The Best Ways for Photographers to Travel in America

Whether you’re a professional photographer or someone who is simply passionate about photography, taking a photography trip to the United States can offer various opportunities to hone your skills.

The United States is home to some of the most picturesque places in the world, from the majestic Grand Canyon to the scenic views of Yellowstone National Park and the gorgeous Oregon coastline. To make the most of your trip, here are some of the best ways for photographers to travel in America.

The Manhattan skyline from atop Rockefeller Center

Road Trip Route 66

When it comes to taking a road trip in the United States, Route 66 is certainly the best route to take. It’s probably the most popular road in the world and for a good reason. Spanning over 2,400 miles and passing along eight different states, this road trip is what you should take if you want to capture the most scenic views of the United States.

Along the way, don’t miss the opportunity to capture the breathtaking views of the Painted Desert in Indian Wells, the Petrified Forest in Holbrook, and the Santa Monica Pier in California. The best way to start your journey is to fly into Chicago. When booking your flight, don’t forget to get pre-booking flight cancellation compensation in advance since flights can get very unpredictable these days.

I drove Route 66 in 2009. Here are some photographic highlights:

Wigwam Motel in San Bernadino, California - Route 66 — The Wigwam Motel, San Bernadino, California, lets visitors sleep in a teepee with plasma screens and comfy beds

The abandoned ghost town of Two Guns - once a popular destination on Route 66 — The abandoned ghost town of Two Guns – once a popular destination on Route 66

The classic Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri — an original Route 66 hotel

Curios at the Hackberry General Store in Hackberry, Arizona

The New York City Subway

New York City is a diverse cosmopolitan city with gorgeous views. When it comes to taking a photography tour of New York, the subway is the best way to go. The energy, speed, and all the actions that occur on the busy trains and stations make it a favorite playground for photographers of all kinds.

Of course, there are several other attractions in New York that you should not miss to capture, such as the modern skyscrapers and the iconic views of Central Park. To save money on your city sightseeing, consider getting the New York pass. At present, it’s worth taking into account, that the New York subway might not be the best place to take a covid vacation, but it is certainly worth keeping on your bucket list of photo-worthy destinations.

I grew up in New York City. Here are a few photo highlights.

The Brooklyn Bridge in New York City — The Brooklyn Bridge

New York City Skyline From Long Island City

Every year on September 11, twin towers of light are sent into the heavens from downtown Manhattan to commemorate the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center

A bolt of lightning over the Queensboro Bridge and Long Island City

Sunset over Shea Stadium from the last row of the upper deck in right field — Shea Stadium – home of the New York Mets

The Roosevelt Island Tram soars above the East River in New York City

Cycle San Francisco

If your trip to the US includes a visit to San Francisco, then hop onto a bicycle and capture the city’s most beautiful views. San Francisco is one of the United State’s most bike-friendly cities, so exploring the city on a bike is safe and convenient.

The most popular route to take is a cycling route known as the “The Wiggle” which snakes its way to the various city streets and ends in the famous Golden Gate Park. To take better photos while enjoying the views, consider getting a GoPro camera.

Construction in downtown San Francisco, as seen from the upper decks of AT&T Park

Ben Barbic runs for a MUNI train in San Francisco — Late For Work

My postprocessed photograph of the fog rolling in over the Marin Headlands — Another postprocessed photograph of the fog, which I created 5 years later

Sunset behind the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco, as seen from the Berkeley Yacht Club

Beautiful and colorful buildings line Haight Street in San Francisco, like these located down Central Street between Haight and Page

Hike around Yosemite National Park

If you’re fond of hiking, then head to the Yosemite National Park, home to the most iconic natural wonders of the United States. With its captivating landscape views that consist of majestic waterfalls and granite walls, this park is definitely a playground for photographers.

Yosemite National Park’s Sentinel Dome hike offers the most picturesque views without much physical effort. This trail is also significant for photographers as this is where the famed photographer Ansel Adams captured the iconic photo of Jeffrey Pine.

The biggest curve in Yosemite comes just before reaching Glacier Point. It's a wonder people don't get distracted by Half Dome and drive right off the cliff! — The biggest curve in Yosemite comes just before reaching Glacier Point. It’s a wonder people don’t get distracted by Half Dome and drive right off the cliff!

A dead tree in the August sun in Yosemite's Western Valley — A dead tree in the August sun in Yosemite’s Western Valley

Once upon a time, you could drive through this tree in Yosemite - known locally as Tunnel Tree — Once upon a time, you could drive through this tree in Yosemite – known locally as Tunnel Tree

A ring of fog surrounds Nevada Falls in Yosemite National Park, as seen from Glacier Park

Sail around the Oregon Coast

The gorgeous coast of Oregon not only attracts sailing enthusiasts but also keen photographers who wanted to capture the stunning views of the state’s rivers and the Pacific coast. Joining a sailing tour is the best way to make the most of your photography tour of Oregon. Much of the sailing will take place in bays and nearby lakes that offer some of the most spectacular views of nature.