One of our favorite things about RV travel is the ability to find beautiful places. Sure, the bigger, more famous cities are nice, but it’s the smaller, more picturesque towns and cities that really take the cake. After all, who wouldn’t want to visit a place that looks like it belongs on a postcard?
Fortunately, the US has plenty of just such towns and cities. In fact, there are so many scenic cities, it’s hard to decide which ones to visit. Lucky for you, we’ve narrowed down your options and put together a list of (in our opinion) the most beautiful cities in the US.
Check out our picks below to see if any of them fit the bill for your next RV adventure.
— Bar Harbor, Maine —
A picturesque seaside town with plenty of New England charm, Bar Harbor is the perfect place for outdoor recreation and photography. The town is located right next to the beautiful Acadia National Park, and is one of the best whale-watching spots in the country. What more could you ask for?
Where to Camp in Bar Harbor, Maine
Those who are wondering where to camp in Bar Harbor should check out this article on the subject. Our recommendation is Bar Harbor Campground, which puts you near all the attractions and provides a variety of amenities such as ocean views and onsite restaurants. There is even a shuttle that will take you into Bar Harbor!
Fun Day Trips in Bar Harbor, Maine
Once you have a campsite picked out, the next step is deciding how to fill your time in Bar Harbor. There are lots of options and choosing might feel overwhelming. We’ve picked out some of our favorites for you to choose from.
Acadia National Park
Obviously, you will want to visit Acadia National Park while in Bar Harbor. This amazing national park offers all kinds of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, biking, tidepooling, wildlife watching, stargazing, and more. Of course, there are plenty of photo opportunities in the park too!
Abbe Museum
Created to celebrate the Wabanki people, the Abbe Museum first opened its doors in 1928. It features wonderful interactive exhibits that educate visitors on the history and culture of the area’s native people. It’s a wonderful place to visit on a rainy day, and a great way to learn something new.
George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History
Another fantastic museum, the George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History offers a great way to spend a day learning. Here you can pet crabs and sea stars, admire amazing dioramas of Maine’s wildlife, and touch whale bones. This is a fun attraction for kids and adults alike.
Most Scenic Spots for Photo Ops
Bar Harbor Town Pier
Possibly the most photographed spot in Bar Harbor, the Bar Harbor Town Pier is a bustling spot that always has boats coming and going. Head down to the pier to get a taste of life in the town and get some shots of the boats on the water.
Bar Island
Have you ever walked to an island? You can do just that when visiting Bar Island in Acadia. This is because there is a sandbar that appears at low tide. Be sure to take a camera when you walk over, as you’ll get some awesome views of the mountains.
The Summit of Cadillac Mountain
Visit the peak of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia for some seriously incredible photos. The best time to snap those shots is at sunrise if you can, but if you can’t, sunset is also a good option.
— St. Augustine, Florida —
If you’re into beach photos, there are amazing photo opportunities around every corner in the Sunshine State. That said, St. Augustine offers a bit more than many of the other spots in Florida. This historic town is actually the oldest in the country, and as you might’ve guessed, the architecture and historic charm found here are simply wonderful.
Where to Camp in St. Augustine, Florida
When visiting St. Augustine in an RV, we highly recommend staying at Anastasia State Park. Not only is this park close to the city, it also offers beautiful beaches, wildlife viewing opportunities, hiking trails, and more. Campsites have water and electricity and rates are reasonable.
Fun Day Trips in St. Augustine, Florida
Not sure what to do with your time in St. Augustine? To be honest, there is so much to see and do that we’re certain you won’t have trouble staying busy once you get there. That said, we’re happy to offer a few suggestions below.
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
We absolutely love this beautiful historic lighthouse, the stories behind it, and the attached museum. The museum teaches guests about 500 years of area maritime history, and the lighthouse offers incredible views and great photo ops.
Ponce De Leon’s Fountain of Youth
No visit to St. Augustine can be finished without paying a visit to Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth. This place has an incredible history behind it, and you can visit the site to learn all about it. Not only that, you’ll also have the opportunity to drink from the fountain.
