The 25 Most Photogenic (and Breathtaking) Spots in America

Even if you’ve never cruised down the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ve definitely seen the breathtaking coastline and famous Bixby Canyon Bridge in nearly every car commercial ever made (or in HBO’s Big Little Lies, of course).

The “gateway to the Keys,” this island is home to enchanting mangrove-covered waterways and kayak-worthy tunnels. But don’t forget to snap some pics below the surface, too: Long Key is known as the diving capital of the world.

Hike (or drive) to the top of Cadillac Mountain to see the spectacular views of this 47,000-acre park. Bonus points if you go at dawn: You’ll be the first person in the U.S. to glimpse the rising sun from October to March.

Waterfalls, redwoods and rock formations: Escape to the wilderness to get a glimpse of the sublime granite summits of the Sierra Nevada. Pretend you’re Ansel Adams and snap away.

Soak up the three gorgeous waterfalls aboard the Maid of the Mist, then take a photo at one of the lookout points on the wooden walkways leading up to the Cave of the Winds.

The eroded remains of ancient Rocky Mountain ancestors stand sentry against the Valley’s expansive red mesas. Be sure to go at sunrise or sunset when the lighting across the canyons and buttes is just right.

Sort of like a melted rainbow, this hot spring in Yellowstone National Park is the largest (and prettiest) in the U.S.

Hike around one of the world’s deepest lakes (nearly 2,000 feet to the bottom) by day for spectacular sapphire-hued views, then come back at night to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights over the lake’s caldera.

Stand on the Brooklyn side of the massive steel-cabled suspension bridge facing downtown Manhattan and you'll quickly realize why it's inspired more art than any other manmade structure in the U.S.

Any season will provide heart-stopping views of the Teton Mountain range and nearby Jackson Hole, but summer is when the gilia, larkspur and Indian paintbrush are in full bloom.

Lush green cliffs, golden sands and turquoise waters: The famous Nā Pali coast of Kaua’i is like walking into Jurassic Park. (Or Moana. Whatever floats your boat.)

The intertwined branches of these moss-shrouded canopy oaks provide a welcome reprieve from the hot Southern sun (and the perfect lighting for a photoshoot).

No need to leave the country in order to view breathtaking sea stacks and giant forest-covered peaks. Plus, this national park has some of the best whale watching in the world.

Perch yourself atop the Marin Headlands for panoramic views of this iconic bridge, the Golden Gate Strait and downtown San Francisco.

Or why not travel to another planet entirely? Experience sweeping Mars-like vistas of red-sandstone mountains, canyons and delicate rock formations just outside of Moab.

The remarkable colors surrounding the two snow-striped Aspen peaks and ultra-reflective lake change throughout the year, but one thing stays constant: It feels like a painting come to life.

Visit on St. Patrick's Day and you'll get to witness the waters dyed a vibrant shamrock shade of green.

Nope, this isn’t Iceland…or Norway…or even Ireland. It’s the crown jewel of the Gem State. And with a drop of over 200 feet, these waterfalls are larger than Niagara.

Scattered off the Bayfield Peninsula in Lake Superior, these 22 islands contain tons of sea caves ripe for photos. Wait for the lake to freeze over, then take a walk through the unearthly arches into icicle-covered wonderland.

Nestled in the heart of Big Bend National Park near the Mexican border, these striated peaks stand proud above the purples, blues and golds of the blooming wildflowers.

La La Land's most recognizable building houses a planetarium and multiple cosmos-related exhibits. And with a panorama of downtown L.A. and the Hollywood sign, the view from up there ain't too shabby either. 

Swiftcurrent Lake is the perfect spot to take in a pink-and-purple sunset over the Many Glacier (yes, that’s its actual name) and the surrounding Lewis Range of the Rocky Mountains. Ahh, sweet solitude.

We’re not sure a more photogenic stretch of street exists. The pastel-colored homes and the feathery sabal palms of charming Charleston are ridiculously beautiful—no filter necessary. 

The eerie 20-foot-deep collapsed sea cave off the coast of Cape Perpetua legitimately looks like it’s draining the Pacific Ocean. Word to the wise: the best pictures are taken at high tide.

The Dutch can keep their tulip fields; we have plenty right here in our backyard. Attend the flower festival in spring when they’re in full bloom.