Katie and PierceAmerica is home to some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth. From towering mountain peaks to pristine beaches, rolling red rock formations to crystal clear lakes, the United States has incredible beauty waiting in every corner. These breathtaking destinations showcase the diverse natural wonders that make this country so special.
In 2025, visiting these gorgeous places means more than just taking photos. It’s about connecting with the stories behind each location, learning about their rich histories, and finding peace in their stunning landscapes. Whether you’re looking for famous national parks or hidden gems that most people haven’t heard of, this list has something amazing for every type of traveler.
The places on this list span from the rocky coastlines of Maine to the tropical beaches of Hawaii, from the desert Southwest to the Great Lakes region. Each destination has its own unique charm and natural beauty that will leave lasting memories. Some require advance planning and permits, while others welcome spontaneous visits. All of them showcase why America truly is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
1. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park has officially been named America’s most beautiful national park and one of the world’s best places to visit in 2025. This incredible destination spans over a million acres in northwestern Montana and provides spectacular scenery no matter what time of year you visit.
The park’s location right on the border with Canada creates some of the most dramatic landscapes you’ll ever see. The famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, known as “America’s most scenic route,” winds through the wilderness connecting breathtaking viewpoints with challenging hiking trails and stunning alpine lakes. This 50-mile road is only open from late June to mid-October due to heavy snow, but the views are absolutely worth the wait.
Glacier National Park is home to more than 700 lakes and an amazing variety of wildlife. Visitors might spot grizzly bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black bears, moose, elk, and even gray wolves. The park’s massive mountain ranges provide endless opportunities for photography, especially at spots like Hidden Lake Overlook where the views stretch for miles.
For those who prefer to stay in their cars, the Going-to-the-Sun Road provides incredible scenery without any hiking required. The park also provides train access through Amtrak’s Empire Builder route, which stops at three locations near the park. This makes Glacier National Park surprisingly accessible for such a remote and wild destination.
2. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea was voted the most beautiful place to visit in the United States for 2024, and it’s easy to see why. This tiny European-style village covers just one square mile along California’s Central Coast, but it packs incredible charm into every corner.
The town feels like a real-life fairy tale with its windswept beaches, charming cottages, and tumbling coastal bluffs. Many people compare it to Italy’s famous Cinque Terre because of its romantic seaside setting. The streets are lined with cozy cafes, local wineries, and unique boutiques that you won’t find anywhere else.
Art lovers will be amazed by Carmel’s thriving creative scene. The town is home to 21 artist-owned galleries where the artists actually work on-site, giving visitors a chance to meet the creators behind the beautiful pieces. The Carmel Art Association, established in 1927, is the oldest gallery in town and showcases work from more than 100 local artists.
Fall is the perfect time to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea. Locals call it the “secret season” because it brings the clearest, sunniest days and mild evenings that are perfect for walking through town or enjoying beach bonfires. The weather from September through November is ideal for taking in all the beauty this special place has to provide.
3. Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world, and seeing it in person is an unforgettable experience. Located near the town of Page, Arizona, this natural wonder features narrow passages carved by water and wind over thousands of years.
The canyon is famous for its stunning red and golden colors that seem to glow when sunlight filters down from above. The smooth, curved walls create amazing patterns and textures that look almost otherworldly. There are two main sections to visit: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon, each with its own unique characteristics.
Upper Antelope Canyon is more popular because it’s easier to access and gets the best light for photography. The famous light beams that appear in so many photos typically happen during the summer months when the sun is directly overhead. Lower Antelope Canyon requires climbing down ladders but tends to be less crowded.
All visits to Antelope Canyon must be done with authorized tour guides from the Navajo Nation. Tours fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so booking well in advance is essential. The drive to Page takes about five hours from major cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix, but the incredible beauty of this hidden gem makes the journey completely worthwhile.
4. The Wave, Arizona/Utah
The Wave is one of the most unique rock formations in America, located in the remote Coyote Buttes North area along the Arizona-Utah border. This mesmerizing sandstone formation features undulating curves and vibrant colors that were sculpted over millions of years by water and wind.
Walking through The Wave feels like stepping onto another planet. The swirling patterns and contrasting hues of red, orange, and yellow create a surreal landscape that amazes photographers and nature lovers from around the globe. The rock formation gets its name from the way the stone appears to flow like frozen waves.
