Categories: Travel

8 U.S. Places That Capture Mother Nature’s Beauty

Photo by Jacob Lund from Shutterstock

From coastlines to mountains, every inch of these U.S. destinations is pure gold. It is really hard to decide which one should be on top of the list because they are all worthy, but, as the saying goes, “beauty lies in the eye of the beholder” so please let us know which one is your favorite and if you have ever visited them by commenting below.

Click on the “NEXT” button to discover all of them!

Photos by Sekar B from Shutterstock | Blue waters at Porcupine bay, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

1. Kenai Fjords, Alaska

Although Kenai Fjords is the smallest national park in Alaska, its beauty never ceases to amaze us. And if you’re looking for tranquility and breathtaking vistas, Kenai Fjords should most definitely be on your next travel bucket list. Plus, if you’re fascinated by whales, here you’ll have the opportunity to spot them.

Glaciers, abundant wildlife, incredible landscapes and blue waters are all a wayfarer’s dream. We recommend you to visit this unbelievable place during summer, because the days are longer and the weather is great. (For a one-of-a-kind experience you should stay in Seward, a city in Kenai Peninsula.)

The Alaskan wilderness awaits you, dear traveler! 🙂

Photo by Kris Wiktor from Shutterstock | Shooting the perfect sunset at Crater Lake, Oregon.

2. Crater Lake, Oregon

Located in southern Oregon, Crater Lake National Park is a place everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. There are no words to describe this destination, but we could offer you some interesting facts. For instance, did you know that Crater Lake is actually the deepest lake in the United States and the ninth-deepest in the world?

The lake is actually a caldera, not a crater and it was formed after a violent eruption. It took approximately 250 years for the caldera to fill to its current amount of snow and rain water. For most people the main attractions are hiking, biking and fishing… But who needs a stick and two wheels when a pair of eyes is enough?

Photo by lunamarina from Shutterstock | The Colorado River that snakes through the sandstone cliffs.

3. Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Horseshoe Bend is a popular landmark in our country, in fact, tourism has increased here to 2 million visitors each year since 2014. Nature lovers and those who seek adventures are always excited when it comes to Horseshoe Bend, however, note that there are no barriers preventing you from falling, so you must be very careful.

Located southwest of Page, Arizona, you can easily get there from Highway 89. While you’re there, you could also take a glance at Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell, John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum, and, of course, Grand Canyon National Park. (The more, the merrier!)

P.S.: Don’t forget your sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and bottled water—things tend to get hot here. 😀

Photo by Martin M303 from Shutterstock | An aerial view of spectacular Na Pali coast, Kauai, Hawaii, USA.

4. Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii

As we all know, Hawaii has six major islands and each has its own uniqueness, but Kauai is often referred to as one of the most beautiful places on earth due to the Na Pali coast. “Na Pali” means “High Cliffs” and the word HIGH is actually humble compared to the greatness of those impressive cliffs (they rise 4,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean).

From green valleys, caves, and spectacular waterfalls to abundant marine life, Na Pali Coast is certainly the best creation of God. So, for jaw-dropping views, you should visit Kauai—the best island in Hawaii.

Pro tip: Check Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific), a canyon that goes on for miles.

Photo by Eric Urquhart from Shutterstock | Stunning view of the Maine coastline at Acadia National park.

5. Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park hides some of the most beautiful landscapes on the Atlantic Seaboard. So, if you haven’t witnessed the sunset from Eastern Seaboard, you should pack your bags, get in the car and stop that engine only when you’ll see the sign of Acadia National Park Entrance.

Here you’ll spot rocky shores, unreal mountain peaks, and an abundance of wildlife, namely bobcats, peregrine falcons, white-tailed deer, and moose. There are even more reasons why you should visit this place: from Cadillac Mountain, a popular hiking destination to Otter Cliff, every single inch of the park will give you goosebumps.

Photo by Dean Fikar from Shutterstock | Amazing sunset at Palouse Falls in Washington state.

6. The Palouse, Washington and Idaho

The Palouse is a unique geographic region that encompasses parts of eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Rolling hills coated with wheat offer incredible views that every nature lover will adore. This pastoral region has a plus for being one of the Seven Wonders of Washington State.

While you’re here, you can not miss Palouse Falls. The best time to visit this place is during spring, as the weather becomes mild. For those who love hiking, Palouse River Canyon has a lot of things to offer. However, there are falling dangers along the trail, so if you aren’t prepared, skip it.

Photo by Josemaria Toscano from Shutterstock | Sunset at Arches National Park in Utah.

7. Arches National Park, Utah

Arches National Park is famous for its enormous blocks of rocks. Time and nature put their stamp on these rocks, making them seem like triumphal arches that witness unreal sunrises and sunsets every single day.

If you want to witness this tableau, don’t hesitate—it’s most definitely a worthwhile experience. The park hides a lot of oddly shaped rocks such as Balanced Rock, and the Delicate Arch (the one you can see in the above image). If you decide to visit this place, make sure you wear sturdy shoes.

Photo by puttsk from Shutterstock | A breathtaking mountain view at Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.

8. Grand Teton National Parl, Wyoming

Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park offers 310,000 acres of beauty to its visitors. You can opt for a guided horseback ride if too much adventure scares you (even if there’s no such thing), or discover the wilderness by yourself.

Oxbox Bend, Snake River, Cascade Canyons, Colter Bay, and Willow Flats are must-see spots here. However, note that you might experience a surprise bear encounter, that’s why you should stay at least 300 feet away from these wild animals.

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