4.5Twin Peaks(6.414 reviews) - Best View of San Francisco Downtown & Sunset is Amazing Friday: 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Spent < 1 hour Lookouts
Standing over 900 feet above the city, these two hills offer hikers sweeping views of San Francisco's main sights (we recommend going at sunset).See more..
As soon as you exit from the tunnel (if you are coming via Route 41), you will arrive at Vista Point. Turn in there, park your car, walk a few steps, and be blessed with a flabbergasting view of the three iconic sites of Yosemite Valley – El Capitan, Bridal veil Falls and Half Dome. The stunning vista of granite and the deep valley below with all the trees just gives you a sense of the immense size of the park. There is a small wall where you can sit and take some great photos. The place is a little crowded, but people are in and out of the small parking lot fairly quickly after getting a quick photo. Worth a short stop just to take in that beauty. On your return home, if you are able to catch the sunset rays, you will see the granite glow red, and look as if it is on fire. That is Amazing!See more..
5.0Dante's View(2.284 reviews) - Gorgeous View of Death Valley Lookouts
My husband and I visited Dante's View midday in October. The road to this viewpoint winds through the desert (be careful for those who get motion sick) and ends at a parking lot where you can appreciate the view and learn a bit about the area. This viewpoint is absolutely gorgeous and gives you a 360 degree overview of how massive this park is. I would imagine it's a great place to stargaze as well. General park info: Death Valley National Park's entrance fee is included in the America the Beautiful Pass, which I highly recommend. Check for closures but beware that the info might not be accurate. On the day we went, there was info about some construction but the park website didn't mention they would be closing a road in the middle of the park, cutting off our ability to see much of what we wanted to see for 2 hours (which would have put us after sunset). Overall, I would definitely add Dante's View to your "must-see in Death Valley" list.See more..
5.0Half Dome(1.485 reviews) - Fun and adventurous! Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts • Geologic Formations
4.5Vista Point(778 reviews) - Great Panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Lookouts
This was one of the drop off locations on the Big Bus Hop on Hop off bus tour. The North Vista Point was absolutely a great place to view the beautiful Art Deco Bridge and the San Francisco skyline as well as the Bay where you can see Alcatraz and Yerba Buena Island/Treasure Island. There are WCs at this location which is very handy. From the Vista Point, there a hiking trails to see various former military batteries that guarded the Golden Gate during more perilous times.See more..
4.5Ragged Point(360 reviews) - A beautiful place on PCH 1 Lookouts
My wife and I were driving north on PCH 1. We had made reservations for the Ragged Inn mostly based on the number of miles that we wanted to drive in that day. We enjoyed our trip on PCH 1 and Ragged Point was a part of our trip. The photos of the water that we took were amazing with the water color are the crashing waves. The hotel was very nice but kind of isolated. We were tired when we arrived and had dinner & breakfast in the morning. It was a very nice place. The staff we excellent in offering help on whatever we needed. As you can see by the photos, the sights were amazing. A beautiful place !!!!!!See more..
We stopped here after seeing the Muir Woods and drove to the beach. Small parking lot to park in and then walk out to a great overlook on a short trial out to the point to see the coastal views. There are also some bunkers where the military guarded the entrance to SF Bay during the war ; these “batteries “ are located all over the coastal areas and around the Marin Headlands. Also a nice bathroom that was open and picnic benches.See more..
We were entering Death Valley from the west side and saw people stopped by here, so we decided to stop also. It was just right after sunset. The canyon view and different colors of the sky were just beautiful. Glad we stopped here and took pictures.See more..
4.5Battery Spencer(214 reviews) - Sunset and city views all from one location Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts • Military Bases & Facilities
If you're considering a visit to San Francisco, look no further for the perfect location to see the city as a backdrop to the Golden Gate Bridge. Battery Spencer is a short hike of about 750 feet from the parking area; and parking is super tight - especially on nice days. There is a prison-style bathroom but at least there is one. Photos can be a challenge with all of the tourists so consider hiring a professional. I love this location for post-wedding, engagement, and family photos.See more..
