The Most Beautiful Spot In Every U.S. State

The Most Beautiful Spot in Every U.S. State

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Every state has its own grandeur and one specific place to which local residents refer visitors to. It could be a spectacular lake in one state, and caverns and canyons in another. Stunning sights are both natural and manmade. All of them offer an awe-inspiring experience just by looking at them.

Alabama- Noccalula Falls

Cascading over 90 feet into the Black ravine are the stunning Noccalula Falls, located in Noccalula Falls Park. Admire the falls then head to the Black Creek Trails – 8 trails and connectors for runners, bikers and hikers. If your cut out for the rugged outdoors stay overnight at the Noccalula Falls Campground.

Arizona- The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the world's natural wonders and there is no question why. It is located in the state of Arizona in the United States. It became a National Park in 1919 and was the 17th national park to be established in the United States. It gets approximately 5 million visitors every year. Go rafting, camping, biking and hiking.

Arkansas- Hot Springs National Park

The park's nickname, and rightfully so, is "The American Spa." It's all about water. The springs (these are the world's best) are what mostly attract visitors every year. There are locations where you can see and touch the 143 degree thermal water for healing and soothing purposes. The park has a total of 47 hot springs that come out of the Hot Springs Mountain at an average 143 degrees. The purpose of the park, according to NPS, is to protect the unique geothermal spring water and associated lands for public health, wellness, and enjoyment.

California- Yosemite Falls

Located in Yosemite National Park is one of the world's tallest waterfalls – standing at 2,425 feet – Yosemite Falls. It is made up of three separate falls: The Upper Yosemite Fall, the middle cascades, and the Lower Yosemite Fall. If you're up for it, take an all-day hike to the top of the falls for incredible views. 

Colorado- Maroon Lake

The image above displays a reflection of the famous Maroon Bells. Visitors enjoy walking along the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail for spectacular views. Depending on when you visit, the area can get crowded, which is why it is recommended to visit during the spring for fewer crowds and in late spring for blossoming wildflowers.

Connecticut- Wadsworth Falls State Park

Designated as a park in 1942, Wadsworth Falls is one of the most popular scenic destinations in Connecticut. Nature lovers will enjoy hiking and biking through this park. Admire the gorgeous waterfalls, go swimming, have a picnic and even explore and fish in the cold waters of the Coginchaug River.

Delaware- Riverfront

Day or night you will be awe struck by the Wilmington's Riverfront. Go for a walk with your loved ones and admire the gorgeous scenery, grab a bite to eat at one of their delicious restaurants, or attend one of their famous events such as World Championship Boxing on Feb. 17 and the 2017 Wilmington Heart Bell on Feb. 25.

Florida- Clearwater Beach

Florida is full of beautiful spots, but some of their most spectacular are their beaches, specifically, Clearwater Beach. The beach is gorgeous, the scenery is incredible, and the atmosphere is enticing. Go for a walk the Beach Walk Promenade, relax on the warm sand, rent a cabana and enjoy their incredible dining, live music and exciting beach bars. Tip: Don't miss the annual Clearwater Beach Uncorked Food & Wine Festival.

Georgia- Tallulah Gorge

Visitors love to go to Tallulah Gorge Park for its abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. Go hiking, swimming, fishing, and whitewater rafting. Play tennis, enjoy archery and go on a picnic. If you're really into the outdoors stay in one of their 50 campsites.

Hawaii- The Queen’s Bath, Kauai

The famous tourist attraction, The Queen's Bath, begins with a 10 minute hike past a waterfall down to a rocky landscape of lava rock, hawaiigaga.com explains. After another five minute hike you will find the bath – a natural tide pool with some fish. "Water spills over the lava rocks to refresh the pool," the website says.

Idaho- Perrine Bridge

Situated above the Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls, is the Perrine Bridge. The bridge is about 1,500 feet long and it's one of the highest bridges in the U.S. Its elevation above sea level is approximately 1,600 feet.

Illinois- View from Willis Tower, Chicago

Visit the Skydeck on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower for the best view of Chicago's skyline. Walk out on to the ledge and enter into a glass balcony at 1,353 feet off the ground that will allow you to capture views of Navy Pier and Wrigley Field. Also make sure you explore their interactive family-friendly exhibits.

