The United States whispers secrets in every landscape. Sun-kissed beaches murmur tales of crashing waves while ancient mountains stand guard over stories etched in time. But sometimes, you just want to know where to find the most breathtaking view, the one that stops you in your tracks and makes you gasp (or maybe even shed a happy tear). This guide is your key to unlocking those secrets state-by-state. So, let’s begin!
Alabama: Cheaha Mountain
Situated in the heart of the Talladega National Forest, Cheaha Mountain is the highest point in Alabama. At 2,407 feet, the summit offers panoramic views of lush forests and rolling hills. The stone observation tower at the top provides an ideal spot for soaking in the sunset or watching the fog lift in the early morning, revealing the vast expanse of green below.
Alaska: Denali
Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley, is Alaska’s crown jewel. At 20,310 feet, it is North America’s tallest peak, and its snow-capped summit is a sight to behold. On clear days, the view from Wonder Lake in Denali National Park showcases the mountain’s majestic reflection in the water, surrounded by vibrant wildflowers and diverse wildlife.
Arizona: Grand Canyon
No list of awe-inspiring views would be complete without mentioning the iconic Grand Canyon. Carved by the mighty Colorado River over millions of years, this natural wonder stretches 277 miles across Arizona, revealing layers of geological history with each glance. The Grand Canyon never fails to leave visitors awestruck by its sheer magnitude and beauty.
Arkansas: Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag)
Whitaker Point, or Hawksbill Crag, is a stunning rock formation in the Ozark National Forest. The crag juts out dramatically over the lush forest below, providing a perfect perch for taking in the expansive views of the Buffalo River Valley. In spring, the surrounding forest bursts into a vibrant display of wildflowers, enhancing the view.
California: Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley is a paradise for nature lovers. Featuring granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush meadows, it’s a visual feast. The view from Tunnel View, especially at sunrise or sunset, captures El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall in one breathtaking panorama.
Colorado: Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells are two iconic peaks in the Elk Mountains near Aspen. With stunning reflections in Maroon Lake, these twin peaks are often cited as the most photographed mountains in North America. In autumn, the surrounding aspens turn brilliant gold, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty.
Connecticut: Sleeping Giant State Park
The hike to the Mount Carmel top rewards visitors with sweeping vistas of the Quinnipiac River Valley and the distant Long Island Sound. Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden offers stunning views from the stone observation. The mountain’s unique shape, resembling a reclining giant, brings charm to this scenic spot.
Delaware: Cape Henlopen State Park
Beautiful beaches and rolling dunes offer some of the best views in Delaware in the park. The observation tower near the beach provides a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, and the historic Cape Henlopen Lighthouse. The park is also a prime spot for birdwatching and enjoying coastal sunsets.
Florida: Dry Tortugas National Park
Florida isn’t just about theme parks and neon lights. Head out to Dry Tortugas National Park, a remote cluster of islands accessible only by ferry or seaplane. Among the park’s highlights is Fort Jefferson, a huge 19th-century fortress that seems to rise out of the turquoise waters. Explore the historic fort, snorkel in the crystal-clear coral reefs, and soak in the serenity of this untouched paradise. Dry Tortugas offers a glimpse of Florida’s forgotten past and a view unlike any other.
Georgia: Tallulah Gorge State Park
Tallulah Gorge, one of the most impressive canyons in the eastern United States, offers spectacular views from multiple overlooks. The gorge is nearly two miles long and 1,000 feet deep, with cascading waterfalls and rugged cliffs. The view from the North Rim Trail provides a breathtaking perspective of the gorge’s dramatic landscape and the roaring Tallulah River below.
Hawaii: Na Pali Coast
Hawaii is synonymous with paradise, and the Na Pali Coast on Kauai Island takes it to another level. Here, you see emerald green cliffs plunging dramatically into the sapphire-hued Pacific Ocean, creating a landscape that seems ripped straight from a postcard. Hike the Kalalau Trail for heart-stopping cliffside views, or take a boat tour to witness the majestic coastline from a different perspective. Keep your eyes peeled for breaching whales and playful dolphins—the Na Pali Coast is a breathtaking testament to Hawaii’s natural beauty.
Idaho: Thousand Springs Scenic Byway
Thousand Springs Scenic Byway lives up to its name—this 80-mile stretch boasts over a thousand natural springs cascading down volcanic rock cliffs. Take a drive along the byway, stopping to marvel at the waterfalls of all shapes and sizes. Shoshone Falls, nicknamed “The Niagara of the West,” is a must-see, with its powerful waters plunging over a 212-foot ledge.
