5 Most Naturally Beautiful States in America, Ranked | Far & Wide.Top 10 Most Beautiful States in the US
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The United States is known for being one of the large and most beautiful countries that offers something for everyone. Some people find the cities gorgeous while others prefer the natural wonders. Every state has some brilliant sights to inspire awe, from mountains to geysers to lakes. No matter what features you are looking for, they can be found somewhere in the United States.
Consider visiting one of these top states to find the most beautiful that America has to offer. Affiliate links may be used in this post.
I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link. On top of our list of the most beautiful states in the USA, California is big enough to offer all types of landscapes that you could ask for. If you want a fantastic and gorgeous city with hills, head to San Francisco. You can also find picturesque vineyards, forests, parks, lakes, deserts, mountains, and more.
Most people consider Yosemite National Park to be one of the major attractions for those looking to take in California's natural beauty , but you shouldn't forget about Napa Valley, Redwood National Forest, Mount Shasta, or Lake Tahoe. Address: California, USA. Yellowstone National Park is large enough to span multiple states, so you will find part of that national treasure in Montana.
That fact alone puts Montana on the top 10 list of America's gorgeous states, but there are many other unspoiled features to enjoy. Montana is known for its gorgeous blue skies and unspoiled landscapes. In the latter, you will find peaks capped in white and the Triple Divide Pass, which is full of wildlife and offers amazing views of the unspoiled wonders in Montana.
Address: Montana, USA. Although it is fairly far north, there is more to Alaska than picturesque snowscapes. That being said, the ranges such as the Brooks Range offer unforgettable views of snow-covered mountains. The Tongass National Forest and Chugach National Forest are gorgeous whether or not there is snow on the ground and show the versatility of beauty that Alaska has to offer. For true beauty you will only see in a handful of locations, time your visit to catch the Aurora Borealis, the most attractive natural light show.
Address: Alaska, USA. As a series of islands, you will find stunning attractions in Hawaii that can't be found anywhere else in the United States. The scenery is diverse, with an enormous variety of flora and fauna.
Kilauea, Mauna loa, and Mauna Kea all draw an impressive number of visitors annually due to their unique offerings and the rich landscape around these volcanoes and mountains. Address: Hawaii, USA. Utah is one of the most beautiful states in America if you want to go somewhere with rustic charm and beauty.
You can find the Rocky Mountain Basin and incredible geological wonders. There are also multiple large stretches of natural beauty, including Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. For a breathtaking sight, visit the Rainbow Bridge. This is the largest natural bridge as well as a picturesque rock formation, crossing Lake Powell.
The Wave, spanning southern Utah as well as Northern Arizona, is a natural phenomenon in the form of a canyon that actually has wave marks along the edges. Address: Utah, USA. Washington State is home to many magnificent sights that earn it a spot on this list of beautiful states in the United States. There are large cities such as Seattle , but you can also find undisturbed natural areas.
The North Cascades are dramatic in appearance, dominating the north-central region of the state. Here you will find the rock, ice, forests, and rocky peaks as well as the North Cascades National Park. Perhaps the most well-known and beautiful attraction in Washington is Mt. Rainier, which has the most glaciers of any mountain within the contiguous US in addition to forests, wildflower meadows, and roaring rivers.
Address: Washington, USA. When most people think of Colorado's natural beauty, they picture the Rocky Mountains and other picturesque landscapes. The mountains are truly inspiring, but you can find awe-inspiring beauty anywhere you go in Colorado. The Great Sand Dunes National Park shows that the state includes pretty desert landscapes in addition to mountains.
To contrast the desert of the sand dunes, you can visit Glenwood Springs, which is not only gorgeous but also the mineral hot springs that are largest in the world, with two different pools on site.
Address: Colorado, USA. It's impossible not to mention Arizona's beauty. It's the home of the incredible Grand Canyon and receives or more sunny days every single year. Situated in the American Southwest, Arizona is a gorgeous blend of various influences set in a stunning desert. Those unfamiliar with desert environments may falsely believe that they're boring, but the different colored sands and cliffs make for some pretty dazzling views, many of which are truly unique.
