Gorgeous Places in the United States
In each of America’s 50 states
With the start of a new decade comes a new direction and a new theme for living my life. Harmony all around is the hallmark I am standing by.
Below are some of the gorgeous places in the United States I have been to or have in mind to check out in the future. Enjoy!
California — Golden Gate Bridge
Certainly one of the most iconic landmarks in San Francisco and the United States. Fact #1: An earthquake struck the bridge before it was completed. Fact #2: Has been an important gateway for growth in the San Francisco area, including in the tech field.
Colorado — Maroon Bells
A combination of a glassy lake and two iconic mountain peaks (Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak) have given this landmark the reputation of the most photographed spot in Colorado.
New York – Statue of Liberty
Located on Liberty Island, this 93 meters high sculpture is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the U.S. The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States from the people of France to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the alliance between the two countries during the American Revolution.
Hawaii — Waikiki Beach
Thing huge oceanfront resorts and miles of white sandy beach and it’s not hard to see why Waikiki is the biggest draw for tourists visiting Hawaii. As one of the most gorgeous places in the United States, Waikiki Beach accounts for over 40% of revenues pulled in annually by the state’s tourism industry, amounting to over $2 billion.
Georgia — Savannah
Every March, Savannah attracts some of the best music bands during what is called the Savannah Stopover music marathon. The musicians' stopover on their way to SXSW in Austin, creating a cool 4-day festival in the process. I’m interested in music, dance, entrepreneurship, entertainment, travels, innovation, romantic realism, so I am naturally drawn to talking about any event that hits on one of those topics.
Illinois — Chicago
Home to iconic sites such as the Millennium Park and Navy Pier, the Windy City is among the country’s most dynamic urban centers. The genre House Music originated in Chicago’s South Side circa 1977 in a nightclub called The Warehouse. As a side note, I’m including my pictures and I’m not brainstorming too much about details or flawless quality contrary to some aspects of my current job — it’s just a relaxing-like article! :-)
Alabama – Lake Guntersville
This lake was created by the Gunterville and stretches for 75 miles between Guntersville and Bridgeport.
Alaska – Denali National Park
One of the largest national parks in the US and is comprised of Mt. McKinley, also called Denali, which is the highest mountain in North America.
Arizona – London Bridge in Lake Havasu
This bridge was relocated from London and reassembled at this location in 1967. The London Bridge has been immortalized in several songs. One tune in particular called “P.F. Sloan” by Jimmy Webb has the following lyrics: “The London Bridge was finally found, they moved it to another town, and now all the people gather ‘round to watch the bridge fall down, but I don’t think it will no more.”
Arkansas – Fayetteville
I last visited with Chris’ American family. Ranked as one of the top five best places to live in America three years in a row.
Connecticut – Hartford
Famous TV writer and author Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games) and celebrated banker J.P. Morgan (JPMorgan Chase) are among a number of known celebrities who were born in Hartford, Connecticut.
Delaware – Fenwick Island
A small coastal town and one of the so-called “Quiet Resorts” in Delaware due to its laidback vibe.
Florida – Walt Disney World
Hands-down one of the most visited attractions in the world and the finest amusement park getaway. I laughed so hard that day; definitely one of The Happiest Places On Earth, in my opinion.
Idaho – Idaho State Capitol
This 100-year-old building is among the most majestic state capitols in the U.S. and is also listed as a national historic site.
Indiana — Indianapolis
Downtown Indianapolis has six distinct cultural districts, all offering a set of shops, dining options, and seasonal activities. The recently renovated Madame Walker Legacy Center is named after the late Madam C.J. Walker, a renowned African American hair care entrepreneur.
Iowa – Sculpture Park
A must-visit for art lovers, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park features work from some of the world’s most celebrated artists.
Kansas – Keeper of the Plains
This steel 44-foot high statue stands as an important symbol of Native American history and oversees a public plaza that hosts a number of cultural events.
Kentucky (land between the Lakes National Recreation area)
A national recreation area located partly in Kentucky and partly in Tennessee between two created lakes: Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake.
Louisiana – French Quarters New Orleans
Packed with history and culture, this lively town, with buildings dating back over 300 years, is a favorite for tourists visiting New Orleans in Louisiana.
Maine – Bar Harbor
This seaside community is famous for a lot of things, including lobster and whale watching; also serves as the gateway to the famous Acadia National Park.
Maryland – Antietam
The site of a bloody battle during the American Civil War, this location offers a great tour option for visitors to Maryland.
Massachusetts – Harvard University
Regarded as one of the world’s finest education institutions, Harvard is also home to numerous historic buildings, museums, and other intriguing attractions.
