The Most Beautiful Place to Visit in Every U.S. State

The United States is a truly beautiful and vast nation, and no matter where you are within it, there's bound to be a gorgeous locale within a couple of hours to explore and soak in.

From lush forests to majestic waterfalls to dumbfounding stone structures, and everything in between, the country contains just about any type of environment you can imagine. Whether you're itching for your next adventure and brainstorming destinations, or are stuck inside and just want to look at pretty places, keep clicking through to discover the most beautiful place to visit in every U.S. state.

1. Dismals Canyon, Alabama

Dismals Canyon is a National Natural Landmark in northwest Alabama known for its lush fern forests, mighty waterfalls and lovely boulder formations covered in vibrant green moss. In certain areas of the canyon, the water is also packed with little bioluminescent creatures known as Dismalites, which light up like stars at nighttime, making the experience even more picturesque.

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2. Denali National Park, Alaska

Denali National Park & Preserve covers more than six million acres of untamed Alaskan land, making it one of the most impressive locations on this list. At its center stands Denali, the highest mountain peak in the United States, which was better known as Mt. McKinley from the end of the 19th century until 2015, when it was renamed. The word denali means "the high one" in the native Athabaskan language, perfectly describing this memorial landmark.

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3. Monument Valley, Arizona

In a state full of so many natural wonders, it was hard to pick just one beautiful rock formation in Arizona, but we had to eventually settle on the incredible Monument Valley. It's difficult to believe that all of this land was once the bottom of a sea, allowing this sandstone to collect into incredible structures, before earthquakes and other plate movements shifted it into the configurations you can see today.

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Also read about: 15 Dreamy Photo Captions for Your Visit to Arizona

 

4. Hawksbill Crag, Arkansas

Hawksbill Crag, also known as Whitaker Point, is a unique rock structure that juts out from the rest of the mountain, making it the perfect viewpoint for the gorgeous forests below, and the trail hike up to it is just as scenic and memorable. It's also known for being quite a romantic spot, and even Disney's Tuck Everlasting was filmed here.

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5. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve may have the most scenic view of the Pacific Ocean in all of California, but that's not the only thing that makes it so stunning. The park has walking trails that will take you all over its breathtaking cliff formations and through unique plant life while protecting the incredible area's natural beauty. Plus, if you're lucky, you might even spot sea otters diving around in the blue-green waters surrounding the spot.

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Also read about: 20 Inspiring Captions for Every Photo From Your Visit to California

 

6. Garden of the Gods, Colorado

Located in Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods in Colorado is a National Natural Landmark, and it doesn't take much to see why. These incredible sandstone spikes stretch 300 feet into the sky at the meeting place between the Great Plains grasslands and the Pikes Peak mountains. Their visual impact serves as a striking contrast to everything surrounding them.

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7. Black Rock State Park, Connecticut

This stunning State Park in Watertown, Connecticut is named for the dark graphite and lead that was historically mined in the area. Hiking trails take visitors around the sparkling lake at its center and allow for some spectacular views of the surrounding forests. At certain times of year, the treetops are particularly beautiful as splashes of yellow, orange and red punctuate the typically green foliage.

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8. Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware

Cape Henlopen in Lewes, Delaware was one of the nation's very first public lands, and it's remained that way ever since. Its beauty has been preserved this way for more than 300 years. While it boasts fabulous nature trails and bike paths, it's really the scenic beaches that continue to attract thousands of visitors every year. If you want to see a stellar sunrise, you can't miss the one at Cape Henlopen.

