Looking for the most beautiful states in the USA? You've come to the right place! Though it is a daunting task to rank the prettiest states in the US, we have tried to create a list of the states that we personally think are most diverse and awe-inspiring.
The United States is known for being one of the largest and most beautiful countries that offers something for everyone. Some people find the cities gorgeous while others prefer the natural wonders. Every state has some brilliant sights to inspire awe, from mountains to geysers to lakes.
No matter what features you are looking for, they can be found somewhere in the United States. Consider visiting one of these top states to find the most beautiful that America has to offer. Let's explore the most beautiful States in America.
| Table of Contents [Show] |
|---|
Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link.
On top of our list of the most beautiful states in the USA, California is big enough to offer all types of landscapes that you could ask for. If you want a fantastic and gorgeous city with hills, head to San Francisco.
You can also find picturesque vineyards, forests, parks, lakes, deserts, mountains, and more. Most people consider Yosemite National Park to be one of the major attractions for those looking to take in California's natural beauty, but you shouldn't forget about Napa Valley, Redwood National Forest, Mount Shasta, or Lake Tahoe.
Don't forget to visit the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park, the largest of all living trees worldwide.
Address: California, USA
Also Read: Top 30 Tourist Attractions in California
Yellowstone National Park is large enough to span multiple states, so you will find part of that national treasure in Montana. That fact alone puts Montana on the top 10 list of America's gorgeous states, but there are many other unspoiled features to enjoy.
Montana is known for its gorgeous blue skies and unspoiled landscapes. For a historic and visually appealing adventure, follow the Lewis & Clark Trail. Or you can enjoy the views of the Rocky Mountains or Glacier National Park. In the latter, you will find peaks capped in white and the Triple Divide Pass, which is full of wildlife and offers amazing views of the unspoiled wonders in Montana.
Address: Montana, USA
Also Read: Top 25 Tourist Attractions in Montana
Although it is fairly far north, there is more to Alaska than picturesque snowscapes. That being said, the ranges, such as the Brooks Range, offer unforgettable views of snow-covered mountains.
The Tongass National Forest and Chugach National Forest are gorgeous whether or not there is snow on the ground and show the versatility of beauty that Alaska has to offer.
For true beauty you will only see in a handful of locations, time your visit to catch the Aurora Borealis, the most attractive natural light show. Alaska really is one of the most beautiful states in the USA.
Address: Alaska, USA
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Alaska
As a series of islands, you will find stunning attractions in Hawaii that can't be found anywhere else in the United States. The scenery is diverse, with an enormous variety of flora and fauna.
Historical sites like Pearl Harbor are gorgeous, as are other landmarks such as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Haleakala National Park, and Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.
Kilauea, Mauna loa, and Mauna Kea all draw an impressive number of visitors annually due to their unique offerings and the rich landscape around these volcanoes and mountains.
Address: Hawaii, USA
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Hawaii
Utah is one of the most beautiful states in America if you want to go somewhere with rustic charm and beauty. You can find the Rocky Mountain Basin and incredible geological wonders.
There are also multiple large stretches of natural beauty, including Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. For a breathtaking sight, visit the Rainbow Bridge. This is the largest natural bridge as well as a picturesque rock formation, crossing Lake Powell.
The Wave, spanning southern Utah as well as Northern Arizona, is a natural phenomenon in the form of a canyon that actually has wave marks along the edges.
Address: Utah, USA
Also Read: Top 20 Tourist Attractions in Utah
Washington State is home to many magnificent sights that earn it a spot on this list of beautiful states in the United States. There are large cities such as Seattle, but you can also find undisturbed natural areas. The North Cascades are dramatic in appearance, dominating the north-central region of the state.
Here you will find the rock, ice, forests, and rocky peaks as well as the North Cascades National Park. Perhaps the most well-known and beautiful attraction in Washington is Mt. Rainier, which has the most glaciers of any mountain within the contiguous US, in addition to forests, wildflower meadows, and roaring rivers.
Address: Washington, USA
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Washington State
When most people think of Colorado's natural beauty, they picture the Rocky Mountains and other picturesque landscapes. The mountains are truly inspiring, but you can find awe-inspiring beauty anywhere you go in Colorado.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park shows that the state includes pretty desert landscapes in addition to mountains. To contrast the desert of the sand dunes, you can visit Glenwood Springs, which is not only gorgeous but also the mineral hot springs that are the largest in the world, with two different pools on site.
Address: Colorado, USA
Also Read: Top 20 Tourist Attractions in Colorado
It's impossible not to mention Arizona's beauty. It's the home of the incredible Grand Canyon and receives 325 or more sunny days every single year. No wonder this is one of the prettiest states in the US and one of the most visited!
