buildings, period architecture, museums, and boutiques, and if you know who to speak to, you may even pick up some local stories of haunted houses!
Savannah oozes charm, and everything about this quaint city will delight you.
One of the absolute must-do activities in Savannah is taking a horse-drawn carriage ride to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, that dates back to 1859.
There are distinct areas in the town, so if you get tired of exploring the historical landmarks of the downtown district, there is plenty to do in the more modern sections of town.
20. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
The name of this park was popularized in the famous John Denver song, Take Me Home Country Roads.
As noted in the song, the area surrounding the Shenandoah river is truly ‘almost heaven,’ and it would be impossible to list the most beautiful places in the US without including the Shenandoah National Park.
A trip to Shenandoah National Park is an adventure into a magical landscape. This mountainous national park extends along the Blue Ridge Mountains and is alive with life.
There is plenty to see and experience, whether you just take a scenic drive or want to camp at one of the many backcountry campsites.
21. The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Calling everyone who enjoys cultural activities set amidst spectacular scenic backdrops!
The Berkshires in the mountainous western area of Massachusetts spans a 96-mile section of incredible beauty and includes many historical buildings, music, theater, and fantastic scenery.
A trip to the Berkshires is not only a feast for the eyes but also the soul.
From the highest point, which is the summit of Mt Greylock, to the quaint, welcoming towns like Williamstown and Stockbridge, you will be charmed with everything about this special place.
A highlight for classical music lovers is a trip to Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
22. Big Bend National Park, Texas
A journey to Big Bend National Park will immediately make you feel like you are in an old cowboy movie!
This national park in Texas, on the border with Mexico, features a mix of incredible, gravity-defying rock formations, limestone cliffs, and unique wildlife adapted to survive the harsh conditions.
Breathe in the serenity and grandeur of the awe-inspiring vistas of Big Bend National Park.
Big Bend is named after a stretch of the Rio Grande river that snakes through the park and forms a large bend near the Texas-Mexico border.
This huge park is more than 801,000 acres in size, and the massive open spaces will make you feel alive and rejuvenated.
Read next: Best Weekend Getaways in Texas
23. Mendenhall Glacier Caves, Alaska
If the desert heat isn’t your thing, then a trip to the stunning icy underworld of the Mendenhall Glacier Caves in Alaska should be high on your list of places to visit.
This natural ice wonderland situated near the town of Juneau in Alaska is constantly changing.
It is not only considered one of the most beautiful places in the US but also the entire world.
A unique feature of the Mendenhall Glacier Caves is that they are a constant work in progress.
There are times when the caves collapse and vanish, so before your visit, it is essential to check that Mother Nature currently has icy-blue caves in stock!
Although visiting the ice caves is unforgettable, this trip is only recommended for more physically active travelers.
24. Antelope Canyon, Arizona
A trip to Antelope Canyon is to experience the magic. There is something other-worldly about a journey into the winding slot canyons that seem to envelop those who enter.
Antelope Canyon is situated near Lake Powell and is one of the best places to visit in Arizona. This ancient formation can only be accessed via a guided tour, and it is essential to make arrangements well in advance of your visit.
Sunlight filters down from gaps high above the twisting sandstone formations, and the effect is breathtakingly beautiful.
Some of the walls are almost 120 feet high, so it is an awe-inspiring experience that can leave you feeling very tiny compared to the magnitude of nature.
25. New Orleans, Louisiana
The city of New Orleans in Louisiana is loaded with charming and beautiful places.
The city’s beauty is as much tied up in its people’s rich diversity and enthusiasm as in physical locations.
Most famous visitor’s areas are found in the French Quarter, which is awash in sound, smells, and exuberant fanfare.
One of the most famous events is the annual Mardi Gras carnival which takes place daily for a period of two weeks at the start of lent.
New Orleans is a feast of colors, sound, food, architecture, culture, and … you get the idea!
It is a place that brings all your senses to life and will soon have even the quietest souls dancing on the streets and enthusiastically cheering as the costumed carnivals pass by.