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9. Falling Waters State Park, Florida

Travelers eager to see Florida's highest waterfall, standing at an impressive 70 feet, must travel to Falling Waters State Park in Chipley. To get there, hikers take a quiet forest path called Sink Hole Trail, surrounded by gorgeous forests of high trees and fern-lined sinkholes. At certain times of year, this park has also been known to be the perfect place to catch swarms of migrating butterflies in action

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Also read about: 15 Playful and Eccentric Photo Captions for Your Visit to Florida

 

10. Driftwood Beach, Georgia

Driftwood Beach is located on the north side of Georgia's Jekyll Island, offering sights you won't see anywhere else in the country. Long ago, this part of the island was lined with lively trees, until years of erosion made the soil unfit to support the trees. Their slow deterioration eventually led to this stunning sandy shore of weathered driftwood, making for endless photo opportunities and chances to create fabulous new memories.

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11. Waimea Canyon, Hawaii

Hawaii is an island state known for its vast natural beauty, with too many gorgeously tropical spots to name, so picking just one location was no easy feat. However, we eventually had to settle on Waimea Canyon, in Waimea on the island of Kauai, which has been referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Long ago, the canyon's volcano (now inactive) covered the area in vast amounts of lava and basalt. Over millions of years, a river cut through it, resulting in the splendor you can see today.

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12. Shoshone Falls, Idaho

There's a good reason Shoshone Falls, located in Twin Falls, Idaho, has been dubbed "The Niagara of the West." At more than 200 feet tall and 900 feet wide, it's taller than the Niagara Falls, with its wild waters providing a stark contrast to the basalt cliffs as it winds down the Snake River. It's been a destination for more than 150 years, and travelers on the Oregon Trail would make it a point to see these waterfalls on the way to their final destination.

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13. Garden of the Gods, Illinois

You're not imagining things—this is the second location called "Garden of the Gods" on this list. Still, both spots have earned that lofty title with their incredible natural appeal. Located in Illinois' Shawnee National Forest, the Garden of the Gods features some incredible one-of-a-kind sandstone formations that allow for great views of the surrounding areas. The steep hike to the summit takes about an hour, and it's worth every beautiful minute.

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14. Punch Bowl Falls, Indiana

It only takes one look at Punch Bowl Falls in Indiana to see exactly why it's such a coveted destination. Over the years, this small waterfall running through Rocky Hollow in Turkey Run State Park has worn its basin into a rounded punch bowl shape, transforming it into a tiny cove of moss-covered stone that looks like something straight out of a fairytale.

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15. Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa

Maquoketa Caves State Park is perhaps the most notable State Park in all of Iowa, featuring varying types of natural beauty that aren't easily found elsewhere in the world. For one, it boasts the largest systems of caves in the state, which feature brilliant limestones stalactites and stalagmites. Beyond the caves are lush, forested bluffs and the "Natural Bridge," a unique rock feature that looks too perfect to be an accident of nature.

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16. Monument Rocks, Kansas

Gove County may be a small place, with a population of less than 3,000, but its Monument Rocks are one of the most noteworthy sights in the entire state. These formations, also known as the Chalk Pyramids, are made of carbonate rock and reach up to 70 feet in height, naturally forming into impressive walls and arches. It's estimated that they're about 80 million years old.

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17. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

With more than 500 miles of passageway, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky contains the longest cave system known in the world, which is why it definitely earned its spot on this list. Within the caves are stately limestone stalactites and stalagmites, while outside, you can view beautiful rock formations covered in rich plant life and lined with rolling rivers. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.

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18. Lake Martin, Louisiana

Swamps tend to get a bad rap, but Lake Martin in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana can show you the unique magnificence that they have to offer. Not only is the plant life unlike anything you'll see on dry land, with its cypress trees coated in Spanish moss, but boat tours through the area will introduce you to the incredible wildlife there, from alligators to unique freshwater birds.

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19. Cadillac Mountain, Maine

Located in Maine's Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain is famous for its innate sense of beauty. One of the many mountains carved by glaciers over the years on Mount Desert Island, it's the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard, making for exquisite views in every direction, but particularly toward the water. From fall to the start of spring, it's also host to the earliest sunrise in the nation.

