outdoorhacker logo

50 Most Beautiful Places In The USA You Must Visit Once In a Lifetime

The United States of America is a vast and diverse country, filled with natural wonders, historic landmarks, and bustling cities. From the stunning coastlines of California to the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains, there is no shortage of breathtaking scenery to discover. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a new adventure, there are countless beautiful places in the USA to explore. Here are the 50 Most Beautiful Places In The USA you must visit once in a lifetime.

Table of Contents

Most Beautiful Places In The USA in 2023

1. Las Vegas, Nevada

Most Beautiful Places In The USA 2023

Las Vegas, Nevada, is a world-famous tourist destination for several reasons. Firstly, it is known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene, with many casinos, nightclubs, and shows. Visitors can explore the iconic Las Vegas Strip, with its towering hotels and neon lights, or attend one of the many world-class shows and concerts.

Popular Things to Do in Las Vegas:

  • Visit the Bellagio Fountains
  • See a show
  • Visit the Neon Museum
  • Go to a nightclub
  • Take a helicopter tour
  • Visit the High Roller

2. Seattle – Washington

Seattle, Washington, is a popular tourist destination for several reasons. Firstly, it is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the city surrounded by water, mountains, and forests. Visitors can explore the iconic Pike Place Market, with its fresh seafood and produce, or take a ferry to one of the nearby islands. Another reason why Seattle is attractive to tourists is its thriving arts and culture scene.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in Seattle – Washington:

  • Visit the Space Needle
  • Explore Pike Place Market
  • Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island
  • Visit the Museum of Pop Culture
  • Explore the Olympic Sculpture Park

3. New Orleans – Louisiana

New Orleans is a historic and vibrant city located in the southern state of Louisiana. It is known for its unique blend of cultures, including French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, as well as its rich history, delicious cuisine, and live music scene. One of the most iconic landmarks in New Orleans is the French Quarter, a historic district known for its colourful buildings, iron balconies, and lively atmosphere.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in New Orleans – Louisiana:

  • Visit the French Quarter
  • Visit the French Quarter
  • Visit the National WWII Museum
  • Enjoy Live Music
  • Take a Swamp Tour

4. Aspen – Colorado

Aspen is a popular destination for tourists for several reasons. Firstly, it is known for its world-class skiing and winter sports. The town is surrounded by four ski areas with a combined total of over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain and is famous for its challenging terrain that attracts advanced skiers and snowboarders. In addition, Aspen is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and theatres, including the renowned Aspen Art Museum and the historic Wheeler Opera House. Another reason why Aspen is attractive to tourists is its stunning natural beauty. 

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in New Aspen – Colorado:

  • Visit the Maroon Bells
  • Hike or Bike in the Mountains
  • Explore the Aspen Art Museum
  • Take a Scenic Drive
  • Ski or Snowboard

5. Sedona – Arizona

 Sedona, Arizona, is a popular destination for tourists for several reasons. Firstly, it is known for its stunning natural beauty. The town is located in the heart of the Red Rocks region, surrounded by breathtaking sandstone formations in various shades of red, orange, and brown. Visitors can explore the area’s hiking trails, take a Jeep tour, or simply admire the scenery from one of the many viewpoints.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in Sedona – Arizona:

  • Hike in the red rocks
  • Take a Jeep tour
  • Take a hot air balloon ride
  • Visit Sedona Arts Centre
  • Enjoy the Local Cuisine

6. San Francisco – California

San Francisco, California, is a popular tourist destination for several reasons. Firstly, it is known for its iconic landmarks and attractions, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Visitors can explore these landmarks and view the city’s beautiful views from various vantage points.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in San Francisco – California:

  • Visit the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Explore Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Ride a cable car
  • Visit Alcatraz Island
  • Walk or bike across the Golden Gate Park

7. New York City – New York

New York City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and is attractive to visitors for various reasons. Firstly, it is known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Empire State Building and Times Square. These landmarks represent the city’s history and culture and are tourists’ must-see attractions.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in New York City:

  • Walk through Central Park
  • Explore Times Square
  • Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
  • Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
  • Visit the Empire State Building

8. Chicago – Illinois

Chicago, Illinois, is a popular tourist destination for several reasons. Firstly, it is known for its iconic architecture, such as the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) and the John Hancock Center. Visitors can explore the city’s unique skyline and architectural landmarks on boat tours or by visiting popular sites like the Chicago River Walk and the Millennium Park.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in Chicago – Illinois:

