20 Breathtaking Destinations in the U.S. That Will Leave You Amazed

Explore 20 breathtaking destinations in the U.S. that will truly leave you amazed. From stunning natural landscapes to awe-inspiring landmarks, this list showcases the most remarkable places across the country.

Get ready to discover hidden gems and iconic spots that promise to take your breath away.

1. Angel Oak, South Carolina

Just a 13-mile drive from downtown Charleston, South Carolina, the Angel Oak stands as one of America’s most captivating natural wonders. The entrance to the surrounding forest is free—simply park in the adjacent lot, step out of your car, and immerse yourself in the serene sounds of crickets, birdsong, and the gentle rustle of treetops.

2. Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Antelope Canyon, a stunning slot canyon near Page, Arizona, is a favorite among Instagram enthusiasts. Its narrow, winding passages create dramatic patterns as sunlight streams through the striated rock formations, casting vibrant, mesmerizing colors across the canyon walls.

3. Antelope Valley, California

California is renowned for its vibrant wildflower displays, with Antelope Valley’s rolling hills of poppies—the state flower—standing out as a spectacular highlight. For the best experience, visit on a sunny April morning to witness the breathtaking array of orange and yellow blooms in full splendor.

4. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin

Stretching 21 miles along the edge of Lake Superior, this destination offers year-round outdoor adventures. In warmer months, visitors can kayak through the dramatic, wave-carved sandstone cliffs, while winter transforms the area into a wonderland where you can walk across the frozen lake and explore its enchanting ice caves.

5. Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana

Just west of the Mississippi River in Louisiana lies America’s largest swamp, the Atchafalaya Basin. This sprawling wetland teems with classic swamp wildlife, including alligators, Spanish moss, egrets, and bald cypress. Nearby Lafayette and New Iberia offer some of the finest Cajun cuisine in the region, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

6. Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Located in the southwest corner of South Dakota, Badlands National Park offers an otherworldly landscape where rust-colored buttes, spires, and pinnacles stretch across vast expanses. The dramatic and unique terrain can make you feel like you’ve stepped onto an alien world.

7. Big Bend National Park, Texas

Big Bend National Park, celebrated for its hiking, camping, and stunning sunrises and sunsets, spans over 800,000 acres of diverse landscapes, including river canyons, deserts, and mountains. It’s also home to a rich variety of plant and animal species.

8. Big Sur, California

For an iconic American road trip, drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles along Highway 1. This scenic Pacific Coast Highway route takes you through the Monterey Peninsula and winds along the rugged Big Sur coastline, offering breathtaking cliffside views of the sparkling blue ocean.

9. Block Island, Rhode Island

Block Island offers a quintessential New England retreat with its lighthouses, seagrass beaches, and 30 miles of hiking trails. Notable is the 190-acre Clay Head Preserve, known for its maze-like network of trails. It’s a fantastic spot year-round, especially for leaf-peeping in the fall.

10. Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah

Covering over 30,000 acres on the Utah-Nevada border, the Bonneville Salt Flats offer a surreal experience. The vast, white expanse extends to the horizon, allowing you to see the curvature of the Earth. The salt crust feels cool underfoot, reminiscent of frost-covered grass, despite the dry heat.

11. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, stretching from Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains, is renowned as one of America’s premier scenic drives. Almost the entire route offers breathtaking views, making it a continuous visual feast.

12. Crater Lake, Oregon

Crater Lake, located about four hours south of Portland, is the deepest lake in the U.S., plunging to 1,949 feet. Fed solely by glacial runoff and precipitation, its waters are renowned for their remarkable clarity and striking blue color.

13. Cumberland Island, Georgia

Accessible only by boat from St. Marys, Georgia, Cumberland Island is a secluded paradise with untouched nature. This barrier island features lush oak forests, expansive marshes, and diverse wildlife, including wild horses and alligators. Amid the natural beauty, you might even find the remnants of a once-grand Carnegie mansion if you know where to look.

14. Door County, Wisconsin

This narrow Wisconsin peninsula is a beloved Midwestern getaway, featuring charming towns and Lake Michigan beaches. Visit in spring (April–May) to see cherry trees in full bloom. Enjoy a stroll through the blossoms and end your day with a cherry bourbon smash made with local cherries.

15. The Everglades, Florida

Spanning 1.5 million acres in Southern Florida, the Everglades are a diverse and captivating ecosystem. Before your visit, explore our guide to the top airboat tours and alligator viewing spots to make the most of your adventure.

16. Denali National Park, Alaska

Denali National Park attracts over half a million visitors annually, and it’s easy to understand why. Spanning 6 million acres, the park boasts a stunning expanse of snowy amphitheaters, glaciers, ice caves, and towering mountains. For those up for a challenge, climbing Denali is an option—but it requires serious preparation, so be sure to gather all the necessary information before embarking.

17. Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is a top destination for nature enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why. The park features pristine mountain lakes, stunning glaciers, and 700 miles of hiking trails. A drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road offers breathtaking views, showcasing some of the finest natural beauty the U.S. has to offer.

18. Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is filled with stunning sights, but the Grand Prismatic Spring stands out as a must-see. As the largest hot spring in the U.S., it boasts a vibrant, rainbow-hued ring of colors. For the best view, head to the top walkway—drones are prohibited, so enjoy the view from the designated area.

19. The Grand Canyon, Arizona

No list of stunning U.S. destinations is complete without the Grand Canyon. While we could describe its breathtaking sunsets, panoramic views, and incredible hikes, the best way to truly appreciate its grandeur is to experience it firsthand.

20. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Soaring 13,775 feet above the rugged Wyoming terrain, the Teton mountain range seems almost surreal. Visitors can explore nearly 200 miles of hiking trails, raft the Snake River, and potentially catch a glimpse of a grizzly bear or two.