Read next: Incredible Restaurants in New Orleans
26. Monument Valley; Arizona and Utah
The towering sandstone formations jutting out of a barren desert landscape in Monument Valley make it an incredible spectacle.
If you think the scenery looks familiar, it may be because the dramatic landscape has been featured in several movies, most notably Forrest Gump, who famously jogged through a stretch of the iconic terrain.
Despite its desolate appearance, there is something intensely compelling about the unique wide open spaces, dotted with incredible rock formations that almost look like chess pieces of the gods.
Traversing the border of Arizona and Utah, Monument Valley is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the US.
Read next: Arizona Road Trip
27. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
There are distinct warm and cold seasons in Grand Teton National Park, so unless you enjoy the rugged winter landscape and are up for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, the best time to visit this park is from mid-May to September.
Grand Teton is a magnificent national park that sprawls over 310 000 acres of pristine Wyoming landscape.
The iconic Mormon Row is situated within the park and boasts some of the prettiest places in the US.
The John Moulton barn is a landmark structure in the area, and no trip to Grand Teton is complete without viewing (and photographing) this simple yet perfect structure set amidst the splendor of the natural setting.
28. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park in Maine is ideal if you can’t decide between a wilderness adventure in the mountains or a trip to the ocean.
This 47,000-acre park is located on an island complete with dramatic rocky peaks and crashing waves on pebble beaches.
Acadia National Park is one of North America’s most visited parks, and it isn’t hard to see why.
It offers abundant beauty on every side and perfectly combines the sea and forest landscapes for those who go hiking in Acadia.
It is also an excellent location to view passing whales and experience vibrant shades of fall foliage in October.
A white blanket of snow covers the park each winter to keep it pristine before unveiling the rich beauty of the area again the following spring.
29. Big Sur, California – One Of The Most Beautiful Places In The United States
Big Sur is a magical coastline stretch extending for around 90 miles along the Pacific Coast Highway in California.
The route is characterized by dramatic redwood forests on one side and unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean on the other.
The appeal of Big Sur is that it remains largely undeveloped and pristine.
The area is listed among the top 35 tourist destinations on the globe, which is a testament to its incredible beauty.
Although there aren’t any huge national parks in Big Sur, there are state parks that allow visitors to spend time soaking in the splendor of their surroundings.
Also, you can visit a few beaches along the way, like Pfeiffer Beach and Garrapata State Beach.
30. Multnomah Falls, Oregon
A short drive out of Portland, Oregon, is a spectacular double-tier waterfall that sends water cascading powerfully into the Columbia River gorge below.
The water, which is fed from underground springs, plunges 600ft and nourishes the rich plant life that thrives on either side of the ravine.
The falls remain beautiful no matter the season, although it is at its most spectacular during spring when the winter melt-off creates a surge of power.
Access to Multnomah Falls is easy, and day trips can be combined with a picnic or hike on one of the trails in the area.
31. Crater Lake, Oregon
Crater Lake in Oregon has a profoundly mysterious and almost supernatural beauty. A body of intense blue water lies within a volcanic crater that formed more than 7,000 years ago.
It is by far the deepest lake in the USA, and since it is filled with water created by snowfall, it is also one of the clearest.
The best time to appreciate Crater Lake is the summer months when you can enjoy the dramatic scenery close up and from afar.
Weather conditions during the cooler months can become extreme.
This natural wonder that bares testament to a violent volcanic past can only truly be appreciated in person as photographs could never adequately capture or convey the atmosphere of the setting.
32. Old Man’s Cave, Ohio
Old Man’s Cave is a deep gorge with a rock overhang set among waterfalls and extraordinary scenery.
One can almost feel the fortitude and isolation of the 18th-century hermit who took shelter under the rock formation and gave the place its name.
This beautiful attraction is situated within the Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio and spans about half a mile of twisting, turning waterways of Old Man’s Creek.
The gorge includes sections with names like the Devil’s Bathtub – an indication of the spectacular nature of deep water sections within the canyon.
