It is difficult, almost unfair, to name the most beautiful States in the USA, since each of them has its right dose of natural beauty added to the constructions created by man, to its particular character, its magic and atmosphere. However, I decided to put together an absolutely subjective list of my 10 most beautiful states in America.
01 – California
Simply, it’s incredibly diverse, fascinating and creative, and has everything from sun-kissed surf beaches and charming cities to picturesque vineyards, rugged mountains, redwood forests and iconic deserts, California sits at the top of my list as the state’s most nice in the United States. The scenery changes spectacularly from south to north, and its cities range from distinctive to artistic and definitely fabulous. Moreover, no other place in the nation inspires a sense of wandering similar to the Golden State. Whether your dreams in California are about driving the Big Sur coast, surfing at Malibu, sunset at the Golden Gate Bridge, hiking in Yosemite National Park or tasting wine at Sonoma, you’ll always be amazed at everything.
Natural jewels such as the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Mohave desert, the Sequoia National Park or the magical Mount Shasta make the most populous state of the United States the wonderland of adventurers, while unique destinations like Disneyland and Hollywood add to its incredible variety of things to do and see. With a relaxed attitude, a typically Mediterranean climate and a special and colorful culture, California is undoubtedly one of the best states to visit. To capture its true spirit, immerse yourself in the coffee scene in the hipster area of San Francisco, admire the modernist architecture of the Mid-Century Palm Springs, indulge in the sophisticated European charm of Santa Barbara and do vintage shopping at Joshua Tree, an oasis of freshness in the middle of the desert Oh, and do not forget the sunny and beautiful Los Angeles, with its lively and eclectic neighborhoods, the avant-garde culture, the restaurants studded with stars and the glorious beaches of golden sand.
02 – Montana
A land of vast open grasslands, glorious mountains, picturesque cities and great blue skies, Montana is undoubtedly one of America’s most beautiful states. Expect to be mesmerized by the dramatic Yellowstone canyons and gushing geysers, the wonderful limestone caves of Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, or the mysterious sounds of Ringing Rocks.
The crowning glory of the Big Sky Country crown is however the magnificent one million acre glacier national park, where crystalline and emerald lakes shine in the shadow of mighty snowy peaks, wild flowers that bloom in valleys carved by glaciers and yet more than 1.100 km of hiking trails that intertwine visitors from wild alpine meadows to evergreen forests, gushing streams and fresh waterfalls. And then there is the urban Montana, with the vibrant and artistic Missoula and Helena, architecturally stimulating, or Big Sky Resort in the Rocky Mountains, which boasts of the largest ski area in America.
03 – Alaska
Big snow-capped mountains, dramatic fjords, aquamarine glaciers and pure pristine wilderness, Alaska is not like any other in the United States. The beauty of the 49th state lies in the harsh splendor of its terrain, which includes lush rainforests, volcanic valleys, the vast Arctic tundra and the highest peak in North America (Mount McKinley). Stretching over 54.600 km, its coastline, a dramatic mix of jagged cliffs, tidewater glaciers and barren windswept islands, is longer than any other coasts of the United States, while its harsh, sparsely populated interior is inundated of desert, solitude and fairytale northern lights.
To experience the largest and most northerly state of America in all its glory and grandeur, start with the astonishing Glacier Bay National Park and Reserve, a freezing wonderland of fjords sculpted by ice, abundant marine life and colossal glaciers crashing in the ocean. Likewise, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park are full of unforgettable landscapes and unique adventures..
04 – Utah
Breathtaking, special and absolutely gorgeous, Utah is definitely the state of rugged natural beauty and endless outdoor adventures. Skiers from all over the world are attracted to the Wasatch Mountain Range for its high-class ski resorts and what is probably the “Greatest Snow on Earth“, while all the others come to witness its spectacular geology and otherworldly attractions in the “Mighty Five” national parks.
The magnificent rock formations of Arches and Canyonlands, the red rock rocks of Sion, or the eternal hoodoos of Bryce’s sunset show that Utah is one of the naturally beautiful states of the United States. But Utah has also ancient rock art, fascinating dinosaur fossils, Mormon archaeological sites, fascinating mountain towns and art galleries.
