The most photographed landmark in each state you should see at least once

Sharing is caring!

Some landmarks don’t just sit on a map—they demand your attention. From towering monuments to quirky roadside attractions, the most photographed spots in each state capture hearts, cameras, and memories in equal measure. These are the places everyone talks about, the ones that define a skyline, a town, or even a whole state. Some dazzle with sheer scale, others charm with character, and every single one tells a story worth seeing in person. Whether it’s a sunrise that turns sandstone into fire in Utah or a rainbow arching over a historic bridge in Pennsylvania, each landmark has its own magic. Photographers, travelers, and memory-makers all flock to these icons for a reason: they make you pause, click, and remember where you are in the world.

Pack your camera, hit the road, and prepare to witness fifty slices of America—each one more unforgettable than the last.

Alabama — U.S. Space & Rocket Center (Huntsville)

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, serves as a temple of rocket and astronaut history, showcasing a collection of big, gleaming hardware and dramatic indoor displays. This site offers bold compositions and a unique glimpse into space exploration.

To emphasize the towering scale of the rockets, try shooting upward with a wide lens. Nearby, Monte Sano State Park provides beautiful nature shots, offering a peaceful contrast to the technological marvels of the center.

Alaska — Denali National Park (Denali / Healy)

Denali National Park, featuring North America’s highest peak, offers breathtaking landscapes that change with the light and weather.

This majestic mountain dominates the scene, providing photographers with endless opportunities to capture its beauty. Long focal lengths can help isolate Denali from the foreground tundra, creating a dramatic effect. Wildlife watching and the Parks Highway viewpoints enhance the experience, making Denali a must-see for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Arizona — Grand Canyon (South Rim)

The Grand Canyon, especially from the South Rim, offers classic views of endless layers and color shifts, making it a photographer’s paradise.

The best time to shoot is during the golden hour from Mather Point or Hopi Point, where the depth and beauty of the canyon come to life. Nearby, the Desert View Watchtower provides additional scenic drives and viewpoints, enhancing the experience of this natural wonder.

Arkansas — Hot Springs National Park (Hot Springs)

At Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, the historic Bathhouse Row meets forested peaks, offering a unique blend of architectural beauty and natural landscapes.

The steaming springs add an atmospheric touch to photographs, especially at dusk, when the lit bathhouses create a captivating scene. Nearby hiking on the Ouachita foothills provides additional opportunities for nature photography and exploration.

California — Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco)

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is a coastal icon known for its fog, color, and scale. This landmark photographs beautifully in various moods, especially from Marin Headlands at sunrise, offering sweeping views. Fort Point provides a dramatic foreground for capturing the bridge’s grandeur.

Nearby, the Presidio trails and Baker Beach offer additional scenic spots to explore and photograph.

Colorado — Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)

Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is renowned for its towering red rock fins against a striking blue sky. The formations create fantastic silhouettes and wide vistas, especially when captured crosswise at sunrise.

This unique location offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and dramatic landscapes. Nearby, Pikes Peak and various hiking trails provide additional opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Connecticut — Mystic Seaport (Mystic)

Mystic Seaport in Connecticut offers a timeless nautical scene with its historic wharves, wooden vessels, and cobbled streets.

The golden-hour dock reflections make for rich compositions, capturing the essence of this charming maritime destination. Nearby, the Mystic Aquarium and the quaint Main Street provide additional attractions for visitors and photographers alike.

Delaware — Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk (Rehoboth Beach)

The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk in Delaware is a classic Atlantic destination known for its colorful shops, sunset beaches, and candid moments. The boardwalk offers endless opportunities for capturing vibrant life, especially with low-angle sunset shots that create leading lines.

Nearby, Cape Henlopen State Park provides additional scenic spots for nature and beach photography.

Florida — Walt Disney World Resort (Orlando)

Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, is a wonderland of iconic castles, parades, and themed skylines. This enchanting destination offers picture-perfect storybook framing everywhere you look.

