One of the largest countries in the world,
the United States boast dazzling and delightful scenery, with dramatic coastlines, lovely
lakes, and desolate desert landscapes. Between the Rockies in the west and the Blue
Ridge Mountains in the east are all kinds of natural and human-made wonders, as well
as some of the best and most beautiful national parks in the world. One of the best ways to see America' most
beautiful destinations is to take an unforgettable road trip, stopping off at its most famous
and photographed sights as you go. Number 25. Bonneville Salt Flats.
The largest and loveliest of Utah's many salt
flats, Bonneville's desert landscapes are all that remain of what was once a vast prehistoric
lake. Set in the northwest of the state, the sparkling
salt flats stretch endlessly into the distance, reflecting the bright blue skies above. As such, there are loads of great photo opportunities
here, of mighty mountains rising above the flats' shimmering salt surface. The Bonneville Salt Flats also hosts a number
of land speed events during the year, where racers compete to break various records. Number 24. Badlands.
As bewitching as they are beautiful, the Badlands are a breathtaking part of South Dakota full
of fantastical formations, colourful canyons and all kinds of otherworldly landscapes. Formed millennia ago by the roaring wind and
rain, the rugged terrain is captivating to gaze upon; the remains of petrified plants
and sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires rise from the ground. Only adding to the enchanting scene are the
kaleidoscopic colours that paint the land a rainbow of pastel hues. The most majestic of its many incredible sights
lie in the Badlands National Park. Number 23. Martha's Vineyard.
Lying just to the south of Cape Cod, the magnificent
Martha's Vineyard has long been popular with the rich and famous. Despite the wealth of artists, celebrities,
musicians, and presidents who vacation here, New England's largest island has a lovely
laidback air, with pretty and picturesque scenery to discover. Dotted about the quaint countryside are small
towns and villages full of cosy inns, boutique hotels, and exquisite restaurants, while scenic
beaches line its shores. Besides its fine dining and relaxing retreats,
there are also many excellent outdoor activities to partake in, including cycling and golfing. Number 22. Niagara Falls.
Lying on the border between Canada and the
USA, Niagara Falls is one of the most famous and recognisable waterfalls on Earth. Consisting of American Falls, Bridal Veil
Falls, and Horseshoe Falls, its endless wall of gushing water seemingly stretches on forever. While the various observation decks around
the falls offer up fantastic views and panoramas, you really need to take a boat trip below
them to fully grasp just how large and powerful they are. Niagara Falls never fails to astound, and
every year, millions of people come to see its staggering size and beauty. Number 21. Bryce Canyon.
Dominating and defining the national park
of the same name, Bryce Canyon is one of the States’ most extraordinary natural wonders. Located in the southwest of Utah, the astounding
array of amphitheatres line the edge of a plateau. Eroded over the millennia by the elements,
its limestone landscapes are home to fascinating rock formations, crumbling canyons, and all
kinds of startling shapes and spires known as hoodoos. In addition, elk, black bears, and mountain
coyotes can be spied from time to time around its magnificent moonscapes, which are painted
in soft and sandy sunset tones. Number 20. Glacier Bay.
Boasting stunning, snow-capped mountains,
fabulous fjords, and iceberg-dotted coves, Glacier Bay is one of the most wild and remote
regions of Alaska. Set in the southeast of the sparsely populated
state, the beautiful bay and its gigantic, glimmering glaciers are protected as part
of a national park and preserve. Besides its mighty mountains and irresistible
icy landscapes, there is plenty of wonderful wildlife, such as porpoises and humpback whales. While most people visit the park on a cruise
ship, hardy adventurers can camp in its icy confines or try their hand at kayaking and
mountaineering. Number 19. Big Sur.
Located between the Carmel Highlands and San
Simeon, Big Sur is a large, rocky stretch of the Californian Coastline. Although it doesn’t have any official boundaries,
it lines around 70 miles of the California’s famous Highway One. The area is a magnet for travelers on road
trips, who are attracted by the towering redwood trees and breathtaking beaches along the route. More than just beautiful scenery for driving
through, the area also provides plenty of top hiking opportunities which wind their
way through the several state parks encompassed by Big Sur. Number 18. Antelope Canyon.