I didn’t think I would be as impressed by the Golden Gate Bridge but it truly is a spectacular sight of engineering. The view point is excellent views across the city and there is a great gift shop. It’s always very busy, and very busy with cars... so be prepared.See more..
5.0Valley View(167 reviews) - Favorite place for a photo and reflection Lookouts
This is my most favorite place to take photos in Yosemite, morning, or afternoon. 2 little pull outs, room to walk along the shore to find a quiet spot or to take photos. Deep reflection is almost automatic. Just an amazing sot in one of the most amazing places in the world.See more..
4.5Minaret Vista(124 reviews) - First time visit, and very impressed Lookouts • Geologic Formations
Was told by a friend to go up to the vista, and it was well worth it. I live on the Western side of the Sierras and the views here were very spectacular. You can see down to Devils Postpile, Mount Adler (highest point in Yosemite NP), and off to the southwest and the headwaters of the San Joaquin River. Take your camera and your binoculars. It'll be worth it.See more..
4.5Rocky Creek Bridge(67 reviews) - Flabbergasting Views Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges • Lookouts
Rocky Creek Bridge is an arch bridge on the Big Sur coast of California, built in 1932. It is located in Monterey County, on the State Route 1, about 12 miles south of the city of Carmel, and about a mile north of the more famous Bixby Creek Bridge. As its name implies, it spans the Rocky Creek. A turnout with limited parking space exists to the northwest of the bridge. Certainly offers flabbergasting views all around and so would very highly recommend visiting the same to any traveler. See more..
This is a GREAT place where to learn about the mountain ranges of Mammoth, it's geological history, and the wildlife that is indigenous to the area. It is small, but packed with info--if you have the opportunity, listen to the ranger of this interpretive center. A nice stop at the summit for those not skiing, or if you brought young ones for the (360°) view.See more..
We spent the morning walking the trails along the bluffs, going down to the beach and watching the seals and birds on the beach. It was all very beautiful and my daughter had a blast watching seals. Definitely time well spent!See more..
We drove up from our campground at Prairie Creek State and National Park and found the road that would take us to the high bluff overlook. Thankfully, the road is one way going north because there really wasn't room for two cars to pass. The road takes one way above the Pacific Ocean for unbelievable vistas. It's an awesome view throughout, and especially as the road concludes where the Klamath River empties into the Pacific Ocean. There is a lovely little burial site near the end of the road. It was well worth the trip.See more..
4.5Mono Lake Vista Point(21 reviews) - Beautiful View of Mono Lake Basin Spent < 1 hour Lookouts
Looking out over the lake, it is hard to imagine that the lake was hundreds of feet deeper in the distant past. Diversion of water to LA has significantly lowered the lake level, which has caused even higher salinity and alkalinity.. 8 times greater than the ocean. The only life in the lake are brine shrimp, no fish. Birds congregate to consume the shrimp and nest (mostly seagulls from the pacific ocean coast). The state was forced to regulate the amount of runoff water that could he diverted to LA, from the Eastern Sierra, to ensure Mono Lake gets enough water to survive.See more..
4.5Seal Beach Scenic Overlook(14 reviews) - Make sure to stop here Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts
Going from south to north this stop is close to the south end of the drive. Clearly marked and will be crowded but well worth it. Parking lot full of deep holes so be careful. No bathrooms that we saw but the elephant seals were covering the beach on a lovely January morning. It was a highlight for us!See more..
4.5Hat Creek Rim Overlook(13 reviews) - Great view and learn something at the same time! Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts
Drive, hike, bike into this awesome location. Picnic tables and restrooms are onsite. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through as well. Learn all about the mountains and volcanic activity in the area. Pretty awesome! Great stop if you are camping in Hat Creek or Old Station.See more..
5.0Butler Peak(13 reviews) - Highlight of Big Bear! Spent More than 3 hours Lookouts • Geologic Formations
Venture up from Fawnskin (4x4) to the locked gate(call ahead, sometimes it is open). From the locked gate, you will hike uphill 2.5 miles to the bottom of the tower. There is shade in a few spots on the way up. Plan accordingly and bring plenty of water. During the summer season or fire season, you will likely find a volunteer in the tower. Climb up and you are welcomed in to some spectacular 360 degree views. The hosts are great in pointing out the landmarks, sights and history of the tower. They seem to really enjoy the company. Unlike other areas towers that you can drive the entire way, you have to work a bit to get to Butler. But you will be rewarded with less people, if any at all and fantastic views.See more..