Capturing Cinderella’s Castle with fireworks or in the early morning provides unforgettable images. Nearby, multiple parks and themed hotels offer a variety of photographic opportunities for visitors.

Georgia — Stone Mountain (Stone Mountain Park)

Stone Mountain in Georgia features a striking granite dome, historic bas-relief, and panoramic summit views.

This landmark provides a dramatic backdrop for photographs, especially when captured during the golden hour. Nearby, the scenic railroad and lakeside areas offer additional points of interest for exploration and photography, both capturing the rich history and natural beauty of the park.

Hawaii — Diamond Head (Oʻahu, Honolulu)

Diamond Head in Oʻahu, Honolulu, offers sweeping panoramas from its volcanic crater rim, merging cityscapes with ocean views. An early-morning hike rewards photographers with soft light and fewer crowds, enhancing the iconic island silhouette.

Nearby, Waikiki Beach and other coastal viewpoints offer additional opportunities for stunning photographs and memorable experiences.

Idaho — Shoshone Falls (Twin Falls)

Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho, is a gigantic waterfall offering a powerful, photogenic drop. Its dramatic appearance is captivating from multiple viewpoints, especially when captured with long exposure for silky water textures.

Rainbow chances in the mist add an extra touch of magic. Nearby, the Snake River canyon rim offers additional breathtaking views and nature photography opportunities.

Illinois — Cloud Gate (‘The Bean,’ Chicago)

The Cloud Gate sculpture, affectionately known as ‘The Bean,’ in Chicago reflects the city skyline, clouds, and crowds in an endlessly re-composed visual feast. Low perspectives emphasize reflections and symmetry, making it a favorite subject for photographers.

Nearby, Millennium Park and the Art Institute provide additional cultural and artistic attractions for visitors to explore.

Indiana — Soldiers & Sailors Monument (Indianapolis)

The Soldiers & Sailors Monument in Indianapolis stands as a grand historic tribute amidst Monument Circle. Its strong verticals and city skyline backdrops create a striking visual impact.

Night shots when the monument is lit or capturing parade-day energy offer unique photographic opportunities. Nearby, the Canal Walk and downtown murals add to the vibrant urban experience.

Iowa — Field of Dreams Movie Site (Dyersville)

The Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville, Iowa, is a nostalgic place where a baseball diamond is frozen in cinematic amber.

The site evokes strong emotions and sells nostalgia through photos, especially when captured wide, including the surrounding cornfields at golden hour. Nearby, small-town charm and museum exhibits further enrich the visitor experience and photographic potential.

Kansas — Monument Rocks (Gove County)

Monument Rocks in Gove County, Kansas, are ancient chalk formations that rise dramatically from the plains, creating lunar, sculptural scenes.

Sunset side-lighting brings out the textures, while star trails at night provide a celestial backdrop. Nearby, open prairie vistas and grain-silo compositions offer additional opportunities for unique photography and exploration.

Kentucky — Mammoth Cave National Park (Central KY)

Mammoth Cave National Park in central Kentucky is home to the world’s longest cave system, featuring dramatic sinkholes and lush green entrance scenery. Surface viewpoints and walkways provide textured foregrounds, enhancing the photographic experience.

Special permits are often required for inside photography. Nearby, river paddling and historic sites offer additional adventures and photo opportunities.

Louisiana — French Quarter (New Orleans)

The French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a lively place filled with colorful balconies, ironwork, and vibrant street scenes.

This area is perfect for atmospheric street photography, capturing the early morning light or the neon nightlife contrasts on Bourbon Street. Nearby, Jackson Square and riverside views add to the rich tapestry of experiences available in this iconic district.

Maine — Portland Head Light (Cape Elizabeth)

Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, stands as a classic New England lighthouse, perched on wind-carved coastlines.

Its photogenic nature is undeniable, with many angles offering stunning views. Including foreground rocks and crashing surf in your composition adds dynamic elements to the scene. Nearby, Fort Williams Park paths and seaside towns provide further exploration and photography opportunities.