Michigan — Detroit
Detroit is well known for its part played in music and the automotive industry. It is home to Motown Records, which was responsible for one of the greatest periods in music history. Pictured above is the headquarters of General Motors, one of the key pieces of the American automotive industry.
Minnesota – St. Paul Cathedral
One of the most beautiful structures in the state of Minnesota, this 100-year-old church is designated as a National Shrine and offers guided tours detailing its history.
Mississippi – Biloxi Lighthouse
One can’t miss this major landmark in the city of Biloxi. Built in the 1840s, it was among the first cast-iron lighthouses to be built in the South and is significant in that it has been kept by women keepers longer than any other U.S. lighthouse.
Missouri – St. Louis Gateway Arch
Also called the “Gateway to the West,” this world-renowned arch draws the attention of visitors from all over the globe. During the time I was living there, we had a full view of the arch from our living room. It was pretty cool, especially when there were fireworks, which happened at least once a week at that time, haha.
Montana — Lake McDonald
The largest lake in Glacier National Park, this wonder of nature is also quite picturesque.
Nebraska – Carhenge
Like Stonehenge but made from old cars. Fact: When Carhenge was opened in 1987, it had its own song and poem: “JR had a little farm, its fields were full of wheat. He summoned all the family here, to accomplish quite a feat. T’was JR’s quest to build Carhenge, and claim a place in history. Let the neighbors come and query, its purpose is a mystery.”
Nevada – Las Vegas
Certainly the most popular and hippest city in Nevada. As they say, what happens in Vegas…
New Hampshire – Mount Washington Cog Railway
In operation since 1869, this railway transports tourists to the peak of Mt. Washington, which is the North Appalachian’s highest elevation.
New Jersey – USS New Jersey Battleship
Described as the world’s greatest battleship, now a floating museum for anyone to enjoy. New Jersey is also called the Garden State. Pictured above are the Nassau Tigers in front of Princeton University.
New Mexico – Taos Pueblo
Home to native Puebloan Native Americans, also one of the oldest communities in the U.S. that is continuously inhabited.
North Carolina – Biltmore Estate
People flock to this 250-room mansion and architectural marvel, a private home which was built by George Washington Vanderbilt II.
North Dakota – Frontier Village and the National Buffalo Museum
Home to both living bison and a concrete version of the majestic beasts. Complemented by a rather interesting museum.
Ohio – National Museum of the US Air Force
Quite the collection of aviation artifacts, including modern technology. One of the top tours you can do for free in Ohio.
Oregon – Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
As the name suggests, it’s a highly picturesque spot known for its stunning views and lovely waterfalls.
Pennsylvania – Hershey Park
Related to the chocolate brand, this amusement park offers a whole range of fun and entertainment activities for young and old and in between.
South Carolina – Myrtle Beach
A 60-mile stretch of beach flanked by numerous golf courses and mini-golf courses along the Grand Strand and further inland.
South Dakota – Mount Rushmore
The most visited tourist attraction in South Dakota, designing the sculpture began in 1927 but was completed in 1991.
Oklahoma — Oklahoma City
Home to many interesting landmarks, including the University of Oklahoma, Myriad Botanical Gardens, and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Oklahoma City plays host to the annual Oklahoma Contemporary Dance Festival featuring some of the top choreographers and dance performers across the state.
Tennessee – Graceland
Elvis Presley’s former home. Often flocked by lovers of his music and music lovers in general.
Texas – Alamo
Another historically significant site with a huge story to match.
Utah – Bryce Canyon National Park
Visually stunning and breathtaking with more views than one can possibly handle.
Vermont – Church Street Marketplace
A dream hangout spot for lovers of ice cream. A 30-minute tour highlights the manufacturing process of one of the world’s most iconic ice cream brand.
Virginia – Luray Caverns
Discovered in 1878, this cave boasts some of the most impressive rock formations.
Rhode Island — Block Island
Oozing a romantic getaway vibe, this spot offers much to do and observe. Landmarks include the famous Southeast Lighthouse.
Washington – Seattle Center
In addition to checking out the Space Needle, there are tons of activities to encounter at this famous landmark.
West Virginia – New River Gorge Bridge
Built 876 feet above the canyon floor, making this one of the highest steel bridges in this part of the world (and one of the most photographed).
Wisconsin – Milwaukee Museum
Nearly 25,000 pieces of artwork make this attraction one of the largest and important art lover’s paradise in the United States.
Wyoming – Yellowstone
One of the world’s most interesting national parks, this United States gem encompasses everything from wildlife to fantastic scenery.
And that’s it for my top spots to visit as it relates to gorgeous places to visit in the United States.
“Don’t worry about the world ending today. It’s already tomorrow in Australia.” ~ Charles M. Schulz
