We are now in such an advanced digital age that our phones can double as some of the most high-tech cameras available. They have incredibly high megapixel cameras and can automatically adjust to dark and light settings. Fast shutter speeds, auto-focus, and filters only add to a novice photographer’s repertoire.
However, these advances have also brought with it an endless supply of gorgeous photos. It has allowed anyone with a smartphone to capture stunning images of the world around them. For professional photographers, this is a gift and a curse, but for the mass public it has been an outlet to stop and smell the proverbial roses. Now don’t me wrong, we have probably overkilled the image of a latte as a result, but we have also now glimpsed millions of perspectives to the surrounding world. With so many new photo takers out there, you are bound to come across some areas that are just more prone to photos than others. Chances are, you may have even take a shot of of these locations.
In no particular order and no bias towards man-made or naturally occurring, here are some of the most photographed places in the United States.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is easily one of the most photographed places in the United States. The magnificent, naturally occurring waterfall is as beautiful as it is powerful. Consisting of three waterfalls in total, Niagara Falls is a significant source of hydroelectricity. The largest fall, Horseshoe Falls drops about 188 feet.
The Lincoln Memorial
Another commonly photographed place in the United States is the Lincoln Memorial located in Washington, D.C. The monument featuring President Abraham Lincoln is quite the sight. The 19 foot statue of our 16th President was erected to honor his memory and all he did to save the Union. The Lincoln Memorial has been featured in both movies and on TV.
The Bellagio Fountains
Another oft-photographed location in the United States is the Bellagio Fountains located in Las Vegas, Nevada. While the Las Vegas strip is photographed plenty, it is much easier for an amateur photographer to get a good shot of the fountains. These picturesque fountains also provided the ending scene for the movie “Ocean’s 11”.
Monument Valley
Another popular location of the silver screen, Monument Valley has some of the most intriguing natural landscape for sightseers and photographers alike. Sandstone buttes located in the Colorado Plateau form this gorgeous landscape. These buttes can reach up to 1,000 feet above the valley’s floor. Photographers can tour the valley by driving through or taking a special guided tour that also offers access to areas that are closed to the general public
The Space Needle
Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle has since become an icon for the city of Seattle. The 605 foot structure has a 360 degree observation deck near the top. Visitors to the Space Needle can see the city of Seattle, Olympic Mountain, Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Elliott Bay, and nearby islands.
The Grand Canyon
One of the most visited natural sites in the United States is the Grand Canyon. The 277 mile long canyon can reach up to 18 miles high and is carved out by the Colorado River. This massive canyon plays hosts to about 5 million visitors each year, which equates to about that many photographs per year too. Just a rough guess.
The Cinderella Castle
The Cinderella Castle located in the Magic Kingdom, is one of Walt Disney World’s most iconic structures. The castle is 189 feet taller which is 100 feet taller than the castle located in California’s Disneyland. The castle is a centerpiece for fireworks as well as photographs because of how instantly recognizable it is.
Giant Forest
The Giant Forest is a forest within Sequoia National Park that houses giant sequoia trees. Why is this forest photographed so often? Well, for starters the trees here are one of five species to grow over 300 feet. Also, five of the ten most massive trees on the planet also happen to be located here. General Sherman, the most massive tree on the planet is measured at 36.5 feet across the base.
The Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains are photographed for their sheer size and beauty. Stretching 3,000 miles from Canada to the southwestern U.S. in New Mexico, is a tourist’s dream playing host to hiking, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hunting, and more.
The Golden Gate Bridge
Finally, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is another highly photographed place in the U.S. The suspension bridge provides a route over the Golden Gate strait, from the city of San Francisco to Marin County, California.
