The Most Beautiful State, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the state you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:20

When planning vacations or considering a move, the beauty of a state can heavily influence decisions. Scenic landscapes, cultural richness, and unique attractions each contribute to the allure of a location. However, beauty is subjective, and opinions vary widely, creating a mosaic of preferences across individuals. By casting a vote for what you believe is the most beautiful state, you contribute to a collective assessment that helps others make informed decisions. This dynamic ranking not only reflects current trends and popular opinions but also inspires a deeper appreciation of the diverse beauty found across the country.

What Is the Most Beautiful State?

1

58
votes

Hawaii

Gorgeous beaches, lush greenery, and active volcanoes make this state a popular choice for natural beauty.
2

32
votes
Colorado

With its Rocky Mountain views, stunning fall foliage, and outdoor recreation opportunities, Colorado is a nature lover's paradise.
Colorado is a state located in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States. It is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the majestic Rocky Mountains, vast canyons, and picturesque valleys. The state offers a diverse range of outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, rafting, and fishing, attracting adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. Colorado is also home to vibrant cities like Denver, the state capital, with its thriving arts and culture scene, and Boulder, known for its progressive and vibrant atmosphere. The state is rich in history and is famous for its mining heritage, which played a significant role in its development.

Nickname: The Centennial State

Capital: Denver

Largest City: Denver

Area: 104,094 square miles (269,837 square kilometers)

Population: Approximately 5.8 million
3

29
votes
California

From the beaches of Malibu to the redwoods of Northern California, this state offers a diverse range of natural landscapes.
California, also known as The Golden State, is a diverse and breathtaking state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. From the iconic beaches along the Pacific Coastline to the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California offers a wide range of breathtaking vistas for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The state is also home to various world-famous landmarks and attractions, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Hollywood, Napa Valley, and Disneyland.

Nickname: The Golden State

Capital: Sacramento

Largest City: Los Angeles

Area: 163,696 square miles

Population: 39.51 million
4

14
votes
Utah

Home to several national parks, including Zion and Bryce Canyon, Utah boasts some of the most unique and dramatic scenery in the country.
Utah is a breathtaking state located in the western United States, renowned for its remarkable natural beauty and landscapes. It is known for its stunning national parks, vibrant cities, and unique geological formations. Utah offers visitors and residents a diverse array of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, camping, and exploring its majestic canyons and deserts.

Capital: Salt Lake City

Area: approximately 84,899 square miles

Population: approximately 3.2 million

State Bird: California Gull

State Flower: Sego Lily
5

12
votes
Montana

With its wide-open spaces, rugged mountains, and crystal-clear lakes, Montana is a dream destination for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
Montana is a breathtaking state located in the western region of the United States. Known as the 'Treasure State', it is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains, pristine lakes, and vast prairies. Montana offers an array of outdoor activities, wildlife viewing opportunities, and picturesque small towns. It is truly a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Capital: Helena

Population: 1.07 million

Area: 147,040 square miles

Highest Point: Granite Peak (12,807 ft)

State Nickname: The Treasure State
6

10
votes
Alaska

From towering glaciers to the Northern Lights, Alaska is a land of natural wonders.
Alaska is a U.S. state located in the northwest extremity of the North American continent. It is known for its vast wilderness, rugged mountains, glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife like grizzly bears, wolves, and bald eagles.

Area: 1,717,854 km²

Population: 731,545 (2019)

Highest point: Denali (Mount McKinley) - 6,190 m (20,310 ft)

Time zone: Alaska Time Zone (UTC−09:00 to UTC−08:00)

Capital: Juneau
7

1
votes
Oregon

From the Pacific coastline to the Cascade Mountains, Oregon is a state of stunning natural beauty.
Oregon is a picturesque state located on the west coast of the United States. Tucked between California and Washington, it is known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant city life. The state offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a thriving cultural scene.

Crater Lake National Park: Home to the deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake National Park offers stunning vistas and vibrant blue waters.

Columbia River Gorge: This dramatic river canyon is a testament to Oregon's geologic wonders, featuring numerous waterfalls and scenic hiking trails.

Mount Hood: Standing tall at 11,250 feet, Mount Hood is an iconic peak offering year-round recreational activities, including skiing and hiking.

