Chris Tharp

When it comes to outdoor delights on America's east coast, it's hard to beat Maine. From a gorgeous national park full of wildlife to its iconic coastline best explored via this least-crowded scenic byway, New England's largest state boasts an array of natural wonders. Fans of the great outdoors flock to Maine year-round, and for good reason: it always seems to deliver.

When many people think of food in the U.S., hot dogs and hamburgers spring to mind, or even regional delicacies like Kansas City barbecue (a favorite of Anthony Bourdain). But is there really anything more American than a steak? Whether it's ribeyes, T-bones, porterhouses, or New York strips, thick cuts of beef slapped on a grill or a sizzling hot pan have come to define much of the cuisine in the United States. Americans love their steaks, and you can probably take down an expertly-cooked cut in almost any corner of the country. Read More: https://www.explore.com/1855540/biggest-differences-america-europe-steaks-order-explained/

The French Alps boast some of Europe's most idyllic alpine scenery. This lofty landscape of craggy peaks, pristine lakes, open meadows, glaciers, and deep forests is now part of this massive trek that has been called the Pacific Crest Trail's "hotter French cousin." It's also home to a number of historic settlements set in jaw-dropping surroundings, including the city of Grenoble, which has been touted as one of the nation's best places to live. This southeastern destination of just over 500,000...

Ireland is a land of untamed natural beauty, with rugged cliffs, verdant countryside, fjords, pristine rivers and lakes, heather-covered moors, and forlorn, windswept islands, like this remote rise off the southern coast that is a must-visit for "Star Wars" fans. The Emerald Isle is also home to charming cities, and while Dublin — a great destination for solo travelers — may dominate the conversation, it pays to venture out of the capital to get a real taste of the country's other settlements. Read More: https://www.explore.com/1854647/rick-steves-derry-northern-ireland-underrated-destination/

Arizona is a drop-dead gorgeous place that has no shortage of arresting natural attractions. Even the scenic road trip to the Grand Canyon is just as gorgeous as the destination itself. The same goes for the underrated Crescent Moon Picnic Area, a scenic site near Sedona, Arizona, that boasts plenty of red rock beauty. This Southwestern state is known far and wide for its deep desert splendor. Arizona is a land of vivid colors, dazzling sunsets, and impossibly wide skies. Despite the fact that it is indeed a very arid place, there are also spots to cool off on or along the water. Read More: https://www.explore.com/1855470/dangerous-national-lake-mead-recreation-area-trails-hikers-hazardous-conditions-heat-seasonal/

When it comes to outdoor bliss, Oregon seemingly has it all. From rugged peaks to deep forests, hidden beaches, high-desert canyons, and the deepest lake in America, the Beaver State boasts natural attractions that draw visitors from far and wide. Read More: https://www.explore.com/1852792/oregon-salt-creek-falls-second-highest-single-drop-waterfall-truly-stunning-site-hiking-trails/

Philadelphia: the City of Brotherly Love. The metropolis that's home to the Liberty Bell, the Declaration of Independence, and Rocky Balboa is also famous for cheesesteak. This delectable combination of grilled beef, onions, and gooey cheese served up in a toasted hoagie roll is so wired into the DNA of the town that the dish is usually referred to as "Philly cheesesteak." It's such a deep part of Philadelphia's civic identity that most people just assume the sandwich was birthed and perfected w...

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is considered by many trekking enthusiasts to be the Holy Grail of thru-hiking. This popular 2655-mile route that starts at the Mexican border and ends in Canada is one of the longest hikes in America, and features open desert, deep forest, rivers, lakes, and the alpine wonder of the west coast's two big mountain ranges: the Sierra Nevada and the Cascades. The beauty and challenge of the PCT draws thousands of hopeful hikers each spring, though only around 20-30% wi...

When it comes to Florida, the Keys are surely one of the state's greatest gems. These idyllic little islands run south from the mainland, are surrounded by the shimmering, turquoise waters of the Caribbean, and are known for white sand beaches, palm trees, and laid-back vibes as captured in songs such as Jimmy Buffet's "Margaritaville." Read More: https://www.explore.com/1849392/florida-city-gateway-keys-tops-chart-most-dangerous-state/

While California may be best known for its amazing beaches, humming cities, and underrated wine destinations, much of the Golden State is desert, which offers its own kind of charms. Inland California gets arid quickly, with coastal forests giving way to cactus, sand, and wide-open spaces that stir the soul with their seemingly infinite expanses of pure night sky.  Read More: https://www.explore.com/1849275/top-rv-park-indio-california-motorcoach-country-club-five-star-oasis-canals/

While many travel to Italy for its wonderful old towns — like this underrated city that boasts exquisite food and awe-inspiring historic sites — Europe's largest peninsula is also a terrific destination for those seeking natural splendor. Italy is full of outdoor gems, including rocky islands, hidden beaches, sparkling lakes, and a beautiful coastline with hiking trails.  Read More: https://www.explore.com/1847665/pozza-smeraldine-italy-natural-swimming-pools-dolomites-mountains-boast-dazzling-emerald-waters/

