You don’t have to travel very far to see extraordinary landscapes nor do you have to go broke to make the most of your vacations. Of course, discovering the wonders and experiencing the culture of faraway countries in continents such as Europe and Asia is something you should do at least once in your life. But if you are not in a financial position to fly halfway across the world, know that you can stay home and still embark on a life-changing trip. Indeed, you can see beautiful places in America without spending a lot of money.
The United States is blessed with multiple unique states that are very different from one another in all aspects. Your next unforgettable adventure could be waiting for you just miles away, in your own country, and who knows, perhaps even your own state! Here are 15 of the most beautiful places in the world hidden near you in America. What are you waiting for?
1. Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Fur trappers fell on this “lake” whose water is extremely warm about 200 years ago. Since then, tourists have been fascinated by the colors of Grand Prismatic Spring.
2. Thurston lava tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Kilauea Park has been spitting lava continuously since 1983 in what is one of the oldest volcanic eruptions in modern times. Below this lava monster winds, a complex network of caves made about 500 years ago.
3. Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine
George Washington himself supervised the construction of this mythical lighthouse. A must see!
4. Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
Nestled at the tip of Alaska, this Arctic refuge is full of caribou, raptors, wolverines and small porcupines. This is a great place for wilderness enthusiasts.
5. Salt Lake Temple and Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah
As in most other temples, you will need to be baptized and meet a bishop before entering. Once you have done so, you can explore 10 acres of one of Brigham Young’s first churches.
6. Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado
It is believed that the indigenous Ute tribe is responsible for the cryptic engravings found on the red rock faces of this park. You can see them by exploring this magnificent park.
7. Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument in Catron, New Mexico
It seems that these complex caves were home to Amerindian families more than 700 years ago. However, archaeologists have found only one mummified child in them.
8. Palouse Falls in Franklin/Whitman Counties, Washington
Palouse Falls is famous for its beauty, but also for having had the kayaker Tyler Bradt in its waters. He deliberately lowered his kayak 180 feet.
9. Windsor Ruins in Claiborne County, Mississippi
A wealthy landowner used slave labor to build this large plantation house in the 1800s. He died a few weeks after moving in, and fire then burned the building. There are only 23 solitary columns left that are crumbling. However, they are very impressive!
10. Painted Hills in Wheeler County, Oregon
The bands of different colors represent the slow growth of the hills over 30 million years. In these places, archaeologists have found remains of primitive camels and rhinos. If you go to see these colorful hills, don’t forget your camera!
11. Horseshoe Bend near Page, Arizona
There are many things to see in Arizona, including the Horseshoe Bend, a beautiful emerald green stream.
12. Castle Rock in Gove County, Kansas
Chandeliers ago, an ancient sea covered the Midwest. This chalk deposit 11 miles from the highway is all that remains now.
13. Tulip fields from Skagit Valley to Mount Vernon, Washington
It is not necessary to go to Amsterdam to admire the tulips. You can go to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, which the locals celebrate every year in April, quite simply.
14. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park, California
If you’ve always thought Star Wars was filmed in a very, very distant galaxy, think again. It was in California.
15. White Sands National Monument in Alamogordo, New Mexico
This place is incredibly rare because it is made of gypsum, which is usually dissolved by the rains. To be admired at least once in your life!
