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29 Surreal Places In America You Need To Visit Before You Die

If you live in the U.S., you don't need a passport to see what mother nature has to offer.

BuzzFeed Staff

1. Mendenhall Glacier Caves, Alaska

In Mendenhall Valley of Juneau stands this 12-mile glacier that is home to some incredibly surreal ice caves. If you follow the West Glacier trail, you can get a chance to see these whimsical ice clouds for yourself.

2. Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Located near Page, Ariz., this brilliant slot canyon is split into two different sections, commonly referred to as “The Crack” and “The Corkscrew.” The natural canvas of color and unique structure is an Instgrammer's dream.

3. Oneonta Gorge, Oregon

The Oneonta Gorge is in the Columbia River Gorge with a unique set of aquatic and woodland plants. The ferns and moss make the walls look like a fairy tale, and visitors can walk through the creek on a warm summer day.

4. Skagit Valley Tulip Fields, Washington

Located in Washington state, hundreds of thousands of visitors come to the tulip fields between April 1–30 to see these gorgeous flowers in bloom. The festival is designed as a driving tour since there is no one designated "site."

5. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Colorado

This wilderness area is located in the Elk Mountains of central Colorado and has over 100 miles of trails. The closest city in reach is Aspen and the entire area spans over 181,000 acres.

6. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

This isolated island of bliss sits roughly 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, surrounded by clear waters and an abundance of sea life. The area is only accessible by boat or seaplane, so leave your phone at home and enjoy a day off the grid.

7. Zion National Park, Utah

Located near Springdale, Utah, this incredible 146,000-acre park is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. A prominent feature is the Zion Canyon, which is 15 miles long and a half-mile deep. Other spots to visit while you're here is "The Subway"(pictured on the left) and "The Narrows" (pictured on the right).

8. Watkins Glen State Park, New York

We all know Niagara Falls is a sight to see, but located south of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region lies a lesser-known fantasy-like area called Rainbow Bridge and Falls. It will make you feel like you're in Lord of the Rings .

9. Yosemite Valley, California

This 8-mile glacial valley is covered in pine and surrounded by granite summits like Half Dome and El Capitan. The California beauty is a hot spot for tourists and photographers and it also offers scenic trails for hikers.

10. Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming

This natural pool of rainbow-like colors is the largest hot spring in the U.S. and the third largest in the world. It's located in Yellowstone National Park, which also has other great sights to see such as Morning Glory Pool , Old Faithful , and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone .

11. Haiku Stairs of Oahu, Hawaii

This "Stairway to Heaven" is a steep hiking trail that is technically closed to the public, but many people continue to climb despite the “No Trespassing” signs. Sometimes breaking the law is worth it, right?

12. Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

In this National Park beneath the rocky land lies more than 119 known caves, formed from limestone and sulfuric acid. Visitors can take the natural entrance (pictured on the right) or ride down the elevator 750 feet below ground.

13. Whitaker Point, Arkansas

In the heart of the Buffalo River country lies this incredible crag, a popular spot for proposals, scenic photographs, and pretty killer views. The best time to snap a pic is at 6:15 a.m. (as pictured above on the left).

14. Hamilton Pool, Texas

Located just outside of Austin, this natural pool is a popular spot for tourists and residents in the summer. Hamilton Pool was created when the dome of an underground river collapsed due to massive erosion thousands of years ago.

15. Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Named after its horseshoe-like shape, this famous meander is located just outside Page, Ariz., and offers a wicked view of the Colorado River.

16. Northern Lights, Alaska

The Northern Lights is one of the most beautiful wonders of the world, and a trip to Alaska will give you a front-row seat. The best places to see the lights are in Fairbanks and Anchorage from about September–April 20.

17. Bryce Canyon, Utah

This collection of large natural amphitheaters is famous for its hoodoos, geological structures formed by frost weather and stream erosion. The orange, red, and white rocks are a beautiful sight and only roughly 50 miles from Zion National Park.

18. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Bordering California and Nevada, this freshwater lake is the largest alpine lake in North America. The clear waters and surrounding trees make it an ideal vacation spot.

19. Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee

A subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, the Smokies are a mountain range along the North Carolina–Tennessee border. It's the most visited national park in the U.S., with 9 million-plus visitors per year.

20. Niagara Falls, New York

Located along the United States –Canada border is the famous Niagara Falls, a popular spot for tourists.

21. The Wave, Arizona

Located in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness near the Arizona-Utah border lies The Wave, a sandstone rock formation that looks look a painting. The sight is known for its vibrant colors and the trackless hike to reach it.

22. Sequoia National Park, California

Sequoia National Park is known for its giant sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree, one of the largest in the world. It stands at 275 feet tall and is believed to be roughly 2,500 years old.

23. Thor's Well, Oregon

Along Cape Perpetua lies Thor's Well, a saltwater fountain driven by the power of the ocean tide. The best time to see it in action is an hour before high tide to an hour after high tide. While it's a beautiful sight, it's also highly dangerous and visitors should proceed with caution.

24. Badlands National Park, South Dakota

The red and orange rocky mountains bring in nearly 1 million visitors per year to the Badlands National Park. Native Americans used this area for hunting grounds for roughly 11,000 years.

25. Savannah, Georgia

The oldest city in the state of Georgia, Savannah has a charming personality and fairy tale-like array of Spanish moss trees.

26. Palouse Falls, Washington

Located in Washington state, this enchanting scene almost came to an end in 1984 when the Franklin County Public Utility District proposed to build a dam to allow hydroelectric power generation. Ratepayers decided to preserve the falls.

27. Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is located near Kalispell, Mont., and borders parts of Canada. The park encompasses more than 1,000,000 acres and attracts roughly 2 million people per year.

28. Nā Pali Coast State Park, Hawaii

The Na Pali Coast is inaccessible by car but can be seen over land by helicopter or hiking. The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access, but there are also caves you can explore along the coast.

29. Devils Tower, Wyoming

Devils Tower is a giant igneous intrusion that rises 5,000-plus feet above sea level. According to Native American folklore, a few girls went out to play and were discovered by several bears who began to chase them. The girls tried to escape by climbing a rock and praying to the Great Spirit to save them, and their prayers were answered when the rock rose from the ground toward the heavens and away from danger. When the girls reached the sky, they were turned into the star constellations. There are also several other theories and stories regarding the Devils Tower.

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30 Landscapes You Won't Believe Are in the U.S.

By Caitlin Morton

The United States is one seriously beautiful country. (Have you ever heard someone call the Grand Canyon "meh"?) But when we think of the world's most surreal landscapes—like miles-long salt flats and fields of lavender—our minds tend to wander to faraway places. Turns out there's plenty of magic to be found across our own 50 states. From Florida to Alaska, here are 30 spectacular landscapes you won't believe are in the U.S.

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colo.

Looks like: The Sahara Desert

Set against the Rocky Mountains, the Great Sand Dunes of Colorado (the tallest dunes in North America) look like they were transported straight from Africa's Sahara or Namib deserts. It takes hours to climb to the top of the dunes from the parking lot, but the feeling of standing alone, hundreds of feet in the air, is well worth the trek.

Hamilton Pool Preserve, Tex.

Looks like: Playa del Amor, Mexico

The 50-foot waterfall and jade waters at the Hamilton Pool Preserve (just west of Austin ) are not to be missed. The site was formed thousands of years ago when an underground river collapsed, leaving us with a natural rock formation that looks just like a Mexican cenote.

Sequim-Dungeness Valley, Wash.

Looks like: Provence, France

If you thought you had to travel to France to see endless fields of lavender, you clearly haven't been to Sequim, Washington before. As if the Olympic Peninsula's beaches and mountains weren't incredible enough, Sequim's lavender farms are a perfect, fragrant addition. Try to visit in July for the annual Lavender Weekend , when you can tour the farms, pick your own lavender, and buy enough lotions and eye pillows to keep you relaxed until you return the following year.

Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

Looks like: Disko Bay, Greenland

Alaska is home to more than 3 million lakes, but we have a bit of tunnel vision when it comes to Bear Lake. Located in the Kenai Fjords National Park, the site stands out for its massive glaciers, year-round water sports (kayaking, ice skating, dog mushing), and viewings of the Northern Lights from September through April.

Jessica Chapel

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Kaitlin Menza

Badlands National Park, S.D.

Looks like: Bungle Bungle Range, Australia

Found in the southwest corner of South Dakota, Badlands National Park greets visitors with an otherworldly landscape of rust-colored buttes, spires, and pinnacles rising across thousands of acres. Blink and you might think you've been transported to Western Australia (or even Mars).

Antelope Canyon, Ariz.

Looks like: Petra, Jordan

Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon—and serious Instagram darling—in the American Southwest. The narrow, undulating spaces between rock formations allow for vivid patterns when sunlight filters through the striated stone, inviting comparisons to Jordan's Petra Valley or the Marble Caves of Chile.

Everglades National Park, Fla.

Looks like: Okavango Delta, Botswana

Occupying 1.5 million prime acres of Southern Florida, these famed wetlands are one of the world’s most varied (and fascinating) ecosystems. Although the Everglades bear an uncanny resemblance to Botswana's Okavango Delta, the wildlife is a tad different—expect to see alligators and manatees during your airboat tour , not hippos and elephants.

Skagit Valley, Wash.

Looks like: The Netherlands

You think tulips, you think Holland, right? But these beautiful spring flowers can be found closer to home: Washington's Skagit Valley has sprawling fields of tulips much like Lisse's Keukenhof (the largest bulb garden in the world), with a festival offering guided bike tours and photo contests every April.

Lost Coast, Calif.

Looks like: Reynisfjara, Iceland

Just as cool as it sounds, the so-called Lost Coast features 30 miles of wild coastline in northern California ( really northern—about 50 miles away from the Oregon border). Just off the parking lot in Shelter Cove, you'll find an extraordinary black sand beach with rugged beauty rivaling Reynisfjara, Iceland's famous rocky beach.

Yakima County, Wash.

Looks like: Napa Valley

Just two hours east of Seattle, Yakima County is an easy weekend getaway for oenophiles. There are enough tasting rooms and farm-to-table restaurants to keep you busy (and boozy) for days, as small pockets of green pop amid the gorgeous Columbia Gorge and desert-like terrain.

Hanging Lake, Colo.

Looks like: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Hanging Lake is one of Colorado's most popular hiking destinations—and one of the most beautiful, too. The water somehow manages to be clear yet turquoise (thanks to dissolving carbonate minerals), giving us a peek at the trees and branches beneath the surface. And those waterfalls? Well, they only increase the dreaminess factor.

Bisti Wilderness Area, N.M

Looks like: Pinnacles, Australia

If you're desperate to visit Australia's surreal landscapes but don't have the bandwidth for that 20-hour flight, then head to New Mexico's Bisti Wilderness Area. In the Southwest's scenic Four Corners region, the badlands' egg-shaped rocks and eroded hoodoos must be seen in person.

Denali National Park, Alaska

Looks like: Nepal

Denali National Park gets more than a half-million visitors a year, and it's easy to see why. The park is a wild and massive (we're talking 6 million acres) landscape of snowy amphitheaters, glaciers, ice caves, and mountains that would look right at home in the Himalayas. You can even climb Denali, but just like Everest, it's a major undertaking, so know all the information before attempting.

Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, La.

Looks like: The Amazon

Exploring this 6,000-acre state park in Southern Louisiana is like going on an Amazon river cruise—without having to leave the country. The park's labyrinthine waterways provide fishing and canoeing opportunities, while campgrounds and hiking trails wait just offshore.

Horsetail Falls, Yosemite National Park, Calif.

Looks like: Angel Falls, Venezuela

Horsetail Falls may not be quite as large as Venezuela's Angel Falls (the latter is about 1,600 feet longer), but it's every bit as magnificent. The waterfall becomes even more dramatic during the winter months, when the elements create a phenomenon called a " firefall ," an illusion created when the sun hits the waterfall in such a dramatic way that it looks like it's on fire.

Cannon Beach, Ore.

Looks like: Bathsheba Beach, Barbados

Driving Oregon's coast is a road trip that rivals even California's Highway 1, with beautiful state parks, rugged coastlines, and secluded hideaways. Cannon Beach is an essential pit stop off Highway 101, and seeing the 235-foot Haystack Rock protruding out of the water is well-worth the drive.

Pipiwai Trail, Maui, Hawaii

Looks like: Arashiyama, Japan

Maui's Haleakalā National Park is best known for its cloud-piercing volcanos and epic sunrises (so epic that you need a reservation to see one), but it also happens to be home to some more easily accessible wonders. At first glance, the Pīpīwai Trail looks nearly identical to Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, with towering green stalks to hide you from the rest of the world.

Travertine Hot Springs, Eastern Sierras, Calif.

Looks like: Pamukkale, Turkey

Formed by travertine rock and geothermal water, these natural hot springs run a comfortable 103-105 degrees off of California's Highway 395. You may have to share your natural hot tub with other tourists, but the expansive Eastern Sierra views and sunsets are worth the potential crowds.

Antelope Valley, Calif.

Looks like: Namaqualand, South Africa

California is famous for its wildflowers , especially Antelope Valley's rolling hills of poppies (the official state flower). Visit on a sunny April day, sometime around mid-morning, to catch the eye-popping shades of orange and yellow in all their glory.

Oneonta Gorge, Ore.

Looks like: Vintgar Gorge, Slovenia

The basalt walls of the Oneonta Gorge are draped in brilliant green mosses and ferns, making it one of the quintessential sightseeing spots in the Pacific Northwest. Even better? The site is part of the massive Columbia River Gorge, which means you can also see cliffs and waterfalls during your excursion.

Mono Lake, Calif.

Looks like: The Dead Sea

An abnormally high amount of salt—about twice as much as the ocean—and eerily beautiful tufa formations (made from built-up limestone) make Mono Lake, California's largest natural lake , almost too cool to believe.

Charleston Oak Trees, S.C.

Looks like: Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland

Charleston is the land of Lowcountry cuisine and Antebellum mansions, but its arching oak trees are just as much of a draw. Perhaps one of the most iconic drives in the city (and, really, the entire county) is the half-mile stretch leading up to the historic Boone Hall Plantation, where oaks laden with Spanish moss line both sides of the road.

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Looks like: Patagonia

To call Hubbard Glacier "massive" is a bit of an understatement: The glacier's face is up to 400 feet tall and more than six miles wide where it meets the ocean. But the colors—a medley of blues within blues—and the transformation of the freezing and unfreezing water are what make this one of nature's great artistic masterpieces.

Shiprock, N.M.

Looks like: Uluru, Australia (kind of)

The Shiprock is a 1,583-foot tall rock formation rising like a villain's castle in New Mexico's Navajo Nation. The landmark formed some 30 million years ago as a volcanic plume, which remained while erosion erased the rest of the volcano, leaving behind the jagged structure that now defines the otherwise flat region.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif.

* Looks like: The southern coast of Italy *

If you want to plan an iconic American road trip, drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles along Highway 1—making sure you have time for a quick detour to Carmel-by-the-Sea. The coastal city is as reminiscent of Southern Italy as the U.S. gets, complete with tree-studded cliffs and tasty Mediterranean food at Dametra Cafe .

Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah

Looks like: Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Sprawling more than 30,000 acres on the Utah-Nevada border, the Bonneville Salt Flats make you see the world in a different way. The chalk-white landscape stretches so far out in all directions that you can actually spy the curvature of the earth, and aside from the dry heat, walking across the salty crust feels a bit like touching frost-covered grass first thing in the morning.

The Palouse, Idaho

Looks like: Moravian Fields, Czech Republic

The rolling region of the Palouse covers 4,000 sq. miles of northern Idaho and southeastern Washington. The loess hills resemble sand dunes in shape (probably because they were formed by wind-blown sediment, not erosion), but become a dreamscape of varying shades of greens during the wet spring months.

Mesa Verde National Park, Colo.

Looks like: Morocco

This concentration of ancestral Pueblo Indian dwellings sits at an altitude of over 8,500 feet in southwest Colorado. The park's cliff buildings could easily be one of Morocco's earthen villages—if it wasn't 4,800-miles away, of course.

Death Valley National Park, Calif.

Looks like: Atacama Desert, Chile

Death Valley National Park is not only a Guinness world record darling (lowest elevation in North America, hottest month on earth ), but is also the subject of some of the world's most awe-inspiring photos. Come for the mauve- and ochre-colored sunrise over Zabriskie Point.

Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park, Wash.

Looks like: Valdivian Temperate Forest, South America

The Hoh Rain Forest is one of the only rainforests in the U.S., with lichen-shrouded trees and fungus-covered logs that make you forget which country you're in for a moment. Even better? The Hoh River Valley is home to the quietest spot in the contiguous 48 states, according to Gordon Hempton, an expert "acoustic ecologist."

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+20 Surreal Places To Visit in United States of America Before You Die

Places To Visit in United States of America

In this Article you will find some of the best natural Places To Visit in United States of America

1. Devils Tower, Wyoming

Devils Tower (also recognized as Bear Lodge Butte) is a butt, potentially laccolithic, made up of igneous rock in the Black Hills Bear Lodge Ranger District, close Hulett and Sundance in Crook County, northeast of Wyoming, overlooking the Belle Fourche River. It rises above the Belle Fourche River at 1,267 feet (386 m), sitting at 867 feet (265 m) from top to bottom. The peak is 5,112 feet above sea level (1,559 m).

Devils Tower was the first National Monument to be founded by President Theodore Roosevelt on September 24, 1906. The border of the monument encompasses an area of 1,347 acres (545 ha).

Approximately 1% of the 400,000 annual tourists to the monument have visited the Devils Tower in latest years, mostly using traditional climbing methods and it is the best place to visit in united states of america.

The name Devil’s Tower arose during an expedition led by Colonel Richard Irving Dodge in 1875, when his translator allegedly misinterpreted a indigenous word meaning “Bad God’s Tower.” All data advertisements in that region use the word “Devils Tower,” following a norm of geographical naming that omits the apostrophe.

2. The Wave, Arizona

The Wave is a sandstone rock formation situated close its southern boundary with Utah in Arizona, United States. The structure is located on the Coyote Buttes hills in the Colorado Plateau’s Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. The region is managed at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab, Utah by the Land Management Bureau (BLM).

Among hikers and photographers, the structure is well known for its colourful, ondulating shapes and the hard walk needed to achieve it and this is one of the best Places To Visit in United States of America. Because of the brittle nature of the training and the big amount of individuals wanting to attend it, the Kanab Visitor Center uses a regular lottery scheme to issue only ten licenses next day in individual. Furthermore, ten internet licenses are accessible four months prior to a scheduled journey for each date. Those who have acquired licenses will receive a map and data about the walk.

The Wave is made up of intersecting U-shaped troughs eroded into Jurassic age Navajo Sandstone. The two main stone forming troughs are 62 feet (19 m) wide by 118 feet (36 m) lengthy and 52 feet (16 m) broad by 7 feet (2 m). Initially, these troughs along joints within the Navajo Sandstone were eroded by rare runoff. The drainage basin, which supplied rainwater to these troughs, shrank after their creation to the stage that the runoff became inadequate to help cut these troughs.

3. Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Antelope Canyon is an American Southwest slot canyon. It’s on the west of Page, Arizona, Navajo territory. Antelope Canyon involves two distinct, picturesque canyon slot segments, separately referred to as ‘ Upper Antelope Canyon ‘ or ‘ The Crack ; ‘ and ‘ Lower Antelope Canyon ‘ or ‘ The Corkscrew. ‘

Tsé bighánílíní is the name Navajo for the Upper Antelope Canyon, which implies’ the location where water passes through trees.’ The Lower Antelope Canyon is the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department’s Hazdistazí (called “Hasdestwazi”), or’ spiral stone arches.’ Both are in the Navajo Nation’s LeChee Chapter. The canyons can only be accessed through a guided trip, This is a best place to feel happy and joy so it is  one of best of Places To Visit in United States of America.

Navajo Sandstone erosion created the Antelope Canyon, mainly owing to flash flooding and secondary owing to other sub-aerial procedures. Rainwater flows into the expansive basin above the slot canyon segments, particularly during the monsoon season, picking up velocity and sand as it flows through the tight passages. The passages deteriorated over moment, deepening the hallways and brushing difficult corners in such a manner that distinctive “flowing” forms in the rock were formed.

4. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Dry Tortugas National Park is about 68 miles (109 km) south of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, a national park in the United States. The park retains Fort Jefferson and the seven islands of Dry Tortugas, the Florida Keys ‘ most remote and westernmost. The coral reefs of the archipelago are the least damaged of the reefs of Florida Keys.

The park is known for its abundant marine life, tropical bird breeding grounds, colourful coral reefs, shipwreck myths and sunken treasures. Fort Jefferson, a huge but incomplete coastal fortification, is the centerpiece of the park. Fort Jefferson is the Western Hemisphere’s biggest brick masonry structure, consisting of over 16 million bricks. Only Fort Monroe, Virginia, and Fort Adams, Rhode Island, exceed it in size among U.S. bases. Dry Tortugas is distinctive in its mixture with important historical artifacts of a mainly undisturbed tropical ecosystem.

The park is only accessible by seaplane or boat and has an average of approximately 63,000 visitors per year between 2008 and 2017. Snorkeling, picnicking, bird watching, hiking, scuba diving, fishing for saltwater and kayaking are some of the activities.

Dry Tortugas National Park is part of the Biosphere Reserve of Everglades & Dry Tortugas, established by UNESCO under its Man and Biosphere Program in 1976.

5. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho

Yellowstone National Park is a Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho American domestic park. It was set up by the U.S. Congress and President Ulysses S. Grant entered it into law on March 1, 1872. Yellowstone was the first national park in the U.S. and the first national park in the globe is also commonly kept. The park is renowned for its wildlife and numerous geothermal features, including Old Faithful Geyser, one of its most famous characteristics. It has many kinds of ecosystems, but the most common is the subalpine forest. It is component of the ecoregion of the South Central Rockies forests “Amazing places to visit in united states of america”.

