The USA is a massive country with plenty to see. If you’re planning a trip and want to make the most of your time, check out this list of the top 16 best vacation spots for sightseeing. There’s something for everyone from the East Coast to the West Coast. Whether you’re interested in history, and nature, or just want to relax, these destinations will have you covered.
16 Best Vacation Spots for Sightseeing in the United States
1. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is a United States national park located in southwestern Utah near Springdale. The park is named after the Zion Mountains, but there is no mountain in the park. It is one of the most-visited national parks in the country, and also one of the most scenic. In addition to stunning vistas and abundant natural beauty, the park offers diverse recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and camping.
2. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is a place where volcanic mountains, geysers, and hot springs meet vast grasslands and the mighty Yellowstone River. The park is home to some of the largest animals on Earth, and the magnificent scenery has made it a popular vacation spot for generations of Americans.
3. Arches National Park, Utah and Colorado
Arches National Park is a United States national park located primarily in Utah, but with parts of the park extending into the state of Colorado. It was established in 1929, and is named after its most prominent feature, the arching rock formations of the park’s sandstone cliffs.
4. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. Often referred to as “the canyon that can’t be seen from the bottom,” the Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and 8 miles deep, extending through five southwestern states. In addition, there are over a thousand other canyons in the region; the Grand Canyon is just one of these. The Grand Canyon is a destination for travelers of all ages who wish to see a natural wonder not to be missed.
5. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore is one of the most-visited national monuments in the United States, and is located in the Black Hills region of the state of South Dakota.
6. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is a Yosemite Valley in California, featuring beautiful nature and landmarks, such as El Capitan, Half Dome and the Sequoia trees. It’s also home to some of the most striking landscapes in the continental United States. In addition, there are plenty of things to do in Yosemite National Park, such as camping, hiking, and taking part in historical events.
7. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
The United States has something for everyone—from the chic streets of New York City to the wide-open spaces of the West. There is no shortage of amazing places to visit in the United States, but Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-see. Located right outside of Denver, this national park is a scenic wonderland. Hike through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and see lots of wildlife. Also, be sure to visit Estes Park, which has plenty of unique shops and restaurants.
8. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
The badlands are a scenic wonderland of color and form, a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. The badlands of South Dakota are some of the most dramatic and colorful in the world. Viewing the badlands from a helicopter is a must for any fan of nature. The Badlands National Park offers visitors a chance to explore these striking rock formations up close. There are also plenty of hiking trails and scenic drives to enjoy the stunning views.
9. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Located in Western Ohio, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers scenic views and a variety of outdoor activities. The park encompasses nearly 1,000-acres of lush forests and has biking and hiking trails throughout. There are also opportunities to view wildlife, including white-tailed deer and gray foxes. In addition, the Cuyahoga Valley Conservancy offers guided tours and activities throughout the year.
10. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park, in the northeastern region of the U.S., offers hikers a chance to experience the great outdoors without crowds. The park is also home to Bear Brook, which has one of only three known wild populations of moose in the country. In addition to hiking and camping, Acadia offers visitors plenty of opportunities to view nature, such as exploring the rocky coast, the ocean view from Cadillac Mountain, and hiking through the eastern forests.
11. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado
Located in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in northern Colorado, the dunes of this national park are among the tallest in the world.
12. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Located just 70 miles northeast of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers. The park contains multiple habitats, such as canyons, mountains, desert, and coastline, creating an incredibly diverse ecosystem. There are also many different types of rocks and trees, making the park a great place to explore. In addition, there are several hiking trails that allow visitors to discover the park on their own.
13. Redwood National Park, California
Placed in the northern part of California, the redwood forests of Redwood National Park are a scenic wonderland. You can see some of the tallest trees in the world within the park, as well as numerous trails for hikers and campers.
14. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park is a United States national park located in the southernmost portion of the state of Texas. The park protects 15,000 square miles (or 40,000 km2) along the Rio Grande in West Texas. The park offers opportunities for backcountry hiking and camping, as well as numerous trails and overlooks for day hikes and sightseeing. The park’s many scenic wonders include desert, mountains, canyons, plains, and various types of rock formations. The desert wildlife is also an attraction for many visitors. Big Bend’s isolated location provides an opportunity to see many species of wildlife that are not found anywhere else in the world.
15. Finger Lakes National Forest, New York
Finger Lakes National Forest is a national forest in the U.S. state of New York. The forest covers more than 2,000 square miles (5,200 km2) and is spread across 12 counties. The forests contain some of the most beautiful scenery in New York State.
16. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a national park in the U.S. states of North Carolina and Tennessee that includes part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is known for its rugged beauty and abundance of wildlife.
This list of the top 16 best vacation spots for sightseeing is sure to inspire! From the East Coast to the West Coast, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, or nature, or just want to relax. Whether you’re planning a trip yourself or looking for a destination to bring your family and friends, these spots are sure to satisfy you. So pack your bags and head out on your next adventure – you won’t regret it!