Illinois: Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park offers a view with a rich historical twist. Visitors can climb to the top of Starved Rock, a tall sandstone mesa overlooking the Illinois River. Native American tribes used the rock as a refuge for centuries, and their legacy is still felt in the surrounding landscape. The river valley is a spectacular sight, and you can explore the remnants of Fort St. Louis, an 18th-century French colonial fort.
Indiana: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
This park has towering sand dunes overlooking the vast expanse of Lake Michigan. Go for a hike through rolling dunes that feel like a mini-Sahara, or stroll along the sandy beach and feel the cool lake breeze on your face. Sunrise over the dunes is a magical sight, painting the sand in a soft golden glow.
Iowa: High Trestle Trail Bridge
Iowa’s rolling farmlands take on a new dimension with the High Trestle Trail Bridge. This converted railroad bridge is now a walking and biking trail, offering stunning views of the Boone River Valley below. The bridge is a feat of engineering, with its impressive 1,300-foot length and 160-foot height.
Kansas: Monument Rocks
You can explore rocks here, a cluster of eroded chalk formations that rise dramatically from the flat plains, marveling at their unique shapes and textures. These natural sentinels, some reaching 250 feet tall, have stood guard for millions of years, witnessing the transformation of the landscape. The formations are bathed in a fiery glow as the sun sets, creating a truly unforgettable image.
Kentucky: Mammoth Cave National Park
Descend into a world of wonder at Mammoth Cave National Park. This labyrinthine cave system is the longest in the world, with over 400 miles of explored passageways. Set off on a guided tour, marveling at towering cave formations like stalactites and stalagmites, glistening with an otherworldly beauty. A boat ride on the Echo River takes you through a dark, silent passage, offering a glimpse of the cave’s hidden depths.
Louisiana: Oak Alley Plantation
Louisiana’s rich history comes alive at Oak Alley Plantation. It is a picturesque antebellum mansion flanked by a breathtaking avenue of ancient oak trees, their gnarled branches creating a dramatic tunnel of greenery. Step back in time as you explore the meticulously restored mansion and wander the lush gardens. You can find grand Southern balls held under the shade of these majestic oaks—Oak Alley Plantation offers a glimpse into a bygone era with a touch of Southern charm.
Maine: Acadia National Park
Wrap yourself in the rugged beauty of Acadia National Park on the coast of Maine. You can explore the rocky coastlines battered by crashing waves, hike through Acadia’s iconic mountains, or kayak through serene bays teeming with marine life. Ascend Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast, for panoramic views of the park’s diverse landscape. Sunrise over the ocean paints the sky in vibrant hues, making for an unforgettable start to your exploration of Acadia’s wild beauty.
Maryland: Assateague Island National Seashore
This barrier island has pristine beaches, rolling sand dunes, and salt marshes teeming with wildlife. Assateague Island offers a sense of tranquility and a connection to nature that’s hard to find elsewhere. Relax on the beach with a good book, or take a horseback riding tour through the dunes for a unique perspective. See the island’s wild horses, their coats shimmering in the sunlight as they roam freely across the landscape.
Massachusetts: Martha’s Vineyard
Off the coast of Cape Cod, this island offers a quintessential New England experience. Some activities you can do is view quaint villages lined with clapboard houses, bask on pristine beaches, or bike along scenic coastal paths. Martha’s Vineyard is a picture-perfect escape, offering a view of a slower pace of life.
Michigan: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula stuns with the dramatic beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Kayak along the base of towering sandstone cliffs sculpted by wind and water over millennia. These cliffs are a natural artist’s palette, adorned with vibrant red, orange, yellow, and black colors.
Minnesota: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Embrace the call of the wild in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This untouched landscape offers a breathtaking panorama of towering pines, sparkling lakes, and granite cliffs—a view best experienced from the quiet solitude of a canoe. Paddle across a vast network of interconnected lakes dotted with over 1,200 islands. Camp under a star-studded sky, listen to the haunting call of loons and witness the pristine beauty of the northern Minnesota wilderness.
Mississippi: Natchez Trace Parkway
A historical road trip along the Natchez Trace Parkway awaits you. The scenic route winds its way through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, following the path of an ancient Native American trail. Drive past rolling hills, dense forests, and charming antebellum towns. Stop at historic sites like battlefields and plantations and soak in the stories whispered by the wind through the trees.
