Through the Lens: The 100 Most Breathtaking Views in America

August 19th marks World Photography Day, a global celebration of the art and passion for photography. And America is blessed with some of the most beautiful or iconic views in the world – from the awe-inspiring depths of the Grand Canyon to the dazzling expanse of the Manhattan skyline, and the iconic silhouette of Seattle's Space Needle set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Rainier, the United States is home to some of the most breathtaking and iconic views on the planet. Mixbook, a #1 rated photobook company, recently carried out a survey of 3,000 Americans to establish the 100 most breathtaking views in America. The top 10 were as follows:

1. Denali from Wonder Lake, Alaska

In first place, Wonder Lake in Denali National Park presents one of the most iconic scenes of Denali, North America's tallest peak. For the best photo, position yourself along the lake's shore, where on clear days, the mountain’s reflection can be perfectly mirrored in the tranquil waters.

2. Na Pali Coast from Kalalau Lookout, Hawaii

Kalalau Lookout in second, located in Koke'e State Park on Kauai, offers a panoramic spectacle of the Na Pali Coast. From here, you can take in the rugged cliffs, deep valleys, and the Pacific Ocean stretching endlessly beyond, making it one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Hawaii.

3. Mendenhall Glacier from Nugget Falls Trail, Alaska

In Juneau, the Nugget Falls Trail rewards hikers with a striking view of the Mendenhall Glacier. Near the base of Nugget Falls, this spot provides a perfect photo opportunity, capturing the glacier as a majestic backdrop to the cascading waterfall.

4. Big Sky from Lone Mountain Summit, Montana

The summit of Lone Mountain at Big Sky Resort is where you’ll find a panoramic view that truly lives up to Montana’s "Big Sky" reputation. From this vantage point, accessible via the tram, you can enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of the Rocky Mountains and the vast wilderness, especially mesmerizing at sunrise.

5. Lake Tahoe from Sand Harbor, Nevada

Sand Harbor State Park, in fifth, offers one of the most picturesque views of the lake. Whether from the sandy beach or the nearby rocky outcrops, this spot is perfect for capturing the crystal-clear waters and surrounding mountains, particularly as the sun sets.

6. Bryce Canyon from Sunrise Point, Utah

Sunrise Point in Bryce Canyon National Park is famed for its stunning view of the park's unique hoodoos—towering, thin rock spires. The scene is especially magical at sunrise, when the first light casts a golden hue over the red rock formations.

7. Grand Canyon from Mather Point, Arizona

Mather Point, situated on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, offers one of the most iconic perspectives of this natural wonder. Located near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, this spot provides a sweeping vista of the canyon's vast, colorful expanse, particularly striking during sunrise or sunset.

8. Cape Cod from Nauset Beach, Massachusetts

Nauset Beach in Orleans delivers a serene view of the Atlantic Ocean along Cape Cod’s sandy shores. The ideal photo spot is at the beach’s edge, where you can capture the rolling waves and backdrop of dunes, especially enchanting at sunrise.

9. Niagara Falls from Prospect Point, New York

Prospect Point in Niagara Falls State Park offers a thrilling, up-close view of the American Falls, part of the grand Niagara Falls. Located near the falls' edge, this viewpoint provides a dramatic perspective, particularly awe-inspiring when the falls are illuminated after dark.

10. Las Vegas Strip from the High Roller

And rounding up the top ten, the High Roller Observation Wheel on the Las Vegas Strip provides a sweeping panoramic view of the city’s iconic skyline. The ideal photo can be captured from one of the observation pods at the top, particularly at night when the city lights create a dazzling and vibrant display.

5 Tips For Achieving The Perfect Photograph:

1. Timing is Everything

• Golden Hour: The golden hour, which occurs just after sunrise and before sunset, provides soft, warm light that enhances colors and adds depth to your photos. This is especially effective for landscapes, as it creates long shadows and highlights textures.
• Blue Hour: Consider shooting during the blue hour, the period of twilight just before sunrise or after sunset, for a cooler, more atmospheric light that can give your photos a dreamy quality.

2. Use a Tripod

• A tripod is essential for stabilizing your camera, especially in low light conditions or when using longer exposure times. This is crucial for capturing sharp images of landscapes, particularly when shooting at sunrise, sunset, or in dimly lit environments like waterfalls or forests.

3. Compose Thoughtfully

• Rule of Thirds: Use the rule of thirds by positioning key elements off-center to create a balanced and engaging composition. For example, place the horizon in the top or bottom third of the frame, rather than the center.
• Leading Lines: Incorporate natural lines (like rivers, roads, or trails) to guide the viewer’s eye through the image towards the main subject, such as a mountain peak or coastline.
• Foreground Interest: Include elements in the foreground (rocks, trees, flowers) to add depth and scale to your photos, making the viewer feel as though they’re stepping into the scene.

4. Consider the Weather

• Clouds and Fog: Cloudy or foggy conditions can add drama and mood to your landscape photos. Mist rolling over mountains or sunlight breaking through clouds can create spectacular lighting effects.
• Clear Days: For clear reflections in lakes or other bodies of water, aim to shoot on calm, clear days when the water surface is still.

5. Be Patient and Persistent

• Sometimes, the best shots require waiting for the right moment—a break in the clouds, the perfect light, or the appearance of wildlife. Be prepared to wait and take multiple shots to increase your chances of capturing that perfect image.

Methodology: Online panel survey of 3,000 adults based on age, gender, and geography. Internal data sources are used to obtain population data sets. We used a two-step process to ensure representativeness through stratified sampling and post-stratification weighting. August 2024.

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