40 of the Most Colorful Places to Visit in the United States

From vibrant flower fields to iconic rows of painted houses.

rows of bright tulips in a field, beautiful tulips in the spring, variety of spring flowers blooming on fields
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Across America there are countless ways to brighten up your life. From bold streets to natural wonders dating back thousands of years, these destinations offer hues in just about every shade you can imagine. If you're feeling adventurous, pack a suitcase and start chasing the rainbow that is the United States—just don't forget your camera!

painted ladies at alamo square, san francisco
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The Painted Ladies in San Francisco, California

These cheery homes on "Postcard Row" were built by Matthew Kavanaugh in the 1890s. The Victorian houses make up one of the most-photographed sights in San Francisco—and probably have you humming the Full House theme song right now.

sea of color spreads out at flower fields of carlsbad ranch
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The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California

In California, you can visit 50 acres of gorgeous Ranunculus flowers lined up as far as the eye can see. The vivid rows are planted each year at Carlsbad Ranch, a tradition going back to the 1920s.

natural beauty and patterns of the grand prismatic spring, yellowstone np
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Grand Prismatic Spring in Teton County, Wyoming

The Grand Prismatic is one of the most popular features in Yellowstone National Park. It's not just the rainbow hues (which are caused by heat-loving bacteria) that stand out, but also its incredible size (it's deeper than a 10-story building and longer than a football field!).

pubs and bars with neon lights in the french quarter, new orleans
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Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana

The beads, the ribbons, the costumes—everything is colorful in the streets of New Orleans during Mardi Gras. The colors for the holiday, first chosen back in the late 1800s, have special meanings: purple is for justice, green is for faith, and gold is for power.

minneapolis cityscapes and city views
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"The Times They Are A-Changin'" in Minneapolis, Minnesota

In 2015, artist Eduardo Kobra was hired by Minnesota's Hennepin Theatre Trust to honor music icon—and Minnesota native—Bob Dylan. Standing five stories tall, the mural took Kobra and a team of five painters 12 hours of work every day for two weeks to complete it.

dreamlike picture of colorful lifeguard cabin in the miami beach at sunset
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Lifeguard Stands in South Beach, Florida

Beach bums will get a real kick out of the painted lifeguard stands in South Beach. Each is carefully crafted with its own theme, all perfect for your Insta-worthy vacation pictures. Also in the area is Ocean Drive, a nightlife hotspot filled with brightly colored lights and buildings.

papakōlea beach or green sand beach
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Papakōlea Beach in South Point, Hawaii

This spectacular sight is known as the Green Sand Beach. The color is created by a mineral found in Big Island lava called olivine, which developed after a cinder cone erupted 50,000 years ago.

rainbow beach hawaii
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Rainbows in Hawaii

Speaking of Hawaii, it's known as the rainbow capital of the world for a reason. The air in this state is exceptionally clean and free of pollution, leading to more rainbows. What a dream!

aerial view of salt ponds in don edwards san francisco bay national wildlife refuge
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Salt Ponds in San Francisco, California

If you're lucky enough to fly over the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, the aerial view of the salt ponds are unreal. Depending on different factors—including salinity levels, microorganisms, and forested paths—each pond can take on just about any color.

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Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe's Meow Wolf is an interactive exhibit that's unlike any other. While walking through the different rooms, you'll be taken through secret passageways and into other dimensions, like this awesome neon forest.

the grand canyon arizona
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The Grand Canyon in Northwest Arizona

Especially during sunset, the Grand Canyon looks like it's straight out of a painting. The rocks are illuminated in hues of purples and oranges, creating a scene fit for one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

capitola village
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Capitola Village in Santa Cruz County, California

The colors of this gorgeous beach village are often reflected in the calm waters nearby, creating an image that can only be described as dreamlike.

rows of bright tulips in a field, beautiful tulips in the spring, variety of spring flowers blooming on fields
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Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn, Oregon

Stop to smell the tulips during this unforgettable festival. Over 40 acres of flowers line this Oregon farm each spring, attracting travelers from all around.

