10 Must-See Breathtaking U.S. Views: Stunning Vistas Without a Passport
The United States offers an incredible array of diverse landscapes and iconic vistas, perfect for unforgettable photos and experiences. Here are 10 of our top recommendations, all within the country.
1. Toroweap Overlook, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Perched 3,000 feet above the Colorado River, Toroweap Overlook requires a rugged drive on unpaved roads, but the reward is unparalleled. This remote viewpoint in Grand Canyon National Park uniquely offers a direct vertical vista of the river below.
2. One World Observatory, New York, NY
At 1,776 feet atop One World Trade Center—the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere—the observatory on floors 100-102 provides panoramic city views and a space for reflection near the former Twin Towers site. Secure timed tickets, with refunds available for poor visibility due to weather.
3. Mount Rainier, Washington
Mount Rainier, Washington's highest peak at 14,411 feet in the Cascade Range, is an active volcano—last erupting in 1895. Capture a quick selfie before hiking; for easier access, drive Stevens Canyon Road to Inspiration Point or visit Reflection Lakes, where the mountain mirrors perfectly in the clear waters.
4. Mount Rushmore National Monument, South Dakota
Sculpted by Gutzon Borglum and 400 workers, this granite monument features 60-foot faces of four U.S. presidents overlooking South Dakota's Black Hills. Drive Iron Mountain Road for tunnels framing perfect viewing angles.
5. Views from the Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific Coast Highway delivers dramatic coastal scenery. Cross the iconic Bixby Bridge, hug the cliffs in Big Sur, or detour to the Lost Coast via State Route 211 off Highway 101—a surfer's haven with epic waves. Stay focused on the road!
6. Opaekaʻa Falls, Kauai, Hawaii
One of Kauai's most accessible waterfalls, Opaekaʻa Falls on the island's east side is framed by lush greenery and a flowing stream, showcasing Hawaii's natural splendor.
7. Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, Alaska
Explore Mendenhall Glacier's ice caves, where crystalline blue waters carve through ice and rock. Hiking requires gear for high elevation, but guided paddling tours offer easier access to this otherworldly site.
8. Glacier Point, Yosemite, CA
At 3,214 feet above Yosemite Valley's floor, Glacier Point is drivable and essential. Arrive at sunrise for serene views of the mountains before crowds arrive.
9. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
At Oxbow Bend on the Snake River, behold Mount Moran perfectly reflected—one of America's most photographed scenes. Spanning 310,000 acres, the park offers 200 miles of trails for hiking and skiing.
10. Arches National Park, Utah
Home to over 2,000 sandstone arches near Moab, Arches National Park has starred in films like Thelma & Louise and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Part of Utah's "Mighty Five," it features 50 campgrounds amid cinematic landscapes.
Michael Alpiner is a columnist at Forbes.com, co-editor of ExtremeLuxuryGetaways.com, and a contributor to New York Lifestyles Magazine. He is also a writing professor at Touro College in New York.
