Kansans are a resilient bunch, finding joy in life’s modest joys. Their Great Plains landscapes embody this spirit, setting an example for appreciating one’s own surroundings. If Kansans can cherish their land, it’s a reminder for everyone to love their own surroundings wholeheartedly.

While much of the Midwest state of Illinois might seem unremarkable, it more than makes up for it by boasting numerous impressive skyscrapers along Lake Michigan, particularly in Chicago. However, beyond the city, you can still discover striking landscapes, like the rugged sandstone formations at the Garden of the Gods in the state’s southern region. Additionally, don’t miss the stunning views of the Mississippi River along the lengthy, winding western border.

At the northern tip, Dunes National Lakeshore provides a lively playground and picturesque Lake Michigan views. Near the southern border, Indiana’s hilly terrain, as seen in towns like Bloomington, offers an idyllic atmosphere. However, in the spaces in between, there may not be much to highlight, except for leisurely summer drives and the oddly soothing experience of watching cornfields whiz by your car window at 60mph.

Some might argue against this low ranking for Oklahoma because it offers a fair share of diversity. Its panhandle extends towards New Mexico, the southern region evokes scenes from Larry McMurtry novels, and the eastern border along Arkansas surprises with vibrant green hills and lush Mid-American forests. Oklahoma might just be more picturesque than you anticipated, but it’s fair to say that your expectations were initially modest for a reason.

At this very moment, many Mississippi residents might be thinking, “Wow, there’s a state ranking where we’re not in the bottom five!” Thank your lucky stars for that unique and lively Gulf Coast, Mississippi. Despite your beautiful magnolias and delightful Southern scenery, you’re only 21 miles of unspoiled white sandy beaches and a few pristine swamps away from resembling the Indiana of the South.

Ohio is often viewed as flat and unremarkable, earning its fair reputation. However, the hilly southern region of the state is more beautiful than people might think, especially since it borders Kentucky and West Virginia. While Ohio’s southern Lake Erie shoreline may not rival Big Sur, the state’s nearly 300 miles of Great Lake coastline provide impressive open-water views, often enjoyed from the summits of roller coasters.

Don’t underestimate Nebraska’s understated beauty; its vast skies and gentle rolling hills exude a peaceful and charming allure. While Toadstool Geologic Park (often dubbed Nebraska’s Badlands) and Chimney Rock are impressive, Nebraska may not boast the jaw-dropping vistas of its western neighbors. What it does offer is expansive landscapes, the meandering Platte River, and a vital and intricate ecosystem where millions of birds, including 80% of the world’s sandhill cranes, make their annual spring pilgrimage.

For some reason, perhaps influenced by factors like fracking, the Coen brothers, and the harsh winters, the words “North Dakota” have often been associated with a frozen, desolate landscape. While there is some truth to this in certain parts of the state, it’s essential to remember that North Dakota is also the proud home of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This park showcases a magnificent blend of prairies, mesas, and mountain vistas adorned with roaming buffalo. In many ways, North Dakota, like a younger sibling compared to its stunning southern neighbor, doesn’t always receive the credit it deserves.

The vast central region of the state acts as a transitional zone between Illinois and Kansas, with a less intense focus on agriculture. However, the southern third of the state stands out as a true delight. The rugged hills around the Lake of the Ozarks, including the city of Branson, offer excellent opportunities for scenic drives and trout fishing. Moving further east, Missourians take full advantage of their forests and rivers, using them as recreational havens. Notable highlights include the unique rocky formations near Johnson Shut-Ins State Park’s swimming spots and the leisurely tube floats along the Current River.

Connecticut, not to be mistaken for being in dire straits, faces a unique predicament. Many New Englanders disown it due to its close affiliation with New York, with some saying, “half the state is Yankees country!” In the context of New England’s picturesque landscapes, Connecticut appears to be the underdog. Most of the state is relatively flat, featuring charming coastal towns and serene streams as you move towards the Berkshires. However, unremarkable suburbs and urbanized areas are the norm. Furthermore, the mighty Connecticut River has somewhat lost its vigor as it approaches the ocean, gathering debris in places like Hartford and Springfield.

If you want to amaze someone, send them a postcard from Delaware. They’ll likely exclaim, “I never realized Delaware was this beautiful!” while gazing at a picturesque scene of dune grasses set against an ocean sunset. In reality, not many people make this discovery because Delaware is so compact that it can’t accommodate more than three cars at once. However, if you find yourself in one of those three cars, you can savor the scenic rural landscapes and surprisingly nice beach views and proudly declare, “Delaware. Hi. I’m in Delaware.”