Located just to the east of Page, the attractive
and awe-inspiring Antelope Canyon lies in the north of Arizona, not far from Lake Powell. Meandering magically through desolate landscapes,
the spectacular slot canyon is a photographer's dream: its sandstone walls appear to flow
like water. Made up of two separate sections known as
'The Crack' and 'The Corkscrew', its captivating corridors and chasms are often beautifully
bathed in brilliant beams of light, enhancing its soft tones and shapes. A very popular place, Antelope Canyon can
only be visited as part of a guided tour as it lies within a Navajo Tribal Park. Number 17. Blue Ridge Parkway.
Famed for its incredible scenery and nature,
Blue Ridge Parkway snakes for 755 kilometres along the spine of the mountain chain after
which it is named. Stretching from Virginia to North Carolina,
the scenic route passes through verdant forests that hide twinkling streams and waterfalls. There are also some quaint towns and villages,
such as Boone and Roanoke, for you to stop at. The most popular part of the National Park
System, Blue Ridge Parkway is also blessed with magnificent mountain vistas, with divine
views wherever you go. Number 16. Arches National Park.
Located within Utah's Canyon Country is Arches
National Park, home to more than two thousand natural sandstone arches. Formed over the millennia by wind and water,
these extraordinary rock formations are found everywhere around the park's desolate confines. While they all make for some fabulous photos,
the most famous are the long and graceful Landscape Arch, the dainty Delicate Arch,
and Double Arch's pretty and prominent pair. An unforgettable place to visit, Arches National
Park is a treat to explore, whether on foot or by bike. Number 15. Multnomah Falls.
Cascading down two rugged cliffs and surrounded
by an abundance of natural beauty, Multnomah Falls makes for an arresting sight. Due to its outstanding beauty, it is one of
the most visited natural recreation areas in the Pacific Northwest. It is located just outside of Portland in
the state of Oregon. For the best views and photos of the waterfall,
visitors can cross a small footbridge across the lower cascades or hike along a scenic
trail to its observation deck, which provides splendid panoramas. Number 14. Golden Gate Bridge.
The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge
spanning the Golden Gate, the strait between San Francisco and Marin County to the north. The bridge took four years to build, and was
completed in 1937. The Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension
bridge span in the world when it was completed, and has become an internationally recognized
symbol of California. The famous red-orange color of the bridge
was specifically chosen to make the bridge more easily visible through the thick fog
that frequently shrouds the bridge. Number 13. Savannah.
Home to one of the largest historic districts
in the States, Savannah lies on the banks of the river of the same name, just 30 kilometres
inland from the Atlantic Ocean. Long an important port, it was Georgia's first
city and capital, established in 1733. Thankfully, it still proudly showcases its
storied past, with centuries-old buildings, monuments, and landmarks lining its cobbled
streets and pretty, parklike squares. Besides its attractive architecture and well-preserved
buildings, Savannah is also noted for its excellent dining and nightlife scene. Number 12. Florida Keys.
Strung out to the south of the Sunshine State,
the Florida Keys are a beautiful archipelago that lie between the Atlantic Ocean and the
Gulf of Mexico. Connected to the mainland by the Overseas
Highway, the collection of coral cay islands numbers around 1,700, with many untouched
and uninhabited. While some are ideal for rest and relaxation,
others are home to raucous party scenes. Very popular with holidaymakers and retirees,
the keys are famed for their sunny climes, tropical beauty, and wealth of recreational
and entertainment opportunities. Number 11. Glacier National Park.
Lying on the border with Canada, the gorgeous
Glacier National Park sprawls over a huge swathe of Montana and boasts delightful, dramatic
scenery. Established in 1910, the park protects diverse
ecosystems and countless species of fauna and flora. Within its confines, you can find picturesque
parts of two mountain ranges, with more than 130 glimmering lakes and plunging waterfalls
dotted about the glacier scarred landscapes. Due to all the lovely nature and epic wilderness,
hiking around Glacier National Park's scenic trails is a treat: grizzly bears and golden
eagles can sometimes be spied here and there. Number 10. Sedona.
While the jaw-dropping red sandstone formations
are the undoubted highlight of what Sedona has to offer, there is lots more to see and
do. Nestled amid the beautiful rock formations,
Sedona is considered sacred by Native Americans and people come here to heal themselves and
seek spiritual enlightenment. There are many shops selling alternative medicines
and lots of spas for visitors to relax in. With lots of great restaurants, as well as
numerous art galleries to explore, the town can get a bit busy during summer, although
the stunning scenery more than makes up for it. Number 9. Great Sand Dunes.