Visiting The Wave requires careful planning because only 20 people per day are allowed to enter the area. Permits are awarded through an online lottery system that opens four months in advance, and the competition is fierce. Winners must be prepared for a challenging 3-mile hike through the desert with no marked trails.
The effort to reach The Wave is rewarded with one of the most incredible natural sights in North America. Due to its fragile nature, visitor numbers stay limited to ensure this amazing place remains pristine for future generations. Even if you don’t win the permit lottery, the surrounding area has many other beautiful rock formations worth visiting.
5. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the most incredible places on Earth, with land formations that look like they belong on another planet. This enormous park in southern Utah sprawls across almost 1.9 million acres of largely untouched wilderness filled with colorful rocks, towering mountains, and massive staircase formations.
The monument is surrounded by other national parks, so many people drive right through without realizing they’re passing some of the most amazing hiking spots and photo opportunities in the country. For those who do stop, the rewards include some of the narrowest slot canyons anywhere, including the popular Peekaboo and Spooky slot canyons.
The Escalante River provides access to several trail heads that lead into large canyons and spectacular waterfall hikes like Calf Creek Falls. The scenery here is so diverse that you can see red rock arches, white and pink cliffs, deep canyons, and wide mesas all in the same day.
Highway 12 through the monument is one of the most scenic drives in America. For even more adventure, the Burr Trail leads all the way to the famous Burr Trail switchbacks and continues into the southern section of Capitol Reef National Park. This route takes you through some of the wildest and most remote landscapes in the country, where you might not see another person for hours.
6. Door County, Wisconsin
Door County is a coastal paradise located on a peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan in Wisconsin. This beautiful region is packed with lighthouses, cherry orchards, and charming waterfront towns that make it feel like a hidden gem in the Midwest.
The area features everything from beautiful forest trails to towering limestone bluffs and stunning sand dune beaches. There’s an incredible variety of natural beauty here, with scenic bike trails, state parks, and boat tours that showcase the welcoming feel and gorgeous landscapes that make Door County special.
Each season brings its own magic to Door County. Spring welcomes visitors with cherry blossom season in mid-May, while summer provides perfect weather for being on the water. Fall brings spectacular colors that typically peak in mid-October, and winter creates beautiful ice formations along the shoreline.
Peninsula State Park is one of the best places to experience Door County’s natural beauty. Visitors can camp right in the park or stay at one of the many cute bed and breakfasts and cabins scattered throughout the region. Some accommodations are built right on the water, giving guests front-row seats to incredible sunrises and sunsets over the lake.
7. Block Island, Rhode Island
Block Island is one of the best hidden gems in the United States, located off the coast of Rhode Island in the Atlantic Ocean. The Nature Conservancy declared this small island one of just twelve “Last Great Places” in the western hemisphere, and it’s easy to understand why.
Wildlife refuges and protected nature areas cover 40% of Block Island, and the residents are famous for their strong commitment to preserving their pristine Atlantic home. This dedication to conservation has kept the island feeling wild and unspoiled despite its popularity with summer visitors.
The main activities on Block Island include relaxing on beautiful beaches, biking around the island, and hiking along 32 miles of coastal and inland trails. Since there are no tour buses allowed on the island, the best way to see everything is through guided taxi tours led by friendly locals who share great stories about the island’s history.
After spending the day outside, visitors can enjoy the island’s surprisingly good food scene and laid-back bars like Captain Nick’s and the Poor People’s Pub. The combination of natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and warm hospitality makes Block Island a perfect place to slow down and recharge away from the busy mainland.
8. Hamilton Pool Preserve, Texas
Hamilton Pool Preserve is a natural oasis in the heart of Texas that enchants visitors with its jade-green waters and towering limestone cliffs. This hidden grotto was formed thousands of years ago when an underground river collapsed, creating one of the most beautiful swimming holes in America.
The pool’s peaceful beauty is enhanced by a cascading waterfall that adds a magical touch to the scene. On hot Texas days, the cool, clear water provides the perfect escape, and the natural setting makes it feel like a secret paradise. The preserve is also home to rich plant and animal life that thrives in this unique environment.
Because Hamilton Pool is such a special place, reservations are required to visit. This system helps protect the area while ensuring that everyone who comes gets to enjoy it without overwhelming crowds. The preserve limits the number of daily visitors to keep the environment healthy and maintain the peaceful atmosphere.
