One of the perks of being a continent-sized country is that the 50 states of the USA encompass every idyllic landscape imaginable. But how is an intrepid globetrotter supposed to choose between tropical beaches, lush rainforests, frozen wildernesses, red-rock deserts and breathtaking mountainscapes? Whilst you will likely need far more than one excursion to the Land of Opportunity to feel satisfied in your adventures, these three stunning states are a good place to start your discovery of this truly picturesque country.
Hawaii
Small but mighty, the Hawaiian archipelago is high on the list of the most heart-stoppingly beautiful places in the entire world. The islands are as diverse as they are spectacular, from the pristine beaches in Oahu to the dramatic cliffs of Molokai. All are surrounded by crystalline azure waters and are teeming with hidden gems of impeccable natural beauty.
Whether you choose to hike through dense jungles, laze in a natural pool beneath a cascading waterfall, explore the shore and immense marine life or traverse the charming villages – visiting Hawaii is like stepping into a travel brochure and jumping from one perfect scene to the next.
California
The Golden State is famous for many things, but in terms of natural beauty, it boasts multiple wonderful landscapes. Home to several national parks including Yosemite and Redwood, there’s a lifetimes’ worth of trails and ethereal vistas to be discovered in California. The famous coastline offers 840 miles of glistening sands and calm, warm waters – with beaches of every type along the way. Whether you’re seeking a chic, bustling spot filled with watersports, volleyball and classy restaurants or a secluded bay to strip off and enjoy the weather in peace, you’ll find it in Cali.
For wine lovers, a trip through Napa Valley is an extraordinary experience, where endless sunshine blesses the vineyard-covered hills and you can indulge in over 400 wineries. And who wouldn’t gasp at the sight of the Poppy Reserve in Antelope Valley? This highly concentrated, vibrant and expansive display of wildflowers explodes the desert landscape into a kaleidoscope of colours each year.
Alaska
No list of stunning states in the USA would be complete without Alaska. With panoramic views that leave you in complete awe of Mother Nature, this vast wilderness is the epitome of serenity. The rugged landscape is unspoiled by roads, so to explore here you’ll need to take a more scenic route of helicopter tours, hiking trails and boat rides into the depths of the glacial fjords.
Be sure to head to the Kenai Peninsula, where the ice age lingers and wildlife thrives in extreme conditions throughout the Kenai Fjords National Park. Look out for black and brown bears, wolves, the iconic moose and even lynx as you explore this stupendously stunning landscape. And when you need to warm yourself and refuel, you’ll be spoilt for choice amongst the quaint towns dotted throughout Alaska that are renowned for their charm and hospitality.
Spoilt for choice
We said it before and we’ll say it again, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to alluring scenery in the USA. It can be helpful to plan your experience based on the landmarks that you most want to visit – consider taking a road trip through multiple states to see as much of this stunning country as possible on your adventure.
