1000+ mega USA bucket list by state 

Where do I begin when talking about planning a trip to the US.  

A country that encompasses every climate, terrain and ecosystem, it’s no easy feat deciding where to go.  

From towering skyscrapers to sprawling deserts, sunny beaches to snow-capped mountains, the USA has attractions to suit everyone.  

This travel guide details a mega USA bucket list by state. Each section has around 25 places to visit in each state, including unique places in the US and fun experiences. 

If you’re ready, grab a big drink and a notepad, because you’re going to need it. 

What is the number one vacation spot in the US? 

There's no straightforward answer to ‘what is the number one vacation spot in the US?’ It's akin to asking someone what their favorite song is. Everyone’s answer will be subjective and depend on their personal likes and interests. 

Where should I go for the first time in the US? 

Where you should go for the first time in the US depends on what you most want to see.

If it’s skyscrapers and big city lights that attract you, consider visiting New York City or Chicago. If you prefer to spend time seeing the natural beauty of the country, underline some of the US' national parks. A state like Utah or Wyoming has a few within its borders. 

What is special in America? 

What makes America special as a travel destination is a whole range of factors. This includes not just its landmarks and landscapes, but also the diverse population that brings something unique to each state. 

Mega USA bucket list by state

Alabama 

Alabama top attractions  

• Tour the Alabama State Capitol  
• Visit the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park 
• Swing by the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame 
• Take a cruise on the Bama Belle Riverboat 
• Attend an Auburn University football game 
• Watch a concert/show at the Von Braun Center 
• Attend a concert at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater 
• Visit the USS Drum submarine museum 
• Tour the Space & Rocket Center 
• Explore the Montgomery Zoo & Mann Wildlife Learning Museum 
• Visit the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum 
• Check out the Mobile Carnival Museum 
• Learn more at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 
• Explore the Birmingham Zoo 

Alabama outdoor activities

• Explore the Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden 
• Take a scenic drive on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail 
• Discover the Little River Canyon National Preserve 
• Enjoy a day at Gulf State Park 
• Visit the Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park  
• Hike around the Oak Mountain State Park 
• Drive through the Cheaha State Park 

Alaska 

Alaska points of interest 

• Go to the North Pole to see Santa's workshop  
• Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center  Head to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center 
• Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center  
• Bookmark the Iditarod Sled Dog Race for March 
• Attend the Summer Solstice Festival in Fairbanks 
• Visit the Alaska State Museum  
• Take a ferry ride on the Alaska Marine Highway 
• Visit the Anchorage Museum 
• See the Native Heritage Center 
• Attend the Alaska State Fair in August 

Alaska outdoor activities 

• Tour Denali National Park and Preserve by plane, ATV or truck
• Explore the glaciers of Glacier Bay National Park 
• Visit the Mendenhall Glacier  
• Book a whale watching tour in Juneau 
• Take a scenic flight over Mount McKinley  
• Explore the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park 
• Visit the Kenai Fjords National Park 
• Drive the scenic Dalton Highway 
• Explore the Chugach State Park  
• Enjoy the nature at Tongass National Forest 
• Admire the Chugach National Forest 

Arizona 

Places to visit in Arizona – best attractions 

• Explore the Montezuma Castle National Monument  
• Visit the Heard Museum  
• See the Painted Desert Inn  
• Go to the Phoenix Art Museum 
• Visit The Arboretum at Flagstaff 
• Explore the Sonoran Desert National Monument 
• Attend a performance at the Arizona Opera 
• Visit the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff 

Arizona outdoors 

• Visit the Grand Canyon National Park by helicopter or hummer
• Explore the Antelope Canyon 
• Take a scenic drive on the Apache Trail 
• Visit the Saguaro National Park 
• Take a hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert 
• Visit the Meteor Crater  
• Hike around the Petrified Forest National Park 
• Take a scenic drive on the Sedona Red Rock Scenic Byway 
• Visit the Biosphere 2 
• Explore the Tonto National Forest 
• Take a scenic hike around the Chiricahua National Monument 
• See the Hole in the Rock and Phoenix Zoo in Papago Park  
• Drive through the Kaibab National Forest 
• Explore the Superstition Mountains 
• Drive the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway 
• Take a scenic hike in the Coconino National Forest 