A combination of Native American culture, Old West towns, and natural rock formations have made Arizona such a sight for sore eyes. There are geological gems and treasures for guests to peruse, great spots for prime stargazing, and tons of picture-perfect locations in the form of canyons and national monuments of all sorts. Address: Arizona, USA. Oregon is home to striking contrasts that offer natural beauty for everyone, no matter your tastes.
You can find cultural sites, mountains, lakes, and more. Crater Lake is part of the South Oregon Cascades and is perfect for watching wildlife, camping, hiking, or even diving. Hells Canyon may have an intimidating name, but it is one of the most picturesque locations in the state, holding , acres, including flowers, grass, rivers, and more. In terms of mountains, Mt. Hood is the main attraction in Oregon and for a good reason, as it is a gorgeous addition to any landscape and climbing it at least partially offers breathtaking views all around.
Address: Oregon, USA. With a name like The Sunshine State, it's clear that Florida is a beautiful state, mixing tropical climates, cobalt waters, pristine white-sand beaches, and Latin charm. Big cities and towns are bright and vibrant, with lots to do and see. Florida has a pretty diverse set of natural features to explore. It has the Everglades, the nation's biggest subtropical wilderness, which serves as an outdoor enthusiast or nature lover's perfect paradise.
Divers will be thrilled to take in the colorful coral reefs in many hues, and explorers will feel right at home in the dank and mysterious stretches of the state's wetlands and mangrove swamps. Florida brings the artificial and natural together in a truly stunning way, and it's the perfect winter getaway for those who just can't stand the cold. Whether you like the modern touches or the untamed areas more, the state has beauty in its many diverse forms!
Address: Florida, USA. Michigan is a Midwestern, Great Lakes state that often gets overlooked. But it's one of the most beautiful states in the USA, boasting a whopping 11, freshwater lakes, tons of gorgeous islands, and an idyllic lakeshore with stunning waters to traverse.
Unspoiled, untamed natural areas are Michigan's specialty, with verdant forests with cascading waterfalls, wild beaches with blue waters, big sandy bluffs, and natural formations of rock and sandstone. Bordering the stunning Lake Champlain, Burlington is a must-visit town known for its culinary scene.
Leaf peepers also make a stop in the village of Stowe — the white church in the village is hugely photographed amidst the dazzling background of orange and yellow leaves in the fall. Stowe is a busy area in the fall. In the summers and fall, you could also drive up to the top of Mount Equinox or take the scenic route to Smugglers Notch. For outdoor lovers, Utah is packed with national and state parks and is one of the prettiest and most diverse states in the country. From the fantastic ski resorts in the north to incredible canyons and rock formations in the south, Utah has it all.
In addition to all of the national parks in the area, there are some incredible state parks and national monuments. The northern end of the state is home to unique locations like the Great Salt Lake and the Bonneville Salt Flats, as well as the ski resort town of Park City. With something new to explore around every corner, a road trip is the best way to see as many of the sights of Utah as possible.
And, bonus, even the driving in Utah is beautiful! The sunshine state is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches, warm weather and of course, theme parks!
Florida is home to some of the best beaches in North America. There are many springs all around central Florida, making it a great destination for people who love nature, swimming and kayaking. You can find them in so many places! A very popular destination to swim with Manatees is Crystal River. Finally, Florida is a great destination for people who love water sports. This gem of a town is located in northern Georgia, perfectly nestled on the Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee border.
Similarly, the charm and quaintness of Blue Ridge is unmatched, filled with delicious restaurants, craft breweries, wineries, orchards, and upscale shops and galleries. The observation deck is recorded at 4, feet above sea level.
Similar to the beauty of Brasstown Bald, Morganton Point Beach — just fifteen minutes from downtown Blue Ridge — offers you the beauty of Lake Blue Ridge with the mountains as a perfect backdrop. Then, there are the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. Finally, take the ride north to Salem. Sailing and fishing are popular among locals and tourists alike, and it is easy to see why.
People want to be out on the water. They set out to view the coastlines from offshore and watch the sunset over the many secluded harbors. I love spending time in little towns like Camden, Rockland and Bar Harbor in the summer, where this lifestyle abounds. What Rhode Island lacks for in size, it more than makes up for with beauty. It has a capital city built on canals, colonial villages, and an obscene amount of coastline considering its size.