Texas is a massive state with an array of impressive natural attractions, like this mesmerizing geographic wonder near San Antonio. While many people associate the Lone Star State with tumbleweeds, open rangeland, and rugged desert canyons, its eastern side has a much different feel. This region is home to vast pine forests, wetlands, and loads of lakes, giving it a much cosier, woodsy feel than the endless plains and big sky found out west. Read More: https://www.explore.com/1847753/camp-hike-relax-national-forest-edge-underrated-texas-huntsville-state-park/

Denver is one of America's great western metropolises, with a vibrant downtown, great museums, and a thriving culinary scene that makes it one of the best U.S. cities for food lovers to add to their bucket list. Its proximity to the Rocky Mountains also means that it's a terrific winter destination for anyone into ice skating, snowboarding, skiing, snowmobiling, or other cold-weather pursuits. Read More: https://www.explore.com/1845707/swim-spot-big-soda-lake-colorado-hills-dotted-kayaks-lazy-escape/

When it comes to idyllic scenery and outdoor splendor, it's hard to beat Idaho. This Pacific Northwest state boasts snow capped mountains, crystalline lakes, and plenty of other pristine natural attractions, such as this breathtaking waterfall known as the "Niagara of the West." The Gem State is a nature-lover's paradise, and while you can soak up outdoor majesty while sleeping in a tent in the woods, there are also choice accommodations to choose from, such as Downata Hot Springs.  Read More: https://www.explore.com/1844043/downata-hot-springs-relaxation-adventure-naturally-heated-oasis-idaho-waterslide-camping/

Los Angeles is not only the United States' second-largest city, but a buzzing metropolis that draws visitors from all over the world. While you can stroll along its sandy beaches, explore its diverse neighborhoods, or visit this iconic attraction for film buffs, it's also one of the best places for food lovers to add to their bucket list. From hole-in-the-wall taquerias to authentic Korean barbecue spots to some top-notch haute cuisine, the City of Angels has something to make everyone's mouth water. Read More: https://www.explore.com/1845042/anthony-bourdain-favorite-restaurant-los-angeles-humble-burger-chain-cult-following/

While many flock to Oregon for its rustic valleys, deep canyons, stunning waterfalls, and rugged mountain splendor, its largely unspoiled coast also remains a unique place. This wild stretch of Pacific shoreline is home to hidden coves, America's largest sea cave, windswept patches of sand, and cool towns like this charming little city. It is one of America's last true refuges, where you can find solitude while wandering the wide beaches to the soundtrack of squawking seagulls and the ocean waves detonating on the shore. Read More: https://www.explore.com/1843240/neskowin-ghost-forest-underrated-oregon-tillamook-coast-quiet-eerie-escape/

New Orleans is a city that occupies a unique place in America's collective imagination. Not only is it the most fun city in America (according to Rick Steves), but it's also the birthplace of jazz. The town is an intoxicating meeting place of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Anglo cultures, resulting in a kind of melting pot unmatched anywhere else in the country. People flock to New Orleans to experience this mix in the form of its architecture, music, and — perhaps more than anything else — its cuisine. The food in New Orleans is as interesting as its roots, combining all of the town's fascinating influences into a slew of singular mouth-watering concoctions. From po' boys to jambalaya, the cuisine of New Orleans reflects the rich tapestry of its history, resulting in dishes with unique flavors and deliciousness that can't be found elsewhere. Read More: https://www.explore.com/1843158/anthony-bourdain-thought-food-new-orleans-hole-wall-restaurant-jacques-imos-cafe-illegal/

The West Coast of the United States is home to two of the nation's most iconic mountain ranges: the Sierra Nevada and the Cascades. While both of these places boast innumerable natural charms, there are subtle differences between the two: The Sierras are much older and jagged, with one sheer rock side and another that approaches the main ridge gradually, while the Cascades are much more uniform, younger, and also home to several active volcanoes — like this destination where you may want to thin...

New Mexico is called "The Land of Enchantment" for a good reason. This scenic state is known for the colorful, wide open, otherworldly landscapes that the southwest is famous for. And while there certainly is plenty of desert splendor to be found in New Mexico — like this national park with epic white sand dunes — the state also boasts deep forests, alpine meadows, and some of the US' highest mountains. Read More: https://www.explore.com/1840834/carson-national-forest-new-mexico-state-highest-peak-epic-camping-destination/

While many people associate Oregon with cool, lush forests and a misty, windswept coastline that is home to gems such as this secret beach, that doesn't tell the whole story. Central Oregon — which lies on the eastern side of the Cascade Range — is anything but rain-soaked. This is a wide-open land of sunny skies and majestic, high desert scenery that plays against the images of swirling clouds, moss, and constant drizzle that so many people associate with the Pacific Northwest. Read More: https://www.explore.com/1841304/oregons-most-unexpected-badlands-wilderness-high-desert-just-outside-bend/