Maryland — Inner Harbor & National Aquarium (Baltimore)

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, along with the National Aquarium, offers a vibrant scene with marina reflections, historic ships, and striking glass architecture.

Twilight reflections on the water create rewarding photographs, capturing the essence of this lively urban waterfront. Nearby, Fells Point and Harborplace promenades offer additional attractions and opportunities for cultural and scenic photography.

Massachusetts — Boston Common & Public Garden (Boston)

Boston Common and the adjoining Public Garden in Massachusetts are historic green spaces framed by city architecture and home to the famous Swan Boats. Fall foliage or spring blooms make the park glow with vibrant colors, offering a photographer’s dream setting.

Nearby, Beacon Hill and the Freedom Trail provide further exploration in this charming and historically rich area.

Michigan — Mackinac Island (Mackinac Island)

Mackinac Island in Michigan offers a step back in time with its car-free streets, Victorian architecture, and expansive water views. This timeless island destination is perfect for capturing sunrise light over the straits, creating mirror-like water reflections.

Nearby, Arch Rock and carriage-ride scenes offer additional photographic charm and opportunities for exploration.

Minnesota — Minnehaha Falls (Minneapolis)

Minnehaha Falls, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is an urban waterfall framed by parkland and city proximity. The falls provide great seasonal contrasts, from lush summer greens to spectacular winter ice formations.

Long exposures create silky water effects, while nearby Mississippi River trails offer additional opportunities for nature and cityscape photography.

Mississippi — Vicksburg National Military Park (Vicksburg)

Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi offers historic battlefield landscapes and monuments, ideal for solemn and textured photos. Wide, low sun enhances long shadows and monument details, creating a poignant visual narrative.

Nearby, Mississippi River views and museums enrich the visitor’s experience, offering further opportunities for exploration and photography.

Missouri — Gateway Arch (St. Louis)

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, stands as a perfect geometric landmark over the river, offering minimalism and skyline frames. Shooting from the riverfront or using reflections from the Old Courthouse pools creates striking images.

Nearby, riverboats and museum components add to the cultural and historical richness of this iconic location.

Montana — Glacier National Park (Many locations)

Glacier National Park in Montana boasts jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and vistas from the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

This cinematic mountain landscape offers photographers endless opportunities, especially around early alpine lakes like Lake McDonald for mirror reflections. Nearby hiking trails and wildlife corridors enhance the experience, making this park a must-see for nature lovers.

Nebraska — Scotts Bluff National Monument (Gering)

Scotts Bluff National Monument in Gering, Nebraska, features prominent prairie columnar cliffs that once guided westward travelers.

The dramatic prairie-to-sky photos are best captured with telephoto compressions at sunset, highlighting the layered ridgelines. Nearby, Oregon Trail sites offer additional historical context and photographic exploration.

Nevada — Las Vegas Strip (Las Vegas)

The Las Vegas Strip in Nevada is known for its neon lights, iconic architecture, and endless night energy. This lively destination offers color-saturated cityscapes, with blue-hour skyline shots and light trails from traffic adding a dynamic touch.

Nearby, Fremont Street and Bellagio fountains enhance the vibrant atmosphere and offer additional photographic opportunities.

New Hampshire — White Mountain Views (Mount Washington region / Franconia Notch)

New Hampshire’s White Mountains offer rugged peaks and sweeping notch vistas, especially dramatic during seasonal color changes.

Capturing fall foliage from overlooks like Kancamagus Highway highlights the area’s natural beauty. Nearby, Flume Gorge and scenic railways offer additional exploration and photographic enjoyment, making this region a beloved destination for nature enthusiasts.

New Jersey — Atlantic City Boardwalk or Cape May (depending on county)

New Jersey offers historic seaside promenades like the Atlantic City Boardwalk or Cape May’s colorful piers. These classic East Coast visuals are perfect for capturing sunrise compositions with leading lines. Nearby, casinos or Victorian streets in Cape May enhance the exploration, providing diverse photographic opportunities and rich historical context.

