65 Most Beautiful Destinations In The USA! (Stunning Pics!)
If you’re searching for the most beautiful destinations in the USA, you’ve come to the right place!
The United States is very well known for its natural beauty. What’s more, the U.S. offers very diverse and drastic landscapes.
From mountains to beaches, from deserts to forests, you name it. America has it all! I’ve been fortunate enough to visit some of these myself and I swear by their beauty!
In addition to natural beauty, America also has stunning cities, with beautiful architecture and parks, any of which will make for a perfect holiday.
I’ve compiled this list of the 65 most beautiful destinations in the USA for all you fine folks! I’ve tried to include a little bit of everything and organized by state.
I hope you enjoy it!
For all of you new readers, welcome! I’m Aisha Preece! I traveled solo extensively before I met my husband and settled in Ireland. I love using my experience to help other solo female adventurers travel safer and cheaper.
My husband and I now travel together. So I’ve got some great tips for couples too!
Affiliate Link Disclosure
Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks!
Alright! Here are the 65 most beautiful destinations in the USA for all of you beautiful folks:
1. Glenn Highway, Alaska – Beautiful Destinations In The USA
The Glenn Highway offers dramatic, breathtaking landscapes on a 135-mile road that stretches from Anchorage to Glenallen. It is one of the most scenic drives in Alaska.
Image credit: @svetlana_la_na
While the drive alone is totally worth it, there are several activities you can enjoy along the way: fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and river rafting just to name a few!
You also want to visit the Matanuska Glacier: 13,000 feet high and the largest glacier you can drive to. The only way to visit though is through a guided tour.
Here are some great options:
Image credit: @nationalparkspartnership
2. Glacier Bay, Alaska – Beautiful Destinations In The USA
Those who have visited the majestic Glacier Bay National Park swear it is a humbling, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
You should prepare to be mesmerized by incredible iceberg formations, glaciers, and impressive mountains.
If that’s not enough, you can spot seagulls, otters, puffins, and whales!
Here’s a great tour that will take you into the heart of Glacier Bay to enjoy the incredible scenery and wildlife:
Image credit: @nationalparkspartnership
3. Denali, Alaska – Beautiful Destinations In The USA
Denali is the highest mountain peak in North America. Surrounded by miles of pristine wilderness, it is another must-see attraction in Alaska.
Here are some fun things to do in Denali:
- Denali National Park Walking Tour
- Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour
- Denali Canyon Wave – Denali National Park
Image credit: @kenaiadventures
4. Kenai Peninsula, Alaska – Beautiful Destinations In The USA
There really is no lack of beautiful scenery in Alaska, but the Kenai Peninsula, often called ‘Alaska in miniature’, should be on your list.
Stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and endless recreational activities will keep you busy here!
Things to do:
- Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park Guided Tour with Lunch
- Kenai River Fishing Charter Experience from Soldotna
Cool place to stay:
Image credit: @visit_arizona
5. Saguaro National Park, Arizona – Beautiful Destinations In The USA
The Saguaro National Park is a massive 92,000-acre and home to the largest cacti species in America.
Being surrounded by 40-60 feet tall giant saguaro, an iconic symbol of the West, is a surreal experience that I highly recommend!
Things to do:
Image credit: @elliotmcgucken
6. Antelope Canyon, Arizona – Beautiful Destinations In The USA
Antelope Canyon is the most photographed place in the American Southwest and with good reason.
The mesmerizing, wave-like patterns formed on the sandstone walls are not a sight to forget and will transport you to a sci-fi movie.
But you will need a permit and a guided tour to visit.
Here are some Antelope Canyon Tours:
- Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Flagstaff
- Upper Antelope Canyon Ticket
- Lower Antelope Canyon Ticket
Image credit: @lowellobservatory
7. Flagstaff, Arizona – Beautiful Destinations In The USA
Flagstaff is a beautiful mountain town with abundant pine forests. The almost-perfect weather and the surrounding desert mountains offer countless adventurous activities.
Flagstaff is also one of the most popular places from where people visit the Grand Canyon.
Things to do:
- Grand Canyon
- Lowell Observatory
- Wupatki National Monument
- Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course-Adult Course
- Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Tour
Image credit: @cayleighanddavid
8. Sedona, Arizona – Beautiful Destinations In The USA
Sedona, another mountain town near Flagstaff, might just be one of the most beautiful places on earth.
The unique rock formations, diverse flora and fauna, and vivid colors make Sedona an awe-inspiring place.
