The United States is a large country with an amazing variety of natural beauty and cultural treasures. From the rugged peaks of the Rockies to the calm coastlines of New England each region provides something special.
offering everything from sunny beaches and impressive mountain ranges to quaint small towns and lively cities. Whether you love nature, enjoy history or just want a beautiful getaway there is something for everyone.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker a road tripper or simply in search of stunning views these 10 beautiful places in the US should be at the top of your travel list.
1. Yosemite National Park, California.
Famed for its towering granite cliffs, waterfalls and ancient sequoias, Yosemite is a crown jewel of America’s national parks. Whether you’re hiking to Half Dome, photographing Yosemite Falls or relaxing in Yosemite Valley the park offers a perfect mix of adventure and awe inspiring scenery.
A Guide To Yosemite’s Waterfalls
Few things on this planet can unite everyone, from small children to elderly grandparents like waterfalls. There is something special about hearing, seeing and even smelling flowing water.
It calms us and recharges our spirits. When it comes to waterfalls, Yosemite truly stands out. From some of the tallest in the world to secret hidden gems no place can match the sheer number of waterfalls found in Yosemite.
Yosemite Falls
Location – Yosemite Valley near the Yosemite Village area
Height – 2425 feet (739 meters)
Easily visible from popular spots like Yosemite Lodge, Cook’s Meadow and Sentinel Bridge.
Ranking – One of the tallest waterfalls in North America.
Flows – From approximately November through July with peak flow in May.
Water Source – Snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada mountains.
You can see Yosemite Falls from many areas in Yosemite Valley, including the Yosemite Chapel, Yosemite Valley Lodge and Glacier Point which is high above the valley. At 2425 feet total it is not only the tallest in North America but also one of the tallest worldwide. The falls consist of three separate drops.
• Upper Yosemite Fall (Height – 1430 feet (440 meters))
Easily visible from many viewpoints in Yosemite Valley
• Middle Cascades (Height – 675 feet (206 meters))
A series of smaller cascades that are not easily visible from the valley
• Lower Yosemite Fall (Height – 320 feet (98 meters))
Accessible via a short, paved trail near Yosemite Village.
Although Yosemite Falls is grand and significant it is seasonal. By late summer except in the wettest years the granite lined watershed feeding Yosemite Creek and the falls loses its winter snowpack.
The falls can dwindle to just a trickle and may even go completely dry for months until the rains return. In winter you might spot the snow cone that forms at the base of the upper fall. In spring you can hear the loud rush of the water flowing down.
Viewing and Hiking
Upper Yosemite Fall Trail : Strenuous
7.2 miles (11.6 km) round trip with a 2700 ft (823 meters) elevation gain takes you to the top of the upper falls.
The highlights is Columbia Rock (midway point) top of the falls with railings and views into the plunge.
Start early this trail gets hot and exposed.
Bring plenty of water, snacks and good footwear.
Watch your step some sections are steep and rocky.
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail: Easy (wheelchair reachable with help)
1 mile (1.6 km) loop path to the bottom of the lower falls.
Best viewing time : Late Spring (May–June) whilst snowmelt is at its top; the falls may also dry up by using late summer time
Go early in the morning to beat the crowds. Bring a poncho in case you’re visiting in the spring mist zone.
Best Time to Visit
By past due summer (August–September) the falls can slow to a trickle or dry up totally.
Late April to early June is the peak flow season due to snowmelt.
Fun Facts
Featured in countless photos, artworks and documentaries.
The roaring sound can be heard throughout the valley during peak flow.
Native Americans called it “Cholock” meaning “the fall”
2. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona’s placing red rock formations and colourful sunsets are nearly otherworldly. Beyond its visual beauty it’s regarded for religious energy vortexes and tremendous hiking and cycling trails. The scenic force along Red Rock Scenic Byway is unforgettable.
Do you know why there is so much fascination with Sedona?
(Why the Fascination with Sedona?)