4.5Beacon's Beach(9 reviews) - Great surfing beach Spent 1-2 hours Lookouts • Scenic Walking Areas
Beacon's beach is a very popular beach for surfing. You park at top and have to walk down a path to the beach below the cliff. It is not difficult but definitely not handicapped friendly.See more..
Great views of the bridge and the surrounding areas. Very informative reading on site to help you appreciate the surroundings and the culture in the Big Sur! Once again, the CA State Park System is slow to repair and keep up with maintenance in the park as many of the voice narration systems were not working.See more..
We found the California Aqueduct Vista Point. We were excited. We visited it both sides on the Aqueduct. Some people were fishing. We enjoyed the body of water. There were mountains as well. We loved this place!See more..
4.5Clayton A. Record Jr., Viewpoint(3 reviews) - What a day with the lakes Lookouts • Observation Decks & Towers • Scenic Walking Areas
What a great place for lakes. Wow! There were people fishing. We enjoyed the lakes. There are many of them and I will never forget them. We walked to the top and sat on a chair to enjoy! I loved that place and you also. A must see! The lakes are so beautiful!See more..
3.5Palomar County Park(3 reviews) - Basically dogs not allowed Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts
Don’t bother taken dogs here there only allowed on the road for the most part. Beautiful and peaceful but not pet friendly. Good place to hike.See more..
3.0Emigrant Gap(3 reviews) - Very difficult to find Lookouts We drove up Rte 49 looking for the gap, even stopped a policeman who gave the same information our GPS gave to very little success. Yes there is an overlook, but no signage anywhere. Disappointing especially if you are interested in learning more about history.See more..
4.5Hurricane Point(3 reviews) - Hold your hat! Spent < 1 hour Lookouts
We drive to Bixby Bridge for sunset photos but ended up going back to Hurricane Pointe for the actual sunset. Both are beautiful spots. Hurricane Point is well named. This is were Frank Pfeiffer died in 1934 while working on building Hwy1. See more..
2.5McGee Vista Point(2 reviews) - see the area of burnt black tree Nature & Wildlife Areas • Lookouts
For the google map it's a point located on the highway 180, and it's about 7 min away from the Grant tree trail parking lot, There is an information board in this vista point, you can pull out the car to take a look, but what you see is the area with burnt tree trunks, the information board also state how fire shaped the land. Actually it is not a beautiful view, but you may stop to take a look if you drive thru' the road, however, if skip it, it won't be a great loss.See more..
If you are not familiar with the area, it can be a bit difficult to get in and out; however, if you are passing through, this is a worthwhile spot to pull over for a scenery and stretch break, or even a picnic or hike. There are trails, a small parking lot, benches and picnic tables, and a great view.See more..
This roadside vista stop on the north side of Skyway Road leaving Paradise offers up great views of the "Mini Grand Canyon" in Butte County. Enjoy the interpretive displays to learn more about the watershed's ecological role and take in the expanse of the ridge.See more..
4.0Mother Miguel Mountain(1 review) - Moderately Difficult Hike Friday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Lookouts • Scenic Walking Areas
Mother Miguel Mountain is a 4.4 mile trail and is rated as moderate. During my hike I came across people mountain biking, running, and several dogs (with their owners of course) were also on the trail. Once you get to the top you will have great views of the Bonita, Sweetwater Reservoir, the San Diego bay, the Eastern mountains, rolling hills, all of Chula Vista, San Diego Downtown, Coronado, and Tijuana on a clear day. Note: you will be exposed to the elements so bring water, there's really no shaded area. At the top you will find a pile of rocks that signifies the Summit. I really enjoyed the hike and if you have never hiked before the distance and elevation make it a great starter for those new hikers and enthusiast.See more..