Native Americans have resided for at least 11,000 years in the Yellowstone region. During the early-to-mid-19th century, apart from trips by mountain men, structured exploring did not start until the early 1860s. Originally, park management and control falls within the jurisdiction of the Interior Secretary, the first being Columbus Delano. But the U.S. Subsequently, the Army was commissioned to oversee Yellowstone management for a period of 30 years from 1886 to 1916.

Yellowstone is on the southeastern edge of the Snake River Plain, a large U-shaped curve through the hills stretching from Boise, Idaho about 400 miles (640 km) south.

Yellowstone volcanism is thought to be related to the Snake River plain’s somewhat earlier volcanism. Thus, Yellowstone is the active component of a hotspot that over time has shifted south. The source of this volcanic hotspot is controversial. One hypothesis argues that a mantle plume led the Yellowstone hotspot to migrate south, while another hypothesis explains migrating hotspot volcanism as a consequence of the fragmentation and dynamics of the subdued Farallon Plate in the middle of Earth.

The Yellowstone Caldera is North America’s biggest volcanic scheme. It was called a “supervolcano” because extremely big explosive eruptions created the caldera. It is projected that the magma chamber below Yellowstone is a single linked tank, approximately 37 miles (60 km) long, 18 miles (29 km) broad and 3 to 7 miles (5 to 12 km) depth.

6. Haiku Stairs of Oahu, Hawaii

The Haalikū Stairs, also referred as the Heaven Stairway or Haalikū Ladder, is a challenging walking path on Hawaii’s island of Oalmahu. The total of 3,922 steps cover the mountain range of Oahu’s Ko’olau. “Haiku” refers not to the poetry genre of Japan. The region is named after the Kahili flower “Ha regikū.”

Contractors for the United States in 1942 Navy started the development of the Haferikū Radio Station, a top secret unit to be used to convey radio signals to Navy vessels then working across the Pacific. In order to obtain the necessary height for the antennae, they were stretched by the Navy across the natural amphitheater, Haifikū Valley. In addition to the metal steps, some remaining sections of the wooden ladder can still be seen.

7. Hamilton Pool, Texas

Hamilton Pool Preserve is a natural pool that was formed as a result of huge erosion thousands of years earlier when an underground river dome crashed. Around 23 miles (37 km) north of Austin, Texas off Highway 71, the pool is situated. Hamilton Pool has been a famous summer swimming place for tourists and inhabitants of Austin since the 1960s. Hamilton Pool Preserve is a preserved natural habitat of 232 acres (0.94 km2) with a jade green pool in which a 50-foot (15 m) waterfall flows with water temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

The pond is enclosed by big calcareous rocks that lie at the bottom of the water; big stalactites develop from the top of the roof. Moss, maidenhair fern and cliff swallows are close to the grotto’s roof and adjacent hills. The preserve’s Ashe juniper (cedar) uplands are home to the endangered warbler golden-cheeked.

There is no chemical treatment of the natural pool and creek, so water quality is constantly tracked and swimming is sometimes limited. Hamilton Pool is a protected area, part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve.

8. Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Horseshoe Bend is a Colorado River incised horseshoe meander close the city of Page, Arizona, USA, This is from the best places to visit in united states of america.

Horseshoe Bend is situated in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, about 4 miles (6.4 km) southeast of Page, 5 miles (8.0 km) upstream from the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell.

It is available from a parking area near the U.S. by walking a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) round journey. Route 89 on the southwest side of Page.

From the steep cliff above, you can see Horseshoe Bend.

The view is 4,200 feet (1,300 m) above sea level, and the Colorado River is 3,200 feet (980 m) above sea level, resulting in a fall of 1,000 feet (300 m).

The lookout has recently become a significant place for tourists. By 2018, social media place mentions had prompted a significant rise in the amount of tourists.

9. Bryce Canyon, Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park is an American domestic park in southeastern Utah. The park’s main characteristic is Bryce Canyon, which is not a canyon despite its title, but a series of gigantic natural amphitheaters along the Paunsaugunt Plateau’s southern edge. Bryce is characteristic because of the geological structures called hoodoos, which are created by frost weathering and river and lake bed erosion of sedimentary rocks. The rocks ‘ red, orange, and white colours provide park tourists with amazing opinions. Bryce Canyon National Park is much lower than neighboring Zion National Park and lies at a much higher elevation. The rim at Bryce varies from 8,000 to 9,000 feet (2,400 to 2,700 m).

The area of Bryce Canyon was settled in the 1850s by Mormon pioneers and was named after Ebenezer Bryce, who in 1874 lived in the area. Originally appointed as a national monument by President Warren G. Harding in 1923, the region around Bryce Canyon was redesigned by Congress in 1928 as a national park.

The park includes 35,835 acres (55,992 sq mi; 14,502 ha; 145,02 km2) and gets significantly fewer tourists than Zion National Park (approximately 4.3 million in 2016) or Grand Canyon National Park (approximately 6 million in 2016), owing mainly to the more distant place of Bryce. Bryce Canyon got 2,365,110 recreational tourists in 2016, a 35 percent boost from the previous year.

10. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Lake Tahoe in the U.S. Sierra Nevada is a big freshwater lake. Situated at 6,225 ft (1,897 m) south of Carson City, it straddles the state boundary between California and Nevada. Lake Tahoe is North America’s biggest alpine lake and passes only the five Great Lakes as the biggest by quantity in the United States at 122,160,280 acres (150.7 km3). Its elevation is 501 m (1,645 ft), making it the second longest in the United States after Oregon’s Crater Lake (1,949 ft or 594 m).

The lake was created as portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin about two million years ago, shaping the contemporary magnitude during the ice ages. It is renowned on all sides for the clearness of its water and the panorama of neighboring hills. Also known as Lake Tahoe, or merely Tahoe, is the region surrounding the lake. More than 75% of the lake’s catchment is domestic forest property, which includes the U.S. Forest Service’s Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit so this is one of Places To Visit in United States of America.

Lake Tahoe is one of Nevada and California’s main tourist attractions. It is home to year-round winter sports, indoor summer recreation, and landscapes. Snow and ski resorts are a major component of the economy and reputation of the area. Several lakeside casino casinos are also available on the Nevada hand, with roads offering year-round access to the whole region.

11. Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Badlands National Park is a national park in the southwest of South Dakota. In addition to the biggest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States, the park protects 242,756 acres (379.3 sq mi; 982.4 km2) of significantly eroded buttes and pinnacles. The park is managed by the National Park Service, with the South Unit co-managed by the tribe of Oglala Lakota, from the best places to visit in united states of america.

The Badlands Wilderness preserves the park’s 64,144 acres (100.2 sq mi; 259.6 km2) as a specified wildlife area, and is one location where the black-footed ferret, one of the world’s most endangered mammals, has been brought into the wild. The South Unit, or Stronghold District, includes sites of 1890s Ghost Dances, a former U.S. Air Force bomb and gunnery range, and Red Shirt Table, the highest point of the park at 1,020 m (3,340 feet).

It was not established until January 25, 1939, authorized as the Badlands National Monument on March 4, 1929. On November 10, 1978, Badlands was redesigned as a national park. The Ben Reifel Visitor Center was built for the memorial in 1957–58 under the Mission 66 scheme. The monument also administers the National Historic Site of the neighboring Minuteman Missile. Partially filmed in Badlands National Park were films such as Dances with Wolves (1990) and Thunderheart (1992).

12. Palouse Falls, Washington

The Palouse Falls are located on the Palouse River, approximately 4 miles (6 km) downstream of the Snake River confluence in southeast Washington, USA. The height of the drops is 198 ft (60 m). The hills comprise of an upper drop with a drop of about 20 ft (6.1 m), 1000 ft (305 m) north-northwest of the primary drop, and a smaller drop with a drop of 198 ft (60 m).

The canyon at the cliffs is 115 m (377 ft) profound, showing the Columbia River Basalt Group’s big cross-section. These hills and the upstream canyon are an significant characteristic of the channeled scablands formed during the Pleistocene era by the huge rains of Missoula that periodically spread across eastern Washington and across the plateau of the Columbia River is amazing Waterfall you must visit in Places To Visit in United States of America.

The ancient river Palouse flowed to the Columbia River through the presently dry Washtucna Coulee. The Palouse Falls and adjacent canyons were formed when the Missoula floods overturned the ancient Palouse River’s southern valley wall, diverting it by erosion of a fresh channel to the present route to the Snake River.

The region is distinguished by interconnected and suspended flood-created coulees, cataracts, diving basins, kolk-created potholes, rock benches, buttes, and typical scabulary pinnacles. Palouse Falls State Park is situated at the falls, preserving this unique portion of the picturesque region.

13. Nā Pali Coast State Park, Hawaii

The Nā Pali Coast State Park is a Hawaiian national park of 6,175 acres (2,499 ha) situated in the middle of the hilly 16 miles (26 km) along Kauai’s southwest coast, the longest inhabited Hawaiian island. The coast of Nā Pali itself stretches southeast from Kee Beach to Polihale State Park. The na bari (elevated hills) rise above the Pacific Ocean as elevated as 4,000 feet (1,200 m) along the coast. To safeguard the Kalalau Valley, the State Park was created.

The Hono O Nā Pali State Natural Reserve is located to the south of the national park. It was set up in 1983 and expanded in 2009 to more than 3,578 acres (14.5 km2). Hiking paths and highways for visitors in Waimea Canyon have access to the steep slopes from Koke’e Road (route 550).

14. Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is an American national park situated on the Canada-U.S. border in southeastern Montana, close to Alberta and British Columbia regions of Canada. The park covers more than 1 million acres (4,000 km2) and contains sections of two mountain ranges (the Rocky Mountains sub-ranges), more than 130 named lakes, more than 1,000 distinct plant species, and hundreds of animal species. This vast untouched ecosystem is at the center of what has been called the “Crown of the Continent Ecosystem,” an area of 16,000 square miles (41,000 km2) of protected territory.

Native Americans first populated the region that became the Glacier National Park. When European explorers arrived, it was dominated in the east by the Blackfeet and in the west by the Flathead. Under stress, the Blackfeet surrendered to the federal government in 1895 the hilly sections of their treaty lands; it subsequently became component of the park. Soon after the park was set up on May 11, 1910, the Great Northern Railway built a range of accommodations and chalets.

15. Thor’s Well, Oregon

There is a natural cave on the shore of Oregon that seems to drain the ocean.

At high tide, or during floods, the place is most impressive when water washes violently over the rocks and funnels into the cave. Unattended tourists to the site run the danger of being thrown straight into the maelstrom during these sudden torrents. Photographers and nature enthusiasts proceed to flock to the magnificent fountain, regardless of the hazards, to see the hostile waters that live up to the stormy character of their godly namesake. The best time to check Thor’s Well is to watch it without water one hour before the high tide and then watch the structure fill up.

16. Sequoia National Park, California

Sequoia National Park in the central Sierra Nevada south of Visalia, California, is an American national park. The reserve was created on September 25, 1890 to safeguard 404,064 acres of wooded hilly land (631 sq mi; 163,519 ha; 1,635 km2). The park includes the highest point in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney, at 14,505 feet (4,421 m) above sea level, covering a vertical relief of nearly 13,000 feet (4,000 m).

The park is north of and adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park ; the two areas are administered as Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks by the National Park Service together. The Sequoia-Kings Canyon Biosphere Reserve was named by UNESCO in 1976.

The park is noteworthy for its giant sequoia forests, including the General Sherman tree, Earth’s biggest tree. In the Giant Forest, which includes five of the world’s ten largest trees, the General Sherman tree develops. The Giant Forest is linked to General Grant Grove, home of the General Grant tree among other giant sequoias, by the Generals Highway to Kings Canyon National Park.

17. Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls is a town in the county of Niagara, New York, USA. The town had a complete population of 50,193 as of the 2010 census, down from the 55,593 reported in the census of 2000. It is close to the Niagara River, across from Niagara Falls City, Ontario, and named after the well-known Niagara Falls they share. The town is located within the Metropolitan Statistical Area of Buffalo–Niagara Falls and the West New York area, This is from amazing places to visit in united states of america.

While the town was formerly occupied by Native Americans, Europeans who moved in the mid-17th century to the Niagara Falls started opening up companies and developing infrastructure. Scientists and entrepreneurs later started to harness the capacity of the Niagara River for electricity in the 18th and 19th decades, and the town started to attract producers and other companies attracted by the offer of cheap hydroelectric power. However, following an effort at urban renewal under then-Mayor Lackey, the town and region experienced an financial decrease after the 1960s.

18. Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains are a hill range that rises in the southern United States along the Tennessee–North Carolina boundary. They are an Appalachian Mountains sub-range and are component of the Physiographic Province of the Blue Ridge. Sometimes the range is called the Smoky Mountains and the name is usually abbreviated to the Smokies. The Great Smokies are best regarded as the headquarters of the National Park of the Great Smoky Mountains, protecting most of the area. Established in 1934, the park is the most visited national park in the United States with over 11 million visits per year.

The Great Smokies are component of a Biosphere Reserve International. The range is home to an approximately 76,000 ha (187,000 acres) of old growth forest, the biggest such cluster to be found west of the Mississippi River. One of the most varied ecosystems in North America is the cove hardwood forests in the reduced altitudes of the range, and the Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest that covers the upper parts of the range is the biggest of its kind. The Great Smokies are also home to the Eastern United States ‘ densest black bear population and the most varied salamander community outside the tropics.

19. Northern Lights, Alaska

While many tourists believe they must go to Europe to see the Northern Lights, you can truly see this phenomenon without abandoning the United States. There are many Americans heading for the opportunity to see the aurora borealis in northern Alaska. It may be cold in winter (temperatures may drop to-30 ° F), but coastal Alaskan Arctic— where skies tend to be clearer— is one of the world’s greatest locations to see this renowned light display.

20. Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is an American National Park in southern New Mexico’s Guadalupe Mountains. The park’s main attraction is the Carlsbad Cavern show cave. Visitors to the cave can walk or bring an elevator from the visitor center on their own through the natural door.

On US Highway 62/180, about 18 miles (29 km) southeast of Carlsbad, New Mexico, the park gate is situated. The National Park of Carlsbad Caverns is involved in the Junior Ranger Program. The reserve has two listings on the Historic Places National Register: the Historic District of Caverns and the Historic District of Rattlesnake Springs. Approximately two-thirds of the park has been laid aside as a wilderness area to help guarantee that future habitat modifications are not created.

Carlsbad Cavern contains a big room of calcareous, merely called the Big Room, which is nearly 4,000 feet (1,220 m) long, 625 feet (191 m) broad, and at its lowest level, 255 feet (78 m). The Big Room is North America’s third biggest chamber and the world’s twenty-eighth biggest.

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12 Surreal Places You Won’t Believe Are in the US

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The United States is known for its diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to serene national parks. But did you know there are also surreal places scattered across the country that will leave you speechless and yearning for more? 

From otherworldly rock formations to vibrant colored lakes, the US is home to some truly unique destinations that seem almost too magical to be real. If you want to explore some of the most surreal places in the US, keep reading. These hidden gems will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a different world.

Antelope Canyon – Page, Arizona 

Carved over millennia by the forces of water and wind, this breathtaking slot canyon shows the raw power of nature. Its towering sandstone walls and mesmerizing light beams have made the attraction one of the most photographed places in the United States .

As sunlight filters through the narrow openings above, it casts dramatic shafts of light, illuminating the canyon’s interior with many colors. The interplay of light and shadow against the smooth curved walls of the canyon mesmerizes all who visit this attraction site.

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Despite its arid landscape, Antelope Canyon is home to a surprising array of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep and coyotes, all of which add to its allure.

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Fly Geyser – Washoe County, Nevada

Fly Geyser is an attraction that defies imagination and invites tourists to explore the extraordinary. At first glance, the multiple colors of this geothermal geyser appear like a stroke of artistic brilliance.

However, the truth behind this mesmerizing palette lies in the intricate interaction of microbial mats. These microorganisms thrive in the extreme conditions of the geyser, painting the landscape with their vibrant pigments. As sunlight filters through the superheated mineral-rich water erupting from the ground, it gives rise to a spectacle that seems straight out of a fairy tale .

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White Sands National Park – Tularosa Basin, New Mexico

Picture Dubai’s massive sand dunes but in white. Magical…isn’t it? That is the scenery you get to enjoy when you visit White Sands National Park. As if that is not surreal enough, the white sand dunes are made of gypsum crystals. Besides, these dunes cover around 275 square miles (712 square kilometers), making them the largest gypsum dune field in the world.

In case you are wondering how the dunes were formed, gypsum deposits from the surrounding mountains eroded and were carried by wind and water to the Tularosa Basin. The gypsum crystals are exceptionally pure, giving the sand its bright white color. 

That aside, White Sands National Park was designated as an International Dark Sky Park in 2019, recognizing its exceptional quality of darkness for stargazing and astronomy.

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Mount Rainier National Park – Seattle, Washington

Whether you’re scaling its summits, wandering its trails , or simply soaking in its stunning vistas , Mount Rainier National Park offers a truly unforgettable experience. Mount Rainier, on its own, is a majestic sight, standing at 14,410 feet tall, making it the highest peak in the Cascade Range. Its snow-capped summit dominates the park’s skyline, creating a surreal setting for adventure.

Moreover, this park is home to lush old-growth forests that feature towering Douglas fir, western red cedar, and hemlock trees. Walking through these ancient forests with moss-covered trees feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The park also boasts numerous glaciers, ice caves, and snowfields, adding to its otherworldly appeal.

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Skagit Valley tulip fields – Mount Vernon, Washington

Vast tulip fields? It must be somewhere in the Netherlands …or maybe in Skagit Valley.  Plan a trip to Skagit Valley in Washington State and enjoy the same scenery you would have enjoyed when visiting the Netherlands tulip fields.

When the tulips bloom in spring, the entire Skagit Valley transforms into a mesmerizing sea of colors, with rows stretching as far as the eye can see. The contrast between the colorful flowers and the surrounding landscape creates a surreal atmosphere, perfect for photography sessions. Walking along the stunning rows of blooming petals is an unforgettable and magical experience you want to experience.

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The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness – San Juan County, New Mexico

This 45,000-acre wilderness area has unique geological formations that seem like something out of a science fiction movie. It’s filled with tall hoodoos and thin spires of rock protruding from the ground. These rock formations come in several colors, ranging from vibrant reds and oranges to muted browns and grays.

Furthermore, the vast and remote wilderness gives visitors a sense of solitude and adventure as they explore its alien-like terrain . It is also an excellent idea for explorers who like backcountry hiking, as this wilderness has no marked terrains.

Read also:  US National Parks

The Narrows – Southern Utah

The Narrows was formed by the Virgin River cutting through the sandstone rock, creating towering walls that narrow to as little as 20 feet (6 meters) wide in some places. This slot canyon stretches approximately 16 miles (26 kilometers) along the Virgin River’s course and is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the US . 

The towering canyon walls of The Narrows rise hundreds of feet above hikers, creating a dramatic landscape waiting to be explored.

The play of light and shadow on the canyon walls, especially during early morning or late afternoon, adds to the stunning visuals. Also, lucky hikers might spot elusive wildlife along the canyon walls, such as bighorn sheep and mule deer.

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Mammoth Cave National Park – Near Brownsville, Kentucky

Mammoth Cave National Park leaves a lasting impression on all who venture within its embrace. In 1981, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding natural value and unique geological features. Additionally, it’s home to Mammoth Cave, the longest-known cave system in the world, with over 400 miles (640 kilometers) of explored passageways and chambers.

The cave’s formation began when acidic groundwater gradually dissolved limestone layers. 

Green River, flowing through the rugged karst landscape surrounding the cave, offers water sports opportunities such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching.

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Thor’s Well – Yachats, Oregon

Nicknamed the “Gate to the Underworld” or the “Drainpipe of the Pacific,” Thor’s Well is a remarkable natural sinkhole that looks like a scene from a painting. It was carved into the rugged basalt shoreline of Cape Perpetua, offering unbelievably stunning views. 

From above, it appears as a gaping black hole on a rocky coastline, seemingly defying the laws of physics as it continuously swallows and expels seawater with mesmerizing force. The well’s unique structure, shaped by the relentless pounding of ocean waves, creates a stunning display of surging water that draws visitors from far and wide.

To witness Thor’s Well at its most dramatic, timing is critical. As the tide rises and falls, the well transforms into a spectacle of swirling water and foaming spray, but the scenery is more spectacular during high tides or a storm.

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The Wave – Coyote Buttes, Arizona

The Wave is a sandstone rock formation in the Coyote Buttes area of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. It’s famous for its mesmerizing wave-like patterns and vibrant colors, which were formed from wind and water erosion. 

The rolling, almost fluid appearance of The Wave gives it an otherworldly feel that keeps mesmerizing visitors. Its vibrant hues range from deep reds and oranges to softer yellows and creams, creating a visually captivating landscape that attracts photographers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts.

While the hike to The Wave is not for the faint-hearted, the views will be worthwhile. Other than preparing yourself physically, ensure to get your hiking permit well in advance as the demand gets high sometimes.

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Mendenhall Glacier Caves – Juneau, Alaska

When you think about stunning ice caves, you probably think of the ones in Iceland. However, you can have a similar experience in Juneau, Alaska. With every step into the depths of the Mendenhall Glacier Caves, you’ll be introduced to a world of wonder and beauty that defies imagination. 

These glacier caves are within the Tongass National Forest and span over 12 miles.

A great time to visit is mid-morning when light filtering through the translucent ice walls of the caves creates a surreal experience.

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Badlands National Park – Western South Dakota

Badlands National Park is a geological marvel characterized by its rugged terrain, towering spires, and vibrant colors of sedimentary layers. This hidden gem defies expectations and leaves visitors in awe. Contrary to its name, which might evoke images of desolation, this park is a mix of colors and textures, offering a vibrant experience unlike any other.

