The Most Iconic Scenic Views To See in Every State

From national parks to city skylines, you can find views that’ll take your breath away in every corner of the U.S.

If you’re planning a cross-country road trip or simply want to get the most out of a visit to a new state, we compiled a list of some of the more stunning views in each state.

So grab your best travel credit cards and enjoy these scenic spots with beautiful views, which are popular among locals and tourists alike and accessible to most visitors.

1. Alabama: Little River Canyon (Fort Payne)

The most popular draw at Little River Canyon National Preserve is the stunning 45-foot-high Little River Falls.

The flow of the falls varies by season, with winter and spring being the strongest. An ADA-accessible boardwalk provides an excellent view of the falls.

2. Alaska: Denali (Mount McKinley) from Wonder Lake (Denali National Park)

The views of Alaska’s mountain range, particularly Denali, are breathtaking from Wonder Lake, an iconic part of Denali National Park.

Plus, if you want to stay a few days, there is camping and lodging in the area around the lake.

3. Arizona: Desert View Drive (Grand Canyon)

The Grand Canyon is stunning no matter which viewpoint you choose to visit. Desert View Drive is particularly popular as it is accessible to all by vehicle.

The scenic road begins near Grand Canyon Village and stretches for more than 20 miles across many beautiful canyon viewpoints.

4. Arkansas: Hot Springs Mountain Tower (Hot Springs)

Located within Hot Springs National Park, the Mountain Tower is 216 feet above Hot Springs Mountain and over 1,200 feet above sea level, offering stunning panoramic views of the park.

And luckily, you can take an elevator up to the observation decks.

5. California: Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco)

There’s nothing quite like seeing the famed Golden Gate Bridge on a clear, sunny day.

While there are many stunning views around California, from the Hollywood sign to the breathtaking blues of Big Sur, the Golden Gate Bridge and surrounding recreation area are perhaps the most iconic.

6. Colorado: Maroon Bells (Aspen)

The Maroon Bells are located about 10 miles west of Aspen — and they’re some of the most photographed natural landmarks in the country.

People come from all over to see the beautiful Rocky Mountain peaks and surrounding lake, and you can access the area by car or bus.

7. Connecticut: Sleeping Giant State Park (Hamden)

There are many places to view Sleeping Giant State Park’s namesake mountaintop, which resembles (you guessed it) the body of a sleeping giant around the park.

The area is worth a visit year-round but is particularly stunning in the fall.

8. Delaware: Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes)

Cape Henlopen State Park has plenty of gorgeous sites to see, but it’s the 6+ miles of coastline that tends to really inspire awe.

And there are plenty of ways to enjoy the stunning views, from hanging out at the beach to checking out the park’s hiking and/or biking trails.

9. Florida: The Sunset at Mallory Square (Key West)

You can catch stunning pastel sunsets all around the U.S. in the summer, but there’s something special about the sunset gatherings at Mallory Square in Key West.

It can be crowded, but when you see the sun sink into the horizon on the Gulf of Mexico, it’ll be clear why.

10. Georgia: Brasstown Bald (Hiawassee)

The Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center, located within Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, sits at the highest point in Georgia.

The Bald has a picnic area, several trailheads, and offers an observation deck where guests can check out incredible views of the surrounding area (and states).

11. Hawaii: Kalalau Valley Lookout (Kaua’i)

Located in Kōkeʻe State Park, Kalalau Valley Lookout is perched about 4,000 feet in the air and accessible via Kuhio Highway.

There’s no shortage of breathtaking views in Hawaii, but this one is particularly stunning as it contrasts the deep, lush valley against the sparkling blue Pacific.

12. Idaho: Sawtooth Mountains from Redfish Lake (Stanley)

Just south of Stanley, Redfish Lake is the largest lake in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

And while there are plenty of recreational activities to get into around the area, visitors can also catch a stunning view of the Sawtooth Mountain range.

13. Illinois: Chicago skyline from Adler Planetarium (Chicago)

There are many spots around Chicago to take in the world-famous skyline, but the grounds outside of Adler Planetarium are a fan favorite for a reason.

The ideal location offers a stunning view of the city’s architectural gems spread out in front of Lake Michigan.

14. Indiana: Indiana Dunes (Porter)

There’s plenty of natural beauty to behold at Indiana Dunes National Park — including West Beach, a popular option for those looking to enjoy Indiana’s dunes and stunning lakeshore line.

There are also several trials in the area, including the popular Dune Succession Trail.

15. Iowa: Effigy Mounds National Monument (Harpers Ferry)

The Effigy Mounds are a key part of the Upper Mississippi River Valley’s history.

Centuries ago, mounds of earth were created by local groups in the shapes of animals or for ceremonial purposes — and today, they can be a stunning and even spiritual sight to see.

16. Kansas: Monument Rocks (near Oakley)

Monument Rocks are a sight to behold and a true testament to the natural wonders of the American West.

