11 of the Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the United States
Many Americans choose to stay within the United States, and it's not hard to see why. The US, a magnificent testament to Mother Nature's artistry, presents a plethora of breathtaking landscapes. From magical desert mesas to serene river valleys and slender barrier islands, the country’s natural beauty remains unparalleled.
The sublime grandeur of Mammoth Cave and the awe-evoking depths of the Grand Canyon are only two examples of the countless must-see spots that dot every corner of America. These scenic wonders, combined with America's vibrant beaches and historic districts, underline why the United States remains an extraordinary mosaic of natural beauty and culture.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the very first places that pop into mind when considering the most beautiful places in the United States. One of the world’s natural wonders, the grand canyon is an eye-opening site for anyone that visits. An estimated 5.9 million people visit it annually, making it the second most popular national park, just behind the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee.
Adventure seekers will find no shortage of thrilling activities, from airplane tours soaring over the North Rim’s highest point and the Zuni Point Corridor to skydiving experiences offering unrivaled views of the gorge. For those seeking a more relaxing experience, consider a leisurely cruise on the Colorado River or a combination helicopter tour and whitewater rafting experience. As the day concludes, the canyon comes alive with the colors of sunset. A guided 4x4 sunset tour offers the perfect opportunity to spot wildlife such as Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, and Merriam's turkeys whilst marveling at the Grand Canyon's iconic sunset.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is one of the most charming natural sceneries in the United States for its range of different views and landscapes. With giant sequoia trees, towering waterfalls, and iconic vistas of granite cliffs and mountains, Yosemite National Park is a world-class natural treasure. Thousands of people visit the park each year, including campers, hikers, and nature lovers mountain climbers.
Adding to the exploration of Yosemite National Park, one should not miss hiking the iconic Mist Trail. A strenuous yet rewarding adventure, it takes you up close to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall, offering captivating views of these roaring waterfalls and the magnificent surrounding geologic features. This trail is especially popular during spring and early summer when the waterfalls are at their highest levels. For a different perspective, embark on the Nevada Falls Trail. A challenging but exhilarating experience, this trail demands stamina and concentration but rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the dramatic landscape adorned with Sierra Nevada's famous granite peaks.
Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
Mammoth Cave stands out from other recommended beautiful places on this list due to its uniqueness. Claustrophobic individuals can take a pass on this one, as Mammoth Cave is for explorers and adventurists. It’s the longest known cave system in the U.S. and the world’s longest cave system, with more than 400 miles explored. Located in central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, meaning this cave is of world importance.
With nearly 53,000 acres of diverse parkland surrounding the cave system, there is a wealth of activities to partake in. Hiking enthusiasts can traverse over 80 miles of trails, marveling at the scenic landscapes that this UNESCO World Heritage site offers. If you prefer a faster pace, the park provides cycling routes, allowing visitors to absorb the beauty of southcentral Kentucky on two wheels. For a different perspective, saddle up and traverse 60 miles of backcountry trails on horseback, exploring the expanse of the park in a unique and exhilarating way. Offering such variety, the park opens doors to adventurers of all stripes, providing enriching experiences that linger long after the visit.
Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May makes almost all the lists of the best places and most charming towns in the United States, as it is synonymous with inclusive natural sceneries and friendly locals. Cape May is known for its tight-knit community, the broad range of watersport activities, and being a vacation destination for year-round fun. Many tourist attractions, lodgings, shops, historic hotels, and restaurants are located along the 1.6km long beach promenade, the Washington Street Mall, and many places throughout the city. Many well-known festivals like Cape May Music Festival, Cape May Jazz Festival, Cape May Food & Wine Festival, and Cape May New Jersey Film Festival are hosted there.
In addition to its well-preserved Victorian heritage and scenic landscapes, Cape May offers a variety of engaging activities for visitors. An iconic spot is the Cape May Lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the town and the Atlantic Ocean. Those with an appreciation for nature can visit the Beach Plum Farm, a picturesque farmstead with a multitude of animals and plant life, offering an informative and family-friendly experience. Cape May also boasts a vibrant wine scene. A visit to the Cape May Winery is an excellent opportunity to sample local wines and explore beautiful vineyards.
Cherokee National Forest
In the southern Appalachian mountains, one of the world’s most diverse regions, lies the 640,000-acre Cherokee National Forest, the largest tract of public land in Tennessee. Home to over 20,000 different species, Cherokee national park has something for every nature lover and stretches from Chattanooga to Bristol and is divided into two sections by Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Picturesque views surround the forest, making your whole journey worthy of being documented and transformed into online video content. If you're seeking a wet and wild adventure, consider visiting the Watauga Lake area, renowned for its water recreation opportunities. With three rivers and numerous streams, visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, and even boat launching at the well-equipped facilities along Watauga Lake. Meanwhile, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail running through the backcountry provides a haven for hikers, offering them a chance to camp along Laurel Fork Creek at Dennis Cove. If peace and solitude are what you crave, Green Cove offers visitors the opportunity to connect with nature in an off-the-grid setting, providing opportunities to fish in the premiere trout stream, the Tellico River, hike the Benton MacKaye Trail, or simply bask in the beauty of the surrounding area.
Guadalupe Mountains Texas
One of the most underrated beautiful places to visit in the United States, the Guadalupe Mountains, Texas, is a mountain area that embraces the desert-like climates of the state. Tucked away in the remote West Texas desert, far from any semblance of civilization, this nearly 90,000-acre destination is unlike any other place within the entire National Park Service system. Within the national park, there are Over 80 miles of trails that encompass the largest wilderness area in Texas. This beautiful place in the United States makes our list of how isolated from civilization it is. The best experiences with nature are in isolation and away from people, and visiting Guadalupe mountains will give you the perfect reset from everyday life.
