There are countless reasons to plan a trip overseas, but just as many to explore the wonders within the United States. One of the biggest draws is the incredible variety of natural landscapes across the country. From dry deserts and thick rainforests to towering mountains and massive glaciers, the USA has it all. You'll also find stunning waterfalls, deep gorges, gentle rolling hills, and breathtaking coastlines, depending on where you go.
That said, some states stand out more than others when it comes to natural beauty. With insights from U.S. travel experts, we've put together a list of the most beautiful states in the country. Below, in no particular order, are the top picks. Let's check them out!
From canyons to coasts: are these America's most stunning landscapes?
Hawaii
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"Hawaii is a Pacific Island paradise and easily the most naturally beautiful state in the United States," says Janice Moskoff, founder of Gather & Go Travel. "It has everything – lush mountains, red canyons, powerful waterfalls, and stunning coastlines." While there are plenty of ways to enjoy Hawaii's beauty, like surfing, hiking, or taking boat tours, Moskoff suggests something extra special: "For the best experience, book a helicopter ride over islands like Kauai. You'll get an unforgettable aerial view of Manawaiopuna Falls and the famous Napali Coast."
Arizona
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"Arizona is one of the most beautiful states, with its red rock canyons, endless cacti, dark sky parks, and incredible sunsets," says Kirsten Maxwell, creator of Groups Are a Trip. To see the variety of landscapes, she recommends visiting "Antelope Canyon, the Grand Canyon, Sedona's sandstone formations, and the vast cacti fields of Saguaro National Park." Moskoff agrees, adding that seeing the Grand Canyon's massive chasm is a life-changing experience.
Alaska
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Alaska is a must-mention when talking about natural beauty in the USA. With 8 national parks, including Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Glacier Bay, it's a place where you can truly experience the wild. The state is defined by its mountains, glaciers, and rivers, but one of its most magical sights is in the sky. The northern lights, or aurora borealis, often light up Alaska's skies from late August to mid-April.
North Carolina
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North Carolina is packed with natural beauty in many forms. The waterfalls in the Highlands are incredibly photogenic, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a major highlight – it's one of the most visited parks in the country. The coast is equally stunning, with the Outer Banks and Brunswick Islands offering some of the best sunsets you'll ever see. Plus, the wide, quiet beaches are perfect for a relaxing escape.
Rhode Island
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"Rhode Island is a hidden gem among the most naturally beautiful states," says Dominic Brown, owner of TallTravelEats. Though it's the smallest state, it's full of stunning spots. Visit Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge to see migratory birds or head to Beavertail State Park for amazing coastal views. Block Island is another must-see, with some of the most beautiful beaches in the Northeast.
Virginia
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"Virginia's landscapes are incredibly diverse and stunning," says Brown. He recommends the Belle Isle Suspension Bridge in Richmond for hiking, biking, or just soaking in the views. "As a Virginian, I'd also suggest driving the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall, visiting the wild beaches of Assateague and Chincoteague, hiking in Great Falls Park, and seeing the 215-foot limestone arch at Natural Bridge State Park."
Colorado
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"Colorado is full of natural beauty," says Brown. He recommends relaxing in the hot springs at Glenwood Springs, where Iron Mountain Hot Springs offers stunning mountain views. The state is also home to Rocky Mountain National Park, with its summer wildflowers and fall foliage, the towering sand dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park, and the ancient red rock formations at Garden of the Gods.
Say goodbye to expensive airport parking: affordable options await with ParkingNearAirports.io!
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Along with our ultimate travel guide, we would like to share an additional valuable suggestion. This advice will prove beneficial for individuals who opt for air travel.
If you get to the airport by car, you always need to find a good parking space for your vehicle to leave for the period of a trip. In most cases, airports have special on-site parking for that purpose. However, such a parking lot is pretty costly most of the time, and people aren't ready to spend a lot of money at the beginning of a trip. So is there any solution?
The best way to solve this problem is to choose off-site parking. Why, you may ask? We will explain.
There are many reasons which can prove the benefit of this parking type. Here are some of them:
- Affordable Rates. Depending on the duration of your trip, you can choose between short-term and long-term airport parking. Anyway, an off-site airport parking is much cheaper, so you can save your money and spend the most considerable amount on things you really want to see or try while traveling.
- Fast Service. In contrast with on-site airport parking, which can take quite a long time, off-site parking offers you the convenience of driving directly to the entrance and having a staff member pull your luggage out of your vehicle and load it into the shuttle. Then they will park your car for you. After your baggage is loaded, you can take your seat in the shuttle, which will bring you and your bags to the airport. It's a hassle-free option that is usually faster.
- Convenience. When people travel, they may be stressed about making it to the airport on time. If you use off-site parking, you will definitely make your travel experience more convenient, as you use the service of a private company. Even though you may be able to park on-site at the airport in a short-term or long-term airport parking lot, consider using an off-site parking lot service.
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We are glad to say that our booking platform, ParkingNearAirports.io, offers travelers online reservations for parking just outside airports that are convenient and affordable. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing travelers parking options at over 100 airports in the United States and Canada. The app allows customers to search and compare parking rates at up to 70 percent savings compared to the cost of on-site parking at all major airports.
With our platform, it only takes a few clicks in the app to reserve a parking spot. Guests receive a booking confirmation and a guaranteed parking space upon arrival at the off-airport parking. In addition, the app helps customers locate the most convenient lots to the airport. Cancellations are easy if plans change with hassle-free, refundable cancellations.
Besides this, we also offer services for top cruise ports in Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas.
Now let's take a good example. Imagine that you're planning a trip to Hawaii. This state is located in the central Pacific. So if you're flying from Tucson, Arizona, you can use cheap parking near Tucson International Airport. If you're coming from Denver, Colorado, you can choose affordable Denver Airport parking lots. It just depends on the place you're flying from.
You can always find everything you need on our official website: the best deals for parking near U.S. and Canadian airports, domestic airport parking charges, and much more.
