22 Most Breathtaking Places In The USA People Forget About
22 Most Breathtaking Places In The USA People Forget About
A list of breathtaking places in the USA could easily include over 100 items. To make your life easier, we selected 22 (couldn’t make it to 20!) of the most stunning spots in the land of the free. And indeed, these places will make you feel free on top of leaving you speechless. These 22 spots are not just destinations; they’re invitations to experience the awe and majesty of nature, reminding us of the vast and varied beauty our country holds. Check them out.
1. North Idaho
North Idaho may not be on every non-American’s travel radar, often overshadowed by Wyoming and the iconic Yellowstone National Park. Yet, it offers an almost Canadian-esque landscape that’s truly breathtaking. Picture rivers winding through expansive forests, abundant wildlife, and serene trails perfect for hiking and camping. It’s a place where the air is fresh, and the vistas invite you to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.
2. Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, Vermont, transforms into a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie, especially during the fall. The way the leaves change colors, setting the landscape ablaze with oranges, reds, and yellows, is simply magical. This charming town, with its quaint streets and warm hospitality, offers a picturesque escape to experience the quintessential New England autumn. It’s a place where time slows down, and the beauty of nature takes center stage.
3. Bryce Canyon
No photograph can truly capture the awe-inspiring beauty of Bryce Canyon. The park is famous for its unique hoodoos, towering rock formations, and breathtaking canyons, all set against a backdrop of dazzling colors. Walking through Bryce Canyon, you’re reminded of the planet’s ancient history and your small place within it. It’s a humbling experience that highlights the natural world’s grandeur and complexity.
Read More: Bryce Canyon Vs Grand Canyon
4. Monument Valley
Monument Valley offers an unfiltered sense of freedom and vastness. The wide landscapes and towering buttes create a surreal environment that makes you feel simultaneously small and incredibly alive. This iconic American West landscape, featured in countless films and photographs, provides a profound sense of solitude and connection with the earth that is both invigorating and peaceful.
Read More: Best Horseback Riding In Monument Valley
5. Magnolia Springs, Alabama
Magnolia Springs exudes Southern charm with its oak-lined streets, historical churches, and the gentle flow of the Magnolia River. It’s a rare gem where the pace of life is dictated by the river’s flow, and mail still arrives by riverboat. The friendly locals and the town’s serene beauty offer a glimpse into a lifestyle where community and nature coexist harmoniously.
6. Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley is an enclave of tranquility surrounded by majestic glaciers, towering mountains, and ancient tall trees. Its beauty is so overwhelming that it makes the concerns of the outside world seem irrelevant. Yosemite invites you to disconnect, to breathe in the purity of nature, and to never want to return to the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Read More: How To Spend Two Days In Yosemite National Park
7. Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park makes you reconsider the scale of life. Amid these ancient giants, some of which have been growing for centuries, human concerns seem trivial. It’s a place that puts into perspective the bizarre nature of our existence—juggling work and family while these colossal trees have stood the test of time with a singular purpose. It’s a reflection on the simplicity and complexity of life.
Read More: Spend One Day In Sequoia National Park
8. Montana
Montana is a haven for nature lovers, offering landscapes so vast and pristine, they’re reminiscent of the Canadian wilderness. Its open skies, rugged terrain, and the sense of untamed wilderness invite adventurers and dreamers alike to explore its beauty. Montana is a place where you can truly breathe, find peace, and marvel at the grandeur of the natural world.
9. Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is a natural masterpiece, with its swirling rock formations, vibrant colors, and beams of light that dance through the narrow crevices. This geological wonder, located on Navajo land, offers an otherworldly experience that captivates photographers and adventurers. Its beauty is not just seen but felt, as the light and shadows tell the story of time itself.
Read More: 10 Mistakes Visitors Make When Visiting Antelope Canyon
10. The Wave, Arizona
The Wave, with its undulating sandstone formations and vibrant color palette, is a testament to nature’s artistry. Accessible only by permit, its exclusivity adds to the allure, drawing visitors from around the globe. This surreal landscape challenges the imagination and offers a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the earth’s creativity and wonder.