Situated in the American Southwest, Arizona is a gorgeous blend of various influences set in a stunning desert. Those unfamiliar with desert environments may falsely believe that they're boring, but the different colored sands and cliffs make for some pretty dazzling views, many of which are truly unique.
A combination of Native American culture, Old West towns, and natural rock formations have made Arizona such a sight for sore eyes. There are geological gems and treasures for guests to peruse, great spots for prime stargazing, and tons of picture-perfect locations in the form of canyons and national monuments of all sorts. Even cities are gorgeous, painted against the rocks and canyons in cinematic ways.
Address: Arizona, USA
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Arizona
Oregon is home to striking contrasts that offer natural beauty for everyone, no matter your tastes. You can find cultural sites, mountains, lakes, and more. Crater Lake is part of the South Oregon Cascades and is perfect for watching wildlife, camping, hiking, or even diving.
Hells Canyon may have an intimidating name, but it is one of the most picturesque locations in the state, holding 653,000 acres, including flowers, grass, rivers, and more. In terms of mountains, Mt. Hood is the main attraction in Oregon, and for a good reason, as it is a gorgeous addition to any landscape, and climbing it (at least partially) offers breathtaking views all around.
Address: Oregon, USA
Also Read: Top 25 Tourist Attractions in Oregon
With a name like The Sunshine State, it's clear that Florida is a beautiful state, mixing tropical climates, cobalt waters, pristine white-sand beaches, and Latin charm. Big cities and towns are bright and vibrant, with lots to do and see.
Florida has a pretty diverse set of natural features to explore. It has the Everglades, the nation's biggest subtropical wilderness, which serves as an outdoor enthusiast or nature lover's perfect paradise.
Divers will be thrilled to take in the colorful coral reefs in many hues, and explorers will feel right at home in the dank and mysterious stretches of the state's wetlands and mangrove swamps.
Florida brings the artificial and natural together in a truly stunning way, and it's the perfect winter getaway for those who just can't stand the cold. Whether you like the modern touches or the untamed areas more, the state has beauty in its many diverse forms!
Address: Florida, USA
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Florida
Michigan is a Midwestern, Great Lakes state that often gets overlooked. But it's one of the most beautiful states in the USA, boasting a whopping 11,000 freshwater lakes, tons of gorgeous islands, and an idyllic lakeshore with stunning waters to traverse. Outdoor fun can be had at every turn on both the lower and upper peninsulas.
Unspoiled, untamed natural areas are Michigan's specialty, with verdant forests with cascading waterfalls, wild beaches with blue waters, big sandy bluffs, and natural formations of rock and sandstone. Even towns are charming and delightful, offering a taste of handsome historic buildings and an art and food scene to die for.
In the summer, you'll find that Michigan offers camping, swimming, and all manner of adventure for its guests. Winter is still a great time to visit, though, especially if you go near the coast: you'll find icicles forming in crystalline forms on the shore.
Address: Michigan, USA
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Michigan
Maine has slowly become more and more known as a beautiful holiday destination, especially among outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Like Michigan, its charm and draw come in the form of wild, untamed natural areas. The coastline provides rocky cliffs and textured beaches, and there are thousands of coastal islands to explore.
Fans of wooded areas will definitely love Maine. Wonders like Acadia National Park provide lush greenery across different terrains and trails, with dense forests, tall mountains, sandy beaches, and more. Fall is a great season in Maine as the leaves change color, but all seasons offer something to feast your eyes on, anyway.
Address: Maine, USA
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Maine
North Carolina is the perfect road trip destination, teeming with jaw-dropping natural scenery and the Blue Ridge Mountains undulating as a backdrop along its west. Other mountains claim land throughout the state's fringes, with the Appalachians and the Great Smoky Mountains standing in all their stately majesty.
There's no doubt that this is one of the most beautiful states in America! It's not just nature that makes North Carolina beautiful, but its unique blend of aesthetics. Towns and cities mix Bohemian vibes, Southern charm, and hip outside-the-box ideas to create a quirky and welcoming experience. Don't forget about the Outer Banks, packed with scenic coastlines and huge beaches perfect for exploration and relaxation.
Address: North Carolina, USA
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in North Carolina
Considered one of the nation's most active states, Vermont is well-known for its relatively sparse population, allowing a lot of wide-open natural spaces in between pockets of settlements and towns. Villages huddle in picturesque, charming ways around rolling hills, lakes, and clear streams decorated with lush leafy greens.