Sedona is also regarded as a sacred and spiritual place, so much so that some people truly believe there are magical forces at work in Sedona.
Things to do:
Cool places to stay:
Image credit: @lindsey__anderson
9. Grand Canyon, Arizona – Beautiful Destinations In The USA
The Grand Canyon is a geological marvel: incredible rock formations made through slow erosions by the Colorado River over millions of years.
Standing over the Grand Canyon, you can’t help but feel like you’re looking through a portal of ancient history.
Grand Canyon Tours:
- Private Grand Canyon Day Tour including lunch at El Tovar
- Grand Canyon Railway Adventure Package – Flagstaff
- Grand Canyon Sunset Tour from Sedona
Image credit: @visitcalifornia
10. Big Sur, California – Beautiful Destinations In The USA
The Big Sur is one of the most striking coastlines there is. Jagged cliffs with drops of hundreds of feet where the ocean crashes into the rocks are a sight to behold.
Things to do:
Cool places to stay:
Image credit: eugenedyachkin
11. 17-Mile Drive, California
The 17-mile drive is one of the most scenic drives on the West Coast: 17 stops on a 17-mile road with breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast.
Here are some fun ways to enjoy the 17-mile drive on Pebble Beach:
- 2.5-Hour Electric Bike Tour Along 17-Mile Drive of Coastal Monterey
- Monterey, Carmel, and 17-Mile Drive: Full-Day Tour from SF
Image credit: @wilderness_culture
12. Royce Lakes, California
Royce Lakes, a beautiful 69-acre lake in Fresno County is a hiker’s paradise! You’ll get stunning views of the 13,280 ft Royce Peak, part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Image credit: @travellforlife
13. Death Valley National Park, California
From sand dunes to rugged mountains, from salt flats to meadows and canyons, Death Valley offers some visually striking scenery. Death Valley is also a national park of extremes:
it had the highest global temperature ever recorded; it is the driest place in America and simultaneously has both the highest and lowest elevation points in the contiguous US.
Death Valley Tours:
- Death Valley Small Group Day Tour from Las Vegas
- Death Valley Sunset and Starry Night Tour from Las Vegas
- Death Valley Sightseeing Tour with Stargazing and Wine Tasting
Image credit: @degraaf.david
14. Redwoods, California
Home to the tallest trees on the planet, the Redwoods will transport you to some Lord Of The Rings fantasy world.
Having these 300-foot giant trees towering over you is an experience like no other.
Some great ways to see the Redwoods:
- San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch
- Muir Woods Tour of California Coastal Redwoods
- Redwoods Railbike Along Pudding Creek – Mendocino Tours
Image credit: @travellercollective
15. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite is a massive 75,000-acre worth of spellbinding scenery: granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and tall, majestic trees. It’s a place you should visit at least once.
Ways to experience Yosemite National Park:
- Yosemite Valley Discovery Walk
- Private Guided Hiking Tour in Yosemite
- San Francisco: Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoia Day Tour
Image credit: @visittelluride
16. Telluride, Colorado
Nestled in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, surrounded by 13000-14000 ft peaks, Telluride is a town of breathtaking beauty and endless activities including skiing, fishing, hiking, etc.
Things to do:
Cool place to stay:
Image credit: @visitpagosa
17. Wolf Creek Pass, Colorado
The Wolf Creek Pass is absolutely beautiful! It is in the San Juan Mountains along the US 160 between South Fork and Pagosa Springs.
Along this pass, you will cross two forests, the stunning Treasure Falls, and a well-known ski resort.
Things to do:
Cool place to stay:
Image credit: @yelpcolorado
18. Hanging Lake, Colorado
Hanging Lake is a worthwhile reward at the end of a 1.2-mile challenging, steep hike in the heart of Glenwood Springs.
The sight of the beautiful waterfalls flowing into the stunning lake will be a prized experience if you can make the hike.
Things to do:
Image credit: @larsleberphotography
19. Crested Butte, Colorado
Crested Butte is a small mountain town in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. It’s very popular for skiing and mountain biking. The views are spec-ta-cu-lar!
Things to do:
Image credit: @flamingoeverglades
20. Everglades, Florida
The Florida Everglades is home to diverse wildlife, including many endangered and threatened species.
It’s a wonderland for those of you who love the idea of watching many species of birds wading through nature.
Things to do:
Image credit: @seeandsavorsavannah
21. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is one of the most romantic cities in the US.