  • Walk along Navy Pier
  • Visit the Art Institute of Chicago
  • Enjoy deep-dish pizza
  • Explore the Magnificent Mile
  • Visit the Field Museum

9. Miami – Florida

Miami, Florida, is a popular tourist destination for several reasons. Firstly, it is known for its beautiful beaches, such as South Beach and Miami Beach. These beaches offer warm weather, clear waters, and a vibrant atmosphere with many activities and entertainment options for visitors.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in Miami – Florida:

  • Relax on the beaches
  • Explore the Art Deco Historic District
  • Visit Little Havana
  • Check out the street art.
  • Visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

10. Savannah – Georgia

Savannah, Georgia, is a popular tourist destination for several reasons. Firstly, it is known for its charming and picturesque historic district, with tree-lined streets, beautiful squares, and historic buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can take a walking or trolley tour to explore this unique and well-preserved historic district.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in Savannah – Georgia:

  • Visit Forsyth Park
  • Take a stroll through the historic district
  • Explore River Street.
  • Visit Bonaventure Cemetery
  • Take a ghost tour

11. Portland – Oregon

Portland, Oregon, is a popular tourist destination for several reasons. Firstly, it is known for its vibrant food and drink scene, with a plethora of food carts, microbreweries, and coffee shops. Visitors can explore popular food districts such as the Alberta Arts District and the Mississippi District or take a food tour to sample the city’s diverse cuisine. Another reason why Portland is attractive to tourists is its thriving arts and culture scene. The city is home to many museums and galleries, such as the Portland Art Museum and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, as well as several performing arts venues, such as the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall and the Oregon Ballet Theatre.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in Portland – Oregon:

  • Visit Powell’s City of Books
  • Explore Washington Park
  • Visit the Portland Art Museum
  • Go on a brewery tour.
  • Take a walk or bike ride along the Willamette River

12. Grand Teton National Park – Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park is a popular destination for tourists due to its spectacular scenery. The park boasts some of the country’s most breathtaking and dramatic mountain scenery, with the iconic Teton Range towering over crystal-clear lakes, lush valleys, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can take advantage of various activities, such as hiking, biking, and driving through the park’s scenic roads and trails, capturing stunning photos of the landscape. The park also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, boating, and skiing. Visitors can explore the park’s backcountry trails, go fishing in its pristine lakes and rivers, or hit the slopes in the winter.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park – Wyoming:

  • Hiking
  • Wildlife watching
  • Scenic drives
  • Boating
  • Fishing

13. Napa Valley – California

Napa Valley, California, is a popular destination for tourists due to its world-class wine. The region is known around the world for its exceptional wine, and visitors can explore the more than 400 wineries and vineyards that dot the region. The valley’s unique climate and soil make it ideal for growing grapes, and many of the wineries offer tastings and tours where visitors can sample various wines.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in Napa Valley – California:

  • Wine tasting
  • Hot air balloon rides
  • Visit the Napa Valley Wine Train
  • Visit the Oxbow Public Market
  •  Go on a culinary tour

14. Lake Tahoe – California

Lake Tahoe, located on the border between California and Nevada, is a popular destination for tourists due to its stunning natural beauty and range of outdoor activities. The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering mountains and dense forests, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for water sports, with opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing in the summer months.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in Lake Tahoe – California:

  • Hiking
  • Skiing and Snowboarding
  • Water Sports
  • Beaches
  • Scenic Drives

15. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park, located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, is a popular destination for tourists due to its stunning natural beauty and range of outdoor activities. The park is known for its towering granite cliffs, sparkling waterfalls, and ancient giant sequoia trees, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and camping. Visitors can explore the park’s numerous trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, and admire the stunning scenery along the way.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in Yosemite National Park – California:

  • Skiing and Snowboarding
  • Camping
  • Stargazing
  • Biking
  • Hiking
  • Waterfalls

16. Bryce Canyon National Park – Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, is a popular destination for tourists due to its unique and stunning natural beauty. The park is known for its red, orange, and white rock formations, known as hoodoos, which were formed by millions of years of erosion and weathering. These spectacular formations make Bryce Canyon a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park – Utah:

  • Ranger-led programs
  • Wildlife watching
  • Snowshoeing
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Scenic Drives

17. Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North America, attracting millions of visitors every year. There are several reasons why Niagara Falls is so attractive to tourists.

