The most beautiful places in America come in many forms, as each region of the country delivers its own unique brand of natural wonder. In the Pacific Northwest, temperate rainforests meet snow-capped mountains, while the Southwest features otherworldly deserts, red-rock formations, and the grandest of canyons. On the opposite coast, you’ll find white-sand Atlantic beaches and serene lakes that come alive with color in the fall. And the country’s natural wonders extend far beyond the Lower 48: Hawaii’s volcanic cliffs and turquoise waters and Alaska’s glacier-studded coasts encourage folks to explore outside the contiguous US. Whether you’re looking for some scenic road trip inspiration or simply want to check some new and exciting destinations off your travel list, here are the 50 most beautiful places in America—ranging from rainbow-hued geothermal features to endless expanses of prairies. The only thing you’ll need to decide is which one to visit first.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