Indiana- Upper Cataract Falls

The photo above features the Cataract Falls – Upper Cataract Falls. It is the largest waterfall in Indiana where two sets of falls create a cascade that drops 86 feet, cataractfalls.com explains. "The upper falls has a sheer plunge of 20 feet." While at the falls you will have the option to relax under covered picnic pavilions and use their outhouse facilities.

Iowa- Iowa State Capitol Building, Des Moines

Take a tour or just admire the building from afar. A review on TripAdvisor said: "The guided tour at the state capitol was amazing! It's such a beautiful place and the tour guides are very nice and interesting!" Another reviewer said: "The Iowa State Capitol is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. Usually rated # 1 or 2 with Pennsylvania sharing the honor."

Kansas- Keeper of the Pains

A symbol for the city of Wichita, Keeper of the Pains is a 44-foot Cor-Ten steel statue – "30 feet higher than before with its new pedestal, surrounded by a plaza which describes the Plains Indian way of life," TripAdvisor says. It "also serves as the focal point of an eight-year, $20 million restoration and river beautification project completed in May 2007."

Kentucky-Cave Run Lake, Daniel Boone National Forest

Nestled in northeast Kentucky is Cave Run Lake, which is located in Daniel Boone National Forest. It is a 8,270-acre lake that provides flood protection and clean water supply to area communities, the USDA explains. Some popular activities to do here include boating, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Louisiana- Audubon Park, New Orleans

Located in historic uptown New Orleans is the beautiful Audubon Park. People enjoy visiting for its abundance of recreational opportunities. Walk or run on their 1.8 mile path, spend some time in their lagoon, have a picnic with your family and take the kids to play at one of their many playgrounds. The park also features riding stables, tennis courts, and soccer fields. *Open daily from 5am-10pm.

Maine- Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay, Maine

With over 270 acres of tidal shoreland, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens welcomes people from all over the world. Visit their art exhibits and historical illustrations. In April, view their early spring bulbs and spring ephemerals.

Maryland- Carroll Creek at Baker Park

Carroll Creek, located in downtown Frederick, runs through the beautiful Baker Park. The park takes up approximately 40 acres of land with baseball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, and more. Carroll Creek specifically, consists of two bridges – one which was built in the 1960s and the other built in 1875 – for pedestrians to cross the river, according to mdhistoricdistrict.com.

Massachusetts- Cape Cod Provincetown Beach

The Provincetown beaches provide incredible views of the sunrise. They are family-friendly and they provide a wide variety of opportunity for outdoor recreation. Race Point for instance is a popular surfing beach and it has a few bike trails that lead off the parking lot.

Michigan- Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State park

Located in Upper Michigan is the 60,000 acres of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. It is one of the few remaining large wilderness areas in the Midwest, according to michigandnr.com explains. "Towering virgin timber, secluded lakes, and miles of wild rivers and streams make a visit to the "Porkies" a trip to remember. "

Minnesota- Lake Superior Lighthouse

Minnesota is famous for their lighthouses – 7 active lighthouses – but the Lake Superior Lighthouses are definitely the most popular. The view over the shoreline is absolutely incredible.

Mississippi- Gulf Coast Shore

The Gulf Coast Shore is where everything happens. Relax on the beach, explore 62 miles of scenic shoreline, play some golf, attend fun family-friendly events and even have some fun gambling in their world-class casinos.

Missouri- Missouri Botanical Garden

If you are interested in history, visit the Missouri Botanical Garden. The Buckminster Fuller dome offers a view of their stunning collection of tropical plants. Also enjoy the largest Japanese garden in the U.S., the Seiwa-En Garden — as well as the Victorian and Ottoman.

Montana – Montana Rockies

The Montana Rockies boast remarkable décor, delightful Western towns and attractive resorts that are open year-round. It's no surprise that the Rockies in Glacier National Park are the most beautiful spot in the state. After all, the park is often referred to as the "Crown of the Continent," according to National Geographic. Discover glacial cliffs, shiny lakes and roiling rapids, as you get deep into this magnificent region.

Nebraska - Sunken Gardens, Lincoln

Sunken Gardens features a floral display that consists of over 30,000 individual annual plants which are redesigned to a different theme each year. As the only Nebraska garden listed in the "300 Best Gardens to Visit in the United States and Canada" by National Geographic Guide to Public Gardens, this is a special place. Visitors can tiptoe through the tulips, watch the thousands of annuals bloom, and enjoy various trees and shrubs.