new york city architecture and monuments
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World Trade Center in New York City

In 2018, street artists let their imagination run wild in Manhattan's Financial District. The result? A colorful collection of murals that glow under the city lights.

cranberry bog
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Cranberry Bogs in Massachusetts

Nothing can prepare you for this amazing sight in person. Massachusetts is home to a group of bogs that grow and harvest bright red cranberries each year, and most offer tours to visitors.

road to nowhere
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Dry Tortugas National Park in Monroe County, Florida

A castle on the sea—could it get more romantic than that? Take a stroll around the outer wall of the former Fort Jefferson Military Fortress, located at the Dry Tortugas National Park, for both a fascinating history lesson and a scenic view.

gunnison colorado autumn
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Aspen Trees in Gunnison, Colorado

The foliage in Colorado each fall is as good as gold. Aspen trees turn yellow and are on full display throughout the state. If you want the best view, be sure to check out Kebler Pass in Gunnison, which has the largest aspen grove in North America.

glacier ice cave
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Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska

This blue glacial ice cave looks like it could be a set from Frozen. The magical hue is created from both the ice density and transmission of blue wavelengths.

the pool at the colorful saguaro hotel in palm springs, california
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The Saguaro Hotel in Palm Springs, California

This desert getaway's slogan is "Get Some Color." Everything from the bold exterior to the pool area is rainbow perfection, which is why it's a major hotspot for influencers come summertime.

blue pool of north creek
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"The Subway" in Southwest Utah

"The Subway" is a pretty difficult hiking spot in Zion National Park that requires plenty of rappelling, swimming, and climbing. But if you can make it to end of what's called the Left Fork of North Creek, you'll be treated to this absolutely stunning aqua pool.

peacham, vermont, usa
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Autumn in Vermont

Vermont is known for its breathtaking fall foliage—especially because of its abundance of maple trees. When autumn rolls around each year, the green, red, and orange leaves completely transform the state.

albuquerque international balloon fiesta
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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico

Every Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the skies are filled with hot air balloons. It's not just fun colors you'll see—each year the designs are endless, ranging from sunflowers to cartoon characters to adorable animals.

rear view of man walking amidst sandstones at antelope canyon
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Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona

Walking between the towering, deep orange sandstones in this canyon will make you feel like you're in another galaxy.

mallory square souvenir kiosks, key west
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Mallory Square in Key West, Florida

Not only is this cheery outdoor market a great spot to shop for souvenirs, but it's also home to the Key West Sunset Celebration. The city is one of the best places in the entire country to watch the sun go down.

cherry blossom neighborhood
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Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C.

Each year, the nation's capital is turned a sweet shade of pink. Visitors attend the Cherry Blossom Festival to snap pictures, take in the sights, and catch the celebratory parade.

rainbow row charleston south carolina
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Rainbow Row in Charleston, South Carolina

These houses date all the way back to 1740, but weren't painted until the 1930s. The reason behind their bright makeover is not fully known, but theories include helping sailors find their way home to merchants making it clear what they were selling at the time.

usa, texas, san antonio, riverwalk, evening, elevated view
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San Antonio River Walk in Texas

With its fairytale-like views and vibrant umbrellas, it's no wonder why the San Antonio River Walk is the #1 attraction in Texas. Immerse yourself in the city's culture with the area's museums, restaurants, and more.

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Havasu Falls in Grand Canyon, Arizona

A true desert oasis, Havasu Falls adds a pop of turquoise to the Grand Canyon's dusty red rocks. The lush greenery surrounding the 100-foot waterfall only adds to the unbelievable beauty.

rainbow on steptoe butte
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Steptoe Butte State Park in Palouse, Washington

The rolling hills in this park almost appear as if they're moving and their colors are changing. It's 168 acres of pure magic.

blue bonnets in hill country, willow city loop road
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Bluebonnets in Willow City, Texas

As the official flower of the Lone Star State, bluebonnets can be found just about everywhere in Willow City, Texas. For an extra special adventure, take the Willow City Loop—a countryside drive that lets you get up close and personal with these gorgeous indigo flowers.

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