Covering over 240,000 acres, the park offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s geological history. Layers of sedimentary rock reveal millions of years of deposition and erosion. Among the park’s most iconic features is the Badlands Wall, a steep escarpment stretching miles across the landscape.

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Rachel is a content writer interested in creating engaging narratives on travel, home management, personal finance, and parenting. When free, you can catch her writing for her personal blog, flawlesshorizon.com,  watching TikToks, or exploring hidden gems in her city.

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25 of the Most Surreal Landscapes in the United States

Posted by Loaded Landscapes | Feb 22, 2016 | Destinations

Bryce Canyon Photographed by skeeze / CC0

Although great landscape photos don’t require you to be in a world-famous destination, some locations simply have something unique that make them special. These amazing places are thrilling to visit as well as to photograph. In this article we’ll look at 25 of the most surreal and unusual landscapes in the United States that can serve as spectacular subjects for photographers.

Mendenhall Glacier Ice Cave

Juneau, Alaska – Mendenhall Glacier is about 13 miles long and located just 12 miles from Juneau. A hollow cave is located below the glacier, which proves to be a stunning and surreal scene. Unfortunately, reaching the cave is not easy. It requires a kayaking or rafting in difficult conditions, plus a hike. For those who are willing and able to make the journey the sight is quite remarkable.

Mendenhall Ice Cave Photographed by Andrew E. Russell / CC BY 2.0

Coconino County, AZ – The Wave is a popular section of the Coyote Buttes within the Paria-Canyon Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. The sandstone formation with a wave pattern is a favorite location for many landscape photographers. It is located north of the Grand Canyon, not far from other popular sites like Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell.

The Wave Photographed by DIVA007 / CC BY 2.0

Valley of Fire State Park

Moapa Valley, Nevada – Located about 5o miles northeast of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park provides stunning wilderness scenery. The park includes interesting rock formations, petrified wood, and 3,000 year-old Indian petraglyphs. The amazing red standstone was the inspiration for the parks name.

Valley of Fire State Park Photographed by John Fowler / CC BY 2.0

Gerlach, Nevada – Fly Geyser is a man-made geothermal geyser that is located on Fly Ranch, but it can be seen from Route 34. The geyser was accidentally created by well drilling in 1964. Although the water only spews about 5 feet, the other-worldly look of Fly Geyser makes it a sight to behold.

Fly Geyser Photographed by Jeremy C. Munns / Public Domain

Grand Prismatic Spring

Teton County, Wyoming – Located in Yellowstone National Park, Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the U.S., and the third largest in the world. It is part of the Midway Geyser Baysin and is one of the more popular spots within the park. Te beautiful colors are just waiting to be photographed.

Grand Prismatic Spring Photographed by Jim Trodel / CC BY-SA 2.0

• Badlands National Park

South Dakota – Badlands National Park is a vast wilderness full of intriguing buttes, spires, and pinnacles. The formations were created by erosion, and the area is also a hotbed for fossils. From Badlands Loop Road there are many overlooks that provide plenty of possibilities for photographing the unusual landscape. See our Guide to Photographing Badlands National Park for a detailed look at planning your trip.

Badlands National Park Photographed by werner22brigitte / CC0

Glass Beach

Fort Bragg, CA – Located in MacKerricher State Park, the sea glass at Glass Beach is the result of years of dumping trash onto the beach. However, the glass is slowly diminishing because of visitors taken some, and from waves breaking it down.

Glass Beach Photographed by Kashif Pathan / CC BY-SA 2.0

Mossbrae Falls

Dunsmuir, CA – The beautiful Mossbrae Falls flow over a moss-covered rock face into the Sacramento River. It is an amazing site, but unfortunately it is officially closed to the public at this time (although many people still go). Reaching the falls requires walking along a railroad track and through some private property. The town is working to acquire the property needed to make public access available.

Mossbrae Falls Photographed by CheWei Chang / CC BY-ND 2.0

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness

San Juan County, NM – The  Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness includes more than 40,000 acres and some stunning and unusual landscapes. The eroded badlands look like the scene from a sci-fi movie. There are a few parking areas, but not trails. You can explore on foot but caution is needed to be sure that you can find your way back without a trail.

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness photo credit to the Bureau of Land Management / CC BY 2.0

Thor’s Well

Cape Perpetua, OR – Along the coast of Oregon is Thor’s Well , a sinkhole that is about 20 feet deep. As the tide comes in water pours into the sinkhole, and shoots out the top as it overflows. It is especially active at high tide, and is a popular spot for photographers.

• Zion National Park

Springdale, UT – Among Utah’s many amazing parks, Zion is possibly the most surreal. Most of the parks visitors spend their time in the main canyon area, which is quite stunning. But the park also includes some amazing hiking opportunities, including The Narrows (a narrow slot canyon that is home to the Virgin River) and The Subway (a tunnel sculpted by the Left Fork of North Creek) that will get you access to the most amazing scenery in the park. See our Guide to Photographing Zion National Park . Zion is located just a few hours from Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and Bryce Canyon.

Zion National Park Photographed by Ben Jackson / CC BY-ND 2.0

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon, UT – Bryce Canyon National Park is another amazing destination in Utah. The beautiful spires and hoodoos of Bryce Canyon make it a very unusual landscape, one that is certainly worth photographing. The colors of the formations contribute to the beauty.

Monument Valley

Utah and Arizona – Located along the border of Utah and Arizona, Monument Valley is one of the most iconic scenes in the southwest. These recognizable sandstone buttes are the subject of many beautiful landscape photos. The area is accessible by U.S. Route 163 and is located within the Navajo Nation Reservation. Parts of the valley are only accessible by guided tour.

Monument Valley Photographed by Scott Taylor / CC BY-ND 2.0

The Grand Canyon

Arizona – The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide. It is a popular destination for tourists from around the world because of its amazing beauty. The area is very large and there are plenty of things to do within the park, including many viewpoints and overlooks, many trails, river rafting, horseback excursions, helicopter tours, and more. Certain parts of the park are easily accessed and others require more work and adventure to reach. See our Guide to Photographing the Grand Canyon for details of the area.

The Grand Canyon Photographed by Blake Richard Verdoorn / CC0

Sedona, Arizona

Located about 2 hours south of the Grand Canyon’s south rim, Sedona is one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. Just about everywhere you look you will find stunning views of the red rocks. Sedona is a great spot for landscape photographers, and also for outdoor activities like hiking and off-roading. There are several companies that offer Jeep tours that will take you to places that you can’t reach without a 4-wheel drive vehicle. See our Guide to Photographing Sedona for details of the area.

Sedona Photographed by tpsdave / CC BY 2.0

Havasu Falls

Arizona – Havasu Falls is located within the Grand Canyon, but it is not easily accessible. It is on the Havasupai Indian Reservation and is only accessible by a 10-mile hike, by a guided horseback trip, or by helicopter. Those who make the trip are rewarded with the beauty of a 90-foot waterfall that flows into amazing blue water.

Havasu Falls Photographed by Jon Roig / CC BY 2.0

Devil’s Tower

Crook County, Wyoming – In the Black Hills of Wyoming, Devil’s Tower abruptly rises more than 1,200 feet. It’s a popular destination for climbers, and also a great spot for photographers to capture and unusual landscape.

Devil’s Tower Photographed by Bradley Davis / CC BY 2.0

Racetrack Playa

Death Valley National Park, CA – Within Death Valley National Park is the Racetrack , a dry lake bed with “sailing stones” that leave imprints. The geometrical patterns of the dry lake bed and the sailing stones make this a one-of-a-kind destination.

Racetrack Playa Photographed by John Fowler / CC BY 2.0

Sequoia National Park

Tulare County, CA – Sequoia National Park is home to some of the largest trees in the world, with General Sherman being the most well-known tree. The massive and impressive trees are an amazing sight, and a great subject for photographs.

Sequoia National Park Photographed by John Fowler / CC BY 2.0

Crater Lake

Klamath County, Oregon – Crater Lake is the main feature of Crater Lake National Park . At almost 2,000 feet, it is the deepest lake in the U.S. The lake has two islands: Wizard island (visible in the photo below), which as formed by an eruption, and a smaller island called Phantom Ship. The lake is known for its beautiful blue waters. Not only is the lake itself beautiful, but the surrounding trees and landscape make it a perfect destination for photographers.

Crater Lake Photographed by ArtBrom / CC BY-SA 2.0

• Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen, NY – While there are plenty of beautiful waterfalls in the U.S., the scene at Watkins Glen State Park is among the best. The gorge and a total of 19 waterfalls give it a very surreal feeling. Three different trails give visitors and photographers plenty of opportunity to enjoy its unique beauty. See our Guide to Photographing Watkin’s Glen State Park .

Watkins Glen Photographed by Peter Rivera / CC BY 2.0

Koke’e State Park

Kauai, Hawaii – Koke’e State Park is located on the northwest side of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The park includes over 4,000 acres of amazing mountainous terrain. The scenic cliffside views are a great subject for landscape photographers. The colorful wildflowers and views of Waimea Canyon are also among the park’s highlights. The park includes many different trails for exploring and taking in the scenes.

Koke’e State Park Photographed by Alex Schwab / CC BY-ND 2.0

Antelope Canyon

Page, Arizona – Antelope Canyon is a very popular destination for landscape photographers. The amazing slot canyon is located on Navajo land and includes two different canyons. Upper Antelope Canyon is the more frequently-visited of the two because it is easier to enter, and because of the light beams that may be present. Lower Antelope Canyon is much narrower and requires climbing some stairs, but is still popular with photographers.

Anelope Canyon Photographed by skeeze / CC0

White Sands National Monument

Alamogordo, New Mexico – The white gypsum sand dunes of White Sands National Monument are both unique and spectacular. There are a few short trails, and exploring the area on foot is also possible. The edge of the dunes include some limited plant life, but further in to the monument there is little to no vegetation. The beautiful white sand sparkles in the sunlight and is an amazing sight at sunset.

White Sands National Monument Photographed by Sarah Nichols / CC BY-SA 2.0

Bonneville Salt Flats

Tooele County, Utah – Located west of the Great Salt Lake, the Bonneville Salt Flats cover more than 40 square miles. At some spots the white salt flats look as though they are covered by snow. The area is both unique and interesting. As well as being a great place for photography, it’s also home to the Bonneville Speedway, the location of several land speed records.

Bonneville Salt Flats Photographed by Grant Bishop / CC BY-SA 2.0

Photo license links:   CC BY-ND 2.0 ,  CC BY 2.0 , CC BY-SA 2.0 , CC0

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Been to some of these but was glad to learn of new places I wasn’t aware of. Thanks!

Good article Marc, Goodie, there are 3 close enough to me, 2 I didn’t know about, the guizer is one. Pretty cool!

Thanks Liz!

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The 22 Most Surreal Destinations in the US West

The abounding beauty in the American west is quite staggering.  Everywhere you drive, you’re inundated with a jaw-dropping, breath-taking scene.  With all the allure, it’s difficult to choose what to explore and what to forgo.  I’m a huge advocate of “seeing it all”.  However, rarely is that feasible.  Thus, I’ve created a list of what I believe to be the 22 most surreal and must-see destinations in the U.S. West ( excluding the PNW because that is a list all on its own ).  

In this post, destinations in the following states are included:

• South Dakota

My name is Mindy Rose Michaels and I am an avid adventurer and traveler.  I “work to travel” ( as I like to say ) and thus, live a very unconventional life. My husband, Doug, and I are freelancers in the film industry and work on various reality/doc tv shows for a multitude of networks, such as: Travel Channel, Animal Planet, NBC, Discovery, A&E, Starz, HGTV etc.  Our work keeps us constantly moving and constantly on our toes AND, when we’re not working, you best believe we’re still on the move. Always. Because we love to travel as often and as far as possible.

DISCLOSURE : THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS AND I RECEIVE A COMMISSION IF YOU VISIT A LINK AND BUY SOMETHING ON MY RECOMMENDATION. PURCHASING VIA AN AFFILIATE LINK DOESN’T COST YOU ANY EXTRA, AND I ONLY RECOMMEND PRODUCTS AND SERVICES I TRUST. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. FOR MORE DETAILS SEE MY DISCLOSURE AND PRIVACY POLICY.

Utilize TripAdvisor when planning and booking your adventure in the following places. On TripAdvisor, you can find the best hikes, recreational activities, sights, dining, lodging, flights, rentals and more! Plus reviews and testimonials of those who have explored these places prior.

22 MOST SURREAL DESTINATIONS IN THE US WEST

#22) sylvan lake, black hills, south dakota.

Never in my wildest dreams could I construct a lake as astounding as Sylvan, hidden among South Dakota’s Black Hills in Custer State Park.  She’s one of the prettiest lakes I’ve ever laid eyes on.  People are always raving about Mount Rushmore, but what they don’t tell you: this lake is located next door to the national landmark and is much more impressive.  Spend a day swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding or even cliff diving in this immaculate paradise.  Not a water person?  Have an adventurous day on dry land hiking all the woodland trails that encircle this gem.  Opt to go rock climbing or shore fishing ( you are bound to catch some pike, muskie or bass ).   She’s even a sight to behold in the winter season with her sparking frozen waters and curious wildlife roaming freely. In the winter, Sylvan transforms into a secluded and serene wonderland. No matter when, the adventures are endless and the views are stunning here.

Discover more about the Black Hills region in South Dakota (including: lodging options, dining, adventures, parks and sites to explore) via TripAdvisor.

#21) Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah

“Earth’s crammed with heaven…But only [she] who sees, takes off [her] shoes.”―  Elizabeth Barrett Browning Tweet

The Bonneville Salt Flats are the definition of “ heaven on earth “. Located about an hour and a half west of Salt Lake City ( off of I-80 ), the flats are amid some very remote and breathtaking scenery. After walking on the mirrored sky and capturing brilliant photos, we drove along the backroads on the Utah/Nevada border ( West Wendover area ) for hours on end. We rarely saw another soul the entire time. If you’re a lover of off-the-beaten path gems, this is the ideal place for you to explore because it’s utterly wild how remote these lands truly are.

#20) Devil’s Bridge, Sedona, Arizona

This was such an unearthly hike at sunset ( but we recommend attempting it at sunrise, first ) with all the red rocks glowing a fire-y hue. You can hear the coyotes yelping across the canyon and the birds preparing for sundown. The entire place is straight out of a storybook. The bonus to hiking at sunset: the crowds disperse and you’re actually able to have this place to yourself ( which is rare ). Plus, the desert at night is just as magical and a tad haunting as any other time. The hike is relatively easy and flat, except for the ending scramble up the cliffside. If you’re going to attempt to hike back down in the dark, as we did, I suggest bringing along a handy head-light for much need visibility aid.

Shop our Black Diamond Spot 325 headlamp at backcountry.com

#19) Artist Palette & Artist Drive, Death Valley National Park, California

The sites along Artist Drive are so unique and unlike any other in the country.  Heard of the Painted Mountains in Peru?  Well, did you know the USA offers a taste of her own natural and colorful artwork?  Artist Palette can be found about 5 miles into your drive along Artist Drive ( turn off of Badwater Road , North of Devil’s Golf Course and South of Furnace Creek ).  At Artist Palette you can see all the colors of the mountain shining brightly due to the oxidation of the metals and the elements found in the ground there.   The colors range from pink to green and even from purple to blue.  Even more, you’re able to walk about these painted mountains and see the impressive array of colors up-close.  Nature truly is a work of art – a masterpiece.

#18) Garden of the Gods, Colorado

Absolutely worthy of the name, Garden of the Gods sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains with Pike’s Peak in your sights.  Stay nearby in the cute, touristy town of  Manitou Springs and spend a full day wandering the grounds of this divine rock garden.  

As you hike over and under the illimitable red rock monoliths, you’re able to breathe in a little piece of heaven.  I had a total blast rock climbing and mountain-gazing in this stellar park.  Something about the way the red stands out amongst the greenery gives full life to the coined nickname “ Colorful Colorado “.  Not to mention, the varying rock formations are mind-blowing. Balanced Rock, for example, is a puzzle to comprehend.

 Once finished discovering and playing in the Garden of Gods, take a hike up the challenging “ Incline ” or drive the scenic mountain route to the summit of Pike’s Peak ( or hike to the summit, if time permits ).

#17) Devil’s Tower, Wyoming

The United States’ first national monument ( est. 1906 ), Devil’s Tower in northeastern Wyoming rises 867 feet above its forest and prairie surroundings – a whopping 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourth River!

 This dramatic butte is a mystery to many and compels countless visitors to marvel in awe and speculation.  Scientists are even unsure on how the tower came into existence, debating over multiple theories.

The Native American legends surrounding Devil’s Tower ( or “Bear Lodge Butte” as they call it ) are fascinating as well.  In short, they call her Bear Lodge Butte because, as the Lakota and Kiowa legend goes, a giant bear tried to climb over the tower butte ( hence the claw-like marks that run up and down ) as he chased two tribal girls one day.  The Sioux have a legend of their own, too, as do others.  To read more about them, check out this site:  Native American Legends Surrounding Devil’s Tower .  

Furthermore, to this day, tourists and locals report of strange and unfamiliar lights coming from the sky above Devil’s Tower.  After all, how DID this giant rock jet up from the earth!?  It’s certainly surreal and I, for one, am a sucker for all things folklore, mysterious and legendary.

#16) Alabama Hills, California

Ever heard of them?  If you’re not familiar with California or the west, chances are you haven’t. Which is fantastic!  Why?  Because that’s part of this beauty’s charm: the Alabama Hills are remote, fascinating, original and you can enjoy her all to yourself!  This vast range of hills and rock formations line the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada mountains.  As you hike amidst giant boulders and roam through natural rock arches, the largest mountain in the lower 48 ( Mt. Whitney ) looks majestically down on you.  She reminds you of nature’s grandeur as you breathe in unearthly surroundings.

#15) The Needles at Canyonlands National Park, Utah

My personal favorite part of the vast Canyonlands National Park is located in the lower region and is known as the Needles .  At Needles, we did most of our hiking and hardcore exploring – including our overnight hike in the backcountry.

Lost in the Maze of Canyonlands National Park

Once you have your permit, I totally recommend beginning your hike at Elephant Hill Trailhead .  We begun our hike here, journeying through a network of trails including Joint Trail where we encountered a crazy cool slot canyon.  We set up our camp for the night in the backcountry area known as the “ Butler Flats ”.

( If you don’t wish to overnight camp, you can still make a day hike out of the trails – such as hiking to Druid Arch then back, etc ).

Despite the heat and mishaps, our trek throughout the Needles in Canyonlands National Park and backcountry was the best – one of my most memorable!  

A few reasons it was so surreal and memorable:

• experienced a beautiful sunset at camp during dinner
• admired the stars from our uncovered tent at night
• heard coyotes roaming nearby
• woke up before dawn to hike out
• witnessed a stunning sunrise at an extraordinary overlook
• climbed and wiggled through slot canyons
• came across a herd of mule deer grazing and a few snakes slithering

Overall, it was a blast and a total highlight of my western adventures!  There’s something so wild to me about carrying everything you need on your back and letting your two feet carry you throughout the wilderness – connecting with nature and soaking in your surroundings to the fullest.  To me, it’s of the utmost soul fulfillments.  And what better place to do so than surrounded by endless red needled-monoliths, buttes and winding canyons?  Every turn creates a new and jaw-dropping scene, each one more mesmerizing than the latter.

Shop our backcountry hiking & camping gear ( including our Big Agnes tent below) here.

#14) General Sherman and the Giants in Sequoia National Park, California

Our video above was shot entirely with our GoPro. Sho p yours here.

Honey!  I’ve shrunk myself!   Or, did I just enter a land of GIANT trees? The impressive and imposing sequoias of  Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks  are in an entire league of their own.  Sequoia National Park even boasts the world’s largest tree, General Sherman , who demands visitors’ admiration.  The Giant Sequoias ONLY grow along a 260-mile stretch on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  There’s no denying the splendor of this forest.  Spend a winter afternoon walking among, beneath and even inside these sequoias and you’ll be transported into a miraculous wonderland.   A magnetic pull will beckon you to explore deeper and deeper into her immense kingdom.

#13) Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Of course The Grand Canyon made the list – she’s renowned all over the world for her grandeur.  However, she places at #13 because of her popularity and over-crowdedness.  Call me crazy, which I am , but as much as I am wow’ed and mesmerized by her beauty, the lack of remoteness kills my vibes and cuts the surrealism ( just a smidgeon) upon my explorations.  With that being said, I’m sure I’ll change my mind once I hike the isolated and wild Rim-to-Rim trail :-).

Regardless, The Grand Canyon is an American west staple and undoubtedly deserves a visit, or MANY (I’ve seen her 3 times and it’s still not even close to being enough).  People always describe feeling small when standing beside the ocean, but I’ve never felt more small than when standing on the edge of this immense beast.   Even more than sheer size, her copious colors are glorious + brilliant.   Upon staring into the her depths, a strong visceral urge to let the canyon devour you will overwhelm your spirit – calling you forth to explore her deepest + darkest corners.   I still want more.  And once receiving more, perhaps she’ll skyrocket up my list.

#12) Antelope Canyon, Page, Arizona

Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon set on Navajo land east of Page, Arizona, is a captivating attraction that draws many people every year.  Gaining in popularity due to her alluring wonder and ever-changing colors, photographers flock in hordes to this gem.  It’s no wonder the most expensive photograph ever sold was snapped here, taken by Peter Lik and titled “Phantom” –  Phantom photograph by Peter Lik .  

The light dancing throughout the canyon’s openings delivers an enchanting ( and surreal ) experience for each go-er.  The light never graces the walls the same way twice.  Every walk through the canyon varies and every photograph taken is differing.  Each person’s experience unique to their own journey.  It’s mind-boggling that nature can create so many shapes and colors all within the boundaries of a single slot canyon.  The smoothness of the walls are a delight to feel, as well.  Everything about this place is magic!