Vermont is the place to explore the natural beauty that hasn't been lost to the trap of tourist hotspot marketing. The state is gorgeous year-round, but in the fall, you'll get to see the leaves change color as the land is dotted with golden hues of red and orange. There's a reason that vacation homes are all the rage in places like New England.
Address: Vermont, USA
With the honor of being partially home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it's surprising that Tennessee's beauty is often unappreciated. With rolling hills interspersed with pastures and landlocked verdancy, it's hard to imagine that anyone wouldn't consider this one of the most beautiful states in the USA.
The Big South Fork of Tennessee provides a stunning, jaw-dropping exploratory set of trails, natural arches, and natural bridges that feel almost too good to be true. The country's biggest underground lake, biggest man-made crystal cave, and most-visited national park also all call this state home.
There are also immensely tall waterfalls that are brilliant and dazzling, as well as some great places to drive to really experience the state's fullest beauty.
Address: Tennessee, USA
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Tennessee
When one talks of Wyoming, they conjure up images of picturesque prairies stretching on for great distances in all directions, dotted with whimsical little towns that retain historic charm and architecture for a step back in time.
Tall trees tower in forested areas while a sparse, low population further promotes the natural wonder of the state.
The diverse landscape of Wyoming means that there are many different kinds of beauty showcased throughout its stretch.
Mountain ranges majestically rise in the background, begging to be hiked and climbed.
Unique sites like Devils Tower and Grand Teton provide the kind of beauty that inspires and intrigues, while famous places like Yellowstone and the Red Canyon provide the more glamorous, iconic sort of beauty.
Address: Wyoming, USA
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Wyoming
Wisconsin isn't typically renowned for its appearance, but give it a chance and you'll find that it's among the most beautiful states in America.
Sure, it's mostly known as Dairyland, but it boasts geography marked by the Ice Age and a myriad of natural features that blend together to create not a signature appearance but a consolidated wonder of nature.
There are 15,000 or so lakes throughout Wisconsin, not including the 800 miles of shore surrounding the state's portions of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior.
Forests, cliffs, stone bridges, water sources, and the stunning Ice Age Trail that spans 1,200 miles all make up a delightful array of country and rural scenery.
Address: Wisconsin, USA
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Wisconsin
New Mexico isn't as famous a tourist destination, but that doesn't stop it from being one of America's most beautiful states.
This state's scenery has served as the stage for the immensely popular TV show Breaking Bad, mixing its lesser-known status with its intrigue and beauty.
The Southwestern location is great for road trips, with its winding canyons, stretches of desert, and tall mountains.
One of the best spots in New Mexico is the White Sands National Park, which boasts undulating white hills of gorgeous sand that quickly exceed the beauty of many other local deserts.
There is also the San Antonio Hot Spring for relaxation, lots of gorgeous natural formations of rock, and a few cave dwellings that date back to the early days of mankind.
Address: New Mexico, USA
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in New Mexico
Virginia's beaches and hills are only outshined by its vineyards, situated on many a rolling hill.
Both natural and manmade scenery is nothing short of stunning, with gorgeous roads and beaches along the Eastern Seaboard that are criminally underrated.
If you love lush verdancy, take a drive-through or trek into Shenandoah National Park to really view the different flora and fauna in the area safely and excitingly.
Address: Virginia, USA
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Virginia
The state of New York often gets simply lumped in as one and the same as New York City, but it's much more than just that.
This is one of the country's most beautiful states, with three different coats and two mountain ranges just waiting to be perused and explored.
And, even if you're more of a city person, cities can be beautiful too - and in many ways, that's what New York City is.
Stunning architecture and gorgeous structures make for good sightseeing opportunities, and even the city has natural wildlife spaces situated throughout for even more beauty.
Address: New York, USA
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in New York State
There are many beautiful states in the USA, but some stand out more than others. The top three prettiest States in the US are California, Hawaii, and Alaska.
There are many naturally beautiful states in the US. Alaska is well known for stunning mountains, valleys, glaciers, and wildlife. Hawaii is famous for its sandy beaches, tropical rainforests, and volcanoes. California for its towering redwood forests, snow-capped mountains, and dry deserts. Montana is yet another state with incredible natural beauty. It has mountains, forests, plains, and rivers.
The most nature state in the US is Alaska. It is the largest state in the US and is home to many different types of animals. The state has a long history of being home to Native Americans and has a lot of cultural diversity. Alaska is also a very popular tourist destination because of its natural beauty.
America is full of beautiful places, making it hard to pick just a few of the most beautiful states in the USA. The gorgeous locations we've listed are certainly among the best of the bunch. With that being said, it's worth remembering that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Look around you and explore the country on your own terms, and you may find some that appeal to you in a unique way.