What would it be like if you could choose only one attraction to visit in each U.S. state? We rounded up the top-rated cities, towns, and iconic sights in all 50 states, from boardwalks and beaches to baseball fields and national parks.
Alabama: The Gulf Coast Beaches
The Gulf Coast Beaches of Alabama feature eight public beaches: Lagoon Pass, West 13th Street, West 12th Street, West 10th Street, West 6th Street, West 5th Street, West 4th Street, Gulf Place West, and East Beach. Known for calm waters ideal for swimming, clean beaches, and white sands, this stretch of coast is the best place in the state to unwind in the summer sun.
Alaska: Denali National Park and Preserve
Glaciers, tundras, and trees abound at Denali National Park, the third-largest national park in the United States. At 4.8 million acres, this single park is approximately the size of Vermont. Tours to view the park’s “big 5″—moose, caribou, bears, wolves, and Dall sheep—are popular, as are helicopter tours to see the park from the air. Intrepid adventurers can even climb Mount Denali, a journey that can last over twenty days.
Arizona: The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is on many travel bucket lists. At 278 miles long, 18 miles wide, and 1 mile deep, this sprawling ravine has eaten into the surrounding sedimentary rock over millions of years, leaving behind the intricate layered red rock we admire today. Although the North Rim is quieter, the South Rim is known for having the best views.
Arkansas: Hot Springs National Park
Home to forty-seven hot springs, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is ideal for relaxing and exploring. Visit Bathhouse Row, a National Landmark that has been serving park visitors since the 1890s, to dip in the hot springs.
California: Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is over 1,200 square miles of mountains, rivers, and waterfalls interspersed with campgrounds, hiking trails, and stunning photo ops. Popular bucket list items for Yosemite travelers include hiking the treacherous Half Dome and spotting the elusive Yosemite Firefall.
Colorado: Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado is home to the entirety of the over 350-square-mile Rocky Mountain National Park. The park has over 224 named peaks, including Longs Peak, the highest with an elevation of 14,259 feet. If you don’t see yourself summiting a 10,000-footer any time soon, guests have the option to drive through the park on several scenic trails like Trail Ridge Road or Bear Lake Road.
Connecticut: Mystic Seaport
The coastal town of Mystic is jam-packed with quaint seaside activities, from tours of towering antique sailing ships to art, history, and maritime museums. Make sure to visit the Mystic Aquarium, one of only two spots in the United States where you can see Stellar Sea Lions.
Delaware: Rehoboth Beach
The boardwalk of Rehoboth Beach is packed with shops selling beach wares, food stalls offering funnel cakes and fries, and even an amusement park. Of course, this is accompanied by a mile-long stretch of clean, sandy beach. The beachside city has also earned a reputation as a historical hub for LGBTQ+ travelers, one that continues today with legacy establishments like the Blue Moon and other LGBTQ+-friendly establishments.
Florida: The Florida Keys
Over 1,700 islands comprise the Florida Keys, but the major players are Key West and Key Largo. On these southern escapes, you’ll find all-inclusive resorts, dreamy beaches, nonstop nightlife, and endless hiking trails and coral reefs to explore.
Georgia: Savannah
Savannah, the fifth-largest city in Georgia, is known for its mix of architectural styles and historically significant buildings. Visit Forsyth Park, a filming location for famous movies such as Forrest Gump, or take a sightseeing riverboat cruise down the Savannah River. While there, pay a visit to the Telfair Museums, which educates guests about the history of slavery and its ongoing repercussions.
Hawaii: Volcanoes National Park
Mauna Loa and Kīlauea are the two active volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park. Both volcanoes are open to hikers, although the trails can be grueling. Hikers who make the cut will be rewarded with views into the volcano’s caldera. Visitors can also take a peek inside the craters from Chain of Craters Road, an 18.8-mile drive through the park.
Idaho: Coeur d’Alene Lake
Coeur d’Alene Lake is surrounded by the Coeur d’Alene Mountains in Northern Idaho. Lake cruises and nature hikes are popular activities in the area, with the Tubbs Hill Loop being the most scenic route. The nearby town of Coeur d’Alene also offers dining, art galleries, wineries, and farmers’ markets.
Illinois: The Magnificent Mile
This thirteen-block entertainment district in the heart of Chicago has been serving tourists and Chicago residents alike since the 1920s. It’s named for its dining, theaters, bars, and multiple famous landmarks, like the John Hancock Center and the grand InterContinental hotel.
Indiana: Indiana Dunes State Park
The 2,000 acres of Indiana Dunes State Park are covered in gently waving grass, hiking trails, and—you guessed it—sand dunes. The park offers opportunities to visit the beach along Lake Michigan, but the real draw is the hike up the enormous dunes that dominate the park. Travelers are invited to try the 3 Dune challenge, summiting the three tallest dunes in the park over a 1.5-mile trail.
