The USA is an exciting destination to visit, whether you’re with family, friends, or traveling solo. There are so many beautiful places to explore, it can be tricky to know where to begin. To inspire a few ideas, these are 10 of the most stunning places to visit in the US.
1 . Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier is an iconic Washington landscape, reaching approximately 14,400 feet above the sea. The mountain is located within Mount Rainier National Park, around 40 miles away from Tacoma. Mount Rainier is made up of twenty five glaciers, that’s more glaciers than any other mountain in the USA. The glaciers form a key water source for six icy rivers, such as Carbon, Mowich, and Nisqually. There are plenty of tours that you can book to help you explore the national park. Experience the breathtaking forest, plunging waterfalls, and picturesque rivers.
While you’re in Washington there are plenty of other awesome places to explore, a few ideas include San Juan Island, Seattle Center, or Olympic National Park. If you’re a sports fan, why not check out the FedEx Field, Washington Football Team.
2. Maui
Maui has plenty of beautiful parks and idyllic beaches, it’s the perfect US vacation to unwind. Every year visitors flock to Wai’anapanapa beach, it’s a unique place because of the jet black sand. Wai’anapanapa State Park has awe-inspiring panoramic views. Here you’ll experience stunning green jungle landscapes, and deep blue waves crashing against the cliffs. Kapalua Bay Beach is another popular tourist spot. It’s one of the best places to go scuba diving or snorkeling.
If you’re looking for a national park to explore, head on down to Haleakala. While you’re here, take a trip to the Haleakala Observatory to watch the sunset.
3. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, California
In the forest, there are more giant sequoia trees than anywhere else in the world. Exploring the park you’ll find impressive canyons, deep caverns, giant mountains, and the largest trees on earth. The park has cabins and campgrounds if you fancy staying for a camping trip. There are plenty of activities you can try here including horseback riding and exploring crystal caves. Sequoia park has a visitors center with lots of engaging exhibitions and a junior ranger program. If you’re brave enough, climb the 350 steps up the spectacular Moro Rock. When you reach the top, the views up here will blow you away!
4. Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Colorado
The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an amazing place to experience a concert. It’s a stunning open-air theatre, listed as a National Historic Landmark. The venue has hosted various performances since 1906. A few big names who’ve played here include The Blue Brothers, Jimi Hendrix, and The Beatles. The amphitheater rises up to around 1,960m above the sea. The Red Rocks Park is a delightful place to explore, take a stroll or try mountain biking or horseback riding.
5. Dry Tortugas National Park
The Dry Tortugas National Park is located about 70 miles out of Key West. Here you’ll find many sea creatures swimming in the clear waters. The park is on an island, you’ll need to take a boat, or a seaplane to reach it. While you’re here you can explore the iconic Fort Jefferson. The best way to explore the park is to take a scuba diving or snorkeling trip. The park is part of the Florida Keys reef system. If you’re a beginner diver, you’ll need to pay special attention to your instructor.
6. Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is a ‘slot canyon’, carved by the wind and flood rains, over millions of years. Experience the wonder of the red sandstone shapes, and the narrow passageways. To get the most out of your visit, it’s best to book a guided tour. The tour guides provide plenty of info about the geology and history of Antelope Canyon. Don’t forget to bring your cameras to capture the beauty of this unique natural wonder.
7. Multnomah Falls, Oregon
This glorious waterfall is part of the Columbia River Gorge. Multnomah Falls is approximately 600 foot-tall. Here you can marvel at the beauty of the cascading waters. Native American folk law tells us that the falls were created as a gift to a young princess. For the closest view of the falls, take a walk up to the Benson Bridge. While you’re here, Wahkeena Falls is just another half-mile hike away. It’s another beautiful waterfall that’s around 240 feet tall.
8. Lake Tahoe, California
The breath-taking Lake Tahoe is framed by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the water is so crystal clear that it’s possible to see 70 feet down. According to Laketahoethisweek ‘Lake Tahoe is one of the purest water lakes in the world, with the water coming in at 99.994% pure’. Crystal Bay is the deepest point of the lake; it measures 1,645 feet. Visitors can book a tour to explore the lake by boat, on foot, or even by helicopter. Don’t miss the chance to see the clearest lake you’ll ever see in your life! For the best vacation in California, Lake Tahoe is the place to be.
9. Maroon Bells, Colorado
Maroon Bells are peaks of the stunning Elk Mountains, come and marvel at these wondrous mountaintops, reflected in the crystal lake below. There are plenty of hiking trails where you can explore the magic of the White River National Forest. The forest is a great place to explore and have an adventure. It stretches for around 2 million acres, including beautiful greenery, ski resorts, wilderness areas, and trails. According to Aspen Snowmass, ‘Maroon Bells are two of the most photographed mountains in all of North America.’
10. Coldfoot
Coldfoot is one of the best places to see the Northern lights. Tourists can book a night tour, which will take you to the best viewing spot. The Arctic Circle is just below Coldfoot. During the winter months, it remains completely dark from August to April. In the summertime, it’s the opposite, with constant daylight. Coldfoot is beneath the Aurora Oval. This means that if the weather is clear, it’s easy to view the aurora from Coldfoot.
Planning your trip
If you’re going to visit America, it’s important to plan your trip. You’ll want to make the most of every moment, and not waste any time. To help you plan, the following apps might come in handy.
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- National Park Trail Guide: If you’re planning to explore some national parks, you should check out the National Park Trail Guide. The app includes hike info and trail data for all the famous parks. On the app, you’ll find parks like Mount Rainier, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Zion, and more. Get special info, find out the best routes, and book excursions as you please.
- Roadside America: Heading off on a road trip? Then you need the Roadside America app. The app can help you to find cool attractions on your route, to make the most of your trip. A few options include museums, architecture, historical spots, natural wonders, caves, Route 66 sights, and more. Both of these apps are excellent tools to plan your activities and routes.
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With so many beautiful places to visit in the U.S, it’s impossible to see everything in just one trip. It’s best to do a little research and figure out which places are at the top of your list. If you’re traveling in a big group, planning is especially important. Once you’ve got your itinerary sorted it’s time to get packing!