If you take a little more time, visit the classic New England island, Block Island, with its gorgeous lighthouses and famous Mohegan Bluffs. Nestled on the East coast and classed as the first of the southern states, Virginia is an incredibly beautiful and diverse state. As you move inland from the coast, the land gets swampy and large swamps cover areas of the land. Move a little further inland and the Appalachian mountains coarse through the state to the southwestern tip.
Along with stunning geography, Virginia is rich in history and was the first landing spot of British Colonialists. When it comes to exploring the raw beauty of Virginia, a trip to Shenandoah National Park is a must. Skyline Drive traverses the top of the park and stretches the entire distance, with amazing vantage points that look out over the Shenandoah Valley. To the south of the state is Great Dismal Swamp state park, an amazing park with incredible biodiversity.
Keep an eye out for the wildlife in a park as you might be lucky enough to see a black bear bounding through the swamp. At First Landing State Park , you can learn all about the starting point of Modern American history before heading north to the historical triangle where you can visit Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, and Yorktown, three of the most important settlements in US history.
The state of Pennsylvania is bookended by two great American cities: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. When you visit the state, these cities make great stops and are full of history, brilliant architecture and street art. In Pittsburgh, visitors should head to Mount Washington for the most gorgeous views of the city and rivers that define it.
There are majestic waterfalls and hiking trails in the state as well. These are also some of the best places for fall foliage in the Poconos. The Pennsylvania Dutch community is fascinating and the area is one of the prettiest in the state. In central Pennsylvania, visitors can also experience the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. But this picturesque state offers something for everyone: history, adventure, mountains, beaches, cityscapes, and rolling hills.
The Upper Chesapeake Bay region may be lesser known than the Eastern Shore but this area offers something for everyone. Located in the Northeast corner of the state, this area offers the best of both rural and bay life. The Upper Chesapeake has significant farmland with u-pick orchards, wineries, hiking trails, and horseback riding. If the Upper Chesapeake appeals to you then you may want to check out, Charles County Maryland, located in southern Maryland just 30 miles from Washington. A visit to the state capital of Annapolis combines maritime history and heritage with city life.
This scenic town has it all, a quaint downtown, an awesome food scene, and all things nautical. This family-friendly beach town offers carnival-style rides, loads of dining options, nightlife, beachfront resorts, and more. Visit the western part of the state where you will find mountains, ski resorts, and a slower pace. Just so you know California beats out all of these states in terms of most scenic, beautiful, and fun states in America.
There is a startling lack of Great Lakes representation in the guide. Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan all have some of the most breathtaking spots and generalized beauty that I have seen in my travels. Thanks for the feedback, Zach! I like the list, although as someone who lives in eastern Washington I have to disagree slightly with your statement. Not all of Eastern Washington is hot and dry. There are actually lush forests on this side of the state! Such as the Colville national forest.
Vermont is beautiful but it is a one dimensional beauty. It has no beaches or major waterways. You must be logged in to post a comment. Enjoy this guide to the most beautiful states in the USA! Leave this field blank First Name.
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Most scenic state -
From the icy glaciers of Alaska to the white-sand beaches of Florida, our country is home to stunning natural landscapes and diverse wildlife. Each state is beautiful on its own, but some are home to a plethora of awe-inspiring natural wonders, dramatic landscapes, and state and national parks California, we're looking at you , making them heaven for nature lovers.
Ahead, we've rounded up the 10 states where Mother Nature has truly outdone herself, taking into consideration must-visit national parks, coastlines, scenic drives, mountain ranges, and much more. Nature's bounty is on full display in the Golden State. With state parks and nine national parks — the most out of all 50 states, California's beauty and natural diversity are unrivaled.
You can be soaking up vitamin D on a golden sand beach along the Pacific Coast, watching the sunset over the magical yuca palms of Joshua Tree National Park, exploring the Mojave desert, taking a dip in a hot spring , or hiking lava beds in the northeast , all without leaving the boundaries of the state.
The famous naturalist and "father of the national parks" John Muir wrote in his book "Travels to Alaska": "To the lover of pure wildness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world.