One unforgettable activity is the challenging Guadalupe Peak trail which offers the reward of reaching the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet. This 8.5-mile round-trip trail takes you through desert lowlands and high-elevation conifer forests in just 6-8 hours, providing you with a chance to experience a significant portion of the park's diverse ecosystem in a relatively short time. Additionally, wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy bird watching and wildlife viewing, with over 300 species of birds and diverse wildlife, including Cooper’s hawks, horned lizards, mule deer, and coyotes frequently seen throughout the park.
Big Sur Pfeiffer Beach, California
Whether on screensavers, or wallpapers of popular devices, everyone has embraced the beauty of the Big Sur Beaches virtually. Still, not many get a chance to witness its enchantment in real-life. Big Sur Pfeiffer Beach is famous as the “purple sand beach.” But that’s not its only claim to fame: beautiful Keyhole Arch, which sits just offshore at Pfeiffer Beach, is one of the most photographed spots in Big Sur. Along with Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach is one of the top attractions in Big Sur. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Monterey County.
For budding and professional photographers, the best time to visit is from November to January, as this period offers a chance to capture the sun illuminating through the famed Keyhole Rock at sunset. Adventure seekers might relish in surfing opportunities, with the beach occasionally offering suitable conditions for this water sport. Furthermore, for those who enjoy a leisurely stroll, a walk down Sycamore Canyon Road, a single-lane, 2.2 miles long access road, is a delight with Western Sycamores lining the path and offering a canopy of greenery overhead.
Driftwood Beach, Georgia
Georgia isn’t the first place you think of for a beautiful beach setting, yet this beach offers a unique atmosphere unlike any other beach town on this list. As the name suggests, Driftwood Beach is decorated with branches, tree trunks, and driftwood that once lived around the area. The cinematic sceneries of Driftwood Beach make it a perfect place to make unforgettable memories and take spooky-themed photos and videos. Entire trees have washed ashore at Driftwood Beach, creating a perfectly dreamy backdrop. It also makes for the perfect playground for kids and adults alike as they climb on these massive, ancient driftwood trees.
For those seeking immersive activities, Driftwood Beach, Georgia, offers a myriad of opportunities. You can embark on a Jekyll Island Dolphin Tour, a popular activity that gives you a chance to observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat, just a short distance from the beach. If you're into fishing or simply love the peacefulness of the sea, there is a large fishing pier west of the beach where you can enjoy the tranquility. Don't forget to visit the nearby Beach Village, which hosts events like outdoor movies and concerts and offers an eclectic range of local shops for a shopping spree.
Saint Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is brimming with nearly 500 years of history. For those who wish to see it all and soak in as much of the city’s fascinating heritage as possible, a ride on the Old Town Trolley is a definite must-do. The Old Town Trolley Tour takes you to all the most important historical sights while allowing you to get off as often as you wish and spend as long as you want at each stop. One of the most significant historical structures in St. Augustine, Castillo de San Marcos is an awe-inspiring sight perched on the coast of the city. Additionally, the city is home to a few beaches, such as Crescent Beach offers a long, vast stretch of soft white sand. At the same time, Anastasia State Park has many activities and adventures, including swimming, windsurfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, and more.
As you continue your journey, consider visiting the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, which exhibits one of the largest collections of authentic pirate artifacts in the world, including the original treasure chest of the famous pirate Thomas Tew. For a unique adventure, don't miss the opportunity to explore the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. Climb to the top of the lighthouse for an unforgettable view of the city and surrounding waters. Lastly, experience the supernatural side of the city by joining one of the Ghosts & Gravestones Tours, where you can learn about the chilling tales and legends that haunt this ancient city.
Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls is a shared natural attraction for Canada and the United States. While Ontario has the best view of the attraction, Americans can enjoy all three sections of Niagara Falls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. You can see them all from the American side, though you can only get close to Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side. The American side of Niagara Falls is much less commercial and touristy than the Canadian side. There are also several hiking trails you can access from Niagara Falls State Park. The Great Gorge, Scenic Overlook hike, is recommended for beginners.
One popular option is embarking on the legendary Maid of the Mist boat tour, which allows you to get up close and personal with the majestic falls from the bottom of Niagara Gorge. Additionally, exploring the Three Sisters Islands offers a unique experience; named after the daughters of a prominent local citizen, the islands provide a tranquil setting amidst the powerful natural phenomena. Furthermore, Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in America, is a must-visit. With over 8 million visitors annually, it continues to be a primary attraction for nature enthusiasts and explorers.
Charleston’s Historic District
Charleston is a large city situated in Charleston County in the U.S. State of South Carolina. The 1670-founded port city is known for its horse-drawn carriages, pastel antebellum homes, and cobblestone walkways. While most places on this list are natural sceneries, the whole city of Charleston is a breathtaking mix of man-made and natural beauty.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is an essential stop on your tour of Charleston's Historic District, renowned as South Carolina's most visited plantation and gardens. Here, history meets natural beauty as you immerse yourself in the 19th Century "Romantic Style" world-famous gardens, considered one of "America's Most Beautiful Gardens." Exploring Magnolia Plantation's rich horticultural history via the Nature Tram or aboard the Rice Field Boat Tour is an enlightening experience that showcases the vast collections of azaleas and camellias. For an additional unique cultural experience, make sure not to miss the Award Winning Slave Cabin Tour, which offers a deep dive into Charleston's history.
Finally, there is nothing more fun than being a tourist in your own country, and these beautiful American natural landmarks and tourist attractions are the perfect places to start. Enjoy an unforgettable time with family on your trip to visit these popular destinations, whether exploring your homeland or flying in to embrace the diverse richness of cultures.
