11 Hidden Spots You Didn’t Know Existed in the United States

Trying to get a few vacations in this summer? Planning your getaway for fall and winter? Truth be told, you don’t have to leave the country to have a great escape. There are so many unbelievably beautiful places right under our noses, here in America.

You probably haven’t heard of some of these hidden gems because they’re, well, just that: Hidden gems! But we think they’re super deserving of travelers to know about them. So we scoured the inter webs far and wide to bring you these top places in the country that you need to go see.

Behold: The most stunning places in the United States. Scroll through and try not to drool.

  1. Colorado River, Arizona

    The Colorado River flows from the Rocky Mountains to Mexico, but for the best spot, head to Horseshoe Bend, which is right near the border of Arizona and Utah. You’ll swoon so hard you won’t even know what hit you.

  2. Glacier National Park, Montana

    This park spans over one million acres (yes, you read that right) of mountain ranges, lakes, plant species, animals, you name it. It’s been deemed one of America’s most scenic places many times over, and for good reason.

  3. Blue Lakes, Colorado

    You’ve never seen such turquoise waters. Blue Lake has a unique mineral makeup and a natural filtering processes that makes this area truly stunner. The drive to the trailhead will blow you away, offering amazing panoramic views of valleys and mountains and creeks, oh my.

  4. Multnomah Falls, Oregon

    Not too far from Portland, this magnificent waterfall is the tallest one in the state, spanning two tiers on basalt cliffs. Arguably, it’s the the most gorgeous, too (you definitely have to visit in the fall, just look at that picture!).

  5. Fly Geyser, Nevada

    Located on private land in Washoe County, this geyser is covered with thermophilic algae, and when the weather is hot and humid, the hues of red and green come alive. Even more remarkably, the geyser was created purely on accident during well drilling in 1964. Can you believe that?

  6. Skagit Valley, Washington

    Not too far from Seattle, this hidden gem awaits. For sights of the best tulips in the entire world, head to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in the spring.

  7. Rainbow Falls, Tennessee

    This waterfall is basically magic. You can see a rainbow in the mist at this 80-foot high waterfall even on the sunniest of days. And in the winter? An ice formation builds around the falls. It’s truly breathtaking no matter when you choose to go.

  8. Hamilton Pool, Texas

    Not to far from Austin, Hamilton Pool is a gorgeous historical site created thousands of years ago when the dome of an underground river collapsed. It contains a 50-foot waterfall and the the pool’s water is always flowing, even during droughts. It’s charming, peaceful, and one heck of a getaway.

  9. Katy Trail State Park, Missouri

    Katy Trail State Park is the longest developed rail-trail in the country. Come bike, hike, walk, or just enjoy the scenery—there’s something for everyone who enjoys beauty in the peacefulness.

  10. Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming

    Located in the Yellowstone National Park, the spring is even more grand than it looks: It’s the the third largest spring in the world, spanning bigger than a football field (370 feet). Plus those bright bands of orange, yellow, and green hues are even more stunning in person (if you can believe that).

  11. Portland Head Light, Maine

    Watch the waves crash over the rocks, enjoy a sunset, or even climb the lighthouse in its entirety. No matter what angle, time of day, or season, it would be hard to get a bad photo of this gem.

Can you believe all of these places exist right here in the United States? Where are you going to head to first?