Nevada - Valley of Fire State Park

The Valley of Fire State Park is a must-see spot for any outdoor enthusiast visiting Vegas and there's arguably no better way to take it all in than from 150 feet up on the side of Lone Rock, while you're rappelling down. Those with experience and equipment can do it alone after notifying park officials, but guide services are also available.

New Hampshire - Kancamagus Highway

Drive along the Kancamagus Highway and enjoy 35 miles of scenic byway displaying breathtaking scenery. It is often referred to as "the Kanc." Known as one of the best fall foliage viewing areas in the entire country, the Kancamagus Highway is designated an American Scenic Byway for its rich history, aesthetic beauty and culture. The road is a commerce-free climb past colonial farmhouses, scenic covered bridges, and miles of hardwood and evergreen forest.

New Jersey – Ocean Grove

The gorgeous Ocean Grove is located at the geographic center of the Jersey Shore with Sandy Hook to the north and Atlantic City to the south. This national historic treasure offers one square mile of natural beauty, including pristine beaches, tree-lined streets, serene boardwalks and parks, according to Visit NJ. Tourists also come to Ocean Grove to enjoy an elegant resort town with authentic Victorian architecture.

New Mexico – White Sands

Stark-white sand sparkles under the blue skies at the northern end of the Chihuahuan Desert. This is one of the world's greatest wonders, rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin. Stunning wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert and have created the world's largest gypsum dune field. The brilliant white dunes are ever changing: growing, cresting, then slumping, but always advancing.

New York - Adirondack Mountains

The state park is known for skiing and snowboarding at Whiteface Mountain and whitewater rafting in the fall, but the warmer months offer an adventurous experience like none other. The entire mountain range in the northeast of Upstate New York is filled with iconic scenic roads where you can bike along wine trails. They will also take you to lavish forests, bike festivals, paddling contests, and golf courses. 

North Carolina - Jockey's Ridge

People living on the East Coast, who are looking to experience the desert, should head to Jockey's Ridge. The park resembles the Sahara Desert, but is also on the shore of Roanoke Sound, according to the North Carolina Parks Department. Fantastic sunsets and the tallest sand dune on the Atlantic coast draw visitors from all over the country.  

North Dakota - Maah Daah Hey

Bike the Maah Daah Hey, known as North Dakota's best kept secret. The name means "Grandfather" or "an area that has been or will be around for a long time." Along the 96-mile singletrack trail you're likely to see mule and whitetail deer, antelope, wild turkeys, beaver, prairie dogs, golden eagle, red tail hawk, bighorn sheep, and elk.

Ohio – Ash Cave

Ash Cave is located in the southernmost reaches of Hocking Hills. It is the largest, most impressive recess cave in all of Ohio. You can see stunning displays of wildflowers on the valley year-round. They include large flowered trillium, Dutchman's breeches, trout lily, Jack-in-the Pulpit and jewelweed. The horseshoe-shaped cave measures 700 feet from end to end. It is 100 feet deep from the rear cave wall to its front edge with the rim rising 90 feet high.

Oklahoma – Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

The Wichita Mountains are preferred by rock climbers in the southwest because of their granite peaks and crags. There are more than 300 multi-pitch routes, open year-round, and they mostly vary between 5.6 and 5.10 in difficulty. North America's largest existing mammal – the bison – lives there. The refuge's herd includes approximately 650 of these herbivores. The rugged landscape is the result of 500 million years of geologic change and adaptation.

Oregon – Crater Lake

Crater Lake is the deepest in the U.S. with a measured depth of 1,949 feet. The water is so blue because there is hardly anything else in it – just water, according to the NPS. Boat tours, swimming, fishing, ranger talks, evening programs, camping, and other activities are offered. Explore old-growth forests or wildflower meadows, and climb mountains for great views of the lake.

Pennsylvania – Bushkill Falls

The Niagara of Pennsylvania is one of the most famous attractions in the state. The unique series of eight waterfalls, nestled deep in the wooded Pocono Mountains, is accessible through an excellent network of hiking trails and bridges which afford fabulous views of the falls and the surrounding forest, according to Visit Bushkill Falls. Some of the activities you can participate in include hiking, fishing, and paddling.

Rhode Island - Mohegan Bluffs

Local always recommend that people go see the Mohegan Bluffs if they want a complete picture of Block Island. Standing about 150 feet above the beach below, the clay cliffs offer one of the most dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean in all of Rhode Island. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Montauk at the tip of Long Island.

