9 Most Beautiful Natural Wonders in the U.S.

Nothing manmade can rival Mother Nature at her finest, and this summer is a fabulous time to visitthe country's most gorgeous natural wonders. Whether you're planning a cross-country road trip ora quick weekend getaway, our home states are themselves home to some pretty breathtaking sightsthat are worth a visit. From Yosemite National Park in California to Hawaii's vast natural glory,these nine spots are the most beautiful natural wonders in the U.S. -- and arguably, in the world. Oh,and of course, we give you great hotel recommendations nearby for each (and many actually boastviews of our top Mother Nature picks).

Considered a sacred spot by many locals, Haleakala National Park is Maui's most-visited attraction,bringing in 1.3 million visitors annually. Haleakala, the world's largest dormant volcano, literallymeans "House of the Sun," a fitting name considering the spectacular sunrises that can be viewedfrom the summit.

Where to Stay: The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas

Not your typical time-share, this multifaceted Kaanapali resort features amenities that rival thearea's mid- to high-end hotel chains -- fitness center, kids' club - along with massive, stylish units andan atmosphere heavily geared to families.

Like Haleakala National Park, Snoqualmie Falls attracts over a million visitors a year; in fact, withabout 1.5 million making the trek to the breathtaking falls each year, it actually brings in even morevisitors than its Hawaiian counterpart. The 270-foot falls are surrounded by a two-acre park, whichboasts an observation deck with great views.

Where to Stay: Salish Lodge Spa

This historic property, which originally opened with only eight rooms back in 1916, is a popularromantic getaway and wedding destination. The restaurants feature beautiful views of the falls, andthe elegant spa has numerous signature treatments.

Included in Teton National Park, theTetons are a part of the larger RockyMountain Range, which bordersWyoming. During the winter months,they're ideal for skiing and during thesummer, visitors head to the mountainsfor hardcore hikes. All year round, theTetons make for a beautiful backdrop.

Where to Stay: Spring Creek Ranch

Nestled into the mountains, the SpringCreek Ranch has arguably the moststunning views of the Tetons in the area.It has a wide array of room categories,from standard hotel rooms to immensetwo-bedroom condos.

On the border between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in NorthAmerica, and one of the largest lakes in the world. Oh, and it's beautiful. It's particularly popular inthe summer months when visitors flock to its shores to swim, kayak, and hike.

Where to Stay: Franciscan Lakeside Lodge

Located on the shores of Lake Tahoe, the mid-range Franciscan Lakeside Lodge features cozycottages and rooms in a fun facts about solar energy woodsy, lakefront setting. While some roomsare tucked across the street from the lake in a darker, tree-covered area, the lakefront cottages haveexcellent views and open to the sandy beach and a private pier.

On Waikiki's east coast, Diamond Head is considered a state monument. Spanning a massive 475acres, the crater was formed over 300,000 during a single natural explosion. Today, visitors can hikearound the area while taking in the beautiful views and learning about the natural wonder's place inthe island's military history.

Where to Stay: Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki

Every one of earth hour the 541 rooms and suites at the upscale Hawaii Prince Hotel has an oceanview, overlooking the picturesque Ala Wai Yacht Harbor, and each room's large bay windows openwide to let in Pacific breezes.

The red rocks create a scenic background for many of Sedona's hotels and most popular attractionsand activities. The Red Rock State Park features tons of trails, and is the site for numerous spiritualand fitness-focused retreats.

Where to Stay: L'Auberge de Sedona

L'Auberge de Sedona has one of the most stunning natural settings in not just the Southwest, butthe country, with the picturesque Oak Creek running underneath shady trees, and Sedona's soaringred rocks suspended in the background.

Perhaps the best-known national park in the U.S., Yosemite National Park is not only an attractionunto itself, but is home to numerous natural wonders that are attractions themselves. Picturesquegranite cliffs and mountains (Half Dome and El Capitan being two of the most popular), windingstreams, beautiful waterfalls, and Giant Sequoias create a gorgeous backdrop to a summer vacation.

Where to Stay: The Ahwahnee

Nestled deep amongst the pine trees, cliffs, and canyons of Yosemite Valley is the 123-roomAhwahnee Hotel. The impressive stone and wood structure, built in 1927, is considered a NationalHistoric Landmark.

From camping to hiking to nature painting to kayaking, the Redwood National and State Parks arecertainly not at a loss of available activities. Of course, the massive (and breathtaking) redwoods area major attraction.

Where to Stay: Post Ranch Inn

The 39-room Post Ranch Inn is one of the most beautiful hotels in the United States -- if not theentire world -- and offers a romantic, intimate stay amid gorgeous natural surroundings. The hotel isbuilt into the cliffs of Big Sur, and the organic architecture is breathtaking, seeming to grow out ofthe ground beside the hotel's surrounding redwoods.

Kauai's north shore offers the easiest access to the Na Pali Coast, Kauai's isolated crown jewel,where the highway gives way to the Kalalau Trail's 11-mile hike through valleys and secludedbeaches. The coast is home to tons of wildlife, and visitors can access it either by foot, helicopter, orwater (on kayaks, boats, paddle boards, you name it...).

Where to Stay: Hanalei Colony Resort

No TVs or phones; instead, you get rare oceanfront views and hiking in the breathtaking Na PaliCoast. The pool's small, housekeeping only comes every third day, and there's little for breakfastother than bagels. But the 48 two-bedroom condos with full kitchens are worth the downsizedfeatures.