It’s true. Sedona is a playground for all kinds of people with interests as wide ranging as fortune telling, aura reading and crystal healing to mountain biking, hiking, climbing and trail running.
It welcomes the luxury spa vacationers, culinary aficionados and jeep tour enthusiasts too.
Spring Break Is Not the Best Time to Visit Sedona
To fully enjoy Sedona you have to choose your time and activities carefully. I’m saying avoid spring break (most of March) at all costs and plan your outdoor pursuits for early mornings (arrive at trailheads by 7 A.M. at the latest) year round to dodge flocks of people.
If you’re a real morning person like I am you can get started even earlier for cooler temperatures during the summer swelter. The traffic, parking and crowded trails on the most popular routes quickly become a turnoff if you’re desperately seeking solitude in nature.
Birthing Cave
Birthing Cave is an exciting hike to a unique cave with great views.
The cave has a one among a kind teardrop shape and gives a lovely vantage point to the close by mountains.
The easiest way to get to Birthing Cave is via Long Canyon Trail. As you hike you’ll pass two different signs saying “trail” and pointing the way to go. Follow the first sign, but when you get to the second “trail” sign, ignore the sign and follow an unmarked offshoot trail to the left.
Keyhole Cave
The trail to Keyhole Cave is an adventurous hike up to an intriguing cave. Most of the hike is flat but the ascent up to the cave opening is very, very steep. Once you arrive in the cave though the journey isn’t over.
To really get in the heart of the cave and appreciate the epic views you’ll need to climb up a 20 foot fairly sheer rock wall to reach the upper cave ledge.
Once you get to the top though the views are spectacular! There are some views out to the nearby mountains and the opening of the cave does indeed resemble a keyhole.
Definitely exercise caution when attempting to scale up the last ledge into Keyhole and do what they feel comfortable with but with a confident partner it can be doable.
Summer in Sedona
It may be cooler than Phoenix to the south but summer in Sedona still gets hot. This means the best things to do in Sedona are early morning hikes and afternoons spent by the pool or indoors and plenty of air conditioned activities like shopping or wine tasting.
June brings highs in the low 90s (°F) and lows simply around 60. July is the most up to date month in Sedona with the common highs around 96° F and the file excessive at 110° F. August begins cooling off a little bit with common highs within the low to mid 90 s and lows in the 60s.
3. Maui, Hawai
For those seeking tropical paradise, Maui delivers with its lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches. Drive the famous Road to Hana snorkel in Molokini Crater or watch the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala.
Wailea Beach
Named for the goddess of canoe makers, Wailea Beach is as perfect and active as you’d expect. The wide sandy shore is where you’ll find beachgoers whale watching boogie boarding and reclining in beach chairs.
This idyllic spot is tucked perfectly between the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea and the Grand Wailea Maui a Waldorf Astoria Resort and belongs on every beach lover’s Maui itinerary.
Kaihalulu Beach
You may already be aware that there are beaches on Maui with white, gold and even black sand but what about red sand? This terra cotta stretch paired with swimming pool blue water makes a dramatic backdrop for any vacation snap.
The remote cove near Hana was formed by lava that cooled above the sea instead of under it resulting in the sand’s unusual hue. The rust colored crescent snatched from the lava cinder cliffs is ringed by a wall of black lava rocks and is a hop, skip and jump from a Japanese cemetery.
Pro tip : The water here is better for photos than swimming in Kaihalulu translates to “roaring sea” for a reason and you’re bound to see a few naked sunbathers.
Ho’okipa Beach Park
A Hawaiian vacation wouldn’t be complete without a few good surf breaks. Situated along Hana Highway Ho’okipa Beach Park is famous for its windsurfing and for being the home of contemporary surfing.
Even if you’re not too sporty yourself you can watch the surfers do their thing at Pavilions (the eastern section of the beach) from your perch at Ho’okipa Lookout up on the cliffs. Since most people are out in the waves you’ll have plenty of sand to yourself where you can soak up the sun lie in the shade or look for green sea turtles which come to rest on the beach each day around sunset.