Streets lined with giant oak trees, beautiful architecture, and cute parks with fountains at every town center make Savannah one of the most beautiful destinations in the USA.
Things to do:
Image credit: @joshbowmar
22. Pololu Valley, Hawaii
The Pololu Valley is one of 7 valleys carved into the Kohala Volcano.
The views from the Pololu Lookout are spectacular, but visitors say the real prize is the challenging hike down the valley to the beach below.
Things to do:
Image credit: @elliotmcgucken
23. Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai is not just one of the most beautiful islands in the USA, but quite possibly the whole world.
From beaches to snorkeling spots, from rugged mountains to rainforests and sea caves, this island is truly stunning.
Things to do:
Cool place to stay:
24. Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho
Lake Pend Oreille is the largest lake in Idaho and one of the largest and deepest lakes in the US. The beauty of the surrounding mountains is sure to take your breath away.
Things to do:
Image credit: @discoliz
25. Shoshone Falls, Idaho
Shoshone Falls is called the ‘Niagara of the West’. And at 212 feet, it actually surpasses the height of the Niagara Falls! It’s a must-see attraction if you’re in Idaho.
Things to do:
Image credit: @danonstage
26. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s amazing architecture on the river earns it a place as one of the most beautiful destinations in the USA. The entire city is a work of art.
The view from a boat on the Chicago River as you enter the city is awe-inspiring. The city is also rich in history and culture.
Things to do:
Image credit: @ashleys_epic_adventures
27. Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
Mammoth Cave, true to its name, is the world’s longest cave system. Walking through this cave will transport you in time.
In fact, the oldest parts of Mammoth Cave are at least a few million years old.
Cool place to stay:
Image credit: @alvani7
28. French Quarter, Louisiana
French Quarter in New Orleans is the only surviving and intact French and Spanish settlement in the US. It’s famous for its rich history, architecture, food, and culture.
Things to do:
Image credit: @beyondthebayoutours
29. Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana
Atchafalaya Basin is the largest river swamp in America, extending 140 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. It is the home of many wildlife species and is a beautiful, tranquil place.
Image credit: @jkputnamphoto
30. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park offers stunning views of mountains, lakes, forests, and coastal scenery. Watching the sunset over Cadillac Mountain is sure to take your breath away.
Things to do:
- Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park (2.5Hr)
- Guided Ebike Tour of Acadia National Park Carriage Roads 2024 – Bar Harbor
Image credit: @kayegonzalesadventures
31. Mount Katahdin, Maine
Mount Katahdin is the tallest peak of Maine, located in Baxter State Park. If the views alone are not worth it, there are also countless activities like rafting and hiking for you!
Image credit: @onlyinyourstate and @only_in_michigan
32. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
Waterfalls, sea caves, and colorful rock formations along the beautiful Lake Superior coast make Pictured Rocks truly picturesque. It’s a place worth visiting at least once.
Image credit: @keefography
33. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota
Boundary Waters spans over a million acres. This vast area is home to hundreds of lakes and is a canoers’s peaceful paradise.
Things to do:
Image credit: @fiftynineparks
34. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park borders Boundary Waters and is largely made up of water bodies. It’s perfect for stargazing. And you can even view the Northern Lights from here!
Cool place to stay:
Image credit: @fayettevillear
Related Posts
- 27 Best All Inclusive Resorts In The USA [With Pictures!]
- 17 Best Christmas Markets In The USA [With Pictures!]
- How To Spend Christmas In New York City [With Pictures!]
35. Ozark Mountains, Missouri
The TV series Ozark features the scenery as dark and grim, but the Ozark views are breathtaking. Once you’re there, be sure to visit the stunning Dogwood Canyon Park.
Cool place to stay:
Image credit: @glacier_national_park
36. Glacier National Park, Montana
Millions of acres worth of enchanting mountains, lakes, waterfalls, vibrant foliage- the Glacier National Park is postcard perfect.
Things to do:
Image credit: @thisplanetisours
37. Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the US. Its brilliant blue water, surrounded by green forests and towering mountains, makes it a magical place.
Things to do:
- Zephyr Cove Helicopter Tour 2024 – Lake Tahoe
- Lake Tahoe Small-Group Photography Scenic Half-Day Tour
- 2 Hour Sailing Cruise on Lake Tahoe
Image credit: @sully.sends
38. Mount Washington, New Hampshire
Mount Washington is the tallest peak of the White Mountains. You can catch the best views from Lion Head Trail, Caps Ridge Trail, or Crystal Cascades.
