20 Photo Spots With No Crowds but Better Views

Finding the perfect spot for that jaw-dropping photo without a crowd in the background is like finding a hidden gem in a sea of stones. These locations not only promise stunning views but also the serenity that comes with fewer people. Each spot on this list guarantees a unique backdrop for photographers and travelers alike, who are eager to capture the beauty of the world without any interruptions.

1. Secret Beach, Kauai (A hidden paradise beyond the rugged trails)

Secret Beach in Kauai is not easily accessible, and that’s precisely what keeps the crowds away. After a somewhat challenging hike, visitors are rewarded with an expansive stretch of sand, turquoise waters, and the occasional appearance of rainbows. It’s an ideal location for sunrise and sunset photos, with the Na Pali Coast in the distance providing a dramatic backdrop. The beach also offers unique rock formations and tidal pools, adding depth and intrigue to any photo. It’s a peaceful sanctuary where the only sounds are the waves crashing against the shore.

2. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada (Ancient rock formations under a fiery sky)

Valley of Fire State Park, just a short drive from Las Vegas, is a landscape photographer’s dream. The park’s vivid red sandstone formations, created from shifting sand dunes over 150 million years ago, glow brilliantly at golden hour. Unlike the overcrowded Grand Canyon, this park offers solitude along with its breathtaking scenery. Photographers can capture the ancient petroglyphs, arches, and atypical rock structures without a soul in sight. The play of light and shadow here creates dynamic and dramatic photographs.

3. Fairy Glen, Scotland (A whimsical landscape straight out of a fairy tale)

Fairy Glen, with its soft, rolling hills and scattered, conical-shaped mounds, looks like it was plucked from a storybook. Located on the Isle of Skye, it remains relatively untouched by the tourist throngs that flock to other parts of the island. The serenity of the glen, combined with the natural beauty and the peculiar, almost supernatural appearance of its landscape, makes for magical photo opportunities. The small ponds, known as lochans, reflect the sky and surrounding greenery, offering a perfect mirror image in photos. Early mornings here are especially mystical, with the mist hovering over the land.

4. The Wave, Arizona (A surreal, striated rock landscape)

The Wave, located in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, is famed for its undulating forms and the play of color across its sandstone waves. Access to this geological wonder is limited to 20 people per day via a lottery system, ensuring that it remains one of the most secluded photo spots. The intricate patterns and vibrant hues of the rock formations provide a stunning natural backdrop for photography. The best light occurs midday when the sun illuminates the waves, creating a vivid tapestry of colors. It’s a challenging hike to get there, but the photographic rewards are unparalleled.

5. Mount Roraima, Venezuela (A prehistoric tabletop mountain with otherworldly vistas)

Mount Roraima is a tabletop mountain that towers above the surrounding landscape, offering views that seem to stretch into infinity. Its flat summit is home to unique ecosystems, including species of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. The sheer cliffs and waterfalls that encircle the mountain create a dramatic contrast to the alien landscape atop. Photographers will find endless subjects here, from the peculiar rock formations to the often-cloud-shrouded edges of the summit. The journey to Mount Roraima is an adventure in itself, traversing through the Gran Sabana’s vast grasslands.

6. Oeschinen Lake, Switzerland (A crystal-clear lake framed by snow-capped peaks)

Oeschinen Lake is a hidden gem tucked away in the Swiss Alps, accessible via a scenic cable car ride followed by a pleasant hike. The lake’s pristine waters reflect the surrounding mountains like a giant mirror, providing a breathtaking setting for photography. Unlike the bustling tourist spots in Switzerland, Oeschinen Lake offers a tranquil retreat into nature. In the winter, the lake freezes over, creating a surreal landscape surrounded by snow-draped forests. The changing seasons bring a dynamic element to the photos, with vibrant wildflowers in spring and summer, and golden hues in autumn.

