Looking for the top vacation destinations in the us? Think palm-lined beaches, city lights and mountain lakes so clear you can see the rocks below.
These pictures give you plenty to dream about, whether you want a packed itinerary or a few days with very little planned.
You can keep things simple or go all out. Start with the scenery you love, then build your trip around it. A few photos don't establish an exact location, so those are inspiration for the broader destinations rather than specific stops.
Vacation spots worth adding to your list
Hawaii beach days
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous beach view. I love the palms around the curved shoreline and those mountains across the blue water.
Read also: 20 Caribbean Honeymoon Ideas, From Mountain Views to Pink Beaches
If Hawaii is on your list, use this as inspiration for a beach-focused trip rather than a confirmed beach location. Leave a little room in your schedule for simply watching the waves.
Arizona canyon scenery
How pretty is this little waterfall between the red canyon walls? The green plants tucked around the falling water are my favorite detail.
For an Arizona canyon trip, save this as scenery inspiration, not a verified hiking stop. Choose a documented route and check access, permits and conditions before planning around a waterfall.
New York beside Central Park
I am obsessed with this Central Park view. The dark pond, colorful trees and rows of glowing windows look so pretty together.
If you want a New York trip with more than busy streets, give the park its own space on your itinerary. A walk followed by dinner sounds like a lovely way to spend an evening.
Yellowstone hot springs
If you are looking for dramatic scenery, Yellowstone belongs on your list. This picture pairs a bright blue hot spring with orange ground and a huge plume of steam.
Plan around designated geothermal viewing areas and stay on marked paths and boardwalks. Treat that fiery sky as photo inspiration, not a promise of what your visit will look like.
Charleston church spires
Love a city break with beautiful buildings? Charleston is a lovely place to start.
This view of St. Philip’s Church puts its tall spire and columned entrance right in the spotlight.
Build a walking route with time to stop and look up. Those clock faces and little architectural details deserve more than a passing glance.
Nashville neon nights
This Nashville street may just be one of my favorite city pictures here. There’s so much going on, from the guitar-shaped signs to the crowded sidewalks.
If you want live music to be part of your trip, look into Broadway’s venues before choosing your evening stops. Keep your plans flexible rather than trying to squeeze every doorway into one night.
La Jolla coastal views
I love this stretch of coast with the purple flowers in front and palms along the cliffs. The little curve of beach is just as pretty.
For a San Diego getaway, add La Jolla to your list of places to explore. Start with a coastal walk, then choose your beach stop based on local access and conditions.
Orlando beyond the parks
Don’t want your entire Orlando trip to revolve around theme parks? No problem!
This garden picture offers a different kind of inspiration, with a brick path winding between palms and bright red plants.
Look into a garden visit for a change of pace. The image doesn’t identify this particular garden, so confirm the location before adding it to your route.
Savannah beneath the trees
How gorgeous are those spreading branches? Savannah’s squares are a lovely starting point if you like leafy streets and little places to pause.
The benches, low hedges and black lamppost in this picture make me want to keep the itinerary simple. Pick a few squares to explore rather than rushing through them all.
Zion canyon switchbacks
If you love hiking scenery, this zigzagging canyon path is worth a closer look. The turns climb beside orange cliffs with a deep, tree-filled gap alongside them.
For a Zion trip, choose your hike around your experience and current park guidance. Check the exact route and any permit requirements rather than assuming a trail this dramatic is a casual walk.
California wine country
Don’t want a vacation packed with big-city stops? This vineyard view is a pretty starting point for a California wine-country escape. I love the rows across the hillside and the branches framing the valley.
The photo doesn’t establish a particular vineyard. Choose your base first, then book any tastings you want and arrange transportation around them.
Chicago and Cloud Gate
This is such a fun stop for a Chicago trip. Cloud Gate reflects the surrounding skyline across its curved surface, with people gathered all around and underneath.
Don’t just take one picture from the steps and leave. Try a few different angles to see how the reflection changes.
Alaska glacier inspiration
The blue ice and snowy peaks in this picture are absolutely gorgeous. Little pieces of ice dot the water below a wide glacier front.
If this is the kind of scenery you want, consider an Alaska glacier trip. Use the image as inspiration rather than a confirmed viewpoint, then compare established excursions and their seasonal availability.
Miami Beach color
How cute are these colorful lifeguard towers? The blue and yellow ones stand out against the pale sand, with a whole line of towers farther along the beach.
For a Miami Beach trip, leave some time for the shoreline instead of planning every hour around restaurants and nightlife. I’d keep a beach walk on the list.
Lake Tahoe blues
I am obsessed with this clear water. You can see the rounded rocks below the surface, with pine trees and mountains stretching beyond the cove.
Lake Tahoe is a lovely choice if you want lake scenery alongside mountain views. Check beach access and water conditions before deciding where to swim or paddle.
Read also: 20 Best Vacation Destinations in Europe to Inspire Your Next Trip
Boston history walks
If you like exploring a city on foot, this Boston scene is for you. The Paul Revere statue stands along a tree-lined walkway with the white spire of Old North Church behind it.
Make this part of a North End wander rather than just a quick photo stop. Leave room for nearby historic sites that catch your interest.
Sedona red-rock views
This is another gorgeous choice for red-rock scenery. I love the rugged cliffs above the green hillside and the broad orange rock in the foreground.
For a Sedona getaway, leave time to pause at an established viewpoint. Enjoy the scene without adding to or rearranging the stones you find.
A Carolina beach escape
Want a long stretch of shoreline rather than a wall of high-rises? This aerial beach view has rows of houses, a narrow band of dunes and a pier reaching over the water.
Use it as inspiration for a Carolina coast getaway, not a confirmed town. Compare beach towns based on whether you want a pier nearby or a more residential setting.
Las Vegas lights
Sometimes the classic photo stop belongs on the list. The Las Vegas welcome sign looks so pretty here with the low sun shining between the palms.
If you want to go beyond the photo, choose a show or dinner reservation to build your evening around. You don’t have to fit every big attraction into one trip.
Seattle after dark
Last but definitely not least, we have Seattle waterfront inspiration. I love the bright wheel beside the water and all those little reflections around the boats.
Save a waterfront walk for your city itinerary if you like this kind of evening view. Choose a public route rather than assuming the marina docks or pictured terraces are open to everyone.
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And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Emily