14 Most Photographed Places in the US That Everyone Should Have on Their Bucket List

In the day and age of social media, most of us are always on the lookout for new and exciting places to capture through our lenses. Taking an epic photograph is one of the only things that gets me up at sunrise to capture when the light hits just right on the landscape.

From the fiery red rocks of the Southwest to the misty, tree-lined coasts of the Pacific Northwest, I’ve spent countless hours exploring some of the most camera-worthy destinations in this country. If you’re building your photography bucket list, these 14 must-visit locations are everyone’s favorite Instagram gold.

1. Times Square, New York

Millions of visitors pass through Times Square every year, making it one of the most frequently photographed corners of Manhattan. The towering digital billboards and constant crowds provide a visual energy that is hard to ignore. 

Photographers often wait until after sundown to capture the interplay of bright lights and dark streets. The red steps at Duffy Square allow people to frame Broadway marquees behind groups of friends or solo travelers. Early mornings bring fewer tourists, allowing careful composition and easier tripod use. 

Night or day, this place rarely disappoints, except if you’re waiting for the ball to drop on New Year’s Eve.

2. Empire State Building, New York

The Empire State Building rises above the Midtown skyline, attracting photographers who crave wide-ranging views. Observation decks provide sweeping perspectives across Manhattan, revealing dense city blocks and recognizable landmarks. 

Many arrive early in the morning to take advantage of the crisp light that outlines skyscrapers and avenues. Sunset visits highlight warm hues drifting across steel and stone. Some lean on railings, adjusting camera angles to include the Hudson River or distant bridges.

3. Central Park, New York

Central Park spans a large section of Manhattan with beautiful garden pathways, bridges, and tranquil ponds. Each season transforms the area’s plant life, drawing repeated visits as leaves change color or cherry blossoms emerge. 

Spots like the Bethesda Terrace or Bow Bridge bring reflections on calm water. Active scenes unfold along the Mall, where street musicians and casual strollers pass under tree canopies.

4. Brooklyn Bridge, New York

The Brooklyn Bridge connects two boroughs and is a bucket list New York activity for many to walk across. Its cables and stone arches form geometric patterns. 

Walking across, one can frame Manhattan’s skyline or peer down at boats on the East River. At night, careful timing catches trails of light from passing cars. 

Nearby, the Dumbo neighborhood presents a well-known vantage point with the bridge in perfect alignment between old brick buildings.

5. Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles, California

The Hollywood Sign sits high on a hillside as an icon of California. Trails leading closer make it possible to find angles that set the white letters against the open sky. Some hire helicopters to record the sign from above. 

Early mornings can produce clear conditions, while afternoons bring deeper shadows on the hillside. Visitors often pair a trip here with time at Griffith Observatory for a broader cityscape.

6. Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles, California

The Hollywood Walk of Fame spreads along Hollywood Boulevard, where countless stars honor figures from film, television, and music. Although the attraction is a bit overrated, people find endless subjects, from the star plaques themselves to the mix of costumed characters and everyday passersby.

Street vendors, theaters, and souvenir shops reflect an entertainment culture that extends beyond the sidewalk. By day or night, artificial lights and palm trees shape the visual narrative.

7. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

The Golden Gate Bridge is another California highlight with its orange-red towers and elegant lines. Multiple viewpoints around the bay allow for variations that include city panoramas or shoreline cliffs.

Rolling fog often adds drama, temporarily obscuring parts of the structure. Sunsets can soften the light and create silhouettes of steel and cable. On clear mornings, distant landmarks like Alcatraz Island appear clearly beyond the span.

8. Welcome to the Fabulous Las Vegas Sign, Las Vegas, Nevada

The Welcome to the Fabulous Las Vegas Sign attracts steady lines of visitors holding cameras and waiting their turn. Its retro styling and bright lights stand out in a city known for visual statements. 

Photographers often juggle quick snapshots with framing attempts that incorporate nearby palm trees or passing cars. Nighttime sessions highlight the glow of neon against a darker sky.

9. Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

So iconic, Delicate Arch in Arches National Park is even featured on Utah’s license plate. The hike to Delicate Arch is a worthwhile photography opportunity in itself. Many arrive early or late to catch gentle lighting that complements sandstone textures.

The arch has appeared on countless postcards and online galleries, ensuring its status as a top photo target.

10. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park remains one of the busiest national parks for photographers hoping to capture layered rock formations and dramatic vistas. Overlooks such as Mather Point reveal intricate geology shaped by millions of years. 

Sunrise or sunset sessions often draw crowds seeking hues that paint the canyon walls. Some choose to hike the difficult trails below the canyon. Helicopter tours provide views otherwise unattainable from the rim.

11. The Bean, Chicago, Illinois

The Bean in Millennium Park reflects Chicago’s skyline and the people milling underneath its polished steel surface. You can produce distorted cityscapes and playful images of yourself. Early risers may find fewer tourists, improving the chance for clean, uncluttered frames. 

During festivals or other gatherings, the reflections take on more variety and color. Some experiment with capturing seasonal changes that alter light and mood around the plaza.

12. The Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park, California

The Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park remains a must-see stop known for its dramatic arrangement of iconic granite formations. People line the viewing area, adjusting lenses to include El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. 

Mornings might reveal a valley lightly touched by mist, while afternoons shift the contrast of granite surfaces. Changing seasons bring snow, greenery, and varied atmospheric effects.

Once a year, the sunset hits its glow on Horsetail Fall to create a fiery display known as “Firefall,” a photographer’s dream catch. 

13. Diamond Head, Honolulu, Hawaii

Diamond Head is an old volcanic crater near Waikiki. The short hike to the summit rewards with broad views that includethe coast and city skyline.

Some focus on the interplay of ocean and shore, while others highlight the crater’s geological features.

14. Maroon Bells, Colorado

Maroon Bells in Colorado consistently ranks among the most photographed mountain scenes in the Rocky Mountains and the country. 

Autumn turns aspen leaves brilliant yellow, reflecting in Maroon Lake and contrasting with evergreen slopes. Sunrise often rewards those who arrive early, while winter brings quieter moments, with snow-covered peaks and fewer crowds.

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