The stunning outcroppings are located about 20 miles south of Oakley off Highway 83, and visitors are welcome to come observe in awe from dawn until dusk.

17. Kentucky: Red River Gorge (Slade)

Red River Gorge is known for its breathtaking sandstone arches and beautiful rural charm.

Visitors from far and wide come to bask in the views, and it’s also near another Kentucky gem, Natural Bridge State Park.

18. Louisiana: Oak Alley Plantation (Vacherie)

Not far from the bustling streets of New Orleans, Oak Alley Plantation has lived many lives — including a sugar plantation, a cattle ranch, an abandoned investment property, and more.

Today, it’s a stunning historic sight to see and explore.

19. Maine: Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park (Bar Harbor)

There are plenty of beautiful sights to behold around Acadia National Park, and Cadillac Mountain is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

It’s the highest point on the country’s eastern seaboard, is accessible by car, and offers spectacular views of the coastal landscape.

20. Maryland: Annapolis waterfront (Annapolis)

The historic waterfront in Annapolis is home to both centuries-old buildings and modern gems — like lively restaurants and pubs, boutiques, and galleries.

After basking in the beauty of Annapolis Harbor for a bit, visitors are often pleased to find how walkable the quaint town is.

21. Massachusetts: Cape Cod National Seashore (Wellfleet)

There are so many places to catch an incredible view along Cape Cod National Seashore that it's tough to narrow down the best. However, Coast Guard Beach in Eastham is a fan favorite for swimming, lounging, bird watching, and much more.

22. Michigan: Miners Castle on Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Munising)

Offering a breathtaking view along the shores of Lake Superior, Miners Castle is a stunning rock formation and the only cliff area in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore accessible by car.

About 11 miles northeast of Munising, it’s one of the most captivating natural landmarks in the area.

23. Minnesota: Split Rock Lighthouse State Park (Two Harbors)

Whether you’re planning to hike to the top of Day Hill or take a relaxed stroll along Pebble Beach, the views at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park are delightful.

Those looking for more of a guided experience can join a historic lighthouse tour at the History Center.

24. Mississippi: Biloxi Lighthouse (Biloxi)

This Biloxi landmark was one of the first cast-iron lighthouses in the South and became a symbol of resilience after taking a hit during Hurricane Katrina.

The view of the lighthouse itself is beautiful, but you can also see a stunning view of the Gulf of Mexico from inside.

25. Missouri: Gateway Arch in St. Louis (St. Louis)

The Gateway Arch, the tallest man-made monument in the U.S., is beautiful whether you view it from the ground, a riverboat, or a tram to the top of the arch.

Standing at 630 feet tall, the famed monument was created to symbolize the U.S. expansion into the West.

26. Montana: Going-to-the-Sun Road – Glacier National Park (Columbia Falls)

Going-to-the-Sun Road winds through the stunning mountains of Glacier National Park and provides some of the most breathtaking views you’ll find in the U.S.

The 50-mile trek takes about two hours to drive, but you’ll likely need to factor in time to stop and stare, too.

27. Nebraska: Chimney Rock National Historic Site (Bayard)

Chimney Rock was once a symbol of the American West for those traveling along the Oregon Trail.

Now, guests are welcome to gaze in awe at the rock formation and visit the site’s visitor center and museum.

28. Nevada: Red Rock Canyon (Mountain Springs)

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located just a few miles from the bright lights of Las Vegas — but it feels like a world away.

It stretches across more than 195,000 acres of the Mojave Desert. For truly stunning views, consider the 13-mile scenic drive through the canyon.

29. New Hampshire: Cathedral Ledge State Park (Bartlett)

The views are stunning from the top of the 700-foot Cathedral Ledge, which can be accessed by car or on foot via hiking trails at Echo Lake Park.

The vantage point gives visitors a beautiful view of Saco River Valley and the White Mountains.

30. New Jersey: Palisades Interstate Park Trails (Alpine)

There are more than 30 miles of trails at Palisades Interstate Park, but an option with one of the most stunning views in the state is a simple river walk that offers a breathtaking view of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge that connects New Jersey and New York.

31. New Mexico: White Sands National Park (Alamogordo)

Strewn across nearly 300 miles of desert, the gypsum sand-covered dunes of White Sand National Park are a beautiful sight to behold.

While visiting the world’s largest gypsum dune field is absolutely worth the trek, visitors should be sure to prepare for the desert climate, too.

32. New York: NYC skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge (New York City)

The Brooklyn Bridge itself is an architectural marvel, but it also happens to be an excellent spot to glimpse the famed New York City skyline.

The bridge, which connects Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn Heights, has a pedestrian path that’s perfect for gazing at the skyline in all its glory.

33. North Carolina: Blue Ridge Parkway – Linn Cove Viaduct (Linville)

The Linn Cove Viaduct on Blue Ridge Parkway stretches along the beautiful Grandfather Mountain and truly showcases the splendor of the southern Appalachian region.

