The United States is an incredibly diverse country—not just in population. Geographically, the country spans sweeping deserts and towering, snow-capped mountain peaks, bordered by pristine shorelines on each coast.
Of all 50 states in the country, these 15 have captured Americans’ hearts for their unique displays of natural beauty.
This ranking of the most stunning U.S. states will help you plan your next epic vacation:
15. Idaho
Idaho is a hidden gem for nature lovers seeking an escape. Underrated cities like Boise and Coeur d’Alene boast striking views of the surrounding mountains. Even at night, the state shines in areas like the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve.
14. Tennessee
Take a trip down south to admire Tennessee’s idyllic countryside. Hike along the Appalachian Trail, swim beneath natural waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains, and visit iconic destinations like Nashville and Memphis. There’s no shortage of beauty and culture to uncover in Tennessee.
13. Maine
Expect rocky seaside cliffs, thick spruce forests, and charming coastal towns when sightseeing in Maine. As the northernmost state, it shares a border with Canada. Maine has many unique environments, making it a prime spot for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching.
12. North Carolina
While North Carolina boasts portions of the country’s most-visited national park, there’s much more to discover beyond the Great Smoky Mountains. Head to Asheville and tour the Biltmore Estate, the largest home in America. The Outer Banks, meanwhile, offer a peaceful island oasis.
11. Utah
Utah’s vibrant desert landscapes are a sight to behold. The state has something for everyone to enjoy, regardless of the season. Summer is ideal for admiring unique rock formations, while colder weather transforms Utah into a winter wonderland.
10. Montana
Taste the mountain life in Montana during your next getaway. It’s an outdoor lover’s paradise, with alpine lakes, sprawling meadows, and rustic towns. Yellowstone National Park is also a quintessential experience, with herds of bison, geysers, waterfalls, and more.
9. Vermont
Autumn is one of the best times of year to visit Vermont. Many travel to this northeastern state for its postcard-worthy fall foliage. It’s a relaxing destination where you can unwind and savor the peaceful surroundings.
8. Arizona
Do you crave a change of scenery? Arizona’s dramatic canyons and rugged deserts are the perfect vacation backdrop. With bucket list-worthy places like the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley, you’ll never be bored in Arizona.
7. Oregon
Oregon is a must-visit Pacific Northwest vacation spot. Plan a trip to Mount Hood for unforgettable volcano views or spot native wildlife on the Pacific Coast. You can also see the country’s deepest body of water, Crater Lake.
6. Wyoming
Dramatic nature displays and exciting wildlife encounters await you in Wyoming. Jackson Hole is the perfect place to witness the state’s one-of-a-kind beauty. There’s a beautiful world of adventure to discover throughout Wyoming.
5. Colorado
You’ll find some of America’s most iconic landmarks in Colorado. Hiking is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Popular areas include Rocky Mountains National Park and Garden of the Gods.
4. California
California boasts some of the country’s best scenery. This stunning destination has everything from deserts to mountains and miles of coastline. Home to nine national parks, the most of any U.S. state, California’s various landscapes are worth exploring at least once in your lifetime.
3. Alaska
Alaska is known as the Final Frontier for a reason. This largely untamed state is famous for its rolling forests, rocky peaks, and rugged coastlines. Embark on an Alaskan cruise to see the state’s top highlights in one unforgettable vacation.
2. Washington
Everyone should plan a trip to enjoy Washington’s rugged wilderness areas. Mount Rainier is the most famous attraction, but the Olympic Peninsula, San Juan Islands, and Columbia River Gorge are essential sights. Washington has a seemingly endless array of things to see and do.
1. Hawaii
Unsurprisingly, two of U.S. News & World Report’s top five must-visit places in the country are Hawaiian locations. There are many must-see cities and outdoor spots statewide. Try snorkeling in Oahu or go hiking in Maui for epic views.
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