#11) Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

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My Photography Prints for Sale

Arches National Park is FULL of, well, Arches duh !  You’ll find a multitude of massive, natural rock arches in this beautiful park right beside Moab, Utah.  Moab is a hub for adventure – at  Moab Adventure Center  you can rent a Jeep to do some backcountry off-roading; you can take Hummer Land Tours or Air tours over Arches National Park; you can go rafting down the Colorado River or opt to Stand-Up Paddleboard. There’s plenty of climbing and canyoneering tours along with hot air balloons, horseback riding and biking.  There’s ENDLESS adventures here so, if you’re anything like me, you will be in your GLORY in Moab and her surrounding National Parks.

With that being said, be positively sure to hike to the unbelievable  Delicate Arch  ( as photo’d above ) in Arches National Park ( my personal favorite ).  I highly recommend beginning this hike before sunrise so that you arrive at the arch when the sun crests the horizon.   This adds dramatic coloring to the already dramatic landscape and also helps evade the drastic, desert heat.  

About the hike:

The hike is approximately 3 miles, out and back, and is accessible year-round.  It only gains about 600 feet in elevation and is rated moderate.  Be sure to bring along plenty of water and a headlight since the better portion of your hike on the way in will be completed in the dark, early morning sky.

The fact that such a perfect and GIANT arch, made completely by nature’s hand, exists is utter surrealism at its finest.  The smooth rock bowl at its base and the mountain views between the archway only add to the myriad of reasons why this place/hike is out of this world!  GO see it!

# 10) Badlands National Park, South Dakota

For starters, I wrote an ENTIRE blog post on why everyone must go explore Badlands National Park: 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Badlands National Park.   That, alone, should tell you just how AMAZING this place is and just how special it is to me.

I think Badlands, South Dakota is a highly underrated natural beauty in the U.S. and I feel everyone should start planning a trip there ASAP!  The scenery is remarkably unearthly.  Badlands National Park looks like a completely different planet – that is the best way to describe it in one sentence.  That is probably why Hollywood decided to film scenes in the movie “Armageddon” there ( the badlands act as the surface of the asteroid where their shuttles crash-land ).  

Its dramatic landscape spans countless, sharply eroded buttes, steep canyons and sprawling grasslands.  There are many lookouts in the park and each one has an original and mesmerizing view of this incredible place.  Furthermore, there are a million perfect places for the best photo-ops – you can’t go wrong no matter where you point your camera.  Your jaw will be sure to hit the floor when you make your initial drive/hike into this park – I know mine did ( and still does every time I go )!

Video below filmed on our first trip to Badlands National Park (by Doug Michaels and Joe Nugent).

#9) White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

Guys, this place is AH-MAZING!  Never in my life had I known such a place existed within our own country’s borders, let alone is the largest of its kind on Earth ( largest gypsum dunefield ).  These expansive sand dunes are PURE WHITE – they sparkle underneath the crystal clear blue skies as the circling mountains provide the most picturesque backdrop.   Uniquely, the sand is composed of gypsum crystals which do not get hot in the sun.  Yes, you read that right… you can freely walk barefoot on these dunes without melting the flesh on your poor soles.  

My husband, best friend and I played like children all day long among the wave-like sands.  We hiked up and over countless dunes, getting lost in the white abyss.  Running and jumping off the dune cliffs and rolling down the gypsum hills without a care in the world, truly living in the moment and enjoying every second.  

Go sand-sledding:

Adding to the excitement, you can even rent sleds and sand boards at the park’s visitor center ( or bring your own )!  It looks like snow and you’re on a sled, however… you’re in the middle of giant sand dunes in the desert of New Mexico: talk about mind bending and surreal!  Check out this link to read more about sledding in White Sands National Monument >  Plan Your Visit: Sledding on the Dunes .   Your child-like wonder is sure to pique among this pristine, glistening white expanse.

 Think that’s rad?  Wait until you experience the magic of a sunset here – all the dunes turn various shades of pink and purple.  There’s backcountry camping on the dunes, as well, so after sunset you can set up camp and hunker down under the starry sky for the night.  It’s an adventurer’s paradise.   It’s so different from every other place in the country, you can’t miss the chance to experience White Sands National Monument for yourself.  I promise you, it’s a dream.

#8) Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

To this day, I still can’t believe what my eyes saw upon visiting Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park’s Midway Geyser Basin.  Not only is she the largest hot spring in the U.S. but she’s also the third largest in the world.  Even more, the most impressive feature she boasts is her crazy vivid and dazzling colors: orange, yellow, green and blue.  JUST LOOK AT THEM!  And YES, they’re that intense and bold in person, if not more!

 In reminding me of the inside of a large jawbreaker I use to eat as a kid, I stood and gazed over her wonder for a while.  Grand Prismatic Spring is entrancing and, in my humble opinion, should be considered a world wonder.   This was one of the greatest highlights upon my time spent in this enormously grand park.  Dare I say, I enjoyed this site more than that of Old Faithful.

Find Me Where the Wild Things Are: Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon and innumerable wildlife are another HUGE bonus of this never-ending beauty.   This park is world famous for a reason and everyone should venture here at least once in their lifetime.  Yellowstone is home to hundreds of animal species ( including bears, wolves, bison, elk + more ) and is an enormous volcanic hot spot full of dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, dense forests and boiling hot springs + geysers. Yellowstone is a top surreal destination in our nation, without doubt.

#7) Redwood National + State Parks, California

Enchanted.   Enchanted is the BEST word to describe Redwood National and State Parks .   Sauntering through these forests, I felt as if I had been transported to an ethereal, fairy world where all things magic + mystical were alive and possible.   One HAS to experience this fairytale land at least once in their lifetime – no other forest is comparable.

Not only do the colossal redwoods and lush ferns delight, but these parks encompass a tree-lined coast, forested mountains and wildlife aplenty.  One can enjoy a picnic along the coast, a hike through the tall trees, creature spotting in the meadows, a good book in the groves and countless photo-ops at the many scenic overlooks.  Or, one can prance about these lands like the fairy it deserves ( I may have done this ).  Regardless of how you spend your time here, you will leave with a love story of your own.

Shop my Anthropologie Activewear here.

#6) Grand Teton, Wyoming

Known as the “ three beasts “, South, Middle and Grand Teton are incredibly majestic and rugged peaks among the Teton Mountain Range and part of Grand Teton National Park ( just south of Yellowstone ).  As far as staggering, imposing and dramatic are concerned, these three peaks take the top spot in the United States.  As much as I completely adore Rocky Mountain National Park ( and she still beats Grand Tetons overall ), these peaks overrule hers.  Their uninviting sharpness is challenging and a force to be reckoned with – and, to me, there’s something magnificent in the way her mountain tops seem unobtainable.

For breathtaking views at sunset/sunrise, head to T.A. Moulton Barn among the Mormon Row Historic District in Teton County ( second pic , photo’d above ).  My husband and I were fortunate enough to have this place ( for the better part of our time ) to ourselves and enjoyed one of the most stellar evenings just watching mother nature’s grand show at the base of such grandiose mountains.

#5) Horseshoe Bend, Page, Arizona

Does this place need an explanation?  Probably not.  However, I will try my best to put to words the total surrealism of Horseshoe Bend.  

Located near the town of Page, AZ and nearby Antelope Canyon, this horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River runs at the base of encompassing thousand-foot cliffs.  I felt more in awe of Horseshoe Bend than of the Grand Canyon ( insanity, I know )!  Yes, the arrant mass of the Grand Canyon is more staggering, but the surreal and perfect horseshoe that the river cuts through the canyon here creates a more simplistically stunning site.  And sometimes, simplicity is clutch.  

Though the Grand Canyon forces one to realize their scale upon this earth, Horseshoe Bend enables you to appreciate and marvel at her simple creativity – you’re able to appreciate one work of art at a time.  Where the Grand Canyon is concerned, I have difficulty focusing on just one river bend or just one crevice because she’s SO VAST. However, here, I can take her ALL in from great heights.  OR, I can opt to explore her depths via boating, kayaking, paddling etc among the Colorado River below with the immense cliffs hugging me from all sides.  

Horseshoe Bend is a true treasure and is considered by many the “ intimate grand canyon experience “.  After all, it’s also considered the “beginning of the Grand Canyon” for it’s a mere 5 miles from the start of the park.

#4) Emerald Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

In all honesty, ALL of Rocky Mountain National Park should be included on this list because she’s undoubtedly in my top 3 favorite national parks in the country.  Rocky Mountain National Park has IT ALL – everything a nature-loving explorer and enthusiast could ever dream of.  She has high mountains peaks of varying shapes and sizes, countless wildlife ( I’ve seen more wildlife here than I have encountered anywhere else in the nation – tied with Yellowstone ), turquoise alpine lakes a plenty, fun and thrilling mountain hikes, gushing waters and streams, pristine meadows and beyond .

However, with that being said, one of my favorite and easily accessible sites amidst the park is Emerald Lake – named for her surreal emerald coloring!  Not only is this gem-colored lake a splendor to ogle, her surrounding mountain walls are divinely formidable and add to this otherworldly scene.

Here, on the rock photo’d above, I have sat many times just thinking about the limitless awe and magic of nature and this earth we inhabit.  Places like Emerald Lake make me breathe peace and tranquility – make me say to myself “ this is exactly where I’m meant to be and everything is right among this slice of heaven “.  The outside world ceases to exist. Harmony exudes.

Hiking there:

The hike up to Emerald Lake is a wonder in itself – with MANY beautiful sites to stumble upon.  The trailhead begins at Bear Lake, at the end of Bear Lake Road, and is a rather elementary 3.5 mile round-trip trek.  Don’t miss it!

Feeling even more adventurous?  After your visit to Emerald Lake, hike above her ( on top the cliffs you see photo’d ) via Flat Top Mountain trail ( which has crazy awesome views on your whole climb to the summit and can be completed within half a day ). Take a look at the second photo above to see the view of Emerald Lake along the hike up Flat Top Mountain.

Get all your hiking apparel and gear at Backcountry.com (even get 15% off your first order).

#3) Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park

Zion National Park holds a special place in my heart because of her unbelievable, magical hikes and her magnetic pull she possesses over my entire being.   I felt a remarkable connection to this park, especially while journeying up to Angel’s Landing and wandering through The Narrows ( both among my favorite hikes of all time ).  There’s just something sensational about these steep, red canyon walls encompassing the abundant river valley.

Trail info:

Angel’s Landing begins at Grotto Trailhead: (37.259392, -112.950038) and is rated a Class 3 difficulty with ~1,500 elevation gain.  Angel’s Landing is a rather short, half-day hike ( a little over 5 miles roundtrip ).  However, don’t let the length fool you – the trail is full of seemingly endless switchbacks ( Walter’s Wiggles ) and steep inclines.  

The dramatic, awe-inducing views that you see while hanging onto a chain bolted into the cliffs are worth every ounce of energy expended.  The adrenaline you gain from walking on a two-foot wide path with literally thousand foot, sheer vertical drops on both sides is utterly thrilling.  Thus, if you’re a risk-taking thrill seeker such as myself, this hike is SO FOR YOU.  Even if you’re not, this hike is still a MUST do – just hold on to the chain, be mindful of your steps and keep in mind the “ 3 points of contact ” rule.  If you do this, you’ll be fine and dandy.  This trek is none other than heavenward and worth facing your fears, shall you have any.

Once at the top of Angel’s Landing, you’ll see the most beautiful, panoramic views of steep, red, rocky cliffs dating back to the triassic era and the Virgin River and valley far below ( cars look like tiny black ants, thats how high you are ).   The landing upon which you sit ( once at the top ) is like an island in the sky, floating in the middle of Zion Canyon.  Up there, you feel like an angel floating on heaven’s cloud.  Everything is right in the world and ultimate beauty encompasses you.  

Frederick Fisher once said, “ Only an angel could land on it ”, because from below – that is exactly how it appears.

#2) Highline Trail in Glacier National Park, Montana

The 5 Highs of Hiking the Highline Trail

One of the most outstanding features of this hike is its plethora of never-ending views every which way you turn.  The offering of boundless panoramic peaks truly spellbinds whomever steps foot on its dirt.  This is the FIRST high of the hike you will take note of – the overwhelming beauty immediately pulls you in, begging you to explore deeper with every step.

The hike follows along the Continental Divide, also known as the Garden Wall in this portion of Glacier National Park.  Thus, it continually takes its hikers along the “high line” ( giving it its name ).   From the trailhead onward, you are jaunting along the canyon’s ridge, high above the valley below, and you are NEVER without a jaw-dropping scene.

“In every walk with Nature one receives far more than [s]he seeks.” – John Muir. Tweet

Encompassed by enormity,  I felt small and humbled.  My trivial problems were put to rest as I gained perspective amid the grandeur.   What an incredible high I felt overcoming worry and finding  peace and hope in its place.  Along with these feelings, I gained inspiration.  These scenes inspired me to overcome my mountains and challenged me to become MORE.  Nowhere else can I uncover clearer certainty that… there is MORE to this life than any one person can conceive.  And nowhere else can I find the inspiration to voraciously go searching for that something MORE.

I clearly HIGHLY recommend this trail.  It was one of the best hikes and days of my life and I can’t imagine it’d be any less for you so long as you are open and there for it.

#1) Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park, California

My number one is undeniable. The Sierra Nevada Mountains provide some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in all of the U.S., including Yosemite National Park .  Yosemite’s landscape is so dramatic that it brought literal tears to my eyes upon first meeting her.  Prior to this experience, I had never actually cried from over-whelming beauty.  I believe this to be testimony to how GORGEOUS Yosemite National Park really is and, indeed, a big reason why she is bestowed the coveted number one spot.   I love her something fierce.  

Standing at Tunnel View in utter awe, I thought to myself “ this is what heaven looks like ”.  Honestly, the feeling that consumed by entire being while falling in love with her was none other than perfection – total peace ( hence, my tears ).  An overwhelming gratitude and disbelief that such magic could exist ultimately resulted in tears of pure bliss.   I believe in heaven on earth AND I believe in magic and miracles because of this view.  Every doubt I ever had was banished with this site alone.  

Some people even claim a vortex lies within her bounds, and I wouldn’t doubt it.  After all, the unexplainable emotions and feelings that occurred to me here are, no doubt, the work of something greater than our comprehension.  This place is the ultimate surreal destination of the U.S. West ( and all the U.S. if I’m to be honest ).

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Well, there you have it folks – my list of the top 22 most surreal destinations in the U.S. West ( including South Dakota, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana and California ).  Have I missed a site you deem worthy of a top spot?  Let me know in the comments below!  OR, do you believe another destination deserves the top spot?  I’m all ears and look forward to hearing your thoughts!  After all, beauty and surrealism + are subjective.

Much love and happy travels!

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23 thoughts on “ The 22 Most Surreal Destinations in the US West ”

Visiti loooved this post. Thank you for inspiring some of my next travel destinations. I would say to see the Hoodoos in Bryce Canyon! Very close in proximity to Zion. It’s unbeliveable. Especially if there is a bit of snow on top on the hoodoos. It felt like I was walking through Mars or something. Highly recommend!

Thanks girl! There’s so many beautiful places in Utah (especially the BIG 5 like Bryce Canyon ).. I had such a hard time choosing. I didn’t want the whole list to be Utah 😂. But I concur, that is a beautiful destination and could very well fit in this! Ranked high as well ❤️❤️❤️. Thanks again for reading and commenting! Hope all is well and I look forward to seeing your future travels 🤙🏻☺️

gah!!! this is amazing!! totally earmarking this page! the hubs and I plan on focusing all our travel next year on the National Parks, this is total inspiration!! <3

That’s sooo incredible to hear – the National parks are unbelievable in every way!!! You’ll have the BEST time ❤️🙌🏻☺️. Happy Travels!!

So many places I didn’t even know existed! :O Some of them were already on my list, and some just won their place! Thanks so much for sharing them, especially with all your beautiful photos! <3

You’re so welcome! Glad to be able to assist some!! ☺️. Thank you for reading and I hope you get to explore these places one day soon, for sure ❤️❤️❤️

I’ve been to a few of these places before, but HOLY COW I’m adding Grand Prismatic Spring to my list right now!

Heck yes!! Thanks girl ❤️🤙🏻

Gorgeous photos! The national parks of the US west are definitely on my bucket list )

Thank you ☺️❤️! And you will love them!! 🙌🏻🙃

The US has so many beautiful places, sadly I’ve only been to two of these on the list!! Time to get out there!

Wow! I often forget how much beauty surrounds me in our great country! I’ve only been to a couple of places on this list-guess I better get busy! Thanks for the great post!

This is incredible! So happy to come across this article because I’m planning a cross-country road trip for my 30th birthday! I’m thinking about 10 days on the road. This is giving me so much inspiration. Not sure how I’m going to narrow it down!

That sounds like the best 30th birthday ever! (pS. I turn 30 soon as well ☺️👍🏻). Hope you have the best time ❤️❤️❤️

Some great suggestions here – id love to see antelope canyon one day. I haven’t explored much of the us yet but i really do need to add it to the bucket list!

Geez!! Such wonderful places and some of them I had never heard of. They are definitely on my to Do list now! Thank you 🙂

Absolutely love this post of yours. I’ve lived in the west coast much of my life and visited most these amazing places on the west coast. But, I’ve never seen a comprehensive and beautiful post like this. It makes me want to visit them all over again.

Awe thank you so much! You’re certainly so blessed to live so close and to have visited these wonderful places!! 😍❤️🙌🏻. I hope to return to them one day as well!!

I have yet to travel out west, but my family has gone multiple times. All of these places look magical! Colorado and Utah and Wyoming -gah! I want to visit them all. Your photos are incredible!

I’ve been yearning to explore more of the west and this post was perfect for a nature lover like myself! I will be saving this for later because I know I am going to hit up all of these sights!!

I can’t wait to see your posts when you do! I know they’ll be amazing and you’ll have the BEST time 🤙🏻

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25 Surreal Places In The United States You Won’t Believe Really Exist

Left: photo of woman in grotto, right: photo of couple in sand dunes.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder — or so they say. But, when it comes to Mother Nature’s splendor, well, that’s not so subjective. There are so many places across the globe where she definitely shows off.

However, don’t think you have to trek to far-off lands. The United States definitely has its fair share of exotic vistas and natural wonders; actually, so many that’s it’s quite difficult to contain the surreal sites to one list.

That said, here’s a start with this group of marvels. You probably won’t believe most of these places even exist — until you go there, that is. Which means, you should definitely go there — to all 25 of these entrancing destinations. Let the adventuring begin.

Bryce Canyon National Park

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Where: Southwestern Utah

With the world’s largest concentration of hoodoos — irregular columns of rock, formed through weather and erosion — this park is a geological wonder with endless vistas of tall reddish rocks, pink-tinged cliffs, and bristlecone pine trees. Sunset and sunrise here are particularly jaw-dropping, with a mix of warm colors that dramatically flush together. And, of course, the fantastic dark night skies make stargazing an otherworldly endeavor.

Haiku Stairs

Where: Oahu, Hawaii

Also known at the Stairway to Heaven, these stairs (and the associated panoramic views) are an unreal sight along the Ko’olau mountain range in Oahu. The 2,120-foot-long trail has 3,922 steps. But, before you jet off to Hawaii, just know that the difficult hiking trail has been closed to the public — although that has not deterred some determined adventurers from finding their way to the top.

Skagit Valley Tulip Fields

Where: Mount Vernon, Washington

You won’t be able to tiptoe through the tulips, but you will be able to drive the 300 acres of these famous flower fields during the annual Pacific Northwest festival that celebrates the millions of blooms. From about April 1-30 every year, the vibrant flowers carpet the Skagit Valley in the dreamiest manner — and draw people from all over the world (93 foreign countries and counting!).

Antelope Canyon

Where: Navajo Territory, Arizona

One of the most photographed canyons in the world, this slot canyon near Page, Arizona is not only an Instagrammable fantasy, it’s an awe-inspiring example of nature’s sculptural work with its wavy sandstone walls and mysterious, narrow passages. The masterpiece of color and form is split into two different sections: upper and lower. Both are worth a visit, but it’s the upper part that is easiest to access and that has the signature beam of light flooding through the opening from above. All areas of Antelope Canyon are only accessible via guided tour.

Synchronous Fireflies

Where: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Talk about flashing lights! The Great Smoky Mountains are surreally beautiful as it is, but it is the synchronous fireflies that truly take the scenery to the next level with their bioluminescence. They are the only species in America whose individuals can synchronize their flashing light patterns; it’s all part of their mating display. But, mating season only lasts for about two weeks each year from late May to mid-June and you have to register by a parking pass lottery application for entrance into this magical showing.

Horseshoe Bend

Where: Arizona

Often called the “intimate Grand Canyon experience,” this bend in the Colorado River is a miniature wonder that’s only about five miles from the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park — about 140 miles from the South Rim and North Rim of the Grand Canyon itself. Named for its horseshoe shape, it’s a beautiful landscape to behold. And, it’s less than a mile to hike for the best views of the rock formation and the swirling, blue-green colorations of the river that weaves around it.

Thor’s Well

Where: Yachats, Oregon

Along the edge of the Oregon coast is what appears to be this gaping sinkhole — or the drainpipe of the Pacific, as some call it. Located in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, the bowl-shaped hole is driven by the ocean tide. During high tide, it fills with seemingly endless waves rolling in with surges and sprays of water. It’s a dangerous area though, too, so proceed with caution.

Haleakalā State Park

Where: Makawao, Maui

You may just think you’re on another planet once you get to the summit of the dormant Haleakalā volcano. At 10,023 feet above sea level, the richly hued, deeply sculpted landscape is an evocative wonderland among the clouds. Although it’s truly breathtaking any time of day (or night), the summit is renowned for its sunrise views — after all, Haleakalā means “house of the sun.” As for the rest of the park, it spans more than 30,000 acres with stunning landscapes that range from the Mars-like red deserts and rock gardens that are near the summit to the lush greenery, magical waterfalls, and streams in the coastal Kipahulu section.

