Most Beautiful Destinations in America

One of the largest countries in the world, the United States boasts dazzling and delightful scenery, with dramatic coastlines, lovely lakes, and desolate desert landscapes. Between the Rockies in the west and the BlueRidge Mountains in the east are all kinds of natural and human-made wonders, as well as some of the best and most beautiful national parks in the world. One of the best ways to see America's most beautiful destinations is to take an unforgettable road trip, stopping off at its most famous and photographed sights as you go.

Number 10. Sedona.


 While the jaw-dropping red sandstone formations are the undoubted highlight of what Sedona has to offer, there is lots more to see and do. Nestled amid the beautiful rock formations, Sedona is considered sacred by Native Americans and people come here to heal themselves and seek spiritual enlightenment. Many shops are selling alternative medicines and lots of spas for visitors to relax in. With lots of great restaurants, as well as numerous art galleries to explore, the town can get a bit busy during summer, although the stunning scenery more than makes up for it.

Number 9. Great Sand Dunes.


Stretching endlessly into the distance, the sensational sea of sand that makes up Colorado's Great Sand Dunes is one of the state's most incredible natural phenomena. Reaching up to 230 meters in height, the dramatic dunes lie within a national park of the same name. Exploring the wind-sculpted sands is a fantastic experience, with hiking and sandboarding both popular. You can discover magnificent views from atop the massive dunes. From high, you can gaze out over the ceaseless and around you, with mighty mountains and verdant forests dotting the horizon.

Number 8. Lake Tahoe.


Lake Tahoe is not only impressive for being the second deepest lake in the US, but also for its wide length of shoreline which offers fantastic natural vistas. The freshwater lake straddles both California and Nevada and is a top destination year-round. The lake became a winter sports destination after the 1960s Winter Olympics were held in Squaw Valley on the North Shore. Summer brings hiking in the mountains and boat trips on the lake, as well as days, spent lazing on the shore, swimming, and BBQs.

Number 7. Monument Valley

. Iconic in look, Monument Valley’s incredible geological features have starred in TV commercials, featured in films, and appeared in magazines. As such, they are instantly recognizable around the world. Surrounded by a desolate and featureless desert that stretches almost interminably, the massive sandstone buttes rear impressively towards the heavens, their vivid reds, and oranges standing out against the blue sky. Beautiful to behold, the ‘Valley Between the Rocks’ – as it was dubbed by the Navajo – is a must-see place when visiting Arizona.

Number 6. Grand Teton National Park.


 Home to marvelous mountains, sweeping valleys, and sparkling alpine lakes, Grand Teton National Park will delight nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Located in the northwest of Wyoming, the park covers a vast swathe of the Rocky Mountains and is named after Grand Teton, the highest peak in the range at 4,199 meters. The dramatic landscapes are stunning, and the glinting glaciers, verdant forests, and gushing rivers lend themselves perfectly to all kinds of activities, such as hiking and rock climbing. The national park is a great place to go wildlife watching, as elk, bears, and moose roam amid the splendid nature.

Number 5. Nā Pali Coast

Dominating and defining the northwest of Kaua'i, the Na Pali Coast is one of Hawaii's most famous and photographed sights. Its gigantic jagged cliffs rise to 1,200 meters above the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean, with scenic beaches and coves hidden below. As the rugged terrain is so inaccessible, the only way to visit is by hiking, kayaking, or helicopter, with phenomenal panoramas wherever you look. While it is famed for having featured in JurassicPark, the grand and gorgeous stretch of coastline has appeared in numerous films and TV shows over the years.

Number 4. Yosemite Valley

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 The most popular and photographed part of Yosemite National Park, this vast valley lies at its heart, nestled among the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Covered in pristine pine forests, the glorious facial valley stretches around 12 kilometers in length and is lined by gigantic granite summits, such as the famed El Capitan and Half Dome. A multitude of sparkling streams and waterfalls flow into it including the famous Yosemite Falls. Breathtakingly beautiful, Yosemite Valley has loads of lovely hiking trails for visitors to wander along, with striking views wherever you look.

Number 3. Manhattan.


 Manhattan is one of New York’s five boroughs and is what people most often think of when they picture New York City. Its familiar skyline and sights have been featured a thousand times on screen. Here you can walk in the shadow of the skyscrapers, picture the Statue of Liberty, see a Broadway show, climb the Empire State building, stroll Central Park, window shop on 5th Avenue or stagger around a museum.

Number 2. Horseshoe Bend.


 Located just outside of Page, the awe-inspiringHorseshoe Bend lies within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in the north of Arizona. Formed over the millennia by the ColoradoRiver, it is named for its distinctive horseshoe shape, which sees craggy cliffs curve around the roaring river below. Horseshoe Bend is very popular among tourists and many people hike the short distance to its prominent viewpoint. Towering more than 300 meters above the river, this offers stunning views of the natural marvel, with sunset being the best time of day to view Horseshoe Bend in all its glory.

Number 1. Grand Prismatic Spring.


Famed and named for its kaleidoscopic colors, Grand Prismatic Spring lies in Yellowstone National Park, not far from other pretty pools and gushing geysers. Remarkably, it is the third-largest hot springing in the world, reaching 110 meters in diameter and 50 meters in depth. While its size and scale are impressive, it is most noted for its captivating colors, with reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and blues all on show. These vivid hues make for a dazzling sight, particularly when contrasted with the desolate landscapes surrounding the steaming spring.