Pro tip : Non surfers will want to stick to the sheltered swimming areas and the shallow water near the shoreline or else spend some time exploring the tide pools near the beach’s central section.
4. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah enchants visitors with its cobblestone streets, Spanish moss-draped oaks and antebellum architecture. It’s a city full of charm and southern hospitality perfect for a romantic getaway or a relaxing escape.
The city is famous for its Southern hospitality, stunning architecture and delicious food. However it also boasts a rich history and culture that make it unique. Every month more than fifteen million people visit this charming southern town which is no surprise.
Georgia’s oldest city and first capital was established on the Savannah River in 1733. For nearly 300 years it has attracted visitors to its trees draped in Spanish moss. It is one of the largest ports in the country and its friendly locals helped give it the nickname “Hostess City.”
Savannah is best explored on foot and is warm for most of the year. The city hosts a busy calendar of annual events, including the lively St. Patrick’s Day celebrations which are among the largest in the country New Year’s Eve the SCAD Savannah Film Festival and the Savannah Jazz Festival. It’s also a great place for a quick getaway any other weekend of the year.
Relive your favorite movies and television shows
The beautiful scenery of Savannah has appeared many times in movies and TV shows. You can act out your favorite scenes if you know where to go. Many visitors search for the Forrest Gump bench in Chippewa Square where those famous storytelling moments were filmed. However you will actually find it inside the Savannah History Museum.
The famous “Bird Girl” statue caught the book (and film) the cover of the garden of the garden of good and evil and tourists liked it a lot and since then he has been led to Tefare Academy.
Civil War Epic Glory converted River Street to Antabelum Boston and used the Georgia Railroad Museum as an army bar. The island of Tybi has been used to repeatedly film which includes movies The Last Song and Bewatch.
Shop for special souvenirs at the city’s Boutiques
Borton Street is the best place to treat yourself to retail therapy but you will find locally owned stores throughout the city. In chocolate by Adam Turoni you can buy artistically prepared sweets and the Paris market sells incredible European antiques and gift items with a very important caffeine increase own cafe.
Pick up a copy of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (or wherever your interests lie) at local bookstores The Book Lady and E. Shaver Booksellers two of the city’s longtime shops. At the City Market you’ll discover a wide range of items like bath products, jewelry, art and sweetgrass baskets.
And at Starland Strange and Bazaar browse the sticker bar and clothing before cooling off with an ice cream from the counter.
5. Glacier National Park, Montana
Known as the “Crown of the Continent” Glacier National Park features glacial lakes alpine meadows and rugged peaks. The Going to the Sun Road is one of the most scenic drives in North America offering jaw dropping views at every turn.
Among all the national parks in the United States are Glacier National Park as one of the very good and thus one of the most popular. Located in the north western region of Montana and the border of the Watton Lake National Park of Canda takes 1583 square miles protected country welcome to around three million visitors each year.
Many people come for hiking, wildlife philosophy and unique calm and peace pockets on the spot of the park. Others are with the goal of driving a 50 meal lumpy road.
Whatever your ideal travel program is one thing for sure You will reach the Glacier National Park with the basic understanding of the least field layout and what to expect.
Glacier National Park known as “Crown of the Continent” and has glacieted lakes, alpine meadows and robust peaks. Going to the Sun road is one of the most beautiful driving trips in North America which offers the ideas that leave the jaws at each turn.
How to Get There
Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) is the closest large airport to Kalispell, Montana and a drive of about 30 minutes from the western entrance to the park. It is served by six large airlines. Alaska, Delta, United, Allegiant, American and Sun Country. Missoula International Airport (MSO) and Great Falls International Airport (GTF) 120 and 200 miles are also opportunities for those traveling with aircraft.
If you want the flexibility and freedom to discover the park and the area around your time it will be necessary when a rented car arrives. The train is another transport option to move to Glacier National Park. AMTRK’s historical Empire Builder Line stops at West Glacier throughout the year and serves Eastern Glacier seasonally.
