15 U.S. Locations Where Nature’s Beauty Will Leave You in Awe
Nature has a wonderful way of pulling at your heartstrings, giving your mind a magical reset, and reminding you of all life’s beauty. The power of the outdoors in inspiring and rejuvenating is not lost on me, whether the whisper of a wind rushing through a forest or the soothing roar of ocean waves. An incredible variety of natural features in the United States will make your heart beat in a second.
You’ll quench your wanderlust with these awe-inspiring places. Each one is a melting pot of beauty, sometimes dramatic, sometimes serene but always unforgettable, and if you’re at all looking for a destination to wander off to fall in love with places then you don’t want to miss these.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
The hoodoos are the standard here at Bryce Canyon: they are those strange spire-like rock formations that rise from the canyon floor like sentinels. Come down into the canyon or walk around the rim. Sunrise Point is a must-see and the first rays of light set the rocks aglow.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
The Smokies, as they’re called, are some of the most visited destinations in the country for a reason. The scenery is a misty peak, rolling hills, dense forests, and meadows that teem with wildlife right out of a fairytale. And in autumn, the mountains are at their best. This canvas of colorful peaks is bound to carpet your soul and fill your camera with fantastic shots.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Experiencing the Grand Canyon for the first time is like no other. Nothing can truly prepare you for the breathtaking sight of its vast, awe-inspiring expanse. It’s a mammoth chasm carved from millions of years of the Colorado River, carving out reds, oranges, and browns. Take a moment and stand at the edge (safely, of course) and marvel at the scale of the things. Sunrise or sunset? They’re both worth the early alarm clock.
Montana, Wyoming
Yellowstone is a must-visit destination for those captivated by geysers, bubbling mud pots, and vibrant hot springs, boasting a landscape filled with natural wonders. As America’s first national park, it stands as a geothermal paradise, home to grizzly bears, bison, and vast otherworldly vistas that seem straight out of another planet. Although Old Faithful is the show’s star, don’t miss the quieter gems scattered throughout the park.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia is a rugged coastline of mountains meeting the sea. A dream for sunrise lovers, this northeast gem is especially so from Cadillac Mountain, the first spot in the U.S. to see the sun in parts of the year. That’s when you add in tide pools, lush forests, and sparkling lakes and have a nature lover’s paradise.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park is a stunning expanse of tundra and forest, home to North America’s tallest peak. It is an untouched beauty where moose, caribou, and even grizzlies roam freely. Spot the mountain in all its glory or admire the rolling hills—either way, Denali offers a serene yet striking experience you will never forget.
Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Stepping into Antelope Canyon feels like entering another dimension, where the swirling sandstone walls seem to transport you to a surreal, otherworldly place. Years of water flow have shaped the swirling sandstone into walls of orange, pink, and purple, glowing under the sunlight as a warm breeze flows through the canyon. Dreamed of by every photographer, it’s a place that makes every visitor wonder in awe at the artistic side of nature.
Everglades National Park, Florida
The Everglades is far more than a typical swamp; it’s a vast ecosystem teeming with life. Imagine gliding through mangrove tunnels on an airboat, watching alligators in their natural habitat, and spotting a variety of birds. Its expansive landscapes and serene waters offer a peaceful escape that will stay with you long after you leave.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
The Badlands are dramatic rock formations and vast open prairies that feel like they come straight out of a Western movie. Bison and bighorn sheep are loose out here, and the colorful rock layers tell a story that has been millions of years in the making. The kind of place that does you in and steals your heart.
Arches National Park, Utah
Arches live up to its name with more than 2,000 natural stone arches; each is a masterpiece of wind and water erosion. You could almost see the rocks glow fiery red during sunrise and sunset. Delicate Arch is the park’s most iconic feature and a symbol of Utah itself; don’t miss it.
Zion National Park, Utah
Red rock cliffs touch the sky here, and narrow canyons beckon you to explore them. The park is a gorge carved by the Virgin River, with slots like The Narrows. Feeling bold? Pinch yourself with jaw-dropping views on a hike up to Angel’s Landing.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
One of nature’s crowns, Crater Lake, is strikingly blue, formed in the remnants of an ancient blue. The surrounding cliffs reflect the Lake’s waters, making them appear mirror-like. Drive around the rim or hike to shore to fully appreciate its beauty.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite feels like walking into a living postcard. Lush meadows and cascading waterfalls are framed by towering granite cliffs, with iconic landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome standing as silent guardians over the breathtaking landscape. Tunnel View and other famous views in the park are almost too perfect to be real. Yosemite is a slice of heaven on Earth, whether you’re strolling beneath the sequoias rooted there for a millennium or watching the sunset on the cliffs.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park offers the best of all worlds, with lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, and towering peaks. This remarkable park is a triple threat, featuring three distinct ecosystems that make it feel like three parks in one. Visit the moss-covered trees in the Hoh Rainforest, walk along Rialto Beach, or see the views from Hurricane Ridge.
Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
On the Big Island, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is one of the few places to see molten lava crashing into the ocean, creating steam clouds that gyre about as though they are spirits. Two of the world’s most fascinating volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, call this remarkable park home—hardened lava fields to gaze through lava tubes and hike into the fiery spirit of the island.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