Image credit: @mlbourne
39. White Sands National Park, New Mexico
The brilliant white sand dunes here that stretch endlessly make you feel like you are on a different planet. This is the world’s largest gypsum dune field.
White Sands is also perfect for stargazing at night.
Image credit: @bucketlistpublications
40. Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
The unique rock formations formed by a river over 250 million years ago make this cave an otherworldly place. It’s one of the largest and most spectacular caves in the world.
Image credit: @adirondackhighpeaks
41. The Adirondacks, New York
The Adirondack Mountains are 4 hours north of Manhattan with over 2000 miles of hiking trails. The unspoiled beauty of this spot attracts many visitors each year.
A very popular place in the Adirondacks is the stunning Lake Placid, where the Olympics was hosted twice in 1932 and 1980.
Things to do:
Cool places to stay:
Image credit: @castles.and.palaces
42. Thousand Islands, New York
The Thousand Islands consists of close to 2000 islands in the St. Lawrence River right on the border between America and Canada.
You can cruise from island to island visiting lighthouses, museums, castles, and more!
Things to do:
- The Ultimate Heart of 1000 Islands Sightseeing Boat Tour
- 1000 Islands Sunset Cruise from Clayton, NY
Image credit: @the_red_e
43. Lost Lake, Oregon
This postcard-worthy lake offers not just stellar views, but an abundance of fun activities: canoeing, kayaking, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, etc.
Cool place to stay:
Image credit: @scottosbornphoto
44. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach was named in the list of The World’s 100 Most Beautiful Places by National Geographic.
The beautiful shoreline broken up by dramatic, giant rocks will make you feel like you’re walking in a dream. Be sure to visit Haystack Rock!
Things to do:
Cool place to stay:
Image credit: @the_travel_samurai
45. Crater Lake, Oregon
Crater’s Lake was voted the most beautiful among all national parks in 2023. Its blue waters, pristine forests, and huge caldera formations will mesmerize you.
Things to do:
Image credit: @weliketotravel
46. Oneonta Gorge, Oregon
While all of Columbia River Gorge is incredibly beautiful, Oneonta Gorge deserves a special place on this list.
150-foot cliff walls, covered in moss, on either side create a narrow slot canyon, at the end of which is the beautiful 60-foot Oneonta Waterfall.
Things to do:
- Half-Day Columbia River Gorge and Waterfall Hiking Tour
- A Full Day of Wonder: Wine, Waterfalls, and Timberline Tour- Portland
Image credit: @ianplantphoto
47. Badlands, South Dakota
The Badlands offers some dramatic landscapes: from green prairie grasses to rugged rock formations. It is also a great place to see wildlife.
Things to do:
Image credit: @ttaptravel
48. Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
The Smoky Mountains is another one of America’s national parks with astounding beauty. It’s filled with diverse plant and animal life and there’s no entrance fee!
Things to do:
Image credit: @triadmomsonmain
49. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
When you are done hiking in the Smoky Mountains, you can head on over to Gatlinburg, a beautiful city just minutes away.
Besides the stellar views, Gatlinburg offers a ton of adventurous activities from amusement parks and water parks to one of the fastest mountain coasters in the world!
A roller coaster with the views of the Smokies? Yes, please!
Things to do:
- Mountaintop Zipline 2-Hour Activity – Gatlinburg
- Gatlinburg Ghosts of The Smokies Most Haunted Tour
- Top Rated Wine and Shine Walking Tour
Image credit: @nationalparksgram and @texas.explores
50. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park is not just a pretty park. It’s also steeped in centuries’ worth of history: from dinosaur bones to volcanic rock formations, and sea fossils.
Things to do:
Cool place to stay:
Image credit: @beckworthandco
51. Hamilton Pool, Texas
Hamilton Pool is one of the most scenic pools in America. Made from limestone walls with a 50-foot waterfall, it is also a popular shooting destination for movies.
Image credit: @travelpassion.io
52. Medina River, Texas
Kayaking on these clear, blue waters with looming cypress trees on either side is a scene of tranquility.
Image credit: @undercanvasofficial
53. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is famous for its towering sandstone cliffs and diverse wildlife. The vista from Angel’s Landing offers some of the best views.
Things to do:
- Diana’s Throne UTV Adventure Near Zion National Park
- 55 Mile – Helicopter Tour Around Zion National Park
- Zion National Park: Private Guided Hike & Picnic
Image credit: @kimybac._
54. Mirror Lake, Utah
Mirror Lake is located in the Uinta Mountains. Popular for fishing and other recreational activities, it’s also a great place for stargazing at night.
