Creating a ranking of the greatest vistas across the US is no walk in the park. Some of the world’s most famous mountains, cityscapes, rivers, and landmarks call this land home, making for an exceptionally heated debate. While your rundown of the best views in America's 50 states may differ, this is where you can bet your bottom dollar we’d be pointing our cameras.
Read on to discover our ranking of the best view in every state...
Despite being one of America’s oldest cast-iron lighthouses, this 64-foot Gulf Coast icon has come to represent strength and resilience after surviving Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Climb its 57 spiraling steps, followed by an eight-rung ladder and a small trapdoor, to reach the top viewing platform. The reward? A stunning panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico and the white sandy beaches of Biloxi Bay.
The famous Blue Whale of Catoosa, a beloved Route 66 icon, may be one of Oklahoma’s quirkiest landmarks, but when it comes to natural beauty, this 77-foot cascade takes the spotlight. As one of the state's two tallest waterfalls – the other is Natural Falls in the Ozark Highlands – it's a breathtaking sight.
Given that Iowa boasts over 70,000 miles of river, we’ve got to go water-based for this central state’s best view. Point Ann Overlook in Pikes Peak State Park stands 500 feet above where the mighty Mississippi meets the Wisconsin.
From this vantage point, the roaring freshwater below is dramatic at the best of times, but even more so during winter, when drifting ice floes enhance the natural spectacle.
It's hard to believe that this stone observation tower in Meriden is just 125 years old. Perched atop East Peak, it offers sweeping views of the Greater Meriden area, stretching as far as Long Island Sound on a clear day, with Long Island itself sometimes visible on the horizon.
To the dwellers of ye olde Europe, it’d look more at home atop an ancient Scottish fortress or jutting out of a salt-beaten Cornish coastline. Still, she’s a beauty worthy of any camera lens, especially at sunset.
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With just 1.5 inches of layered glass separating you from a 103-story drop, the transparent balconies of the Willis Tower’s Skydeck in Chicago aren’t for the faint-hearted.
If you can stomach the height, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views stretching up to 50 miles, spanning Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Still, it might be best to save that deep-dish pizza for after you’re back on solid ground.
Head to Kansas and you'll find some of the last remaining stretches of the country’s once-vast prairies, where American bison used to roam in enormous herds. Today, less than 4% of the original tallgrass prairie remains, making it one of the rarest ecosystems in the world.
All the more reason, then, to head for Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in the Flint Hills region, dubbed one of the 'Eight Wonders of Kansas' in 2008. Breathe in the air under its huge skies, and hope for a glimpse of the park's bison herd, which was successfully reintroduced in 2009.
Delaware is a top destination for seafood, especially its famous blue crabs and locally harvested oysters. If you're not fueling up on fresh saltwater fare, you're missing out on one of the state's finest offerings. The same goes for the views – there’s no better way to end a meal than with a coastal stroll.
For a scenic vantage point, head to Lewes Beach or the fishing pier at Cape Henlopen State Park, where you can take in sweeping views of the Delaware Bay. From here, you’ll spot the Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse, a historic beacon that has stood offshore since 1885. Though only accessible by boat, it remains a striking tribute to Delaware’s rich maritime heritage, framed by the open water and passing ships.
No trip through Texas feels complete without a stop in Marfa, the tiny desert city that has become a hub for alternative, minimalist, and site-specific art. The best example? Prada Marfa, a permanent sculptural installation by artists Elmgreen & Dragset.
Sitting off US Route 90, about 26 miles northwest of Marfa, this sealed, non-functional Prada storefront houses luxury goods from the 2005 collection. And there’s plenty more where that came from – Marfa is also home to the Chinati Foundation and the ever-evolving exhibitions at Ballroom Marfa, making it a must-visit for lovers of the unexpected.
Known as the 'Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania', this 47-mile-long gorge is a kayaking and fishing hotspot, with Pine Creek flowing along its floor. The gorge plunges up to 1,450 feet at its deepest point, offering dramatic landscapes best viewed from above.
For the most spectacular vantage point, Leonard Harrison State Park, perched on the east rim, provides panoramic views of the canyon. The best time to visit? When the fall foliage transforms the landscape into a stunning mix of amber, gold, and crimson.
We’re not about to argue with the famously friendly folk of Georgia, so hop up on to the Jackson Street Bridge for what the state tourist board calls 'THE most exquisite view of the Downtown skyline' (capital letters and all). Big fan of the undead apocalypse? You’ll recognize this urban vista from the first season of zombie series The Walking Dead.