Missouri: Gateway Arch
Soar to new heights (figuratively) at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Take a tram ride to the top of this awe-inspiring stainless-steel monument for panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the bustling city below. The arch itself is a marvel of engineering, gleaming in the sunlight and reflecting the ever-changing colors of the sky. Standing at the top, you’ll gain a new perspective on the gateway to the West and the mighty Mississippi River.
Montana: Glacier National Park
Imagine a landscape sculpted by glaciers, where turquoise lakes reflect snow-capped peaks and wildflowers paint the meadows in vibrant hues. Welcome to Glacier National Park, Montana’s crown jewel. Lace up your hiking boots and explore alpine meadows bursting with life, or take a scenic boat ride on Lake McDonald, the largest body of water in the park. Look out for grizzly bears lumbering across the landscape, playful marmots perched on rocks, and bald eagles soaring overhead.
Nebraska: Sandhill Crane Migration
You will be awestruck to see the Sandhill Crane migration in Nebraska. Each spring, hundreds of thousands of these majestic birds descend on the Platte River to rest and refuel before continuing their northward journey. Picture the sky painted with a tapestry of white wings as the cranes fly in synchronized formations, their calls echoing across the vast plains. This awe-inspiring display of nature’s beauty is a sight you won’t soon forget.
Nevada: Great Basin National Park
The true star of the show here is the night sky. Due to minimal light pollution, the Great Basin offers some of the clearest skies in the lower 48 states. This hidden gem also features towering limestone mountains, bristlecone pine forests—some of the world’s oldest trees—and Lehman Caves, a subterranean wonderland filled with glittering stalactites and stalagmites.
New Hampshire: Mount Washington
Challenge yourself with a climb (or cog railway ride) up Mount Washington, New England’s highest peak. Brace yourself for the unpredictable weather—Mount Washington records the highest wind speed in the US! But the reward for your bravery is a stunning panorama of rolling mountains, pristine lakes, and quaint villages nestled in the valleys below. On a clear day, you might even see the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.
New Jersey: Cape May
If a charming seaside town with a collection of Victorian-era gingerbread cottages with colorful porches and meticulously manicured lawns is what you are looking for, this is the right place. Stroll along the historic boardwalk, relax on the sandy beaches, or take a bike ride along the scenic coastline. As the sun sets, the pastel-colored houses are bathed in a warm glow, creating a picture-perfect postcard scene.
New Mexico: White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park is a surreal and breathtaking expanse, unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Hike through the dunes, feeling the soft sand beneath your feet, or rent a sand sled and zoom down the slopes for an adrenaline rush. At sunrise or sunset, the dunes transform into a sea of golden light, creating a truly magical spectacle.
New York: Niagara Falls
Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer force and majesty of Niagara Falls. This iconic natural wonder straddles the border between New York and Canada, and the sight of water cascading over the cliffs is guaranteed to take your breath away. Feel the mist on your face as you stand at the brink of the falls, or take a boat tour for a closer look at the churning water.
North Carolina: Blue Ridge Parkway
North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-do in the fall when the mountains explode with fiery hues of red, orange, and yellow. Stop at overlooks for breathtaking panoramas of valleys cloaked in fall foliage, or take a hike to experience the changing leaves up close. Keep an eye out for waterfalls cascading down mountainsides, adding a touch of movement to the stunning landscape.
North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Step into a landscape sculpted by millions of years of erosion at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Check out the rugged badlands, a labyrinth of colorful rock formations, towering buttes, and deep canyons. You can go hiking through grasslands teeming with wildlife or take a scenic drive and marvel at the ever-changing vistas.
Ohio: Hocking Hills State Park
It’s time to escape the ordinary and discover the hidden gem of Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio. This park has a network of cascading waterfalls, deep gorges, and dramatic rock formations. Walk up the sandstone cliffs carved by glaciers, or take a dip in a cool pool beneath a cascading waterfall on a hot summer day.
Oklahoma: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Oklahoma’s Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers a breathtaking view that blends natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. For panoramic vistas of the surrounding plains, climb to the top of Mount Scott, the refuge’s highest peak. Look out for grazing bison, majestic symbols of the American West. Explore historic sites like Fort Sill, a reminder of the area’s colorful past.
