Scenic viewpoints have a way of captivating and inspiring travelers, making them must-visit spots in any destination. Whether you’re gazing over a lively city skyline from a towering observation deck or admiring a thundering waterfall in the mountains, we’ve gathered the most breathtaking lookouts in every state.
Alabama: Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park marks the place where the Creek War ended. The United States gained 23,000,000 acres of territory and Andrew Jackson became a national hero. More than 200 years after this battle, the area gives way to breathtaking natural views thousands of visitors enjoy each year.
Alaska: The Denali Peak in the Denali Region
Denali Mountain has the highest peak in North America and is part of Denali National Park & Preserve. Its peak is 20,310ft (6194 m) above sea level. Also part of the Alaska range, it is surrounded by the Taiga Forest. Views of and from the mountain are equally spectacular.
Arizona: Desert View Watchtower
Architect Mary Colter designed this unique tower back in the 1930s. It is designed with a nod to ancient Puebloan towers. It gives a different but still mesmerizing view of the Grand Canyon.
Arkansas: Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park is the first Arkansas State Park. It was built in 1933 and features log and stone facilities that complement the rustic mountain landscape. There are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and boating. However, this park is best known for its outstanding views and waterfalls.
California: Twin Peaks
Towering at nearly 1,000 ft over the city of San Francisco, Twin Peaks provides awesome views of the city and landscape. You can count on taking a talked-about photo from the top of either of the peaks. And don’t miss out on the view of the skyline from up there!
Colorado: Independence Pass
Once called Hunter’s Pass, this pass marks the continental divide and makes a markedly southwestern turn. The view of these mountains is majestic and historic. It was the crossing of this pass that fulfilled America’s Manifest Destiny.
Connecticut: Gillette Castle
William Gillette’s masterpiece overlooks the Connecticut River. The mansion itself gives visitors the chance for a deep dive into history and architecture, but the views alone are enough to bring the hundreds of thousands of guests who come here every year. Surrounded by natural views of the river nestled in the rolling hills, this is easily the best view in the state.
Delaware: Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is a mile long and is lined with shops and restaurants as well as amusement rides and games. The best part of the boardwalk, though, is the south end. Here, you can take a quiet walk along the beach and enjoy endless ocean views.
Florida: Three Sisters Springs
There are plenty of places to see the ocean in Florida, but if you want to see a real tropical paradise, then venture to Three Sisters Springs. Abundant wildlife, turquoise waters, and three natural springs stand out in the landscape here. Swim or kayak to get even closer to these amazing sights.
Georgia: Lookout Mountain
From the best lookout point in Georgia, you can “See 7 States.” Lookout Mountain, Georgia is the home of Rock City which is made up of ancient rock formations and natural gardens. The 2-3 hour trek up the mountain is worth it for the panoramic views.
Hawaii: Waipio Valley Overlook
Waipio Valley Overlook is best viewed from a spot between the parking area and the valley. This is an amazing opportunity because there is no long hike to get to this amazing view. From here, you can look out over the entire valley and catch a glimpse of stretches of high sea cliffs, cloud-topped mountains, and the waters below.
Idaho: Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve
Idaho offers a different kind of view. We don’t often consider light pollution or how little of the night sky most of us see. Some children growing up in major cities could go an entire lifetime without seeing a truly starlit sky. At the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve you will see the full night sky in a way you never imagined, without the electric lights of cities dimming the celestial sights.
Illinois: Shawnee National Forest
Shawnee National Forest is a nature and wildlife area that seems worlds away from the big city atmosphere of Chicago. The area is well known for bird watching and features four natural divisions: the Mississippi River Bottomlands, the Coastal Plain, the Missouri Ozark Hills, and the Shawnee Hills.
Indiana: White River State Park
By land or by water, nothing beats the views from the Canal Walk Cultural District in Indianapolis, Indiana at the White River State Park. This trail is about three miles long and runs a loop through downtown. This is a popular area and you will likely see many others enjoying the view or getting their daily run in.
Iowa: Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
We’ll give credit for this one to Iowa, but you can also see Nebraska from the famed bridge, as it connects Omaha, Nebraska, to Council Bluffs, Iowa. No matter which side you are taking in views from, it is an awesome way to see the Missouri River and valley below.