While New Orleans undoubtedly steals the spotlight, Louisiana offers a wealth of activities beyond its urban areas. The fishing is exceptional, duck hunting is world-class, and airboat rides through alligator-filled cypress swamps are truly unforgettable. However, Louisiana’s location at the Mississippi’s mouth doesn’t favor its beaches or wetlands. Moreover, with the state’s highest natural point only rising twice as high as the Superdome, much of the scenery is best appreciated by the ducks themselves.

Even if New Jersey hadn’t been largely covered by jug handles and suburban sprawl, it might not be considered a breathtaking destination. Nevertheless, if you can break free from the urban sprawl, you’ll discover several beautiful areas within the state. These include rolling hills, glacial lakes, pleasant beaches, and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a truly stunning and often overlooked region that New Jersey shares with Pennsylvania. And, of course, there’s the majestic Palisades.

While most Gulf Coast states are characterized by flat, lush landscapes with pine trees and humidity, Alabama sets itself apart with some noteworthy elevations in its central region, particularly around Birmingham. Couple that with the white sand beaches of the Redneck Riviera, and you have a state that often doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves. It may not be the most dramatic, but when it comes to experiencing the beauty of nature and enjoying comforting cuisine, Alabama certainly holds its own.

Pennsylvania offers picturesque hills, Amish buggies, and delightful forests that transform into a stunning display of golds, yellows, and oranges in the fall. However, for its size, it falls short in the “wow” factor. It’s an eastern state with a significant population but lacks the allure of a coastline. It possesses a portion of the Appalachian Mountains, but it’s not as awe-inspiring as those in neighboring states. While you can ski in the Poconos, it’s not your first choice when better options are available.

Rhode Island, despite its small size, holds its own quite well. The jest that half of its area consists of beaches isn’t far from the truth—Block Island boasts some beautiful ones, and the sea cliffs and bluffs in places like Newport and Block Island add to the state’s coastal allure. However, Rhode Island faces limitations due to its compact size. There’s simply not enough space for anything truly grand, except for exceptions like the Breakers mansion. It’s a shame that nature didn’t bestow more grandeur upon the state.

For Floridians, one of the most delightful sights is crossing the state line into Georgia and witnessing gas prices drop by a dollar per gallon. Beyond that, Florida doesn’t offer much in terms of scenic grandeur. With the exception of the charming Southern ambiance created by trees adorned with Spanish moss and pristine beaches in the southern part of the state, the most notable scenic feature is the “mountains” north of Atlanta. These may seem impressively towering after traversing Florida’s flat terrain, but they still fall short compared to the Smoky Mountains or the Appalachians just a few hours down the road.

In all honesty, New Hampshire lost one of its most iconic sights a few decades ago when the Old Man of the Mountain collapsed, and the memory still stings. However, the state continues to maintain a strong profile with its majestic White Mountains, the strikingly carved flume gorges, impressive notches, and expansive lakes like Winnipesaukee, as well as vast farmland valleys near the Canadian border. It’s only unfortunate that the southern part of the state resembles suburban Connecticut, albeit with a lower number of liquor stores.

This state grapples with a cultural identity crisis, unsure if it belongs to the Midwest, the South, or Appalachia. Geographically, it doesn’t mind the ambiguity because it showcases the best of all these regions: rugged hollers and mountain vistas in the east, the vast 400-mile-long Mammoth Cave, and an abundance of rolling, grassy hills. While you can still stumble upon family tobacco farms on the back roads, the most distinctive aspect of the landscape is the harmonious relationship between horses and the luminous pastures. Locals claim they can see the grass shimmering in blue hues, hence the term “bluegrass.” Regardless of its color, it all invites you to pause and marvel at the beauty.

Arguably, the most visually appealing portion of South Carolina is also the most frequented: Charleston. However, when assessing natural beauty rather than colonial architecture, the state’s standout is the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Here, you’ll find the majestic 420-foot Raven Cliff Falls within Caesars Head State Park, along with some of the most remarkable scenic overlooks in the South. South Carolina’s coastal beaches offer a peaceful and soothing experience, and there’s nothing quite like a sunlit drive through the low country, with a canopy of live oak trees draped in Spanish moss.

