Trafalgar Square, Central London

On the Road in Sedona, Arizona

With striking red sandstone formations almost everywhere you look, Sedona is a memorable place to go for a drive or a cycle. Spiritualists have imbued this distinctive landscape with healing powers turning Sedona into something of a hotspot for health tourism.

Lake Mead, Nevada

On route from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead shimmers in the distance

Monterey Car Week, California

Monterey Municipal Beach and Wharf, Monterey, California

A touristy town on California's central coast, Monterey has a broad sandy beach sheltered by handsome trees and a built-up bustling pier, known as Fisherman's Wharf.  The waters round the pier can be thick with jellyfish, as well as being home to scores of sea lions, yachts and fishing trawlers. When the sun is out, a tour of the Municipal Beach and Wharf makes for a fine early evening stroll.

Glacier Point, Yosemite, California

To get to Glacier Point, you either have to embark on a very tough hike up the Four Mile Trail (a gain of 975 metres) from Yosemite Valley or you drive a 16 mile cul-de-sac off the road down to Wawona. Although this vantage point can be busy even at 7pm in the evening, the views across this exceptional national park are wide-ranging, jaw-dropping and captivating. If you want to escape the crowds, Washburn Point, about a mile down the road, also offers some spectacular vistas, but has far less parking and is much, much quieter.

Walking through Yosemite Valley, California

Although you are never that far from a car park or a road, Yosemite Valley can be a stunning and secluded spot for a stroll. Meandering alongside the lovely Merced River, a series of trails take you past some renowned beauty spots, such as Yosemite Falls and El Capitan Meadow.  Occasionally, you might run into a coach load of tourists or even a wedding, but there are plenty of quiet corners. The valley stretches far enough for you to walk all day, but you'll need to carry a fair of bit of water.  If you run out of steam, you may be able to catch a free shuttle bus back towards Yosemite Village and most of the car parks.

Tuolumne Grove, Yosemite, California

There are a handful of giant sequoia trees surviving in Tuolumne Grove in Yosemite National Park. You can reach the sequoias by strolling a mile or so down an old road into the valley. When you first see one of these ancient wonders, it will take your breath away - they are huge across every dimension. In the grove, you'll also find a couple of dead sequoias - one you can walk through and one lying prone, which you can climb on. The hike back up the road is physically demanding, but you will be glad you made the effort.