New Mexico — White Sands National Park (near Alamogordo)

White Sands National Park in New Mexico is famed for its otherworldly white gypsum dunes that glow beautifully in sunrise and sunset light. Silhouetting people or sand sleds against the ripples adds an artistic touch.

Nearby, Alamogordo attractions and sunsets over the dunes provide further exploration and unique photographic opportunities, making it a dream destination for landscape photographers.

New York — Times Square / Central Park / Statue of Liberty (many photogenic spots; Central Park especially)

New York City’s Central Park is a top photo magnet, offering a diverse range of scenes from lakes and bridges to skyline frames. Seasonal highlights like cherry blossom spring or golden fall light enhance its beauty.

Nearby, Fifth Avenue and museums offer additional cultural and photographic experiences, making it an iconic destination for photographers and visitors alike.

North Carolina — Blue Ridge Parkway / Great Smoky Mountains views

The Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina offer misty ridgelines and scenic overlooks, delivering layered landscapes and moody light. Early-morning mist or fall peak color create breathtaking images.

Nearby, hiking trails and mountain towns enhance the experience, providing additional exploration and photographic opportunities in this stunning region.

North Dakota — Theodore Roosevelt National Park (Badlands near Medora)

Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota showcases dramatic badland formations, wide skies, and bison, creating a striking frontier photography experience.

Golden hour low light sculpts the ridges, and including bison adds scale to the scenes. Nearby, Medora town’s historic district offers further exploration and photographic opportunities, enriching the visitor’s experience.

Ohio — Hocking Hills State Park (Rockbridge / Logan area)

Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio offers waterfalls, rock shelters, and dense forest trails, creating incredibly photogenic micro-landscapes. Long exposures at falls, like Ash Cave, create silky water effects, with mossy foregrounds adding depth.

Nearby zipline tours and small-town scenes provide further adventures and photographic opportunities, making this park a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

Oklahoma — Turner Falls Park (Davis)

Turner Falls Park in Davis, Oklahoma, features a large, picturesque waterfall set in a wooded valley, perfect for adventurous photography. Combining foreground rocks with cascading water adds depth to the composition.

Nearby natural swimming spots and cave features offer additional exploration and photography opportunities, making it a favorite destination for nature enthusiasts.

Oregon — Crater Lake National Park (Crater Lake)

Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is renowned for its deep-blue caldera lake framed by majestic cliffs. This pristine landscape offers pure, reflective vistas, especially from Rim Drive viewpoints at sunrise or after fresh snow.

Nearby, Wizard Island boat trips enhance the experience, providing unique perspectives and photographic opportunities in this stunning natural wonder.

Pennsylvania — Philadelphia’s Rocky Steps & City Hall / Liberty Bell Area

Philadelphia’s Rocky Steps and City Hall offer iconic civic architecture and viewpoints for cinematic urban shots. Capturing the skyline from the top of the steps at golden hour creates striking images.

Nearby, Independence Hall and Old City provide additional historic and cultural exploration, enriching the photographic experience in this vibrant city.

Rhode Island — Newport Cliff Walk & Gilded Age Mansions

Newport Cliff Walk in Rhode Island pairs oceanfront cliffs with grand mansions, creating elegant coastal compositions. Combining seascape foregrounds with mansion lines adds contrast to the scene.

Nearby, waterfront dining and sailing scenes offer additional opportunities for exploration and photography, making this a charming and picturesque destination.

South Carolina — Charleston Historic District (Rainbow Row / Battery)

Charleston’s Historic District in South Carolina is renowned for its pastel facades, cobblestones, and live oaks, epitomizing Southern charm. Morning light on Rainbow Row brings the colors alive, and including people adds scale.

Nearby, carriage rides and harbor views enrich the experience, offering additional exploration and photographic opportunities in this quintessential Southern locale.

