Glass Beach
Glass can be found in almost all beaches, but a beach that is entirely covered in it is definitely rare. The Glass Beach is carpeted with colorful, smooth glass and it is located in MacKerricher State Park in California.
This incredible sight was created through decades of littering, actually. After many years of people throwing glass there, the tide and weather transformed all the trash into a glass beach. This is nature's way of fighting the damage that humans cause.
Crystal River
Florida is known for its incredible landscapes, but nothing in the State is quite like Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. This amazing place, which protects a wide variety of animals and plants, is composed of 20 islands in and around Kings Bay.
The true star of this place is the West Indian manatee, which lives in its waters. It is an endangered species and there aren't many left, but you can spot many of them at the refuge.
Turnip Rock
The Turnip Rock is a mesmerizing structure that stands tall 3.5 miles into Lake Huron, Michigan. Nature did a wonderful thing with it, and it used to be a part of the mainland thousands of years ago.
Over the course of several millennia, the rock was hit by waves, which gave it its unique shape. Now, it is basically a mini island that acts as a home for squirrels and other small animals. Surprisingly, it is privately owned, so you can't actually get on it.
Mendenhall Glacier
There are several glaciers in Alaska, but sadly due to global warming, there are fewer and fewer of them. One of the remaining glaciers is Mendenhall Glacier, an impressive, deep-blue ice structure that will take your breath away.
This gorgeous glacier is part of the Juneau Ice Field, which is 1,500 square miles long and includes around 140 glaciers, the Mendenhall being the tallest. Sadly, all glaciers are shrinking more and more each year, but hopefully, this one will survive.
Ruby Falls
Located deep inside the 2,388-foot summit of Lookout Mountain in Tennessee, you can find this incredible underground waterfall: the Ruby Falls.Underground cascades are usually not open to the public, but this one is.
It is estimated that Ruby Falls has existed for thousands of years. The top of the mountain also offers a breathtaking view of the Tennessee Valley, so the whole area is absolutely worth visiting.
Bonneville Salt Flats
When people think of salt flats, their minds usually go to places like South America, but there's salt flats that are just a gorgeous in the US. The Bonneville Salt Flats are located in Utah and extend over 30,000 acres, providing a unique landscape.
At first sight, the area looks like a huge lake that is covered in snow because of the salt's texture, but in reality, it is just tons and tons of salt! These salt flats go as deep as five feet and look rather crusty, much like snow. It is an incredible place that you have to see in person to believe it is actually real.
The Basin
The Franconia Notch State Park, located in New Hampshire is the home of an incredible natural wonder that leaves people breathless when they see it. It is basically a 20-feet hole filled with icy water and cascades.
The Basin was actually formed thousands of years ago when the North American ice sheet melted. The glacially-formed structure constantly provides very cold mountain water and is surrounded by lush trees and impressive rocks.
Neskowin Ghost Forest
The Neskowin Ghost Forest is the perfect place for those looking for something different in their holidays and not many people know about this hidden gem in Oregon. The place is basically the ghost of what once was a forest a few years ago.
The forest was ravaged by a tsunami in 1997, and all that was left were tree stumps, water, and sand. Visitors can now see the remains of this natural disaster and the tree trunks covered in barnacles. It is eerie, creepy, and fascinating.
Palouse Falls
This picture looks like a painting but we promise you, it is totally real. These are the Palouse Falls, located in the State of Washington, consist of a huge cascade that is so strong that it carved its own spot thousands of years ago, forming a lake around it.
The cascade is believed to have been formed in the Ice Age, making the area one of the last active waterfalls from that point in time. When the sun sets, it reflects on the waterfalls in such a way that it looks like the shadows are dancing.
Eternal Flame Falls
The Niagara Falls are arguably the most famous falls in the world, but the Eternal Flame Falls, which are not so far away, are actually equally impressive. Located in New York, around 30 minutes away from Buffalo, there's a 30-foot cascade that does something truly magical.