Stretching endlessly into the distance, the
sensational sea of sand that makes up Colorado's Great Sand Dunes is one of the state's most
incredible natural phenomena. Reaching up to 230 metres in height, the dramatic
dunes lie within a national park of the same name. Exploring the wind-sculpted sands is a fantastic
experience, with hiking and sandboarding both popular. You can discover magnificent views from atop
of the massive dunes. From high, you can gaze out over the ceaseless
sands around you, with mighty mountains and verdant forests dotting the horizon. Number 8. Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe is not only impressive for being
the second deepest lake in the US, but also for its wide length of shoreline which offers
fantastic natural vistas. The freshwater lake straddles both California
and Nevada and is a top destination year round. The lake became a winter sports destination
after the 1960s Winter Olympics were held in Squaw Valley on the North Shore. Summer brings hiking in the mountains and
boat trips on the lake, as well as days spent lazing on the shore, swimming, and BBQs. Number 7. Monument Valley. Iconic in look, Monument Valley’s incredible
geological features have starred in TV commercials, featured in films and appeared in magazine
ads. As such, they are instantly recognizable around
the world. Surrounded by a desolate and featureless desert
that stretches almost interminably, the massive sandstone buttes rear impressively towards
the heavens, their vivid reds, and oranges standing out against the blue sky. Beautiful to behold, the ‘Valley Between
the Rocks’ – as it was dubbed by the Navajo – is a must-see place when visiting Arizona. Number 6. Grand Teton National Park.
Home to marvellous mountains, sweeping valleys,
and sparkling alpine lakes, Grand Teton National Park will delight nature lovers and outdoor
enthusiasts. Located in the northwest of Wyoming, the park
covers a vast swathe of the Rocky Mountains and is named after Grand Teton, the highest
peak in the range at 4,199 metres. The dramatic landscapes are stunning, and
the glinting glaciers, verdant forests, and gushing rivers lend themselves perfectly to
all kinds of activities, such as hiking and rock climbing. The national park is a great place to go wildlife
watching, as elk, bears, and moose roam amid the splendid nature. Number 5. Nā Pali Coast. Dominating and defining the northwest of Kaua'i,
the Na Pali Coast is one of Hawaii's most famous and photographed sights. Its gigantic jagged cliffs rise to 1,200 metres
above the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean, with scenic beaches and coves hidden
below. As the rugged terrain is so inaccessible,
the only way to visit is by hiking, kayaking, or helicopter, with phenomenal panoramas wherever
you look. While it is famed for having featured in Jurassic
Park, the grand and gorgeous stretch of coastline has appeared in numerous films and TV shows
over the years. Number 4. Yosemite Valley.
The most popular and photographed part of
Yosemite National Park, this vast valley lies at its heart, nestled among the Sierra Nevada
mountain range. Covered in pristine pine forests, the glorious
glacial valley stretches around 12 kilometres in length and is lined by gigantic granite
summits, such as the famed El Capitan and Half Dome. A multitude of sparkling streams and waterfalls
flow into it including the famous Yosemite Falls. Breathtakingly beautiful, Yosemite Valley
has loads of lovely hiking trails for visitors to wander along, with striking views wherever
you look. Number 3. Manhattan.
Manhattan is one of New York’s five boroughs
and is what people most often think of when they picture New York City. It’s familiar skyline and sights have been
featured a thousand times on screen. Here you can walk in the shadow of the skyscrapers,
picture the Statue of Liberty, see a Broadway show , climb the Empire State building, stroll
Central Park, window shop on 5th Avenue or stagger around a museum. Number 2. Horseshoe Bend.
Located just outside of Page, the awe-inspiring
Horseshoe Bend lies within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in the north of Arizona. Formed over the millennia by the Colorado
River, it is named for its distinctive horseshoe-shape, which sees craggy cliffs curve around the
roaring river below. Horseshoe Bend is very popular among tourists
and many people hike the short distance to its prominent viewpoint. Towering more than 300 metres above the river,
this offers stunning views of the natural marvel, with sunset being the best time of
day to view Horseshoe Bend in all its glory. Number 1. Grand Prismatic Spring.
Famed and named for its kaleidoscopic colours,
Grand Prismatic Spring lies in Yellowstone National Park, not far from other pretty pools
and gushing geysers. Remarkably, it is the third-largest hot spring
in the world, reaching 110 metres in diameter and 50 metres in depth. While its size and scale are impressive, it
is most noted for its captivating colours, with reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and blues
all on show. These vivid hues make for a dazzling sight,
particularly when contrasted with the desolate landscapes surrounding the steaming spring.