Arkansas 

Arkansas points of interest

• Visit the Arkansas State Capitol  
• See the Clinton Presidential Center  
• Attend a performance at the Arkansas Repertory Theater  
• Visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art  
• Go to the Historic Arkansas Museum  
• See the Old State House Museum  
• Attend a concert at the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion  
• Watch a performance at the Reynolds Performance Hall  
• Visit the Fort Smith National Historic Site 
• Attend a performance at the Walton Arts Center  
• Visit the Museum of Native American History  

Arkansas outdoors attractions — USA bucket list by state

• Visit the Hot Springs National Park 
• Explore the Petit Jean State Park 
• Hike around the Ozark National Forest 
• Take a scenic hike around the Pinnacle Mountain State Park 
• Stop by the Buffalo National River 
• Drive along the Talimena Scenic Drive 
• Explore the Queen Wilhelmina State Park 
• Enjoy the nature at the Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area 
• Head to Lake Fort Smith State Park 
• Visit the Old Mill State Park 
• Book a tour of the Blanchard Springs Caverns 
• Hike around the Ouachita National Forest 

California 

California best things to do  

• Cruise around the Golden Gate Bay and see the Golden Gate Bridge 
• Enjoy a day out at Universal Studios Hollywood
• Stroll along Venice Beach and the Venice Canals 
• Drive down the Pacific Coast Highway 
• Visit Disneyland and Disney California Adventure 
• Go wine tasting in Napa Valley 
• Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame 
• See Alcatraz Island prison  
• Take a hot air balloon ride over the Temecula wine country 
• Visit the Museum of Tolerance  
• Watch a concert at the Hollywood Bowl 
• See the Getty Center 
• Visit the Japanese Tea Garden on a segway tour 
• Go whale watching off the coast of Monterey or Half Moon Bay 
• Visit the iconic Hearst Castle  
• Check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium 
• Stroll the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 

California outdoors attractions

• Go surfing at Malibu Beach 
• Hike to the top of Mount Whitney 
• See the tide pools at Natural Bridges State Beach  
• Tour the scenic Big Sur coastline 
• Go skiing or snowboarding at Lake Tahoe 
• See the giant redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument 
• Explore the desert landscape of Joshua Tree National Park 
• Enjoy a scenic drive along the 17-mile drive in Pebble Beach 

Colorado 

Colorado top attractions  

• Visit the Colorado State Capitol building 
• Watch a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater 
• Visit the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave 
• Explore the Colorado National Monument 
• Stop by the Denver Art Museum 
• Enjoy a scenic train ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad 
• Visit the Royal Gorge Bridge 
• Attend the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in June 
• Watch a Denver Nuggets or Colorado Avalanche game 
• Book a cozy log cabin in the Colorado wilderness

Colorado outdoors

• Visit Rocky Mountain National Park 
• Go skiing or snowboarding at Vail 
• Go stargazing in the Great Sand Dunes National Park  
• Explore the Garden of the Gods on a fun jeep tour
• Drive the scenic Mount Evans Road 
• Take a hot air balloon ride over the Rockies 
• Go white water rafting on Clear Creek Canyon 
• Visit the Mesa Verde National Park 
• Go fishing in the Fryingpan River 
• Take a scenic drive on the Million Dollar Highway 
• Visit the Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs 
• Enjoy a scenic drive on the Trail Ridge Road 
• Hike to the summit of Quandary Peak 
• Visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park 
• Go ice climbing in Ouray Ice Park

Connecticut 

Connecticut top attractions 

• Visit the Yale University Art Gallery 
• Tour the Mark Twain House and Museum 
• Explore the Connecticut Science Center 
• Watch a show at the Hartford Stage 
• Check out the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art 
• Visit the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center 
• See the New Britain Museum of American Art 
• Visit the Mystic Seaport Museum 
• Attend a performance at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts 
• Explore the grounds of the Hill-Stead Museum 
• Walk through the grounds of the Florence Griswold Museum 
• Explore the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center 
• Visit the Florence Griswold Museum 
• Stop by the Stanley-Whitman House 
• Visit the Connecticut Trolley Museum 
• Play golf at the Lyman Orchards Golf Club 
• Check out Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo 
• See the Mystic Aquarium