Right underneath the cascade there is a groto that emits natural gas which fuels an eight-inch flame that never goes off, which is why they are called the Eternal Flame Falls. While there is a scientific explanation behind it, it seems like a natural miracle.
Kelso Dunes
The Kelso Dunes, located in California, extend over 45 miles and include five distinct dunes that were formed at different time periods as the climate of the planet changed. It is estimated that they were created around 25,000 years ago.
The area is always a little windy, which causes the sand to move around a lot and let off a rumble that can be heard by humans. Scientists still to this day don't know how it is possible that the dunes "sing", but it is a beautiful sound that you should hear at least once in your lifetime.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a huge park in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan that has 15 miles of mineral-stained cliffs that include copper, manganese, iron, and limonite deposits, which give them different colors.
These gorgeous cliffs serve as a backdrop for Lake Superior, where many activities are popular. For those who love sports, swimming or kayaking in the lake while looking at the colorful cliffs sounds like the perfect way to spend a summer weekend.
Craters Of The Moon
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a wonderful area in Idaho, which got its name because it looks like the surface of the moon. This preserve has three major lava fields that were created several thousands of years ago through lava eruption.
It is so huge that it is basically the same size as the whole state of Rhode Island! The area is also known for being the biggest known open rift crack in the world. For those who like adventure and unique places, this is the perfect holiday destination.
Fern Canyon
Fern Canyon is a breathtaking area in California that it is covered in ferns, hence the name. The lush plants are everywhere and make people feel like they are in the middle of the jungle while in reality, they are just a few miles away from civilization.
While this place is not hugely touristic, it is familiar to most people because its landscape served as the location for Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World. The area is the perfect place for a dinosaur movie, and many millions of years ago, it did serve as a home for them.
Bisti Badlands
The Bisti Badlands is an incredible place to visit for those who love the landscape of the south. The area extends over 45,000 acres of badlands across the Four Corners region in New Mexico, which is where said state and Colorado, Utah, and Arizona meet.
But what does the name mean? Bisti means a large area of shale hills in Navajo, which perfectly describes these badlands. The area is an arid desert, but around 60 million years ago, it was a vast inland coastal region that included many incredible creatures, such as the T-Rex. Cool, right?
Sand Harbor Beach
The beautiful Sand Harbor Beach is located in Lake Tahoe Sate Park. If you want to spend a couple of days surrounded by crystal-clear waters and the sounds of nature, you should go there.
There are plenty of activities that you can do during the day, like swimming, kayaking, and scuba diving, or just have a picnic on the riverbanks.
Old Man's Cave
Old Man's Cave is located in Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County, Ohio. While there are many things to see in that park, the most popular area is Old Man's Cave itself. It is a beautiful rock formation with a gorge, where water from melting glaciers flows.
The park features several other landmarks, such as Upper Gorge, Middle Falls, Lower Falls, and Lower Gorge. The gorge is around half a mile long, so it's worth a hike, even for beginners! So roam through the park's trails and experience the wonders of nature, you won't regret it.
Glacier Bay National Park And Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park And Preserve, located in Southwest Alaska and West Juneau, was proclaimed a national monument by President Calvin Coolidge in 1915, and in 1979 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In Glacier Bay, you will be surrounded by immense glaciers, temperate rainforests, and above all, snow-topped fjords. There are many ways in which you can visit this area but the most common is by a cruise ship, where you will have the best view of all the glaciers.
Monument Rocks
Monument Rocks, also known as the Chalk Pyramids, is a natural landmark located in Gove County, Kansas. Although they look like giant chunks of rock, these formations are actually made up of chalk.
Scientists believe that they were formed over 80 million years ago, and due to their beauty, they have been named as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas. Maybe they don't seem so big in the picture, but some of these chalk formations actually reach up to 70 feet.
Horseshoe Bend
The Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped formation located on the banks of the Colorado River, in Arizona. It's located only 5 miles from the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell.
Hiking all the way down to the river sure sounds like a fascinating adventure, but you should bear in mind that you'll have the best views from the cliff above. You can also take a guided tour and visit the nearby Antelope Canyon.