11. Death Valley Zabriskie Point
Zabriskie Point in Death Valley offers a landscape that feels otherworldly, almost as if you’ve stepped onto a different planet. The views here are starkly beautiful, characterized by their surreal, moon-like terrain that captivates the imagination. As you stand at the viewpoint, the undulating hills and the play of light and shadow at sunrise or sunset transform the landscape into a breathtaking natural masterpiece that’s truly unforgettable.
Read More: How To Make The Most Of Death Valley In One Day
12. Volcano National Park, Big Island
Hawaii’s Volcano National Park is an extraordinary place where the power of Earth’s creation is on full display. Here, you can walk on roads carved through hardened lava flows, witness the active volcano spewing fumes, and feel the raw energy of the planet. It’s a stark reminder of nature’s force and beauty, offering an experience that’s as educational as it is awe-inspiring.
13. Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid, nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks, is a picturesque small village that’s stunning in any season. Whether it’s the lush greenery of summer, the fiery foliage of fall, the serene snowscapes of winter, or the blooming beauty of spring, Lake Placid’s natural charm is undeniable. Its history as a two-time Winter Olympics host adds to the allure, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
14. Waimea Canyon State Park
Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” is a vast and vibrant landscape that envelops you in its majestic beauty. The sheer size and the rich colors of the canyon walls, together with the lush vegetation, create a serene yet awe-inspiring atmosphere that truly makes you feel small in the best way possible. It’s a place of reflection, nature, and breathtaking vistas.
15. Napali Coast
The Napali Coast, with its dramatic cliffs, emerald valleys, and sparkling waterfalls, is a natural wonder that seems almost too beautiful to be real. Accessible only by boat, helicopter, or a strenuous hike, it remains one of the most pristine and untouched landscapes in the world. The coast’s sheer beauty and tranquility make it a bucket-list destination for those seeking to experience the pinnacle of natural splendor.
16. Arches National Park
Arches National Park is a desert landscape that surprises and delights with its natural rock formations. The park is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, as well as massive fins and balanced rocks that create a unique geological wonderland. The scale and beauty of these formations are a testament to the power of natural forces and offer a unique and unforgettable adventure.
Read More: How to see the Sunrise At Arches National Park
17. Kenai Fjords, Alaska
Kenai Fjords National Park is a frozen wonderland where the stark beauty of the Arctic is preserved. With vast expanses of snow and ice, glaciers carving through the landscape, and ice-bound seas, the park offers a dramatic and starkly beautiful scenery. It’s also a place where you can encounter the majestic wildlife of the Arctic—polar bears, seals, walruses, and whales—making it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
18. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a showcase of nature’s wonders, from its geothermal features like geysers and hot springs to its vast wilderness areas teeming with wildlife. The park’s unique geological and ecological features make it a place of endless discovery and wonder, where the natural world can be experienced in its most raw and beautiful form.
19. Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast is a landscape of contrasts, where the misty, brooding beauty of the Pacific Ocean meets rugged mountains and serene forests. Places like Cannon Beach epitomize this beauty, with iconic rock formations jutting out of the sea and miles of sandy beaches to explore. It’s a place where nature’s drama plays out in the weather, the tides, and the stunning vistas.
20. Telluride, Colorado
Telluride is a charming town nestled in the Colorado Rockies, known for its well-preserved historic district and breathtaking scenery. Whether covered in a blanket of snow or basking in the summer sun, Telluride offers a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities and relaxation. Its timeless beauty and welcoming community make it a year-round destination for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.
21. Bonneville Salt Flats
The Bonneville Salt Flats are an expanse of white, salt-crusted earth that stretches as far as the eye can see, offering an experience akin to standing on the moon. The flats are a natural phenomenon, creating a landscape so unique and surreal that it’s hard to believe it exists on Earth. This vast, ethereal plain is a photographer’s dream and a must-see for anyone seeking the extraordinary.
22. Taos, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico, is enveloped in natural beauty, with breathtaking red-rock canyons, expansive blue skies, and majestic snow-capped mountains on the horizon. This town isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s a place where art, culture, and history converge amidst a stunning natural backdrop. The unique landscape inspires a sense of creativity and tranquility, making Taos a sanctuary for artists, adventurers, and anyone looking to connect with the earth’s raw beauty.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.