Iowa: Field of Dreams
Movie buffs won’t want to miss this iconic baseball diamond, built specially for the filming of the 1989 film The Field of Dreams. The field hosts youth baseball and softball games and tournaments and the occasional MLB special game. The main field is off-limits to the public, but you can grab a snack at The Stretch concessions stand and enjoy a picnic on the set.
Kansas: Stratica (Kansas Underground Salt Museum)
A tour of Stratica, formerly the Kansas Underground Salt Museum, takes guests deep into a functional salt mine via a built-in tram. Guided tours include a safety video, geological exhibits, education on the history of mining, and a “dark ride” through the mines,
Kentucky: Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park is the longest cave system in the world, at 426 miles. Portions of the cave system are open to tours, including a small subterranean pond, an underground cafe, and an over 100-foot-deep “bottomless pit.” Above ground, the park offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and cycling.
Louisiana: Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street is a lively stretch in Louisiana’s French Quarter packed with bars, iconic music venues, and top restaurants. It’s a vibrant stop any time of the year, but it truly comes alive during the Carnival season, which leads up to the city’s famous Mardi Gras.
Maine: Acadia National Park
This coastal preserve in Acadia, Maine, was founded in 1916 and is home to a cliffy coastline, hidden caves, and Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the East Coast. Biking and boat tours are popular here, and nearby Bar Harbor is packed with restaurants and museums if you want a break from the wilderness.
Maryland: Baltimore Inner Harbor
The Baltimore Inner Harbor is the waterfront district of Baltimore, Maryland. Here, you can visit an aquarium, tour historic ships, shop at The Gallery, explore the lively Harborplace, or kick back with some of the city’s freshest seafood.
Massachusetts: Cape Cod Beaches
The beaches of Cape Cod are plentiful and a must-see for any visitor to Massachusetts. Mayflower Beach is well known for its soft sands and low-tide sand bars, while Nauset is known for its waves (and potentially dangerous rip tide). Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are both just a short ferry ride away.
Michigan: Mackinac Island
Sample the slow life on Mackinac Island, where there are no cars in sight. Travel by bike or foot around the quaint downtown, book a stay at the historic Grand Hotel or play a round of golf at the course abutting Mackinac Island State Park.
Minnesota: North Shore Scenic Drive
This 154-mile scenic drive follows the northern edge of Lake Superior, ushering passengers past the expansive waters and through several state parks. The Federal Highway Administration designated it an All-American Road, meaning the road qualifies as a “destination unto itself.”
Mississippi: Gulf Islands National Seashore
Maritime habitats, from salt marshes to bayous to tidal pools, dominate the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Mississippi. Guests are welcome to swim and fish in designated areas, set up camp for the night, and visit the exhibits and ranger-led programs at the Visitor’s Center.
Missouri: St. Louis Gateway Arch
The St. Louis Gateway Arch is the largest arch in the world at 630 feet. It towers over the city’s Mississippi River waterfront. Visitors can experience the Arch in several ways, including a riverboat tour or tram ride to the very top, where citywide views await.
Montana: Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to roughly 25 active glaciers, a number in steady decline due to climate change. Regardless, touring these frozen monoliths remains the most popular draw of the park, with guided tours offered to see the glaciers at their best.
Nebraska: Indian Cave State Park
Indian Cave State Park offers all the typical recreational activities of a state park, including hiking, camping, and biking. The park’s standout feature is its large cave filled with Native American petroglyphs, which guests can view from the nearby boardwalk.
Nevada: Las Vegas Strip
This famous stretch of casinos, nightclubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues can’t be missed. The Strip is home to the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, the Bellagio Fountains, the Colosseum at Cesar’s Palace, the replica Eiffel Tower, and the spotlit Luxor Hotel pyramid.
New Hampshire: Mount Washington
Drive or climb the tallest mountain in the northeast, located in the White Mountain National Forest. The hike takes roughly ten hours for a round trip, but the misty views at the top are worth it. At the summit, check out the weather station and accompanying museum.
New Jersey: Ocean City
Boardwalks, restaurants, shops, and amusement parks abound in Ocean City, a beach town on the Jersey Shore popular for its varied attractions. You can kayak or boat on the waters off the beach or head to the nearby waterpark if you get sick of the ocean waves.
New Mexico: Carlsbad Caverns
The Carlsbad Caverns were dug into the rocky ground of New Mexico by sulphuric acid, leaving behind unique drip-like rock formations and exposing colorful mineral deposits. Ranger-guided tours are available on a limited basis, but visitors are welcome to explore the well-lit caverns independently.
New York: Central Park
Surprisingly, the 843-acre Central Park is only the sixth-largest park in New York City. Its claim to fame comes from its iconic location between the Upper and Lower East Sides in Manhattan and its status as the oldest public park in the United States.
North Carolina: The Outer Banks
The islands of the Outer Banks are a popular North Carolina vacation spot. Lounge in the sun at Nags Head or Kitty Hawk beaches, learn about the mysterious disappearance of the Roanoke colony on Roanoke Island, or meet some fish friends up close at the North Carolina Aquarium.