It’s difficult to find any significant faults with Maryland since it offers all the desirable aspects of scenic beauty one looks for in a state. The mountainous western region is reminiscent of West Virginia, featuring dramatic green hills and vibrant autumn foliage. Along the Atlantic coastline and the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland boasts an impressive 600 miles of shoreline, nearly twice as much as Texas along the Gulf of Mexico. To complete the picturesque scene, pastoral farmland and vineyards along the eastern shore in Talbot County add to the state’s idyllic charm.

Geographically, Massachusetts stands as the crossroads of New England. Its southern neighbors are relatively unremarkable, while those to the north are notably more rugged, both in terrain and the resolute character of their residents. Nevertheless, Massachusetts has its own unique attractions. Cape Cod National Seashore has long been a magnet for artists drawn to its splendid sunsets, and the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley offer some of the nation’s most stunning fall foliage. However, Massachusetts also includes Middlesex County, which, despite its name, lacks allure and sex appeal.

There are advantages to being a somewhat isolated region. The southeastern part of the state may not be the most visually captivating, unless you have a penchant for swamps, meadows, rice fields, and the same ubiquitous pine forests found in Mississippi and Georgia. As you venture northward, however, you encounter hills that hide caves, streams, and gullies, occasionally revealing flat areas where you can relax and soak in a sunset, or even a hot spring. The Buffalo River, the country’s first designated national river, remains one of the few significant undammed rivers in America. In the southwest, the Ouachita Mountains stretch on endlessly, dotted with springs and towns just large enough to provide a gas station where you can prepare for a few days of floating or camping.

Most people associate Nevada with “Las Vegas and the speedy drive to California.” Admittedly, the majority of the state is dry and unremarkable, to the extent that it was used for nuclear testing with minimal concern. However, Nevada’s highlights span from awe-inspiring to obscure. Red Rock Canyon, just a short Uber ride from the Vegas Strip, is a breathtaking sanctuary of striated limestone and sandstone. The Ruby Valley stands out as a charming mountainous area that provides a pleasant break for travelers on I-80. The swirling, cream-and-crimson rock formations in Valley of Fire State Park resemble something out of a Dr. Seuss book. And, of course, there’s Lake Tahoe and Death Valley National Park, technically straddling the California border, but look on the bright side – you’ve made it.

Entering the top half of this list, the competition gets fierce. While Virginia’s beaches might not feature in any Corona commercials, those in the Hampton Roads area are some of the most splendid and expansive along the Eastern Seaboard, and yet they remain underappreciated in the commonwealth. Central Virginia’s rolling hills and wine country are a significant part of why they say “Virginia Is for Lovers.” A journey down Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park is arguably one of the most outstanding leaf-peeping drives in America.

This U.S. state could almost be called “Canada Lite.” Along its North Shore, you’ll discover rugged lakeside cliffs adorned with lighthouses and dense forests that conceal exceptional hiking trails and waterfalls. Summertime brings the Boundary Waters to life, offering some of the most coveted fishing and canoeing experiences in the upper prairie. The sheer, untamed Lake Superior shoreline provides another glimpse of unspoiled North America, while the distinctive glacial formations around Interstate State Park serve as a reminder of just how far north you truly are.

Wisconsin offers more than just prairies and dairies. You can explore around 800 miles of shoreline along Lakes Superior and Michigan, not to mention the roughly 15,000 lakes scattered across the state, even surpassing Minnesota’s “Land of Ten Thousand Lakes.” While the state may lack a single iconic natural wonder that’s a must-see, the Apostle Islands are truly unique, and Door County boasts some of the most pleasant countryside. However, to fully appreciate Wisconsin’s diverse landscape of cliffs, forests, water, and the occasional natural stone bridge, consider hiking the 1,200-mile-long Ice Age Trail that winds through the state. The glaciers left behind these lakes and boulders for your enjoyment, so why not make the most of them?

Texas is undeniably vast, ensuring that it offers some remarkable sights along the way. Big Bend National Park, renowned for its extraordinary night skies, and the sweeping desert beauty of West Texas are standout features. Hill Country in springtime is a captivating sight, and the open expanse of the American West stretching to the horizon is a marvel. While Texas may not have the absolute best in any particular category, there are superior Western landscapes farther west, superior forests in the east, and better beaches in any direction except due north. However, Texas deserves recognition for encompassing virtually every type of landscape you could desire (except for snow-capped mountains), and if you escape the urban areas, the open roads in Texas feel as free and expansive as anywhere else.