Kansas: Mushroom Rock State Park
See one of the eight wonders of Kansas geography at Mushroom Rock State Park in Marquette. Set in the picturesque Kansas countryside, giant rock formations have been weathered and eroded to look like mushrooms!
Kentucky: The Southbank Bridge In Newport
The Bluegrass State is no stranger to beautiful natural views. It has it all from major cities to mountains, to rivers and so much more. The Southbank Bridge In Newport offers a view of both Kentucky and Indiana, as well as a breathtaking view of the Ohio River.
Louisiana: Cypremort Point State Park
Cypremort Point State Park on Vermilion Bay is known for its watersports and its sunsets. There is no more beautiful sight in all of Louisiana than the sunset over the water on Vermilion Bay when the sky is painted with hues of oranges, pinks, and purples and reflected off the water.
Maine: Fort Allen Park
To truly appreciate the beauty of Maine’s Casco Bay which stretches from Phippsburg to Dyer Point in Cape Elizabeth, you must see it from Fort Allen Park. Fort Allen Park is a city landmark in the Eastern Promenade of Portland and has outstanding views of the bay.
Maryland: Washington Monument State Park
This Maryland park safeguards the original 40-foot Washington Monument, constructed in tribute to the nation’s first president. Perched near the summit of Monument Knob, a 1,540-foot peak on South Mountain, this elevation also provides an outstanding view of the city.
Massachusetts: Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook
Multicolored sand and clay glisten in the sun as you take in views from the Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook at Martha’s Vineyard. You get a fantastic look at the beaches, the water, and even the town of Aquinnah.
Michigan: Torch Lake
In a place known for its lakefront property, Torch Lake flows with crystal clear water and stretches for 19 miles. It is Michigan’s longest lake. The best part is there are dozens of public access points, each as beautiful as the last.
Minnesota: Eagle Mountain
It’s quite a hike, slightly more than three rugged miles, to see the amazing view from atop Eagle Mountain, but it is worth it. Called “The Rooftop of Minnesota”, you can see forests, rocky ridges, and a glimpse of Lake Superior.
Mississippi: Natchez Bluff
If you are looking for great views of the Mississippi River, the best place is Natchez Bluff. Surrounded by the gorgeous landscape of Bluff Park, at this elevation you not only get a great view of the river, but you can also see the shores of neighboring Louisiana.
Missouri: Meramec State Park
Meramec State Park is a lovely place to relax and enjoy nature since it is generally not crowded. The views here are of the Ozark Mountains Meramec River, and surrounding caves. You will find the best lookout at Bluff View.
Montana: Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is one of Montana’s most famous attractions and visited places for a reason. The mountains and views from the park are simply breathtaking. Some of the most beautiful are the views of Lake McDonald.
Nebraska: Chimney Rock
For American settlers to the Old West, Chimney Rock was the ultimate landmark towering more than 300 feet high. This is one landmark it is better to look up at than to look down from.
Nevada: Lake Tahoe
Iconic Lake Tahoe is nestled in the snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is the highest alpine lake in the United States and is located in both California and Nevada. Its stunning views are a perfect explanation for why it is called one of the most beautiful places in America.
New Hampshire: Pemigewasset Overlook
Pemigewasset Overlook is one of the best views of the Osceola Mountains on the Kancamagus Scenic Byway. From here, you can see miles of forests and mountains or relax at the pavilion and read all about the local area and views.
New Jersey: Hudson River Waterfront Walkway
Some of the most stunning views of New York City can actually be enjoyed from New Jersey. The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway stretches 18.5 miles, running from Bayonne, New Jersey, to the George Washington Bridge.
New Mexico: Anderson Overlook
Anderson Overlook is just off of Highway 52. You get an amazing view of the Rio Grande Valley. If you can catch this lookout in the winter, you might get to see it dusted with snow for an even more spectacular sight!
New York: 30 Rockefeller Center
While the Empire State Building might be the more traditional choice, you can see it and a whole lot more of the NYC skyline from 30 Rockefeller Center’s three-floor observation deck. Plus you can tour NBC Studios and visit Channel Gardens while you are there.
North Carolina: Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway has so many beautiful lookouts and scenic views it is impossible to choose just one. Cowee Mountains Overlook, John’s Knob, Hooper’s Bald, Laurel Top, and Little Huckleberry Knob are among the more known spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
North Dakota: Painted Canyon Overlook
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a gateway to the North Dakota Badlands. The park is home to wild horses, bison herds, and great stone structures. The best place for views is Painted Canyon Overlook where you can simply pull off the road for an amazing view.
