Additional Coverage:
- 10 of the most beautiful places in the US, according to someone who’s been to all 50 states (businessinsider.com)
A Journey Through America’s Wonders: Local Explorer Reveals Her 10 Most Breathtaking Destinations
For many, the stunning landscapes gracing calendars and computer screens seem almost too perfect to be real. Towering mountain peaks, rugged coastlines, and unique rock formations often appear as distant, unattainable dreams, especially for those who grew up far from such grandeur. But for Emily Hart, a solo traveler who has explored every U.S. state and national park, these dreams became a vibrant reality.
Hart’s extensive travels, which began in earnest in her 30s and eventually encompassed all 50 states and 63 major U.S. national parks, proved that not only do these incredible places exist, but that the list of breathtaking spots is “almost never-ending.” Some locations, like Montana’s Glacier National Park, have even moved her to tears with their profound beauty. After years on the road, Hart shares her top 10 most beautiful spots in the United States.
1. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park holds a truly special place in Hart’s heart, having drawn her back more than a dozen times. She recalls her first glimpse of the Teton Range nearly a decade ago as an unforgettable moment, captivated by its “jutting peaks, ample wildlife, and clear blue lakes.” For breathtaking views, she recommends exploring String, Jackson, and Jenny lakes, or venturing onto the park’s more than 200 miles of hiking trails, which lead to “mirage-like vistas.”
2. Seward, Alaska
During a solo van journey through Alaska, a state renowned for its unparalleled scenery, Seward emerged as a destination Hart “never wanted to leave.” This charming port city on the Kenai Peninsula serves as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and perfectly blends mountain and sea. Visitors can camp on the beach, kayak in the tranquil bay, or embark on a sightseeing tour to spot puffins, humpback whales, and sea otters.
3. The Georgia Coast
While perhaps not as immediately dramatic as the iconic Western vistas, the Georgia coast possesses a truly unique and subtle beauty. Hart particularly enjoys visiting Cumberland Island, where she marvels at the wild horses, walks beneath ancient live oak trees, and relaxes on over 17 miles of uninterrupted, undeveloped beaches.
4. Yosemite National Park, California
Nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite National Park lives up to its reputation as a bucket-list destination. Its towering granite cliffs and impressive waterfalls, especially within the Yosemite Valley, are legendary.
Hart suggests catching a sunset at Tunnel View, exploring some of the park’s approximately 800 miles of hiking trails, or simply relaxing by the Merced River. She describes Yosemite as being “surrounded by beauty that can’t be captured or described.”
5. Telluride, Colorado
As a Colorado resident, Hart attests to her home state’s “indescribable beauty,” but Telluride always stands out. Tucked within a box canyon and surrounded by the state’s iconic 14,000-foot mountains, this small town offers a unique blend of adventure, luxury, and views that are truly unparalleled.
6. Sedona, Arizona
Just a two-hour drive north of Phoenix and south of the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Arizona, is a vibrant hub for both spirituality and adventure. Famous for its impressive red rock formations, Sedona is also known for its energy vortexes, bucket-list hiking and mountain biking trails, and exceptional stargazing opportunities. Hart considers this town of under 10,000 people “the most peaceful and spectacular” place in the Southwest.
7. North Cascades National Park, Washington
Despite being one of the most stunning places Hart has ever visited, North Cascades National Park in Washington remains one of the least-visited national parks. Just hours from Seattle, this hidden gem’s remarkable beauty often flies under the radar. Hart highly recommends taking a scenic drive, visiting the striking Diablo Lake, and exploring some of the park’s 400 miles of trails.
8. White Mountains, New Hampshire
The Northeast, though often overshadowed by Western landscapes, boasts its own share of remarkable scenery. Hart’s favorite New England destination, especially in the fall, is New Hampshire’s White Mountains. She suggests hiking the Artists Bluff Trail in Franconia Notch State Park before wandering through Flume Gorge for more impressive and picturesque views.
9. California’s Highway 1 to Big Sur
Among the many impressive drives across the U.S., Hart names her journey along California’s Highway 1 to Big Sur and San Simeon as the “most scenic and jaw-droppingly beautiful” she’s ever encountered. Here, the coast dramatically meets the sea, creating a spectacle of impressive cliffs, panoramic views, and secluded beaches. A stop at Bixby Creek Bridge for a photo opportunity is a must, and a visit to Pfeiffer Beach reveals its unique purple sands.
10. Glacier National Park, Montana
Montana’s Glacier National Park has moved Hart to tears on multiple occasions. She describes driving the nearly 50-mile scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road as a “feast for the senses,” with imposing mountains embracing cascading waterfalls. In this vast, million-acre park, each view seems to surpass the last, showcasing stunning glacial lakes and abundant wildlife, including mountain goats, grizzly bears, and bighorn sheep.
Emily Hart’s incredible journey reminds us that America is brimming with natural wonders, just waiting to be explored. Perhaps her experiences will inspire your next adventure!