The U.S. is full of things to see. From beautiful nature parks to man-made oddities, each state has its own camera-ready attractions begging to be posed in front of. But let’s face it, seeing a dozen of the same boring shot can make even the most die-hard Instagram addict cringe.
We scoured the country (or at least, social media) for the best photo ops America has to offer. From purple mountain majesties to replicas of Stonehenge made of everything from cars to corn on the cob.
With a country that has more variation than IG has filters, we say, ditch the pretenses, up the kitsch factor and ham it up for the camera in these 50 photogenic hot spots around the U.S.
Alabama
Head to Elberta, Alabama for a photo with the Lady in the Lake. No alien encounter was necessary to create this 50-foot woman; the fiberglass sculpture was created by artist Mark Kline and is now permanently reclined in Barber Marina. Play with perspective and create a family photo op to remember.
Alaska
From a 50-foot woman to the tallest mountain in North America, some of the best photo ops are supersized. Gaze out at the gorgeous Alaska landscape and take in the uncanny scope of Denali National Park.
Arizona
Everyone should see the Grand Canyon at least once and a photo in front of this Arizona landmark is a must. But instead of the same old pose, try something a little bit different to showcase just how massive the natural wonder truly is. Just don’t get too close to the edge!
Arkansas
Hike down to Glory Hole Falls for this unique photo op. The Arkansas waterfall in Ozark National Forest has worn its way through a ledge and now cascades through a hole lending itself to the off-the-beaten-path attraction’s name. This photo may require an umbrella unless you don’t mind getting a little wet. It will be worth the photo op, trust us.
California
A trip to Los Angeles would not be complete without a trip to the iconic Hollywood sign and a very necessary photograph, Insta-ready for its 15 minutes of fame. But, if you’ve seen one photo in front of this West Coast landmark, you’ve seen them all, amirite? Give the photo a boost with a little creativity and the addition of a California T-shirt is meta in all the best ways.
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Colorado
Hike Petraglyph Point trail in Mesa Verde National Park for an outdoorsy adventure that must be shared to be believed. School your friends in the art of ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings made by Ancestral Puebloans) with this fun — and educational — photo op.
Connecticut
There is no more beautiful place to get lost in Connecticut than the Lyman Orchard sunflower maze. And, of course, this bright and cheerful pose is mandatory.
Delaware
When in Delaware, stop at Bethany Beach and play with shadow and light to create this unique ocean pose with heart. (Photo cred: nmcphotography.com)
Florida
A photo in front of the Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle is an Orlando staple, but have fun with it! You are in Disney World, after all! There is no excuse not to see the world like a kid, at least for one photo op or two.
Georgia
Take a moment of reflection (and pose for a picture) at Piedmont Park in Atlanta. There is nothing like a city skyline reflecting on the water to provide the perfect backdrop for a photo-ready moment.
Hawaii
Hike to the summit of Haleakala volcano in Maui and take in the sunset with morning yoga and a photo op that is only made better with a friend.
Idaho
Fun fact: Sun Valley was first place in the world to install chairlifts and the original Proctor Mountain Ski Lift is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While skiing is the main draw of Sun Valley, don’t let that deter you from visiting in other seasons when the mountain is perfect for sunny hikes (and fun photographs!).
Illinois
Visit Chicago‘s Millennium Park and get a new perspective of the city’s skyline as reflected in the surface of Cloud Gate. Inspired by liquid mercury, it’s lovingly nicknamed “the bean” and provides too many opportunities for creative photo ops to count.
Indiana
While Hoosier National Forest has over 260 miles of trails perfect for hiking, biking and horseback riding, sometimes your just want to hang your hammock and enjoy the view.
Iowa
For supersized kitsch, you can pose for a photo with the World’s Largest Concrete Gnome in Ames, Iowa. You know what they say, go big or go gnome. (Gnome pun intended!)
Kansas
We’re not in Kansas anymore… BUT, it you are, stop by the Oz Museum and set up this perfect yellow brick road photo op. Red shoes are a must, so plan ahead and pack accordingly.
Kentucky
A selfie stick will not be long enough to hit this photographic home run in front of Kentucky‘s Louisville Slugger Museum.
Louisiana
There are no shortage of camera-ready moments in New Orleans, and when on Bourbon Street you will definitely be taking your share of snaps. This unique footograph makes the perfect cover photo and sums up the Bourbon Street experience quite succinctly.
Maine
When in Maine, a lighthouse pic is non-negotiable. Try Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse in Portland. Coordinating patriotic fashion adds a little flair to a 4th of July photo op (but we think this is a perfect photo any time!).
Maryland
Cozy up to Edgar Allan Poe in Baltimore and search for the perfect photo op nevermore!