South Carolina - Pearl Fryar Topiary Gardens

Living sculptures, Pearl's topiary are astounding artful achievements. Many of the plants were rescued from the compost pile at local nurseries. Pearl Fryar and his garden are internationally recognized. Visit anytime of the year; it was designed to be attractive in all seasons. Go for an alternately gorgeous, imaginative, informative, and inspirational experience.

South Dakota – Badlands

This South Dakota park is known for its desert like landscape comprised mainly of craggy buttes. Cedar Pass Campground is the place to be in the summer. Night sky viewing is offered Friday through Monday night, according to NPS. After the evening ranger program, you are welcome to stay and continue enjoy the stars. The rock formations are some of the fastest eroding landscapes on earth and they're also rich with the fossils of long-extinct animals like the saber-toothed cat or the rhino horse.

Tennessee - Cade’s Cove

Visit the Cades Cove, a large valley surrounded by mountains that happen to be the most popular destination in the serene Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park, according to NPS. Several trails originate in the cove, including the 5-mile roundtrip trail to Abrams Falls and the short Cades Cove Nature Trail.

Texas - Hamilton Pool Preserve

Formed when the roof of an underground river collapsed, this incredible swimming hole sits among 232 acres of protected Hill Country habitat, 23 miles west of Austin. The grotto, fed by a 50-foot waterfall that trickles or gushes into the canyon depending on the season, gives the feeling of swimming in a cave with all the lights flicked on. The pool is surrounded by massive limestone boulders, with a portion shaded by a limestone overhang dripping with stalactites.

Utah – Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is many photographs' favorite. Its wilderness and otherworldly rock spires lure more than a million visitors every year. This is where hoodoos and forests are mixed together. With the stunning contrast of red rock among white snow and bright blue skies, it is a surreal experience. Enjoy a snowshoe planet walk or try some cross-country skiing on the Red Canyon Bike Path. 

Vermont – The Northeast Kingdom

Regularly called the best-kept secret in the northeast by those in-the-know, the Northeast Kingdom (or NEK) is set between the Green Mountains and the Connecticut River in northern Vermont, making for perfect scenery and plenty of adventures. See the area by kayak, bike or on foot—the NEK has 40,000 acres of water for paddling, hundreds of miles of mountain bike trails and 75,000 acres of public forest park lands just waiting to be explored. 

Virginia – Skyline Drive

This is one of the best road trips you can go on in the U.S. Enjoy the scenic heart of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Also this is one of the best places to see stunning fall foliage outside New England. The drive is also a great adventure destination for hiking, biking, and leaf peeping.

Washington – The Palouse region

This is one of the Seven Wonders of Washington State. The region is the most serene and pastoral of them all. It is characterized by gentle rolling hills covered with wheat fields. The hills were formed over tens of thousands of years from wind-blown dust and silt, called "loess." Seen from the summit of 3,612 foot high Steptoe Butte, they look like giant sand dunes. They are lush shades of green in the spring.

West Virginia – Blackwater Falls State Park

Head to the gorgeous Blackwater Canyon. The trail has a total length is 10.2 miles, four parking lots, and lets you choose the distance you'll hike and the scenery you'll see. Depending on the section you choose, you might pass under the Big Run Archway—a landmark built by Italian stonemasons in the 1880s—or the 35-foot Douglas Falls.

Wisconsin – Ice cave in Bayfield

Bayfield Peninsula Sea Caves are some of the most jaw-dropping sights you can witness in the country. In the winter, they are morphed into ice caves. Take the entire family and explore their beauty. The incredible formations and the splendor of the crystal clear ice will astonish you. Spectacular year-round ice caves that you can visit include Big Four in Washington, only a short drive from Seattle, and Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska.

Wyoming – Old Faithful Geyser

Yellowstone is the largest active geyser field in the world and is home to its most renowned geyser, Old Faithful. The eruptions, which occur about every 90 minutes, reach as high as 130 feet, clearing 180 feet. One way to see the geyser's power is to join the crowds of tourists. Another is to go to the less crowded place in the dining room of the nearby Old Faithful Inn. The thrill-seekers may want to consider the mile-long hike out to Observation Point for a bird's-eye view of the Upper Geyser Basin.

District of Columbia - Georgetown Historic District

Most people would go to see the White House, Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall. They are pretty but the Georgetown Historic District is absolutely stunning. There are still some pre-Revolutionary buildings. Most of the housing stock dates from the period after 1800. Several examples of Renaissance Revival and Colonial Revival can be found from the early decades of the 20th century.