With eight national parks, including the breathtaking Denali National Park and Preserve that encompasses six million acres of unspoiled wilderness and, of course, the highest peak in the country, Alaska's beauty will leave anyone full of appreciation for Mother Nature. Add to that the dense forests, glaciers, and rugged coastline of Glacier Bay National Park and the stunning snow-covered scenery of Kenai Fjords National Park, and you get a good idea of why the Last Frontier state is on the wishlist of most travelers.
Utah has long been a favorite destination of outdoor and winter sports enthusiasts flocking here to enjoy the state's snow-capped mountains and world-class resorts. The Beehive State offers a wealth of natural treasures that any traveler should take advantage of: from the ancient rock formations at Arches National Park and Goblin Valley to the expansive Bonneville Salt Flats and Mirror Lake, Utah will captivate your mind and leave you speechless.
While saying that Colorado's landscape is dominated by its towering peaks is technically correct — after all, the state is home to a whopping 58 mountain peaks that are higher than 14, feet — it is also a little misleading as the Centennial State has a lot going on at lower altitudes, too.
Whether it's the mysterious Caves of the Winds, the deepest hot spring in the world Pagosa Springs , or the stunning Garden of the Gods with its red-rock formations, Colorado's natural beauty certainly qualifies it as one of the most scenic states in the country.
Hawaii may be one of the smallest states in the country, but it packs quite the visual punch. The eight major islands that comprise the Hawaiian archipelago offer miles of pristine, picture-perfect beaches with white, yellow, orange, red, black, and even green sand. Lush rainforests, volcanic craters, expansive valleys, picturesque waterfalls, and striking canyons transform Hawaii into a natural paradise. One look at the Grand Canyon is enough to convince you that Arizona is an extraordinary place.
While this national park, with its 1, square miles of layered red rock formations, turquoise waterfalls, and snaking streams, is the state's main draw, there are plenty of other natural gems to explore here.
The majestic smooth shapes of Antelope Canyon, Sedona's red rocks, the Sonoran desert's giant saguaros, and the ancient "plant fossils" of petrified wood logs in the Petrified Forest are some of Arizona's most unique natural landmarks. With state parks, three national parks Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Olympic National Park , and countless hidden natural gems, Washington certainly deserves a spot on your travel wishlist. Hike the enchanting Hoh Rain Forest with its fairy tale—like landscape of moss-covered conifers; descend underground in Ape Coves, a two-mile lava tunnel; and marvel at the sheer beauty and grandeur of Mount St.
Helen, or discover beaches, rugged cliffs, stunning viewpoints and sites like the Tree of Life along the Pacific coast. It's easy to see what makes Wyoming one of the most beautiful states in the country—and we don't just mean the stunning mountain landscapes that have made it a premium winter sports destination.
The Equality State treats its visitors to some pretty mind-boggling vistas. And if you've ever laid eyes on the bright colors that make up Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park, you know what we mean. Then, there are the idyllic scenery, picturesque mountains, and pristine lakes of Grand Teton National Park that will make you think you're dreaming with your eyes open. What Massachusetts lacks in drama, it makes up in dreamy ocean vistas and lush mountainscapes.
The state is home to the scenic Berkshires region and the beautiful Connecticut River Valley, two major fall foliage destinations as well as 24 state parks, four national wildlife refuges, dozens of islands among which are the gorgeous Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard , and 38 state forests.
But the natural crown jewel of Massachusetts is Cape Cod National Seashore—one of only ten countrywide, a favorite vacation spot of generations of Americans. With its sun-drenched beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Florida has become the quintessential vacation and a favorite second home destination. Ocean lovers can't get enough of its dreamy stretches of sand all miles of them , turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and beautiful islands in Biscayne and Dry Tortugas national parks.
And of course, there is the Everglades — a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and home to the largest tropical wilderness in the country and countless endangered species. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests.
You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Trip Ideas Get Outside. By Dobrina Zhekova. Dobrina Zhekova. Dobrina Zhekova is a freelance writer with over a decade of editorial experience in Europe and the U. She covers luxury travel, art, architecture, and design. Her writing has appeared on InStyle. Share Tweet Pin Email. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Newsletter Sign Up.
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