[AP Photo] The memorial to victims of the attacks on the World Trade Center, Tribute in Light, is shown illuminated last Monday, the six-month anniversary of the tragedy. This view is from Brooklyn, looking across the Brooklyn Bridge.

By MARTIN HINTZ
© St. Petersburg Times
published March 17, 2002

America is known for its sweeping vistas, towering cities and inspiring seacoasts. But what are the 10 most spectacular panoramic views?

That was the challenge placed before the Society of American Travel Writers, the pre-eminent organization of professional travel journalists and photographers. In a survey of its nearly 1,200 members, they selected sites from one end of the United States to the other. Here's their list.

1. New York City (The writers and photographers were divided on what was the best viewpoint of the Big Apple, splitting between the view from the Empire State Building, the view from the Staten Island Ferry, the view across the Hudson or the view seen when flying into New York at night. But New York was by far the overall winner).

2. The view from either the South or the North rims of the Grand Canyon.

[Photos by Dan Leeth] Travel journalists surveyed included the views from both the Nouth and the Sorth rims of the Grand Canyon, above and at right, in their list of the nation’s best panoramas.

3. Helicopter view of the Na Pali Cliffs and coastline of Kauai, Hawaii.

[Photos by Robert W. Bone] Hawaii’s rugged Na Pali Coast of the Hawaiian island of Kauai is a glorious sight from the water. The view shown below is from a helicopter.

4. Monument Valley, Ariz.

5. The view of San Francisco from the Golden Gate Bridge.

6. Yosemite Valley, Calif.

7. The Chicago skyline seen from a boat on Lake Michigan.

8. Big Sur, Calif.

9. Diamond Head, Honolulu, Hawaii.

10. The National Mall, Washington D.C.

Coming in close behind were:

11. The view from the Space Needle, Seattle, Wash.

12. Niagara Falls, from Freedom Bridge.

13. Bryce Canyon, Utah.

14. The summit of Pikes Peak, Colo., (where Katharine Lee Bates was inspired to write Amecica the Beautiful, in 1893).

15. Blue Ridge Parkway through Virginia and North Carolina.

Now in its 45th year, the Society of American Travel Writers represents travel journalists, photographers, editors and media relations professionals throughout North America. The Society works to raise the standards of the profession, guard the right to travel and encourage conservation and preservation of historic sites and natural wonders.

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