This is the kind of place that comes to mind when meditating – miles of sandy beaches, towering bluffs, sweeping views of Lake Michigan, and lush forests that change with the seasons. Located along the lake’s eastern shoreline in northwestern Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a retreat into nature at its finest.
For the best view of this stunning national lakeshore, make your way to the Empire Bluff Trail. The 1.5-mile round-trip hike winds through a beech-maple forest before opening up to panoramic views from 400 feet above the only Great Lake located entirely within the United States.
At 6,643 feet, Kuwohi – formerly known as Clingmans Dome – is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the tallest peak in Tennessee. Topping it is a 45-foot-tall concrete observation tower, a strikingly futuristic structure that offers the best vantage point in the park.
From here, you get a full 360-degree panorama of the Smoky Mountains – on a clear day, the view stretches for over 100 miles across multiple states. The half-mile paved trail to the summit is steep, but the reward is the most breathtaking view in the region.
A dream destination for adrenalin and photography junkies alike, Mount Magazine offers rolling views across the Petit Jean River Valley, Blue Mountain Lake, and the surrounding Ozark National Forest – often punctuated by technical rock climbers scaling its cliffs and hang gliders soaring from designated launch sites.
Would you take this list seriously without the inclusion of Mount Rushmore? Carved into the granite cliffs of South Dakota’s Black Hills, the 60-foot-tall faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln symbolize the nation’s birth, growth, development, and preservation.
For the best view, head to the Grand View Terrace, where the sculptures can be seen in full, framed by the rugged landscape that surrounds them.
It’s tough to pick just one standout spot in the stunning Red River Gorge, located within Daniel Boone National Forest – its winding trails, dramatic rock formations, natural arches, and waterfalls all deserve recognition.
But if there’s a true winner, it’s fall, when the forest blazes with fiery hues. For the best view, take the Auxier Ridge Trail to Haystack Rock, where a sweeping overlook of the gorge makes it our top pick for experiencing the season’s breathtaking transformation.
Denali doesn’t play by the weather’s rules. At 20,310 feet, North America’s highest peak often creates its own weather systems, frequently shrouding itself in clouds and disappointing thousands of sightseers. But that’s exactly what makes a rare clear day so special.
This coveted alpinist’s challenge is breathtaking when fully visible, and one of the best vantage points is Byers Lake in Denali State Park. On a still day, the mountain’s reflection dances on the water, making it a must-see for those lucky enough to catch a glimpse.
A trip to Massachusetts without experiencing the drama and sporting history of Fenway Park – home of the Boston Red Sox – is like leaving onions and condiments off your stadium hot dog – a real swing and a miss.
The most famous seat in the house is The Red Seat – a lone crimson dot in a sea of green in Section 42 of the right-field bleachers. It marks the spot where Ted Williams launched the longest home run in Fenway history on June 9, 1946, a 502-foot blast that punctured a spectator’s straw hat.
Millions of visitors come to soak in the beauty of Indiana Dunes National Park each year. But that’s not the only impressive number tied to this stunning lakeside escape. The park is home to over a thousand native plant species, making it one of the most botanically diverse areas in the US.
For the best views, especially at sunset, head to West Beach, which offers stunning vistas of Lake Michigan, sand dunes, and even a distant Chicago skyline on clear days.
Louisiana is home to nearly three million acres of coastal wetlands, making it one of the most ecologically rich and diverse landscapes in the United States. Lake Martin, part of the Cypress Island Preserve, is a prime example of this untamed beauty, where cypress trees draped in Spanish moss rise from the still waters.
The lake is also teeming with wildlife – herons and egrets wade through the shallows while alligators lurk just beneath the surface. Both otherworldly and distinctly Southern, it’s an essential stop for those drawn to the charm of Louisiana’s wild heart.
At just 37 miles wide and 48 miles long, Rhode Island is the smallest state in the USA, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in coastline – 400 miles of it, including bays and inlets.
For a sunset to remember, head to Castle Hill Lighthouse in Newport, where the historic stone beacon stands watch over the entrance to the East Passage of Narragansett Bay. Perched on the rocky shoreline, it’s the perfect spot to watch the waves roll in as the sky fades to gold.
You’d be forgiven for standing on Cheaha’s natural balcony and losing yourself in the view – a vast sea of emerald forest stretching to the horizon. From this height, the rolling hills of Talladega National Forest seem endless, especially at sunrise or sunset when the landscape is bathed in gold.