South Dakota — Mount Rushmore (Keystone area)

Mount Rushmore in South Dakota is an iconic American landmark, featuring the carved faces of presidents on granite. The bold, monumental sculptures offer a striking subject for photography. Telephoto lenses capture details, while wide shots include the contextual forest and sky.

Nearby, Custer State Park and Crazy Horse Memorial provide additional exploration and photographic potential.

Tennessee — Great Smoky Mountains (Clingmans Dome / Cades Cove)

The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee offer misty mountain ridges and historic valley scenes, perfect for layered landscape photography. Sunrise from Clingmans Dome provides long-distance clarity and vibrant colors.

Nearby, Cades Cove loop and Appalachian trails enhance the visitor experience, offering additional exploration and photographic opportunities in this scenic region.

Texas — The Alamo (San Antonio) or San Antonio River Walk (both heavily photographed)

The Alamo and San Antonio River Walk in Texas offer historic mission architecture and riverfront ambience, creating strong cultural and photographic opportunities. Dusk shots of the River Walk lights or architectural details at the Alamo provide striking images.

Nearby, Market Square and historic districts enrich the experience, offering further exploration and photography potential.

Utah — Delicate Arch (Arches National Park)

Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, Utah, is a natural, freestanding arch that stands silhouetted against stunning red desert skies. This signature photo opportunity is best at sunset or sunrise, with the arch providing a captivating focal point.

Nearby, other arches and Canyonlands offer additional exploration and photographic opportunities, making this park a favorite for nature photographers.

Vermont — Covered Bridges & Mad River Valley (various classic New England scenes)

Vermont’s covered bridges and Mad River Valley offer photogenic scenes with mountain farms and fall foliage, creating storybook compositions. Autumn light on covered bridges with river reflections adds charm and depth to photographs.

Nearby, small towns and farmstands provide further exploration and photographic potential, making this region a beloved destination for photographers.

Virginia — Shenandoah National Park / Skyline Drive (Blue Ridge views)

Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, with its rolling ridge lines and panoramic overlooks, is ideal for capturing stunning seasonal vistas. Sunrise drive stops reveal layered light and fog, enhancing the landscape’s beauty.

Nearby, small mountain towns and hiking trails offer additional exploration and photographic opportunities, making this park a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Washington — Space Needle & Seattle Waterfront / Olympic and Mount Rainier vistas

The Space Needle and Seattle Waterfront in Washington provide a perfect urban backdrop, with nearby Olympic and Mount Rainier vistas adding dramatic contrast. Skyline shots from Kerry Park or waterfront ferries capture the iconic Space Needle and cityscape.

Nearby, Pike Place Market and glimpses of Mount Rainier offer additional exploration and photographic opportunities.

West Virginia — New River Gorge Bridge (Fayetteville)

The New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville, West Virginia, is a monumental steel arch that spans a rugged canyon, offering dramatic scale and adventure shots. Golden-hour light across the bridge creates stunning photographs, while night shots when lit add a unique perspective.

Nearby, hiking, rock-climbing, and rim overlooks provide additional exploration and photographic potential.

Wisconsin — Apostle Islands & Devil’s Island sea caves (Bayfield area)

The Apostle Islands in Wisconsin, particularly Devil’s Island sea caves, offer stunning lakeshore cliffs and photogenic sea caves. These painterly lake photos are best captured from a kayak or during winter ice-cave conditions.

Nearby, ferry tours and lighthouses provide additional exploration and photographic opportunities, making this area a favorite for adventure photographers.

Wyoming — Yellowstone (Old Faithful / Grand Prismatic Spring / Grand Canyon of Yellowstone)

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is famous for its geothermal wonders, including geysers, colorful hot springs, and dramatic canyons. Capturing the Grand Prismatic Spring from the overlook provides brilliant colors and steaming views.

Nearby wildlife valleys and geothermal basins offer additional exploration and photographic opportunities, making Yellowstone a must-see destination for nature photographers.