When it comes to enjoying the beauty of nature, there’s nothing quite like taking in a scenic view. Whether you prefer breathtaking mountain vistas, stunning ocean views, or sprawling cityscapes, every state in the US has its fair share of picturesque locations just waiting to be discovered. If you’re wondering where to find the best scenic views in your own state, look no further – this guide will help you uncover some of the most stunning spots to take in the beauty of the landscape.
Alabama
In Alabama, Cheaha State Park offers some of the best scenic views in the state. From the top of Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in Alabama, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of the surrounding forests and valleys. For a different perspective, head to Little River Canyon National Preserve, where you can take in the dramatic views of the deep canyon and its rushing waterfalls.
Alaska
Alaska is known for its stunning natural beauty, and one of the best places to take in the scenery is Denali National Park. From the park’s Eielson Visitor Center, you can see the majestic peaks of Denali (formerly known as Mt. McKinley) and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding tundra and wildlife. For a more urban view, head to Anchorage’s Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for a picturesque stroll along the shores of Cook Inlet.
Arizona
Arizona is home to some of the most iconic scenic views in the US, including the majestic Grand Canyon. For a unique perspective on this natural wonder, head to the North Rim for quieter trails and fewer crowds. Another must-see spot is Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River makes a dramatic 270-degree turn, creating a stunning vista of red rock cliffs and crystal-clear water.
Arkansas
In Arkansas, the scenic views at Hawksbill Crag are not to be missed. This natural rock formation offers breathtaking vistas of the Ozark Mountains and the dense forests below. Another stunning spot is Mount Magazine State Park, where you can take in panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley from the state’s highest peak.
California
California is home to a diverse range of scenic views, from the rugged coastlines of Big Sur to the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. For a taste of the state’s beauty, head to Yosemite National Park, where you can marvel at the towering granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome. If you prefer ocean views, make your way to Point Reyes National Seashore for stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline.
Colorado
Colorado is known for its stunning mountain vistas, and one of the best places to take in the scenery is Rocky Mountain National Park. From Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the US, you can see panoramic views of the park’s snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows. For a different perspective, head to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs for dramatic views of red rock formations against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
Connecticut
In Connecticut, the best scenic views can be found along the Talcott Mountain Trail. From the summit of Talcott Mountain, you can see sweeping views of the Farmington River Valley and the surrounding forests. For a different perspective, head to Gillette Castle State Park for stunning views of the Connecticut River from the castle’s terraces.
Delaware
Delaware may be small, but it’s not lacking in scenic views. One of the best spots to take in the beauty of the state is Cape Henlopen State Park. From the park’s dunes, you can see panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. For a different perspective, head to Brandywine Creek State Park for scenic views of the Brandywine River and the surrounding woodlands.
Florida
In Florida, the best scenic views can be found in the Everglades National Park. From the park’s Shark Valley Observation Tower, you can see panoramic views of the sawgrass marshes and wildlife that call this unique ecosystem home. For a different perspective, head to Key West’s Mallory Square for stunning views of the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
Georgia
Georgia is home to some of the most picturesque landscapes in the southeast, and one of the best spots to take in the scenery is Amicalola Falls State Park. From the park’s namesake waterfall, you can see stunning views of the surrounding forests and the cascading waters below. For a different perspective, head to Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia, for panoramic vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Hawaii
In Hawaii, the best scenic views can be found on the island of Kauai. The Na Pali Coast offers some of the most dramatic vistas in the state, with towering sea cliffs and pristine beaches. For a different perspective, head to the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island for panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding volcanoes.
Idaho
Idaho is home to a diverse range of scenic views, from the rugged Sawtooth Mountains to the pristine lakes of the Panhandle. For a taste of the state’s beauty, head to Craters of the Moon National Monument, where you can see stunning views of the lunar-like landscape and the lava flows below. For a different perspective, head to Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls for breathtaking views of the “Niagara of the West.”
Illinois
In Illinois, the best scenic views can be found along the Great River Road. This scenic byway follows the Mississippi River through the state, offering stunning views of the river and the surrounding bluffs. For a different perspective, head to Starved Rock State Park for panoramic vistas of the Illinois River and the park’s waterfalls.
Indiana
Indiana may be known for its flat landscapes, but the state is not lacking in scenic views. One of the best spots to take in the beauty of the state is Turkey Run State Park. From the park’s trails, you can see stunning views of the sandstone gorges and wooded bluffs. For a different perspective, head to Brown County State Park for panoramic views of the fall foliage and rolling hills.
Iowa
In Iowa, the best scenic views can be found in the Loess Hills. This unique landscape features windblown hills and scenic vistas that stretch all the way to the Missouri River. For a different perspective, head to Effigy Mounds National Monument for stunning views of the Mississippi River and the ancient Native American burial mounds.
Kansas
Kansas may be known for its endless prairies, but the state is not lacking in scenic views. One of the best spots to take in the beauty of Kansas is the Flint Hills. This unique landscape features rolling grasslands and scenic vistas that stretch all the way to the horizon. For a different perspective, head to Monument Rocks for stunning views of the chalk formations and the surrounding plains.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, the best scenic views can be found in the Red River Gorge. This natural wonder features towering sandstone cliffs and ancient rock formations that offer stunning vistas of the surrounding forests. For a different perspective, head to Natural Bridge State Resort Park for panoramic views of the bridge and the lush woodlands below.
Louisiana
Louisiana may be known for its swamps and bayous, but the state is not lacking in scenic views. One of the best spots to take in the beauty of Louisiana is Fontainebleau State Park. From the park’s trails, you can see stunning views of Lake Pontchartrain and the surrounding woodlands. For a different perspective, head to Oak Alley Plantation for panoramic views of the oak-lined alley and the Mississippi River.
Maine
In Maine, the best scenic views can be found along the Acadia National Park Loop Road. This scenic drive offers stunning vistas of the park’s rugged coastline and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. For a different perspective, head to Mount Desert Island for panoramic views of the island and the surrounding mountains.
Maryland
Maryland is home to some of the most picturesque landscapes on the east coast, and one of the best spots to take in the scenery is Assateague Island. From the island’s beaches, you can see stunning views of the dunes and the wild horses that roam the area. For a different perspective, head to Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic vistas of the Potomac River and the surrounding countryside.
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, the best scenic views can be found along the Mohawk Trail. This scenic byway follows the route of an ancient Native American footpath through the state, offering stunning vistas of the Berkshire Mountains and the surrounding woodlands. For a different perspective, head to Cape Cod’s National Seashore for panoramic views of the ocean and the sandy beaches.
Michigan
Michigan is known for its stunning lakes and forests, and one of the best places to take in the beauty of the state is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. From the top of the dunes, you can see panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding forests. For a different perspective, head to Tahquamenon Falls State Park for stunning views of the waterfalls and the Tahquamenon River.
Minnesota
In Minnesota, the best scenic views can be found along the North Shore Scenic Drive. This stunning drive follows the shores of Lake Superior, offering panoramic vistas of the lake and the rugged cliffs. For a different perspective, head to Itasca State Park for stunning views of the Mississippi River and the park’s old-growth forests.
Mississippi
Mississippi may be known for its flat landscapes, but the state is not lacking in scenic views. One of the best spots to take in the beauty of Mississippi is Vicksburg National Military Park. From the park’s overlooks, you can see stunning views of the Mississippi River and the historic battlefields below. For a different perspective, head to Tishomingo State Park for panoramic vistas of the park’s rocky bluffs and the Tennessee River.
Missouri
Missouri is home to some of the most picturesque landscapes in the Midwest, and one of the best spots to take in the scenery is the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. This unique park features rugged bluffs and clear rivers that offer stunning vistas of the surrounding forests. For a different perspective, head to Ha Ha Tonka State Park for panoramic views of the park’s castle ruins and the Lake of the Ozarks.
