Viewpoints and observation towers in the United States

Top Viewpoints & Towers

From the Art Deco spires of New York’s Empire State and Rockefeller Center to the granite cliffs of Yosemite’s Tunnel View, these sites offer premier vantage points across the United States. Urban highlights include the 1,776-foot One World Trade Center and Chicago’s 360-degree observatory overlooking Lake Michigan. Natural landmarks feature the Colorado River’s dramatic meander at Horseshoe Bend and the eroded badlands of Death Valley’s Zabriskie Point. Engineering marvels such as the High Roller ferris wheel and the Roosevelt Island Tramway provide moving perspectives of city skylines.

Top Viewpoints & Towers — Map

Paul Manship / Public domain

A

Rockefeller Center

Large mixed-use complex known for its art deco architecture, observation deck, and ice skating rink.

Smithfl / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Empire State Building

Iconic 102-story Art Deco skyscraper featuring observation decks with panoramic 360° views and significant cultural history.

Jkenwood78 / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Washington Monument

Tall stone obelisk memorial dedicated to George Washington, featuring an observation point with scenic city views and free access.

Lesekreis / CC0

D

One World Trade Center

Tall skyscraper completed in 2014 featuring modern postmodern architecture and an observatory with 360-degree aerial views of the city and landmarks.

Jonathan71 / Public domain

E

Chrysler Building

Art Deco skyscraper completed in 1930, known for its distinctive spire and automobile-inspired decorative elements.

Suiseiseki / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Brooklyn Bridge

Historic suspension and cable-stayed bridge known for its neo-Gothic stone towers and scenic pedestrian promenade.

Autopilot / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Roosevelt Island Tramway

Aerial cable car system connecting Manhattan and Roosevelt Island, providing scenic views of the Manhattan skyline.

MassimoTava / CC BY 3.0

H

Horseshoe Bend Viewpoint

Scenic overlook of a horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River noted for its dramatic drop and views. The site includes hiking access and is near landmarks such as Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell.

Gppande~commonswiki / Public domain

I

360 Chicago

Observation deck on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center featuring panoramic views of the city, Lake Michigan, and up to four surrounding states. Includes attractions such as the TILT moving platform and CloudBar.

Nandaro / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

Stratosphere Tower

The second tallest free standing observation tower in the western hemisphere.

Tim Ahem / CC BY 3.0

K

Los Angeles City Hall

This 27-storey skyscraper is one of the landmarks of Los Angeles, its clear white façade standing out against the deep blue sky.

Rennett Stowe / CC BY 2.0

L

Tunnel View

Tunnel View is a scenic viewpoint on California State Route 41 in Yosemite National Park, United States.

Rachot Moragraan / CC BY-SA 3.0

M

Zabriskie Point

Zabriskie Point is a part of the Amargosa Range located east of Death Valley in Death Valley National Park in California, United States,…

Tony Webster / CC BY-SA 2.0

N

High Roller

High Roller is a 550-foot tall, 520-foot diameter giant Ferris wheel on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, United States.

Don-vip / CC BY-SA 3.0

O

Prospect Point Observation Tower

Also known as the Niagara Falls Observation, this is where to go if you don't want to sail under the Niagara Falls but still wish to see…

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