Connecticut outdoors

• Stroll around the New Haven Green park 
• Hike the trails at Sleeping Giant State Park 
• Explore the Gillette Castle State Park 

Delaware 

Delaware top attractions  

• Tour the Delaware State Capitol building  
• Visit the Dover International Speedway 
• Tour the Governor's Mansion  
• Walk through the Hagley Museum and Library 
• Visit the Delaware Museum of Natural History 
• Explore the Delaware Art Museum 
• Walk through the historic district of New Castle 
• Visit the Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library 
• Explore the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge 
• Take the kids to the Delaware Children's Museum 
• Stop by the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens 
• Explore the Nemours Estate and Gardens 
• Visit the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village 
• Explore the coastal town of Lewes 

Delaware outdoors  

• Enjoy a Cape May sunset cruise and dolphin watching
• Explore the Cape Henlopen State Park 
• Hike through the First State National Historical Park 
• Explore the Blackbird State Forest 
• Enjoy the outdoor activities at Killens Pond State Park 
• Visit Fort Delaware State Park 
• Stroll the boardwalk at Rehoboth Beach 

Florida 

Florida best attractions to see  

• Visit Disney World
• Get tickets for the Kennedy Space Center 
• Visit Universal Studios 
• Walk around the Miami Beach Art Deco District 
• Visit the Salvador Dali Museum 
• See the Florida Aquarium 
• Check out the Ringling Museum of Art  
• Visit the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary 
• Attend a Miami Heat NBA game 
• Take a water park day trip at Adventure Island or Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool 
• Visit the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) 
• Attend the Miami International Boat Show 
• Pay a visit to the De Soto National Memorial in Bradenton 

Florida outdoors activities — USA bucket list by state 

• Swim in a spring at Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• Take a sunset sail in Key West 
• Book a surf lesson in Cocoa Beach 
• Take a boat tour of the Everglades  
• Enjoy a dolphin watching and snorkeling eco cruise in Key West in the Florida Keys  
• Jump on board a trolley tour in St. Augustine 
• Visit Butterfly World in Coconut Creek 
• Drive the A1A in Miami Beach 
• Visit Panama City Beach 
• Take in the views on a drive on the Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys 

USA bucket list map

Georgia 

Georgia best attractions to see

• Visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park on a fun trolley tour
• Explore the State Capitol building  
• Tour the World of Coca-Cola 
• Visit the High Museum of Art  
• Stroll through Piedmont Park  
• Skip the lines at the Georgia Aquarium
• Stroll through Forsyth Park in the Savannah Historic District 
• Explore the Tybee Island Lighthouse  
• Visit Callaway Gardens 
• Take a trip to the Little White House Historic Site 
• Visit the Andersonville National Historic Site 
• Stop by the James Brown statue  
• Watch a show at the Fox Theatre  
• Visit the Milledgeville Historic District 
• Wander through the Atlanta Botanical Garden 
• Plan a day trip to the Chattahoochee Nature Center 

Georgia outdoor activities  

• Take the kids to the Okefenokee Swamp Park 
• Visit Stone Mountain Park 
• Take a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains 
• Enjoy the views from Rock City Gardens 
• Explore the art at Telfair Museums 
• Visit the DeSoto Falls  
• Drive along the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway 

Hawaii 

Hawaii best attractions to see  

• Check out the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the US 
• Visit the USS Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri Memorial (BB-63) at Pearl Harbor  
• Learn more about Hawaii at the Polynesian Cultural Center  
• Explore the historic Kailua Village 
• Visit the Dole Plantation 
• Wander through the Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park 
• Learn about Hawaii's marine life at the Maui Ocean Center 

Hawaii outdoor activities — USA bucket list by state

• Hike to the top of Pu'u Keka'a mountain 
• Visit the Akaka Falls State Park  
• Go kayaking in the Wailua River  
• Explore the Hawaiian Volcano National Park 
• Visit the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park 
• Bathe on Waikiki Beach  
• Drive along the Road to Hana 
• Explore the lush greenery and waterfall hikes in the Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park 
• Take a surf lesson in Waikiki 
• Snorkel the crystal waters in Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve 
• Hike to the top of Diamond Head for panoramic views of Honolulu 
• Watch the sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea 
• Enjoy the sun set from the beach in Waimea Bay 