But if you feel like you’re being watched, you might not be wrong – this is Sasquatch country, after all. Before you leave, take a stroll on the Bigfoot Trail, a themed loop that celebrates local legend. And for the ultimate perspective, make your way to Alabama’s highest point, marked by the Bunker Observation Tower, where the entire Appalachian foothills unfold before you.
Peacham's pristine landscape has made it Vermont's most photographed town. Distant hills meet historic barns and maple groves, all encircling a quintessential town center where the white-steepled Congregational Church has watched over this farming community since 1806. Forget your NYC hustle and your LA bustle. This is real American living.
‘Badlands’? An unfairly negative name for this ruggedly beautiful landscape within Theodore Roosevelt National Park. While early French explorers called them 'les mauvaises terres à traverser' ('bad lands to travel across') due to the challenging terrain, there’s nothing unpleasant about the views today – especially from the Painted Canyon Overlook.
That name, at least, is entirely fitting. From this vantage point, you’ll see a stunning panorama of colorful rock formations, where layers of red, orange, and gold tell the story of millions of years of geological history.
An undisputed architectural icon, Ocean Drive is the heart of Miami’s Art Deco Historic District, where pastel-hued façades, neon lights, and sleek geometric designs create a scene unlike anywhere else.
Built primarily in the 1920s and 30s, these colorful buildings – set against a backdrop of swaying palms and the turquoise waters of South Beach – capture the city’s mix of history, glamor, and tropical allure.
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With a name like 'Garden of the Gods', expectations are high for this natural wonder in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain foothills. But if you’re picturing lush, Eden-like gardens, think again. It's a place of raw, untamed beauty, where towering sandstone spires and jagged ridges rise dramatically against the backdrop of Pikes Peak.
These fiery red formations, sculpted by millions of years of geological upheaval and erosion, seem almost otherworldly – especially Balanced Rock, which appears to defy gravity. Whether you’re hiking, rock climbing, or simply gawping in awe, this landscape more than lives up to its name.
Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside may be a small park, but the panoramic views it delivers are anything but. Perched in the lush forests of Tantalus, this scenic overlook offers a sweeping, postcard-perfect perspective of Honolulu’s most iconic landmarks.
In just one turn of the head, you’ll take in Diamond Head’s unmistakable silhouette, the golden shores of Waikīkī, the modern skyline of downtown Honolulu, and the strikingly symmetrical Punchbowl Crater. It's a must-visit for anyone wanting to see the island’s natural and urban beauty collide.
Often called the 'Niagara of the West', this majestic cascade towers 45 feet higher than Niagara Falls and, at peak flow, sends up to 20,000 cubic feet of Snake River water crashing over its rugged basalt cliffs every second.
Dramatic? Without question. Especially in spring, when snowmelt from the Rocky Mountains transforms the falls into a thunderous spectacle of mist and raw power.
If you're a history buff, you’ll want to set your sights on the Potomac River when visiting Maryland. This storied waterway has shaped the nation’s past – George Washington was born and died along its banks, Indigenous peoples used it as a vital trade route, and during the Civil War, it served as a stark dividing line between the Union and the Confederacy.
Today, history and modernity collide at National Harbor, where the river reflects the glow of towering hotels, buzzing waterfront attractions, and the shimmering lights of the Capital Wheel.
After Alaska, Minnesota is the northernmost state in the contiguous US. Add to this its many dark sky areas, and you’re in for an aurora borealis bonanza. The mountain ski resort of Lutsen is a great spot to catch it with your camera, so too is Split Rock lighthouse, or one of Minnesota’s almost 12,000 lakes (such as Little Sand Lake, pictured) for a reflective double whammy.
There’s something alien about St. Louis’s famous stainless steel monument. Fitting, really, as the views from beneath and atop its 630-foot frame are out of this world.
Look east, and you’ll see the Mississippi River, its waters dotted with passing barges and riverboats. Turn west, and the skyline of downtown St. Louis stretches out. On a clear day, the 360-degree panorama extends up to 30 miles in all directions.
Norman Maclean immortalized Montana’s wild beauty in his 1976 novel A River Runs Through It, famously concluding: 'I am haunted by waters'. While he was referring to the state’s legendary trout streams, take a hike along the Grinnell Glacier Trail, and you’ll understand the sentiment.
This is a view that stays with you forever – a breathtaking landscape of alpine lakes, sheer cliffs, and ice-carved valleys. All the more poignant, given that climate scientists warn Grinnell Glacier is rapidly shrinking and could disappear within the coming decades.