7. Hitachi Seaside Park, Japan (A floral wonderland away from the city’s hustle)

Hitachi Seaside Park, located on Japan’s Pacific coast, is famous for its seasonal flowers that blanket the landscape in vivid colors. The most iconic sight is the sea of blue nemophilas in spring, which contrasts strikingly with the sky. This park, while popular among locals, is spacious enough to find quiet spots for perfect, uninterrupted shots. The rolling hills and the variety of flowers throughout the year, including tulips and cosmos, offer diverse photo opportunities. The panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean add a serene backdrop to the colorful tapestry of blooms.

8. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Iceland (A verdant canyon untouched by time)

Fjaðrárgljúfur is a majestic canyon in Iceland that looks as though it has been carved by the gods themselves. Its steep walls and winding river create a fairy-tale-like landscape that is surprisingly not overrun by tourists. Photographers can capture the lush greenery, dramatic cliffs, and serene river from various viewpoints along the canyon’s rim. The best shots come from venturing down into the canyon, where the towering walls envelop you in their ancient embrace. The play of light through the mist and over the mossy cliffs makes for dynamic and atmospheric photos.

9. Sossusvlei, Namibia (Dazzling white salt pans against red dunes)

Sossusvlei in Namibia is a photographer’s dream, where the stark contrast between the white salt pans and the surrounding red dunes creates surreal landscapes. This desert region is known for some of the highest sand dunes in the world, offering dramatic vistas at every turn. Despite its remote location, those who make the journey are rewarded with unique photographic opportunities, especially at sunrise when the light paints the dunes in soft, warm hues. Deadvlei, with its ancient, dead trees set against the red sand backdrop, provides an eerie yet captivating scene. The vastness and silence of the desert enhance the sense of isolation and beauty in the photos.

10. Isle of Harris, Scotland (Unspoiled beaches with Caribbean-like sands)

The Isle of Harris might be in Scotland, but its beaches could easily be mistaken for those in the Caribbean. The white sands and turquoise waters of Luskentyre and Seilebost beaches are breathtakingly beautiful and surprisingly quiet. These remote stretches offer unobstructed views of the Atlantic, with the rugged Scottish Highlands in the distance. The contrast of the tropical-looking beaches against the harsh Scottish weather makes for stunning, dynamic photographs. Even in colder months, the dramatic skies and changing light provide a unique backdrop to the pristine beaches.

11. Antelope Canyon, Arizona (A photographer’s playground of light and shadow)

Antelope Canyon may be well-known, but its lower section offers quieter moments for photographers willing to explore. The narrow, winding passageways of this slot canyon play with light in mesmerizing ways, creating ethereal photographs. Early morning tours are less crowded, offering a peaceful experience of the canyon’s beauty. The beams of light that pierce through the narrow openings create a surreal, almost spiritual atmosphere. It’s a place where every corner and curve presents a new opportunity to capture the stunning interplay of light and sandstone.

12. Lavender Fields, Provence (Endless rows of purple under the French sun)

The Lavender Fields in Provence are a sight to behold, stretching as far as the eye can see with vibrant shades of purple. While the area is a popular destination, there are still plenty of secluded spots within the fields where one can take breathtaking photos without interruption. The best time to visit is in July, just before the harvest, when the lavender is in full bloom. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the softest light and the most serene atmosphere, perfect for photography. The backdrop of ancient monasteries and the sound of bees buzzing around add a timeless charm to the scene.

13. Trolltunga, Norway (A jaw-dropping ledge over pristine Norwegian wilderness)

Trolltunga is one of Norway’s most iconic photo spots, offering a breathtaking view from a rock ledge jutting out over a 700-meter drop. The hike to Trolltunga is demanding and keeps the crowds at bay, ensuring a solitary experience for those who reach it. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the lake below are unmatched. Photographers can capture the sheer scale of nature’s beauty and the audacity of the ledge itself. The best photos are taken from the side, where the ledge appears to hang in thin air against the stunning backdrop.