05 – Arizona
With painted deserts, majestic canyons and over 325 days of sunshine a year, it is not surprising that Arizona is one of the most visited states in the country. In the heart of the American Southwest, this kaleidoscope of Native American cultures and enchanted landscapes is full of memorable experiences, whether it’s admiring the Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert, or for capturing the spiritual energy of Sedona’s red rocks, or enjoy the historic Route 66, observe the stars at Flagstaff or savor the old West in cities like Jerome, Bisbee or Tombstone.
The state of the Grand Canyon boasts 22 national parks and monuments, many of which will leave you enchanted. If you are looking for geological treasures and breathtaking landscapes, do not miss the Antelope Canyon, the surreal national monument of Chiricahua, the captivating national monument of the Vermilion cliffs or the iconic Monument Valley on the border with Utah.
06 – Hawaii
Hawaii, the 50th of the United States of America, stands out for its culture, flora and fauna and the stunning scenery that includes everything from volcanoes to emerald valleys to paradisiacal beaches. This is the most exotic state of the United States and the only completely constituted by islands, its unique natural treasures and geological wonders are carefully protected by state and national parks.
You will find the largest volcano on the planet, Mauna Loa, in Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park, some of the most spectacular sunrises on Earth at the Haleakalā National Park in Maui, as well as black sand beaches and freshwater caves wrapped in legends at Waianapanapa. In addition, the Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historic Park abounds with ancient cultural sites, Hanauma Bay is proud of some of the world’s best snorkeling and the Kauai Waimea Canyon is a true geological wonder.
07 – Colorado
Home to fascinating ski resorts, historic cities and nature reserves, it’s no wonder Colorado is always on the list of America’s most beautiful states. After all, not many places in the world can compete with the natural beauty and diversity of the Centenary State. Between the heights of the beautiful Rocky Mountains and the deep canyons carved by the Colorado River, here is a world apart that begs to be explored.
For the most part, the Colorado brings to mind images of snowy peaks and skis, but there are also lovely lakes, spectacular mountain roads and impressive sand dunes. And honestly, it’s hard to decide which is more surprising: the wonderfully bizarre rock formations of Garden of the Gods, the fascinating ghost towns dotted with old photogenic wooden buildings, or Aspen, where there’s beauty in everything, from the sublime scenery to the incredible slopes for high-level skiing.
08 – Michigan
Idyllic islands, small towns and myriad outdoor adventures await visitors in Michigan, a striking state of the Central West United States surrounded by the Great Lakes. Take a trip back in time on Mackinac Island, car-free and in Victorian style; paddle along the multicolored sandstone cliffs of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore; or don’t miss the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for a mix of lovely forests, beaches, blue Caribbean waters and high sandy cliffs.
The Great Lakes State is also known for its automobile history, and this can be experienced in Detroit, a city in the midst of a cultural revolution, with prestigious historical architecture, world-renowned museums and a revitalized culinary and artistic scene. Alternatively, Traverse City and Ann Arbor offer a taste of a provincial America, while Holland and Frankenmuth seem to take you to Europe.
09- Oregon
From lush forests to rugged coasts, you will be amazed by the natural splendor of Oregon. Nestled in an ancient volcanic crater and surrounded by rocky cliffs, the crystal clear and incredibly blue Crater Lake is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular places in the state. And so the incredible rock formations of Smith Rock State Park, the dreamy Toketee Falls, or the mighty Mount Hood, with its snowy peaks and glaciers, the picturesque alpine lakes and the wonderful meadows full of wild flowers.
In geographic terms, Oregon is indeed a land of surprising contrasts, with landscapes that rival those of Lord of the Rings, but the cities are just as enchanting. Get the cool and creative Portland, for example, where designer boutiques and ultra-chic restaurants meet with craft breweries and quiet gardens; or the quaint and historic Jacksonville, with its brick and wood buildings and the charming atmosphere of the old world.
10 – Florida
Also known as Sunshine State, Florida is a seductive mix of beautiful beaches, a mild climate and a sweet Latin atmosphere. But there is more to this peninsula located in the southernmost point of the continental United States than its sunbathers and lovers of the perfect body.
Home to mysterious wetlands, spectacular coral reefs and the country’s largest subtropical wilderness area called Everglades, it is an absolute paradise for adventurers and nature lovers. Add the glitz and glamor of Miami, the magic of Walt Disney World in Orlando and the Spanish colonial architecture of St. Augustine, and here you have one of the most beautiful and diverse places in the United States of America.