We’re going 'all in' on the Skypod at The STRAT – because when it comes to views of Las Vegas, this is the highest and most spectacular vantage point in the city. Perched atop the 1,149-foot-tall STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower, the Skypod’s observation deck delivers 360-degree panoramas of the Las Vegas Strip, surrounding desert, and distant mountains.
If you prefer your breathtaking views with a side of adrenalin, the tower ups the ante with three heart-pounding rides: Big Shot launches you skyward, Insanity spins you over the edge, and X-Scream teeters like a roller coaster in freefall.
Sure, New Hampshire is home to Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast. And yes, on a clear day, you can see five states and even into Canada from its summit. But the climb is challenging even in good weather, and on a notoriously windy day, it can be downright treacherous.
That’s why Artist’s Bluff on a crisp afternoon is more our speed. From this short but rewarding trail, you get a picture-perfect view of Echo Lake and the rolling peaks of the White Mountain National Forest, bathed in fiery fall colors. Honestly, who can argue with that?
When it comes to dramatic river views, the Delaware Water Gap sets the standard. Here, the Delaware River carves a striking passage through the Appalachian Mountains, creating a landscape that’s as rugged as it is breathtaking.
The best vantage point is up for debate – but it’s hard to beat the view from Mount Tammany. From its 1,526-foot summit, you get a sweeping panorama of the river snaking through the gap, with rolling peaks and forested ridges stretching far beyond the horizon.
The Rio Grande Gorge near Taos plunges 800 feet through millions of years’ worth of volcanic rock, forming one of New Mexico’s most dramatic natural wonders. Spanning the canyon, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge offers a thrilling vantage point, soaring 650 feet above the river.
If simply looking down isn’t enough excitement, head below for some of the best whitewater rafting in the Southwest. The Taos Box section of the Rio Grande delivers world-class rapids in peak season, where Class III-IV whitewater churns through sheer canyon walls, promising an unforgettable ride through this rugged landscape.
Ohio may be better known for raucous rock and roll than for enchanted fairytale hideaways, but Ash Cave proves the Buckeye State has a bit of both. Tucked within Hocking Hills State Park, this massive sandstone recess cave – 700 feet wide and 100 feet deep – feels like something out of a storybook.
Sunlight filters through the trees, casting a golden glow on the sheer rock walls, while a delicate seasonal waterfall completes the scene. It’s a world away from Ohio’s loud, legendary music history, yet a reminder that this state truly has it all.
From Top of the Rock’s 850-foot-high observation deck, you’ll get a 360-degree view of Manhattan’s record-breaking giants. That includes the Empire State Building, which reigned as the world’s tallest skyscraper for nearly 40 years and was once informally dubbed the 'eighth wonder of the world'.
You’ll also spot One World Trade Center, the tallest building in America at 1,776 feet, and Central Park Tower, which, at 1,550 feet, holds the title of tallest residential skyscraper in the world. If you’re wondering what it costs to live that high, a unit in Central Park Tower starts at around $7 million – with penthouses soaring well past $100 million.
Once your knees stop shaking from climbing the 499 steps to the top of Chimney Rock, a 500-million-year-old rock formation, take a moment to soak up the breathtaking views of Hickory Nut Gorge.
If it looks familiar, that’s because this dramatic landscape served as a filming location for the 1992 film The Last of the Mohicans – with Hickory Nut Falls making an appearance in the climactic chase scene. For those who prefer a less strenuous route, an elevator is available to whisk visitors to the summit.
If you’ve ever wondered how the Blue Ridge Mountains got their name, there’s no better place to find out than Caesars Head Overlook in Greenville County’s Caesars Head State Park.
Perched at over 3,200 feet, this dramatic viewpoint offers a panorama of rolling mountain ridges that, true to their name, appear hazy blue in the distance – a result of natural light scattering and the release of hydrocarbons from the forest’s dense vegetation. On clear days, you can see as far as North Carolina and Georgia, making this one of South Carolina’s most spectacular scenic stops.
This towering icon of Utah’s red rock country is perhaps the most improbable natural sculpture in Arches National Park, which boasts over 2,000 natural stone arches – the largest concentration in the world.
At 52 feet tall and 32 feet wide, Delicate Arch is the park’s largest freestanding arch, standing alone like a monument to time and erosion. As the sun sets, its iron-rich sandstone glows a fiery orange, perfectly framing the snow-capped La Sal Mountains in the distance. It’s no wonder this spot is one of Utah’s most photographed landscapes.