Ohio: Rising Park
Ohio’s Rising Park is a city park with a lake. There is a great view there that looks down on the city of Lancaster and provides a view of the area’s signature Hocking Hills, and, in the distance, the Columbus skyline.
Oklahoma: Turner Falls Park
Turner Falls Park has camping, cabins, and its own festival. There is outstanding wildlife and gorgeous nature scenes everywhere you look. There are several great lookouts in the park, but if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can jump on the zipline for the best views possible.
Oregon: Upper Rogue River Trail
Along the Upper Rogue River Trail is Natural Bridges Viewpoint. At Natural Bridge, you can see one of nature’s great wonders at work. The river disappears into underground lava tubes only to burst back through into the main channel and into a pool below the bridge. This is a sight to see without mentioning the magical forest surroundings.
Pennsylvania: Hawn’s Overlook
Hawn’s Overlook gives you a breathtaking view of Raystown Lake In Huntingdon County. There is a short hike to this lookout, but it is not a rigorous one and the views will make it worth your time and effort. This area is especially beautiful at daybreak and sunset when the colors reflect off of the water’s surface.
Rhode Island: Mohegan Bluffs
Towering clay cliffs offer dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean at Mohegan Bluffs in Rhode Island. A plaque marks the bluff overlook and there are stairs that take you down to the beach if you are so inclined- either way, it’s a dramatic sight.
South Carolina: Myrtle Beach State Park
The natural splendor of South Carolina’s beaches is beyond compare. Come for the sand and surf, stay for the sunsets, and don’t miss out on the turtles. Many visitors come just to catch a glimpse of female loggerheads depositing their eggs near the sand dunes.
South Dakota: Falls Park Observation Tower
Falls Park Observation Tower boasts an outrageous view of Sioux Falls, the Big Sioux River, and the surrounding area. The tower has one of the world’s best viewing decks encompassing five full floors and providing a 360-degree panoramic view.
Tennessee: Kuwohi Clingmans Dome Observation Tower
Kuwohi, formerly Clingmans Dome, in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers breathtaking panoramic views. At 6,643 feet, it’s the state’s highest point. A paved, steep half-mile trail leads to an observation tower, providing 360-degree vistas. When clear, views stretch over 100 miles. Remember, temperatures are significantly cooler at this elevation. The road to Kuwohi closes seasonally, so plan accordingly to experience this stunning lookout.
Texas: Reunion Tower
Reunion Tower is an everpresent part of the Dallas skyline that it brings you so close to. From almost 500 feet up, see Dallas like you have never seen it before with indoor and outdoor viewing decks and a free panoramic photo to remember the experience by.
Utah: Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for hoodoos, which are large irregular rock columns. There are more of them here than anywhere in the world. See these geological wonders surrounded by pink cliffs, red rocks, and endless vistas.
Vermont: Quechee Gorge
The deepest gorge in Vermont, also known as the Little Grand Canyon, is Quechee Gorge. You can get a fantastic view of the area right off of Route 4 or you can access it through one of the many hiking trails in the area.
Virginia: Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is full of visual gems, but the best is Hazel Mountain Overlook. This is also an amazing overlook because it requires no hiking or stairs to get there. It is just off of Skyline Drive and easily accessible to everyone.
Washington: Mount Fremont Lookout
Mount Fremont Lookout takes a moderately difficult three-hour trek to see, but along the way, you will have lots of wildflowers, animals, and a great view of Mount Rainer to keep you occupied. Most people enjoy the views at sunrise and sunset the most.
West Virginia: New River Gorge Overlook
The New River Gorge Bridge is an engineering marvel, which at more than 3,000 feet, is the longest steel span bridge in the Western Hemisphere. Both the bridge and the gorge beneath it are some of the most popular places to photograph in the state.
Wisconsin: Cave Point County Park
Cave Point features striking limestone cliffs and underwater caves along the shores of Lake Michigan. These scenic bluffs are part of the Niagara Escarpment, the same geological formation that shaped Niagara Falls.
Wyoming: Artist Point
This Yellowstone overlook attracts thousands yearly, offering stunning views of the falls below. The stone lookout is said to have inspired many paintings, photographs, and artworks, which is what gives it the name Artist Point.
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