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20. Calvert Cliffs State Park, Maryland

Calvert Cliffs State Park in Lusby, Maryland are a 24-mile stretch of beautiful stone bluffs along the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay. The formation of the cliffs started millions of years ago when the land was still underwater, and as the sea receded, eventual erosion resulting into the fabulous cliffs that can be seen today. It remains a popular beach destination, and is also known for its rich fossil deposits. In fact, the first known fossil found in the U.S. was located here.

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21. Bish Bash Falls, Massachusetts

Located in southwestern Massachusetts' Taconic Mountains, Bish Bash Falls is the highest single-drop waterfall in the entire state. The falls are known for the incredible scenery, with the falling water lined by tall maple, beech and oak trees as well as stone formations. It's also less than a mile hike up to the iconic falls, making it popular for enthusiasts of all skill levels.

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22. Porcupine Mountains State Park, Michigan

Porcupine Mountains State Park covers about 60,000 acres of land, making it the largest state park in all of Michigan. Covering everything from forests to beaches along the Lake Superior shoreline to rivers and waterfalls, it offers a little something for everyone, including more than 90 miles of trails for hikers. Some of the trails provide for particularly remarkable views of huge swatches of the park.

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23. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Located in International Falls, Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park is a must-visit attraction for fans of water sports, and is only accessible by boat—when it's not frozen over, that is. The shape of the land was formed long ago by earthquakes, volcanoes and glaciers, and today, these gorgeous waters are lined with trees. The park is also a site known for providing a great view of the Northern Lights, given the right conditions.

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24. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi

Technically, the impressive, 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway stretches along three states, but we think the Mississippi portion is the most beautiful—and given that it concludes in Natchez, Mississippi, we think its inclusion is appropriate here. It's a huge expanse of land that's mostly unspoiled nature, providing unmatched scenery and access to historical sites all along the way.

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25. Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Missouri

The Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camden County, Missouri is unusual for a few reasons, including the fact that it's named after the castle that stands on its grounds. The 16th century European-style castle was constructed there at the beginning of the 20th century, now lying in stone ruins overlooking the parks wondrous natural caves, sinkholes, forests and springs. Both the castle and its surrounding beauty are worth investigating.

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26. Two Medicine Lake, Montana

Two Medicine Lake lies within Glacier National Park in Montana and is well known for the striking views it provides. The lake is two miles wide and crystal clear, exposing views of the colorful rocks that make up its floor. But perhaps the most impressive sight from Two Medicine Lake is that of Rising Wolf Mountain, which juts imposingly behind the mirror-like surface of the lake.

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27. Chimney Rock, Nebraska

Chimney Rock in western Nebraska's Morrill Country is an astounding sight, stretching 286 into the sky, but it was especially important to settlers in the 19th century. It was one notable landmark along the Oregon Trail that allowed pioneers to know exactly where they were on their journey. The natural formation of clay, ash and sandstone was created by a process of erosion, and is incredible to see even today. It's earned its title as a National Historic Site.

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28. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Lying in the sweltering Overton, Nevada desert, the Valley of Fire State Park is aptly named for the heat a well as the picturesque red vistas. This park consists of 40,000 acres of stunningly colored sandstone vistas surrounded by tall limestone mountains. It's hard to believe that this land was underwater during the Jurassic period, and that these incredible formations are the result of millions of years of sediment deposit. No matter where you stand in the Valley of Fire, there's beauty to be found.

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29. Rocky Gorge, New Hampshire

Rocky Gorge in Albany, New Hampshire brings all of the loveliest aspects of the state together into one place. Framed by incredible foliage that changes colors with the seasons, its waterfall along the Swift River is the most popular destination of many visitors, though a short hike farther will take you to the undeniably beautiful Falls Pond. With water that flows over its craggy rock formations, its a cool, easy walk to the top.

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30. High Point State Park, New Jersey

High Point State Park in Sussex County, New Jersey is a sight to be beheld. It's topped by the 220-foot High Point Monument, which stands 1,800 feet above sea level and grants visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area into three different states at once, including Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains and New York's Catskills.

