17 Breathtakingly Beautiful Spots in America You Can’t Miss
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein. Some of the planet’s most stunning sights are in America’s vast and diverse landscapes. There is no end to exploring magnificent places.
Get your bucket list ready: These 17 must-see places in the U.S. should be on it.
The Grand Canyon, Arizona
There’s a reason why the Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The rising rampart of sheer, reddish matter carved by the Colorado River has brightly colored layers of rock that extend millions of years in time (and have) breathtaking views.
March, May, and September through November offer mild weather and smaller crowds. For truly classic views, try the South Rim; for a quieter contemplation, head to the North Rim. Sunrise at Mather Point is one to be noticed. You can drive to the canyon directly or fly into Phoenix or Las Vegas and take a road trip there.
Yosemite National Park, California
From towering granite cliffs to ancient sequoias to cascading waterfalls and the iconic Half Dome, Yosemite is a masterpiece of natural beauty. For waterfalls, visit in late spring (May–June); we suggest autumn (September–November) for fewer crowds and breathtaking foliage.
The hike to the Mist Trail and Vernal Falls is a good one. Remember not to gape at the panoramic Glacier Point. It is a 1.5-hour drive from Fresno Yosemite International Airport, the closest major airport to the park.
Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Without witnessing it yourself, one doesn’t have a complete picture of Antelope Canyon, famous for its smooth, wave-like sandstone curves and iconic sunlight beams. Visit in late spring or early summer to catch the light beams coming into the canyon.
The whole experience is a guided tour of the Upper and Lower Canyons. You can fly to Page Municipal Airport or from Flagstaff or Las Vegas.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Maine’s Mount Desert Island is located in Acadia National Park, which covers nearly nine square miles and offers rugged coastlines, lush forests, and towering Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the U.S. Atlantic coast.
September and October are ideal for missing crowds and experiencing fall foliage. Hike the Beehive Trail, see the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, and drive the scenic Park Loop Road. Fly into Bangor International Airport and drive 50 miles to the park.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park boasts famous, steep red cliffs, and the Virgin River wounds through the famous Narrows, a haven for adventurers. Although midweek will avoid crowds, the good weather is from April to October.
If brave, try hiking Angel’s Landing and walking along Riverside Walk to cool off near the water. The park is about 165 miles from Las Vegas.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina
Mist-covered mountains, diverse hikes/hiking trails, and incredible biodiversity will all find you in the Smokies, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wildflowers or brilliant autumn colors are at their best in late spring or fall.
You’ll need to explore Cades Cove, go to Clingmans Dome, and hike 850 miles of hiking trails. Fly into McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville and drive to the park.
Maui, Hawaii
Maui is a paradise with brick-red beaches, tropical rainforests, and volcanic craters. The best time to visit is April through May and September through November when it’s reasonably pleasant outside and there are fewer tourists.
On any trip to Hawaii, the Road to Hana and a sunrise in Haleakalā Crater are must-visits. Maui’s main airport is Kahului.
Lake Tahoe, California, and Nevada
One of the West’s best-kept secrets, Lake Tahoe is defined by crystal clear waters, snow-capped peaks, and year-round adventure.
Visit during winter for skiing or in summer for water sports. Paddleboard around or bask in the beauty of Emerald Bay. Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is near Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
Yellowstone is a geyser, hot spring, wildlife (bison and bears) showpiece, and the first park in America. April, May, September, and October are the best times to visit to avoid the peak summer crowds.
Visit Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Lamar Valley. Jackson Hole Airport is a popular gateway.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park boasts some of the most pristine wilderness in the National Park system. It contains North America’s tallest peak, Denali, breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and great solitude from the crowds.
The best weather and the most convenient time to visit will be late spring through early fall (May–September). Take a bus tour along the Denali Park Road, hit the Horseshoe Lake Trail, and go wildlife spotting for grizzlies and moose. You can fly into Fairbanks or Anchorage, then drive or take a train north from the Alaska railroad.
Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls is a thundering spectacle of one of the most famous waterfalls in the world—the sheer rawness of nature’s power. It comprises three sections: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
The best time to visit is for warm weather and full water flow in June through August. For the best panoramas, ride the Maid of the Mist, visit the Cave of the Winds, or land on Goat Island. Buffalo Niagara International Airport is about 30 minutes from the falls.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is a quintessential Southern gem known for its historic charm, moss-draped oaks, and cobblestone streets. March through May offers the best weather and plenty of azaleas.
Visit Forsyth Park, take a historic trolley tour, and visit Bonaventure Cemetery (where you can meet the dead). Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is the closest airport, just 8 miles from downtown.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Among its otherworldly landscapes and star-filled night skies, Bryce Canyon is famous for its unique hoodoos. May through September is ideal for pleasant hiking conditions and warmer temperatures.
Must-do activities include hiking the Navajo Loop Trail and viewing Sunrise Point, followed by world-class stargazing after dark. You can fly into Salt Lake City or Las Vegas and drive to the park.
Charleston, South Carolina
The city mingles old with new, historic with spectacular architecture and seaside personality—plus Southern hospitality.
March through June or September through November is ideal for mild weather and festival season.
Walk the historic Battery, visit Rainbow Row, and eat at some of the city’s famous restaurants. Charleston International Airport is the city’s main airport.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is a gem of a park, with rugged peaks, crystal clear lakes, and more than 700 miles of hiking trails. When the Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open, usually in July and August, you can pass over the Continental Divide and view the glaciers and crags of the Continental Ranges.
You’ll also come close to Mount Reynolds and the peaks of the Siyeh and Livingston Ranges. Take a boat tour on Lake McDonald, hike to Grinnell Glacier, and drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Montana, is a 25-mile drive from the park.
Key West, Florida
Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States and is famous for its sparkling waters, historic sights, and raucous nightlife. Visit from mid-March to mid-May for sunny days and fewer crowds.
Visit Ernest Hemingway’s house, walk down Duval Street, and watch the sunset from Mallory Square. You can fly into Key West International Airport or drive the scenic Overseas Highway.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona offers red rock formations, vortex sites, and an uplifting art scene. The best times for hiking are from March through May and September through November.
You can hire a jeep tour through the Red Rocks, hike Cathedral Rock, and visit Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a two-hour drive from Sedona.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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