The United States is home to landscapes that look almost unreal: rainbow-colored hot springs, forests of giant trees, white sand dunes, glowing slot canyons and caves that stretch for hundreds of miles. If you love nature and unusual scenery, these are the amazing places to see in the United States that should be on your list.
Each entry includes what makes it amazing, how to visit and the best time to go.
Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming
Inside Yellowstone National Park, Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the country. Its bright rings of blue, green, yellow and orange come from heat-loving microbes. Walk the boardwalk for a close view, or hike the Fairy Falls Trail to the overlook for the full rainbow effect. It is one of the most colorful places to see in the United States.
Best time: June to September.
Antelope Canyon, Arizona
This narrow slot canyon near Page has smooth, wave-like walls that glow orange and purple. Beams of light shine through openings in the roof around midday in summer. Visits require a guided tour with an authorized Navajo operator.
Best time: March to October.
Redwood National and State Parks, California
The tallest trees on Earth grow along the Northern California coast, some more than 350 feet high, and they are among the most humbling places to see in the United States. Walk among them on the Tall Trees Grove or Lady Bird Johnson Grove trails.
Best time: May to October.
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Glistening white gypsum dunes stretch across the desert. Slide down the dunes on a sled, walk the boardwalk trail and stay for a pastel sunset. Among unusual places to see in the United States, White Sands feels like another planet.
Best time: October to April.
Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
With more than 400 miles of mapped passages, Mammoth Cave is the longest known cave system in the world. Ranger-led tours range from easy walks to crawling adventures.
Best time: all year, as the cave stays cool.
Bryce Canyon, Utah
Thousands of orange and pink rock spires called hoodoos fill natural amphitheaters. Walk the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden trails among them.
Best time: May to October; winter brings snow-dusted hoodoos.
Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
The Colorado River makes a dramatic curve around a sandstone cliff near Page. A short walk leads to the viewpoint.
Best time: spring and fall.
Na Pali Coast, Hawaii
Green cliffs rise thousands of feet above the ocean on Kauai. See them by boat, helicopter or on the challenging Kalalau Trail.
Best time: summer for calmer seas.
Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
Huge underground chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites, plus summer evening bat flights. It is one of the most impressive underground places to see in the United States.
Best time: all year; bat flights from late May to October.
Death Valley, California
The hottest, driest place in North America has salt flats, colorful hills and sand dunes. Badwater Basin is the lowest point in the country.
Best time: November to March.
Glacier Bay, Alaska
Tidewater glaciers crash into the sea, and whales swim through icy waters at one of the wildest places to see in the United States. Most visitors see it from a cruise or boat tour.
Best time: June to August.
Crater Lake, Oregon
The deepest lake in the country fills an ancient volcano with brilliant blue water, making it one of the most peaceful places to see in the United States.
Best time: July to September.
How to Plan Visits to Places to See in the United States
- Check reservation and tour requirements. Antelope Canyon needs a guided tour, and some parks use timed entry.
- Visit early or late for softer light and fewer crowds.
- Prepare for the weather, especially in deserts and mountains.
- Combine nearby sights. Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are both near Page, and Bryce Canyon is close to Zion.
Budget Tips for Places to See in the United States
An annual national parks pass covers entrance fees at most of these places to see in the United States. Camping and staying in gateway towns saves money on lodging. Plan road trips that link several sights to share fuel costs with friends.
Places to See in the United States With Kids
Kids love White Sands’ dunes, Mammoth Cave’s tours, Carlsbad Caverns’ bat flights and Yellowstone’s geysers. Junior Ranger programs make these places to see in the United States educational and fun.
Photography Tips for Places to See in the United States
- Shoot hot springs on cool mornings when steam is strong, or from overlooks at midday for color.
- Bring a wide-angle lens for canyons and caves.
- Use a polarizing filter to boost colors in lakes and springs.
Places to See in the United States by Region
- The West: Redwood forests, Crater Lake, Death Valley and the Na Pali Coast.
- The Southwest: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Bryce Canyon, White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns.
- The Rockies: Grand Prismatic Spring and Glacier’s mountain lakes.
- The East and South: Mammoth Cave, the Great Smoky Mountains and the Everglades.
- Alaska: Glacier Bay and Denali.
Grouping places to see in the United States by region makes it easy to plan efficient trips.
Road Trip to Places to See in the United States
A Southwest road trip can link many of these places to see in the United States in one week. Start in Las Vegas, drive to Zion and Bryce Canyon, continue to Page for Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, and finish at the Grand Canyon. In the Pacific Northwest, combine Crater Lake with the redwoods on a coastal drive. These routes show off some of the most amazing places to see in the United States without long flights.
Safety at Natural Places to See in the United States
Stay on boardwalks at hot springs, as the ground can be thin and the water dangerously hot. Carry plenty of water in deserts, and avoid hiking in the midday heat. Check weather before entering slot canyons, as flash floods can happen quickly. Following park rules keeps these places to see in the United States safe for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most unusual places to see in the United States?
Grand Prismatic Spring, Antelope Canyon, White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns.
Do I need a tour for Antelope Canyon?
Yes, all visits require an authorized guide.
Which places are best in winter?
Death Valley, White Sands and Mammoth Cave.
Is an annual parks pass worth it?
Yes, if you plan to visit two or three national parks in a year.
Final Thoughts
These amazing places to see in the United States prove that nature is the country’s greatest artist. Choose one, plan around the season and prepare to be amazed by colors, shapes and landscapes you will never forget.