Sequoia National Park

Where: California

Forest bathing takes on new meaning at this park that’s home to giant sequoia trees that soar into the sky, including the General Sherman Tree, which is one of the largest in the world at 275 feet tall. Among this land of giants, you’ll feel very small — in the best way possible.

Grand Prismatic Hot Spring

Where: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Rainbow-bright, this brilliant natural pool in Yellowstone National Park definitely lives up to its prismatic name. As the largest hot spring in the United States and the third-largest in the world, it has a diameter of 370 feet with extremely hot water traveling 121 feet up from a crack in the Earth to reach the surface of the spring. With bright bands of orange, yellow, and green that encircle the deep blue waters, the multicolored layers are pretty surreal. In reality, they get their hues from different species of bacteria living in the progressively cooler water. While you’re in Yellowstone, you might as well check out Old Faithful, too.

Yosemite Valley

Where: Yosemite National Park, California

The crown jewel of Yosemite National Park, this geological marvel is a seven-mile-long, 4,000-foot-deep trough covered in pine, lined by spectacular cliffs, and surrounded by glacially sculpted, polished rock. The towering (and quite famous) El Capitan rock formation is also in the valley as are amazing waterfalls including the 2,425-foot-high Yosemite Falls. Of course, the entire park itself is a wonderland of natural beauty.

Where: Washoe County, Nevada

Although not a natural geyser, this rainbow rock is no less impressive for it. Created accidentally when a geothermal company drilled a test well, the unique geyser consistently spews water into the air. But, it’s the thermophilic algae that give it the vibrant, otherworldly red, green, and blue coloration. Interestingly enough, the geyser now belongs to Burning Man, as the organization acquired the entire 3,800 acres of Fly Ranch a couple years ago.

Mendenhall Ice Caves

Where: Juneau, Alaska

It’s called the Mendenhall Glacier, but the 12-mile ice formation might as well be called magical — especially with the frozen enchantment of its ice caves, formed from the melting of glacial ice water. Reaching the caves is no small feat; it requires kayaking and ice climbing. But, if you’re up for it, it’s more than worth the trek to see the transparent roofs and otherworldly aqua colorations.

Palo Duro Canyon

Where: Canyon, Texas

As the second-largest canyon in the United States, Palo Duro is a sight to behold just south of Amarillo. Measuring 120 miles long and 20 miles wide, the “Grand Canyon of Texas” impresses with its rocky terrain that’s a layer cake of colors from geologic changes over the years. The hoodoos are particularly impressive here.

Watkins Glen State Park

Where: Watkins Glen, New York

You’ll be spellbound the moment you enter this park. The glen’s stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, creating 19 waterfalls along its course. You can experience the fantasy of it all on the Gorge Trail, where you’ll encounter the Cavern Cascade, Spiral Tunnel and Suspension bridge, Glen Cathedral, Rainbow Falls, Glen of Pools, and more.

Carlsbad Caverns

Where: Guadalupe Mountains, New Mexico

What lies beneath the rocky slopes and canyons is what’s most compelling at this national park. Hidden underground are 119 caves, formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone and left behind caverns of all shapes and sizes with stalactites and stalagmites galore. A popular 1.25-mile trail underground winds around the Big Room to dramatic areas like the Hall of Giants, Bottomless Pit, and Crystal Spring Dome.

Monahans Sandhills State Park

Where: Monahans, Texas

You may feel like you’re on another planet (or the prettiest sandbox ever) upon embarking on these 3,840 acres of rolling sand dunes — some even towering multiple stories into the sky. The undulating waves of sand are consistently changing due to weather patterns and wind, so there’s always an intriguing ripple effect to further mesmerize you.

Whitaker Point

Where: Buffalo River, Arkansas

This craggy rock is not only surreal, but the spot has also pretty much cemented its celebrity status. Countless proposals and nuptials have taken place here; iconic photos have been captured; it’s been voted the best place in Arkansas to get kissed, and Disney even filmed the opening scene to Tuck Everlasting here. And, the three-mile roundtrip hike to Whitaker Point and back is a stunning trip in and of itself.

Hamilton Pool

Where: Dripping Springs, Texas

This little piece of paradise is just a short drive from Austin, Texas. But, it will make you think you’re not in Texas at all anymore. The tucked-away grotto reveals a 45-foot-tall waterfall that pours into a beautiful body of water beneath. It’s like something from a fairytale.

Northern Lights

Where: Alaska

The rare and mystical lights are a phenomenon that you just have to see to believe. The best chances of glimpsing the aurora borealis are in Fairbanks and Anchorage during the winter when the weather is the coldest and when it is the darkest. But, anytime from September to April can give you a front-row seat to this Alaskan magic show.

Caverns of Sonora

Where: Sonora, Texas

A subterranean crystal kingdom awaits at this natural landmark that was called the “most indescribably beautiful cave in the world” by the founder of the National Speleological Society, which promotes the exploration and conservation of caves. The enchanting calcite crystal formations are located 155 feet below the ground, where the Texas Hill Country meets the Chihuahuan Desert — about halfway between San Antonio and Big Bend National Park.

Where: Border of Utah and Arizona

Surf The Wave at this sandstone rock formation that doesn’t look quite real. You can reach the breathtaking swirls of colors and shapes on the Coyote Buttes in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness via a rather difficult, six-mile roundtrip hike. Just be aware that, due to its popularity and fragile nature, daily entrance is limited and only granted by daily lottery for a few.

Santa Elena Canyon

Where: Big Bend National Park, Texas

The drama is so real here — and so are the Insta-worthy moments. Located deep within Big Bend National Park, the canyon is a study in contrasts between the rough, jagged rock formations and cliff walls that soar 1,500 feet above the glossy, smooth river below. The best way to really see every nook and cranny is by raft or canoe.

Hoh Rain Forest

Where: Olympic National Park, Washington

Imagine a fairytale forest, and you’d see Hoh Rain Forest. From the blanket of moss to the fantastical ferns, and the canopy of greenery that envelops nearly every bit of the scenery, it’s a lush dream. And, it’s all the result of the heavy rainfall (12 to 14 feet each year!) throughout the winter season.

Where: Mono County, California

Those spectacular spires you see are known as tufa towers; the calcium-carbonate formations are the result of the interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water. But, they’re not the only spectacular thing about Mono Lake. The majestic, shallow body of water spans 65 square miles and is nothing short of an oasis in the dry Great Basin desert of California; it’s almost like a mirage.

We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.

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9 of the best hidden gems in canada according to canucks, from huge waterfalls to lush gardens, 10 natural wonders in ontario to check out this summer if you've already been to the grotto, 10 of the best places in canada for first-time visitors, according to the narcity team, 14 bucket list activities every canadian should do that aren't niagara falls or banff, 7 stunning national parks that are 3 hours or less from calgary for an easy day trip, these are canada's 11 'most magical' locations that you have to visit at least once, 9 natural wonders of canada that are even more breathtaking in winter (photos), 9 charming small towns in the usa worth crossing the canadian border for this winter, 8 canadian road trips to take this summer that lead to cute small towns and iconic landmarks, i've lived in bc for 8 years & these 7 places in the province are on my bucket list (photos).

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Natural wonders of the U.S. that are seriously stunning

From Niagara Falls to the redwood forests, these stunning natural wonders in the US will leave you speechless

You could spend a lifetime exploring America and still not check off everything worth seeing throughout such a large and diverse country. From  quirky landmarks to  bustling urban centers  to incredible national parks , the options for adventures and natural wonders of the U.S. are truly limitless. 

Witness the fiery eruptions of Hawaii's lava-pumping volcanoes, marvel at the snow-capped peaks of Glacier National Park in Alaska, stand in awe among California's majestic redwoods, and feel the mist on your face at Niagara Falls. Each of these destinations showcases the abundant natural beauty in nearly every corner of America, truly living up to the iconic phrase: America the Beautiful."

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Natural wonders in the U.S.

1.  Wildflowers at Mount Rainier National Park

This 236,381-acre park in Washington state happens to encompass an active volcano, but since it last erupted in the 19th century, chances are nothing will happen if you go—nothing, that is, except experiencing breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier itself, along with glaciers, waterfalls and meadows filled with wildflowers.

Best time to visit : July through August, when wildflowers transform the park's subalpine meadows and the dry, warm weather provides optimal hiking conditions.

2.  Gypsum dunes at White Sands National Monument

This sand is white alright, owing to the fact that it’s made of gypsum, the same material that comprises plaster, blackboard chalk and drywall. There are 4.5 billion tons of the stuff covering 145,762 acres near Alamogordo, New Mexico. In some places, the dunes can reach up to 60 feet high.

Best time to visit : The many yuccas in White Sands bloom in April, but watch out for windy days. Otherwise, try October to early November when cottonwoods are in bloom. 

Discover the best things to do in New Mexico 

3.  Snowcapped mountains above Glacier Bay National Park

You’ll think you’re in Norway when you see the magnificent fjord and majestic mountains at Glacier Bay National Park. There are 1,045 glaciers in the 3,226,800-acre park, which also houses a 57,700-acre wildlife preserve. Ten miles of trails, plus 700 miles of shoreline, offer ample opportunities for kayaking, camping and hiking.

Best time to visit : The high in Alaska is 70 degrees during June and July, making it the perfect time to go.

Discover the best things to do in Alaska

4.  Star-filled night at Arches National Park

Located north of Moab Utah, Arches National Park is so named for the 2,000 wind-sculpted sandstone arches gracing the area—the largest such concentration in the world. The most famous of these is the iconic 52-foot-tall Delicate Arch, whose image can be seen on Utah license plates.

Best time to visit : April through May and September through October, when daytime temperatures average about 60 to 80 degrees.

Discover the best things to do in Utah

5.  Walking amongst giants in Redwood National and State Parks

This protected string of old-growth forests represents what’s left of the massive redwood trees that once covered Northern California and served as home to the Indigenous populations. Trees can reach up to 379 feet in height and nearly 29 feet in diameter and can live 1,800 years or more, making them among the oldest living things on Earth.

Best time to visit : July marks peak tourist time, so to avoid the crowds, consider going anytime during the spring or fall.

Discover the best things to do in California

6.  Spot lava at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

You could say that the entirety of Hawaii is a natural wonder, and you would be right. But if we have to choose just one place on the island to highlight, it's Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, which is home to two major volcanoes:  Mauna Loa and  Kīlauea. Kīlauea is  the most active volcano in the world and the most visited. The park is open 24 hours, year-round. Visitors can view lava and scenery from overlooks or go deeper into the park with a mix of short and long hiking trails. 

Best time to go:  Lava is not always visible; check the local news or national park website  before you go. A trip in the early morning or evening is best to avoid the crows.

 Discover the best things to do in Hawaii

7.  Evening mist at Niagara Falls

Straddling the border between New York state and Ontario, Canada, Niagara Falls is actually three waterfalls named Horseshoe, American and Bridal Veil, respectively. Combined, they send six million cubic feet of water a minute plunging 160 feet into the Niagara Gorge below.

Best time to visit : Highs in the low 80s, and cooling sprays from the falls make June to August a great time to visit.

Discover the best things to do in Niagra Falls

8.  Sunset behind Old Faithful

The world's most famous geyser, Old Faithful in Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park, lives up to its name, erupting more than 1 million times since its discovery in 1870, at an average of 20 times a day. Each blast spews some 3,700 to 8,400 gallons of water to heights of 100 to 180 feet.

Best time to visit: Early morning or in the evening from April to May and between September and October.

9.  Waterfall hikes in Yosemite National Park

Back in 1864, Yosemite became the first land officially protected for conservation purposes by the federal government. And now we all get to reap the rewards. With its jaw-dropping landscapes—granite cliffs, sequoia groves, flowing rivers, peaceful meadows and stunning waterfalls—Yosemite is one of the most celebrated national parks for a reason and attracts huge crowds every year. 

Best time to visit: Roughly   75 percent of visitors  arrive May-October, with the summer being the most popular. April and November are lovely as they are less crowded. 

Discover the best things to do in Yosemite

10.  Dusk along the Grand Canyon

Arizona ’ s Grand Canyon needs no introduction, except to say that it took the Colorado River two billion years to carve its impressive dimensions (277 miles long, by 18 miles wide by 1 mile deep). The sedimentary layers exposed by erosion vividly change color with the light. 

Best time to visit : March through May and September through November when daytime temperatures are cool and the crowds are thin.

Discover the best things to do in Arizona

11.  Red skies over Monument Valley's Mitten Buttes

Even if you’ve never heard of Monument Valley, you’d recognize it thanks to how Hollywood has used it as a backdrop for countless Westerns. Located on the Arizona–Utah state line, the site is known for its striking sandstone buttes, the largest of which reaches 1,000 feet high. 

Best time to visit : Anytime between April and October; Temps remain relatively cooler, even during the summer months, because of Monument Valley's 5200-foot elevation.

12.  Rainbow over Devils Tower National Monument

Besides playing a role in Close Encounters of the Third Kind , Devil’s Tower in Wyoming was dedicated as the first national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. Rising 867 feet into the air, this butte made of volcanic rock is a sacred site to several First Nation people, including the Lakota, Cheyenne and Kiowa.

Best time to visit : May to June and September to October are best.

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The Mysterious World

Know The Unknown

Top 10 Most Surreal Places In United States

There are so many things that the United States is famous for – Such as internet, Hollywood, large companies, top universities and powerful military. U.S is also home to many surreal places you need to see to believe. The followings are 10 of the most surreal places in the United States.

10  Fly Geyser, Washoe County, Nevada

The fly geyser is an amazing geothermal geyser located in the Northwest of the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. To your surprise, the fly geyser is not a natural geyser. This amazing geyser was created accidentally when a geothermal company drilled a test well at this site.

Back in 1964, a geothermal company drilled a well on the private fly ranch located in the Northwest of Black Rock Desert, to find geothermal power. They found the underground water on the site is not hot enough for a geothermal plant. So they abandoned the project and left the well uncapped. The site is still a private property, owned by Todd Jaksick.

Gradually, the hot underwater began to rise from the weak spots of the well. The constant release of mineral rich water also results in the formation of limestone mount on the site. The limestone mount is still growing by the continuous deposition of minerals. The presence of thermophilic algae also gives brilliant red-blue coloration to the mounts of the fly geysers.

9  Mendenhall Glacier Caves, Southeastern Alaska

The magical Mendenhall glacier is located in the Mendenhall valley in Southeastern Alaska. It is a 12-mile long glacier and a part of federally protected 2353 hectare Mendenhall recreational area. The Western part of the glacier is home to a numerous of breathtaking ice caves, formed from the melting of glacial ice water.

To access the ice caves at the Mendenhall glacier is quite challenging. You need to take a kayaking and ice climbing to reach these glacier caves. But it is worth seeing. These caves overall have transparent roofs and a brilliant blue coloration. They will shine in the sunlight. The condition of these ice caves can’t be guaranteed. It is risky to visit the ice caves in the summer season due to the movement of caves.

10 Surreal Places In Europe You Need To See To Believe

8  haiku stairs, oahu, hawaii.

The Haiku stairs are a steep, forbidden hiking trail situated along the Ko’olau mountain range in the Oahu Island of Hawaii. This surreal hiking is also known as ‘stairway to heaven’. Haiku stairs truly deserve this name because of the amazing panoramic view it offers. Since 1987, it remains closed to the public.

The Haiku stairs were originally built during World War II for U.S militants to access the radio stations at the mountain top. In the 1950s, the original wooden steps were replaced by the metal steps. In the past, The hikers used to climb 3955 steps of Haiku stairs to ascend to 2120 ft. high mountain range.

You can see ‘No Trespassing’ signs at the starting point of the trail. Still, many hikers continue to access this trail because of the breathtaking view it offers. Sadly, a powerful storm that swept the Oahu Island in February 2015 cause significant damage to the Haiku stairs. The reconstruction can be hard and now it became completely unusable.

7  Bryce Canyon National Park, Southwestern Utah

You may think Bryce Canyon is an amazing canyon as its name sounds so. But it’s not a canyon. Bryce Canyon is an incredible National Park in Southwestern Utah that renowned for its geological formations called ‘Hoodoos’. They are thin spires of rocks formed by million of years of weathering and erosion. The Bryce Canyon National Park is home to such thousands of ‘Hoodoos’.

The Bryce Canyon National Park covers a vast area of 35835 acres. The thin rock pinnacles (Hoodoos) of this National Park rise to 200 feet in height. They display brilliant red, orange and white colors. It is truly a jaw-dropping view for the visitors.

Hiking is the best way to enjoy the Bryce Canyon National Park. The natural amphitheatre of this park extends for more than 20 miles. During Sunset and Sunrise, the entire park immersed in a dramatic coloration. Besides its breathtaking geography, Bryce Canyon is home to more than 5000 years old bristlecone pine trees. This National Park is also one of the best places in the United States for star gazing.

6  Skagit Valley Tulip Fields, Washington

Just think, how it feels like when you surround yourself with 300 acres of brightly colored tulips? feel like heaven isn’t it? well, if you want to visit such a surreal place, just attend the Skagit tulip festival in Washington. It is a magical flower show held every year in the month of April in the Skagit Valley in Washington. Every year, the Skagit Valley tulip festival receives more than million visitors from around the world.

Undoubtedly, tulips are one of the most beautiful flowers in the world. In the Skagit valley tulip festival you can see thousands of different species of tulips in bloom. The vast fields of colorful tulip flowers against mount baker backdrop definitely will leave you breathless. In addition to colorful blooms, the tulip festival also offers art, cultural and concert shows for its visitors.

5  Antelope Canyon, Navajo Territory, Arizona

Antelope canyon is among the most beautiful natural wonders of Arizona. This amazing slot canyon located in the Navajo territory of the state. Antelope Canyon is probably the most beautiful and most photographed slot canyon in the world. This canyon is renowned for its wavy sandstone walls and narrow passages.

The antelope canyon includes two different sections – upper antelope canyon and lower antelope canyon. The upper antelope canyon is the most frequently visited section of antelope canyon. It is because of the easiness to access the upper antelope canyon. You can also see the beam of light comes from the opening above the upper antelope canyon. In summer, this section also looks more colorful.

The lower antelope canyon located few kilometers away the upper antelope canyon. You need to climb down along the pre-installed stairs to access the lower antelope canyon. Its paths are also narrower compared to the upper antelope canyon. But the rock formations at this section is just incredible.

4  Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Horseshoe bend is a breathtakingly beautiful meander located near the Page city in Arizona. Horseshoe bend is named after its horseshoe like shape. It is just 5 miles from the beginning of Grand Canyon National Park. This magical place is carved down by the Colorado river in a horseshoe like a shape. So, horseshoe-bend is definitely a wonder and a don’t miss place of Arizona.

Situated at an altitude of 4200 meters above sea level, the horseshoe bend make 1000 foot drop to the Colorado river. It’s only take a ¾ mile hike from U.S Route 89 to access this place and the view is just phenomenal. Depend on the intensity of the light, the canyon cliff displays different colors. At the bend, Colorado river also takes a green to dark blue coloration.

3  The Wave, Border of Utah and Arizona

The wave is a visually surreal sandstone formation located on the Utah/Arizona border. The wave is called so because it is a colorful wavelike formation on the sandstone in the area of Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness. This spectacular geological formation formed by millions of years of wind and rain erosion. Today, it is among the most photographed places in the United States.

The wave is actually a magical combination of interesting shapes and breathtaking colors. The wave-like formations on this site display a different spectrum of colors, ranges from red, pink, orange, yellow and green. Depending on the time of the day, it appears in different colors. This color change merely depends upon the intensity of Sunlight.

2  Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The grand prismatic spring is a stunningly colorful hot spring located in the Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. At a depth of 121 feet and a diameter of 370 feet, the grand prismatic spring is the largest hot spring in the United States. The brilliant coloration is one of the most distinguishing factors of grand prismatic hot spring. The mineral rich, deep-blue colored water of this hot spring is lined with patches of vibrant red, yellow and green.

The magnificent coloration on the edges of grand prismatic hot spring is caused by the presence of pigmented bacteria. They can thrive in the high temperature of the hot springs. But no form of life present in the center pool due to extreme heat which can reach temperature around 87 degree Celsius.

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1  yosemite valley, yosemite national park, northern california.

The Yosemite valley located in the Northern California is nothing shorter than a paradise. Because the attractions are endless at the Yosemite valley. It is the most beautiful part of Yosemite National Park and home to amazing waterfalls, spectacular cliffs, and rich wildlife.

This magical valley was carved by glaciers around ten thousand years ago. It is 7 miles long and about 1 mile wide. The world famous EI Capitan Half Dome are situated in the Yosemite Valley. The 3000 feet high EI Capitan is among the most photographed and climbed rocks in the world.

Some of the most beautiful waterfalls of Yosemite National Park such as Yosemite Fall, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall and Bridalveil fall are situated in the Yosemite valley. The 2425 feet high Yosemite Fall is the highest waterfall of Yosemite National Park.

The tunnel view on State Route 41 is the most scenic viewpoint in the Yosemite National Park. From this point, you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite valley. From here, you can see some famous landmarks of Yosemite National Park, including EI Capitan, Bridalveil fall, half dome and sentinel rock.

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The 50 Most Beautiful Places in the U.S.

From magical deserts to gorgeous beaches, these are the most beautiful places in each state.

Anne Olivia Bauso is a travel writer and hotel expert based in New York City. She has written hundreds of hotel reviews, from 5-star Ritz-Carlton properties to treehouse eco-resorts in the jungle.

The U.S. has an abundance of natural beauty, with diverse landscapes ranging from desert mesas and wooded river valleys to whisper-thin barrier islands and lush, steamy tropics. The scenery along Florida's palm-studded coast is much different than you would see in California's rugged Sierra Nevadas or the fiery canyonlands of the Southwest.

