While most photographers would argue that autumn is the most beautiful season for landscape photography, summer months can be just as rewarding if you knew the right places to shoot. In the United States, you will find several scenic destinations that look even more gorgeous in summer. So, grab your camera and visit these beautiful places for a scenic landscape photoshoot.
Glacier National Park, Montana
The Glacier National Park is definitely one of the most stunning national parks in the US. In the summer, this gorgeous park is fully open, and you’ll have access to the “Going-to-the-Sun” Road, a scenic mountain road that winds through to the glacier-carved mountains. Schedule your visit from late June to mid-July, which is the wildflower season. During this time, the park bursts with vibrant hues of both prairie and alpine wildflowers.
Lake Tahoe, California
The Lake Tahoe region is a popular ski destination in winter, but it is in summer when it truly shines. Thousands of visitors would flock to the lake in summer to enjoy its crystal-clear waters. Lake Tahoe’s alpine environment and surrounding mountains are a beautiful contrast to capture. Here, you will have the opportunity to shoot tropical waters surrounded by majestic mountains, a unique combination that every landscape photographer should take advantage of.
North Shore, Kauai, Hawaii
The Hawaii Islands are a popular holiday destination for many Americans. In summer, Kauai’s North Shore offers the most dramatic views when it comes to photography opportunities. Home to the charming and laidback towns of Hanalei Bay and Princeville, the North Shore offers a perfect base for those who are going to Hawaii for a fun photography holiday.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is the gateway to two of the most beautiful parks in the US, the Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone National Park. The Teton Range is one of the world’s most iconic mountain ranges, and the national park is home to beautiful alpine lakes that look even more magnificent in summer. Meanwhile, the Yellowstone National Park is best known for its abundant wildlife, geothermal features, and postcard-perfect landscapes.
Moab, Utah
Moab looks incredible all year round, but it shines out even more during summer. Each year, thousands would flock to the vast land surrounding Moab. It’s ridden with mesas, canyons, and buttes, ideal for photographers who love trekking, off-roading, or mountain biking. Moab is home to the biggest national parks of Utah, the Canyonlands National Park and the Arches National Park. These parks are the perfect hub for photographers who want to spend a few days in a camp while shooting the magnificent landscape photography in the area.
Mammoth Lakes, California
Set right in the heart of the Sierra Nevadas, Mammoth has amazing access to some of the most scenic mountains in the region. An hour’s drive south will take you to the beautiful Alabama Hills, which has access to Whitney Portal, the gateway to Mount Whitney. There are also hot springs, creeks, and several alpine lakes closer to the town. If you head to the north, you’ll have the chance to explore the saline Mono Lake, a bizarre but beautiful lake with unique salt formations and columns.
Stanley, Idaho
Stanley, Idaho is a charming mountain town that’s a perfect base for exploring the Sawtooth Range. This rugged and wild mountain range is famous for its beautiful peaks and secluded alpine lakes. The place is very peaceful and serene, especially in summer where you will have the perfect opportunity to capture a stunning landscape photography without being distracted by tons of tourists. Stanley is also home to quaint hot springs, most of them are tucked on a mountainside overlooking the Sawtooth Range.
Savannah, Georgia
Established in 1773, Savannah is Georgia’s oldest city. It’s a very picturesque town that’s home to several historical sites that deserve to be photographed. The famous tree-lined driveway of Wormsloe Historic Site is a playground for photographers. This 1.5-mile long road is lined on either side with hundreds of live oak trees that look fascinating in photos. Savannah’s Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist and The Olde Pink House are also worth checking out. These photo-worthy spots look even more beautiful under the summer sun.
Denali National Park, Alaska
The Denali National Park in Alaska attracts over half a million visitors each year, some of these are avid photographers who wanted to capture the unique beauty of this place. Aside from its massive stretches of unspoiled wilderness, gorgeous spruce forest, and a variety of wildlife that includes wolves, bears, and sheep, the park is also home to the Denali Mountain, the highest mountain in North America. Park also offers plenty of outdoor activities for photographers who love adventures, such as hiking, backpacking, and biking.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Known for its stunning landscape views, the Rocky Mountain National Park certainly deserves to be on this list. Since the views here are so gorgeous, you can expect a lot of foot traffic in the park, especially during summer. Yet, the views are truly worth it. The best way to avoid the crowd is to visit during sunrise. Aside from skipping the crowds, you will be rewarded with the most incredible sunrise views to capture.
Waipio Valley, Hawaii
If you are a big fan of beautiful sunrises, then you will surely love to photograph the Waipio Valley in Hawaii. The sunrise near the two thousand-foot cliffs, once the boyhood home of King Kamehameha, is truly picture-perfect. Waipio means “curved water” in Hawaii and boasts some of the island’s most incredible landscape views. Aside from the beautiful sunrise, the other sights to capture in Waipio Valley are its gorgeous black sand beaches and majestic waterfalls.
Telluride, Colorado
Located in the southwest corner of Colorado, Telluride is home to the beautiful San Juan Range of the Rocky Mountains. Unlike the other ski resort towns in the north, Telluride does not get overcrowded during summer. This town is charming in its own right and offers plenty of opportunities for photography enthusiasts. The jagged and dramatic mountain range of San Juan is also home to some of the most colorful alpine lakes in the country and sees less traffic compared to the more popular lakes