The stunning stretch of highway can be found at milepost 304.

34. North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt National Park (Medora)

Whether you’re planning to hike or drive, there’s plenty of natural beauty to see at Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

The South Unit scenic drive, a 48-mile trek, takes visitors through the stunning Little Missouri Badlands, where bison and other wildlife can often be seen grazing.

35. Ohio: Old Man’s Cave at Hocking Hills State Park (Logan)

Hocking Hills State Park has plenty of natural beauty to offer visitors, with Old Man’s Cave being a particular favorite.

The Old Man’s Cave trail is about one mile long and takes visitors past stunning caves, rock formations, falls, and more.

36. Oklahoma: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (Lawton)

Visitors can take their pick of stunning views at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, located just outside the Lawton/Ft. Sill area.

The refuge consists of 60,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie, beautiful granite mountains, lakes, and streams.

37. Oregon: Columbia River Gorge (Portland/Hood River)

The Columbia River Gorge is the largest designated scenic area in the U.S., and travelers from far and wide are drawn to the view from Crown Point on the western end.

It provides a stunning glimpse of the river as it flows along the beautiful Cascade mountains.

38. Pennsylvania: Philly Skyline from the Benjamin Franklin Bridge (Philadelphia)

The pedestrian path along the Benjamin Franklin Bridge provides a stunning glimpse of one of the nation’s first cities.

The bridge connects Philadelphia and New Jersey across the Delaware River, and the walkway can be accessed at 5th and Race Street in Philly.

39. Rhode Island: Newport Cliff Walk (Newport)

The Cliff Walk offers the best of both worlds — a stunning view of the sea on one side and fascinating Gilded Age mansions on the other.

The 3.5-mile walk draws tourists and locals looking for a bit of serenity alike.

40. South Carolina: Lake Jocassee at Devils Fork State Park (Salem)

Lake Jocassee stretches across more than 7,500 acres and is surrounded by mountain streams and waterfalls.

It’s a stunning area to take in whether you’re planning to take a dip in the lake, do some fishing, or simply enjoy the tranquility.

41. South Dakota: Mount Rushmore (Keystone)

Mount Rushmore is probably one of the most iconic views in the whole country.

There, the likenesses of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are carved into stone, surrounded by the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.

42. Tennessee: Clingmans Dome – Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Gatlinburg)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited in the country — and Newfound Gap/Clingmans Dome is a popular spot to take it all in.

Clingmans Dome Tower offers breathtaking views from the highest point in the Smokies.

43. Texas: Palo Duro Canyon (Amarillo)

Palo Duro Canyon is easily accessible by car and is only about 25 miles from downtown Amarillo.

Sometimes referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” it’s the second-largest canyon in the country.

44. Utah: Sunset Point – Bryce Canyon National Park (Bryce Canyon City)

There’s no shortage of stunning views at Bryce Canyon, but Sunset Point is a particular favorite among travelers.

It offers beautiful, colorful vistas of some of the Canyon’s most captivating rock formations — and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better photo op.

45. Vermont: Lake Champlain from Mount Philo State Park (Charlotte)

Whether you decide to hike or drive, the view from the top of Mount Philo is worth the trek. It offers magical views of Lake Champlain Valley and New York State’s Adirondack Mountains in the distance.

46. Virginia: Skyline Drive – Shenandoah National Park (Luray)

An excellent (and efficient) way to take in all the beauty of Shenandoah National Park is to take a ride along Skyline Drive.

The 105-mile trek, which typically takes around three hours, allows travelers to take in spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

47. Washington: Reflection Lakes – Mount Rainier (Ashford)

The breathtaking view of Mount Rainier that is mirrored into Reflection Lakes (hence the name) is truly something you have to see to believe.

The destination is located along Stevens Canyon Road, which is open to vehicles in the summer.

48. West Virginia: New River Gorge (Fayetteville)

There are many excellent viewpoints within New River Gorge and the 70,000 acres of land surrounding the river.

The beautiful whitewater river flows through breathtaking canyons and is surrounded by a variety of hiking and biking trails.

49. Wisconsin: Meyers Beach Sea Caves – Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (Bayfield)

Exploring the sea caves around Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is an unforgettable experience, but you might have to take a boat to do it.

Luckily, there are many tours that take travelers to see the ever-changing and evolving caves sculpted by Lake Superior's might.

50. Wyoming: Jenny Lake Scenic Drive (Grand Teton National Park)

There are many ways to take in the beauty of the Tetons — and a fan favorite is the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive.

The trek takes you along the east shore of the lake and provides breathtaking views of the famed mountains. The scenic route only takes about a half hour.

Bottom line

The best thing about these breathtaking views is that many of them are free, so you won’t need to look for other ways to save money on travel .

Even if you have to pay to get into a national park, admission prices tend to be very low (and there are a few free days throughout the year).

More from FinanceBuzz:

Get Out of Debt for Good: Try these 6 clever ways to crush your debt.