Perched high on the East Bluff of Devil’s Lake State Park, Devil’s Doorway is formed by towering quartzite pillars, sculpted by 1.6 billion years of erosion, creating a striking rock window with panoramic views of Devil’s Lake and the surrounding bluffs.
As Wisconsin’s most-visited state park, Devil’s Lake draws millions of visitors each year, and the hike to Devil’s Doorway via the East Bluff Trail is a must for those seeking a breathtaking perspective. With 30 miles of trails, 500-foot-high cliffs, and a pristine 369-acre lake, this landscape is as ancient as it is awe-inspiring.
Here’s a bucket list destination for anyone with a pair of hiking boots and a love for epic views. Perched at 3,197 feet, McAfee Knob is a dramatic rock outcrop along Catawba Mountain, offering one of the Appalachian Trail’s most iconic vistas.
Its overhanging ledge provides stunning views of the Catawba and Roanoke Valleys, framed by the rolling ridges of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
Not only does Cadillac Mountain have a name fit for an American icon, but its 1,530-foot summit is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard. From here, you’ll get unparalleled views of Acadia National Park, Frenchman Bay, and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
And if you're an early riser, you’re in for something special – from early October to early March, Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the continental US to witness the sunrise, making it a bucket-list spot for dawn chasers.
Rising 800 feet above the North Platte River Valley, Scotts Bluff National Monument has long been a beacon for travelers – first for Indigenous tribes, then for fur traders and pioneers navigating the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails.
Today, its towering sandstone and limestone formations, summit trails, and expansive prairie views make it a must-visit for history buffs and hikers. Whether you take the Saddle Rock Trail or drive the Summit Road, the panoramic views of Nebraska’s open plains are guaranteed to leave you in awe – just as they did for travelers centuries ago.
There’s something undeniably American about a massive steel bridge spanning a gorge as deep and wild as this one. The New River Gorge Bridge – soaring 876 feet above the New River – is a marvel of engineering, holding the title as the longest single-span arch bridge in the US.
Maybe it’s the contrast between old-world wilderness and modern innovation, or maybe it’s because everything’s bigger in America. Either way, there’s no better time to see it than in fall, when the copper-hued steel mirrors the reds, oranges, and yellows of the forested gorge below.
With its raw power, sheer basalt cliffs, and remote setting, Palouse Falls has the drama and poetry of an Icelandic cascade. Formed by the cataclysmic Missoula Floods over 12,000 years ago, Palouse Falls remains an untamed marvel, tucked away in the isolated canyons of southeastern Washington.
Born from one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in North America, Crater Lake was formed when Mount Mazama collapsed 7,700 years ago, leaving behind a deep, water-filled caldera. Today, it holds the title of the deepest lake in the United States, plunging to 1,949 feet – a staggering blue abyss fed solely by rain and snowmelt.
With nearly 90 miles of hiking trails, there’s no shortage of breathtaking viewpoints, but for sunrise chasers, Rim Drive is the place to be. For the most spectacular morning glow, head to Watchman Overlook or Cloudcap Overlook, where the first light of day illuminates the lake’s impossibly blue waters.
Perched at 7,214 feet, Yosemite’s Glacier Point offers the most cinematic panorama in the state. From here, you get a front-row seat to Half Dome, its sheer granite face glowing pink at sunset.
Below, Yosemite Falls thunders into the valley, while Clouds Rest, Vernal Fall, and the vast expanse of Yosemite Valley stretch out before you. If you're looking for California’s most awe-inspiring view, you just found it.
The reasons to visit the Grand Canyon are as endless as they are obvious. It’s a symbol of freedom, adventure, and the untamed beauty of the American West. But it’s also a sacred place, home to 11 Indigenous tribes, including the Hopi, Navajo, Havasupai, and Hualapai, who have deep ancestral ties to this awe-inspiring landscape.
Hopi tradition speaks of divine forces shaping the canyon, a tale that feels entirely believable when you gaze down into the mile-deep gorge from Hopi Point. One of the best overlooks on the South Rim, it offers a sweeping panorama of sheer cliffs and ancient rock layers – a place where geology and mythology collide.
Recognize this? That sweeping bend in Snake River and those jagged peaks of the Teton Range, were immortalized by Ansel Adams’ legendary 1942 photograph, The Tetons and the Snake River.
His black-and-white composition made this spot, the Snake River Overlook, one of the most famous landscapes in American photography. There’s no question – this is Wyoming’s most iconic view. And, we’d argue, the greatest vista in the United States.