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New Yorkers 1st Choice
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Places with nice views in the United States

Watching the animals while taking in a wide, open view provides a rare moment of stillness.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Cougar Mountain Zoo image 1
Cougar Mountain Zoo image 2
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Small zoo set in hills with beautiful views and unique animal sculptures. Calm atmosphere with intimate, uncrowded spaces encourages focused learning and relaxed exploration. Offers interactive feeding experiences and kid-friendly activities alongside well-designed exhibits.

Small size makes it easy to explore without much walking. Offers interactive experiences like feeding reindeer for an extra fee. Great for families with young kids and features educational programming.

Views include Lake Sammamish and the surrounding hills. The zoo's unique layout enhances the experience with gorgeous scenery all around.

People are saying

"I found the zoo to be small but very clean and well maintained."

"It's so fun feeding the animals here!"

"It's a nice view of Lake Sammamish from the hills."

Good to know

1

The entrance fee is $18 per person, with free admission for children under 2.

2

Animal feeding and educational lectures occur every 30 minutes throughout the day.

3

The reindeer festival is a popular holiday event featuring special activities.

02
Trailside Museums & Zoo image 1

Zoo combines natural scenery with historic ruins and scenic river views. Atmosphere stays peaceful and relaxing with few people around and well-maintained paths. Small collection of rescued animals lives in close enclosures, making it a compact, educational spot for families.

Small size makes it easy to walk around and see animals. The zoo offers educational exhibits and nice views of the river. Admission is donation-only, keeping it accessible for families.

Breathtaking views of the river and the Hudson Highlands stand out. The loop offers a great view of the Bear Mountain Bridge and overlooks the river, making the scenery truly breathtaking.

People are saying

"I loved the zoo's wildlife sanctuary and its rescue animals."

"It's a great, inexpensive, educational place for kids to explore."

"The natural scenery offers a nice view of the river."

Good to know

1

The zoo is donation-only, with a suggested minimum of $1.

2

Parking costs $10 year-round.

3

The zoo is clean and well-maintained.

03
Old Los Angeles Zoo image 1

Abandoned animal cages and overgrown paths create a hauntingly beautiful and mysterious vibe. Graffiti and street art add an urban grit that contrasts with the peaceful, quiet atmosphere. The site feels like a hidden spot with great photo opportunities and space for relaxed walks or picnics.

Abandoned enclosures and old animal cages create a hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric setting. Trails wind through the area offering well-groomed paths for hiking and biking with views of the city.

Well-groomed trails offer stunning views of downtown Glendale and the Verdugo Mountains. The old zoo cages provide a unique vantage point to see the area from inside the historic enclosures.

People are saying

"It's cool exploring the old abandoned zoo enclosures."

"Parking was easy and available, with plenty of free spots nearby."

"I found the abandoned zoo hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric."

Good to know

1

Parking is usually available nearby, and it's free.

2

Nearby restrooms are accessible at the Old L.A. Zoo.

3

The site is perfect for photographers or families seeking something offbeat outdoors.

04
Milwaukee County Zoo image 1

Spacious zoo with thoughtfully designed habitats and natural scenery that feels like a forest in the city. Atmosphere ranges from family-oriented and festive to quiet and uncrowded, offering a relaxed pace. Features include a sky lift and train rides providing unique views of animals and park layout.

Visitors can go behind the scenes to feed the oldest turtle in the zoo. The zoo offers a family-friendly atmosphere with events like Boo at the Zoo and is known for being a great place for kids.

A chairlift style ride offers a unique view above most animals. A sky lift and train provide different perspectives of the entire park, surrounded by natural scenery.

People are saying

"It's a blast for my kids to head to the zoo."

"The lights were bright and full of colors, making it a fun night."

"I saw so many active animals in large, well-kept enclosures."

Good to know

1

Admission costs $20 for adults and $18 for children.

2

Parking costs $15 per vehicle.

3

Wild Lights event runs from late November to early January.

05
Arctic Ring of Life - Polar Bear & Sea Otter image 1

Clear glass tunnel offers 360-degree underwater views of polar bears, creating an engaging wildlife experience. Walking paths wind through beautifully designed enclosures showcasing active animals like polar bears and sea otters. The atmosphere is lively and family-friendly, though the tunnel can become loud and crowded.

The zoo features the Arctic Ring of Life with well-cared-for polar bears and rescue eagles. It focuses on protecting endangered species and offers exhibits that engage visitors of all ages.

Clear glass tunnels offer a 360-degree view of the polar bear pool, showing both surface and underwater action. Otters appear often in the tube viewing area, adding to the wildlife and scenery experience.

People are saying

"I loved watching the polar bears swim at the Zoo."

"It's so kid friendly; my toddler was excited to meet the polar bear."

"The scenery here is wonderful, with amazing wildlife."

Good to know

1

Admission costs over $100 for two adults and two kids.

2

Expect limited visibility of animals; many enclosures were empty.

3

The Arctic Ring of Life is a highlight for visitors.

06
Central Park Zoo image 1

Small zoo nestled among tall city buildings offers intimate animal encounters and beautifully maintained grounds. Crowded exhibits create close views but can feel cramped for animals. Interactive areas like the rainforest walk and children's petting zoo provide engaging experiences.

Well maintained enclosures showcase a variety of animals in a compact, accessible setting. A petting zoo nearby adds an interactive element, making it suitable for families and solo visits alike.

Uninhibited views of animals create a breathtaking experience. The indoor arboretum offers great views of animals everywhere, while the enclosures provide exceptional sights like a snow leopard and swimming penguins.

People are saying

"I found the zoo to be surprisingly small."

"The 4D movie experience here is pretty cool and fun."

"The city views from here are really beautiful."

Good to know

1

The sea lion feeding happens several times a day and is both entertaining and educational.

2

Make sure to attend the feeding of sea lions, which happens at 10:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm.

3

The dolphin feeding time is around 2:30 PM.

07
Bronx Zoo image 1

Open enclosures create naturalistic habitats that immerse visitors in animal environments. Spacious grounds feature continental-themed sections with manicured landscapes and distinctive architecture. Attractions like the Wild Asia Monorail and interactive exhibits add variety to the experience.

A family-friendly zoo with a long history of visitors across generations. It offers an educational and fun experience that many find memorable and worth returning to.

City skyline and waterfront views shine along the riverwalk, perfect for pictures. Animal exhibits offer close-up views without barriers, including elephants and tigers, plus a unique bird microclimate visible without nets.

People are saying

"I thought the Zoo was beautiful and an amazing place."

"You'll need walking shoes for this huge outdoor space."

"The animals here are so active, it's a nice view."

Good to know

1

Wednesdays are free general admission days at the Bronx Zoo.

2

On Wednesdays, I can get free admission from 5 PM if I purchase the ticket online.

3

The penguin feedings are at 3:30 PM.

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