The Most Beautiful State in America, Ranked

Choose the state you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 20, 2024 06:27
Deciding which state holds the title for beauty can be a subjective adventure, as each state showcases its unique landscapes and sights. From the majestic mountains and serene lakes to the sweeping plains and bustling cities, the charm of America's geography is as diverse as its people. Ranking the states by their beauty offers a fun and engaging way to see how different people value the natural and constructed aesthetics of each state. By participating in the ranking, users not only get to express their opinions but also influence the current standings, potentially swaying fellow voters in favor of their preferred scenery. This dynamic voting process keeps the results interesting and current, reflecting a continuously updated consensus of what constitutes beauty across the US. It's a celebratory way to acknowledge and spotlight the visual splendors each state has to offer.

What Is the Most Beautiful State in America?

  1. 1
    18
    votes
    With its stunning beaches, picturesque landscapes, and rich culture, Hawaii is often considered one of the most beautiful states in America. From the lush green forests of Kauai to the volcanic landscapes of the Big Island, Hawaii has something for everyone.
  2. 2
    37
    votes
    With its rugged coastline, towering redwoods, and sun-drenched beaches, California is a visual feast for the senses. Whether you're exploring Yosemite National Park or taking a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway, there's no shortage of beauty to behold in the Golden State.
    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
  3. 3
    16
    votes
    With its majestic mountains, sparkling lakes, and vibrant fall foliage, Colorado is a natural wonderland. From skiing in the Rockies to hiking in the Garden of the Gods, there's no shortage of outdoor adventures to be had in this scenic state.
    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
  4. 4
    12
    votes
    With its towering red rock formations, sweeping desert landscapes, and world-famous national parks, Utah is a breathtakingly beautiful state. Whether you're exploring Zion Canyon or hiking in Bryce Canyon, there's no shortage of natural wonders to discover in Utah.
    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. 5
    20
    votes
    With its rolling hills, snow-capped peaks, and endless skies, Montana is a photographer's dream. From the stunning vistas of Glacier National Park to the crystal-clear waters of Flathead Lake, there's no shortage of beauty to be found in this rugged state.
    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. 6
    13
    votes
    With its sprawling glaciers, majestic fjords, and abundant wildlife, Alaska is a land like no other. Whether you're watching whales breach in the waters of Kenai Fjords or hiking through Denali National Park, Alaska is a natural wonderland that will leave you in awe.
    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. 7
    10
    votes
    With its towering sandstone formations, deep canyons, and red rock vistas, Arizona is a visual feast for the senses. Whether you're exploring the Grand Canyon or hiking through Sedona's red rock country, there's no shortage of natural wonders to discover in this beautiful state.
    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
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    With its rugged coastline, lush forests, and towering waterfalls, Oregon is a natural wonderland. Whether you're strolling through the Columbia River Gorge or hiking through the Cascade Mountains, there's no shortage of beauty to be found in this stunning state.
    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.
  9. 9
    0
    votes
    With its sweeping plains, majestic mountains, and iconic national parks, Wyoming is a state of unparalleled beauty. Whether you're watching geysers erupt in Yellowstone or hiking through the Grand Tetons, Wyoming is a visual feast for the senses.
    Wyoming is a state located in the western region of the United States. It is known for its natural beauty, including vast open plains, majestic mountains, and stunning national parks. The state offers a unique combination of rugged landscapes, wildlife, and cultural history, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
    • Capital: Cheyenne
    • Largest City: Cheyenne
    • Area: 97,914 square miles
    • Population: Approximately 578,759 (as of 2020)
    • Nickname: The Equality State
  10. 10
    9
    votes
    With its rocky coastline, charming lighthouses, and quaint fishing villages, Maine is a state of rugged beauty. Whether you're exploring Acadia National Park or cruising the rocky shores of Casco Bay, Maine is a place of natural wonder and endless charm.
    Maine is a picturesque state located in the northeastern part of the United States. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, including rocky coastlines, magnificent mountains, lush forests, and charming lakes. The state's unique blend of coastal and inland landscapes make it a truly captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. With its quaint small towns, historic lighthouses, and delicious seafood, Maine offers a perfect combination of relaxation and exploration.
    • Capital: Augusta
    • Nickname: The Pine Tree State
    • Population: Approximately 1.3 million
    • Area: Approximately 35,380 square miles
    • Highest Point: Mount Katahdin (5,267 feet)

Missing your favorite state?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for beautiful state

  1. Natural scenery
    Consider the variety and beauty of landscapes, including mountains, beaches, deserts, forests, and other unique geographical features.
  2. Climate
    Take into account the general climate, including temperature ranges across the year, seasonal weather patterns, and overall weather-related comfort.
  3. Biodiversity
    Look at the richness of flora and fauna, including the range of species, the presence of unique ecosystems, and efforts to protect and preserve the environment.
  4. Parks and recreation areas
    Consider the number and quality of national, state, and local parks and protected areas, as well as outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, skiing, and water sports.
  5. Historical and cultural landmarks
    Take into account the presence of important historical and cultural sites, including monuments, landmarks, and buildings that contribute to the state's beauty and charm.
  6. Urban design and architecture
    Look at the beauty and appeal of urban spaces, taking into consideration the architectural style, layout, and overall aesthetic of cities and towns.
  7. Infrastructure
    Consider the quality of the transportation network, the availability of public spaces and facilities, and the efforts made to maintain and improve the state's overall appearance.
  8. Cleanliness
    Take into account the cleanliness and overall environmental health of the state, including air and water quality, waste management, and recycling efforts.
  9. Sustainability
    Look at the state's commitment to sustainable practices, conservation efforts, and overall environmental stewardship.
  10. Public opinion
    Consider surveys, polls, and personal experiences to gauge the subjective opinions of people who have visited or lived in the state.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful state in America. 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

  • 1950 views
  • 141 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

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.

Categories

More information on most beautiful state in america

Background Information: What Makes a State Beautiful? The United States of America is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes, iconic architecture, and diverse cultures in the world. From the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon to the charming streets of New Orleans, every state has its unique charm and beauty. But what exactly makes a state beautiful? For many, it's the state's natural wonders that take their breath away. From the rugged coastline of Maine to the rolling hills of California's wine country, the natural landscapes of each state offer a glimpse into the country's rich and diverse geography. Others are drawn to the architecture and landmarks that define each state's history and culture, such as the soaring skyscrapers of New York City or the iconic Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco. But beyond the physical characteristics that make a state beautiful, it's also the people and communities that call each state home. The traditions, customs, and values that are passed down from generation to generation create a sense of warmth and hospitality that can't be found anywhere else. So, what is the most beautiful state in America? It's a difficult question to answer, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Each state offers its own unique blend of natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and welcoming communities that make it beautiful in its own way. Whether you prefer the rugged wilderness of Alaska or the sunny beaches of Florida, there's no denying that every state has something special to offer.

Share this article