A Jersey City journalist is recovering after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run that ended in a violent multi-car crash and a string of charges against the driver, authorities said. According to police and witness accounts, the collision occurred in Jersey City when a vehicle struck a pedestrian and left the scene. The victim, a local journalist, was thrown to the ground and suffered injuries that required medical treatment. Instead of stopping, the driver, a resident in Bayonne New Jersey, Laura Castaneda, allegedly fled the area at a high rate of speed. Witnesses told investigators that the vehicle was seen traveling at what they believed to be more than 90 miles per hour along West Side Avenue, heading in the direction of Bayonne. Within seconds, the driver reportedly lost control and crashed into three parked vehicles, totaling all three as well as the vehicle they were driving. Emergency responders arrived on scene to find significant damage to the parked cars and debri...
The United States is home to a stunning variety of landscapes, from pristine beaches to rugged mountains, and lush forests to vibrant deserts. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or history buff, there’s a beautiful destination for everyone. Here’s a guide to the 51 most beautiful places in the U.S. that you absolutely must visit, complete with details about the best times to travel, nearby hotels, and activities to enjoy.
1. Yosemite National Park, California
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall (April to October)
Nearby Hotels:
The Ahwahnee: A luxury hotel offering elegant accommodations and incredible views.
Yosemite Valley Lodge: A more affordable option close to Yosemite Falls.
Activities:
Hike to Yosemite Falls and Half Dome.
Go rock climbing or take a guided tour.
Explore Mariposa Grove to see the giant sequoias.
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2. Grand Canyon, Arizona
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall (March-May, September-November)
Nearby Hotels:
El Tovar Hotel: Historic hotel with canyon views.
Grand Canyon Lodge: Located on the North Rim for a quieter experience.
Activities:
Hike along the Rim Trail or take a mule ride into the canyon.
Go whitewater rafting on the Colorado River.
Watch the sunrise or sunset for breathtaking views.
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3. Banff National Park, Wyoming
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to August)
Nearby Hotels:
Lake Lodge Cabins: Rustic, comfortable cabins near Yellowstone Lake.
Old Faithful Inn: Historic and iconic, located near the famous geyser.
Activities:
Explore Old Faithful and other geothermal features.
Hike the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Take a scenic drive through Lamar Valley for wildlife sightings.
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4. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Best Time to Visit: Winter (for skiing) and Summer (for hiking and beaches)
Nearby Hotels:
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe: Ski-in, ski-out luxury.
Edgewood Tahoe Resort: A stunning lakeside resort.
Activities:
Ski or snowboard at Heavenly Mountain Resort.
Rent a boat for lake activities like paddleboarding or kayaking.
Hike or bike around the scenic trails.
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5. Maui, Hawaii
Best Time to Visit: April to May, September to November
Nearby Hotels:
Four Seasons Resort Maui: Elegant and beachfront.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua: Known for its beautiful setting and golf courses.
Activities:
Visit Haleakalā National Park to watch the sunrise.
Snorkel at Molokini Crater.
Take the scenic Road to Hana drive.
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6. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina
Best Time to Visit: Fall (October-November)
Nearby Hotels:
The Lodge at Buckberry Creek: A rustic yet luxurious retreat.
Glenstone Lodge: Located near Gatlinburg, perfect for families.
Activities:
Hike Clingmans Dome for panoramic views.
Go wildlife spotting in Cades Cove.
Enjoy scenic drives, including the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
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7. Zion National Park, Utah
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall (March-May, September-November)
Nearby Hotels:
Zion Lodge: The only in-park lodging with views of the canyon.
Cliffrose Lodge & Gardens: Located near the entrance to the park.
Activities:
Hike the famous Angels Landing trail.
Explore The Narrows by wading through the Virgin River.
Take a scenic drive through the Kolob Canyons.
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8. Niagara Falls, New York
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to August)
Nearby Hotels:
The Giacomo Hotel: A stylish hotel close to the falls.
Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls: Offers rooms with stunning views.
Activities:
Take a boat tour on the Maid of the Mist.
Explore the Cave of the Winds.
Walk along the Niagara Parkway for incredible views.
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9. Savannah, Georgia
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May)
Nearby Hotels:
The Gastonian: A historic inn offering Southern charm.
