No need to buy that international ticket—stay local and road trip to these stunning spots.
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If you often find yourself daydreaming about distant destinations and wondering how you'll ever visit them all, remember that there’s a bucket list's worth of stunning destinations right in your own backyard. The United States may not boast 17th-century castles or ancient temples, but it is home to many iconic tourist attractions and hidden gems. Whether you’re looking for a low-key local escape or an elaborate road trip, some of the most beautiful places in the U.S. are closer than you think and incredibly memorable.
We've curated a list of 35 of the most beautiful places in the U.S. that are well worth your time as you plan trips abroad to destinations like Paris or the Maldives. Given the vastness of our country, you'll find endless opportunities to discover exactly what you’re seeking, whether it’s a historical landmark or awe-inspiring natural wonders.
You could say we're biased since House Beautiful's headquarters is in NYC, but it's no secret that the city is a hub of culture, architecture, and design. With beautiful parks, historic buildings, and curated design shops around every corner, we think it's safe to say that New York is one of the most beautiful places in the U.S.
Pro tip: Get the perfect mix of natural and manmade on the High Line along the Hudson River.
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The view of downtown Seattle and the majestic Mount Rainier can't be beat from Kerry Park, a terraces park and green space. It's less than a mile from Seattle Center where you can view other local landmarks up close and personal, and it's located in the city's charming Queen Anne neighborhood. Bring a picnic and stay awhile as you watch day turn to evening from this gorgeous vantage point.
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You've likely seen a variation of this photo while scrolling social media, but Antelope Canyon is nothing short of surreal. The vibrancy of the rock, the vivid patterns, and the fact that it looks like it's on fire when the sun hits it just right all help make this carved out section of Arizona one of the most beautiful places in the U.S., without a doubt.
Chicago is famous for its dense concentration of architectural landmarks, stunning museums, and iconic restaurants, and one of the most beautiful ways to see a lot of these icons is from the beautiful Chicago River. The Windy City also has options for those who prefer trees to buildings, boasting multiple parks, gardens, and the Garfield Park Conservatory.
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There are plenty of beautiful places to see in San Francisco, but the Golden Gate Bridge is possibly the most iconic. If you find yourself in the city, make sure to also stop by the Painted Ladies, a colorful stretch of Victorian houses that are still owned by locals.
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It's rare that a concert venue can outshine the headlining act. The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a surprisingly intimate outdoor site nestled between two red stone cliffs, 6,450 feet above sea level. It can seat over 9,000 people, and the scenery alone will make whatever concert you're attending one of the best you've ever seen.
Twenty-one different islands make up the Apostle Islands off of Wisconsin and along Lake Superior. Sure, it's a wonderful, action-packed destination for outdoor adventurers, but there's plenty of simply beautiful scenery to see for those of us who prefer not to break a sweat on vacation.
Built in 1877 by architect H.H. Richardson, Boston's Trinity Church is a towering example of Neo-Romanesque architecture that spawned a legion of copycats. Boston is home to plenty of storied sites and beautiful buildings, and the historic district is definitely a must-see while there.
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Of the many reflecting pools and bodies of water in Washington, D.C., the Tidal Pool—especially during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in spring—may be the most beautiful of them all. The Tidal Basin is surrounded by many different landmarks in the area, such as the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial, but it's the flowering trees that make it a focal point of the area.
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Don't let the glimpse of water fool you: This desert park is hot. However, the temperatures are as high as the scenery is beautiful. At Big Bend National Park, you can find breathtaking mountain views, see awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets, and hike through the habitats of so many plants and animals. It's one of the landscapes that's sure to stay with you for years.
There are many historic districts in the D.C. area, but Georgetown is a local favorite. This charming neighborhood is perfect for an afternoon stroll. You can poke around in sweet little shops, stop for snacks at a cafe, and admire the Federal-style architecture. The lively nightlife, excellent restaurants, and beautiful gardens make this enclave one of those most beloved in the capital city.
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Spanning over 8,000 acres, the striking Biltmore Estate is worth an excursion to Asheville. The lavish mansion and sprawling, landscaped grounds are open for tours, and you can also stay on the estate for a few nights to experience what it might have been like to be a guest of the Vanderbilts, the family that built the home.
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Your great American road trip wouldn't be complete without a drive along the Big Sur coastline in California. This Pacific Coastline highway, a portion of Highway 1, runs along a 71-mile stretch and you can drive from San Fransisco to Los Angeles on it. Prepare to see some of the most amazing natural scenery of your life.
You'll want to save a whole day just to explore the 400-acre Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Gardens during your trip to O'ahu. This lush, green space is surrounded by the Koʻolau Mountain Range and features eight tropical gardens with plant species from different Southeast Asian and Polynesian countries. Expect to see wildlife among the plants and take as many photos of this beautiful place as you can.
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Savannah's historic area is one of the most beautiful places in the U.S., especially as it's along the river, but this stunning park is the oldest and largest in the city, spanning 30 acres. As you spend your time strolling through Forsyth Park, you'll come across dramatic Spanish moss hanging off the trees, a fragrant garden designed specifically for the blind, and, of course, the famous fountain, which was installed in 1858 and has become the city's best-known landmark.
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This beautiful place in the U.S. is steeped in Spanish Colonial architecture. Take the Lightner Museum, for example, which occupies the old Hotel Alcazar, a Gilded Age resort built in 1888 in the Spanish Renaissance Revival style. This museum features fine art, leaded glass windows, and even natural history specimens, and it was designed to enrich visitors' lives.
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When someone says they're going to visit New Orleans, they probably mean the French Quarter specifically. This historic heart of the city is filled with old buildings, great food, and a lively nightlife scene along Bourbon Street.
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Utah likely has some of the most beautiful natural sites in all of the 50 states, and Zion National Park is one of them. Gaze at sandstone cliffs and feel small by their tall walls as you walk through a place where people have trekked for thousands of years. It's an amazing example of Earth's natural architecture.
Charleston is a charming town and hands-down one of the most beautiful cities in the U.S. With its cobblestone streets, historic sites, seaside resorts, colorful buildings, and growing design scene, this South Carolina area will leave you wondering if you should pack up and move after just one visit.
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You have to see the beauty of Airlie Gardens to understand just how stunning it is—as gorgeous as the photos are, imagery simply can't do it justice. The gardens cover 67 acres of land, featuring wildlife, manicured landscapes, 10 acres of lakes, more than 75,000 azaleas, a butterfly house, and a towering oak tree that dates back to 1545. It's sure to enchant you.
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