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Also read about: The Most Underrated Places to Travel in 2025

 

31. Shiprock, New Mexico

It's said that Shiprock, an incredible rock formation in the middle of the desert in San Juan County, New Mexico, is 12 million years old. All that time ago, pressure ridges pushed together to create this monument of volcanic rock. The 150-foot igneous formation stands out prominently on the otherwise flat plains, making it visible from up to 100 miles away. Though you can't visit it directly—it's protected land sacred to the Navajos—it's just as dazzling when viewed from the paved roads leading past.

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32. Robert H. Treman State Park, New York

If you're traveling through central New York, it's necessary that you make a stop at the Robert H. Treman State Park in Ithaca, known for its scenic and rugged beauty. Its most famous feature is the wondrous Enfield Glen gorge, but the round-trip hike around the park will also reveal a dozen prominent waterfalls, including the famous 115-foot Lucifer Falls.

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33. Bass Lake, North Carolina

Bass Lake in Holly Springs, North Carolina may be an artificial lake, but that doesn't make it any less spectacular to visit and explore. The land surrounding the lake it a public park dense with beautiful trees, and hosting hiking and a nature center, and the 54-acre lake is packed with catfish, bass and bream.

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34. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

After future president Theodore Roosevelt visited these lands in 1883 for a hunting trip, he fell in love with the area and its lifestyle, and it was later named after him. The national park covers more than 70,000 acres of badlands in western North Dakota, including diverse landscapes of buttes, floodplains and prairies teaming with wildlife, including bison, freak horses, pronghorn and more.

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35. Hocking Hills, Ohio

Hocking Hills State park in Logan, Ohio covers 2,000 acres and has a little something for every kind of nature lover. While the gorgeous Cedar Falls are sure to wow visitors, the park's most-visited attraction is Old Man's Cave, a large recess cave of the gorge. Whoever, Ash Cave—the biggest recess cave in all of Ohio—is probably even more impressive. They've also got zip lines through the park, if you're into that sort of thing.

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36. Talimena National Scenic Byway, Oklahoma

The Talimena National Scenic Byway consists of a 54-mile drive of incredible views, beginning in Talihana, Oklahoma and expanding all the way into western Arkansas, branching off into historic towns in both states all along the way. This trail of fantastic sights takes travelers through the Ouchaita National Forest and through the peaks of the Winding Star Mountains and Ouachita Mountain Chain, meaning there's something new to see at every step along the path.

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37. Abiqua Falls, Oregon

Abiqua Falls, located near Scotts Mills, Oregon, demonstrates the regal simplicity in the beauty of a waterfall. Branching of Abiqua Creek, the water drops 100 feet here to continue its flow over basalt rock cliffs, resulting in the unique and striking shape of this formation. The hike up to the falls isn't considered easy,  but for more seasoned travelers, the view at the end of the journey is well worth it .

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38. Hickory Run State Park, Pennsylvania

Hickory Run State Park in White Haven, Pennsylvania stands in the western foothill of the Pocono Mountains and contains nearly 16,000 acres of land with 40 miles of hiking trails. Its most notable feature is Boulder Field, a National Natural Landmark made up of thousands of small boulders and lined with a beautiful coniferous forest.

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39. Sachuest Point Wildlife Refuge, Rhode Island

Bird lovers shouldn't miss the Sachuest Point Wildlife Refuge near Middletown, Rhode Island. It's the perfect place for spotting the area's 200 species of vibrant and unique birdlife including harlequin ducks, loons, gannets and leaders. There are also three miles of trails around the point, including observation platforms that allow visitors to see everything the place has to offer without disturbing the 40-acre refuge or salt marshlands and shoreline.