Swimming is allowed when bacteria levels are safe, which is most of the time during dry periods. Even when swimming isn’t permitted, the preserve is still worth visiting for its incredible natural beauty and the chance to see this amazing geological wonder. The short hike to reach the pool takes visitors through beautiful Texas Hill Country scenery.
9. Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska
Mendenhall Glacier is a gorgeous 13-mile-long glacier that showcases some of the most untouched and wild landscapes in America. Located near Juneau, Alaska, this massive river of ice provides visitors with an incredible look at one of nature’s most powerful forces.
Sadly, like many glaciers around the world, Mendenhall Glacier is shrinking every year due to climate change. This makes visiting even more important for those who want to witness this natural wonder while it’s still accessible. The glacier feeds into Mendenhall Lake, creating a stunning scene of ice, water, and mountains.
The area around Mendenhall Glacier features cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes, and lush forests that create perfect hiking opportunities. One of the most amazing features is the glacier’s ice caves, which glow with incredible turquoise colors. These caves can be reached by kayaking across the lake, but visitors should always go with experienced guides.
Wildlife viewing is excellent around Mendenhall Glacier, with frequent sightings of black bears and brown bears. Some trails occasionally close due to heavy bear activity, so checking current conditions before visiting is important. The visitor center provides great information about glacier formation and the changing landscape of Southeast Alaska.
10. Ruby Falls, Tennessee
Ruby Falls holds the distinction of being America’s tallest underground waterfall, making it literally a hidden gem beneath Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee. This incredible natural wonder lies 260 feet below ground and can only be reached by elevator.
The underground journey to Ruby Falls takes visitors through ancient cave formations that have been developing for millions of years. The cavern trail winds past impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations that showcase the slow but steady work of water over vast periods of time.
The waterfall itself drops 145 feet in a spectacular underground chamber that feels like entering a secret world. The sound of falling water echoing through the cave creates an almost magical atmosphere that visitors never forget. Colored lights illuminate the falls, making the experience even more dramatic.
Ruby Falls has been welcoming visitors since 1928, when Leo Lambert first discovered the underground waterfall during cave exploration. Today, the attraction includes an elevator system that makes the underground wonder accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The tour typically takes about an hour and includes both the journey to the falls and time to appreciate this unique natural wonder.
11. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Valley of Fire State Park covers 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone that creates one of the most dramatic landscapes in the American Southwest. Located about an hour northeast of Las Vegas, this park provides an easy way to see incredible desert beauty without traveling far from the city.
The park gets its name from the way the red rocks seem to glow like fire, especially during sunrise and sunset when the desert light is most beautiful. The visitor center provides fascinating information about petrified trees and ancient petroglyphs that are more than 2,000 years old, showing how people have been drawn to this area for thousands of years.
Valley of Fire features striking rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires that create endless opportunities for photography and hiking. Several easy walking trails lead to the best viewpoints, while more challenging hikes take adventurous visitors deeper into the desert landscape.
The park allows camping year-round, though the intense summer heat makes spring, fall, and winter the most comfortable times to visit. As the sun sets each day, the rocks truly do glow with an otherworldly light that casts a magical spell on everyone who witnesses this incredible desert wonderland.
12. Glass Beach, Fort Bragg, California
Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California, tells an amazing story of how nature can turn something ugly into something beautiful. This unique beach is covered with smooth, colorful glass pebbles that were once trash dumped into the ocean decades ago.
In the early 20th century, people dumped their garbage off the cliffs near Fort Bragg, including lots of glass bottles and other items. When environmental awareness grew in the 1960s, the area was cleaned up, but years of glass dumping had already left their mark on the shoreline.
Over time, the ocean waves tumbled and polished the glass pieces, turning sharp fragments into smooth, gem-like pebbles in every color imaginable. Each tide brings new treasures to the surface, creating a constantly changing display of sea glass that amazes beachcombers and artists.
Glass Beach provides a beautiful reminder of nature’s ability to heal and create beauty even from human mistakes. The transformation from a dumping ground to a treasure-filled beach encourages visitors to think about their own impact on the environment. Today, the area is protected, and visitors are asked not to take the glass so future generations can enjoy this unique creation.
13. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore runs along Lake Superior’s southern shore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, creating one of the most beautiful and secluded places to visit in the United States. The park gets its name from the amazing multi-colored cliffs that rise directly from the lake’s crystal-clear waters.
These colorful cliff formations create a striking contrast against the vivid blue-green waters of Lake Superior, making for some of the most photographable scenery in the Great Lakes region. The rugged coastline has been shaped by the powerful forces of the largest freshwater lake in the world, creating dramatic headlands, sea caves, and sandy beaches.
The park includes much more than just the famous cliffs. Visitors can see sandstone formations, sand dunes, wild shorelines, waterfalls, inland lakes, and deep forests all in one destination. More than 100 miles of hiking trails wind through these diverse landscapes, leading to hidden waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
Fall is considered the ultimate time to visit Pictured Rocks, particularly in late September or early October when the autumn colors reach incredible levels of intensity. The combination of brilliant red and gold leaves against the colored cliffs and blue lake waters creates one of the most spectacular fall displays anywhere in America.
14. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia, is famous for having one of the prettiest streets in America, and the beauty extends throughout this charming Southern city. Visitors come from around the world to see the stunning sunsets along River Street and watch horse-drawn carriages pass by magnificent 19th-century mansions in the Historic District.
The city is filled with 22 charming squares that each have their own personality and beautiful landscaping. Massive Southern live oak trees draped in Spanish moss create natural canopies over many streets and parks, including the famous scene in Chippewa Square where Forrest Gump sat on his park bench.
Savannah’s architecture is truly spectacular, with landmarks like the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist and the Mercer Williams House, which became famous through the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” The city is also known as the Holy City because of its hundreds of historic churches that add to the stunning skyline.
One of Savannah’s most beautiful attractions is Bonaventure Cemetery, which is considered one of the most gorgeous cemeteries in the world. The cemetery looks especially stunning during spring when the azaleas bloom in brilliant colors. Forsyth Park is another must-see location, where visitors love taking photos in front of the famous fountain surrounded by beautiful gardens.
15. Solvang, California
Solvang is a charming California town that brings a piece of Denmark to the American West. This unique destination features authentic Danish architecture, from traditional windmills to gingerbread-style buildings that make visitors feel like they’ve stepped into a European fairy tale.
The town was founded by Danish immigrants in 1911, and it has carefully preserved its Scandinavian heritage ever since. The streets are lined with bakeries serving authentic Danish pastries, museums showcasing Danish culture, and shops selling imported goods from Denmark. Horse-drawn carriages still clip-clop through the downtown area, adding to the old-world atmosphere.
Solvang makes an excellent day trip or weekend getaway, especially for families who enjoy the festive atmosphere and unique cultural experience. The town hosts several Danish festivals throughout the year, including a traditional Danish Days celebration that features folk dancing, authentic food, and live music.
The surrounding Santa Ynez Valley has become famous for its wineries, making Solvang a perfect base for wine tasting adventures. The combination of Danish culture, beautiful architecture, rolling hills, and nearby vineyards creates a sweet and memorable experience that feels completely different from anywhere else in America.
16. Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, Washington, looks like it was plucked straight from the Bavarian Alps and placed in the Cascade Mountains. This charming town reinvented itself in the 1960s with authentic German architecture and has since become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
The town is surrounded by incredible mountain scenery that provides a perfect backdrop for the traditional timber-framed buildings and alpine decorations. Every business in downtown Leavenworth follows the Bavarian theme, creating a cohesive and magical atmosphere that feels like visiting a real German village.
Leavenworth is famous for its seasonal festivals, particularly Oktoberfest, which draws thousands of visitors for authentic German beer, food, and music. The Christmas lighting ceremony transforms the town into a winter wonderland that looks like a scene from a holiday movie.
Year-round activities include hiking in the surrounding mountains during summer, skiing and snowshoeing in winter, and enjoying the beautiful Wenatchee River that flows right through town. Local breweries serve German-style beers, and restaurants provide hearty Alpine cuisine that perfectly complements the mountain setting.
17. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod is made up of fifteen charming New England towns that stretch along miles of pristine beaches and natural areas. The Cape Cod National Seashore extends 40 miles along the deep blue Atlantic Ocean from Chatham to Provincetown, protecting some of the most beautiful coastline on the East Coast.