Image credit: @brycecanyonnationalpark
55. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon is another incredibly beautiful park in Utah. Compared to Zion, it has more forests but less diversity. You’ll also prefer Bryce if you want fewer crowds.
Things to do:
Image credit: @michaelwoodphoto
56. Mad River Valley, Vermont
A tributary to the Winooski River, Mad River and Mad River Valley’s stellar beauty is sure to drive you mad.
Popular activities in the winter include skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, etc.
The rest of the year, visitors flock to the beautiful valley for hiking and mountain biking. There’s also a happening arts and culture scene, along with food and breweries.
Things to do:
Cool place to stay:
Image credit: @jonathanadams
57. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park is known for its spectacular natural beauty. Shenandoah, derived from Native American languages, translates to ‘Beautiful Daughter of the Stars.’
Image credit: @chunhua.meeko.liu
58. Hoh Rainforest, Washington
Hoh Rainforest is just one of many scenic places in Olympic National Park. But this rainforest feels a little other-worldly.
With the giant mossy trees looming overhead, you will feel transported to a fantasy world like one of The Lord Of The Rings or Pan’s Labyrinth.
Things to do:
- 5-Day Olympic Backpacking – Hoh Rainforest and the Blue Glacier
- Hoh Rain Forest and Rialto Beach Guided Tour in Olympic National Park
Image credit: @fangxiaofang.photo
59. North Cascades National Park, Washington
North Cascades, true to its name, is filled with waterfalls and over 300 glaciers. There are also mountains and valleys and forests to charm you. It’s 3 hours outside of Seattle.
Image credit: @sanjuanislands
60. San Juan Islands, Washington
The San Juan Islands are a group of 172 islands in the Pacific Northwest. Whale watching is a very popular activity here, in addition to hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
You can visit from April to October to spot orcas, while August to October are your best chances to spot humpbacks as they travel south from Alaska.
Image credit: @usinterior
61. Diablo Lake, Washington
Alright, Diablo Lake is in North Cascades, but it deserves to have its own place on this list. The brilliant blues of this lake are created from rock dust called ‘glacier flour.’
I mean how cool does that sound? If you’re in Washington, you have to stop by!
Image credit: @katko.co
62. Purple Haze Lavender Farm, Washington
Washington’s astounding beauty is not just limited to its mountains, forests, and lakes, but also its flower fields.
Sequim, Washington is now called America’s Provence with over 50 acres of eye-soothing lavender shrubs swaying in the breeze.
Hop on over to Washington to gather some lavender this summer!
Image credit: @connerboard
63. Skagit Valley, Washington
Skagit Valley is endearingly termed America’s Netherlands due to the tulip festival every year. The rows of colorful tulips with blue mountain silhouettes are a treat for your eyes.
Things to do:
Image credit: @lukekellytravels
64. Grand Teton, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park is spectacularly beautiful. One of the prettiest and most popular places you’ll want to visit here is Jenny Lake.
Things to do:
- Grand Teton Half Day Tour – Jackson
- Jackson Hole Horseback Riding in the Bridger-Teton National Forest
- Grand Teton Wildlife Safari
Image credit: @nationalparkspartnership
65. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s particularly special because it is America’s first national park.
It has about half the world’s geysers, some shooting water 100 feet into the air. If you’re there you have to visit the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the world.
Things to do:
FAQs On Most Beautiful Destinations In The USA
What Is The Most Unique City In America?
What’s America’s most unique city? San Francisco’s rich history, scenic beauty, diverse culture, and steep, windy streets make SF one of the most unique cities in the world.
What Is The #1 Most Beautiful City In America?
The most beautiful city in America? Charleston, South Carolina is the #1 most beautiful city; the unique architecture, pastel houses, and cobblestone streets lined with mossy trees all make Charleston breathtaking.
What State Has The Best Scenery In The US?
What’s the state with the best scenery you ask? That would be Alaska. Alaska’s dramatic landscape with looming mountains, glaciers, and unspoiled lakes can be matched by no other.
So, now you know the 65 most beautiful destinations in the USA! What are you waiting for? Get packing!
Related Posts
![21 Best Seafood In Kuala Selangor + Halal Options! [2024 Update]](https://womenwanderingbeyond.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/seafood-in-selangor-768x576.jpg)
