The world is huge

Don't miss any of it

Travel news, itineraries, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

X
Aerial view of Nā Pali Coast, Kauai
MNStudio | Adobe Stock

11 Hidden Natural Wonders in the United States

They don’t call it America the Beautiful for nothing. The most beautiful places in America include some little-known yet bucket-list-worthy natural wonders across the U.S. and its territories. These 11 lesser-known spots include lush forests, tropical islands, and towering mountains—and are sure to inspire your travels.

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

hikers on great sand dune national park.
Andrew Repp/Shutterstock

You probably already know about otherwordly American national park landscapes like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone’s geysers, but what about sand mountains akin to the ones on Mars? The giant desert peaks of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve include Star Dune, which stands 750 feet tall. Located in Colorado, Great Sand Dune is a hiking or horseback-riding challenge that’s also home to kid-friendly offerings like sand boarding and Medano Creek’s swimming hole.

Where to Stay: Rustic Rook Resort Great Sand Dunes Glampground

Vieques, Puerto Rico

vieques beach puerto rico.
Paul Dempsey/Shutterstock

Tropical American beauty in the Caribbean is on full display in Vieques, a small island in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. Accessible via plane from San Juan on the mainland, Vieques is a well-preserved island with few waterfront hotels where you can hike to hidden beaches like Vieques National Wildlife Refuge’s Pata Prieta. The island is also home to friendly wild horses that roam protected areas and sometimes wander into more tourist-frequented spots. Vieques also has one of the world’s few bioluminescent bays, Mosquito Bay.

Where to Stay: El Blok Hotel

Bar Harbor, Maine

bass harbor lighthouse maine.
f11photo/Shutterstock

Whether you’re more at home in the 47,000-acre Acadia National Park or its cozy coastal town of Bar Harbor, Acadia’s signature New England beauty combines evergreen-capped mountains with sandy beaches and rocky coastlines. Its peaks include the highest point on the East Coast, Cadillac Mountain. If you’re more of a beachgoer than a hiker, though, there’s plenty to choose from as well, including Jordan Pond and Sand Beach Park.

Where to Stay: Bar Harbor Grand Hotel

Devil’s Bridge Trailhead, Arizona

devils bridge angle arizona
Deep Desert Photography/Shutterstock

Arizona’s Grand Canyon aside, one of the most beautiful places in America is the adrenaline-spiking hike in Sedona that includes the natural wonder of Devil’s Bridge. The hike itself is 1.8 miles round-trip and given a moderate difficulty rating. Roughly three-quarters of a mile from the parking lot, hikers are given the option of two forking paths to continue their trek, one of which will take them across the titular Devil’s Bridge.

Where to Stay: Enchantment Resort

Nā Pali Coast, Kauai

napali coast kauai.
Maridav/Shutterstock

Hawaii is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in America thanks to its unique topography and isolation in the Pacific. But one stretch of island in particular stands out: Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast. Running 15 miles along the northwest coast of Kauai, the Nā Pali Coast offers sea caves, waterfalls, and cliffs as high as 4,000 feet above sea level. See the landscape from above at the lookouts at Kokee State Park or book a helicopter tour for a true aerial view.

Where to Stay: Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection

Lost River Cave, Kentucky

lost river cave entrance kentucky.

You’ve probably heard of Mammoth Cave National Park, the largest underground cave system in the world, but what about Lost River Cave, also in Kentucky? An underground river in Bowling Green, the Lost River Caves are a natural wonder with intriguing history: The caves are where fugitive Jesse James hid out on his run from the law, and are believed to have also functioned as shelter to Native American tribes. Explore the cave by boat or book a zipline tour through the surrounding wilderness.

Where to Stay: Fairfield Inn & Suites Bowling Green

The Florida Barrier Reef

woman snorkeling in keys coral reef florida
EB Adventure Photography/Shutterstock

The only living coral barrier reef in the Continental United States is Florida’s, which stretches from the Florida Keys to the Marquesa Keys, making it the third-largest coral barrier reef system in the world. But it’s a natural wonder in danger: Florida Keys officials recently banned non-biodegradable sunscreens in an effort to save the reef from damage caused by both climate change and toxic chemicals in our oceans.

Where to Stay: Courtyard by Marriott Key West Waterfront

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

jackson hole valley tetons.
Dean Fikar/Shutterstock

Yellowstone-adjacent Jackson Hole, known for its cowboy landscapes and snowy peaks, is one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. The forest-nestled valley is marked by Grand Teton National Park’s mountains, massive elk herds of the 25,000-acre National Elk Refuge, and rushing whitewater rapids on the Snake River that are perfect for rafting. In winter, Jackson Hole is also a favorite for skiing dramatic peaks like Corbet’s Couloir, one of the world’s most famous (and dangerous) ski runs.

Where to Stay: The Lodge at Jackson Hole

Multnomah Falls, Oregon

multnomah falls bridge oregon
Christopher Gardiner/Shutterstock

A list of the most beautiful places in America has to include the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area’s Multnomah Falls. Tourists flock to the forest-nestled Benson Footbridge halfway up the misty falls to get close to the rushing water. Heading to the gorge early and in the rain is best, because it means you’ll get the perpetually crowded Multnomah Falls almost entirely to yourself.

Where to Stay: Columbia Cliff Villas Hotel

Denali National Park, Alaska

caribou denali national park alaska
Martin Capek/Shutterstock

A favorite among National Parks Service rangers, Denali National Park is home to North America’s tallest peak. Its six million acres of Alaskan wilderness include tundra, forest, and glaciers. The park is as visited for its sprawling vistas as it is for its abundant Alaskan wildlife, from moose and grizzly bears to sheep, caribou, and 165 species of birds.

Where to Stay: The Denali Cabins

National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa

pink cauliflower coral national marine foundation american samoa
Damsea/Shutterstock

Don’t forget Samoa, a Pacific U.S. territory that’s home to a wealth of natural wonders ranging from volcanic peaks to aqua-blue swimming holes. American Samoa is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in America, and stretches over five islands and two atolls, which are accessible without a passport if you fly direct to the capital of Pago Pago. Surround yourself with natural beauty on rainforest hikes, humpback whale watching cruises, and coral reef snorkeling at the National Marine Sanctuary via Fagatele Bay.

Where to Stay: Tradewinds Hotel

Shannon McMahon writes about all things travel. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

You Might Also Like:

The Most Beautiful Places in Ireland
No Signal? 5 Ways to Use Your Phone GPS Without Data
The 10 Most Dangerous National Parks in America
The Ultimate Cruise Packing List: What to Pack for a Cruise
Where Can You See the Northern Lights?

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From