Idaho 

Idaho top attractions

• Visit the Idaho State Capitol building  
• See the Old Idaho State Penitentiary  
• Shop at the Capital City Public Market (on Saturday) 
• Check out the Warhawk Air Museum  
• Take the kids to the Idaho Potato Museum & Potato Station Cafe  
• Visit the Boise Art Museum  
• Visit the Idaho Falls Zoo  
• Watch a concert at the Sun Valley Music Festival in summer  

Idaho outdoors activities  

• Visit Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve 
• Explore the Snake River Canyon 
• Hike to the top of Mount Borah 
• Go whitewater rafting on the Payette River 
• Enjoy the views at the Shoshone Falls 
• Tour the Morlet Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area 
• Take a scenic drive on the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route 
• Explore the nature at the Silver Creek Preserve 
• Drive along the Salmon River Scenic Byway 
• Go fishing on Lake Coeur d'Alene 
• Explore the Sawtooth National Forest 
• Visit the Boise Greenbelt 
• Take a dip in the natural hot springs at Goldbug Hot Springs 
• Go mountain biking in the Boise foothills 

Illinois 

Illinois best attractions to see

• Explore the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield  
• Enjoy the views from the Willis Tower Skydeck 
• Explore the Art Institute of Chicago 
• Stroll along the Magnificent Mile
• Visit the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park  
• Ride the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier
• Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo
• Explore the Wicker Park neighborhood 
• Tour the Field Museum of Natural History  
• Check out the Shedd Aquarium  
• Explore the Adler Planetarium 
• Visit the Museum of Science and Industry  
• Walk through the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford 
• Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield 
• Visit the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center 
• Visit the John Deere Pavilion center 
• Tour the Midway Village Museum 
• Explore the Ulysses S. Grant Home 
• Visit the Dana Thomas House 

Illinois outdoors activities

• Bike the Lakefront Trail in Chicago  
• Take a trip to Starved Rock State Park  
• Explore the Cahokia historic site 
• Enjoy a scenic drive through the Shawnee National Forest 

Indiana 

Indiana best attractions to see

• Visit the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza  
• Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway 
• Take the kids to the Children's Museum of Indianapolis 
• Tour the Newfields art museum 
• Walk the halls of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site 
• Visit the NCAA Hall of Champions 
• Explore the USS LST 325 
• Check out the art at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art 
• Enjoy wine tasting at the historic Oliver Winery 
• Browse the goods at Indianapolis City Market 
• Take the kids to the Indianapolis Zoo 
• Walk through the Indiana State Museum 
• See the Notre Dame Stadium  
• Check out the Studebaker National Museum  
• Stop by the James Dean Memorial  
• Watch a performance at the Indiana Repertory Theatre 
• Enjoy the art at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art 
• Visit the Evansville Museum 

Indiana outdoor activities  

• Stroll through the Indiana Dunes National Park 
• Explore the Brown County State Park 

Iowa 

Iowa best attractions to see

• Tour the historic State Capitol building  
• Explore the 7 traditional German villages of the Amana Colonies 
• Visit the Field of Dreams movie filming location 
• Learn about the unique prairie eco-system at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge 
• Visit Iowa 80 - The World's Largest Truckstop  
• Explore the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art 
• Visit the iconic sculptures at Pappajohn Sculpture Park 
• Take the kids to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium 
• Visit the Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption 
• Explore the interactive exhibits at the Science Center of Iowa 
• Visit the Johnny Carson Birthplace Society 
• Check out the charming village of Elkader 
• Visit the American Gothic House 

Iowa outdoors activities

• Take a scenic drive along the Great River Road  
• Explore the historic mining town of Dubuque 
• Hike or bike the trails at Backbone State Park 
• Visit the Maquoketa Caves State Park 
• Explore the covered bridges of Madison County 
• Hike through the Yellow River State Forest 