“During peak season, parking can be challenging” says Glacier Guides and Montana Raft’s Nicolina Baldassari who suggests using the first come first served shuttle service along the Going to the Sun Road “which can help you avoid parking hassles and still access popular trailheads.”
Hidden Lake near Logan Pass in Glacier National Park
Naturalist’s programs include fireside talks, hikes and boat cruises where guests can learn the history of the glaciated landscapes, mountain peaks, climate zones, native wildlife, flora and fauna.
The 700 miles of well marked trails provide an incredible variety of hiking to explore the mountain lakes 25 named glaciers 1000 species of plant life and possibly a glimpse of one of the full time residents such as grizzly and black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, deer and more.
A view of Going to the Sun Road near the Weeping Wall
The Going to the Sun Road is a great place to go cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. During the summer the park offers environmentally friendly passenger shuttle buses that are optional and provide access to many locations along the Going to the Sun Road. The shuttle ride is free of charge and no ticket is needed. Along the Going to the Sun Road transit stops are prominently marked.
6. Charleston, South Carolina
A blend of history charm and coastal beauty, Charleston’s pastel homes, historic plantations and culinary delights make it a top destination. Don’t miss a stroll through the historic district or a visit to nearby beaches.
Few places are as fulfilling for history buffs as Charleston South Carolina. This city which is only a short drive from Kiawah Island provides a window into the early years of American history.
Charleston was established in 1670 and has seen many significant events that influenced the Colonial, Revolutionary and Civil War periods. Charleston is a testament to the tenacity and complexity of the American story with its cobblestone streets, stately architecture and historic sites. Here we examine some of the most noteworthy historical locations in the area each with a unique story to tell.
Fort Sumter
Few places in America hold as much national importance as Fort Sumter. Located on an island at the entrance to Charleston Harbor it is the site that fired the first shots of the Civil War in 1861 where the revolution began.
Fort Sumter today is a solemn tribute to a war that would determine the direction of a fledgling nation. A short ferry ride from Charleston or Mount Pleasant allows you not only to see some spectacular views of the harbor but to also view an outstanding collection of artillery of the 19th century. For history lovers Fort Sumter represents a pilgrimage into America’s continuing defense of Union.
Aiken Rhett House Museum
The Aiken Rhett House Museum provides a true glimpse into the life of the elite in Charleston during the early 19th century. Completed in 1820 this strikingly beautiful home retained much of its original integrity with minimal restoration enabling visitors to experience the house in much the same way as the family did with its patina of age remaining unchanged.
The property also has the original slave quarters which add a critical dimension to Charleston’s legacy providing an unfiltered perspective on antebellum life. Visiting here is an haunting but enlightening experience in which one gains insight into Charleston’s complex fabric.
7. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains Lake Tahoe offers crystal clear waters and outdoor activities year round. Whether it’s skiing in winter or hiking, boating and beach going in summer. Tahoe is a haven for nature lovers.
8. Acadia National Park, Maine
Located along the rugged Atlantic coastline Acadia offers a unique blend of ocean and mountain landscapes. Hike Cadillac Mountain to catch the first sunrise in the US or explore the dramatic coastal cliffs and serene lakes.
9. Aspen, Colorado
Even though Aspen is recognized for its world class skiing it is a beautiful place year round. The summer and fall provide a great opportunity to see blooming wildflowers and golden aspens lighting up the mountains. The Maroon Bells a pair of iconic peaks in the area are among the most photographed places in the United States.
10. Big Sur, California
A stretch of California’s central coast between Carmel and San Simeon Big Sur is a dramatic meeting of sea and mountains. Scenic Highway 1 hugs the cliffs above the Pacific offering one of the most stunning drives in the world.
Final Thoughts
From rugged wilderness to serene coastal towns the US is rich in natural beauty and cultural charm. Each destination on this list offers something unique whether it’s heart pounding adventure, tranquil views or historic ambiance. So, whether you’re planning your next big trip or just dreaming these 10 beautiful places are sure to inspire your wanderlust.
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