From towering mountains to crystal blue lakes, America is brimming with natural wonders. Whether you’re a hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good view, we have ten destinations in mind that are sure to leave you awe-struck.
What do you say we grab our hiking boots, cameras, and spirits of adventure? Together, let’s explore some of the best nature-filled getaways from sea to shining sea.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve accidentally wandered into a postcard. With over 700 miles of hiking trails, glacier-carved valleys, alpine meadows, and impossibly blue lakes, it’s a dream come true if you’re an outdoor lover.
Don’t miss the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It’s one of the most scenic drives in the country, twisting through mountain passes with breathtaking views around every corner.
While you’re in the area, take a detour to Whitefish, a charming little mountain town perfect for relaxing with local food and drinks after a day of exploration. You’re also close to Flathead Lake, which is great for kayaking, swimming, or just soaking up the sun on a quiet beach.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee & North Carolina
Fog rolling over lush, ancient hills is what gives the Smokies their name, but there’s more than misty beauty here. This national park is famous for its biodiversity. You might spot black bears, elk, and over 1,500 species of wildflowers on your hikes. Clingmans Dome serves up a panoramic view that feels like you’re standing on top of the world, especially at sunrise.
Nearby, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are full of cozy cabins, moonshine tastings, and fun attractions like Dollywood if you’re looking to balance nature with a little kitschy fun. On the North Carolina side, you’ve also got charming towns like Bryson City, or a scenic ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park packs several ecosystems into one wild and wonderful place. There’s the dramatic Pacific coastline, with its moss-draped rainforests, and glacier-capped mountains – all in a single park. You can hike through the Hoh Rain Forest (it truly feels like another planet), catch a sunset at Rialto Beach, and take in the views from Hurricane Ridge.
If you want to go big, you could also pair your trip with a stop in nearby Port Angeles or the artsy town of Port Townsend. Then, if you have time, hop on a ferry to Victoria, British Columbia, for a little international flair.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is known for its stunning red rock formations and a kind of spiritual, mystical vibe that draws in people from all walks of life. Whether you’re hiking through Cathedral Rock or watching the sun light up the cliffs from Airport Mesa, the scenery is nothing short of magical. There’s even talk of energy vortexes if you’d like to explore that.
Beyond the trails, you’ll also enjoy the local art galleries, stargazing under some of the clearest night skies, or a Jeep tour into the backcountry. And just a couple of hours away is the Grand Canyon. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s the perfect excuse to extend your trip. Here are 14 of the best Grand Canyon viewpoints to help you plan your trip.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia combines rugged coastal cliffs with dense forests and quiet lakes, all wrapped up in salty sea air. Drive the Park Loop Road for a scenic overview, hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain to catch one of the first sunrises in the U.S., or bike the historic carriage roads.
Bar Harbor, just outside the park, makes for a delightful basecamp with its fresh lobster rolls and harbor views. If you’re sticking around, you can explore the Schoodic Peninsula for quieter trails or head a little further up the coast for even more picturesque New England charm.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion is where sheer rock walls glow in every shade of red and orange, towering above lush canyons and riverbeds. Angel’s Landing is the park’s most famous (and vertigo-inducing) hike, while The Narrows lets you wade through a river between canyon walls. It’s an adventurer’s playground.
Then, Springdale is the gateway town to Zion, full of great food and gear shops. If you’re road-tripping, don’t miss Bryce Canyon’s hoodoo-filled landscape or take the scenic drive to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon for more surreal scenery. And, speaking of which, if road-tripping is on your mind, take a look at these 15 iconic U.S. road trips. You never know which one will get your engine started.
Big Sur, California
Big Sur is magic in a bottle – a rugged stretch of the California coastline where the Santa Lucia Mountains plunge into the Pacific. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway here and you’ll understand why it’s considered one of the most beautiful routes in the world. Along the way, stop at McWay Falls, hike in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, or just pull over and watch the ocean crash against the cliffs.
For a full trip, you can also head north to Monterey for world-class aquariums and sea otters, or south toward San Simeon to spot elephant seals and visit the eccentric Hearst Castle. Just be sure to spend at least one sunset watching the sky turn gold over the ocean. It’s a sight that never gets old. Big Sur actually made it to our 10-day California coast road trip itinerary. What do you think? Will it make the cut?
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
The Tetons rise suddenly and dramatically from the floor of the valley, creating one of the most iconic mountain vistas in the U.S. If you’re a wildlife watcher, you’ll love being on the lookout for moose, bison, and bald eagles. If you’re a hiker, you’ll enjoy exploring all the alpine lakes and meadows. After your hike, be sure to take a boat ride across Jenny Lake or a sunrise at Oxbow Bend.
Jackson Hole, just outside the park, is a great spot to relax in style with excellent restaurants, cozy lodges, and cowboy charm. You’d definitely enjoy a night or two there. Then, if you’re up for more, Yellowstone National Park is just a short drive away, filled with geysers, hot springs, and even more wildlife.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Skyline Drive, which winds along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is the heart of Shenandoah. In the fall, the foliage turns the whole park into a painter’s palette. But, it’s beautiful year-round. Waterfall hikes like Dark Hollow Falls and viewpoints like Stony Man make for rewarding day trips.
Then, you can extend your adventure by exploring nearby Charlottesville, with its historic charm and wineries, or check out Luray Caverns for an underground marvel. The Appalachian Trail runs right through Shenandoah, so you can knock off a few scenic miles there, too.
With all these National Parks on your mind, how’d you like to take a tour through the best park in every state? Perhaps you can start a new bucket list.
Kauai, Hawaii
Nicknamed the Garden Isle, Kauai is a lush, tropical wonderland with dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and cascading waterfalls. Hike the Nā Pali Coast for unimaginable views or take a helicopter tour if you’re feeling fancy. Waimea Canyon, often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, is also a must-see with its deep red earth and winding trails.
Kauai’s laid-back vibe makes it perfect for relaxing between adventures. Hanalei Bay is a great beach town for paddleboarding and people-watching, and you can hop around to nearby towns like Kapa’a or Poipu for more delicious eats and mellow beach time.
Which One’s Calling Your Name?
Whether you’re drawn to misty mountains, coastal cliffs, or desert magic, America has a spot for every kind of nature lover. Which one’s calling your name first? And will you add a few more National Parks to your list?
Come take a walk through our library of destination guides. With road trips, national parks, and other nature spots galore, you never know where you’ll end up next! So, buckle up, prepare for the time of your life, and, if all goes well, we’ll see you out there on the open road!