If you’re wondering how a Dakota state made it this far, you’ve probably never experienced the scenic beauty of the most underrated state in America. South Dakota offers so much more than just a mountain featuring the carved faces of four presidents. It’s the entire Black Hills region, where you can hike to Harney Peak in the morning (the highest point between the Rockies and the Pyrenees) and explore Spearfish Canyon in the afternoon. Or venture into the Badlands, a strikingly diverse Martian-like landscape with unexpected vegetation and a wide array of colors. Even the flatter eastern part of the state has gems like Palisades State Park outside Sioux Falls, where Split Rock Creek meanders through 50-foot quartzite cliffs. A visit to South Dakota might leave you wondering why it’s not ranked higher on this list.

Read this state from left to right, and the scenery just keeps improving. Starting from the top of the Delta in the west, crossing the hills and pastures of the central third, and finally arriving at the grand crescendo of mountain vistas in the Smoky Mountains. With this much diversity packed into an eastern landlocked state, you can practically select any highway, exit at the first state park sign you encounter, and feel like you’ve struck the scenic jackpot.

You might not have West Virginia as your final destination, but you’ll never forget driving through it. This state is beloved by base jumpers for its stunning gorges, and outdoor enthusiasts visit to admire America’s newest national park. West Virginia’s landscape is characterized by unbroken, rolling ancient hills and rivers cascading down limestone terrain. The Monongahela National Forest perfectly represents the forested, rocky landscapes that kids from Maine to Missouri enjoyed exploring in their youth. This often overlooked corner of the country encapsulates the finest aspects of the eastern half of the continent.

It’s a tough call with Florida, a state where people have transformed the flat swamplands that once defined the landscape, constructing hundreds of miles of artificial beaches, and lining them with unattractive condos and big-name hotels, not to mention the infamous Florida Men (and spring breakers) that come with them. Nevertheless, we can’t overlook the evident beauty offered by places like the underwater paradise of Biscayne National Park, the palm tree-lined shores and white sand of the Keys, and even the surprisingly appealing swamplands in Big Cypress National Preserve. Florida, a little cleanup and you might find yourself ranking higher next time.

New York State is often overshadowed by New York City, but its wild and diverse landscapes rival those of nearly any other state. Consider this: New York boasts three coasts (Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the Atlantic), two distinct mountain ranges (the Catskills and the Adirondacks), a portion of Lake Champlain, and all of the Finger Lakes. It also lays claim to the more picturesque half of Niagara Falls—there’s a reason the best views are from the Canadian side. Conservation is an ongoing challenge in New York, but the state has made commendable efforts to preserve natural spaces for both wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. The Empire State possesses a higher percentage of publicly owned land than any other state east of the Mississippi and ranks first in the country for the percentage of land owned by the state itself, thanks in part to the New York City tax base.

Quick, what states contain a piece of Yellowstone? Most people will mention Wyoming and Montana, but Idaho also has a share of the national park. Surprises like this are scattered throughout Idaho, arguably making it America’s most underrated state for its scenic beauty. The Sawtooth Mountains offer some of the best mountain biking opportunities in the country, while the snow-capped peaks at Coeur d’Alene establish it as a world-class skiing destination. The state’s full range of beauty can be best experienced with a journey down the Snake River, meandering through mountains and picturesque meadows.

Maine residents are well aware that they have some of the finest natural scenery in the Northeast, and they’re more than content with you sticking to the Portland area to savor some lobstah, leaving more room up north for them. In addition to boasting some of the most stunning coastline in America, with thousands of rugged islands offshore, Maine offers over 3,000 miles of pebbly beach. The state is also home to the magnificent Acadia National Park, Mount Katahdin (the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail), and countless acres of dense wilderness and rugged seashore, making it a paradise for L.L. Bean enthusiasts (it’s practically their uniform up there).

The skilled cinematographers behind Breaking Bad used this state as a striking backdrop for cooking crystal meth. However, even without the dilapidated trailers in the foreground, the desert landscapes in New Mexico are undeniably breathtaking. The red rock cliffs and expansive mesas make a road trip through the state feel much shorter than the actual 375 miles that I-40 spans across it. In northern New Mexico, you’ll encounter the mountains of Taos, giving that part of the state a look more akin to Colorado than Arizona. Head south, and you’ll reach the dramatic Organ Mountains before arriving at White Sands National Park, one of the most unique and captivating natural wonders in the lower 48 states.

