Which one of these colorful vacation spots will you choose for your next getaway?
Some places in our beautiful country simply feel like they’ve simply been plucked straight out of an artist’s canvas, alive with animated colors and an irresistible charm that feels almost mystical. And we already know that the US is a breathtakingly scenic country to live in AND visit.
In fact, you’ll find various landscapes from coast to coast, with deserts, state parks, and mountains speckled and beautifully diverse. The best thing is that you get to choose your favorite, from remote Alaska to year-round summer fun in Hawaii.
But you can also head inland to mountain enclaves and lake towns or drive along the national shores scattered with hidden gems and island towns by the waters. These places will envelop you with scenery and an all-encompassing, colorful vibe.
But with so many options, which one should you pick? Well, I’ve made it easier for you! Here are my 6 favorite picturesque, colorful vacation spots, all breathtaking and in different states, for your next getaway in our stunning nation.
Charleston, South Carolina
Rainbow Row is a well-preserved and colorful historic Georgian row house in Charleston. Nestled along the eastern coast, this colorful vacation spot radiates southern charm with its pastel-colored antebellum structures lining Rainbow Row.
These historic homes, painted in soft blues, pinks, and yellows, reflect the city’s long past, which dates back to the 18th century. The rich hues of Rainbow Row date back to the 1930s when preservation-minded homeowners painted them in vibrant colors to restore their allure.
Nowadays, the bright exteriors are a beacon for beauty and history enthusiasts alike. While here, you can take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter, where you’ll see that the charming facades contrast beautifully against ornate iron balconies and dense greenery.
Photographers should try to visit in the early morning to capture the golden, soft light that brings this city’s colors to life. And since you’re already here, don’t forget to explore Waterfront Park while visiting this colorful vacation spot nearby for a picture-perfect view of the renowned Pineapple Fountain.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
New Mexico’s colorful traditional architecture, with ristras decorations and blue turquoise adobe-colored painted doors, is at the entrance garden. This colorful vacation spot in the southwestern part of the United States is filled with history and culture.
“The City Different” boasts rustic adobe architecture that’s painted in warm earthen tones like sand, terracotta, and cinnamon. These shades complement the remarkable turquoise sky and the surrounding high desert landscape, forming a harmonious color palette inspired by Mother Nature.
The town’s aesthetic is greatly influenced by its Spanish colonial and deep Native American history. You’ll find turquoise trim and accents on doors and windows, a homage to traditional Native American art. Canyon Road, the town’s most renowned street, is a burst of colors.
Art galleries adorn adobe-walled spots, showcasing vibrant contemporary works like intricate metal sculptures by James O’Connor and bold abstract paintings by Maria Lopez.
For photography buffs, sunset is the magical time in this colorful vacation spot when those earthy tones glow in golden shades, and the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains heighten into twilight purples.
Taos, New Mexico
Don’t leave New Mexico just yet, folks! This colorful vacation spot in the northern part of the state is revered for its adobe architecture, just as much as Santa Fe is.
And it brings a unique burst of color through its creative flair. Here, neutral tones and earthy browns are complemented by radiant turquoise accents, which is an homage to its Southwestern heritage and Native American roots. But the art scene in Taos is one of its crown jewels.
You’ll find many murals and galleries showcasing works inspired by the desert landscape and the area’s wealthy history. The famous Taos Pueblo, which, by the way, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an excellent example of color blending seamlessly with nature and history.
Sunrise and sunset are magical times to take pics of this colorful vacation spot, with the adobe walls shining under a soft desert light and the natural shades of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains enriching the town’s palette.
San Francisco, California
This colorful vacation spot’s famous “Painted Ladies” are some of the most photographed homes on the planet, and you’ll see why when you visit. These lovingly maintained Edwardian and Victorian townhomes are a rainbow of candy-like colors, think lavender, baby blue, mint green, and many others.
Alamo Square is where this picture-perfect lineup is framed by the stunning backdrop of the city’s modern skyline. But San Francisco’s color doesn’t just stop with its architecture.
Murals by renowned artists cover entire walls in the Mission District, including the iconic “Carnaval” mural by Daniel Galvez, adding layers upon layers of rich storytelling to this colorful vacation spot. The art usually reflects the region’s community struggles and diverse cultural heritage, making your visit visually captivating and thought-provoking.
You’ll find that the Painted Ladies will look best in the soft light of the late afternoon, while the Mission District murals are dynamic and vibrant under the midday sun. For an extra touch of color, go to the Golden Gate Bridge and get a quick glimpse of its International Orange tint, which glows vividly against the surrounding blues of sky, land, and sea.
Cape May, New Jersey
You’ll discover the lovely Cape May at the tip of the Parkway, where history and charm unite in the town’s Victorian district. Once you arrive, you won’t believe the many miles of Victorian beauty on a stroll along the candy-colored, intricate mansions.
I highly recommend staying at the Virginia Hotel to sleep in super-comfortable beds and eat at its top-tier restaurant with a laid-back atmosphere. Explore this colorful vacation spot on a leisurely hike with some of the best birdwatching opportunities in the nation between March and December.
You can also catch some prime whale-watching spots from the shores of this stunning region. So don’t forget to pack a camera! Stroll along the expansive beach and choose a place for the day on warm sands among the lulling ocean sounds and pleasing aesthetics.
With no chain restaurants or hotels, the homegrown vibe of this colorful vacation spot also adds to Cape May’s overall Victorian flair and charm, which complements nature’s scenic charm.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine, a.k.a. the oldest city in the United States of America, pretty much looks as though it jumped straight out of a very colorful history book.
Situated along the Sunshine State’s northeastern coast, this colorful vacation spot shines with hues of peach, coral, and cream, especially in the Spanish-influenced architecture of its structures.
Among this colorful vacation spot’s most vibrant sites is the Historic District, where cobblestone streets will lead you to landmarks like the opulent Ponce de Leon Hotel and the brightly adorned Lightner Museum.
Many color choices reflect its Spanish Colonial roots, with vivid stucco and clay exteriors designed to withstand the extreme Florida sun yet burst with energy.
For a bold splash of nature’s colors, make sure you visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, where the lush greenery and blues of the Atlantic Ocean and the towering black-and-white lighthouse contrast. And be sure to capture the beautiful town at dusk when the pastels soften under the orange and pink Floridian skies.
So which of these colorful vacation spots get YOUR vote? Let me know in the comments. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for more ideas on where to take your next trip, Must Have Adventures ALWAYS has your back!
For example, you’ll also want to check out: 11 Visitor-Friendly Cities in the US That Are Magical