The Top 10 Places with the Most Stunning Views That Require Little Hiking
You do not have to embark on a grueling hike to witness breathtaking landscapes. I tend to spend an embarrassing amount of time on google maps. When I am not physically traveling, I am looking up places to go that would be easiest for all of my couples. Whether you’re eloping, planning a stunning photoshoot, or just love beautiful scenery without the sweat, there are plenty of jaw-dropping destinations that require little to no hiking. Here are 10 of the most stunning locations that I’ve put together, where you can soak in the views with minimal effort.
1. Moraine Lake – Canada
📍 Banff National Park, Alberta
Few places in the world are as mesmerizing as Moraine Lake. With its brilliant turquoise waters surrounded by towering peaks, it’s an easy-to-access paradise. The lake is just a short walk from the parking lot, making it perfect for those wanting an iconic view without the climb.
✨ Best Time to Visit: Summer (June–September) when the lake is fully thawed.
Image from “Walk my world” https://www.walkmyworld.com/posts/moraine-lake-sunrise-vs-sunset
2. Glacier Point – USA
📍 Yosemite National Park, California
One of Yosemite’s most breathtaking viewpoints, Glacier Point provides a panoramic view of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and Vernal & Nevada Falls. The best part? You can drive right up to it and walk a short paved path to the overlook.
✨ Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall. The road closes in winter due to snow.
3. The Cliffs of Moher – Ireland
📍 County Clare, Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s most famous natural wonder, stretching for miles along the rugged west coast. The main viewing area is just a few minutes’ walk from the parking lot, offering stunning ocean views without a strenuous hike.
✨ Best Time to Visit: Spring and early autumn for fewer crowds and mild weather.
4. The Grand Canyon Skywalk – USA
📍 Grand Canyon West, Arizona
For an unforgettable view of the Grand Canyon, head to the Skywalk, a glass-bottomed bridge 4,000 feet above the canyon floor. No hiking required—just step onto the platform and soak in the incredible scenery.
✨ Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall to avoid extreme heat.
5. Trollstigen Viewpoint – Norway
📍 Western Norway
Trollstigen, or the “Troll’s Path,” is a scenic mountain road with dramatic switchbacks leading to an unreal viewpoint overlooking lush valleys and waterfalls. You can park nearby and take a short walk to the viewing platforms.
✨ Best Time to Visit: Summer and early autumn when the road is open.
6. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – Iceland
📍 South Coast, Iceland
If you want breathtaking coastal scenery with zero hiking, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is a must-see. Picture jet-black volcanic sand, towering basalt columns, and crashing waves, it’s right next to the parking lot—no trekking needed. HOWEVER, this is one of the most dangerous places to go if the tide is not right. They do have warning signs and lights if it is not safe.
✨ Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but winter offers fewer crowds and a chance to see the Northern Lights. I personally love to go in July!
Another Location in Iceland
Skògafoss – Iceland
📍 South Coast, Iceland
If you’re looking for the most stunning waterfall literally just a matter of a few meters from the parking lot, this would be it! Skògafoss is the most stunning- powerful waterfall I personally have ever experienced.
7. Maroon Bells- Colorado
📍 Maroon Bells, Colorado
✨ Best Time to Visit: Summer when the bi-pass is open.
Portrait taken by: Anne Herndon
8. Sedona’s Red Rock Scenic Overlook – USA
📍 Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is full of mesmerizing red rock formations, and you don’t have to be a hiker to enjoy them. The Red Rock Scenic Overlook offers a postcard-perfect view of Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte, all just steps from the parking area.
✨ Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for cooler temperatures. However, Sedona on average stays about 70 degrees year round. Of course, there is a fluctuation higher or lower but it is pretty amazing to visit year round. I personally love January and February to visit.
9. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park – New Zealand
📍 South Island, New Zealand
If you dream of snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes, Mount Cook National Park is unbeatable. The Hooker Valley Track (which offers stunning views) is a flat, easy walk, or you can admire Lake Pukaki’s incredible blue waters from roadside viewpoints.
This location is a DREAM location for me personally. New Zealand will forever be a huge goal of mine to visit.
✨ Best Time to Visit: Summer for easy access, winter for dramatic snowy scenery.
10. Santorini Caldera Views – Greece
📍 Santorini, Greece
Santorini’s whitewashed villages and deep blue Aegean Sea create some of the most iconic views in the world. The best part? You can take in this breathtaking scenery from the streets of Oia or Fira, with no hiking required.
This is thee spot I think of when I think of Greece.
✨ Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early autumn to avoid peak crowds.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy some of the world’s most spectacular views. Whether it’s mountains, beaches, cliffs, or canyons, these easy-access destinations prove that breathtaking scenery is for everyone.