Vermont, famously sparsely populated, is blanketed in rolling green hills, all of which seem to be accompanied by clear mountain streams, lakes, and charming little villages nestled around them. If you happen to visit during the peak of fall, when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red and gold, the scenery becomes almost painfully beautiful. From the serene shores of Lake Champlain to the misty rivers of St. Johnsbury, it’s a challenging task to find a place in Vermont that doesn’t resemble something straight out of a picturesque calendar. However, it’s worth noting that Vermont is the only New England state without any ocean coastline, and even Bernie Sanders and Ben & Jerry’s can only make up for that so much.

It’s hard to argue against North Carolina as the most beautiful state on the East Coast. It’s one of the rare eastern states where you can witness a diverse range of scenery as you journey from the eastern beaches to the Blue Ridge Mountains in the west. The Outer Banks offer some of the finest coastal getaways in the nation, and a drive through the verdant heart of the state leads you to the East’s foremost destination for mountain scenery, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The word that comes to mind when describing Montana is “imposing.” It’s like a brunch-menu version of Alaska, offering vast Rockies, large lakes, distinct seasons, and two of the most awe-inspiring national parks anywhere in the world: a portion of Yellowstone at the southern border and the expansive landscapes of Glacier at the top. The sky may not be any larger here than in other places; if anything, the mountainous contours at the edges give definition to the surroundings. However, what you do get is an abundance of wide-open spaces, and lots of them. Montana, America’s third-largest state, is home to just 1 million people, in stark contrast to 38 million in California and 27 million in Texas. Splendor abounds in Montana, and the chances are high that you can have a vast expanse of it all to yourself.

Wyoming is so abundantly beautiful that even the Grand Tetons—arguably one of the most stunning vistas in the country—somehow get overshadowed by the neighboring Yellowstone National Park. However, if all you’ve seen of Wyoming is Jackson Hole and I-80, you’re missing out on the otherworldly high plains outside of Laramie and Cheyenne, the haunting rocks of Vedauwoo, the mountains of the Front Range (the same mountains you saw on your trip to Denver), the Wind River Range, the Bighorns, and the clearest Milky Way views in the lower 48. And that’s not even mentioning Red Canyon, the Red Desert, Devils Tower, or the incredible wildlife, including elk, moose, bison, and pronghorn populations that number in the hundreds of thousands. Few people venture into Wyoming to witness how the light shimmers off golden Aspen trees on an endless mountain prairie—and the folks in the Cowboy State prefer it that way.

Arizona’s natural beauty sets a striking baseline with its vibrant desert hues of oranges and fuchsias, ultimately leading to one of the most iconic features on the continent: the Grand Canyon, a highlight of countless American road trips. Monument Valley feels like the place where cowboys’ souls go when they pass away. Beyond these well-known attractions, Arizona’s lesser-known gems—the Superstition Mountains, the Petrified Forest, Lake Powell, the regions around Flagstaff and Sedona—could individually secure its place as a top-20 state for natural beauty. Additionally, don’t overlook one of the most dramatic terrestrial features anywhere: the 560-foot-deep meteor crater, which, in keeping with much of Arizona’s character, literally originated from elsewhere in the solar system.

Taken individually, the Upper or Lower Peninsulas of Michigan could have easily secured high rankings on this list. However, when you combine them, you’re blessed with 3,288 miles of pure Michigan coastline, making it the most beautiful state east of the Mississippi River. This is quite a statement, particularly for a Midwestern state, considering how Michigan’s neighboring states fared in this ranking. From the pristine forests of the Upper Peninsula to the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan, the rugged coast of Lake Huron, and the more than 11,000 inland lakes in between, Michigan offers an abundance of natural beauty. You could spend years exploring Michigan and still not reach the end of its magnificent waters.

Oregon serves as the perfect transitional state from California—and Nevada—into the Pacific Northwest. It commences with rugged coastline and temperate desert, reminiscent of northern California. As you journey through the state, it gradually shifts from the mountains into evergreen wilderness, creating the most scenic section of Interstate 5. Oregon boasts fantastic beaches, with Cannon Beach and Seaside in the north, featuring the iconic Haystack Rock. The state is also home to Mt. Hood, a jagged peak that stands as the most scenic point between Mt. Whitney and Mt. Rainier. Additionally, Oregon offers the stunning Crater Lake, the Willamette Valley wine country, and the undulating Painted Hills in the vast, open east. Whether you seek coastal beauty or desert landscapes, Oregon delivers on both fronts.