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40. Botany Bay, South Carolina

Botany Bay, located on Edisto Island in South Carolina, is another magnificent wildlife preserve of more than 3,000 acres. Boasting a number of vastly different habitats, including hammock islands, salt marshes and maritime forests, it's also host to unique animal and plant life, including its incredible oak trees are coated in layers of Spanish moss.

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Also read about: 6 of the Most Beautiful State Parks to Visit in the Spring

 

41. Sylvan Lake, South Dakota

Located in Custer County, South Dakota, Sylvan Lake is considered the must-see attraction of all of Custer State Park. With its beautiful reflective waters, bold rock formations and a forest of spruce and pine trees, its landscape is rugged but beautiful all at once. You may also recognize it for its appearance in Disney's National Treasure: Book of Secrets

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42. Roan Mountain State Park, Tennessee

Roan Mountain State Park in Carter County, Tennessee includes more than 2,000 acres of lands that are home to stately mountains, a lush hardwood forest and the Doe River, which cuts and swerves its way through the park. Climbing its trails allows for some incredible views, and Tennessee's unique and boldly colored wildflowers make the park even more beautiful.

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43. Big Bend National Park, Texas

They say that everything is bigger in Texas, and that must include their parks, because Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas is a whopping 800,000 acres in size. But just because much of the land is harsh desert doesn't mean it also doesn't support tons of life, from thriving cactus to hundreds of bird species, plus bobcats, peccaries bears and more. Its limestone canyons are also a treat for the eyes.

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44. Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah

Ignore the morbid name of Dead Horse Point State Park in Moab, Utah—it's one of the state's most spectacular sights. This series of incredible cliffs and canyons were carved out of the purple-red sandstone, shale and siltstone over millions of years by the movement of water and ice. Today, the Colorado River still winds through them, and the bluffs make for the perfect viewing spot.

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45. Bennington Forest Reserve District, Vermont

Vermont may not be a large state, but there are still many striking scenes to be taken in there. Bennington happens to be a cultural center—and the most populous town in southern Vermont—but they keep more than 12,000 acres of trees undeveloped in their Forest Reserve District, which take on an almost neon glow in the fall season, lending the place as unusual beauty.

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46. Great Falls Park, Virginia

Great Falls Park in McLean, Virginia is famous for being breathtaking. Its key feature is the Great Falls themselves, where the Potomac River passes through the narrow Mother Gorge, resulting in eye-catching 76-foot waterfalls and rapids. There are three main spots for viewing the falls, but once you're done enjoying them, there's also great hiking here, and you can even get a history lesson along the way if you feel inclined.

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47. Hoh Rainforest, Washington

The Pacific Northwest is dense with thick forests, but none of them are quite like the Hoh Rainforest in Forks, Washington. Not everyone is aware of Washington's temperate rainforests, made possible by the 14 feet of rain the region receives annually. It's packed with sitka spruce trees and western hemlock, making it downright jungle-like, and has earned it title as a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

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48. Seneca Rocks, West Virginia

There's a reason Seneca Rocks in the Monongahela National Forest is one of West Virginia's most famous landmarks. These large quartzite formations developed 425 million years ago. The rocks are impressive in stature, and though some areas are scalable only by the most skilled of rock-climbers, other portions are well-paved, and the hike to the top takes just under two hours for a typical visitor.

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49. Dells of the Wisconsin River, Wisconsin

The Dells of the Wisconsin River is a 5-mile gorge that consists of unusual slabs of rock that seem to jut out of the water. These protected rocky outcrops of sandstone were carved into unique shapes by passing glaciers during the ice age. Done checking out the scenery? The nearby town of Wisconsin Dells (named after the rocks) is home to multiple theme parks and water parks.

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50. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Despite its size, Wyoming is the least populated state in the county, which possibly explains the incredible untouched beauty of the Grand Teton National Park. It spans about 310,000 acres of land including dense forests, alpine terrain and beautiful lakes, plus the Snake River, which winds through the park. It also features two hundred miles of trails, meaning there is far too much here to spy in a day—or even a week.

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