Portland: Oregon's largest city, Portland, is known for its eclectic neighborhoods, thriving food scene, and renowned craft breweries.

Oregon Coast: Spanning over 363 miles, the Oregon Coast is a ruggedly beautiful stretch featuring stunning beaches, towering cliffs, and quaint coastal towns.
8

1
votes
Washington

With its rainforests, mountains, and coastline, Washington offers a diverse range of natural landscapes to explore.
Washington is a state located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is known for its diverse geography, ranging from rugged coastlines to mountainous regions and dense forests. The state is home to breathtaking natural wonders, vibrant cities, and a rich cultural heritage.

Capital: Olympia

Largest city: Seattle

Area: approximately 184,827 square kilometers

Population: around 7.6 million

Nicknames: The Evergreen State
9

7
votes
Vermont

Known for its fall foliage, charming towns, and picturesque covered bridges, Vermont is a beautiful state year-round.
Vermont is a picturesque state located in the New England region of the United States. It is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, serene landscapes, and charming small towns. The state offers a pristine environment with sprawling forests, majestic mountains, and stunning lakes, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Vermont is famous for its vibrant fall foliage, where the entire state transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors. The state also prides itself on its agricultural heritage, with numerous farms producing fresh and organic foods. Additionally, Vermont is home to renowned skiing destinations, inviting visitors to enjoy winter sports in its world-class resorts.

Location: Northeastern region of the contiguous United States

Size: 9,616 square miles (24,923 square kilometers)

Capital: Montpelier

Largest City: Burlington

Population: Approximately 623,000
10

6
votes
Arizona

Home to the Grand Canyon and other stunning natural landmarks, Arizona is a state of breathtaking beauty.
Arizona is a stunning state located in the southwestern region of the United States. Known for its diverse landscapes, Arizona offers breathtaking natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon, Sedona's red rocks, and the Monument Valley. With its sunny climate and rich Native American heritage, Arizona attracts millions of visitors each year.

Capital: Phoenix

Nickname: The Grand Canyon State

Area: 113,990 square miles

Population: Approximately 7.3 million

State Bird: Cactus Wren

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Discussion

Ranking factors for beautiful state

Natural beauty

This includes diverse landscapes such as mountains, beaches, forests, deserts, and lakes, as well as the overall diversity of wildlife and plants that contribute to a unique and visually stunning environment.
Climate and weather

Comfortable temperatures and weather conditions can positively impact the overall beauty of a state. This can include the amount of sunshine, humidity, and seasonal changes in foliage and outdoor scenery.
Historical and cultural landmarks

Beautiful architecture, historical locations, and cultural attractions can significantly add to the allure of a state.
Urban design and cityscape

This involves the general aesthetic of a state's cities and towns, including the layout of roads, parks, and buildings, as well as their architectural style and their integration with the natural environment.
Cleanliness and environmental sustainability

A state's commitment to maintaining a clean, litter-free environment and implementing sustainable practices can influence the overall beauty of its landscapes and living spaces.
Outdoor recreation opportunities

Proximity to activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, and water sports contribute to a state's beauty by encouraging visitors to explore and appreciate the natural environment.
Scenic drives and roadways

Beautiful, well-maintained roads that pass through picturesque landscapes can significantly enhance the appeal of a state.
Popular tourist attractions

Iconic sites, museums, and other attractions can further boost a state's beauty, drawing visitors from around the world.
Colorful festivals and events

A vibrant arts and cultural scene can contribute to a beautiful state through unique and engaging experiences, making it more appealing to locals and tourists alike.
Quality of life and livability

Factors such as low crime rates, good public transport, quality healthcare and education, and a strong sense of community can contribute to a state's overall charm and attractiveness, making it a more beautiful place to live.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful state. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or State is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1598 views
166 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each State once every 24 hours. The rank of each State is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful state

When it comes to beauty, the United States has no shortage of stunning states to choose from. From the rolling hills of Vermont to the rugged coastline of California, each state boasts its own unique and breathtaking natural wonders. But what is the most beautiful state in the US? While everyone has their own opinions, there are a few states that consistently make the list. Factors such as geography, climate, and cultural attractions all play a role in determining a state's beauty, and it's up to you to decide which one takes the top spot. So, let's take a closer look at some of the contenders and see what makes them so special.