15 most naturally beautiful states in the U.S.

National parks, pristine coasts, and spectacular forests set these states apart from all the others.

There are always endless reasons to plan a trip abroad, but there are just as many to travel domestically within the U.S. At the top of that list is the diversity of our country’s natural landscapes. We have everything—from arid deserts and lush rainforests to heavily forested mountains and even majestic glaciers. Waterfalls, gorges, rolling hills, and coastal scenes are also prominent, depending on where you go. 

When it comes to natural beauty, however, some states rank slightly higher than others. So with the help of a few U.S.-based travel experts, we rounded up the best of the best. Below, in no particular order, are the most naturally beautiful states in the U.S.

Hawaii

“From dramatic and lush mountaintops to red-hued canyons and thundering waterfalls, ringed by jaw-dropping coastlines, the Pacific Island paradise of Hawaii is hands-down the most naturally beautiful state in the U.S.,” says Janice Moskoff, founder and editor of Gather & Go Travel. Though there are many ways to immerse yourself in Hawaii’s splendor—including surfing, hiking, boat tours, and scenic drives—she recommends one in particular: “To experience it best, book a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride over islands like Kauai, where you can catch an unforgettable aerial view of Manawaiopuna Falls or the iconic Napali Coast.”

Arizona

“With red rock canyons, cacti as far as the eye can see, dark sky parks, and spectacular sunsets, Arizona is easily one of the most beautiful states,” says Kirsten Maxwell, the content creator behind Groups Are a Trip. To witness the sheer diversity in the landscapes, she suggests checking out the “unique formations of Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon, the sandstone rocks of Sedona, and the endless miles of cacti in Saguaro National Park.” Moskoff also recommends a similar itinerary, adding that travelers will “gain a life-changing perspective gazing over the breathtaking chasm of the Grand Canyon.”

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Utah

Utah bats well above average when it comes to natural beauty—and it’s one state that continues to amaze and surprise me whenever I get a chance to visit. Not only does it lay claim to the “Mighty Five” national parks—Bryce Canyon, Zion, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Arches—but it also boasts gorgeous lakes (don’t miss Bear Lake, also known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies”), hot springs, and an abundance of mountains in all shapes and sizes. It’s no wonder millions of visitors, myself included, make their way to the Beehive State every year to hike, backpack, bike, and ski among the most pristine landscapes. 

Alaska

You simply can’t talk about the natural beauty found in the United States without mentioning Alaska. With eight national parks within its boundaries—including Denali National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve—this is a state where travelers can experience true wilderness. Mountains, glaciers, and rivers all define the incredible landscape, but some of the most stunning scenes are found overhead. The aurora borealis is known to frequent Alaskan skies between late August and mid-April.

North Carolina

North Carolina is another state where natural beauty is found in various forms. The dozens of waterfalls in Highlands, for instance, are photogenic in every way. There’s no question that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the state’s highlights, too; after all, it’s regularly one of the most-visited parks in the U.S. I’m also fond of the North Carolina coast. The Outer Banks and the beaches on the Brunswick Islands offer some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see—not to mention, the wide, flat, relatively uncrowded beaches are unbeatable for a relaxing getaway. 

Texas

Texas is proof that there’s no one definition of beauty. Some travelers may immediately fall for the ruggedness of Big Bend National Park, while others may prefer the rolling landscape of Texas Hill Country. There are also the state’s waterfront areas; Padre Island National Seashore, Caddo Lake, and the Medina River are all worthy of a visit. And if you go beneath the surface, you’ll discover even more natural beauty. Natural Bridge Caverns and the Caverns of Sonora are undeniably some of the most incredible sites in the Lone Star State. 

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Washington

Washington is one of those states where natural beauty reigns supreme. It’s famously home to three national parks—Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and North Cascades National Park—and it attracts visitors from around the world who want to see its beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, glaciers, mountains, and active volcanoes for themselves. If you’ve already explored the major parks but can’t get enough of the state, add Snoqualmie Falls, Steptoe Butte State Park, and the Coulee Corridor National Scenic Byway to your upcoming travel plans. 

