You don't have to travel far to find some truly magical landscapes.
By Sarah Yang
Watkins Glen State Park
Home to 19 waterfalls and many scenic trails, Watkins Glen State Park is a true gem in upstate New York's Finger Lakes region.
Antelope Canyon
Visitors to this picturesque Arizona sandstone slot canyon, which is a Navajo Tribal Park, will feel like they've stepped onto the set of a spaghetti Western.
Hocking Hills State Park
This Ohio state park is home to many beautiful natural formations, such as the popular Old Man's Cave — which was inhabited by explorers in the late 1700s.
Painted Hills
Stratifications in the soil gave Oregon's Painted Hills their unique coloring. The best time to see all the hues in their full glory is late afternoon.
Papakolea Beach
One of only four green sand beaches in the world, Papakolea Beach on Hawaii's Big Island gets its coloring from the mineral olivine. Prepare for a two-mile hike on some rocky terrain to get to the secluded spot.
Grand Prismatic Spring
The largest hot spring in Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park is a hyper-colorful spot that measures approximately 370 feet in diameter and more than 121 feet deep.
Homestead Crater
Located in Midway, Utah, this geothermal spring is part of the Homestead Resort and is open to soaking, snorkeling, or scuba diving with a reservation. According to the resort, the crater is the only warm water scuba diving destination in the continental U.S.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Florida isn't just known for its theme parks and nightclubs. Located about 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is only accessible by boat or seaplane. But once you get there, there's plenty to do, like snorkeling, birdwatching, saltwater fishing, and camping.
Channel Islands
California is home to many beautiful natural attractions, and the Channel Islands is one place you don't want to miss. The national park covers five out of eight islands in the chain.
Desert of Maine
Can you believe this is in New England? This piece of land located near Freeport, Maine, isn't exactly a true desert as it's made of exposed glacial silt and gets enough rain during the year.
Togiak National Wildlife Refuge
Located on more than 4.7 million acres of land in southwest Alaska, Togiak Refuge is home to at least 283 species of wildlife. Visitors are welcome year-round to fish, hike, camp, and take river floating trips.
Steinaker State Park
A few miles from the charming town of Vernal, Utah, lies Steinaker State Park. Home to a manmade canal, the spot is a big draw for geologists and artifact collectors.
Craighead Caverns
In Tennessee lies an extensive cave system that houses America's largest underground lake,The Lost Sea. Cavern tours operate year-round and end with a glass-bottom boat ride.