14. White Sands National Park, New Mexico (A desert of pure white gypsum sand dunes)

White Sands National Park is an otherworldly destination where the ground sparkles like snow under the sun. The vast dunes of gypsum sand create a minimalist landscape that is both serene and surreal. Early morning or late afternoon light casts soft shadows on the dunes, offering photographers a dreamy palette. Despite its beauty, the park’s remote location ensures it remains relatively uncrowded. The simplicity and purity of the scene allow for creative compositions, with the dunes providing a blank canvas for the sky’s changing colors.

15. Huangshan, China (Ancient pines clinging to misty peaks)

Huangshan, or the Yellow Mountains, is famous for its scenic beauty, characterized by granite peaks and ancient pine trees emerging from a sea of clouds. The mountain’s ever-changing scenery provides a multitude of photographic opportunities, from clear, starry nights to mornings when the peaks are veiled in mist. While it can attract visitors, there are moments of solitude to be found along its many trails, especially in the early mornings. The unique appearance of the twisted pines against the backdrop of sheer cliffs and hovering clouds makes for an ethereal composition. Photographers are rewarded with images that seem to straddle the line between reality and fantasy.

16. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia (Cascading waterfalls and turquoise lakes)

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a series of 16 interconnected lakes and over 90 waterfalls set in deep woodland. Despite its popularity, the vastness of the park allows for moments of seclusion, especially during the off-season or early mornings. The wooden walkways and paths provide unique vantage points for capturing the dynamic interplay of water, rock, and forest. The varying depths and mineral content of the lakes result in a mesmerizing range of blue and green hues. It’s a place where each step reveals a new perspective, with the mist from the waterfalls adding a mystical quality to the photos.

17. Death Valley National Park, California (The vibrancy of life in the harshest of landscapes)

Death Valley National Park might seem barren at first glance, but it holds unique landscapes that come alive under the camera lens. The park’s diversity, from salt flats and sand dunes to badlands and mountains, offers endless photographic subjects. The low visitor numbers in the hotter months ensure that photographers can capture the stark beauty without interruption. Sunrise and sunset transform the landscape into a canvas of changing colors and shadows. It’s a reminder of the resilience of life and the stark beauty that can be found in the most unexpected places.

18. Gobi Desert, Mongolia (A vast expanse of untouched wilderness)

The Gobi Desert is one of the last untouched wildernesses on Earth, offering vast landscapes that challenge the imagination. The stark beauty of the desert, with its sand dunes, rock formations, and rare wildlife, provides a unique setting for photography. The sense of isolation in the Gobi is palpable, allowing for deeply personal and introspective photo sessions. The dramatic weather changes, from sandstorms to clear, starry nights, add an element of unpredictability to the shots. It’s a place where the silence and vastness of the landscape speak volumes, captured in the stillness of a photograph.

19. Bagan, Myanmar (Ancient temples dotting the landscape as far as the eye can see)

Bagan is an ancient city with over 2,000 temples and pagodas spread across the landscape. The sheer number of historical sites means it’s possible to find quiet spots away from the main tourist paths. Photographing Bagan from a hot air balloon at sunrise offers a unique perspective, with the temples emerging from the morning mist. The intricate details of the architecture and the spiritual atmosphere of the area add depth to any photo. It’s a place where history and spirituality merge, offering timeless scenes for photographers.

20. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand (Jagged peaks piercing the clouds)

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is home to New Zealand’s tallest mountain and a range of alpine landscapes. The park’s remote location and challenging terrain mean that many of its most beautiful spots are accessible to those willing to venture off the beaten path. The Hooker Valley Track offers stunning views of the Southern Alps, with fewer crowds than more popular routes. The dramatic weather can change within minutes, offering dynamic and dramatic photo opportunities. It’s a place where the majesty of nature is on full display, with each peak and valley telling its own ancient story.

This article was written by a human and edited with AI Assistance