Wyoming

Jackson Hole may have been my initial introduction to the Cowboy State, but I’ve since discovered Wyoming’s beauty extends far beyond the jagged Tetons. Once you’ve checked Grand Teton National Park off your list, start to look elsewhere—maybe north to Yellowstone National Park, southeast to Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest and Curt Gowdy State Park, and over to Devils Tower National Monument in the northeast corner of the state, possibly driving the Bighorn Scenic Byway along the way. 

Rhode Island

“As a frequent traveler, I feel that Rhode Island is a hidden gem among the most naturally beautiful states,” says Dominic Brown, owner of TallTravelEats. The state may not be big—in fact, it’s the smallest of the 50 states—but it has a multitude of places to find unparalleled beauty. Visit Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge to see the 242-acre wintering area for migratory birds in Middletown, or stop in Beavertail State Park for an amazing coastline view. Block Island is another seaside spot that grants visitors access to some of the most stunning beaches in the Northeast. 

Tennessee

If your only idea of Tennessee is the buzzing nightlife and various human-made attractions in Nashville, it’s time to expand your understanding of the Volunteer State. “Everyone knows about Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but the state is also home to countless underground attractions due to the area’s karst formations including the largest underground lake in the country, The Lost Sea, and the tallest underground waterfall in the U.S., Ruby Falls,” explains Maxwell. You don’t necessarily have to go underground to find exceptional beauty, though. She also suggests checking out the Twin Arches natural rock formation and the Tennessee River Gorge.

Virginia

“There are many amazing places to take in Virginia’s stunning diverse landscapes,” says Brown, noting that the Belle Isle Suspension Bridge in Richmond is one of his favorites. “The bridge is an excellent place to capture Richmond’s natural beauty, hike, bike, or just relax.” As a fellow Virginian, I’d also recommend a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway (especially during the fall), a trip up to the wild beaches of Assateague and Chincoteague, a long hike in Great Falls Park, and a stop to see the 215-foot-tall limestone arch found in Natural Bridge State Park.

California

“It is nearly impossible to choose which feature of this almost 800-mile-long state is most beautiful,” says Moskoff. “Could it be the sweeping coastlines of the Pacific Coast Highway or the awe-inspiring redwoods towering over its natural spaces? Perhaps instead, it is the romantically beautiful rolling hills of its wine countries or its starker desert landscapes that give rise to the singularly distinctive Joshua Trees and riots of wildflowers if you are fortunate to visit during a super bloom.” Brown also calls out the “stunning scenery and tall trees at Yosemite National Park,” a destination he says “all nature lovers should have on their U.S. bucket list.”

Colorado

“Colorado is a state full of natural beauty and treasures,” says Brown, who specifically recommends stopping in Glenwood Springs to relax in the natural hot springs. “Iron Mountain Hot Springs is nestled between the mountains, giving visitors a picturesque view of the beautiful surrounding area.” Colorado is also the home of Rocky Mountain National Park, where summer wildflowers and fall foliage create miles and miles of picture-perfect views; the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, which contains the tallest dunes in North America; and the Garden of the Gods, a geological formation of red rocks dating back more than 300 million years.

Montana

Maxwell calls Montana “one of the most perfect places on Earth,” and if you’ve ever explored the Treasure State, you’ll likely agree. Of course, a significant amount of its natural beauty is found in Glacier National Park. “Blanketed in coniferous forest, dotted with alpine lakes and turquoise waterfalls and the glaciers that feed them, Glacier is inarguably gorgeous. Set against the white-capped mountains of three mountain ranges that crisscross the park, a visit here will plunge you into the pristine wilderness of the Western U.S. as few other places or experiences can,” says Moskoff. 

Maine

“If you love dramatic fogs along rocky and forest-covered coastlines followed by sunshine that reflects technicolor against the ever-present water, then you might find the natural beauty of Maine breathtaking, too,” says Moskoff. Whether you venture up to Maine for fresh lobster rolls and pleasant beach weather in the summer, or wait until the fall, when the foliage starts to change, you’re guaranteed to see some of the most wondrous sights. 

One of the best ways to take in the beauty is getting out on the water, and Moskoff recommends kayaking or taking a boat tour on the Gulf of Maine. “You can also immerse yourself in the dense trees and lakes of the state by hiking iconic trails like the Appalachian Trail or the favorites in Acadia National Park, like the Beehive Loop,” she says.