St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
Ever been curious to know more about real live pirates? The Pirate and Treasure Museum is the perfect place to learn all about it. This museum is incredibly well put together and immersive. Learn all about the life of a pirate and even see some real pirate treasure during your time here.
Most Scenic Spots for Photo Ops
The gorgeous buildings in this town are all worth photographing, and the ocean is, of course, also an awesome background or photo subject. That said, there are certain spots that stand out as extra special photo opportunities.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
The Castillo de San Marcos is a must-visit when in St. Augustine. It is chock-full of amazing history and staff who want to share it. Additionally, the old fort offers some of the best photo spots in the city. Head out and seek them out!
Bridge of Lions
The Bridge of Lions is a beautiful bridge. Therefore, it is definitely something you’ll want to photograph while in St. Augustine. This gorgeous work of art features lion statues and is especially beautiful at sunset.
Magnolia Avenue by the Fountain of Youth
While you’re visiting the Fountain of Youth, be sure to find Magnolia Avenue so you can get some pictures under the gorgeous canopy of trees and Spanish moss.
— Sedona, Arizona —
If you’re looking to take pictures of the beauty of the southwest, Sedona is the city for you. This lovely place stands in the shadow of red rock monoliths and is surrounded by buttes, canyons, and incredible rock formations. The night skies are equally incredible, featuring a gorgeous collection of stars.
Where to Camp in Sedona, Arizona
Of course, you will need somewhere to park your RV during your visit. We particularly like Rancho Sedona RV Park. This park is tranquil, shaded, and the perfect place to come home to after a long day of exploring.
Don’t like the look of Rancho Sedona RV Park? Other options are listed here.
Fun Day Trips in Sedona, Arizona
Need some ideas for ways to fill your days while in Sedona? No worries, we have lots of suggestions. Hiking trails are abundant in the area, and you’ll want to check out all the amazing scenery, of course. The three attractions below are our absolute favorites, and we’re guessing you will enjoy them as well.
Slide Rock State Park
This park is about 15 minutes outside of town, but it’s worth the drive. Here, you can escape the summer heat and cool off by swimming. Not only that, you can even slide down the naturally occurring rock water slide that visitors absolutely adore.
Sedona Heritage Museum
Located on a preserved historic homestead, the Sedona Heritage Museum is the perfect place to learn about regional history beginning with the post-Civil War days. See three historic buildings, a tent house replica, a movie set building, pioneer momentos, antique farm equipment, and more.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
The perfect place for shopping and checking out some local galleries, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is just lovely. Spend a morning or afternoon here taking in the sights, getting some pictures, and buying some local goods.
Most Scenic Spots for Photo Ops
As mentioned before, Sedona is surrounded by beauty. Therefore, it isn’t too difficult to find some incredible photo spots in and around the town. That said, if you feel like you want some suggestions, we can certainly give some.
Red Rock State Park
A stunning state park only 15 minutes outside of Sedona, Red Rock State Park is one big photo opportunity. Grab your camera and hiking shoes, head to the park, and get ready to snap some of the best photos you’ve ever taken.
Bell Rock Trail
Head to Bell Rock Trail and go on a hike for some awesome photo opportunities. We recommend taking plenty of water and avoiding the hottest parts of the day, since the trail is not shaded. You’ll also want to stick to the beginner level trail if you aren’t a seasoned hiker.
Reflection Pools
The Reflection Pools just outside of Sedona are known as an excellent place to meditate and gather the energy of the earth. They’re also an excellent place to take a photo with Cathedral Rock in the background. Be sure to play with those reflections in the water to get some really interesting shots!
— Leavenworth, Washington —
A small hidden gem that is tucked away in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth has a huge amount of European charm and culture to offer. The architecture and art in this town is all inspired by Germany, and the place looks exactly like an adorable Barvarian village.
Where to Camp in Leavenworth, Washington
We recommend staying in the beautiful Lake Wenatchee State Park during your visit to Leavenworth. While you will have to drive into town, it’s a short trip, and the lake and river views and water recreation opportunities offered in Lake Wenatchee State Park really can’t be beat.
Fun Day Trips in Leavenworth, Washington
Wondering what to do while in Leavenworth? We highly recommend checking out some of the German restaurants in town. The attractions below are also well worth checking out.
Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum
Featuring around 7,000 nutcrackers, the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum is a great place to see some gorgeous things. Check out the many different kinds of nutcrackers as well as the other German artifacts housed here.
Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
Have you ever met a real reindeer? If not, you really ought to head to the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm and hang out with the reindeer there. Tour the farm, learn about these amazing animals, and even take the opportunity to pet your new furry friends.
Leavenworth Ski Hill
If you’re visiting during the winter months, Leavenworth Ski Hill is another outing you might want to add to your lineup. While there certainly are fancier ski resorts in the state, there is something magical about this smaller, more intimate ski area.
Most Scenic Spots for Photo Ops
Honestly, every adorable building in this town is photo-worthy. Just find a spot in front of a colorful building you like and start snapping. Want some specific spots to get you started? Try these on for size:
Enchantment Park
Enchantment Park is a great place to visit for outdoor recreation. That said, it also offers some seriously gorgeous photo spots. You’ll find these spots along the park’s nature trails. Expect to get photos of mountains, the river, and possibly even some wildlife.
Town Murals
Leavenworth is full of gorgeous German-style artwork. This is found in the quaint downtown area on many of the buildings. Find a mural you like, strike a pose, and snap a photo to share with family and friends.
The Giant Nutcracker
Also in the downtown area, you will find a giant nutcracker just begging to be photographed. Go ahead and pose with him! You’re sure to treasure that photo for years to come.
— Eureka Springs, Arkansas —
Another mountain town, Eureka Springs can be found in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. This adorable town is a unique one, and the colorful buildings and gorgeous Victorian homes are incredibly photogenic. Of course, the cute cliffside B&Bs and the views they offer are pretty fantastic as well.
Where to Camp in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
We like to camp in Withrow Springs State Park when visiting Eureka Springs. It is a 30-minute drive from the town, and offers full-hookup sites for RVs. They’ve got hiking trails, a stream for floating, sports courts, and more in this park, meaning you’ll never be bored when staying there.
Fun Day Trips in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Of course, you will want to do something fun during your visit to Eureka Springs. We highly recommend wandering the charming downtown area and doing some shopping and dining. Additionally, you might consider the attractions below.
Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway
Take a train ride through the beautiful Ozark Mountains with the Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway. These tours are focused on giving tourists a fun experience, so you can expect meals, snacks, drinks, and gorgeous views.
Crescent Hotel Ghost Tours
Have you ever heard of the haunted Crescent Hotel? This historic hotel is one of the most famous buildings in Eureka Springs, and for good reason. The hotel has a pretty creepy past, and is said to be home to ghosts. Take a tour and visit with these spirits yourself.
Cosmic Cavern Tours
No visit to Arkansas is complete without checking out one of the many caves in the state. Cosmic Caverns is about 30 minutes outside of Eureka Springs, and is especially noteworthy because there is a pool of bright blue water at the bottom of the cave.
Most Scenic Spots for Photo Ops
Not sure where to go to snap the perfect photos of your trip to Eureka Springs? Well, you probably can’t go wrong while in the super cute downtown area. That said, we do have a few suggestions for photo ops in the town.
Flatiron Building
Built in 1880, the original building on the site of the Flatiron Building was destroyed by a fire. It was rebuilt shortly after, only to be burned down again. Finally, in 1987, the current building was built entirely out of concrete. It has a unique shape and historic charm, making it the perfect background for photos of you and your loved ones.
Thorncrown Chapel
Hidden away in the Ozarks, the Thorncrown Chapel is an incredible sight to see. This beautiful building has windows in place of walls, allowing anyone inside to take in the view, no matter where they’re seated. It makes for some seriously amazing photos!
Rainbow Stairs
While you’re wandering the town, be sure to keep an eye out for street art. In particular, look for the Rainbow Stairs. These stairs are painted to look like a waterfall is running down them, and they are the perfect place to snap a photo.
Believe it or not, these are just a handful of the gorgeous towns and cities in the US. After exploring these, why not set out to find some hidden gems on your own? We’re guessing you’ll find some pretty beautiful places during your travels. Just don’t forget to take a camera and snap photos to share with loved ones back home!
