9 Most Breathtaking Towns In The United States
You could spend a lifetime chasing pretty views across the United States. The nine towns on this list were chosen for exactly that power. In Sedona, you look up at red rock spires as they flush orange at sunset. In Aspen, you catch four mountain peaks in gold light across October. In Homer, you take in glaciers and bald eagles along Kachemak Bay. Anyone who visits these places walks away a little breathless.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona sits in central Arizona among red sandstone buttes that rise straight out of the desert. The rock formations glow orange at sunrise and sunset, which draws hikers and photographers all year. Cathedral Rock is one of the most popular hikes, a steep 1.2-mile climb to a saddle between the spires. Bell Rock offers an easier 0.8-mile trail with wide views of the surrounding formations. South of downtown, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is built into the rock and takes in more than a million visitors a year. Oak Creek Canyon runs north of town, and Slide Rock State Park there gives swimmers a natural rock chute to ride in the creek. In town, visitors browse the galleries and shops of the Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village. West of Sedona, Red Rock State Park has a five-mile trail network along the creek for a quieter afternoon.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is all about mountains and skiing. Snowmass, Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands, and Aspen Mountain offer thousands of acres of ski terrain in one of the most scenic settings in the country. During the summer, wildflowers bloom across the slopes in shades of orange and lavender. Visitors can drive Independence Pass, which crosses the Continental Divide. Mountain bikers ride the Snowmass Bike Park, where even more wildflowers appear during the warm months. Those who prefer jogging or rollerblading can take the Rio Grande Trail, which follows the Roaring Fork River. To see the views from the air, riders can board the Silver Queen Gondola, which travels 2.5 miles to the top of Aspen Mountain and ranks as the longest single-stage gondola in the country.
Anacortes, Washington
Boaters and harbor lovers will find plenty to like in Anacortes. This town overlooks Puget Sound and serves as a gateway for travelers heading to the San Juan Islands. Anacortes is a popular launch point for boat tours that pass under the Deception Pass Bridge. The water and forested shoreline stay in view for most of the trip. Visitors who want to get closer to the water can paddle a kayak around Fidalgo Island and watch for porpoises. Anacortes is also a prime whale-watching town, with tours running between February and November and the chance to see humpback, gray, and minke whales. During the holidays, visitors can watch the lighting of the crab pot Christmas tree, see the town's streets lit up, and ride in old-fashioned horse carriages.
Meredith, New Hampshire
The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad is one of the biggest draws in Meredith, New Hampshire. Visitors board the train at Meredith Station and take in views of Lake Winnipesaukee, several islands, and the distant Ossipee Mountains over about two hours. Those who prefer the water can take a boat trip from the Meredith Marina. Wine lovers can head to Hermit Woods for a tasting. A restaurant on site offers light meals to go with the wine. Other options include the Meredith Sculpture Walk, which features dozens of sculptures placed throughout the town. Across the lake sits the Castle of the Clouds. This mountaintop mansion is surrounded by hiking trails and open landscape.
Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky appears on nearly everyone's U.S. travel bucket list. The town sits about an hour from the West Yellowstone entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Its high point is the Kircliff glass observatory, which sits on top of Lone Peak at a height of 11,166 feet. To get there, visitors board the Explorer Gondola for a ride through an alpine forest before transferring to the Lone Peak Tram. From the top, people can see across Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. During the winter, Big Sky is a ski haven, but in summer the preferred activity is wilderness hiking. Visitors can take the Beehive Basin Trail, which winds through the forest to an alpine lake with mountains behind it. The Ousel Falls Trail is short, only 1.6 miles, and ends at a waterfall in the woods. People can also fish the Gallatin River, which is stocked with trout, or go horseback riding under wide-open skies.
Seaside, Florida
People who want the best of America's coastal towns can head to Seaside, Florida, where pastel houses stand among the pines. Out on the beach, the Gulf water runs bright green over soft white sand. Seagrove Beach is hugely popular and lies about ten minutes from downtown. The water here is warm, and there is room to spread out a towel and relax. The streets might bring a sense of deja vu for those who have seen The Truman Show. Visitors can stop by the Modica Market for a lemonade and banana pudding before finding a classic read at Sundog Books. As the sun sets, the Seaside beach pavilion is the place to be. A wooden boardwalk leads down to the sand and makes an ideal sunset perch.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Maine earns its spot on this list with Kennebunkport. This small town was once a summer resort for the rich and famous and today draws weekenders from Portland. Goose Rocks Beach is often the first stop for visitors, who come for its crescent shape, soft sand, and calm water. Others paddle a kayak into the harbor and out to the Goat Island Lighthouse. There is plenty to see beyond the natural scenery, including several historic buildings. Those who would rather not walk can hop on the Intown Trolley for a tour. Nearby Kennebunk holds the Wedding Cake House, whose design took inspiration from the Cathedral of Milan. Visitors who come during Christmas can enjoy the Christmas Prelude, a series of tree lightings and street festivals.
Homer, Alaska
The drive to Homer hints at how beautiful the town and its surroundings are. In the last few miles, visitors look out at mountains, glaciers, and the Homer Spit, which stretches into Kachemak Bay. The activities here keep those views close. Visitors can fish at the Homer Spit Lagoon, watch eagles overhead, and spot sea otters offshore. More wildlife awaits at Kachemak Bay State Park, across the bay, where harbor seals, bears, and whales gather. Hiking trails lead to several glaciers in the area. The Glacier Lake Trail, for instance, leads to the Grewingk Glacier. Homer also offers flightseeing tours, which put the mountains and glaciers in view from the air.
Hood River, Oregon
Hood River sits on the Columbia River in Oregon and offers wild nature adventures in a fine setting. There are vineyards to explore, mountains to climb, and rivers to paddle. Kitesurfers and windsurfers ride the swells of the river with the gorge, Mount Hood, and Mount Adams in view. Visitors in the mood for wine or fruit can take the 35-mile Fruit Loop, which passes cideries and fruit stands. At the Kyokawa Family Orchards, people pick apples and pears with closer views of Mount Hood. Those who want to get near the mountain can drive 35 miles south and take the Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain trail past Mirror Lake to a viewpoint over the whole area.
America's Breathtaking Towns Are Full of Adventure
These nine towns share little beyond a knack for making visitors stop and stare. Some trade on saltwater and lobster boats, others on alpine peaks and red desert rock. A traveler can ride a tram to a glass deck a mile in the sky or hike the sandstone spires above Sedona. In each one, a striking landscape comes with plenty to do in it, which is what earns a place on a list like this.