Montana
In Montana, the best scenic views can be found in Glacier National Park. From the park’s iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, you can see panoramic vistas of the park’s snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows. For a different perspective, head to the Beartooth Highway for stunning views of the Beartooth Mountains and the surrounding wilderness.
Nebraska
Nebraska may be known for its flat landscapes, but the state is not lacking in scenic views. One of the best spots to take in the beauty of Nebraska is Toadstool Geologic Park. From the park’s trails, you can see stunning views of the unique rock formations and the sweeping prairies. For a different perspective, head to Chimney Rock National Historic Site for panoramic vistas of the picturesque landmark and the North Platte River Valley.
Nevada
Nevada is home to some of the most iconic scenic views in the US, including the stunning Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. From the park’s scenic drive, you can see panoramic vistas of the red sandstone cliffs and the surrounding desert. For a different perspective, head to Valley of Fire State Park for breathtaking views of the fiery red rock formations and petroglyphs.
New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, the best scenic views can be found along the Kancamagus Highway. This scenic route winds through the White Mountains, offering stunning vistas of the forests and rivers. For a different perspective, head to Mount Washington for panoramic views of the presidential range and the surrounding valleys.
New Jersey
New Jersey may be known for its urban landscapes, but the state is not lacking in scenic views. One of the best spots to take in the beauty of New Jersey is the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. From the park’s overlooks, you can see stunning views of the Delaware River and the surrounding forests. For a different perspective, head to the Palisades Interstate Park for panoramic vistas of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline.
New Mexico
New Mexico is known for its stunning desert landscapes, and one of the best places to take in the beauty of the state is White Sands National Monument. From the park’s dunes, you can see panoramic views of the gypsum sands and the San Andres Mountains. For a different perspective, head to Taos Pueblo for stunning views of the adobe pueblo and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
New York
In New York, the best scenic views can be found in the Adirondack Mountains. From the summit of Mount Marcy, the highest peak in the state, you can see stunning vistas of the surrounding lakes and forests. For a different perspective, head to Watkins Glen State Park for panoramic views of the park’s waterfalls and the rocky gorge.
North Carolina
North Carolina is home to some of the most picturesque landscapes on the east coast, and one of the best spots to take in the scenery is the Blue Ridge Parkway. This scenic drive offers stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the rolling hills. For a different perspective, head to Grandfather Mountain for panoramic views of the peak and the surrounding forests.
North Dakota
In North Dakota, the best scenic views can be found in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. From the park’s scenic loop drive, you can see panoramic vistas of the badlands and the Little Missouri River. For a different perspective, head to the Maah Daah Hey Trail for stunning views of the rugged landscape and the prairie below.
Ohio
Ohio may be known for its flat landscapes, but the state is not lacking in scenic views. One of the best spots to take in the beauty of Ohio is Hocking Hills State Park. From the park’s trails, you can see stunning views of the waterfalls and the sandstone cliffs. For a different perspective, head to Cuyahoga Valley National Park for panoramic vistas of the Cuyahoga River and the rolling hills.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is home to a diverse range of scenic views, from the rugged Wichita Mountains to the sweeping prairies of the Great Plains. For a taste of the state’s beauty, head to the Talimena Scenic Byway for stunning vistas of the Ouachita Mountains and the fall foliage. For a different perspective, head to Black Mesa State Park for panoramic views of the mesa and the surrounding plains.
Oregon
Oregon is known for its stunning coastline and lush forests, and one of the best places to take in the beauty of the state is Crater Lake National Park. From the park’s Rim Drive, you can see panoramic views of the crystal-clear lake and the surrounding mountains. For a different perspective, head to the Columbia River Gorge for stunning views of the waterfalls and the scenic gorge.