Massachusetts
While walking the Freedom Trail in Boston, take a break and play with perspective for a selfie in front of the Bunker Hill Monument.
Michigan
Stop by the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit to learn about America’s automotive history AND turn yourself into a hot dog for a photo op you’ll relish to share on Instagram.
Minnesota
Shop til you drop at the Mall of America and stop at the Lego store for a photo with a Stormtrooper. May the force (and perfect Instagram filter) be with you!
Mississippi
While Elvis fans may more often flock to Graceland, you can also pay homage to the King at his birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi. Be sure to show your affection and capture it with a photo for posterity.
Missouri
Gaze up from beneath the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. With so many vantage points from which to experience this massive monument, there is no shortage of ways to frame your photograph using this must-see Missouri attraction.
Montana
With forests, meadows, mountains, lakes and 700 miles of trails to explore, Glacier National Park is the perfect place to get your adventure pose on.
Nebraska
Carhenge is Nebraska‘s kitschy answer to England’s Stonehenge and a must-stop photo op when in the Great Plains.
Nevada
When in Nevada, is there any photo more iconic than a snap in front of the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign? Get creative with this oldie but goodie by hamming it up for the camera. What happens in Vegas, ends up on Instagram!
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New Hampshire
A day in the mountains is a must in New Hampshire. Ski, snowboard and go incognito for a photo op at Loon Mountain. Photo tags necessary.
New Jersey
Atlantic City is known for seaside kitsch. Roll the dice in one of the oceanfront casinos, take a dip in the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean and pick up a few souvenirs as you stroll the iconic Boardwalk. AC is over the top and your photo ops should be, as well! (Photo bomb optional, but suggested.)
New Mexico
Check out Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico for a stalagmite-y good photo op.
New York
New York offers no shortage of opportunities for incredible photographs, but take a break from the bustle and enjoy the skyline views from scenic Central Park.
North Carolina
When in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a sunset is only made more magical with a silhouette photo featuring the fluffiest of Pomeranians.
North Dakota
Explore Medora, North Dakota on horseback and capture the unmatched views with a photograph from the trail. Novice horseback riders, leave this photo op to a more experienced equestrian and keep your hands on the reigns!
Ohio
Be one with your surroundings in Dublin, Ohio‘s Field of Corn (sometimes dubbed Cornhenge) for this one-of-a-kind photo op on a cob.
Oklahoma
Take a sip from the World’s Largest Pop Bottle in Arcadia, Oklahoma and stock up on the real thing at Pops, which has 500 varieties of the carbonated beverage.
Oregon
When in Oregon, get a photo in front of Haystack Rock. You may remember seeing this popular Cannon Beach tourist destination on film in the opening scene of “The Goonies.” They may never say die, but you should say cheese!
Pennsylvania
Pay homage to America’s past with a photo op in front of quintessential symbol of American Independence, The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.
Rhode Island
Newport is the perfect summer getaway, especially during the annual Newport Folk Festival. Enjoy blue skies with a soundtrack — and take a few pictures to remember the occasion!
South Carolina
Boat selfies are a must at South Carolina‘s Cypress Gardens, the beautiful botanical gardens that chick flick aficionados may remember from “The Notebook.” Dramatic overtures while boating not recommended.
South Dakota
Create your own “Jurassic World” at the Dinosaur Park in Rapid City. Luckily, these dinos aren’t averse to flash photography.
Tennessee
When in Nashville, a stop at the Grand Ole Opry is a must for country fans. While you’re there, play with perspective with the perfect photo op in front of this giant guitar.
Texas
Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas is a must-see stop on any southern road trip. Pose in front of the pop art installation for a one-of-a-kind automotive photo op. Tourists armed with spray paint can add to the constantly changing canvas, which means, depending on the day, no two photographs will be the same.
Utah
Jump for joy at Monument Valley in Utah. Accept nothing “butte” smiles when posing in this gorgeous desert landscape.
Vermont
When in Vermont, dip a toe in Lake Champlain (or, perhaps, a whole foot or two)!
Virginia
Hats off to this fun photo op at Jamestown Settlement, where you can take a look back at the country’s history and don early American armor for science (and Instagram!).
Washington
Paddles (and cameras) up on White River in Washington.
West Virginia
Get outdoors in West Virginia. Boat or jet ski on Cheat Lake — or just kick your feet up and relax.
Wisconsin
Say cheese at Wisconsin landmark, Cave of the Mounds. A stunning geological wonder where you can step back in time millions of years and share the experience on social media simultaneously.
Wyoming
Don’t pass up this photo within a photo at Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park, where there is no shortage of beauty to share.
Main image: Phil Roeder, Brooklyn Bridge via Flickr CC BY 2.0
