I've been to all 50 states. Here are 8 of the most unique places I've visited in the US.

• Throughout my travels, I’ve come across many unique natural and human-made locations.
• A few of the unique places I’ve been to are Yellowstone National Park and Biosphere 2 in Arizona.

One of my favorite places to visit in the city is El Santuario de Chimayo. This Catholic church is a National Historic Landmark and a vibrant pilgrimage site that attracts about 300,000 visitors annually.

At over 200 years old, it’s unlike any place I’ve seen in the US. During Holy Week, pilgrims will walk for miles to reach the church and the dirt underneath, which is believed to be healing.

The grounds are open for anyone to visit, with shops clustered around with art and artifacts.

Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming is both beautiful and sacred.

It’s astonishing to see Wyoming’s Devils Tower (also known as Bear Lodge) come into view abruptly from the surrounding plains.

The first national monument in the country, the tower is a mesmerizing spectacle that’s sacred to many Native American tribes.

Measuring 867 feet from base to summit, Devils Tower feels both entirely out of place and perfectly situated in the stunning Black Hills of Wyoming.

Visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado feels like stepping into another world.

Great Sand Dunes National Park in southern Colorado is home to North America’s tallest dunes. Still, that alone isn’t what makes this such a distinctive part of the country.

The contrast between the towering dunes and the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains surrounding them turns an otherwise beautiful natural wonder into an otherworldly gem.

Visitors can hike or sled on the dunes for an outdoor adventure like no other.

This story was originally published on February 16, 2024, and most recently updated on June 25, 2026.