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the best scenic views can be found in the Pocono Mountains. From the summit of Mount Pocono, you can see sweeping views of the mountains and forests. For a different perspective, head to Ricketts Glen State Park for panoramic vistas of the park’s waterfalls and the lush woodlands below.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island may be small, but it’s not lacking in scenic views. One of the best spots to take in the beauty of the state is Beavertail State Park. From the park’s rocky shoreline, you can see stunning views of Narragansett Bay and the ocean beyond. For a different perspective, head to Newport’s Cliff Walk for panoramic vistas of the mansions and the Atlantic Ocean.
South Carolina
South Carolina is home to some of the most picturesque landscapes in the southeast, and one of the best spots to take in the scenery is Table Rock State Park. From the park’s trails, you can see stunning views of Table Rock and the surrounding forests. For a different perspective, head to Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site for panoramic vistas of the Ashley River and the park’s plantation grounds.
South Dakota
In South Dakota, the best scenic views can be found in the Badlands National Park. From the park’s Loop Road, you can see panoramic vistas of the rugged badlands and the wildlife that call this unique landscape home. For a different perspective, head to Custer State Park for stunning views of the granite spires and the rolling hills.
Tennessee
Tennessee may be known for its rolling hills and lush forests, but the state is not lacking in scenic views. One of the best spots to take in the beauty of Tennessee is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From Newfound Gap, you can see sweeping views of the park’s misty peaks and the surrounding valleys. For a different perspective, head to Lookout Mountain for panoramic vistas of the Chattanooga Valley and the Tennessee River.
Texas
Texas is home to a diverse range of scenic views, from the rugged canyons of Palo Duro Canyon State Park to the sweeping vistas of Big Bend National Park. For a taste of the state’s beauty, head to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area for stunning views of the pink granite dome and the Hill Country. For a different perspective, head to Guadalupe Mountains National Park for panoramic vistas of the rocky peaks and the Chihuahuan Desert.
Utah
Utah is known for its stunning red rock landscapes, and one of the best places to take in the beauty of the state is Arches National Park. From the park’s hiking trails, you can see panoramic views of the natural arches and the red sandstone formations. For a different perspective, head to Bryce Canyon National Park for stunning views of the hoodoos and the colorful cliffs.
Vermont
In Vermont, the best scenic views can be found along the Green Mountain Byway. This scenic route winds through the Green Mountains, offering stunning vistas of the forests and rivers. For a different perspective, head to Camel’s Hump State Park for panoramic views of the peak and the surrounding valleys.
Virginia
Virginia is home to some of the most picturesque landscapes on the east coast, and one of the best spots to take in the scenery is Shenandoah National Park. From the park’s Skyline Drive, you can see stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the rolling hills. For a different perspective, head to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge for panoramic vistas of the barrier islands and the Atlantic Ocean.
Washington
Washington is known for its stunning coastline and snow-capped peaks, and one of the best places to take in the beauty of the state is Olympic National Park. From Hurricane Ridge, you can see panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. For a different perspective, head to Mount Rainier National Park for stunning views of the glacier-capped peak and the subalpine meadows.
West Virginia
In West Virginia, the best scenic views can be found along the Highland Scenic Highway. This scenic byway winds through the Allegheny Mountains, offering stunning vistas of the forests and lakes. For a different perspective, head to Seneca Rocks for panoramic views of the towering cliffs and the Potomac River.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin may be known for its dairy farms and rolling hills, but the state is not lacking in scenic views. One of the best spots to take in the beauty of Wisconsin is Devil’s Lake State Park. From the park’s bluffs, you can see stunning views of the lake and the surrounding forests. For a different perspective, head to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore for panoramic vistas of the sea caves and the Lake Superior shoreline.
Wyoming
In Wyoming, the best scenic views can be found in Yellowstone National Park. From the park’s Grand Loop Road, you can see panoramic vistas of the park’s geysers and hot springs. For a different perspective, head to Grand Teton National Park for stunning views of the jagged peaks and the