The Kimpton Brice Hotel: A trendy and pet-friendly option.
Activities:
Take a walking tour of the historic district.
Visit Forsyth Park and its iconic fountain.
Explore the beautiful oak-lined streets and gardens.
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10. Acadia National Park, Maine
Best Time to Visit: Fall (September to October)
Nearby Hotels:
The Bluenose Inn: Overlooking Frenchman Bay with stunning views.
Bar Harbor Inn: A scenic spot near the park’s entrance.
Activities:
Hike Cadillac Mountain for sunrise.
Bike the Park Loop Road.
Explore the coastal trails and enjoy the fall foliage.
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11. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall (April-May, September-November)
Nearby Hotels:
Bryce Canyon Lodge: A historic lodge offering easy park access.
Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn: A comfortable and convenient choice.
Activities:
Hike among the hoodoos on the Navajo Loop.
Take a scenic drive along the rim.
Stargaze—Bryce Canyon is a designated Dark Sky Park.
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12. The Florida Keys, Florida
Best Time to Visit: Winter (December to April)
Nearby Hotels:
Hawks Cay Resort: A luxury resort on Duck Key.
The Reach Key West: A beachfront resort in Key West.
Activities:
Snorkel or dive in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Explore the vibrant streets of Key West.
Go boating, fishing, or kayaking around the islands.
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13. Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall (March-May, September-November)
Nearby Hotels:
The View Hotel: Located near Monument Valley with fantastic views.
Best Western Plus at Lake Powell: Comfortable and close to the canyon.
Activities:
Take a guided tour through the slot canyon.
Explore nearby Horseshoe Bend.
Visit Lake Powell for boating or paddleboarding.
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14. Glacier National Park, Montana
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to September)
Nearby Hotels:
Many Glacier Hotel: A historic hotel offering stunning lake views.
Lake McDonald Lodge: A cozy and charming place near the lake.
Activities:
Drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Hike the Grinnell Glacier Trail.
Take a boat tour on Lake McDonald.
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15. Lake Michigan, Michigan
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Nearby Hotels:
The Inn at Bay Harbor: A lakeside resort offering luxury and comfort.
Grand Haven House: A charming bed-and-breakfast near the beach.
Activities:
Enjoy the beaches along the Michigan coast.
Explore the dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Go sailing or kayaking on the lake.
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16. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to September)
Nearby Hotels:
National Park Inn: A rustic inn located within the park.
Paradise Inn: Offers stunning views of the mountain.
Activities:
Hike the Skyline Trail for panoramic views of Mount Rainier.
Go wildlife spotting and visit the glaciers.
Explore the wildflower meadows in Paradise.
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17. Charleston, South Carolina
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall (March-May, September-November)
Nearby Hotels:
The Spectator Hotel: A luxury hotel located in the heart of the historic district.
French Quarter Inn: A charming boutique hotel.
Activities:
Stroll through the historic district and visit Rainbow Row.
Take a boat tour of Charleston Harbor.
Visit the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.
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18. Monument Valley, Utah/Arizona
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall (April-May, September-November)
Nearby Hotels:
The View Hotel: Located right in Monument Valley for the best views.
Goulding’s Lodge: Comfortable and located near the valley entrance.
Activities:
Take a guided jeep tour through the valley.
Visit nearby Arches National Park.
Explore the vast desert landscape for photography.
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19. Big Sur, California
Best Time to Visit: Fall (September-November)
Nearby Hotels:
Post Ranch Inn: A luxurious and stunning hotel overlooking the ocean.
Big Sur River Inn: A charming, rustic inn surrounded by nature.
Activities:
Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway for breathtaking views.
Hike the McWay Falls Trail.
Visit Pfeiffer Beach and its purple sand.
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20. Newport, Rhode Island
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Nearby Hotels:
The Chanler at Cliff Walk: A luxury boutique hotel overlooking the ocean.
Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina: A waterfront property with stunning views.
Activities:
Visit the famous Newport mansions.
Walk along the scenic Cliff Walk.
Take a harbor tour or sail on the Atlantic.
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21. San Juan Islands, Washington
Best Time to Visit: Summer (May-August)
Nearby Hotels:
- The Island Inn: A cozy, eco-friendly boutique hotel in Friday Harbor.
