These Wonderfully Whimsical Destinations Across The U.S. Will Absolutely Enchant You

Hailed by some as *the* Tree of Life, this giant Sitka spruce in Washington is a true natural wonder. Also called the Runaway Tree and the Kalaloch Tree, this massive spruce has stood stalwart in the face of erosion and relentless surf, causing many to wonder if it is, in fact, enchanted. Beneath the tree lies the Tree Root Cave, a cool and shallow respite from the elements. You'll find this tree in the Kalaloch Campground near the Kalaloch Lodge, Olympic Peninsula, and it's a marvel of nature that's truly something extraordinary to behold.

Whimsical architecture and windmills line the streets of Solvang, California, a place hailed as the Danish Capital of America. Solvang is a charming SoCal town filled with quaint shops and an iconic white and red windmill. This one-of-a-kind town houses a population of just under 6,000 residents, and its small-town charm is simply unforgettable -- no matter how many times you’ve visited. Embrace all things Denmark as you make your way through town; Danish bakeries, unique architecture, and tasty cuisine await throughout Solvang. The name means "sunny fields" in Danish, which is appropriate for the warm and sunny weather of Southern California.

In the Nevada desert, there is a man-made monolith that shines just as brightly as its Vegas brethren. A monumental artwork by Ugo Rondinone and produced by the Nevada Museum of Art and Art Production Fund, this collection of 33 colorful totems, dubbed Seven Magic Mountains, is undeniably whimsical. This is Nevada's very own Stonehenge; but unlike the original, it's completely a product of its surroundings: simultaneously desert-barren and Vegas-glamorous.

Take a look at this video of Seven Magic Mountain by @TravelingwithAndrew:

Within the wondrous expanse of Zion National Park, The Subway is a jaw-dropping scene that's undeniably magical. This hidden paradise, however, comes at a steep price: a grueling nine-mile hike through cragged cliffs and frigid pools and subterranean caverns. The journey, however, is as marvelous as the destination; complete with sun-dappled oases, cerulean-blue waters, and glittering caves that truly look otherworldly. It's one of the most magical places in the U.S.

If you've written off Colorado because you're more indoorsy than outdoorsy, allow us to introduce you to Georgetown. This Colorado town is pure whimsy and charm that's the perfect getaway for those looking to experience the splendor of Colorado *off* the trails -- and perhaps on the tracks. A quaint, picturesque town located in the Rocky Mountains, Georgetown is home to many Victorian-style buildings, which give it a fairy-tale atmosphere. Visitors can explore the town aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad, taking in magical mountain vistas, historic landmarks, and man-made marvels from the comfort of a classic train car.

For those seeking an immersive experience in the wilds of the American South, there's no place as wholly wondrous as Atchafalaya Basin. Stretching for over 140 miles from Simmesport to the Gulf of Mexico, the Atchafalaya Basin is the nation’s largest river swamp, and it's home to some of the world's most amazing flora and fauna. Within this region, compromised of about 70% forested habitat and 30% marsh and open water, more than 300 bird species have been identified, including the largest population of wintering American woodcock on the continent and the largest concentration of nesting bald eagles in the region. In other words, the Atchafalaya Basin is a real-life Garden of Eden.

The mountain town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, is impossibly charming and inviting; a Hallmark movie experience that's even better in real life. Known as the "Switzerland of America," Jim Thorpe is home to less than 5,000 residents and draws countless visitors each year to its many activities and a variety of annual festivals. Whether you choose to experience the town's numerous festivals, opt for a scenic ride aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, or wander the beguiling downtown -- staying overnight in the (notoriously haunted) Inn at Jim Thorpe, of course -- this is one of the most charming towns in the US sure to capture your heart.

There are numerous castles across the US that are straight out of a storybook, but none quite as mysterious and magical as Bannerman Castle. This structure was built in 1900 by Frank Bannerman, a military surplus dealer who, after the Spanish-American War, found himself with an excess of stock too big for his Manhattan shop. So in 1900, Bannerman purchased an island (as you do) and began constructing his battery. He wanted to honor his Scottish heritage by building the warehouse in the form of a giant castle. The large castle on the property functioned as storage for his arsenal, but he also built a castle residence for himself up on the hill. In 1918, Bannerman passed away, and construction on the massive castle suddenly ceased. It remained vacant and was damaged in a fire in 1920 when gunpowder exploded. While the castle certainly no longer resembles its glory days of the early 1900s, its remnants are still an impressive feat of architectural design, and a curious and captivating relic from another time and place.

Take a look at this video of Bannerman Castle by @OnlyInYourState:

It's hard to be more whimsical than a row of real-life gingerbread houses, which is what you'll find in Oak Bluff, Massachusetts. This row of homes -- dubbed the "Gingerbread Cottages" -- in Martha's Vineyard is impossibly charming and delightfully colorful. Most people become quite enchanted with the town of Oak Bluffs, especially after walking through its delightful gingerbread village. Established as a Methodist campground in the 19th century, the brightly colored houses in this neighborhood look as though they are straight out of a fairy tale -- and an inviting one, at that!

One of the most famous national parks in the country, Kenai Fjords National Park is an extraordinary expanse where the oceans, mountains, and ice meet. The park is comprised of 40 glaciers that stand as grand totems; while all are beautiful, Spire Cove quite literally stands apart. The Cove of Spires, as it's called, was formed over time as waves eroded the coastline, carving out caves, arches, and spires. This whimsical collection of spires is sublimely beautiful, and can be experienced up close on one of the park's cruise boat tours.

Hawaii is widely considered to be the closest thing to paradise, and Maui's Garden of Eden epitomizes this thought. This 26-acre garden is lush and lovely, with meandering walkways, beautiful picnic spaces, and coastal views -- if you're looking for an iconic Hawaiian rainbow, you'll likely find it here! The Garden's crowning glory is unquestionably its grove of rainbow eucalyptus trees. These plants, splattered with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, are easily Mother Nature's most marvelous artistic masterpieces in Hawaii. This is certainly one of the most beautiful places in the U.S.

Take a look at this video of Maui Garden of Eden by @GillanTravels: