20 Incredible And Iconic Views In America That You Must See In Your Lifetime

There’s something about taking in a great view — whether it’s the reward after a long hike, a vista seen along a scenic byway, an acclaimed attraction folks flock to see, or a celebrated natural wonder — that stokes and satisfies even the most insatiable wanderlust. Taking in something that is objectively, irrefutably beautiful, is a soul-filling, life-affirming experience with which pictures simply cannot compete. In America, these are places like the Grand Canyon, the National Mall, Mt. Rushmore, and the Golden Gate Bridge; views that are incredible, iconic, and bucket-list worthy. Below you’ll find some of the best scenic viewpoints in the U.S., and we hope you make a point to experience them all during your lifetime.

Best Coastline Views in the US

With over 95,000 miles of coastline in the U.S., you better believe spectacular views and scenery exist along the water. These are just a few of the most stunning coastline views in the U.S.

Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA

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• Location: Cape Elizabeth
• Known for: Portland Head Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in the U.S. and sits along the stunning rocky coastline.
• Where to stay nearby: Coveted Cape Cottage Home

The most photographed lighthouse in the country, Portland Head Light is a beautiful beacon located on one of the most remote corners of the country. Illuminated for the first time in 1791 by whale-oil lamps, this lighthouse sits within the beautifully landscaped grounds of Cape Elizabeth’s Fort Williams Park. This 92-foot-tall beacon captures the rugged coastal beauty of Maine; from its location on a commanding point at the southwestern entrance to the harbor, you can take in crisp salt air along with endless views of the choppy sea and cragged coastline for which the state is known. Your jaw will drop at this viewpoint.

Cadillac Mountain, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA

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• Location: Bar Harbor
• Known for: Cadillac Mountain is the Easternmost point in the Continental U.S. and experiences the first sunrise in the country.
• Where to stay nearby: Waterfront Home with direct access to Acadia National Park

Being the first in the U.S. to gaze upon the sunrise of a new day is an opportunity that shouldn't be passed up. There's nothing like experiencing the sunrise atop Cadillac Mountain, a place that, from around the second week in October through the first week of March, is the first place to see the sunrise in America. Accessible by car, it's the highest point on the East Coast, and even if you visit during the "off" season, the sunrises here are truly worth waking up early for.

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N? Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kauai County, HI, USA

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• Location: Kauai County
• Known for: The Nāpali Coast is comprised of dramatic cliffs, lush verdant valleys, gorgeous beaches, sea caves, and awe-inspiring waterfalls.
• Where to stay nearby: Beachfront Tropical Dream House

The Aloha State is the ultimate bucket list trip, offering some of the most spectacular natural wonders and sublime scenery. It’s as much a place for avid outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, as it is for nature enthusiasts and aesthetes. And the Nāpali Coast epitomizes the very best Hawaii has to offer. Spanning 17 miles along Kauai’s North Shore, the Nāpali Coast is emerald-hued cliffs and lush forest jungles, gorgeous waterfalls, and endless turquoise waters. There are many ways to explore the Nāpali Coast, but the safest access and best views are found by sea or by air. Helicopter tours offer the ultimate birds-eye view of this real-life paradise, while boat tours allow for an immersive experience -- complete with breaching whales and awe-inspiring cliffs -- that's unrivaled.

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Maryland Heights Trailhead, 489-551 Harpers Ferry Rd, Knoxville, MD 21758, USA

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• Location: Harpers Ferry, WV
• Known for: Harpers Ferry is a historically significant town that was the site of the 1859 John Brown's Raid. Today, visitors come from all over to see the well-preserved historical sites including numerous 19th-century buildings.
• Where to stay nearby: Lavender Farm Guesthouse

Harpers Ferry is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland, and it's truly a vision. This humble mountain town is world-famous for its immense natural beauty and historic significance. It's the mid-point of the Appalachian Trail. It's a National Historical Park. It witnessed several key events in the Civil War. It was visited and admired by several of the Founding Fathers... the list goes on (and on). And while you can get an excellent feel for the area by strolling through the cobblestone streets of Lower Town, the best way to experience Harpers Ferry is to venture across the state border (and the Potomac River) into Maryland. From the vantage of the Overlook Cliff (accessible off the Maryland Heights Trail), you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of Harpers Ferry that's absolutely, positively, bucket-list worthy.

Natural Wonder Observation Points

The U.S. is filled with natural wonders including one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Every state has its own wondrous natural creations and these are some of the most iconic.

Crater Lake, Oregon 97604, USA

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• Location: Crater Lake
• Known for: Crater Lake is a volcanic crater lake and the deepest lake in the U.S. It's also known for its pristine azure blue water.
• Where to stay nearby: Atomic Star Cottage in Klamath Falls

There's nowhere in the world quite like Crater Lake, the deepest and most pristine body of water in the country. In addition to its superlative stats, what makes Crater Lake so unique is that this national park was actually designed with epic vistas in mind. There are many ways to experience this extraordinary national park in Oregon, from cruising the 33-mile-long Rim Drive that encircles the lake to chartering a boat that journeys through its pristine waters. Of course, hiking is also an ideal way to explore the magnificent landscape of Crater Lake National Park -- all 183,224 acres. From short, accessible trails to longer, backcountry treks, there are some pretty amazing hikes you can do in the park. Our favorite view of Crater Lake is probably the Discovery Point Trail, a four-mile trek that leads to, in our opinion, the best and most iconic scenic vista in the park

Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming 82190, USA

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• Location: Yellowstone National Park
• Known for: Grand Prismatic Spring is known for its gradient of colors from red and orange on the perimeter to a vibrant blue in the center, similar to a rainbow. It's also the largest hot spring in the U.S. and the third largest in the world.
• Where to stay nearby: Montana Cabin -Sleeps 4. Just 5 Blocks from Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park is a bucket list must for most, and there's nowhere more beautiful than Grand Prismatic Spring. This technicolor wonder is a stunningly beautiful hot spring that's known for its bright rainbow of colors created by bacterial mats and living organisms in the superheated water. It's a feast for the eyes, and truly one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places on the planet. In terms of views, head to the overlook via the eponymous 1.6-mile hike. From here, an expansive, prismatic panorama awaits that's truly mesmerizing.

Sunrise Point, Utah 84764, USA

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• Location: Bryce Canyon
• Known for: Sunrise Point in Bryce Canyon National Park is an observation point with spectacular sunrise views. From here, you can view the ever-changing light and shadows over the otherworldly landscape of Bryce Canyon that can really only be experienced at sunrise.
• Where to stay nearby: 1930 Country Charmer

In the otherworldly expanse of Utah's Bryce Canyon, hoodoos and canyons offer an incredible setting to experience a truly sublime sunrise -- or sunset. The aptly named Sunrise Point all but guarantees this to be true; in fact, many flock to the national park well before sunrise in order to catch a glimpse of the sun just peeking over the horizon. Of course, Inspiration Point and Bryce Point boast equally resplendent views, and we recommend visiting each over several days to discover your favorite sunrise viewpoint.

Maroon Bells, Colorado 81654, USA

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• Location: Aspen
• Known for: Maroon Bells is among the most photographed peaks in the country and offers a wide array of outdoor recreation not limited to backpacking, hiking, and fishing.
• Where to stay nearby: Beautiful 6BR house on Snowmass Mountain

Maroon Bells is an impossibly beautiful place that's living, breathing proof that the best things in life take time. This natural wonder in Colorado is the culmination of more than 300 million years of geologic activity, including sedimentation, weathering, and erosion by wind, water, and ice. It’s one of Mother Nature’s finest masterpieces, and anyone who visits is utterly blown away. And Maroon Bells gets a lot of visitors – about 300,000 a year, all coming with cameras in hand to capture a truly spectacular sight. But while this attraction is touted as the most photographed place in Colorado, pictures simply don’t do it justice; Maroon Bells is a place of transcendent beauty you must experience for yourself.

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Mather Point, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA

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• Location: Grand Canyon Village
• Known for: Mather Point offers some of the best panoramic views of the Grand Canyon in the entire park. Located close to the South Rim entrance, it's usually the first stop for those visiting the Grand Canyon for the first time. Here you will also find the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.
• Where to stay nearby: Grand Canyon Bungalow

One of the most glorious views in America, Mather Point is a celebrated spot boasting quite possibly the best views of the Grand Canyon. Mather Point sits at an unbelievable 7,120-foot elevation and offers some of the most iconic views of the 277-mile-long canyon cut deep through the desert by the Colorado River. While some hesitate to visit this overlook due to concerns over congestion, numerous redesigns and improvements to both parking and scenic overlooks in recent years have made Mather Point a more accessible (and less crowded) place to be experienced by all. This is certainly one of the most magnificent lookout points in the U.S.

Niagara Falls, NY, USA

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• Location: Niagara Falls
• Known for: Niagara Falls is comprised of three different waterfalls and is one of the most powerful falls in the world as well as one of the most beautiful.
• Where to stay nearby: Little Italy / Hyde Park Home in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is not only one of the best-known state parks in New York but also in the world. The first state park designated in the United States, this natural attraction attracts some 30 million visitors each year and is a true American icon. Draining Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, the falls -- technically a set of three cascades -- are one of the most powerful on the continent, with six million cubic feet of water flowing every minute. It's a magnificent spectacle to see in person and a humbling reminder of Mother Nature's prowess. A number of lookout points can be found on both countries' sides of the falls; in the U.S., Observation Tower, Terrapin Point, and Whirlpool State Park all offer million-dollar views.

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Horseshoe Bend, Arizona 86040, USA

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• Location: Horseshoe Bend
• Known for: Horseshoe Bend is known for its horseshoe shape in the middle of the Colorado River.
• Where to stay nearby: The Cowgirl Cabana

Easily one of the most photographed locations in Arizona especially when it comes to Instagram, Horseshoe Bend can be viewed after taking a short 0.6-mile hike. The rim above the bend is one of the most incredible observation points in the state. You'll be able to see how the Colorado River has shaped the surrounding landscape over the years. This is a bucket list-worthy place for many and it's easy to see why.

Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, USA

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• Location: Denali Park
• Known for: Denali is the highest mountain in North America.
• Where to stay nearby: Denali Sunset House

Formerly known as Mount McKinley, Denali is the highest mountain in North America at 20,310 feet. The best way to view it is via a 92-mile scenic drive along Denali Park Road. Not only will this road lead close to the mountain but you'll have different vantage points of it along the drive. And, of course, you must make many stops along the way to take pictures! If you don't have your own car, there are tour companies that will make this drive through Denali National Park.

Best City Skyline Views in the US

Sometimes you can just see a photo of a skyline and just know what city it is. Whether it’s the iconic buildings a city has to offer or the fact that it may have been featured in countless films and TV shows, certain cities are worth seeing in person. Here are some of the best city skyline views in the U.S.:

Kerry Park, 211 W Highland Dr, Seattle, WA 98119, USA

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• Location: Seattle
• Known for: Kerry Park serves as an observation point for panoramic views of the Seattle Skyline and Mount Ranier.
• Where to stay nearby: Water and Needle View Townhome with Rooftop Deck

Kerry Park is most notable for the Space Needle, a Pacific Northwest icon that stands as a testament to the imagination. Construction for this unique monolith began in 1961 as Seattle prepared to host the 1962 World's Fair, which had a theme of space, science, and technology. Today, the 605-foot-tall spire is an inextricable part of the Seattle skyline, and while you can certainly experience the city from its observation deck, we prefer the most expansive views from Kerry Park. Seeing the Emerald City in its entirety, surrounded by natural wonders (see: Mount Rainier) and filled with man-made skyscrapers and architectural marvels, is truly an awesome experience for your bucket list. This is absolutely one of the best skylines in the U.S.

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Manhattan, New York, NY, USA

Brooklyn, NY, USA

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• Location: Brooklyn
• Known for: Brooklyn sits along the East River and is a great vantage point to view the Lower Manhattan Skyline as well as the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.
• Where to stay nearby: Amazing Dumbo 2BR with Roof & Gym

From the Brooklyn side of New York City, you can take in some of the best views of the Lower Manhattan skyline. It's absolutely one of the best skylines in the U.S. as well as the most iconic. Among some of the most notable landmarks and areas of Lower Manhattan are One World Trade Center, the Financial District, and the Woolworth Building. From here, you will also be able to spot the Manhattan Bridge as well as the ultra-iconic Brooklyn Bridge which is easily one of the most amazing man-made wonders in the country. And if you have the opportunity to cross the Brooklyn Bridge on foot, take it. It's a bucket list-worthy experience.

Iconic Bridges & Landmarks

There are numerous bridges and landmarks around this country that are worth visiting. From the Golden Gate Bridge to Mount Rushmore, from the Gateway Arch to the National Mall, here are some of the most iconic bridges and landmarks in the country:

Conzelman Road, Conzelman Rd, California, USA

Golden Gate National Recreation Area, California, USA

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• Location: San Francisco
• Known for: Battery Spencer is a former and historic military battery. It also provides an optimal viewpoint to see the Golden Gate Bridge in all its glory.
• Where to stay nearby: Charming 1-Bedroom Mill Valley Cottage

One of the most recognizable icons in all of America, the Golden Gate Bridge is an undeniable symbol of hope and promise. This Bay Area bridge is one of the Wonders of the Modern World, and it has a fascinating history that continues to amaze tourists and locals alike. There are many places in San Francisco where visitors can view this stunning structure, with Battery Spencer being the most iconic. In addition to experiencing the bridge from afar, we recommend going the extra mile (or, in this case, 1.7 miles) and taking the pedestrian walkway across the bridge. The experience of traversing this American icon is one for your bucket list, and the perfect accompaniment to the views from Battery Spencer.