North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Named for the 26th president of the United States, whose policies notably expanded national parks in the United States, Theodore Roosevelt National Park was founded on 110 square miles of badlands, grasslands, and forests. You can take a drive through the park, where you may catch sight of wild horses or roaming bison, or explore one of the over thirty hiking trails in the park.
Ohio: Cedar Point
Adrenaline junkies will have the time of their lives at Cedar Point, the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World.” With eighteen roller coasters—from the classic Corkscrew to the soon-to-be-unveiled Siren’s Curse—as well as kids’ rides, a boardwalk, and a waterpark, there’s plenty to do for thrillseekers and family travelers alike.
Oklahoma: Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge
Catch a glimpse of a bison herd at Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge, a 60,000-acre preserve of sprawling prairie land boxed in by the impressive Wichita Mountains. Book a tour with Friends of the Wichita for guided experiences in the park, from a Wildflower Walk to a Geology Hike.
Oregon: Crater Lake National Park
Boat, swim, or picnic on the shores of the 6-mile-wide Crater Lake at the heart of Crater Lake National Park. The lake was formed 5,000 years ago when volcanic Mount Mazama erupted, leaving behind the existing crater, which slowly filled up with water over the following centuries. Visitors can take a boat cruise to Wizard Island, the volcanic cylinder-turned-island left behind in the center of the lake.
Pennsylvania: Gettysburg National Military Park
The Gettysburg National Military Park commemorates the Battle of Gettysburg, the deadliest battle of the United States Civil War and the site of President Abraham Lincoln’s famed Gettysburg Address. The museum and visitor center offer an educational film about the space’s history, followed by a Gettysburg Battlefield Tour with a licensed guide.
Rhode Island: Newport Cliff Walk
Take a peek into the lifestyles of the rich and famous of eras past at the Newport Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile path that winds past eleven elaborate cliffside mansions. Wander and marvel at the intricate exteriors for free, or purchase an Access Pass to enter all open properties, including the famous Breakers mansion owned by the Vanderbilt family.
South Carolina: Charleston
Charleston is the largest city in South Carolina and offers travelers dozens of activities to fill up their itineraries. Visit the Gibbes Art Museum, check out the Charleston Aquarium, or tour the nearby Fort Sumter National Monument. Fans of scary stories will want to check out one of the many ghost tours that travel the city, which is considered a top haunted destination in the United States.
South Dakota: Mount Rushmore
Started in 1927 and completed in 1941, this monument features the carved faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Each presidential visage is roughly 60 feet tall. There is no entrance fee, and the site is open year-round, weather-dependent.
Tennessee: Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains originate in Tennessee and run over 380 miles south to end in North Carolina. There are several ways to experience their beauty, including driving on the many popular scenic roads or walking on the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian rope bridge in North America.
Texas: San Antonio River Walk
For fans of boutique shopping, delicious restaurants, and an artistic atmosphere, the San Antonio River Walk is where you’ll want to be. Stretching fifteen miles along the banks of the San Antonio River, you’ll find umbrella-covered patios, lush landscaping, and leisurely boat rides galore.
Utah: Zion National Park
The sweeping desert landscape of Zion National Park attracts more than 4.5 million visitors every year. While some trails, like Angels Landing, require coveted lottery permits, plenty of hikes are open to explore. The best spot for views of top landmarks like Bridge Mountain and the Great Arch is from the Zion Overlook Trail, just under a mile roundtrip and suitable for hikers of any skill level.
Vermont: Smugglers Notch State Park
Tucked away in the Green Mountains, the park offers visitors a stroll on the boardwalk, a hike down the Long Trail into the notch, or a leisurely drive down the scenic highway that passes through the area. The Smugglers Notch Campground welcomes campers to spend the night among the cliffs and trees.
Virginia: Williamsburg
Experience the Colonial Williamsburg living museum, where costumed educators guide guests through cobblestone streets and old-world buildings to learn about life hundreds of years ago. Beyond this famous attraction, modern Williamsburg offers museums, restaurants, parks, and antiquing.
Washington: Mount Rainier National Park
From active volcanoes to glaciers, Mount Rainier National Park has it all. Get the best views with a drive along Chinook Scenic Byway, part of State Route 410 that passes through Mount Rainier National Park and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Guided tours of the volcano and glaciers are available.
West Virginia: New River Gorge National River
The New River, which runs through the New River Gorge, is known for its rapids, making it a top destination for whitewater rafters. With class I through V rapids available at different points throughout the river, this park is perfect for beginners and advanced rafters.
Wisconsin: Lake Geneva
This 6.7-square-mile lake is forty miles outside of Milwaukee. Travelers can boat on or hike around the lake itself or explore the larger Lake Geneva region, which offers golf, beaches, museums, fruit orchards, local parks, and shopping.
Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park
The majority of the massive Yellowstone National Park is located in Wyoming. The over 2 million acres are home to geysers, sulfur pools, wild wolves, and—most famously–the Yellowstone supervolcano that roils below the park’s surface.
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