- Friday Harbor House: Overlooks the harbor with scenic views.
Activities:
- Take a whale watching tour to see orcas.
- Kayak through the waters around the islands.
- Explore the quaint town of Friday Harbor and its historic sites.
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22. Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada
Best Time to Visit: Fall and spring (March-May, October-November)
Nearby Hotels:
- The Inn at Death Valley: Historic and luxurious with beautiful desert views.
- Furnace Creek Ranch: A more affordable, family-friendly option.
Activities:
- Visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.
- Hike Golden Canyon or Dante's View for sweeping views.
- See the colorful Artist's Palette and its vibrant mineral deposits.
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23. Mount Hood, Oregon
Best Time to Visit: Year-round (ski in winter, hike in summer)
Nearby Hotels:
- Timberline Lodge: Historic lodge located on Mount Hood’s slopes.
- The Resort at The Mountain: A charming retreat with golf and spa amenities.
Activities:
- Ski or snowboard on Mount Hood in winter.
- Hike the Timberline Trail during summer.
- Visit Trillium Lake for stunning views of the mountain.
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24. Key West, Florida
Best Time to Visit: Winter (December-April)
Nearby Hotels:
- The Southernmost House: A historic mansion overlooking the ocean.
- Ocean Key Resort & Spa: A luxurious hotel with beautiful waterfront views.
Activities:
- Visit Ernest Hemingway’s home and museum.
- Relax on the beautiful beaches.
- Explore the vibrant Duval Street nightlife.
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25. Sedona, Arizona
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall (March-May, September-November)
Nearby Hotels:
-L'Auberge de Sedona: A luxury resort along Oak Creek with stunning red rock views.
-Enchantment Resort: Nestled in Boynton Canyon, ideal for a spiritual retreat.
Activities:
- Hike the iconic Cathedral Rock or Devil’s Bridge.
- Enjoy a vortex tour to experience Sedona’s mystical energy.
- Take a jeep tour through the rugged desert landscape.
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26. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with dry season (April-October) for clearer views.
Nearby Hotels:
- Kilauea Lodge & Restaurant: A cozy lodge close to the park entrance.
- Volcano House: Historic accommodation offering great views of the caldera.
Activities:
- Watch lava flows (if active) at Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.
- Hike through lush rainforests and volcanic terrain.
- Visit the Jaggar Museum and learn about the volcano’s history.
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27. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer (May-September)
Nearby Hotels:
- Hallmark Resort & Spa: Oceanfront property with great amenities.
- Ecola Creek Lodge: Cozy, budget-friendly option close to the beach.
Activities:
- Visit the iconic Haystack Rock at low tide.
- Go tidepooling and explore the coastal marine life.
- Take a scenic hike at Ecola State Park for breathtaking views.
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28. Lake Powell, Arizona
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall (April-May, September-November)
Nearby Hotels:
- Lake Powell Resort: Located right on the lake, perfect for water activities.
- Best Western View of Lake Powell: Offers great views of the surrounding desert landscape.
Activities:
- Explore the lake by boat or kayak.
- Visit the nearby Antelope Canyon.
- Hike the numerous trails around the Glen Canyon Dam.
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29. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall (March-May, September-November)
Nearby Hotels:
- Chisos Mountains Lodge: The only lodge within the park, offering incredible views.
- Big Bend Motor Inn: A budget-friendly option in nearby Terlingua.
Activities:
- Hike the Santa Elena Canyon Trail.
- Explore the Rio Grande for kayaking or rafting.
- Go birdwatching in the park, a major migratory bird hotspot.
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30. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August), but spring and fall for fewer crowds.
Nearby Hotels:
- Old Faithful Inn: A historic lodge right next to the famous geyser.
- Lake Yellowstone Hotel: A charming lakeside property with a classic atmosphere.
Activities:
- Visit Old Faithful and other geothermal features.
- Go wildlife watching in Lamar Valley.
- Explore the Yellowstone River and its beautiful falls.
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31. Everglades National Park, Florida
Best Time to Visit: Winter (December-April)
Nearby Hotels:
- The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne: Luxurious and near the park’s entrance.
- Everglades City Motel: A basic, budget-friendly option for park visitors.
Activities:
- Take an airboat tour to spot alligators and wildlife.
