From the arid Southwest to the rocky coastline of the East Coast, the United States has some of the most stunning natural terrain in the world. Narrowing down the most awe-inspiring destinations in this country is one of the more difficult things we've done. Go ahead and argue with our choices, but here's our list of places that we can't stop drooling over.
Maroon Bells, Colorado
Whether adorned with golden aspen leaves or shimmering in the red-orange glow of an early morning sunrise, Maroon Bells is one of the most beautiful places in the country. Located just outside Aspen in the Rocky Mountains, this spot is also one of the most photographed destinations in America - and we don't have to guess why.
Antelope Canyon, Arizona
It's hard to pick just one gorgeous spot in Arizona to feature (hometown bias is real). But Antelope Canyon has captured the hearts of visitors for decades. It's not the only beautiful slot canyon in the West, but it's by far the most famous. With golden rays of light illuminating walls smoothed by decades of erosion and flash flooding, this delicate location is magical in the extreme.
Kenai Fjords, Alaska
Covering 669,984 acres in Alaska, the Kenai Fjords National Park features jaw-dropping vistas of glaciers and sea. The Harding Icefield is the crowning jewel of this park, featuring mile-thick ice fields punctuated by waterways. Whether you explore via kayak or boat, keep your eyes open for wildlife like seals, otters, moose, and black bears.
Sequoia National Park, California
The second-oldest national park in America features the tallest trees in the world. Dotted with thick-trunked sequoias, this park is a labyrinth for visitors. Golden light fills the thick air, and most of the park is only accessible by foot, meaning the intrepid traveler can find themselves almost completely alone, surrounded only by these ancient trees.
Na Pali Coast, Hawaii
Jurassic Park references aside (yes, the original was filmed here) the Na Pali Coast is otherworldly. Soaring red cliffs covered in bright green vegetation are licked by the sparkling water of the Pacific. This coastal view is one of the most beautiful in the world, and whether you choose to hik, helicopter, or boat around this natural setting, you're guaranteed more photo opportunities than your camera can hold.
Florida Keys, Florida
This smattering of coral islands off the southern coast of Florida are the closest the U.S. gets to Caribbean bliss. Palm trees and sugary beaches meet mangrove forests framed by some of the clearest water in the U.S., creating plenty of opportunities for scuba diving, boating, and fishing.
Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
There's a reason the Smoky Mountains is the most-visited U.S. National Park. The hazy hills turn impossible hues of red and orange in the fall, and you'll find some of the best hiking east of the Rocky Mountains here. Every drive is a scenic drive in this park, with waterfalls, trees, and wildlife offering better entertainment than a smartphone.
Joshua Tree, California
While these spiky trees in the arid desert may not strike some as beautiful, all we can say is beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And if that beholder finds themselves in this national park on a clear night with the Milky Way above, they'll go gaga for this landscape.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
The Pacific Northwest is home to more than its fair share of stunning spots, and while there are a number we could have picked, one of the best is Cannon Beach. With the famous Haystack rock fixture jutting out from a wide sandy beach, and pools of water reflecting a misty sunrise, there's no better place in America to be when morning hits.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
This stretch of shoreline along Lake Superior definitely earns its spot on the list. These scattered islands, sea caves and uniquely-shaped cliffs are home to some impressive wildlife, not to mention the occasional old fashioned lighthouse. And when winter hits and the lake freezes over, these caves become fringed with sparkling icicles straight from your favorite Christmas movie.
Grand Tetons, Wyoming
Home on the range gets a new meaning in this national park. Despite the myriad mountain ranges in the U.S., Grand Tetons has been known to overshadow the rest. Snowcapped peaks peer out over a thriving valley that is just as majestic in the summer as it is in the icy winters.
Acadia National Park, Maine
The rocky coastline of this national park features stunning views of the ocean, glacier-carved peaks, and rich forest. Ruggedly beautiful with quaint and cozy towns nestled here and there, this coastal journey is one for the books.
Bluebonnets, Texas
If rural life is more your style, then you need to see the bluebonnets of Texas. Flowering between March and April, these wildflowers cover rolling green hills dotted with docile cows and farmhouses to create the picture of tranquility.
Glacier Point, Yosemite, California
Yosemite is no stranger to having its picture taken, and iconic viewpoints and stunning hidden gems abound in this national park. Glacier Point at sunset is one of the most recognizable shots, with a view of the valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls packed into one stunning frame.
Angel Oak, South Carolina
The South wouldn't be complete without its stunning oaks, and this one takes the prize. The 500-year-old tree can be found just outside Charleston. Its knobby arms draped with moss make it a wonder to behold, and you'll feel like you just stepped out of a southern romance novel.