Seattle’s skyline isn’t just renowned for the architectural marvel of the Columbia Center; it’s the spectacular setting that elevates it. Seattle gazes south to the majestic Mt. Rainier and is nestled between the breathtaking Puget Sound and Lake Washington. However, this is just one facet of the state. Washington is not only home to one but two towering mountain ranges (the dramatic Cascades and the rainforested Olympics), along with the winding Columbia River Gorge. The San Juan Islands offer an experience akin to cruising through Alaska without needing to venture north of the 49th parallel. Even in parts of Eastern and Central Washington, particularly in the northern Okanagan region, you’ll discover remarkable desert landscapes. Washington truly has an abundance of natural beauty to offer.

To earn a spot in the top 10% of the most scenic states, you need to possess a certain indescribable quality. Colorado has that in abundance. Anyone who has ever visited the state has been awestruck by its stunning vertical landscapes. Colorado boasts over 50 peaks that soar above 14,000 feet, which is more than three times the number in the rest of the lower 48 states combined. While these high peaks are easily accessible, the state is also home to numerous mountain lakes that are a bit more challenging to reach but equally amazing. These lakes make the arduous journey to the summits worthwhile and offer some of the most underrated beachfront views in the world. The only minor downside to Colorado is that its eastern third or so can feel a bit like an extended version of Nebraska. To fully appreciate this state, take a drive from Denver to Telluride, and prepare to be utterly amazed.

Utah’s ability to secure such a high ranking despite having zero miles of coastline is a testament to its extraordinary natural wonders. Few landlocked states can match Utah in terms of instantly recognizable scenery. Whether it’s the iconic sandstone arches and canyons of Moab or the peculiar rock formations of Goblin Valley, Utah’s landscapes are truly unique. This is just the tip of the iceberg in the southern half of the state. The Bonneville Salt Flats, a remarkable geological feature, is one of the most impressive sights in the entire United States. Heading further north, Utah boasts snow-covered mountains that rival the best in the western states. If your idea of the perfect vacation involves outdoor adventure and stunning natural beauty, Utah may very well be your ultimate destination.

Alaska stands out as a state that offers a breathtaking showcase of nature’s wonders. Whether it’s the glaciers of the Kenai Fjords and the inside passage, the vast expanse of snow-capped peaks in Denali, or the sprawling tundra that characterizes the interior, Alaska’s rugged wilderness is unmatched in the rest of the United States. With eight massive national parks, including the largest of all 63, Gates of the Arctic, Alaska provides abundant opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

What adds to the allure is that much of Alaska is inaccessible by road, making boat trips, helicopter tours, and Northern Lights train rides the primary modes of transportation. These journeys offer ample opportunities to spot whales, bears, sea lions, and other wildlife in their natural habitats. Additionally, Alaska’s beach towns provide a unique coastal charm, rounding out the state’s diverse and awe-inspiring scenery.

Hawaii’s archipelago is a truly remarkable destination, offering an exceptional diversity of landscapes and scenery, all within the confines of the United States. Comprising seven larger islands and 130 smaller, uninhabited islets, Hawaii showcases this incredible array of environments due to its varying ages. For example, the lush and canyon-filled island of Kauai is six million years older than the sprawling and raw Big Island, which is still growing, fueled by a volcanic vent that continuously shapes the landscape.

In between these two extremes, you’ll find Oahu, with its stunning beaches, jungles, and cliffs, often visited by vibrant rainbows. Maui feels like a collection of picture-perfect vacation postcards all merged into one island. Molokai, with fewer tourists, boasts some of the world’s steepest cliffs plunging into deep blue oceans. Lanai offers a unique blend of Irish and Caribbean aesthetics. Hawaii’s remarkable beauty is one of those rare destinations that, even though it has a perfect reputation, manages to exceed every expectation.

Starting from the southern coastline, where you’ll discover expansive, natural beaches set against towering cliffs, to the stark and captivating desertscapes of the Mojave Desert. You can continue your journey along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, winding your way through Big Sur and onward to the wine country of the Central Coast.

As you move further north, San Francisco welcomes you with its picturesque cliffside views and swirling fog. Of course, California is home to some of the most renowned national parks in the country, including the majestic Yosemite, the towering Redwood forests, and the desolate beauty of Death Valley. Moreover, there are numerous other underrated national parks scattered throughout the state.

The Golden State’s diverse landscapes encompass lush wine regions such as Napa Valley in the north and Temecula in the south. While California might not be the ideal place for everyone, in terms of the sheer range of natural beauty it offers, it stands out as a place like no other.