Kansas 

Kansas best attractions to see

• Visit the Kansas State Capitol building  
• Explore the Strataca underground salt museum 
• See the World's Largest Ball of Twine 
• Check out the Cosmosphere 
• Visit the Kansas Aviation Museum 
• Tour the National World War I Museum and Memorial 
• Visit the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum 
• Attend the Kansas State Fair  
• Visit the Boot Hill Museum 
• Take the family to the Sedgwick County Zoo 
• Check out the art at the Mulvane Art Museum in Topeka 
• Tour the Museum of World Treasures in Wichita 
• See the Old Cowtown Museum  
• Visit the Museum of the Great Plains

Kansas outdoor activities

• Visit the Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge  
• Take a hot air balloon ride over the prairies  
• Explore the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve  
• Enjoy the nature of the Great Plains Nature Center  
• Spend a day at the Botanica, The Wichita Gardens 

Kentucky 

Kentucky best attractions to see

• Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum  
• Explore the Kentucky State Capitol building 
• Attend the Kentucky Derby  
• Tour the Maker's Mark Distillery  
• Visit the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park 
• Take a scenic drive along the Bourbon Trail 
• See the Muhammad Ali Center 
• Take the kids to the Kentucky Horse Park 
• Visit the Mary Todd Lincoln House  
• Explore the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden 
• Discover the Old Forester Distilling Co. 
• Enjoy the food and drink at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in September 
• Learn with the family at the Kentucky Science Center  
• Get educated at the Kentucky Historical Society 
• Check out the art at the Kentucky Folk Art Center  
• Visit the Kentucky Artisan Center 
• Watch a free performance at the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival 
• Check out the events at the Kentucky Exposition Center  
• Take the kids to Kentucky Kingdom 

Kentucky outdoors activities

• Enjoy a day trip at Mammoth Cave  
• Hike the trails at Red River Gorge  
• Explore the nature at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park  

Louisiana 

Louisiana best attractions to see

• Walk through the French Quarter and visit Bourbon Street in New Orleans 
• Tour of the Louisiana State Capitol  
• Visit the National World War II Museum  
• Attend Mardi Gras
• Visit the Oak Alley Plantation  
• Take a haunted history tour of New Orleans 
• Learn more at the Louisiana State Museum 
• Visit the USS Kidd Veterans Museum 
• Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art 
• Take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River 
• Enjoy a day out at the Audubon Zoo  
• Visit St. Louis Cathedral 
• Discover the Louisiana Art & Science Museum 
• Attend a Louisiana State University football game at Tiger Stadium 

Louisiana outdoor activities 

• Take a swamp tour of the Atchafalaya Basin  
• Explore the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge 
• Drive along the River Road 
• Take a hot air balloon ride over Baton Rouge 
• Go for a kayak ride in City Park  

Maine 

Maine best attractions to see

• Tour the Maine State House  
• Visit the lighthouse of Portland on Cape Elizabeth 
• Enjoy a day trip in the historic town of Bar Harbor  
• Shop at the L.L. Bean flagship store 
• Visit the Bowdoin College Museum of Art 
• Tour the lighthouse on Monhegan Island 
• Visit the Portland Museum of Art 
• Go whale watching at Penobscot Bay 
• Explore the historic town of Bath 
• Discover more at the Maine Maritime Museum 
• See a show at the Ogunquit Playhouse 

Maine outdoor activities

• Hike Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park  
• Take a scenic drive on Park Loop Road 
• Enjoy the views of the rocky coastline on the Schoodic Peninsula  
• Go kayaking or canoeing in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway  
• Go fishing or boating in Moosehead Lake 
• Stroll the beautiful Moody Beach 

Maryland 

Maryland best attractions to see

• Visit the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center  
• Visit the National Aquarium  
• Stroll through the capital of Annapolis 
• Explore the attractions at Inner Harbor 
• Visit the Historic Ships in Baltimore 
• Check out the Maryland Science Center 
• Swing by Oriole Park at Camden Yards 
• Explore Antietam National Battlefield 
• Take a trip to St. Mary’s City 
• Learn more at the Calvert Marine Museum 
• Visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum 
• Take the kids to the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair in August 
• Visit the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore 
• Tour the United States Naval Academy 
• Learn more at the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park 
• Explore the art at the American Visionary Art Museum 

Maryland outdoor activities

• Enjoy a day out on Assateague Island  
• Discover the beautiful views at Chesapeake Bay  
• Hike the beautiful Catoctin Mountain Park  
• Visit the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge 
• Take a boat tour of the Potomac River 
• Hike along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail 
• Discover the Patapsco Valley State Park 

