Clear your mind. Close your eyes. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about America? Democracy? An American flag? Politicians? Freedom? Corruption? A happy family? A busy street lined with fast-food joints swamped with overweight individuals? Whatever it is that popped into your head, I will now ask you to erase that image. Whether you hold positive or negative thoughts about our country, open your mind to these 21 jaw-dropping pictures of America and allow your perspective to be completely transformed.
1. Turnip Rock, Michigan
Located off of the shore of Lake Huron, this large island is the result of thousands of years of erosion from storm waves. The only way to view the rock is by water, but it's well worth the trip.
2. Hoge Pasture, Virginia
Overlooking the campus of Virginia Tech, this beautiful pasture is a prime example of the American countryside.
3. Savannah, Georgia
These sweeping oak trees hang over the roads of the Historic Wormsloe Plantation. This plantation is open for public tours that take tourists from all over the world on jaw-dropping nature walks that feature breathtaking walkways and roads surrounded by magnificent oak trees and beautiful Spanish moss.
4. Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma
These beautiful mountains are part of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. This refuge was set up in 1901 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and helps to protect wildlife species such as Rocky Mountain elk and American bison.
5. Hamilton Pool Nature Reserve, Texas
Open to the public for swimming, this historic swimming hole is nestled in a small canyon located in the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. During the summer, this natural wonder is a popular destination for tourists seeking to take a dip while enjoying the area's diverse wildlife.
6. Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Pictured here is the Portland Head Lighthouse. This light station is situated in Casco Bay and illuminates the entrance of an important shipping channel in Portland Harbor.
7. New York City, New York
No list of breathtaking American pictures would be complete without the gorgeous skyline of the Big Apple.
8. Santa Monica Pier, California
Who knew this common attraction along the West Coast was so beautiful when viewed from above?
9. Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, North Carolina
Extending 469 miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches through both Virginia and North Carolina, and is America's longest linear park.
10. Kenai River, Alaska
The Alaskan frontier is truly awe-inspiring. Imagine waking up to this every morning!
11. Canyonlands National Park, Utah
I'll admit, when I think of Utah I don't picture beautiful natural scenery. However, after seeing this picture, my mind has been completely changed.
12. McWay Falls, Big Sur, California
This gorgeous landscape is located within the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Named after the well-respected pioneer woman Julia Pfeiffer Burns, this state park encompasses an 80-foot-tall waterfall, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, a rugged coastline, and a wide variety of beautiful plant and animal life.
13. Bruneau Dunes State Park, Idaho
This state park features the tallest sand dune in America. Visitors can explore this sandy landscape by foot, on horseback, or even on a sand board!
14. Atlanta, Georgia
Living the American dream.
15. Glacier National Park, Montana
This beautiful national park sits right along the border with Canada. But you better visit it soon. Scientists predict that its glaciers will fully vanish over the next few years.
16. New Orleans, Louisiana
Charming, quaint, lively, colorful, vibrant, unique. The city of New Orleans is a melting pot of French, African, and American cultures that offers delicious cuisine, Southern hospitality, and a lively music scene.
17. Kauna'oa Beach, The Big Island, Hawaii
This beautiful crescent-shaped beach is postcard-perfect.
18. Washington, D.C.
Not just our nation's capital, but also the Cherry Blossom Capital of the world.
19. Sanibel Island, Florida
Collect shells, drink a strawberry daiquiri, soak up the sun, repeat.
20. Crater Lake, Oregon
Famous for its deep blue water color, this lake is the main feature of the Crater Lake National Park and is the remains of Mount Mazama, a volcano that collapsed when it erupted at 42 times the force of the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980.
21. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
This national park is a prime example of one of the rugged and beautiful landscapes that America houses. This beautiful landscape also contains one of the world's richest fossil beds.
Whether you think positively or negatively about this country, it is undeniably beautiful.