The natural beauty found across the 50 states is so vast and staggering, it's practically impossible to make sense of — though you can't say we didn't try. Here, our totally subjective, state-by-state list of the most beautiful places in the U.S.

Alabama: Magnolia Springs

Mail is delivered by boat — the last year-round river mail delivery in the country — in this small coastal village along the Magnolia River. Dating to the late 1700s, the town is named for its natural assets: gushing springs and a shady canopy of magnolia trees.

Alaska: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

Few states seize the popular imagination like Alaska. And at 13 million acres, Wrangell-St. Elias, the largest national park in the U.S., encompasses the overwhelming beauty of the far north. Hiking here leads you through a boreal forest, along glittering glaciers (the Root Glacier Trail goes right on the icy mass; crampons recommended), and up to ridges for breathtaking mountain views. To boot, this park contains some of the highest peaks in the country.

Arizona: Grand Canyon National Park

Don Eim/Travel + Leisure

The most beautiful place in Arizona has to be the Grand Canyon. Though outrageous natural beauty is found in every corner of the state, from the enchanting Emerald Cove to the sacred Canyon de Chelly, nothing quite compares to the majesty of Arizona's flagship feature.

Within this natural wonder of the world, Havasu Falls (aka Havasupai Falls) contrasts the red rock with its impossibly turquoise water, while the circular arc of the Colorado River at Horseshoe Bend is not to be missed.

Arkansas: Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

Dominating northwestern Arkansas, the Ozark-St. Francis is an all-season haven rich in things to do. Its ferny oak-hickory woods are dotted with caverns (the tour-friendly Blanchard Springs Caverns has an underground river), grottoes, swimming beaches, campsites, and horseback and ATV trails. Whitaker Point and Sam's Throne are favorites with hikers and rock climbers.

California: Yosemite National Park

Vince Fergus/Travel + Leisure

The nation's third-oldest park has major status with the National Park System, UNESCO, and traveler wish lists around the world. The alpine wonderland draws millions of annual visitors to see its high-country Sierra Nevada beauty, marked by granite domes, towering sequoias, and sheer-drop waterfalls.

Hike or drive up to Glacier Point to behold Yosemite Valley from 7,000 feet; the million-dollar panorama includes Yosemite Falls and the famous Half Dome, which is staggeringly close and rises almost 4,800 feet from the valley floor at a practically vertical pitch.

Colorado: Garden of the Gods

Anyone with even a passing interest in geology or photography, or just knockout natural splendor in general, might find themselves speechless at the sight of Garden of the Gods. Two tips: Aim to visit the lofty sandstone formations on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds, and take the Siamese Twins loop for a view of snowy Pikes Peak (the inspiration for "America the Beautiful") set in a frame of red rocks.

Connecticut: The Connecticut Shore

If you close your eyes and try to imagine the ideal seaside town in New England , your vision is probably not too far off from Old Lyme, Mystic, Old Saybrook, and other coastal Connecticut villages. The small towns strung along the Long Island Sound combine quiet coastal beauty and gobs of old-timey charm (think picture-perfect inns and cozy taverns).

Delaware: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

You don't have to be an avid birder to treasure this nature preserve. One of the largest surviving tidal salt marshes in the region, it's the boggy domain of bald eagles, snowy egrets, great blue herons, and other wildlife.

Florida: Everglades National Park

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

A UNESCO World Heritage site and International Biosphere Reserve, this watery 1.5 million-acre wilderness is home to extraordinary flora and fauna, including American crocodiles, manatees, otters, and wading birds. To see it, join an airboat tour, paddle the mangroves in a canoe or kayak, bike the popular Shark Valley Tram Road, or set out on the flat Anhinga Trail through a seagrass marsh.

Georgia: Cumberland Island

It's hard to imagine a place better suited to peace seekers, bird-watchers, and even history fans than car-free Cumberland Island. Development on the Georgia barrier island is limited to the stately Greyfield Inn , and the rest of the some 36,000 acres are wild, including almost 10,000 acres of protected nature. When you're not strolling the driftwood-strewn beaches, you can kayak the quiet waterways and stop by the Gilded Age-era Dungeness ruins.

Hawaii: Nāpali Coast

The Earth's wrinkles are on spectacular display along Kauai's Nāpali Coast, where sheer, fluted sea cliffs (pali) plummet into the Pacific. The only land access is the strenuous 11-mile Kalalau Trail, which follows the jagged, jade-colored coast's gulches and valleys. The first two miles are a popular day hike; beyond that, a permit is required. This is considered one of the country's most dangerous treks, though helicopter tours are another way to see the exquisite terrain.

Idaho: Sawtooth National Forest

Four mountain ranges and four major rivers collide in Sawtooth National Forest, a 2.1 million-acre great-outdoors paradise whose landscape has remained virtually unchanged since Lewis and Clark explored it in 1805. The forest is home to dozens of 10,000-plus-foot peaks, hundreds of sparkling alpine lakes, and more than 3,000 miles of gushing streams, as well as grassy meadows, sagebrush flats, and pine and aspen woods. Manners of exploration are as vast as the land itself and include backpacking, rafting, skiing, and mountain climbing.

Illinois: Cache River State Natural Area

You might think you're deep in a Louisiana bayou in this bald cypress and tupelo swamp, the northernmost of its kind in the U.S. Explore acres of wetlands by kayak, canoe, or foot via the park's trails and boardwalks. Some of the cypresses you'll see are more than 1,000 years old, with flared bases that exceed 40 feet around.

Indiana: Hemlock Cliffs

For the uninitiated, Indiana is full of surprises. It has the covered bridges and country lanes of Vermont, the sand dunes and lakeshore of Michigan, and fall foliage that could be taken for the Smokies. This box canyon within Hoosier National Forest is a terrific ravine- and waterfall-filled place that you probably wouldn't associate with the heartland.

Iowa: Maquoketa Caves State Park

Avid explorers will be in their element at Maquoketa Caves State Park, where bluffs, miles of trails, and more than a dozen limestone caves await investigation. Some of the caves, such as the 1,100-foot Dancehall, can be walked through upright, while others require serious spelunking. Either way, bring a headlamp.

Kansas: Castle Rock Badlands

This quirky site is off the beaten path — literally. Located on private ranchland accessed by four-wheel drive-demanding dirt roads, Castle Rock is a relic of an inland sea that once covered this part of the continent. The fragile, fossil-rich limestone pinnacles provide a near-shocking change of scenery from the prairie Kansas is known for.

Kentucky: Mammoth Cave

The longest known cave system on the planet is found below the wild hills of south-central Kentucky. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a vast (as in still-being-mapped vast) limestone network of cool caverns, cathedral-like rotundas, and claustrophobia-inducing crawl spaces. Lest you think a Mammoth Cave adventure is all below ground, the lushly forested park above it offers hiking and horseback riding, plus canoeing and kayaking on its two rivers.

Louisiana: Wild Azalea Trail

Bar-crawling in Louisiana may come to mind before forest hiking, but the 31-mile-long Wild Azalea Trail showcases some of the state's best scenery: think pine trees, clear creeks, gentle hills, and maybe even wild horses. Time your trek to March or April to see the namesake pale pink flowers blanketing the countryside.

Maine: Acadia National Park

With its rocky shores, crashing surf, and coastal mountain hiking trails, Acadia National Park wins the top spot on Maine's most beautiful places list. Drive to the Cadillac Mountain summit before dawn for the first glimpse of sunrise in the U.S. (from October to March, that is).

Maryland: Weverton Cliffs

Along the famed Appalachian Trail, Weverton Cliffs is a roughly two-mile switchback hike in South Mountain State Park. The reward for your effort? Views from 500 feet above the Potomac that include neighboring Virginia and West Virginia.

Massachusetts: Cape Cod National Seashore

This delicate stretch of federally protected land is rich in natural appeal. It contains marshes, woodlands, wild cranberry bogs, windswept dunes, walking paths, and miles of sandy beaches. This is one of the last remaining blocks of Atlantic coastal pine barrens, a now-rare forest ecosystem teeming with animals and birdlife.

Michigan: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Out-of-staters might not equate Michigan with sandy beaches and striking sand dunes, but both are found along the state's largely coastal boundaries — most notably on the 35 miles of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This carved-by-glaciers shoreline is home to a beech-maple forest, scenic hiking and driving, and the immense namesake dunes rising high above Lake Michigan.

Minnesota: North Shore Scenic Drive

The North Shore is a road-tripper's daydream. Many Minnesotans and Midwesterners drive the Lake Superior-adjacent route time and time again, hitting the four-tiered Gooseberry Falls, the precariously perched Split Rock Lighthouse, and the tallest waterfall in the state, High Falls (shared by the U.S. and Canada). And don't miss World's Best Donuts , a very important stop for cinnamon-sugar donuts and deep-fried "skizzles."

Mississippi: Natchez Trace Parkway

Beauty and blacktop meet on the Natchez Trace, a 444-mile drive that crosses Mississippi like a pageant sash, following a Native American foot trail that goes back millennia. Instead of billboards and interstate exit signs, you'll cruise past cypress swamps and meadows edged by black-eyed Susans and log fences, with lots of opportunities to pull over for picnics and nature walks.

Missouri: Ozark National Scenic Riverways

The spring-fed Current and Jacks Fork rivers anchor this protected pocket of the Ozarks. Swim, canoe, and fish in its crystal-clear waters and explore the area's caves (more than 300 have been discovered so far, some only accessible by boat), trails, natural springs, and historic mills.

Montana: Going-to-the-Sun Road

Take the ride of your life on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile route that climbs above the clouds in Glacier National Park. Looking out the window takes a bit of bravery because of the steep drops, but your prize is jaw-dropping views of alpine valleys, flowing rivers, and fields of wildflowers far below the surrounding peaks and ridgelines. The road crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass (elevation: 6,646 feet), where you can get out and hike the Hidden Lake and Highline trails.

Nebraska: Toadstool Geologic Park

Nebraska's native prairie is thrown into splendid relief at Toadstool, a tract of unusual wind- and water-carved rock formations and vast fossil beds in the Oglala National Grassland. Some rock layers contain tracks of animals long vanished from this part of the world, like rhinos and camels.

Nevada: Red Rock Canyon

Only about 30 minutes from the LED skyline of Las Vegas is Red Rock Canyon, named for its giant cliffs and craggy jumbles of yellow and red sandstone. The hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and scenic driving on offer here are a pretty amazing contrast to the gaming, buffet feasts, and pool parties that define a typical Sin City getaway.

New Hampshire: Kancamagus Highway

Kancamagus Scenic Byway ("the Kanc") may just be New England's prettiest drive. Connecting the small towns of Lincoln and Conway, it meanders by the rocky gorges, waterfalls, swimming holes, campgrounds, and trailheads of White Mountain National Forest. Fall is a lovely time to make the journey, when the foliage colors and moose sightings are at their peak. Just be sure to pack snacks and fuel up — there are no gas stations or businesses for some 30 miles.

New Jersey: Cape May

Cape May's main claim to fame may be its late Victorian-era houses and hotels — some 600 structures in all — but this seaside resort town has non-architectural virtues as well. There are wineries, gardens, biodiverse wetlands, and, of course, end-of-peninsula beaches. Head to west-facing Sunset Beach at twilight for an amazing natural show over Delaware Bay.

New Mexico: Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness

Millions of years of erosion have created this sci-fi, fantasy-like display of pinnacles, spires, and other weirdly wonderful bodies of weathered rock. This high-desert wilderness (read: no marked trails) is essentially the geologic record of a prehistoric coastal swamp where dinosaurs once roamed.

New York: Finger Lakes

Glacial force shaped this beautiful upstate landscape, leaving behind 11 long, skinny, finger-like lakes in its wake. The region is heaven in the summer, when visitors can choose between waterfall hiking (Watkins Glen and Shequaga Falls are popular stops), endless lake activities, and more wineries, vineyards, and breweries than you can shake a stick at.

North Carolina: Outer Banks

This remote stretch of North Carolina coastline has drawn pirates, colonists, and early aviators. Now, it's the realm of beach lovers looking for peace, quiet, white sand, and salty air. Add in the barrier islands' wild dunes (including the East Coast's largest), incredible Outer Banks campgrounds , and multiuse paths — it's actually possible to bike the entire 100-plus-mile length of the region — and you've got a region set for quaint coastal exploration.

North Dakota: Maah Daah Hey Trail

Hike, bike, or hop on a horse and ride through the remote scenery for which North Dakota is known. This 144-mile system is made up of nine sections with various lengths, difficulty ratings, and backdrops, from grassy prairies to dizzying badland buttes. It's a timeless American landscape, and the trail is aptly named for the Mandan phrase: "an area that will be around for a long time."

Ohio: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

You can pretend you're in Victorian London in the Crystal Palace-evoking glass greenhouse that is the cornerstone of this botanical landmark. Its biomes and gardens might transport you to the desert, rain forest, and even the Himalayas.

Oklahoma: Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve

Native grasslands, the ecosystem perhaps most powerfully entwined with our national identity, are on the decline. This protected preserve is the largest sweep of tallgrass prairie in the world. Here, you can see the American plains as they looked centuries ago, with herds of bison (about 2,200 of the shaggy-haired beasts roam freely) and swaths of purple prairie clover.

Oregon: Crater Lake

Crater Lake is evidence of the tectonic activity that's eternally shaping the planet. A long-ago eruption formed a giant caldera, which filled with rain and snow over time. The gradual result is a deep lake (the deepest in the country, in fact) with intense blue waters and fantastic clarity. Crater Lake's mountain setting atop the Cascade Range makes it even more hypnotic.

Pennsylvania: Appalachian National Scenic Trail at the Delaware Water Gap

The famous Delaware Water Gap area spans 70,000 acres of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, yet its namesake point is where the river carves through the rugged Kittatinny Mountain. See the Gap from Appalachian National Scenic Trail (the AT, to in-the-know hikers), which offers a clear view from Mount Minsi.

Rhode Island: Block Island

Fieldstone walls hemming in emerald-green fields, Victorian buildings, and dramatic cliffs lashed by the Atlantic define Block Island. You could be forgiven for thinking you've been dropped on a distant British shore. Mosey around the island by bike or moped, visit the two lighthouses, and pop into a classic New England eatery — we like Block Island Oyster Bar and Grill for lobster bisque and daily-harvested oysters.

South Carolina: Hilton Head Island Bike Trails

Wide beaches may be a big draw, but Hilton Head locals and vacationers alike praise the island's bike trail system for low-key cruising (and for bypassing road traffic, which can be intense). The 64-mile, well-maintained network is easy to navigate and takes you to some of Hilton Head Island's best spots, like Sea Pines Forest Preserve. A bike ride is especially lovely in the late afternoon, as the sun begins to set over the marshes.

South Dakota: Badlands National Park

Between the steep buttes, crystal-lined caves, granite spires, prairies, and ponderosa pine forests, speculating the most beautiful South Dakota place is hopeless. But the fossil-packed landscape of Badlands National Park must come close. Here, meadows meet whimsically eroded canyons and vibrant, layered hills. Drive Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240) and the perimeter route around the South Unit. Bonus points if you time your visit to the south-facing Pinnacles Overlook for sunset.

Tennessee: Cherokee National Forest

Lovers of the outdoors have their work cut out for them in Tennessee, especially its eastern edge. The 650,000-acre Cherokee National Forest has something for adventurers of every sort, whether you're looking to tackle a section of the Appalachian Trail or other backcountry treks, whitewater raft down Pigeon River, pitch a tent next to Watauga Lake, or witness the dazzling rhododendron summer bloom in the Roan Highlands.

Texas: Guadalupe Mountains

These mountains in windswept West Texas are the exposed tips of the 400-mile Capitan Reef, one of the best-preserved ancient reef systems in the world. Explore more than 80 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks through the Chihuahuan Desert to hardcore hikes to the "top of Texas" (a.k.a. Guadalupe Peak, the state's highest point).

Utah: Arches National Park

We'll confess to paralysis by indecision here, such is the vast choice on offer (see: Grand Staircase-Escalante, Monument Valley, Bryce and Big Cottonwood canyons). Yet surreal Arches National Park gets the nod. Its natural sandstone arches, tall cliffs, and honeycomb rocks are like a 65-million-year chronicle of our planet. The scenery will leave you breathless — as will a stamina-requiring Fiery Furnace hike (ranger guidance or individual permit required).

Vermont: Mad River Valley

In the 1950s, the snowy ski resorts of Mad River Valley pulled the likes of the Kennedys and Hollywood VIPs. Its creviced mountains and charming small towns still make it a prime destination for all manner of outdoor and simple-pleasure pursuits, like hiking, maple syrup- and cheese-tasting, shopping for crafts, and seeking local swimming holes, to name a few. Even just cruising Route 100 is a delight.

Virginia: Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway's "America's Favorite Drive" tagline isn't just a stroke of marketing genius. The 469-mile drive (shared by Virginia and North Carolina) takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the southeastern U.S. One example? Natural Bridge, a 215-foot-tall "overpass" spanning 90 feet to connect solid limestone cliffs. Don't forget good hiking shoes and your phone charger because there are hundreds of trails and photo ops.

Washington: Hurricane Ridge

This mountainous area within Olympic National Park packs the best features of Washington state into one enchantingly alpine package: snowy peaks, glassy lakes, grazing black-tailed deer in steep meadows, and thick evergreen forests.

West Virginia: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

A highlight of West Virginia is the seemingly endless reserve of spectacular river ravines and mountain views. New River Gorge gets a special mention for its iconic bridge. With a 3,030-foot steel span that's nearly 90 stories high, it will make your heart skip a beat.

Wisconsin: Apostle Islands

There's so much to explore on the 20-plus islands that make up this archipelago. Hike through the wilderness, hop in a kayak, scuba dive to shipwrecks and underwater sea caves (Lake Superior really does look and feel more like an ocean), and explore the lighthouses.

Wyoming: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Even in a state that's wall-to-wall with magnificent scenery, this site is a high point. The deep river gorge is a rumbling mass of natural beauty, with roaming wildlife (bison, elk, and even a grizzly crossing may make traffic come to a standstill), plunging waterfalls, and canyon walls made colorful by iron compounds.

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29 Surreal Places in America You Need To Visit Before You Die

If you live in the U.S., you don’t need a passport to see what Mother Nature has to offer.

• Mendenhall Glacier Caves, Alaska

In Mendenhall Valley of Juneau stands this 12-mile glacier that is home to some incredibly surreal ice caves. If you follow the West Glacier trail, you can get a chance to see these whimsical ice clouds for yourself.

Read the rest of the article here.

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7 Surreal Places across the United States

If you’re looking to make your next trip a bit more unique, you won’t be disappointed when you check out these surreal locations, perfect for exploring on your next adventure. Whether you want to hike around active volcanoes, race across salt flats or just capture some incredible photos, these destinations across the United States will never fail to show just how diverse and inspiring our planet can be.

Bonneville Salt Flats, Tooele County, Utah

Picture yourself standing on the flattest place on earth, surrounded by glistening white salt for miles and miles. This is what you will find at Bonneville Salt Flats , located in the northwestern corner of Utah. The view from the flats is so unobstructed that you can actually see the curvature of the earth, making for a surreal but also picturesque landscape.

The area is famous for land speed records due to its flat and expansive setting perfect for racing, with top speeds clocked at over 300 mph . If you happen to visit during August, you may lucky enough to catch Speed Week or you can check out the World Finals of racing during early October.

But you don’t need to be a racer to visit the flats. For a more leisurely pace, you can drive your car on the flats, and access is free to all visitors.

While you’re in the area, pay a visit to the nearby Silver Island Mountains , another surreal sight. On top of Floating Island you can even find cave etchings that date back tens of thousands of years.

Hamilton Pool Preserve, Dripping Springs, Texas

The cave formations of the Hamilton Pool Preserve have formed a hotspot for swimmers looking to cool off in the Texas heat and hikers who want to escape the city and check out one of the state’s natural wonders. As you swim in the gorgeous grotto with its crystal clear waters, you’ll see fish and other creatures and maybe even feel them brush by your legs. This naturally-occurring feature was created by the collapse of a cave into Hamilton Creek, and huge limestone cliffs surround the pool while giant stalactites hanging from the ceiling high above.

The price to visit is $15 per vehicle , but it’s well worth it to spend the day relaxing, swimming, and enjoying a picnic on the pool’s beach. You’ll have the chance to walk inside the collapsed grotto and step under a 50-foot waterfall in a scene that’s straight out of a movie.

The Wave, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona

The colorful, waving, surreal images of The Wave are a photographer’s dream . Located in northern Arizona, bordering Utah, this major sandstone trough and those surrounding it date all the way back to the Jurassic age . These sedimentary rocks have been eroded for millions of years, exposing countless layers of rock strata in deep reds and oranges. Small streams allow for some interesting wildlife to live among the mesas, buttes and steep canyons.

The hike in can be a challenge as you create your own path, and you’ll need a day-use permit to visit the area; only 20 permits allocated per day. But while access is limited, it also means visitors have a chance to experience the area as it was meant to be: quiet and unspoiled. The shortest path in is just over eight miles and you can be sure that every turn will provide spectacular and breathtaking views unlike anything you’ve seen before. But don’t worry – a guide is provided that can be used with a GPS or compass to help you forage your way across the desert plateaus. If you can get a permit, this location is a must-see .

Mendenhall Ice Caves, Juneau, Alaska

Some may describe the Mendenhall Ice Caves as “otherworldly” or “surreal,” and you can see for yourself just outside of Juneau. The deep blues and changing hues are some of the most spectacular in the country, and perhaps the world. Inside the caves water runs over rocks and under vibrant ceilings inside a glacier that has been partially hollowed out.  Stretching for 12 miles , the caves are only accessible for those willing to kayak in and then ice climb over the glacier. But once inside, visitors are treated to a natural wonder that showcases various stages of the water cycle in one place, from melting to freezing.

