10 Exotic Places to Visit in the United States That Will Wow You
2024-09-09
The United States, often celebrated for its vastness and diversity, is a land of remarkable contrasts and hidden gems that make it a treasure trove for exotic destinations.
From rugged plateaus to tropical beaches, the country’s impressive landscapes and intriguing attractions make it one of the most appealing places in the world.
Below, I’ll cover everything from unique national parks to famous landmarks in the US. Simply put, these exotic places in the USA will take you on a journey through captivating natural and manmade wonders filled with rich histories and traditions.
After a remote island vacation? Technically an American territory, St. John is a tropical destination and the smallest of the US Virgin Islands.
Once here, discover secluded beaches laden with turtle nests and crystal-clear waters worthy of world-class snorkelling. With delicious rum and crunchy fried plantains, it’ll be hard to leave this paradise.
Home to the Virgin Islands National Park, St. John offers stretches of pristine seashore and untouched jungle. The island is home to many different species, but common animals you may see here are mongoose, goats, deer, and iguanas.
2. Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Antelope Canyon is a sacred site of the Navajo People. Due to its striking appearance, it’s also one of the most photographed slot canyons in the entire USA.
Over millions of years, erosion has sculpted the soft Navajo sandstone into the Upper Canyon and the Lower Canyon. Each is just as impressive as the other, with some of the Upper Canyon’s walls reaching up to 120 feet.
When the light filters through the cracks, the result is a soft mirage of reds and oranges, making for a swirling embrace that’s both visually appealing and unforgettable.
The best way to experience this marvel is to venture alongside a local Navajo guide on a guided Lower Antelope Canyon tour.
3. Crystal River, Florida
Crystal River is a coastal townhome known for its pristine waterways, spring-fed rivers, and manatee-filled bays.
That’s right, you read that correctly. Crystal River is actually one of the few places in the world where you can swim in nature with these gentle giants. The water here is so blue and clear that you’re in for a spectacular visual treat filled with unforgettable wildlife interactions.
Top attractions in the area include Three Sisters Springs, Hunter Springs Park, and Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. The town itself is home to an array of quaint shops, restaurants, and bars.
4. Santa Fe, New Mexico
As the oldest capital city in the USA, Santa Fe is a town bursting with tradition and heritage. Its buildings are indicative of ancient Pueblo architecture, featuring terraced designs and open-air plazas.
Santa Fe’s rich Native American history is coupled with a dazzling art scene that makes the town a creative and cultural hotspot.
Surrounded by mountain ranges, the city has a semiarid climate, bringing it more sunny days than rainy days. Some top attractions here include the Santa Fe Plaza and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.
5. Glacier Bay, Alaska
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a frozen utopia known for its rugged snow-capped mountains, massive glaciers, and evergreen forests. Located in southeast Alaska, it’s about 3.3 million acres large.
Unlike other national parks, there are no roads here, meaning you’ll have to travel to the park by plane, boat or cruise ship.
With over 1000 glaciers, 300 plant species, and 40 species of mammals, the park is a testament to the area’s ecological significance. With global warming on the rise, it’s simply a must-visit destination for those looking for an otherworldly experience.
6. Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada
Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake on the border of California and Nevada. In fact, it’s the largest alpine lake in North America.
Did you know that the deepest part of the lake is tall enough to cover the Empire State Building? Plus, the waters here are so crystal-clear they give off a transparent blue or emerald colour. With 72 miles of shoreline, a sailing cruise is just one of the many idyllic activities that revolve around water.
Combine this with hiking, biking, skiing and snowboarding, and you’re in for a real treat upon your visit to Lake Tahoe.
7. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Apart from being home to grizzly bears and grey wolves, Yellowstone National Park has more geysers and hot springs than anywhere else on Earth. This is in part due to the area’s underground volcanic activity.
The springs’ appearance is mindblowing, showcasing an electric combination of blues, greens, yellows, and oranges. These bright colours are due to the bacteria living in the warm water.
You must definitely stop by the Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful geyser, two of the park’s most popular hydrothermal features.
8. Vieques, Puerto Rico
Located just six miles off Puerto Rico’s mainland, Vieques is a Caribbean paradise known for its remote beaches and globally renowned bioluminescent bay.
Puerto Rico is home to three bioluminescent bays, but the most impressive has to be Vieques’ Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay. In fact, this bio bay is the brightest in the world. Come nighttime, watch as the ocean turns into a mesmerising shade of neon blue.
This park is named after the thousands of Joshua Trees that dot its deserts. These distinctive trees (well, they’re not actually trees – they’re technically succulents) are known for their twisted and gnarled branches that end in spiky leaves.
Once here, it’ll seem as if you’ve been transported to a celestial realm that resembles some form of Martian terrain.
With the park’s miles and miles of hiking trails, you’re bound to witness an abundance of wildlife (see if you can spot the native bighorn sheep). Plus, you’ll see some of the most spectacular sunsets and bright, starry night skies, as well as glorious geological formations.
10. Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
Speaking of otherworldly experiences, Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah will take your breath away with its beautiful, barren landscape. The salt flats cover about 30,000 acres and stretch for 12 miles long and five miles wide.
As its name suggests, this terrain consists of vast, cracked surfaces with intricate, polygonal patterns that are beautiful to look at. You’re in for a real treat when the sun’s rays bounce off the reflective surface.
Bonneville Salt Flats offer free camping areas, scenic picnic spots, as well as the perfect photoshoot destination.
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