Once, while making a U.S.A bucket list, a friend from another country told me she loved the United States because each state is like its own little country. I had never thought about states that way, but the more I traveled the more I agreed! States have identities all their own; their food, culture, sports and even language can be notably different than their neighbors.
With the travel restrictions Americans are facing today, there is no better time than now to get out and explore our own home country. The amount of incredible things to see and do is truly endless. This list has a few must-see spots in every state to add to your U.S.A bucket list, although I’m sure we could all add many more!
Over 6,500 acres of protected lands make up Gulf State Park in Alabama. The park boasts pristine white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, freshwater lakes, and scenic nature trails perfect for biking or hiking. Visitors can stay right on the beach at The Lodge, a contemporary hotel or sleep under the stars at the park’s campsite.
One of the best ways to experience the spectacular Alaskan scenery is a cruise or ferry trip along the Inside Passage. Glaciers carved this expansive network of waterways during the last Ice Age, and now the route runs alongside sparkling glaciers, fjords, mountains and forests.
The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular attractions in America, and it’s easy to see why. The striped redrock canyon stretches 277 miles from end to end and descends over one mile to the Colorado River below. It’s one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the only one located in the United States. The Grand Canyon should hold an essential place on anyone’s U.S. bucket list.
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Garven Woodland Gardens is a 210-acre botanical garden at the University of Arkansas. The garden is filled with native flowers and plants, a 4-acre Japanese Garden, picturesque stone bridges and a treehouse that climbs 4 stories high. The real gem of the garden is the Anthony Chapel, with floor to ceiling windows that almost seem to bring the forest inside.
Yes, it may be touristy but spending a day in Santa Monica is a quintessential California Experience. Soak up the sun on the beach in the morning and then explore the pier and Third Street Promenade. After dinner, catch the sunset at Palisades Park.
Skiing the snowy slopes in Breckenridge followed by sipping a warm mug of hot cocoa at the lodge is a wonderful way to spend a winter’s day. What sets Breckenridge apart from the other ski towns in Colorado is its historic Main Street, lined with more than 250 buildings on the National Historic Register. Wandering along the street and stepping into the shops and restaurants is like walking into a postcard.
The seaside town of Mystic, Connecticut is a historic area dedicated to preserving its maritime past. Explore the Mystic Seaport, a recreated 19th-century village complete with tall ships in the harbor. Next, pay a visit to the adorable beluga whales at the aquarium. Afterwards, walk through the village and admire the colonial architecture.
The beach may not be something that comes to mind when you think of Delaware, but the one square mile community of Rehoboth Beach is ranked among Santa Monica and Miami as having one of the best boardwalks in the country. Spend the morning on the sandy beaches, the afternoon strolling the boardwalk, and an evening eating and drinking at the original Dog Head Brewery.
Driving from mainland Florida to the southernmost point of the United States in Key West is easily one of the most beautiful road trips in the country. Once there, head to Duval Street to find the bustling shops, bars and cafes. Spend the rest of the trip on the beach, visiting historic sites and enjoying water sports.
Walking along the cobblestone streets of Savannah’s Historic District it’s hard to know what to look at first; the stunning homes or the old oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Take your time to explore all 20 city squares filled with stately mansions, immaculate gardens, churches, and monuments. Iconic Forsyth Park with its centerpiece fountain sits at the southern end of the district.
Driving the twisty Road to Hana, Maui, past the lush forests, waterfalls, and sparkling ocean views is a dream-come-true Hawaiian experience. The 65 mile drive has plenty of places to stop and admire the breathtaking views. This is one of the times the journey is as memorable, or even more so, than the destination.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve was actually created nearly 15 million years ago by rivers of molten lava oozing from fissures in the Earth. The lava flows created a spectacularly unique landscape that is simultaneously desolate and beautiful. The cinder cones, cooled lava fields and craters look like something from another world.
Step off the touristy shopping street dubbed the Magnificent Mile and take advantage of one of Chicago’s many world class museums. The Field Museum Of Natural History, Art Institute of Chicago, National Museum of Mexican Art, and Museum of Contemporary Art are just a few of the must do’s. After hitting these bigger museums, explore one of the smaller specialty museums like the Chicago Sports Museum, the Halim Time and Glass Museum or the American Writers Museum.