Unfortunately, changes in the earth’s climate are resulting in glacial melting, and the Mendenhall Glacier has receded almost two miles since 1958. So pay a visit sooner rather than later.

Fly Ranch Geyser, Washoe County, Nevada

Driving along State Route 34 in northwestern Nevada’s Black Rock Desert , you may be surprised to catch a glimpse of this odd misshapen geyser off in the distance. This geyser is in fact not a natural phenomenon , and unlike many of our country’s wonders it hasn’t been around for centuries or millennia. In 1964 on an exploration for geothermal energy, Fly Geyser as it’s known today was created by well drilling. Likely due to an uncapped or unplugged well, dissolved minerals rose up and accumulated near the surface. This created a travertine mound that continues to grow, with water constantly released high into the air.

Fly Geyser emits water over into pools covering an area of 74 acres, so it’s hard to miss it, along with the vibrant colors that are due to the algae on the geyser’s surface. Although this surreal formation is on private land, it’s easy enough to stop and watch from the nearest road.

Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

There are few places on earth where you can get as up close and personal with active volcanoes as in this spectacular national park on Hawaii’s Big Island . Spread out over a massive 500 square miles , this is the perfect place for some truly unique hiking opportunities in an otherworldly environment. Within the park you can see everything from lush tropical rainforests to arid and barren desert and the most massive of Earth’s active volcanoes, Mauna Loa . Check out the extreme forces of nature by cruising along Crater Rim Drive to explore the summit of Kilauea volcano . This 11-mile journey will guide you through both desert and rain forest, down to the caldera floors, and offers plenty of stops to walk around and take in the awe-inspiring show before you.

Before you visit, a quick online search will alert you to any closures due to volcanic activity.

Horsetail Fall, Yosemite National Park, California

Horsetail Fall is enough to make anyone feel small as they gaze up at its drop of over 2,000 feet. Located in  Yosemite National Park , this giant waterfall flows seasonally in the winter and early spring on the east side of the world-renowned El Capitan. An incredible and jaw-dropping sight can sometimes be caught in February if the conditions are just right. You’ll be able to see the waterfall illuminated a stunning orange and red color, a phenomenon known as “Firefall.” The waterfall is in fact two streams that gather three-quarters of the way down the rock face before descending to the valley floor.

For photographers and anyone wanting the best view of this stunning waterfall, head to the picnic area on the north road leading out of Yosemite Valley . Once at the waterfall you’ll see just how much there is to explore in the valley, which serves as a perfect destination for outdoor-lovers to see some of Mother Nature’s greatest natural creations.

Have you visited any of these surreal destinations or are there any you think shouldn’t be missed? Share with us in the comments below!

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9 Surreal Places to Visit in the US ...

There are many surreal places in the US that I would like to visit someday. These places look like works of art, and would be every Instragrammer’s dream! Here are some surreal places in the US you should definitely check out!

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Mendenhall Glacier Caves, Alaska

The Mendenhall Glacier Caves are located in Juneau, Alaska and are part of the Mendenhall Glacier. The caves are formed by the melting of the glacier, creating a unique and beautiful landscape. The caves can be explored by taking a guided tour, and visitors can marvel at the amazing ice formations and the blue and green hues that are created by the light filtering through the ice. The caves are a great place to take photos, as the light and colors create a surreal atmosphere. Visitors can also learn about the glacier and its history from the tour guides. The Mendenhall Glacier Caves are a must-see for anyone visiting Alaska.

Oneonta Gorge, Oregon

Skagit Valley Tulip Fields, Washington

Yosemite Valley, California

Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming

Hamilton Pool, Texas

Bryce Canyon, Utah

Lake Tahoe, California

Niagara Falls, New York

I definitely consider myself a city girl, but from time to time, when I see these beautiful natural sites, it is hard not to just fall in love with them. They are so removed from the world. Take a trip to one of these places and you will immediately feel yourself relax and unwind! Have you ever been to any of these places? What other surreal places would you recommend?

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The Canadian side of Niagara Falls is breathtaking! From where I was I could even see the falls at night light up. It was so hard to sleep with that view.

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40 Fascinating Places You Won't Believe Are in the United States

Get ready to plan your next vacation.

One of the best things about the United States is how diverse the landscape is. Just about every type of ecosystem can be found here, from swamps to deserts to glaciers and more. Similarly, the population is incredibly diverse, which leads to fascinating developments — like towns and homes built to look as if they came from abroad. As a result, you can find some pretty unbelievable places across the country, both natural and manmade. We picked some of the most striking of them all to share with you — from lunar-like landscapes to European-style castles in the American countryside.

White Sands National Park

One of the newest national parks, White Sands in New Mexico, is a surreal field of stark white dunes, some up to 60 feet tall. They're not made of sand, but of gypsum — and this is the largest gypsum desert in the world.

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

If you prefer a more colorful backdrop for your photoshoot, visit the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch in California. There are 50 acres full of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers in all hues.

Leavenworth, Washington

No passport? No problem. Head to Leavenworth, Washington to feel as if you've been transported to Germany. The town mimics a Bavarian village, complete with an Oktoberfest celebration each fall.

If you're looking to visit this impressive sandstone rock formation in Arizona, near the border of Utah, you're going to have to work for it. Very few permits are issued to visitors seeking to make the six-mile out-and-back hike — you have to be really lucky to score one.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

There’s something incredibly humbling about standing next to a 300-foot-tall sequoia tree, which is exactly what you can do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. They're located in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, and you can find the famous General Grant tree here.

The Biltmore Estate

Mendenhall ice caves.

Alaska's Mendenhall Glacier holds a secret inside: Beautiful blue ice caves that glow with ethereal light. Fortunately for visitors, they're relatively easy to access. The glacier is just 12 miles from Juneau, and you can book guided hikes to the caves.

Grand Prismatic Spring

Located in the Wyoming portion of Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the country and the third largest in the world. Its rainbow hues are created by heat-loving microorganisms drawn to the 160-degree-Fahrenheit water — this is very much a case of "look, but don't touch."

The Met Cloisters

If you came across these buildings and assumed you were in Europe, you wouldn't be entirely wrong. Four historic cloisters from France were disassembled, shipped around the world, and reassembled in New York City. They're now home to the medieval branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Bonneville Salt Flats

Head west from Salt Lake City, Utah to find a salt-themed natural attraction: the Bonneville Salt Flats. This popular photoshoot destination occupies 300,000 acres of Utah's desert, every square inch covered in a flat salt crust.

Death Valley National Park

California is home to some of the harshest environments in the United States, including Death Valley, where the temperature has reached 134 degrees Fahrenheit. But despite its extreme heat, the area is also extremely picturesque with colorful rock formations, such as the ones at Zabriskie Point, shown here.

St. Augustine

St. Augustine, Florida looks as if it was picked up from the Mediterranean and shipped overseas. Many of the town's buildings feature Spanish-style architecture, a nod to its Spanish colonial period in the 16th century.

Hoh Rain Forest

It's easy to forget that the United States is home to a rain forest, largely because it's not in a tropical climate. The Hoh Rain Forest is a temperate one in Washington's Olympic National Park, where many surfaces — including trees — are blanketed in thick moss.

Portland Japanese Garden

The Portland Japanese Garden in Oregon has been hailed as "the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan" by Nobuo Matsunaga, the former Ambassador of Japan to the United States. The garden's 12 acres once belonged to a zoo!

One of the oldest lakes in the country, formed an estimated 1 million years ago , Mono Lake in California is extremely salty. It's known for its limestone tufa tower formations, which jut out of the lake.

Molokini Crater

Look down as you're flying into Kahului Airport on Maui, Hawaii, and you might spot this crescent-shaped island in the sea. This is the Molokini Crater, a former volcano that's now one of the best snorkeling and diving destinations in the Hawaiian Islands.

Pella, Iowa

The town of Pella, Iowa is very proud of its Dutch heritage. How can you tell? Downtown is home to the tallest working grain windmill in the country. There's also the Molengracht Canal, which is reminiscent of Amsterdam's own canal system — it's even lined with Amsterdam-style architecture!

Sequim, Washington

No, these fragrant lavender fields are not in the south of France. They're found in Sequim, Washington, which hosts an annual lavender festival each summer.

Castello di Amorosa

A medieval building and vineyards? This must be Italy! Or ... California's Napa Valley. Castello di Amorosa winery was inspired by 13th-century Tuscan architecture.

Crater Lake

Crater Lake, the namesake and highlight of Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, is set in the caldera of an ancient volcano. At nearly 2,000 feet deep, it's the deepest lake in the United States.

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Discover the World

25 Most Surreal Places on Earth

By Jamie Gambetta · Last updated on May 6, 2024

A simple online search will show you just how diverse our planet is. Yet it isn’t until you see these surreal destinations with your own eyes that you can both appreciate their beauty and untamed power.

Travel is one of life’s great pleasures and there are many different ways to fill up your passport. Yet venturing to some of the most unique sights will do more than just fill your camera with Insta-worthy pictures.

From inhospitable lakes and deserts to lush, high alpine forests and everything in between, this guide will show you why you should never stop exploring.

25. White Desert, Egypt

Egypt’s White Desert is an alien landscape that belongs on everyone’s list. Forget the popular pyramids, the White Desert is a treasure chest of natural wonder, highlighted by the utterly confounding rock formations found within the national park.

The journey begins by venturing into the Black Desert, complete with ancient lava stones. After some dune bashing, you’ll find yourself within a desert coated white by calcified limestone and sculpted by the fine and dainty hand of Mother Nature.

The snow-white landscape also offers sandboarding, mountain biking, kayaking in nearby oasis and utterly gorgeous star gazing.

24. Lake Natron, Tanzania

An alkaline lake in Tanzania’s Arusha Region, Lake Natron is known as the deadliest lake on earth. No, Lake Natron is not your typical lakeside getaway. Here, you’ll trade swimming for admiring one of the world’s most inhospitable landscapes.

Lake Natron is hauntingly beautiful. Images of animals that have been “turned to stone” have placed this destination on the map. Its pH level can reach 10.5 which is enough to burn skin. Surrounded by towering hills, the lake is colored deep red, an ominous sign. Yet it’s doesn’t scare the lesser flamingos which are famous for flocking to Lake Natron, the birthplace of 75% of the species.

23. Bryce Canyon, Utah, USA

Featuring the largest collection of hoodoos on the planet, Bryce Canyon in Utah is a marvel to explore. The red rocks and pink cliffs combine to create a long list of top-shelf vistas set upon the aptly named Grand Staircase.

Along a high plateau, the national park features more than just exceptional geography. Visitors will also discover a world of rare flora and fauna and a night sky that will have you lying awake, eyes wide open well into the early hours.

With well-marked trails, it’s easy to get around but be sure to time your treks so you can enjoy the evening’s brilliant golden hour.

22. Phang Nga Bay, Thailand

Surrounded by rugged cliffs and intriguing caves, Phang Nga Bay features some of the best paddling on earth. Phang Nga Bay hit the mainstream with a helping hand from Hollywood, featuring in James Bond and Star Wars. But on arrival, you’ll quickly realize, the bay was always destined for stardom.

It’s been a national park since 1981 and the vast bay is teeming with fascinating natural landmarks including James Bond Island, a limestone sea stack that rises from the Andaman Sea with purpose. After paddling around the island, discover caves and archaeological sites before seeing what treasures lie beneath the surface.

21. Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand

In the North Island, visitors can discover New Zealand’s answer to the Yucatan’s cenotes. Under three hours from Auckland , the Waitomo (Maori for water and cave) Glowworm Caves are an intricate system of caves, subterranean rivers and sinkholes.

The highlight are the glowworms strewn across the ceiling, dangling and shining among the stalactites. From the water, your guide will take you through the tunnel discussing both the science and legends behind the cave and its famous glowworms, a grotto that took 30 million years to form. Other highlights include ziplining though the illuminated cave.

20. Ta Prohm Temple, Angkor

Colloquially known as the Tomb Raider Temple, Ta Prohm was built almost 900 years ago. Today, the ancient temple is slowly being eaten alive by the return of the rainforest, a memorable mix of natural and man-made beauty.

Many of the temples around Angkor have been cleared, but Ta Prohm remains a bastion to the rightful order of things. It’s an experience that showcases the architectural genius of the Khmers, yet the eternal power of the jungle. Visitors will be able to see inscriptions of the temple’s original inhabitants, and explore ancient passageways and historic courtyards.

19. Svartifoss, Iceland

Combining a waterfall with fascinating basalt columns, the Svartifoss is a sight not to be missed. The name translates to black falls due to the burnt lava that stands like an enormous organ behind the tumble veil of white.

To see the falls, you’ll need to venture one mile from the car park with an elevation gain of over 350 feet. After 30+ minutes you’ll be gawking at a 66 feet waterfall with hexagonal columns forming one of the world’s most unique waterfall backdrops. The columns are so striking they inspired the Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik .

18. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Located within Croatia’s largest national park, Plitvice Lakes are one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. The lakes are divided into travertine terraces surrounded by dense rainforest home to rare birds, bears and wolves.

The lakes are the star of the show, with their crystal clear water akin to that found in the Caribbean or within a cenote. Connecting each lake are equally eye-catching waterfalls and underground tunnels. Each lake is surrounded by deposits of calcium carbonate, (yes the same ingredient used in your trusty Tums), creating a natural dam or turf barrier.

17. El Peñón de Guatapé, Colombia

El Peñón de Guatapé is a towering rock that soars out of the valley floor weighing 10 million tons. Worshiped by the Tahamies for centuries, the rock became a major destination when the first known ascents were completed in 1954.

Today, you can journey to the top of the 650ft giant via a series of hair-raising staircases admiring the postcard-worthy views along the way. The staircase follows the only crack in the otherwise perfect rock. After 649 steps, you’ll look down on a veritable maze of lakes and distant islands.

16. Larung Gar, Tibet, China

In Sichuan Province, Larung Gar is the largest monastery in the world and is home to 4,000 monks and nuns. Since it was established in 1980, Larung Gar has expanded dramatically to become a rolling red hill of tiny terracotta homes.

For travelers, you’ll need a sense of adventure. It’s a strenuous journey. On arrival, Larung Gar can be overwhelming. The maze of streets and poverty, along with the beautiful architecture and welcoming community is a lot for the senses to handle. At over 12,000 feet, the alpine Buddhist community has few peers.

15. The Pinnacles, Australia

In Nambung National Park in Western Australia, the Pinnacles are a rare geological formation in a country full of them. Two hours north of Perth, the Pinnacles are formed from limestone deposits left behind after the ocean receded over 25,000 years ago.

Erosion played its part, carving each Pinnacle into another masterpiece. These pillars of dense deposits and ancient sea shells stand as high as 12 feet tall. From the impressive pillars, you can see the landscape change from vast desert, to sparkling sand dunes and eventually the blue of the endless Indian Ocean.

14. Chocolate Hills, Bohol, The Philippines

The Chocolate Hills in the Philippines are a collection of over a thousand mounds that turn chocolatey brown during Bohol’s dry season. Scattered like giant termite mounds through otherwise lush forests, the seemingly identical look of each would lead many to think they’re man-made.

Instead, the mounds were formed by the erosion of limestone over thousands of years. Only the hills remain to tell the tale. From various viewpoints, including at Sagbayan Peak, you can admire the Chocolate Hills that spread near and far.

13. Underwater Waterfall, Mauritius

From up above, there are few more surreal sights than Mauritius’ Underwater Waterfall . In the middle of the Indian Ocean, the waterfall tumbles down a deep crevasse into the deep endless blue just off the edge of the lush island.

If you’re still trying to wrap your head around it, don’t worry it’s merely an optical illusion. The 2.5 mile drop would make it the tallest waterfall on earth. However, the look of the waterfall is formed by the combination of sand and silt that run along the island’s ocean shelf.

12. Deadvlei, Namibia

Featuring one of the largest sand dunes on earth and a petrified forest, Deadvlei (Dead Marsh) is a strange yet awe-inspiring destination. Over the ages, the dunes have rusted thanks to clay in the subsoil. As a result the petrified trees, some as old as a thousand years, stand frozen in time as others decay under the endless sun.

When you aren’t admiring the skeletal trees, you can gaze upon dunes that soar over 1,300 feet towards the heavens. But not all life is lost, you can discover salsola shrubs surviving off morning mists. The monstrous red dunes of Deadvlei are in Namib-Naukluft National Park.

11. Kelimutu Lakes, Indonesia

Located on Flores Island, the Kelimutu Lakes are a trio of alpine lakes surrounded by dense greenery and rock burnt by ancient lava flow. However, these lakes are far from your regular bodies of water. Frequent changes in the water’s chemical elements means the water changes color as much as six times per year.

Accessing Mount Kelimutu, home to the Twin Lakes, isn’t difficult with a sunrise hike adding even more memories to an unforgettable destination. Hiking trails lead to a natural balcony with breathtaking views of both the lake and into the distance.

10. Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

Found in the northern section of the Afar Triangle in Ethiopia , the Danakil Depression is the hottest place on earth. Beneath the surface, continental drift has created one of the most unique and alienesque landscapes you’ll experience on your travels.

At its hottest, the Danakil Depression can reach over 130 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s one of the world’s most desolate and dangerous regions, where acidic springs, lava lakes and volcanoes dot the landscape.

Yet there are still signs of humanity from the ghost town of Dallol to the nomadic Afar who have survived in this surreal location for centuries.

9. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Australia

Found along the famous Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach is rated as one of the most spectacular on earth. For good reason too. Eco-friendly and always pristine, the blinding white sands lead to calm seas with a vibrant world beneath the surface.

Such a paradise tends to be remote, yet Whitehaven is only 30 minutes from the accessible Whitsunday Island. The crystal clear water is as blue as the sky above, making for excellent diving with the impossibly white sand greeting you with open arms as you make your way back to the surface.

8. Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil

Words can’t do justice to the dune and lagoon combination found within Lençóis Maranhenses. At the same time, it is both starkly contrasting yet the partnership is effortless. Only when standing on the golden dunes and admiring the turquoise waters will you understand.

The mass of dunes are spread across an eye-catching rolling expanse. Each peak rolls down into a trough of bright blue water, one of the national park’s 1000-plus lagoons. The otherworldly sight is surprisingly off the beaten path and one enjoyed without a horde of fellow adventurers.

7. Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USA

Impeccably carved by thousands of years of rain and wind, Antelope Canyon is a narrow passageway harboring some of the most spectacular landscapes on earth. At its most narrow, the slot canyon is a mere three feet wide, having already dropped as much as 100 feet.

The moment you step into either the Upper or Lower Canyon, you’ll feel a world away from the arid Arizona landscape with the canyon artfully guiding you along. The beams that reach the canyon’s floor add an extra layer of beauty to an already stunning destination.

6. Cenotes of the Yucatan, Mexico

Scattered along the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is a collection of beautiful cenotes that provide some of the most memorable diving experiences. Cenotes are often found in regions rich in limestone, creating underground swimming holes filled with fresh water, marine life and flora.

Each cenote has its own personality, whether it be an open-air cave or fully underground with giant stalactites dangling from the ceiling.

Many are considered spiritual places, whose underwater tunnels are teeming with historic artifacts and the legends of ancient gods such as the Sacred Cenote near Chichen Itza . Others are great for diving, with dancing light and fossils, including Case Cenote

5. Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia

You may know them as the Bolivia Salt Flats, but Salar De Uyuni is the proper name for the world’s largest salt flats. The famous natural wonder sits on the high desert plains in the country’s southwest and features a phenomenon known as the World’s Largest Mirror.

The salt flats present travelers with incredible reflections where it’s hard to discern what is up and what is down. The horizon is a blur in the distance that warps perspective, where an object in the distance can appear to be right next to you, yet infinitely smaller.

4. Meteora, Greece

One of the largest archaeological sites in Greece, Meteora , is a collection of 9th century monasteries surrounded by monoliths that have outlived humanity. In total six breathtaking monasteries provide a stunning glimpse into the lives of those in ancient Greece.

The Meteora cliffs were destined to be seen as a place of the Divine. It’s a remote, peaceful and intrinsically spiritual place. The monasteries were developed on enormous sandstone cliffs that were carved by thousands of years of wind and rain. Some stand as high as 1,500ft above the valley floor with monks needing ladders and ropes to reach their hallowed retreat.

3. Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, China

From above, the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces look like a work of abstract art by Jackson Pollock. But it’s really a complex system of rice terraces spread across a million acres in the foothills of the Ailao Mountains.

The terraces have existed for over 1,200 years, capturing the rolling water as it makes its way down to the valley below. The Honghe Hani Rice Terraces span four counties and 82 quaint villages that also feature a range of cattle, ducks and fish.

The collaboration on a technical level is astounding, but it’s the rainbow-esque terraces that will linger long in your memory.

2. Mount Roraima, Venezuela

Seeing Mount Roraima in person is a visceral experience. You may have come across it previously, as the famous plateau above the clouds was a popular screensaver. The mountain is surrounded by stark cliffs that lead to an open flat-topped mountain 1,300 feet above everything else.

The unique geography dictates weather on a micro level leading to it often being surrounded by clouds beneath the edge of the plateau. From Gran Sabana you can trek to the summit over multiple days, making your way from valley to peak through a wet, lush and unforgettable landscape where a whole other world awaits.

1. Cappadocia, Turkey

In Central Turkey, Cappadocia is a scene straight out of a fairytale. Combining both natural and man-made beauty, it’s a spellbinding destination. The region combines five provinces featuring awe-inspiring desert landscapes packed with rock chimneys, rolling hills and deep valleys that reflect the early morning light.

Travelers come to Cappadocia to see it from above. The openness of the scenery works well with a slow-rising sun, whose beams create a dancing mass of shadows and light. But its vastness is underrated. There’s much to see on the ground from charming towns, historic caves home to early inhabitants and a region teeming with delicious eats.

