When traveling in the United States, the main attractions on an agenda are typically standard; Niagara Falls, the Statue of Liberty, Grand Canyon, Miami Beach, Mt. Rushmore, Vegas, and Yellowstone. But to really experience the splendors of America, there are some attractions off the beaten path that you should visit which can give you a completely different experience. Here are the top six places in the U.S. guaranteed to take your breath away.
1. Mount Rainier in Washington
As the fifth largest active volcano in the United States, Mt. Rainier stands at 4,392 meters above sea level and overlooks the Cascade Range. Itās sheer size is absolutely breathtaking, and the peak has been named 21st most prominent in the world. You can see Mt. Rainier from the surrounding national park where there are plenty of hiking trails and camping grounds available to the public, as well as climbing opportunities for those seeking an adrenaline rush with a view.
2. Death Valley in California/Nevada
At 282 feet below sea level, Death Valley is a valley spanning across the border of California and Nevada and is the lowest and hottest place in the United States (with a title of the hottest recorded air temperature in the world of 134 degrees Fahrenheit from 1913). The national park consists of the northwest corner of the Mojave desert, various canyons and mountains and is considered an International Biosphere Reserve. A main attraction of Death Valley National Park are the salt flats that cover nearly 200 miles of the valley.
3. Sedona in Arizona
A hidden gem tucked away about 115 miles north of Phoenix, Sedona is a beautiful town in Red Rock State park. The town is small and picturesque, fueled by local businesses, and about 5 miles away is a beautiful chapel built into the natural rock formations. Itās been heralded as one of the most beautiful cities in the United States, and has hiking trails overlooking the beautiful scenery to prove it.
4. Arches National Park in Utah
Usually overlooked by the crowds drawn to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park, Arches provides a breathtaking view of a dynamic terrain in which erosion and sediment deposits have created unique arches of red rock. Itās an incredible natural phenomenon, and absolutely warrants a visit from anyone to see these incredible, gravity defying formations.
5. Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan
The beautiful lakeshore of the Sleeping Bear Dunes has an incredibly diverse range of sights ranging from sandy cliffs overlooking a pristine lake to hiking trails through luscious forests. Located in Glen Arbor, MI, the dunes are an incredible sight from any vantage point, and is a gorgeous site for any person to visit.
6. Montauk in New York
A picturesque beach town situated on the tip of Long Island, Montauk provides the quintessential sandy paradise for summer weekends. Beautiful beaches and long stretches of local restaurants and shops line the main street, and there are docks surrounding the main pier. The classic lighthouse on the northern tip has become a popular attraction, with huge cliffs of rock open to the general public.
