12 Must-See Nature Getaways Across Every State for Your Next Dream Vacation
From rugged mountain peaks to calm, sandy shores, the United States of America is home to some of the most spectacular natural escapes.
As an adventure seeker, a passionate hiker, or someone who craves the tranquility of the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This list introduces 12 exceptional nature getaways, showcasing diverse landscapes representing each state in style.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park boasts North America’s tallest peak, Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), standing at an impressive 20,310 feet. With over 6 million acres of tundra, forests, and glaciers, the park offers unparalleled solitude. According to the National Park Service, this iconic area is home to 39 species of mammals, including grizzly bears and caribou, making it a wildlife enthusiast’s dream.
Pro Tip: Visit in late summer for the best chance to glimpse the Northern Lights.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is a geological masterpiece, stretching over a mile deep and 277 miles long. The sweeping vistas, sculpted by the Colorado River over millions of years, draw nearly 6 million visitors annually. According to Travel + Leisure, prime photo opportunities occur during sunrise and sunset as the canyon glows with orange and purple hues.
Pro Tip: Avoid peak crowds by exploring the less-visited North Rim.
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
The centerpiece of Hot Springs National Park is its therapeutic thermal waters. Known as “the American Spa,” this destination features 47 mineral-rich hot springs once used by Indigenous tribes for healing. Studies show mineral soaks can improve circulation and reduce stress, perfect for weary travelers seeking relaxation.
Pro Tip: Try the “Bathhouse Row” experience for a historical yet indulgent soak.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite is synonymous with awe-inspiring cliffs like El Capitan and cascading waterfalls like the 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls. Beyond its striking rock formations, the park is celebrated for ancient sequoia trees, including the famed Grizzly Giant, which is over 3,000 years old.
Pro Tip: Midweek visits in the quieter shoulder seasons of spring or fall offer fewer crowds while maintaining perfect weather.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
With over 355 miles of trails, Rocky Mountain National Park promises endless opportunities for adventurers. From alpine lakes to the 14,259-foot Longs Peak, the park is a testament to Colorado’s wild beauty. According to the National Parks Conservation Association, Trail Ridge Road is among the most scenic drives, surpassing 12,000 feet for commanding views.
Pro Tip: Acclimate to the higher elevation in Estes Park before tackling the more strenuous hikes.
Everglades National Park, Florida
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Florida’s Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. It is a haven for diverse wildlife, such as manatees, alligators, and the elusive Florida panther. Canoeing or taking an airboat tour offers visitors a front-row seat to this unique ecosystem.
Pro Tip: Plan a visit during the dry season (November to March) to avoid mosquitos and enjoy better wildlife visibility.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, the Great Smoky Mountains offer dense forests, mist-covered peaks, and some of the best biodiversity in the country. Known for its iconic wildflower displays, the park is also one of the most-visited in the U.S., with over 14 million visitors annually.
Pro Tip: Clingmans Dome, the highest point at 6,643 feet, offers unmatched views stretching up to 100 miles on a clear day.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Badlands National Park is a geologist’s playground characterized by rugged canyons, spires, and plateaus. It provides one of the richest fossil beds in the world, where remnants of ancient mammals like saber-toothed cats have been uncovered.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the chance to stargaze—the park is an International Dark Sky destination.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Craggy coastlines, pristine lakes, and the granite peaks of Acadia make it one of the gems of the Northeast. The 27-mile Park Loop Road offers spectacular ocean vistas, while Cadillac Mountain provides a unique vantage point for stunning sunrises, particularly during the fall season.
Pro Tip: Visit Bar Harbor for a lobster roll after a rewarding day of hiking.
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Rolling dunes of white gypsum make White Sands National Park an ethereal and otherworldly destination. Google study data shows a surge in interest, with White Sands listed among the top alternative national park travel destinations of 2022.
Pro Tip: Try sledding down the dunes for a family-friendly, unique adventure.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone boasts 10,000 geothermal features, including Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs. Beyond the geysers, bison roam freely in one of the few remaining intact ecosystems in the temperate zone worldwide.
Pro Tip: Book your accommodations early if you’re aiming for summer; Yellowstone tops the bucket lists of millions yearly.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park stuns visitors with its incredible diversity, hosting temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, and glacier-covered peaks. Its Hoh Rainforest receives up to 14 feet of rain annually, creating a lush, green paradise for hikers.
Pro Tip: Take the Sol Duc Falls trail to experience enchanting moss-covered landscapes.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.