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World Wild Schooling

12 Surreal Places in Spain That Feel Like Another World

Posted: June 8, 2024 | Last updated: June 8, 2024

Millions of tourists visit Spain yearly to indulge in Spanish culture, explore historic cities, and enjoy the nation’s picturesque coastline. However, most tourists stick to the well-known coastal resorts and major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. While there isn’t necessarily anything wrong with that, Spain has many hidden gems to explore. 

You can discover natural, historical, and cultural treasures everywhere in Spain. Hence, it’s time to leave the big cities and visit lesser-known destinations. To get you started, here are 12 surreal places in Spain. These places make our list because you need to see them to believe they exist. 

Mount Teide, Tenerife

Let’s start this list with an otherworldly destination famous for its lunar landscapes. Mount Teide, known simply as Teide, is a tall volcano on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. At 12,188 feet (3,715 meters) tall, its summit is the highest point in Spain, so you don’t want to miss it.

While its sheer height is impressive, Mount Teide’s moon-like landscape steals the show. The volcano and surrounding Teide National Park are a joy to behold. To admire the landscape in all its glory, walk along the hiking trails and take photographs from the best viewpoints. Don’t forget your hiking boots, though, because the trails can be pretty rugged.

Read also:  Tourist Traps in Spain

Vixía Herbeira, Galicia

Another impressive landscape that’ll blow your mind is the Vixía Herbeira cliffs in Galicia, in Northern Spain. Located in Serra da la Capelada, between Cariño and Cedeira, the cliffs are 2,034 feet (620 meters) high, making them the highest in continental Europe. 

The cliffs themselves are impressive, but the surrounding area also has plenty to offer. From the cliffs, travelers are spoiled with spectacular views of the Galician coast. Watching the powerful waves crash against the cliffs is a real treat. To enjoy the cliffs to their fullest, we recommend visiting the main La Garita de Herbeira Viewpoint. From here, you can see all the cliffs in their glory.

Read also:  Expat Destinations in Spain

Setenil de las Bodegas, Andalusia

Andalusia is generally best known for its coastal cities , beautiful beaches, and hilltop towns. However, this region in Southern Spain is also home to some of the country’s best-hidden gems, including Setenil de las Bodegas. Setenil de las Bodegas is a breathtaking town loved for its whitewashed houses, hilltop castles, and tower.

However, what makes the town special is where its houses are built. A large part of the town is constructed incredibly into a surrounding cliff. The town’s buildings sit under a massive rock face, a brilliant sight. Hilariously, it’s believed the locals built their houses into the rockface to avoid paying for new roofs. Walk around the village and visit the castle and Torreón del Homenaje Tower.

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Agüero, Huesca

While the residents in Agüero, northeastern Spain, didn’t decide to build their houses in a rock face, they still chose to set up base just in front of one. This charming village is only small, but it packs a punch. You’ll find pastel-colored traditional houses, two churches, and a small hotel here. 

However, while the 12th-century Santiago Church is marvelous, the main draw is the enormous rock behind the village. Like something from a space movie, the Agüero backdrop is dominated by a vast 656-foot (200-meter) high rock formation. The rock is a fascinating sight because it has a unique appearance that almost resembles fingers from the ground.

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Portocolom, Mallorca

Places don’t have to be otherworldly, mysterious, or unusual to be surreal. Instead, some areas can be surreal just because their beauty is out-of-this-world. Portocolom, a small seaside resort in Mallorca, is a fine example. It’s easily one of the most serene and beautiful seaside resorts in Spain, if not Europe, so you must plan a trip .

Located in the southeast of the island, where nature is well-preserved, the Portocolom is the perfect destination for couples seeking a romantic escape. In the resort, you’ll find narrow streets lined with quaint cafes, shops, and restaurants and stunning rows of pastel-colored houses sitting right next to the water. You’ll also have easy access to Cala Marcal Beach, home to turquoise waters and soft white sand.

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Ronda, Andalusia

The following surreal destination on our list is Ronda in Southern Spain. Ronda is ideal if you’ve always dreamt of visiting a quiet and picturesque Spanish city packed with unique charm, serene landscapes, and history. Set majestically above a deep canyon, this city is famed for its countryside views, historic bridge , and beautiful Spanish houses.

Ronda’s 15th-century new town is separated from its Old Town by a deep gorge called El Tajo. Brilliantly, though, the two areas are connected via Puente Nuevo, a tall stone bridge. This bridge offers some of the best views in the city. Other beautiful sights in Ronda include the Arab Baths Archaeological Site, Puerta de Almocábar, and the Bullring of the Royal Cavalry of Ronda.

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Anaga National Park, Tenerife

Tenerife makes our list for a second time with the enchanting forests of Anaga National Park. Anaga National Park is a breathtaking destination, home to beautiful forests, fascinating wildlife, and charming rural settlements . The park covers 35,630 acres (14,419 hectares), so there’s much to see. You better put your hiking boots on for this one.

One of the best hiking trails in the national park is Sendero de los Sentidos. It features a mostly flat trail and a boardwalk, making it much easier to walk through the forest. However, what makes this trail so popular is its surroundings. Walking along the boardwalk, you’ll enter a fairy-tale forest surrounded by thick hedges and a tunnel of broad branching trees.

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Green Lake of El Golfo, Lanzarote

The Green Lake of El Golfo in Lanzarote might be the strangest, surreal place on our list. While most beaches in Spain are famed for their crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft sands, and coastal views, El Golfo Beach is better known for its quite bizarre bright green lake. 

Also known as Lago de los Clicos, the lake is formed in the crater of an ancient volcano. It owes its nuclear-looking color to a type of algae that grows in it. Incredibly, the lake maintains its water level because it’s still connected underground to the ocean. Admittedly, there isn’t much to do at the lake, but admiring its fascinating color and volcanic surroundings is more than enough.

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The Pink Lake of Torrevieja, Costa Blanca

The Green Lake of El Golfo isn’t the only strangely colored lake in Spain. The Pink Lake of Torrevieja also has a surreal color. As you can probably guess, this lake is bright pink. The Pink Lake is split into two colorful salt lakes that hug the northwestern edge of a small seaside town along Spain’s Costa Blanca. 

Together, these lakes form a nature reserve called Las Salinas de Torrevieja. They owe their mind-blowing color to bacteria and algae that live in the lakes. Usually, one lake is brighter than the other, featuring a more bubblegum pink color than a slightly green-tinted color. However, both lakes are impressive, especially if you can fly your drone over them.

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Zahara de los Atunes, Costa de la Luz

Upon first glance, the small seaside village of Zahara de los Atunes along Spain’s Costa de la Luz, in the Cádiz province, is like most coastal villages in Spain. It features long sandy beaches, emerald waters, and a charming village center with small cafes, bars, and restaurants. However, Zahara de los Atunes has a unique hidden gem.

You can see the African continent from the village’s main beach, Playa de Carmen. The weather will have to be on your side, but it’s possible to see North Africa from the European village on a clear day. As if that’s not enough, the village has 25 miles (40 kilometers) of coastline to explore and is close to Alcornocales Natural Park.

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Antequera Dolmens Site, Andalusia

The penultimate destination on our list is Antequera and its dolmens. Antequera is a lively city in southern Spain known for its serene landscape, beautiful architecture, and traditional Spanish charm. However, the city is most famous for its ancient burial mounds, better known as dolmens.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site , these incredible prehistoric burial mounds are over 5,000 years old. They’re some of the world’s most impressive examples of megalithic architecture. The three main sites are Menga Dolmen, El Romeral Dolmen, and Viera Dolmen. Menga Dolmen is one of the largest megalithic tombs in Europe. It dates back to roughly 3700 BC and features 32 megaliths, the heaviest weighing over 180 tons (396,832 pounds).

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Nerja Caves, Nerja

The final surreal place on this list is the Nerja Caves, near the picturesque seaside town of the same name in the Malaga province. Known locally as Cuevas de Nerja, these vast caves are almost three miles (five kilometers) deep. Their unique landscape features thousands of sharp stalactites, giant caverns, and steep paths. 

Not only are the caves an exciting place to explore, but they are often the scene for many local events and concerts. The story of how the caves were found is also fascinating. The caves were discovered in the 1950s by local schoolboys who decided to skip school. Picturing them going home and telling their parents the truth puts a smile on our faces.

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• The 16 Most Surreal Destinations...

The 15 Most Surreal Destinations on Earth

From locations reminiscent of fairytale settings to those where nature exudes its own magic, the following destinations will inspire, stun and leave you yearning to explore.

Southern iceland.

Waterfalls, waterfalls, waterfalls. Iceland has been on nature lovers’ radars for some time, becoming a popular bucket-list destination. But outside of the Blue Lagoon and picturesque setting of Reykjavík, there’s some serious beauty to take in. Seljalandsfoss, Háifoss and Gullfoss are, simply put, stunning waterfalls to admire and photograph, and you’ll find it hard to believe they’re real.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

While an increasingly popular place to visit, with 1.4 million people flocking to the castle each year, Neuschwanstein has been open to the public since 1886. It was commissioned and paid for by King Ludwig II of Bavaria out of his own pocket to become one of his main personal retreats. Situated in a beautiful setting, this incredible palace is a destination for anyone in search of a fairytale come to life.

Vágar, Faroe Islands

Home to the Faroe Islands’ only airport, Vágar is one of 18 islands comprising this Atlantic archipelago. With a population of just over 3,000, Vágar is as peaceful as it breathtaking. Despite its size, the island has 41 mountains, four lakes and three waterfalls, making it a great place to explore.

Cappadocia, Turkey

Located in Central Anatolia, Cappadocia is Turkey’s picture-perfect destination laden with ‘fairy chimney’ rock formations to mesmerize any visitor. The region has incredible historical significance, with the Göreme Open Air Museum showcasing 30 rock-carved churches and chapels, some with frescoes dating back to the ninth century. Cappadocia has also become famous for offering hot air balloon rides to see the area from a rather special vantage point.

Hallerbos, Belgium (Bluebell Forest)

Everyone’s favorite bluebell forest comes alive each year for a few weeks in the spring, although the dates vary depending on the weather. Normally, visitors can expect to see the forest at its most vibrant in the latter two weeks of April, when locals abound with tripods to capture the purple-flower carpet in all its glory. What’s more, it’s only a 30-minute drive from Brussels to Hallerbos, so a pretty convenient magical destination at that.

St Basil’s Cathedral, Russia

Russia’s very own Magic Kingdom, you’d nearly expect to be greeted by Cinderella upon entering St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow’s Red Square. Probably the city’s number-one tourist hotspot, and for good reason; it’s still hard to believe that this exceptionally beautiful building has been standing since the mid-16th century. St Basil’s is unlike any other building in Russia and is certainly one to marvel at.

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Meteora, Greece

Host to a vast complex of monasteries set on, and within, ancient rock formations, Meteora is undoubtedly one of Greece’s most spectacular destinations. Originally settled between the 14th and 19th centuries, 24 monasteries formed part of this Eastern Orthodox religious site, of which six remain today. Meteora is second only to Mount Athos as Greece’s most significant religious site.

Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming, USA

The largest hot spring in the USA and the third largest in the world, Grand Prismatic Spring is quite something. Appearing from afar as a gigantic sliced crystal, this geothermal spring is situated in Yellowstone National Park , Wyoming. The vibrant colors are a result of pigmented archaea in the biofilm of the spring’s mineral-rich water.

The Wave, Arizona, USA

Northern Arizona plays host to this wondrous rock formation, which provides lucky photographers and hikers with the perfect subject to explore, should they be able to. In addition to being difficult to reach (a three-mile hike one way from the nearest trailhead), only 20 permits per day are granted to prospective visitors. Ten of these permits are offered through an online lottery four months in advance of the date a person hopes to visit. The other 10 are offered through another lottery the day before a person’s intended visit at the nearby Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab, Utah. It’s basically a once-in-a-lifetime destination.

Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USA

Only around 50 miles (80 kilometres) from The Wave, Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon located in Northern Arizona on Navajo land. Popular with experienced photographers, Antelope includes two separate slot canyon sections. Access to the area is granted only through organized tours authorized by the Navajo Nation, but it’s well worth spending the money to join one.

Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), Bhutan

Paro Taktsang, also known as Taktsang Palphug Monastery and Tiger’s Nest Monastery, is a Buddhist temple that sits on the side of a cliff in the Paro Valley of Bhutan. Originally constructed in the late 17th century, the monastery was all but destroyed in a 1998 fire. Its restoration, funded by the Bhutanese government, was completed in 2005. Situated in a remote location, visitors must walk two to three hours from the nearest parking lot to reach the site.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan Province, China

If your first thought is Avatar (2009), we’re right there with you. Zhangjiajie is the first official national park in China after gaining recognition in the 1980s. Famous for its pillar-like rock formations and abundant flora, the park has featured in many ancient Chinese paintings. It is located within Northern Hunan Province in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. The rock formations were actually used as inspiration for the mountain setting in Avatar , which led to the Southern Sky Column, one of the park’s main pillars, being renamed Avatar Hallelujah Mountain in 2010.

Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan Province, China

The Leshan Giant Buddha statue is an incredible feat of human construction, located near Leshan in the south of Sichuan Province. Commissioned in 713, it took 90 years and thousands of workers to complete the project, making it the largest stone-carved Buddha in the world at the time – a record it still holds today. Fragile and intricate, the statue is the subject of constant maintenance work under the supervision of UNESCO experts. Interestingly, there are over 1,000 buns in the Buddha’s hair. You need to see it to believe it.

Marble Caves, Patagonia

General Carrera Lake, also known as Lake Buenos Aires, is home to a series of dramatic geological formations. The Marble Caves, comprising the Marble Cathedral and Marble Chapel, are located in the centre of this glacial lake, situated in Patagonia on the Chile-Argentina border. The Marble Caves are only accessible by boat, for obvious reasons, and a local tour company operates a 30-minute tour for visitors. The result of waves washing up against calcium carbonate for more than 6,000 years, the reflective blue swirls on the cavern walls make this a sight to behold.

Door to Hell, Turkmenistan

The Door to Hell, the ominous but widely known name of the Darvaza Crater, is a crater that formed when a natural gas field collapsed into an underground cave in 1971. It was set on fire to prevent the spread of methane from a cavity the size of an American football field. A relatively popular tourist destination in Turkmenistan, the crater is located near Darvaza village in the Karakum Desert. It was actually expected to burn out within a few weeks of being set on fire but continues to breathe fire to this day.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

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The top 10 day trips from Barcelona, from divine sights to beautiful beaches

Dec 6, 2023 • 7 min read

Tarragona has lots of lovely restaurants in the square surrounding the cathedral © frantic00 / Getty Images

You could spend weeks in Barcelona and never run out of neighborhoods to explore , things to do , food to try and bars to hop.

But for a taste of Catalan life beyond the metropolis – or simply for a change of pace – take a day trip from Barcelona to experience the mountains, beaches and pretty little towns that are just a short ride away. Here are the 10 best short escapes from beautiful Barcelona. 

1. Savor divinely beautiful views in Montserrat

Travel time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

The mountain of  Montserrat  is home to  Catalonia 's holiest site, the monastery of the same name. The views are spectacular – take walking shoes – and season permitting, you might be able to catch a choir performance inside the  basilica . Afterward, ride the funicular or take a walk down to the  Santa Cova , the spot where La Moreneta – a holy effigy of the virgin – was found, or up to the Sant Jeroni peak for a splendid view of the valley below.

How to get to Montserrat from Barcelona:  The R5 line trains operated by FGC run half-hourly to hourly to and from Barcelona's Plaça d’Espanya station. Next, get the AERI cable car to the monastery from the Montserrat Aeri stop. Alternatively, take the R5 to the next stop (Monistrol de Montserrat), from where cremallera trains run up to the monastery every 20 to 40 minutes.

2. Escape the city to the forests of Collserola

Travel time: 15 minutes

Barcelonins seek out the vast  Parc de Collserola  up in the hills for an escape from city life. Walking and cycling trails run throughout the park, which is dotted with farmhouse-style restaurants. Pick up a map of the various routes from the info center at Carretera de l’Església 92, close to the Baixador de Vallvidrera FGC train station. From here, those with a bit of energy can walk across the hills to Sant Cugat and take the train back to Barcelona from there.

How to get to Collserola from Barcelona:  Get the FGC suburban train from Plaça de Catalunya, Carrer de Provença or Gràcia to Baixador de Vallvidrera.

3. Sunbathe and party in Sitges

Travel time: 40 minutes

The pretty, whitewashed town of  Sitges  is perfect for seafront promenading and sun-worshiping, so in warmer weather, you’ll find the most central beaches quite crowded. Luckily, there are quite a few to choose from, so pick your spot for a morning of sunbathing (or skinny dipping off the nudist beach) before choosing a seafood restaurant nearby.

It’s not all about the sea in Sitges. If you have an interest in contemporary art and in the Modernisme movement, the classy old center’s array of elegant buildings – many housing museums – is well worth some of your time. The town also has great nightlife and a vibrant LGBTIQ+ scene. One of Spain's best Carnaval celebrations is held here (dates change annually), and October brings the Sitges International Film Festival to town.

How to get to Sitges from Barcelona:  From 5am to 10pm, regular trains run from Barcelona Passeig de Gràcia and Sants. Monbus runs from Barcelona every 15 to 50 minutes.

4. Walk through a rainbow in Girona

Travel time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Girona 's old town is a tight huddle of ancient arcaded houses, grand churches and sloped cobbled streets, with the grand cathedral  looming over it. Until the virtual expulsion of the Jewish population in 1492, Girona was home to a huge Jewish community, and the  Museu d’Història dels Jueus  tells their story.

For a different slice of history, visit the 12th-century  Banys Àrabs  (Arab Baths), which was used as a filming location in  Game of Thrones , and the pretty Romanesque  Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants . Stroll along the Onyar River to look at the colorfully painted houses that flank it or to reach the newer part of town, where you’ll find some excellent tapas bars.

If your pockets are deep enough, Girona also has one of the world’s best restaurants:  El Celler de Can Roca .

How to get to Girona from Barcelona:  Take the train from Barcelona, which runs about every 30 minutes.

5. Relax in friendly and welcoming Vilanova i la Geltrú

Travel time: 45 minutes

Just down the coast beyond Sitges (there is a lovely, hour-long walk along the cliffs you can do to reach it), Vilanova i la Geltrú is a larger, more down-home version that has long dedicated its efforts more to fishing and industry than the leisure business, with a pleasantly unpretentious air.

If you want to spend the day on the beach, Vilanova i la Geltrú is an excellent place to do it. There are some decent, wide beaches (head straight to the south for a lovely little cove) and an interesting railway museum, the Museu del Ferrocarril . 

How to get to Vilanova i la Geltrú from Barcelona:  From 5am to 10pm, regular trains run from Barcelona.

6. Revel in Roman ruins in Tarragona

Travel time: 1 hour

Of a similar size and scale to Girona,  Tarragona  is known for its Roman remains. Since the  Museu d’Història de Tarragona  – which comprises the main Roman sites – tends to be busiest from mid-morning onward, it’s best to start with its  Amfiteatre Romà  and the  Fòrum Provincial  or the excellent  Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona , which gives a useful overview of the city’s impressive Roman past.

Afterward, head for the grand  cathedral , followed by lunch in one of the many restaurants thereabouts or in the fishing neighborhood of El Serrallo, where you’ll find many fine seafood restaurants.

How to get to Tarragona from Barcelona:  The train station is a 10-minute walk south of the old town near the beach, with services to and from Barcelona every 10 to 30 minutes.

7. Get surreal in Figueres

Travel time: 2 hours

Figueres  has some handsome Modernista architecture, a sprawling 18th-century castle  and a delightful little toy museum, the  Museu del Joguet , but it is best known for the  Teatre-Museu Dalí .

A former theater, it was converted by Dalí himself into a palace of surrealism, protected by tall red walls that bristle with giant eggs, Oscar-like statues and plaster croissants. Inside, you’ll find paintings, a jewelry collection designed by Dalí and some entertaining trompe l’oeil installations. A Teatre-Museu Dalí ticket will get you free entry to the  Museu de l'Empordà , a fantastic art and archaeology museum that's considered one of the best in the region.

How to get to Figueres from Barcelona:  Figueres train station, 800m (0.5 miles) southeast of the center, has half-hourly trains to and from Barcelona.

8. Step back in time in medieval Montblanc

Montblanc is a good-sized medieval walled town with a decent selection of places to eat and sleep. It’s worth a visit on its own merits; however, ideally, you should go with a car to fully explore the Cistercian Route, a triad of stunning monasteries within easy reach of one another at  Poblet ,  Vallbona de les Monges  and  Santes Creues . You’ll need to set off early if you are hoping to see all three.

How to get to Montblanc from Barcelona: Five direct trains a day run from Barcelona Passeig de Gràcia and Sants; the first is around 7am.

9. Shop the local markets in Vic

Travel time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Vic, with its attractive historic center and some fine restaurants, dominates the flatlands of La Plana de Vic to the south of the Pyrenees and is an easy train ride from Barcelona. Plaça Major, the largest of Catalunya’s central squares, is lined with medieval, Baroque and Modernista mansions. It is still the scene of regular markets, hence its other name, Plaça del Mercadal.

How to get to Vic from Barcelona:  Regular rodalies trains (line R3) run to and from Barcelona.

10. Find a buried treasure in Colònia Güell

Apart from La Sagrada Família , Gaudí’s last big project was the creation of a utopian textile workers’ complex for his magnate patron Eusebi Güell outside Barcelona at Santa Coloma de Cervelló. Gaudí’s main role was to erect the colony’s church,  Colònia Güell , although he only managed to finish the crypt, which is open to visitors. Its mostly brick-clad columns that support the ribbed vaults in the ceiling are inclined at all angles in much the same way that trees in a forest lean and are key to understanding the physics behind his magnum opus, the Sagrada Família.

How to get to Colònia Güell from Barcelona:  Take FGC lines S4, S8 or S33 to Colònia Güell.

This article was first published Jun 21, 2019 and updated Dec 6, 2023.

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