8 Must-See Regions of the USA

The United States is a glorious place. As the lyrics from America the Beautiful remind us, breathtaking and diverse landscapes exist “From sea to shining sea.” Whether it’s the “purple mountains majesties” or the “fruited plain” that speak to you, there is a bounty of wonderous lands to explore in the contiguous United States. The Continental USA has eight distinctive physiographic divisions with unique geological features. Here are examples of great places to visit, each suggestion representing one of the 8 must-see regions of the USA.

1) The Laurentian Upland:

This region features mountains, vast boreal ecosystems and mixed forests. It is sometimes called the Canadian Shield as it extends into Canada. In the USA, the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and New York are included. The Adirondack Mountains in New York are an extension of the Laurentian Upland. Lake Placid, NY, with a population of 2,303 as of 2020, is a highly visitable town worth exploring. Not only does it feature the lovely Mirror Lake and quaint downtown, but there are numerous mountains to ski, hike, or explore to include Whiteface Mountain. The village also features visitable Olympic sites from 1932 and 1980.

2) The Atlantic Plain:

This area is located along the East Coast of the U.S., extending from Cape Cod, MA, down to Florida and westward towards the Mississippi River in the south. It runs along the Atlantic Ocean and extends inland from the coast. It is the flattest of the eight regions and features sandy beaches, marshlands, bays, barrier islands, and more. North Carolina’s Outer Banks, particularly Cape Hatteras National Seashore, is a must-see destination of the Atlantic Plain. Not only a beachgoers paradise, but nature-watching, water sports, and exploring historic lighthouses and maritime museums in the region are some of the special things one may do for island adventure.

3) The Appalachian Highlands:

This region is in the eastern part of the United States, roughly extending from Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada to Alabama, with the Appalachian Mountains as the key feature. The Appalachian Mountains stretch through many states to include northern states like Maine and New Hampshire, central region states like New York, and southern region states like Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. Shenandoah National Park is a popular site in the Appalachian Highlands. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the park is known for the scenic Skyline Drive, birdwatching and pristine nature trails. Whether you rent a cabin, stay at a nearby lodge, or camp, outdoor adventures await.

4) The Interior Plains:

This region encompasses the central part of the country, stretching from the Appalachian Mountains on the east to the Rocky Mountains on the west and extending north into Canada and South into the Coastal Plain. The area is characterized by relatively flat terrain and large undisturbed areas. Popular among visitors is Badlands National Park in South Dakota, described as land of stone and light. The park offers visitors stunning landscapes, unique geological formations, colorful ridges, spectacular sunsets and wildlife viewing.

5) The Interior Highlands:

The Interior Highlands are a mountainous region in the Central United States spanning northern and western Arkansas, southern Missouri, eastern Oklahoma, and southern Illinois. It is one of the few major mountainous regions between the Appalachians and the Rockies and features three distinct mountain regions: the Ouachita Mountains, The Boston Mountains, the St. Francois Mountains of the Missouri Ozark Plateaus. To see how spectacular this region truly is, visit Ouachita National Forest, where hiking, horseback riding, boating, camping, fishing, swimming and relaxing in beautiful scenery offer the most fun adventures.

6) The Rocky Mountain System:

The Rocky Mountains are a major mountain range and the largest mountain system in North America, stretching from Canada to New Mexico. This region encompasses a vast area of rugged landscapes and diverse ecosystems to include dramatic mountains, deep valleys, and alpine lakes, plus a large variety of natural resources and flora and fauna. A visit to this western region, particularly to Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, is a must. Not only can one take a scenic drive with stunning views along Trail Ridge Road, but there are popular areas for easy hikes and family picnics. Of course, if it’s a physical challenge you seek, this area won’t disappoint.

7) The Intermontane Plateaus:

This large, elevated region consists of flat or gently rolling land and is surrounded by mountain ranges. Located in the Western United States, between the Rocky Mountains on the east and the Cascade and Sierra Nevada Mountains on the west, the region is characterized by a complex mix of plateaus, mountain ranges, basins and more. The area spans multiple states and encompasses areas like the Columbia Plateau in Washington and the Great Basin in Nevada. The Great Basin is an arid region and is not a single basin but a group of enclosed basins and mountain ranges with no drainage to the sea. A visit to Great Basin National Park in Nevada provides a unique way to explore cave systems, take scenic drives, backpack, and more.

8) The Pacific Mountains:

This coastal mountain range runs along the Pacific coast. It includes the Cascade and Sierra Nevada Ranges, known for their volcanic activity and rugged terrain. The “Pacific Mountain” term is often used more broadly and thus many states are closely associated with the Pacific Mountain Region. The state of California features parts of the Sierra Nevada and the Coast Ranges. The Sierra Nevada region is home to beautiful Sequoia trees, the tremendous redwoods that are the largest living things on earth. The best places to see giant sequoias in the Pacific region are Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park, together featuring the largest concentration of giant Sequoia groves.

The perfect playground

The United States stands proud of its large variety of diverse landscapes that offer adventure, intrigue, and opportunities to explore, learn, and gain inspiration. The earth is full of beautiful places to visit to include 8 must-see regions of the USA. You can travel the whole world over, but you’ll likely never find such gems like the ones that exist in our own backyard.