- Kayak through mangrove forests.
- Explore the Anhinga Trail for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
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32. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Best Time to Visit: Fall (September-November)
Nearby Hotels:
- Skyland Resort: Offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Big Meadows Lodge: Perfect for hiking and scenic views.
Activities:
- Hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail.
- Take a scenic drive along Skyline Drive for spectacular fall foliage.
- Visit the Rapidan Camp, a historic presidential retreat.
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33. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon/Washington
Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer (April-October)
Nearby Hotels:
- The Hood River Hotel: A charming boutique hotel near the river.
- Skamania Lodge: A scenic resort located within the Gorge National Scenic Area.
Activities:
- Hike to Multnomah Falls and other stunning waterfalls.
- Go windsurfing or kiteboarding on the Columbia River.
- Explore the quaint town of Hood River and its local vineyards.
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34. Lake George, New York
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Nearby Hotels:
- The Sagamore Resort: A grand lakeside resort with world-class amenities.
- Lake George RV Park: Family-friendly with campsites and cozy cabins.
Activities:
- Enjoy boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding on the lake.
- Hike the nearby Adirondack Mountains.
- Visit Fort William Henry for a step back in time.
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35. Charleston, South Carolina
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall (March-May, September-November)
Nearby Hotels:
- The Charleston Place: A luxurious hotel in the heart of the historic district.
- The French Quarter Inn: A boutique hotel in a prime location.
Activities:
- Stroll through the historic district and visit Rainbow Row.
- Take a harbor tour to see Fort Sumter.
- Explore the plantations and gardens, including Middleton Place.
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36. Custer State Park, South Dakota
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Nearby Hotels:
- Blue Bell Lodge: Offers easy access to the park’s wildlife and trails.
- State Game Lodge: Historic lodge offering beautiful views.
Activities:
- Drive the Wildlife Loop Road to see bison and other wildlife.
- Hike the Cathedral Spires Trail.
- Visit Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial nearby.
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37. Olympic National Park, Washington
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Nearby Hotels:
- Lake Crescent Lodge: A historic lodge with lakeside views.
- Port Angeles Inn: A more budget-friendly option near the park entrance.
Activities:
- Explore the temperate rainforests along the Hoh River.
- Hike Hurricane Ridge for spectacular mountain and ocean views.
- Visit Rialto Beach and admire the sea stacks.
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38. The Ozarks, Missouri/Arkansas
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall (March-May, September-November)
Nearby Hotels:
- Big Cedar Lodge: A luxury resort with lakefront views and a full range of outdoor activities.
- The Lodge of the Four Seasons: Offers a spa, golf, and water sports.
Activities:
- Hike through the Ozark Mountains.
- Go boating or fishing on Lake of the Ozarks.
- Explore the underground caves at Fantastic Caverns.
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39. Mount Lassen, California
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Nearby Hotels:
- Lake Almanor Inn: A lakeside getaway perfect for outdoor activities.
- Lassen Mineral Lodge: Close to the park with cozy cabins.
Activities:
- Hike the Lassen Peak Trail to the summit of an active volcano.
- Explore geothermal areas like Bumpass Hell.
- Visit the nearby Manzanita Lake for kayaking and fishing.
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40. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Nearby Hotels:
- The Sequoia Lodge: Comfortable lodging near park entrances.
- Wuksachi Lodge: Offers mountain views and an on-site restaurant.
Activities:
- See the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth.
- Hike through the Giant Forest.
- Explore Crystal Cave with a guided tour.
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41. Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
Best Time to Visit: Fall (September-November)
Nearby Hotels:
- Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls: A charming retreat with a rustic feel.
- Hocking Hills State Park Lodge: The perfect place for hiking and outdoor adventure.
Activities:
- Hike the trails to visit Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls.
- Go zip-lining in the beautiful hills.
- Take a horseback ride through the forest.
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42. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Nearby Hotels:
- The Lodge of Four Seasons: A lakeside resort offering a wide variety of activities.
- Tan-Tar-A Resort: A family-friendly resort with water activities.
Activities:
- Enjoy boating and watersports on the lake.
- Visit Ha Ha Tonka State Park for hiking and exploring castle ruins.
- Relax at one of the area’s popular golf courses.