Glacier National Park
The Glacier National Park is located in Montana, next to the American-Canadian border. The park consists of more than 1 million acres, and it features over 130 clear lakes and more than 1000 different species of plants and animals.
The park's beautiful forests, alpine meadows, towering mountains, and spectacular lakes are definitely worth a visit. If you're up for some adventure, you have more than 700 miles of trails where you can go hiking.
Skagit Valley
Although The Netherlands are known for the tulip fields, you don't need to travel far to see one. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is held each April in northwest Washington, and thousands of visitors come to the state of Washington every year to be part of this unique American festival.
Getting to Skagit Valley is really simple as it's only 60 miles from Seattle and 70 miles south of Vancouver, Canada. Of course, you can buy a guided tour pack, and you'll be taken to the most gorgeous parts of these vast tulip fields.
Thor's Well
Located in Cape Perpetua, Oregon, Thor's Well is an extensive sinkhole inside a rock. Getting there is tricky, but the view will be worth it, as you will see more than 70 miles of Oregon's rugged coastline.
You should also know that Cape Perpetua is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon. The easiest way to get there is by bus from Spouting Horn, although to be honest, we recommend going on a tour or private car.
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley is located in Yosemite National Park, and it's one of the many attractions of the park. Every year, Yosemite Valley receives over a million visitors from around the world.
This glacial valley is 7.5 miles long and is surrounded by high granite summits. It includes grand meadows, and ancient giant sequoias, which are the tallest and thickest trees in the world.
New River Gorge Bridge
Fayette County in West Virginia is home to the the New River Gorge Bridge above the New River. With a 3,030-foot-long and 69-foot-wide structure, this bridge has been part of many movies and commercials.
Also, the New River Gorge is one of the most photographed places in the southern USA. You can actually cross the bridge and have a panoramic view of the surrounding forest, but there is also a walking area underneath it. And if you are more adventurous, you can jump from the top on a parachute!
Pali Coast State Park
The Pali Coast State Park is located on the island of Hawaii on the northwest side of Kaua'i. The park is surrounded by cliffs that can reach almost 4,000 feet. It offers many activities which you can choose from, like hiking along the trails or kayaking from coast to coast.
Considered one of the most beautiful places on Earth, we highly recommend you to visit this unique park, and you can even do it by helicopter, ship, or boat. In fact, if you go on a boat tour, you'll be taken to a couple of hidden beaches that will surely amaze you.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is located in Maine on the southwest of Bar Harbor, and it is home to one of the most spectacular landscapes of America's East Coast. It's also great for animal lovers because you can find more than 30 species of animals, like black bears, moose, and reptilians.
Besides, there are plenty of activities that you can do in each season of the year. During winters you can go skiing, while in spring you can try fishing. And of course, summer and autumn are great for hiking.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is home to one of the USA's most breathtaking lakes. The park consists of sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls, deep forests, and lakes which will surely amaze you.
However, you should bear in mind that the clear waters are usually quite cold, so swimming is only for the brave. The best time of the year to visit the park is in spring where you can see the blooming of the many species of flowers. And spring is also a great season for hiking, let's not forget that.
Tallulah Gorge State Park
The Tallulah Gorge State Park is located in Georgia, and it is most famous for its marvelous six waterfalls, known as the Tallulah Falls. The site is home to one of the most impressive canyons in the eastern U.S.
Tallulah Park is perfect for people who like sports and adventure, as it has more than 10 miles of road where you can go biking and hiking. Also, you can visit the suspension bridge which is 80 feet tall and offers the most spectacular views of the rivers and waterfalls.
Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch State Park was well-known because of the Old Man Of The Mountain, a granite cliff that sadly collapsed in 2003. Despite that, the park still has many activities worth experiencing and landscapes worth exploring.
The park is located in the White Mountains of northern New Hampshire, and it is home to the stunning Cannon Mountain. Apart from that mountain, one of the most famous attractions in the park is the Flume Gorge.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park, located in Utah and not far from Las Vegas, this park is home to the one and only Zion Canyon. This canyon is 15 miles long and it is most famous for its reddish and tan-colored Navajo sandstone walls.