The hike in and out of the Old Man’s Cave is well worth the effort.
Read next: Luxury Cabins in Hocking Hills
33. White Mountains, New Hampshire
Visits to the White Mountains will always be filled with scenes of superb relaxation amidst spectacular beauty.
Most of the White Mountains area falls within the White Mountain National Forest and is a segment of the Appalachian Mountain range.
The 87-mile stretch of mountainous terrain in New Hampshire boasts a range of activities that will delight all your family members.
Whether you only want to sightsee and take in the glorious geological attractions like Flume Gorge or prefer the fun of an amusement park like Story Land, the stunning scenery of the White Mountains, regardless of being summer or winter in New Hampshire, will make the trip an unforgettable experience.
34. Maroon Bells, Colorado
The Maroon Bells are not only among the prettiest places in Colorado but also among the most beautiful places in America, and for a good reason.
In summer or winter, the mountain peaks are continuously covered with a coating of snow.
The white peaks are unexpected and breathtaking when viewed against a palette of lush summer greenery and the intense blue sky.
Maroon Bells’ twin peaks are anchored in and tower over the Colorado White River National Forest.
It is a photographer’s paradise as the reflection of the snowy mountains can be captured in the crystal clear lakes that lie in the valleys below.
The rich colors of the rich Colorado landscape mirrored in the vivid reflections of the lakes makes a trip to Maroon Bells one of the best things to do in Colorado and a scenic destination in the world.
Read next: Epic Places To Visit In Colorado
35. Arches National Park, Utah
Seeing is believing as natural sandstone arches appear suspended in time against the rocky backdrop of Arches National Park in Utah.
There are more than 2,000 arches dotted over the 76,679-acre park, and the sheer stark beauty of these rugged geological wonders is both delightful and fascinating.
You don’t have to love rocks to appreciate the beauty of Arches National Park.
The Landscape Arch spans an impressive 306 feet! One of the unique features of the natural sandstone arches is the intense red color resulting from iron oxide deposits in the sandstone.
36. Willow City’s Bluebonnets, Texas
Springtime is beautiful in many places, but Willow City, on the outskirts of Fredericksburg, Texas, takes floral splendor to a whole new level for a short time each year.
The roadsides and pastures of this tiny town burst to life with the iconic Texan Bluebonnet.
For a few short weeks, this natural wonder that transforms the landscape into one of the prettiest places in the US remains in full showy bloom before retiring back into Nature’s treasure chest to wait out another year.
The Willow City Loop is a drive that will delight nature lovers, and you may find yourself turning back and repeating the trip several times.
Read next: Best Places To Visit In Texas
37. Niagara Falls, New York
When it comes to impressive water features, Niagara Falls ticks all the boxes. This incredible trio of waterfalls forms the border between Canada and the US.
The falls on the US side are situated within the Niagara Falls State Park, which offers a range of activities from hiking to an aquarium that features a variety of watery ecosystems.
The shimmery misty rainbows and sheer power of the falls can be appreciated from various viewing points on land or by taking a boat trip.
The iconic ‘Maid of the Mist’ will provide you with a front-row view of the spectacular force of nature.
38. Havasu Falls, Arizona
The pristine Havasu Falls are located within the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
It is unquestionably one of the most beautiful places in the US, but there is a trick.
The site is remote and visiting this waterfall requires careful planning, a little bit of luck, and a good dose of physical fitness.
To access Havasu Falls, you will require a permit, and all visitors must have a reservation of at least one night.
The trip is, therefore, never going to be a one-day outing, and the walk to the falls can be tiring.
The appeal of Havasu Falls is in the spectacular blue-green color of the pools of water at the base of the falls.
The contrast of the water color against the red rock cliffs that surround the falls is a sight usually reserved for the covers of travel magazines and screensavers.
39. Hamilton Pool, Texas – One Of The Most Beautiful Places In The United States
Just a quick 45-minute jaunt from Austin, Hamilton Pool is a blue-green cove that is sure to be your new favorite oasis.