To see the largest single day sporting event in the world, spend the day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indianapolis 500. The 500 mile (200 lap) race is a serious Indiana tradition. Spectators will get a major adrenaline rush watching the drivers speed by at 220 mph. Before the race, join the 250,000 people tailgating outside the stadium before the event.
Of the 19 original bridges that inspired a beloved America novel and movie, The Bridges of Madison Country, 6 can still be seen today. One of the best times to visit is October, when the Covered Bridge Festival celebrates the bridges with tours, music, parades and craft shows. The fall foliage is also a stunning backdrop.
The Keeper of the Plains Plaza and statue in Wichita is an important tribute to Kansas’s Native American roots. Sitting on a grassy plaza at the intersection of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers, the Keeper is a touching sight. Stop in the Mid-American All-Indian Center to learn about Native American culture and be sure to come back at night for the “Ring of Fire” display.
One of horse-racing’s most famous and prestigious racing events is the Kentucky Derby, which takes place at Churchill Downs, just outside Louisville, Kentucky. Besides watching the races that take place throughout the day, attendees can visit the Kentucky Derby Museum, admire the brightly colored fashion, and visit the horses in the paddocks. Be sure to drink at least one mint julep, the traditional Derby cocktail.
The French Quarter is the central square and oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. This Historic District is where you will find colorful homes, spicy cajun food, and jazz clubs. Check out the French Market and St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square before having a drink on Bourbon Street. For one of the biggest parties in the country, visit during the the annual Mardis Gras celebration.
The iconic Portland Head Lighthouse stands at the entrance to Portsmouth harbor and is among the most photographed lighthouses in America. The jagged rocks and crashing waves along the coast are a photographers dream for a stunning shot of the famous light. The 90 acre park surrounds the lighthouse that is perfect for hiking to different viewpoints.
More to See in Maine
Baltimore’s Inner Harbour is a bustling seaport packed with things to see and do. Venture aboard the historic ships docked in the harbour, visit one of the 20,000 animals at the National Aquarium, and admire the art at the American Visionary Art Museum. Skip the touristy restaurants and head straight to the Charleston for a fancy dinner of award winning French-inspired low-country cuisine.
The 2.5 mile walking path through Boston known as the Freedom Trail passes 16 historic landmarks. The red brick trail takes visitors to historic churches, significant buildings, cemeteries, battlegrounds, and the Navy Yard to see the USS Constitution.
Catch a ferry to Mackinac Island to experience this resort town’s quiet, relaxed atmosphere. Visitors spend their days strolling past shops and restaurants in the historic downtown, laying on the beach or hiking through the parks to Fort Mackinac. There are no motorized vehicles on the island, only horse-drawn carriages, adding to the sense to serenity. Be sure to spend an afternoon on the porch of the Grand Hotel for breathtaking views of Lake Huron.
Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive, a nationally designated “All American Road” takes drivers along the Lake Superior shoreline and the edge of the Sawtooth Mountains. Visitors can stop at one of the many hiking trails to venture deeper into the parks by day, and then explore the artsy towns by night. The entire route is 142 miles long with access to eight different state parks along the way.
Formed approximately 36 million years ago, the Petrified Forest in Mississippi is the only petrified forest in the eastern United States. Nature trails winding through the park let visitors examine the petrified trees up close. There is also a museum on site showcasing fossils, dinosaur footprints, and whale bones.
The Lake of the Ozarks in the Ozark Mountains is a prime vacation destination for both its scenery and water-sports. There are picturesque state parks for hiking, Party Cove for a rowdy afternoon on the water, or the luxury Lodge of Four Seasons for a relaxing afternoon. The lake is also famous for its fishing and local golf courses.
Glacier National Park is famous for its incredible views like the Triple Divide; the watershed between three drainage systems to the Pacific, the North Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico along Logan Pass. There are over 700 miles of hiking trails through diverse landscapes from lush alpine meadows to dense forests.