Bixby Creek Bridge, California 93940, USA

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• Location: Big Sur
• Known for: Bixby Bridge is a man-made marvel along Highway 1 and is known best for its scenic views of the dramatic Central California coastline.
• Where to stay nearby: Ocean View French Country Cottage

If the ocean has your heart and soul, there's no better route than the Pacific Coast Highway. One of the most famous scenic drives in the PNW, the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway stretches along Highway 1 for 656 miles, connecting Northern California and Southern California, Oregon, and Washington. It is one of the most astoundingly scenic roads in the world, meant to be traversed slowly while ogling the mountains, towering trees, expansive beaches, and endless blue skies. The man-made marvels along this stretch are no less extraordinary; the Bixby Bridge is one of the most photographed in America for its majestic setting. This sunset view is particularly beautiful and shows off the bridge's graceful aesthetics and stunning surroundings.

Mount Rushmore, Mt Rushmore, Mount Rushmore Unorganized Territory, SD 57751, USA

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• Location: Keystone
• Known for: Mt. Rushmore National Memorial is a striking symbol of American history as the faces of four former American presidents are carved directly into a granite cliff in South Dakota.
• Where to stay nearby: Text Readers Will See

Majestic and mighty, full of pomp and circumstance, Mount Rushmore is an American treasure and is definitely one of South Dakota's proudest claims to fame. Featuring George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, Mount Rushmore is the world's largest sculpture, with each granite-carved bust roughly 60 feet tall. Originally created to entice tourists out to South Dakota; today, the iconic attraction attracts three million visitors annually and is truly a magnificent, modern-day American marvel.

The Gateway Arch, Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO 63102, USA

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• Location: St. Louis
• Known for: The Gateway Arch is St. Louis' most prominent feature and is known as the "Gateway to the West."
• Where to stay nearby: Cozy, Fun, and One-Of-A-Kind Shaw Fox's Den

Shimmering against the St. Louis skyline, The Gateway Arch attracts visitors from all over Missouri and beyond, making it one of the most-photographed landmarks in the country. The Arch has been a permanent part of the St. Louis skyline since it opened in 1965, welcoming more than 135 million visitors from around the world. At 630 feet tall, the Arch has the distinction as the U.S.'s tallest manmade landmark, coming in ahead of The Washington Monument and The Statue of Liberty, and riding up to the top is a rite of passage sure to fill you with a newfound appreciation for the Midwest.

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Linn Cove Viaduct, North Carolina 28646, USA

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• Location: Linnville
• Known for: Linn Cove Viaduct's location along the Blue Ridge Parkway gives way to stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The viaduct itself is shaped like an "S" and was designed with the environment in mind.
• Where to stay nearby: Little Bear Escape

Editor's Note: Linn Cove Viaduct is currently closed for repairs. Check the Text Readers Will See website for reopening updates. The Blue Ridge Parkway is perhaps the most picture-perfect scenic drive in the U.S. The Parkway itself is 469 miles long and winds its way through 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties. It also connects with the Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is the unofficial gateway to both regions. Unlike the mountain passes in the West that go up and over mountains, or the iconic "Notch" valley roads of the Northeast, the Blue Ridge Parkway runs along the spine of the ridge, rolling up and down for the entire length. It's a prismatic feast for the eyes in all seasons, with dynamic displays of color in autumn, a lush forest landscape in summer, and dazzling white expanses in the winter. Most notable along the route is the Linn Cove Viaduct, a 1,243-foot bridge that snakes around North Carolina's Grandfather Mountain and is one of the most-photographed places in the country.

Washington, DC, USA

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• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Known for: D.C.'s National Mall is home to some of the most recognized landmarks in the U.S. including the Washington Monument. It's also hosted numerous historical events including presidential inaugurations.
• Where to stay nearby: Capitol Hill Pied-a-Terre

For the most iconic view in the U.S., visit our nation's capitol. Washington D.C. is a place every American absolutely needs to visit, period. Washington’s iconic Mall is surrounded by a collection of magnificent American landmarks, with the Capitol at one end, the Washington Monument at the other, and the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Memorial (among many others) nestled nearby. There are also nearly a dozen museums bordering this D.C. hub, making the photo-perfect National Mall a wondrous place offering visitors a robust and immersive lesson in U.S. history.

These iconic views across America are all jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring, sure to fill your bucket and fuel your future adventures. Have you been lucky enough to cross any of the best scenic viewpoints in the U.S. off your bucket list?