This natural spring was formed when the ceiling collapsed and exposed the underground river, leaving behind a swimming hole and jaw-dropping rock formations.
There’s a waterfall that fills the pool from the top and an underground river that flows into it as well.
Admire the fish and turtles that call this swimming hole home or enjoy a hike in the lush surroundings of the cove. You can’t go wrong with a trip to Hamilton Pool.
40. The Wave, Arizona
There is something about seeing a fleeting pattern usually found in water carved into stone that is both intensely beautiful and humbling.
The Wave, located in Arizona, near its border with Utah, is a series of massive sandstone troughs that have eroded in ripple-like configurations to create a landscape of incredible beauty.
Even though The Wave is one of America’s most beautiful places, visitors to the area are limited.
The sensitive nature of the landscape can easily be damaged, so a daily lottery system is in place.
Paths to the site are also not marked, so hikers must find their way across really challenging terrain to reach this place of incredible beauty.
41. Whitaker Point, Arkansas
Whitaker Point is a spectacular lookout point but is not recommended for anyone afraid of heights!
The picturesque overhanging rocky outcrop provides panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and Buffalo Valley far below.
It can be confusing since Whitaker Point may also refer to the hike to the Hawksbill Crag, but no matter which name you use, the scenery is magnificent, and you will want to inhale the intense beauty of the surroundings.
Standing on the overhanging rock gives you the feeling of standing on the edge of the world.
Getting to Whitaker Point is an easy hike, although this beautiful area may not be ideal for visiting if you have young children. The trail is clearly marked, and entrance to the site is free.
Read next: National Parks in Arkansas
42. The Palouse, Washington
The Palouse isn’t just one beautiful place, but many. When viewed from the air, the landscape looks like a gently waving piece of fabric, and the sheer splendor of this rich agricultural area is a wonder to behold.
The region extends over several counties in Washington State.
You don’t need to be in an airplane to appreciate the region’s beauty. The undulating, fertile hills of the Palouse region change color with the seasons.
The rich spring and summer greenery is replaced with golden wheat and barley crops before harvest.
Kamiak Butte offers a tremendous natural viewpoint of the area where you can look down on the rich patchwork of fields that extend in every direction.
43. Angel Oak, South Carolina
A key attraction in South Carolina is a large oak tree which has become a focal point in a public park on John’s Island near Charleston.
Angel Oak is a living tree estimated to be between 300 and 400 years old. It has reached an impressive size and shape.
It leaves visitors amazed at the beauty of its immense proportions.
Access to The Angel Oak is free, and visitors can visit the park seven days a week.
This beautiful wonder of nature is a testimony to endurance and resilience as the tree has survived numerous weather catastrophes, including floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes.
44. Monument Rocks, Kansas
Also known as the Chalk Pyramids, Monument Rocks in Kansas are fossil-laden formations that stretch up to 50 feet in height.
The light that falls across the white pitted surface of the rocks reveals a textured, heavily pitted surface.
The formation has been proclaimed a National Natural Landmark and stands vivid and tall among the flat plains of western Kansas.
The impressive formation is situated on private property but can be accessed via an unpaved road every day from dawn until dusk.
Monument Rocks is one of the most beautiful places in America, set in an entirely unexpected rural setting.
45. Shoshone Falls, Idaho
No road trip through Idaho would be complete without stopping at Shoshone Falls to take in the splendor of this spectacular waterfall.
The falls are situated on the Snake River, and at 212 feet, it is higher than the famous Niagara Falls!
Although the Shoshone Falls is magnificent year-round, the greatest volume of water occurs during spring and early summer.
Visitors can delight in one of the most beautiful places in the US from conveniently situated lookout points, or the more adventurous (and energetic) visitors can get up close and personal with the base of the falls and take to the water by boat.
46. Na Pali Coast, Hawaii – One Of The Most Beautiful Places In The United States
The Na Pail Coast offers a chiseled landscape that stretches for 17 miles along the north shore of Kauai Island in Hawaii.
It is a coastal area dotted with sheer cliff faces and waterfalls that drain directly into the sea below.