Rising 480 feet into the air, Chimney Rock was once used as a landmark for pioneers heading westward along the Oregon Trail. An onsite visitors center is full of information about the area’s geology and history. Chimney rock is so iconic to Nebraska, it’s image was put on the state quarter. Visitors to the site are rewarded with an atmosphere that hasn’t changed much since those first settlers came through in the early 19th century.
Whether you want to gamble or not, a trip to Las Vegas is a must do at least once. WIth world class hotels, restaurants, shopping and shows there is something for everyone to enjoy. After checking out all the different casinos on the strip, head downtown to Fremont Street to see the original casinos in “Old Vegas.”
Ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway to the top of Mount Washington, the highest peak in Northeast America. The 3 hours ride climbs 6000 feet to the summit. At the top is a small museum, visitor center and cafeteria. The real attraction at the top however, is the expansive view of New England below.
Imagine a quaint seaside town full of classic Victorian architecture and you’ll have the Cape May Historic District. Besides touring the grand homes, visitors to Cape May enjoy sandy beaches, shopping at the outdoor Washington Street Mall, wineries and whale watching. Trolly tours are a great way to take it all in while learning the area’s history.
Driving the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway in New Mexico is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of this southwest state. This 52 mile drive from Sante Fe to Albuquerque has it all; gorgeous mountain views, a ghost town, artsy communities full of shops, museums and much more.
If planning a trip to New York City sounds overwhelming, you’re not alone. With so many things to do, and no way to do it all, how do you choose? The easiest way is to start with whatever interests you most. When you imagine yourself in New York City, what do you see? That could be taking a tour of the Statue of Liberty, spending an entire afternoon at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or being touristy at Times Square. Start with those personnel must-dos and go from there.
The Outer Banks are a 200 mile long string of barrier islands covering most of the North Carolina coast line. Sandy beaches, a historic lighthouse, shipwreck diving sites and wild horses are just a few of the attractions that bring visitors back year after year.
One of the lesser known National Parks, but just as beautiful and humbling as its counterparts is Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The park is split into two units, the most popular and accessible being the Southern Unit near the town of Medora. Beautiful hikes, adorable communities of prairie dogs and roaming bison await.
Spending a day at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio may ruin other amusement parks for you in the future. Cedar point is a 364 acre amusement park that’s home to some of the top roller coasters in the world, many breaking world records. One particular coaster, Steel Vengeance, is the longest, tallest, and speediest coaster of its kind breaking 15 world records. Aside from the coasters, there are plenty of rides for kids of all ages, an adventure park, and even a beach on the shore of Lake Erie.
Oklahoma is home to the largest stretch of the iconic Route 66, one of the original highways of the U.S. As the first highway to connect Chicago and L.A., Route 66 was an important marker of change in America. Today, the road is a flashback into history. What people usually enjoy the most are the roadside attractions that seem to be stuck in the past. Historical museums, 1950’s diners, quirky roadside artwork, and old time filling stations are some of the favorites.
The Columbia River Gorge, a canyon off the Columbia River, offers what seems to be endless trails, scenic areas, and waterfalls. Of the 90 waterfalls flowing, crowd favorite is Multnomah Falls. It’s the tallest waterfall in Oregon, and one of the most picturesque. The river itself is over 1200 miles long with ample opportunity for rafting or kayaking.
One of the most historically significant spots in America, Independence National Park is a must see. Sitting in the middle of the park is Independence Hall, the exact spot where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Constitution was drafted. Another piece of American History is the Liberty Bell, on display across the Hall in the Independence Mall. Around the rest of the park there are plenty of historic buildings and museums to occupy an afternoon.
Just 10 miles offshore sits Block Island, home of the Mohegan Bluffs. The 3 mile stretch of picturesque bluffs rise nearly 200 feet above the sea. A beautiful sandy beach is accessible at the foot of the bluffs. The Southeast and the North Lighthouses are both great spots for taking photos, and the Southeast Lighthouse has a small museum to visit.
It’s easy to spend an entire day strolling through Historic District in Charleston. This is a great city to take a walking tour to soak up all the information and stories possible. You will surely pass the historic homes, City Market and famous Rainbow Row. The series of 13 colorful row homes is one of the most photographed spots in Charleston. To end the day, watch the sunset at the pineapple fountain overlooking the harbour.