Coast Guard Beach has been ranked among the top 10 beaches in America by Dr. Beach for 2025, and it’s easy to see why. The beach features dramatic dunes, excellent swimming conditions, and the historic Coast Guard station that sits on top of glacial bluffs with spectacular views of the barrier system and bay.
Throughout Cape Cod, visitors will notice bright pink and pure white beach roses that thrive in the sandy soil and salt air. Summer brings a beautiful display of blue hydrangeas and orange daylilies that complement the classic gray-shingled cottages that make Cape Cod so picturesque.
Cape Cod is home to 14 historic lighthouses, each with its own unique character and story. These lighthouses have guided ships safely to shore for centuries, and on foggy nights, their lights combine with the deep sounds of foghorns to create an unforgettable maritime atmosphere. The area also provides excellent opportunities for whale watching, particularly during migration seasons.
18. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina and welcomed more than 12 million visitors in 2024, making it America’s most visited national park. The park gets its name from the natural mist that often covers the ancient mountains, creating an ethereal and peaceful atmosphere.
The park features massive U-shaped valleys and impressive granite peaks that were carved by ancient ice flows millions of years ago. More than 800 miles of hiking trails wind through the mountains, leading to hidden waterfalls, historic cabins, and scenic overlooks that provide incredible views of the misty peaks.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is famous for its incredible diversity of plant and animal life. The park is home to black bears, white-tailed deer, elk, and hundreds of bird species. The variety of elevations and habitats creates perfect conditions for this amazing wildlife population.
The park is especially beautiful during fall when the deciduous trees turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Spring brings wildflowers and flowing waterfalls, while summer provides perfect hiking weather. Winter offers a peaceful, snowy landscape that feels completely different from the busy summer months.
19. Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park is home to some of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in the United States, from breathtaking mountain peaks to ancient rainforests. Located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, this park showcases several completely different ecosystems all within one protected area.
The park includes the famous Sol Duc Hot Springs, the crystal-clear waters of Lake Crescent, and Hurricane Ridge, which provides incredible mountain views. The temperate rainforests in Olympic are some of the few remaining old-growth forests in America, with massive trees that are hundreds of years old.
Ruby Beach is one of the park’s most popular coastal destinations and provides a wonderland for families with children. The tide pools hide colorful sea anemones, sea urchins, purple starfish, and tiny crabs that scurry between the rocks. The beach gets its name from the reddish agates mixed in with the sand and polished stones.
Olympic National Park also includes natural hot springs where visitors can relax after a day of hiking. The park’s diverse landscapes mean that visitors can experience everything from snow-capped mountains to rugged coastlines to peaceful lakes all in one trip.
20. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Badlands National Park creates one of the most dramatic and unusual landscapes in America, making it a perfect destination for people seeking something completely different. This park in southwestern South Dakota features striking rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires that look like they belong on Mars.
The multicolored layers of sediment rocks create a mesmerizing display of reds, yellows, and browns that tell the story of millions of years of geological history. The rock formations, called “badlands” by early travelers, were carved by wind and water into fantastic shapes that change appearance throughout the day as the light shifts.
The wheelchair-accessible Door Trail provides an easy way for all visitors to experience this incredible landscape. The trail leads to viewing areas where the Badlands stretch to the horizon in every direction, creating an otherworldly scene that amazes photographers and nature lovers.
Badlands National Park is also famous for its fossil discoveries and its role in paleontology research. The area has some of the darkest night skies in the country, making it perfect for stargazing. Visitors often see coyotes, prairie dogs, bison, and other wildlife that have adapted to this harsh but beautiful environment.
21. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is one of the prettiest places in the United States, located between the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan in the beautiful waters of Lake Huron. This small island covers just over eight miles around but is packed with incredible charm and natural beauty.
What makes Mackinac Island truly special is that no cars are allowed anywhere on the island. Everyone gets around by walking, biking, or taking horse-drawn carriages, which creates a peaceful and timeless atmosphere that feels like stepping back into the 1800s.
Some of the best things to do on Mackinac Island include eating the famous fudge that’s made fresh daily, seeing the beautiful lilac gardens in spring, staying at the historic Grand Hotel with its famous long porch, and taking carriage tours around the island. Arch Rock provides one of the most photographable natural landmarks on the island.