The best sites for hiking are the Mama Zion, Angels Landing, and Emerald Pools, and if you're lucky, you'll come across some of the 75 mammals that roam the park. The park features mountains, canyons, monoliths, rivers, slot canyons, and natural arches.
Sawtooth National Recreation Area
With more than 756,000 acres of beautiful mountain scenery, Sawtooth National Recreation Areais the perfect destination for your next trip to America. Located in Idaho, this park is home to the Sawtooth Wilderness, Cecil D. Andrus-White Clouds Wilderness, and Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness areas.
The park is home to more than 700 miles of trails, which take you to alpine lakes and beautiful mountains. There are plenty of outdoor activities that you can do like camping, hiking, fishing, boating, rafting, and bicycling.
Turner Falls
If you are ever in Oklahoma, you should visit the Turner Falls. These are the tallest waterfalls in the state and one of the most beautiful ones in the country, as they're surrounded by steep rocky cliffs covered by thick layers of bushes and trees.
The best time to visit this site is summer because the waters are warm and the falls form a perfect natural pool where you can swim and relax. You can also stay in one of the several camping sites that surround the waterfall, or if not, you can stay in a hotel and book a private tour of the falls.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Located in central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is considered the longest cave system in the world. The park is also a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve.
The spectacular system of complex labyrinths will make you want to visit this place more than once. We recommend booking the entrance ticket online since the queues in the ticket counters are sometimes endless. Remember that the temperature inside the caves is usually really low, so don't forget to bring your jacket!
Delaware Water Gap
Right between New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the Delaware River passes through the Appalachian Mountains, forming the Delaware Water Gap. The ridge of the Appalachian mountains that surround the river is called the Blue Mountains in the Pennsylvanian side, and the Kittatinny Ridge in the side of New Jersey.
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers many outdoor activities such as rafting, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and rock climbing. The amazing natural scenery has attracted tourists for centuries.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the Appalachian Mountains. Located near the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, this mountain chain is full of trails that will take through forested hilltops with spectacular views.
It's also considered as America's most visited national park. It is home to many species of animals such as black bears, coyotes, turkeys, and raccoons. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Cades Cove, a little mountain town in the middle of the park.
Beavertail Lighthouse
Located in Rhode Island, the Beavertail Lighthouse was built in 1856 and is considered to be one of America's oldest lighthouses. But apart from being an gorgeous building, it is located on Rhode Island's rugged coast, which is beautiful to see.
History lovers, you'll just love this trip! You can visit the museum inside the lighthouse and learn about its intriguing past. The museum includes a Fresnel lens as well as information about Rhode Island's different lighthouses.
The Berkshires
The Berkshire Hills, often simply referred to as The Berkshires, is a mountain ridge which is part of the Appalachian Mountains. These hills are most famous for the ,491-foot Mount Greylock, which happens to be the tallest peak in Massachusets.
If you're an adventurous type of person, you should know that this park features more than 200 trails for hiking and camping. If this is not enough, you can visit the Berkshire Botanical Garden and the many museums, art expositions, and festivals that take place in The Berkshires throughout the year. Nature and music, what a fascinating blend!
Lake Willoughby
Located in the town of Westmore in northern Vermont is the amazing Lake Willoughby. In 2010, it was voted as the best lake in New England. This glacial lake covers an area of more than 7,000 acres.
You can go fishing, sailing, or swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the lake. But if you're up for some adventure, you can go hiking through the surrounding forests of Mount Pisgah and Mount Horn.
Big Bend National Park
Located in West Texas, the Big Bend National Park is the largest protected area of the Chihuahuan Desert. The park is home to more than 1,200 species of plants, 400 species of birds and over 50 species of reptiles.
The park was named after the large bend in the Rio Grande and Rio Bravo, which is found near the border between Texas and Mexico. Its greatest landmarks include Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Castolon Historic District,and the Chisos Basin.