Oregon: Multnomah Falls
Oregon is famous for its dramatic waterfalls, and Multnomah Falls is the undisputed crown jewel. This majestic waterfall plunges 620 feet down a moss-covered cliff, its power creating a constant mist that shimmers in the sunlight. From the top of the falls, you can see the cascading water and lush Columbia River Gorge below. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of snow-capped Mount Hood in the distance.
Pennsylvania: Horseshoe Bend
This secluded spot along the Susquehanna River features a dramatic bend framed by lush greenery, creating a picture-perfect postcard scene. Rent a kayak and explore the peaceful river from a different perspective, or simply relax on the riverbank and listen to the gentle murmur of the water.
Rhode Island: Cliff Walk
Challenge your sense of adventure with a walk along the Cliff Walk in Newport. The scenic walkway clings precariously to the rocky cliffs, offering heart-stopping views of the churning Atlantic Ocean below. Spot majestic sailboats gliding across the waves or observe playful dolphins and seals. As the sun sets, the sky explodes with vibrant colors, painting the cliffs in a fiery glow.
South Carolina: Hunting Island State Park
The barrier island boasts pristine beaches with soft, white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Climb to the top of the island’s historic lighthouse for panoramic views of the vast coastline encompassing the Atlantic Ocean. Explore maritime forests teeming with wildlife, or kayak through the island’s serene saltwater lagoons.
South Dakota: Badlands National Park
Traverse a labyrinth of colorful rock formations, towering buttes, and deep canyons where time seems to have stood still. Jump on a scenic drive, letting the ever-changing vistas unfold before you. Be on the look out for bighorn sheep grazing on the rugged terrain, their presence adding a touch of life to this dramatic landscape.
Tennessee: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Feeling adventurous? Scramble up the South Rim for jaw-dropping panoramic views of the desert stretching out forever. But the real magic happens after dark. With zero light pollution, Big Bend has some of the darkest skies. Lie back on a blanket and stare up at a million twinkling stars—it’s like having your own personal planetarium.
Utah: Arches National Park
Featuring a breathtaking collection of over 2,000 sandstone arches, the park is worth visiting. Stand in awe beneath Delicate Arch, a symbol of the park, or explore Landscape Arch, the longest natural arch in the world. The park has canyons adorned with intricate rock formations, each one a testament to nature’s artistry.
Vermont: Long Trail
Autumn in Vermont transforms the Long Trail, the state’s longest hiking footpath, into a breathtaking spectacle. Set off on a scenic trek surrounded by sugar maples ablaze in fiery red, orange, and yellow hues. Descend into valleys carpeted with fallen leaves, and the crisp autumn air invigorates your senses. Ascend a mountain peak for panoramic views of the colorful landscape stretching towards the horizon.
Virginia: Skyline Drive
As the sun rises over Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, get on a breathtaking journey along Skyline Drive. This iconic roadway meanders through a lush expanse of emerald peaks, offering stunning vistas at every turn. Pause at overlooks to marvel at the rolling hills and distant mountains shrouded in a gentle blue mist. Keep an eye out for playful deer grazing in the meadows and majestic hawks gliding above.
Washington: Olympic National Park
Immerse yourself in Olympic National Park’s symphony of diverse ecosystems. Explore the lush rainforests teeming with ancient trees draped in moss, a scene reminiscent of a fairytale. Hike through wildflower meadows bursting with vibrant colors, or climb to the summit of snow-capped mountains for breathtaking panoramic views. Head to the rugged coastline and witness the Pacific Ocean crashing against dramatic cliffs.
West Virginia: New River Gorge Bridge
Challenge your sense of heights with a visit to the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest steel-arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. Spanning a dramatic canyon carved by the New River, this awe-inspiring structure offers stunning views that will leave you speechless. You can take a walk across the bridge for a heart-pounding yet exhilarating experience, or simply pull over at a scenic overlook and admire the bridge’s majestic presence against the backdrop of the rugged canyon.
Wisconsin: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Set off on a kayaking adventure through a breathtaking archipelago at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Paddle past towering sandstone sea cliffs adorned with historic lighthouses, remnants of the area’s rich maritime past. Explore hidden coves teeming with wildlife, or navigate sea caves for a unique perspective. As the sun sets, the sky bursts in a vibrant display of colors, reflecting on the still waters of Lake Superior.
Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park
Witness a geothermal wonderland teeming with life at Yellowstone National Park. Marvel at vibrant geysers erupting with boiling water, colorful hot springs bubbling beneath the Earth’s surface, and mud pots churning with otherworldly energy. Don’t forget to take in the natural beauty of Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-altitude lake in North America.