Mount Rushmore is South Dakota’s most popular tourist attraction, and for good reason. We have seen the images of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt in countless books and magazines, but it’s truly spectacular to see with your own eyes. A staggering 400,000 tons of rock were blown away from the mountain to finish the sculpture. If you can, visit in both the daylight and night time. At night, the presidents are brightly illuminated to stand out against the dark sky.
Whether you’re a fan of country music or not, Nashville is a truly American spot not to miss. Spend a few hours listening to new country artists trying to get their big break at one of the many bars around town. For big time fans, tour or see a show at the Ryman auditorium, one of the most important venues in county music. When you’re hungry, take a break to try the local specialty, hot chicken.
A beautiful and moving visit to the San Antonio Missions (a UNESCO site) is a must-do when in Texas. Missions National Historical Park includes the city’s four southernmost Spanish colonial missions – Concepción, San José, San Juan and Espada Alamo. Franciscans and Spanish missionaries built the missions as part of their efforts to convert the Native population to Christianity and make them Spanish citizens. While it’s not part of the Historical Park, the Alamo is the fifth mission in San Antonio.
Utah has the 3rd largest amount of National Parks in any state, and they are all U.S.A bucket list worthy. The two most popular are Zion and Arches. Zion is known for it’s 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs, and adventurers come from all over the world to climb. Arches is famous for, obviously, its arches. There are over 2,000 arches in the park, the highest number of natural sandstone arches in the world.
While fall foliage isn’t specific to Vermont, it’s easily one of the most stunning places to see it. Vermont offers an array of scenic drives across the state that pass through charming small towns, historic sites, vineyards and parks. Planning a road trip specifically to see fall foliage can be tricky but there are a few things you can do to prepare. If you only take a trip to see the electrifying colors of autumn in a place just as picturesque, make it in Vermont.
There is no better place to learn the story of America than Colonial Williamsburg. Costumed actors reenact historical events and what daily life looked like in the 18th century. Visitors are encouraged to explore at their leisure and talk to all the actors they meet to learn about Williamsburg. There are plenty of guided tours as well, like an orientation tour to help you get your bearings and a tavern ghost walk.
The oldest continuously operating farmers market in the country, Pike Place Market is a Seattle landmark. Of course there are stalls full of farm fresh produce, but that’s just the beginning. Shops, bars, restaurants, and the famous salmon slinging fishmongers, and even the first Starbucks are all part of the Pike Place family. Consider taking a tour to see and try as much as possible during your visit.
The amount of history and culture in Washington D.C. can be overwhelming to visitors. Where does one even begin? A great option is to walk the National Mall (including the Tidal Basin), which is lined with some of the must-sees, including the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. Many top museums and the U.S Botanical Garden are also part of the National Mall. An entire trip could be dedicated to just exploring all these significant spots.
The town of Harpers Ferry, where the Shenandoah River meets the Potomac River, is a small town with a lot of history. Museums, historical buildings and exhibits tell the story of small town life in an era of westward expansion before the Civil War. Don’t worry, there are plenty of shops, cafes and coffee shops when it’s time for a break from all that history.
The Apostle Islands are a collections of 21 islands off the coast of Lake Superior. One of the best ways to see the lighthouses, beautiful rock formations, forests and caves is by boat or kayak. For those who would rather stay put there are plenty of great fishing spots and even underwater rock formations for scuba divers. Visitors can even camp overnight to soak up as much of the day as possible on the islands.
For a truly Wyoming experience, spend a day horseback riding at the A-OK Corral. Riders are treated to spectacular views of the Grand Teton Mountain Range, Snake River, and plenty of wildflowers. Stop for a picnic lunch and keep your eyes open for the area’s local wildlife. If time is limited, the 2 hour sunset ride is another great option.
After reading through that list, or simply looking at the pictures, it gets me so inspired to plan more trips around the U.S. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the border.
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Really Informative and beautiful pictures. Thank you so much for sharing.
Very informative and interesting! There are so many amazing things to see and do in all 50 of our "countries". You have done the homework to get us started.
I can’t wait for the borders to open back up,,,I have been fortunate enough to see many of the states however I’ve always had a desire to explore more.This was so helpful and certainly inspires me to keep my bucket list alive. Thank you Hailey!