Firstly, the falls themselves are a natural wonder and one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world. The three waterfalls that makeup Niagara Falls – Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls – create a breathtaking sight, with millions of gallons of water cascading over the edge every minute.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in Niagara Falls – New York:

  • Maid of the Mist boat tour
  • Journey Behind the Falls
  • Niagara Falls State Park
  • Cave of the Winds
  • Niagara Sky Wheel

18. Denali National Park – Alaska

Denali National Park in Alaska is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world, attracting visitors from all over the globe. There are several reasons why Denali National Park is so popular among tourists.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in Denali National Park – Alaska:

  • Wildlife viewing
  • Denali summit flightseeing
  • Whitewater rafting
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Dog sledging

19. The Smithsonian Museums – Washington, D.C

The Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C., are some of the most attractive tourist destinations in the United States, and for good reason. Here are some of the reasons why the Smithsonian Museums are so popular among tourists:

Firstly, the Smithsonian Museums offer an unparalleled collection of artefacts and exhibits that cover a broad range of subjects, from science and technology to art and history. With over 19 museums and galleries, including the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Air and Space Museum, visitors can immerse themselves in a wide range of topics and learn about the history and culture of the United States and the world.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in The Smithsonian Museums – Washington:

  • National Museum of Natural History
  • National Air and Space Museum
  • National Museum of American History
  • National Portrait Gallery
  • National Museum of African American History and Culture

20. The Outer Banks – North Carolina

The Outer Banks, a 200-mile stretch of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, is a popular tourist destination for several reasons. Here are some of the reasons why the Outer Banks is so attractive to tourists.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in The Outer Banks – North Carolina:

  • Visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
  • Explore the Wright Brothers National Memorial
  • Relax on the beaches
  • Go fishing or crabbing
  • Visit the Roanoke Island Festival Park

21. Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, and it attracts millions of tourists each year. Here are some reasons why it is so attractive to tourists:

Firstly, the Grand Canyon is a breathtaking sight to behold. Carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, the canyon spans over 277 miles and is up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep in some places. Visitors can take in the stunning views from numerous viewpoints, hike along the rim, or even venture down into the canyon itself for a more immersive experience.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona:

  • Mule rides
  • Whitewater rafting
  • Helicopter tours
  • Skywalk
  • Ranger-led programs

22. Joshua Tree National Park – California

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most unique and strikingly beautiful natural landscapes in the United States, and it attracts millions of tourists each year. Here are some reasons why it is so attractive to tourists:

Firstly, Joshua Tree National Park is home to a diverse and stunning array of natural features, including bizarre rock formations, towering cliffs, and vast desert landscapes. The park is named after the distinctive Joshua tree, a spiky, otherworldly plant that grows only in the Mojave Desert. Visitors to the park can take in the spectacular views from numerous overlooks, hike along scenic trails, or simply relax and soak up the natural beauty.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park:

  • Ranger-led programs
  • Wildlife watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Biking
  • Backcountry exploration.

23. The Catskills – New York

The Catskill Mountains in upstate New York have long been a popular tourist destination, offering a range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. One of the region’s main draws is its natural beauty, with rolling hills, forests, waterfalls, and lakes creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, skiing, and snowboarding, as well as exploring the area’s many state parks and preserves, including the Catskill Park and the Catskill Forest Preserve.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in The Catskills – New York:

  • Zip-lining
  • Waterfalls and scenic drives
  • Farmers’ markets and local food
  • Tubing and rafting
  • Arts and cultural events

24. The Adirondacks – New York

The Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York are a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors worldwide to experience their natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Spanning over six million acres, the Adirondacks offer visitors a diverse range of activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, and more. The region’s many lakes and rivers are perfect for water sports, and its rugged peaks and valleys are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, moose, and bald eagles.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in The Adirondacks – New York:

  • Canoeing and kayaking
  • Scenic drives and leaf peeping
  • Wildlife watching
  • Local Craft breweries and wineries.
  • Fishing

25. The Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia and North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic highway that runs for 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. It is a popular destination for tourists looking to explore the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Parkway offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, with numerous scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and picnic areas to enjoy.

Most Beautiful Places In The USA

Popular Things to Do in The Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia and North Carolina:

  • Scenic drives
  • Waterfalls and scenic vistas
  • Picnicking and outdoor dining
  • Parkway craft centre and local art galleries
  • Biking

Leave a Comment

Share to...