It is undoubtedly among the most beautiful places in the US and boasts a landscape that is par excellence.
The trail through Na Pali is steep and tricky to negotiate on land. To truly appreciate the intense raw beauty of this area, one needs to take to the sea.
Plenty of boat charters will allow you to enjoy the scenery on land and appreciate the rich ocean life that thrives all along the Na Pali Coast.
47. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Welcome to Alaska, where the outflowing of the icy glaciers from the Harding Icefield creates a spectacular scenic backdrop to another of the most beautiful places in the US.
The Kenai Fjords National Park consists of 1047 square miles of unspoiled beauty.
Within the park, the 300-square-mile Harding Icefield, with its overflowing glaciers, is a treasure.
Visitors can enjoy the sight of breaching whales amidst the icy glaciers, and the best way to get around and enjoy this incredible winter wonderland is by boat.
Several tour operators launch from the picturesque harbor town of Seward, and captains are experienced in navigating the icy waters.
Kenai Fjords National Park is a nature lover’s paradise, and the thrill of witnessing an orca leaping high out of the water is an experience that won’t soon be forgotten.
48. Joshua Tree National Park, California
The Joshua Tree National Park is situated in the US state of California and is a vital link in the Mojave Desert ecosystem.
The distinctive silhouettes of Joshua trees stand tall amidst the stark desert setting. The area is a protected habitat for a large variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects.
The immense sprawling beauty of Joshua Tree National Park is amplified in the intense sunrises and sunsets that light the skies.
The park is also a spectacular venue to view the Milky Way between April and September. The heavens seem to unroll their majesty overhead every evening.
As one of the most cherished and most beautiful places in the US, the park has also become a place where travelers can find spiritual renewal and take time to reflect.
Whether you are going to camp or hike in the Joshua Tree National Park, this visit will be a rejuvenating experience where you can slow down and absorb the exquisite beauty of the surroundings.
49. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
The US doesn’t disappoint when it comes to providing interesting natural rock structures, and Bryce Canyon National Park contains some of the most distinctive formations on earth.
Long shafts of red rock, called hoodoos, rise dramatically from the desert floor in this park in southwestern Utah.
Bryce Canyon National Park is a little off-the-beaten trail for most travelers, but know that it is part of Utah’s Mighty 5, together with Arches, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Zion National Parks.
Nevertheless, it is well worth the effort to see the dramatic red and orange natural stone pillars.
Because of the lofty elevation, the air is often much cooler than expected, so it can be refreshingly cool even in summer.
Bryce Canyon National Park offers plenty of open spaces and dramatic unspoiled scenery that puts it high up on the list of most beautiful places in the US.
50. Letchworth State Park, New York
Letchworth State Park is a hidden treasure consisting of 14,350 acres of sheer perfection situated in New York.
Also often called the Grand Canyon of The East, there are waterfalls, and a lush forest environment, jam-packed with quiet spots to take in the magnificence of the setting.
For adrenaline junkies, there are plenty of activities ranging from whitewater rafter to hot air ballooning.
One of the popular attractions of the park is the abundance of waterfalls. In addition to three impressively sized falls, there are as many as 50 smaller waterfalls to discover as the Genesee River winds its way through the park.
51. Hoh Rain Forest, Washington
The sight of moss-covered trees and the thick misty air of Hoh Rain Forest in Washington State is truly enchanting.
One almost expects to see fairies and gnomes dancing among the deep green veils of dense vegetation!
Hoh Rain Forest is among the most beautiful places in the US, although it may also be the wettest!
Visitors should wear waterproof shoes and always be prepared for a rain shower, as the area receives an incredible 140 inches of precipitation per annum.
The result is a moss-coated wonderland of breathtaking beauty that needs to be experienced in person to be fully appreciated.
Final Thoughts On The Most Beautiful Places In The USA
That ends our whirlwind tour of the most beautiful places in the USA.
Each spot is special and unique, and travelers in America are spoiled for choice in the sheer number of magnificent spaces scattered around the country.
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