The U.S. is chock-full of breathtaking natural attractions that have inspired countless road trips, locals, and tourists from all over the world. Considering the diversity of our landscape and the countless stunning sites, it’s no mystery why. If you’re looking to add a new trip on the horizon that promises plenty of natural beauty, consider visiting any of the following places. We think you’ll agree that they are some of the best trips for nature lovers!

1. Death Valley, California
Death Valley, CA, USA
Pom’/Flickr
Located in eastern California, Death Valley is among the hottest places in the entire world in the summer, rivaling deserts in the Middle East. The nearby Badwater Basin is the lowest point in the U.S., with an elevation of 282 feet below sea level. Visit during a milder season and you'll marvel at these unique desert landscapes.
2. Monument Valley, Utah
Monument Valley, Utah 84536, USA
Pedro Szekely/Flickr
Located in the Colorado Plateau of Utah, Monument Valley is the epitome of the Western American landscape. The largest sandstone butte reaches an impressive 1,000 feet above the ground, so its no wonder why its rated among the tmost beautiful natural areas in the U.S.
3. Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls, NY, USA
Bill Ford-Smith/500px Prime Collection via Getty Images
Chances are, you've already caught a glimpse of the world-famous Niagara Falls, either in photos or in person. For a unique experience, consider visiting during the wintertime, when the frozen falls create an otherworldly spectacle.

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4. Redwood Forest, California
Redwood National and State Parks, California, USA
Christian Collins/Flickr
It's hard to believe a place like Death Valley and the Redwood Forest could somehow exist in the same state. Northern California's ancient forest houses some of the oldest and tallest Redwood trees in the world, and to stand next to them is an experience you won't soon forget.
5. Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States
Doug Kerr/Flickr
Shared between Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountain National Park showcases the beautiful ridgeline of the namesake Smoky Mountains. With beautiful overlooks, camping sites, and sprawling mountain views, it's no wonder this landmark receives over 11 million visitors per year.
6. The Everglades, Florida
Everglades, Florida, USA
Joe Shlabotnik/Flickr
The Everglades is actually a slow-moving tropical river in Florida that is like nothing else in the world. Made up of marshes and mangroves, the preserve stretches for 1.5 million acres.
7. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park, Maine, USA
John Manard/Flickr
Tucked away on Mt. Desert Island off the coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is a breathtaking area filled with rocky shorelines and ancient mountains.

Have you ever been to any of these exciting locales? If so, which ones were your favorites? Would you agree that these are among the best places for nature lovers in the U.S.? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

For hikes around any of these destinations, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.

If you love adventure, here are 17 iconic, scenic road trips to experience in the United States.

And if you’re still in the mood for more U.S.A. adventures, take a look at this video about the best hiking trails in America:

Curious about more natural wonders to explore? Be sure to sign up for our Bucket List newsletter for a weekly dose of inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.

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More to Explore

More to love about the U.S.A.

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 23, 2023

What are some of the other best trips for nature lovers in the United States?

  • Leavenworth, Washington, is brimming with nature all year-round. It is particularly popular in the fall and winter when the mountainous surroundings are dotted with vivid fall foliage and snowcapped peaks.
  • Sun Valley, Idaho, features spectacular mountains, and picturesque rivers and lakes.
  • Telluride, Colorado, offers dramatic views of the beautiful surrounding forests, valleys, and granite peaks.

 

Read on to learn more about some of the many other best trips for nature lovers in the United States.

Where can we find the best beaches in the United States?

  • Montauk Point State Park in New York is one of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S., offering fishing, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, and more.
  • Hilton Head Island in South Carolina boasts 12 miles of beaches brimming with beautiful sand and surf, in addition to great restaurants, shopping, and more.
  • Virginia Beach in Virginia is a distinct New England beach offering surfing, swimming, and walking along the boardwalk.

 

Read on to learn more about some of the many other best beaches in the United States.

Where can we find some of the best cities to live in the United States?

  • Indianapolis, Indiana, is home to 880,000 people, is the biggest city in the state, and offers a great quality of life.
  • Located literally in the heart of America, Kansas City (Missouri and Kansas) are very cosmopolitan locales that offer big city specialties as well as small town charm.
  • Norwalk, Connecticut, has earned high marks for its spectacular beauty and attractions along Long Island Sound.

 

Read on to learn more about some of the many other best cities to live in the United States.

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