The island is only fully open from late May until October or November, depending on weather conditions, which means summer is the best time to visit for great weather and all the activities. During the summer season, visitors can also enjoy yacht races, get a rum runner cocktail from the Pink Pony bar, and attend various festivals and events.
22. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is often called the epitome of what a national park should be because it truly has everything visitors could want. This California treasure is known for its majestic granite mountains, beautiful giant sequoia trees, and incredible waterfalls that create some of the most iconic scenery in America.
The park’s most famous landmarks are Half Dome and El Capitan, massive granite formations that can be seen from viewpoints throughout Yosemite Valley. These impressive rocks attract rock climbers from around the world, but visitors don’t need any special skills to appreciate their incredible size and beauty.
Yosemite Valley is the most popular area of the park and features some of the most powerful waterfalls anywhere. The waterfalls are especially spectacular in spring when snowmelt fills the streams and sends water cascading hundreds of feet down the granite cliffs. Famous waterfalls include Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Vernal Falls, and Nevada Falls.
Tunnel View provides what many people consider the single most beautiful view in America. This easily accessible viewpoint shows Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Falls all in one incredible scene. At sunset, Half Dome turns brilliant orange at the top, creating a magical moment that visitors never forget.
23. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, Arizona, is famous for its stunning red rocks that create a dramatic contrast against the bright blue desert sky. This beautiful destination provides plenty of ways to soak in the natural beauty, whether visitors prefer active adventures or peaceful relaxation.
For those who love hiking, trails like Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge lead to spectacular viewpoints that showcase Sedona’s incredible landscapes. These hikes range from moderate to challenging, but the red rock views make every step worthwhile. The area is also famous for its spiritual energy, with several locations known as vortex sites that attract people seeking meditation and healing.
Sedona is home to luxury resorts that are nestled right among the gorgeous red rocks, providing the perfect setting for spa days and peaceful retreats. For families and adventure seekers, Slide Rock State Park features a natural water slide formed by the creek flowing over smooth rock formations.
Uptown Sedona comes alive in the evening when the setting sun creates incredible colors across the red rocks. Many restaurants have outdoor seating that provides front-row seats to these amazing sunsets. The combination of breathtaking landscapes, uplifting energy, and unbeatable sunsets makes Sedona a destination that stays in visitors’ hearts long after they leave.
24. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe is a stunning alpine lake nestled in the basin of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and it ranks as the largest alpine lake on the North American continent. This incredible destination spans the state border between California and Nevada and provides so much beauty and activities that it’s perfect for any season.
Winter brings snow-capped mountains and snowy beaches that glisten in the bright mountain sun, creating a magical winter wonderland. Spring fills the basin with rushing waterfalls from snowmelt, plus wildflowers and excellent hiking opportunities through places like Vikingsholm Bi-State Park.
Summer is perfect for enjoying the lake’s crystal-clear blue water at popular beaches like Sand Harbor or Zephyr Cove. The water is so clear that visitors can see deep into the lake, and the surrounding pine forests provide a beautiful green contrast to the bright blue water.
Autumn might be the most beautiful time at Lake Tahoe, when the aspen trees turn brilliant yellow and stand out among the evergreen forests in an amazing display of color. This is the perfect season for hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail or the East Shore Trail, where every viewpoint provides incredible scenes of the lake surrounded by colorful mountains.
25. Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu perfectly blends natural beauty with cultural attractions and the warm aloha spirit that makes Hawaii so special. This island is home to world-famous Waikiki Beach, where golden sands meet gentle blue waves that are perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
Diamond Head crater provides one of the most popular hiking experiences on the island, with a relatively easy trail that leads to breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and Honolulu’s skyline. The volcanic crater creates a dramatic backdrop for the city and beaches below.
Oahu is rich in history and culture, with attractions like Pearl Harbor National Memorial that honors the events of December 7, 1941, and Iolani Palace, which is the only royal palace in the United States. These sites help visitors understand Hawaii’s important place in American history.
The island’s food scene is a delicious melting pot of Pacific Rim, Asian, and traditional Hawaiian cuisines. From fresh seafood to authentic plate lunches, Oahu provides incredible dining experiences that reflect the diverse cultures that call Hawaii home. The North Shore beaches are famous for world-class surfing, while the tropical weather and amazing natural surroundings create the perfect setting for a true paradise vacation.
