The wide geographical expanse of the country wraps within it a huge amount of biodiversity and natural beauty. From gorgeous snow-clad mountaintops to tropical beaches, the U.S. is home to several natural wonders. Some of these can be found protected within national and state parks, while other gems remain hidden. Either way, all these destinations offer travelers a chance to experience the beauty and nature in all these places in all their glory.
Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Antelope Canyon is home to the most magnificent slot canyons in the Navajo Nation and one of the most photographed destinations in the Southwest. It is renowned for its wave-like sandstone formations, which are only accessible through a guided tour with a Navajo guide. The best time to visit and witness the gorgeous light beams is between March and October, generally mid-day. However, this place can get quite crowded, so booking tours well in advance is recommended.
Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana
The nation’s largest river swamp, the Atchafalaya Basin, spreads over a million acres with natural formations like hardwoods, swamps, bayous, and backwater lakes. This site is five times more productive than any other river basin in North America. It is home to many flora and fauna, including alligators, Spanish moss, egrets, bald eagles, and much more.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
The rugged landscape of the Badlands National Park is another popular natural destination in the country. Visitors are met with buttes, spires, and pinnacles that span thousands of acres. The park is 244,000 acres big and inhabited by mixed-grass prairie fauna like ferrets, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets.
Common activities here include spotting wildlife, witnessing the gorgeous night skies, taking a road trip down the South Unit, Sage Creek Rim Road, or the Badlands Loop Road, and visiting the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, White River Visitor Center, and Fossil Preparation Lab.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Nature lovers must go along Highway 101 to see the beautiful state parks, rugged coastlines, and hideaways. Just off this road lies Cannon Beach, one of the most stunning beaches in the country. Visitors shouldn’t miss out on walking along the sand during the low tide or watching the water strike against the 235-foot Haystack Rock.
Florida Keys
If the goal is to witness spectacular sunsets or visit white sand beaches, a trip to the Florida Keys is necessary. It is a set of islands between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors here can also head out on diving and snorkeling excursions to the country’s living coral barrier reef.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Get a glimpse of a prairie safari rich with wildlife and pristine lakes with a trip to the Grand Teton National Park. This place, framed by the Teton mountain range in the background, has been home to communities of people for over 11,000 years, making it the perfect place to soak in years of culture and natural beauty.
Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
For a natural destination that is open all year round, take a visit to the Hocking Hills State Park. Visitors will find over 25 miles of hiking trails, rock formations, waterfalls, recess caves, and more within the park. They can also visit the canopied gorges by hemlock trees or the trail leading up to the Whispering Cave.
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in the country, is millions of years old and offers stunning scenic mountain views. While its natural beauty remains its principal attraction, there’s a lot to do otherwise, too, including skiing down the slopes or checking out the casinos in Nevada.
Na Pali Coast, Hawaii
Nestled in the northwest of Kauai Island, the Na Pali Coast has one of the most attractive coastlines in the country, alongside several glimmering beaches, waterfalls, and sea caves. That said, getting here can be quite difficult, as it is only accessible by boat, helicopter, or a long hike.
Palouse, Idaho
Palouse is situated in the Northwest, covering about 4,000 square miles from northern Idaho to southeastern Washington, and it is one of the most distinct geographical formations in the country. The loess hills here give the appearance of dunes in varying shades of green. Visitors can go here in the late spring, i.e., late May to early June, to take in the full beauty of the lush green fields and vibrant wildflowers.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Visitors can try to spot the stunning display of the Northern Lights on a trip to the Voyageurs National Park. This place spans 218,000 acres of lakes, forests, and streams, creating a wondrous tapestry of natural sites. Visitors can also canoe down the rivers during the summer months or spend the days in luxury in the houseboats that pepper the lakes in the winter.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park in California is one of the most popular natural attractions and perhaps the best national park to visit in the country. It has so much in store for visitors: alpine meadows, the highest waterfalls in the world, sequoia groves, and Yosemite Valley.
There is no shortage of scenic outdoor attractions in the country; this list is only the beginning. Travelers can find many more eco-friendly travel spots that amaze them!