Massachusetts 

Massachusetts best attractions to see

• Walk the Freedom Trail in Boston 
• Visit the Massachusetts State House 
• Stroll through the streets of Harvard Square  
• Take a tour of Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox 
• Explore the Salem Witch Trials Memorial 
• Visit the USS Constitution Museum 
• See the Isabella Stewart-Gardner Museum  
• Visit the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate 
• Discover the Plimoth Patuxet Museums 
• Check out the art at the Harvard Art Museums 
• Treat the kids to a day out at the Franklin Park Zoo  
• Get spooked at the King's Chapel Burying Ground  
• Plan a hike in the Berkshires 
• Visit the New England Aquarium 
• Explore the Minute Man National Historical Park  
• Get arty at the Museum of Fine Arts 
• Visit the MIT Museum 
• Learn more at the Springfield Museums 
• Tour the Old Manse Georgian home, the former house of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Massachusetts outdoors activities

• Drive along the Cape Cod National Seashore  
• Book a whale watching tour in Plymouth  
• Take a ferry to Martha's Vineyard 
• Discover the nature of the Blue Hills Reservation 
• Walk along the Cape Cod Canal 

Michigan 

Michigan best attractions to see  

• Visit the Michigan State Capitol building 
• Spend the day at Greenfield Village 
• Stroll through Belle Isle Park and island 
• Watch a concert or show at the Fox Theatre 
• Attend the National Cherry Festival in July 
• Take the kids to the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum 
• Swing by the Motown Museum 
• Relive 16th century festivities at the Michigan Renaissance Festival (Aug – Oct) 
• Visit the Detroit Zoo 
• Learn more at the Cranbrook Institute of Science 
• Take the kids to Michigan’s Adventure theme park 
• Watch a Detroit Red Wings hockey game 
• Enjoy the art at the Grand Rapids Art Museum 
• Take a trip to the historic town of Holland 
• Get scientific at the Michigan Science Center  
• Attend the Detroit International Jazz Festival in September 
• Visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park 

Michigan outdoors activities

• Visit Mackinac Island  
• Take a drive along the Michigan coastline 
• Visit the Upper Peninsula waterfall 
• Go skiing or snowboarding at Boyne Mountain Resort  
• Explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore area 
• Enjoy the views on a drive along M-22 

Minnesota 

Minnesota best attractions to see

• Visit the Minnesota State Capitol building in St. Paul  
• Shop at the Mall of America, the largest mall in the US 
• Explore the Minneapolis Institute of Art 
• Watch a Minnesota Twins or Vikings game 
• Visit the Science Museum of Minnesota 
• Spend a day at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory 
• Tour the unique SPAM Museum 
• Attend the Twin Cities Pride Festival in June 
• View the beautiful birds at the National Eagle Center 
• Visit the J. Paul Getty Museum 
• Learn more at the Minnesota History Center  
• Attend a performance at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts 
• Take a tour of the U.S. Bank Stadium 
• Visit the Great Lakes Aquarium  
• Attend the St. Paul Winter Carnival in late January 
• Learn the history of the city's flour-milling industry at the Mill City Museum 

Minnesota outdoor activities

• Enjoy a day at the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a 1-million-acre wilderness area  
• Explore the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park  
• Visit the Minnehaha Falls 
• Drive along the north shore of Lake Superior  
• Enjoy the views along the Mississippi River 
• Take a trip to the Itasca State Park, the source of the Mississippi River 
• Plan a hike in the Superior National Forest 

Mississippi 

Mississippi best attractions to see

• Explore the history of civil rights at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum  
• Listen to blues music in the Visit the blues capital of the world, Clarksdale  
• Visit the birthplace of Elvis Presley 
• Take a stroll along Main Street in Natchez  
• Explore the museums and cultural attractions in Jackson 
• Book a guided tour of the Vicksburg National Military Park  
• Watch a show at the MSU Riley Center 
• Tour the historic homes in Oxford, including Rowan Oak, the former home of William Faulkner 
• Check out the Delta Blues Museum 
• Explore Biloxi, the largest city on the Gulf Coast 

Mississippi outdoors activities 

• Take a scenic drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway  
• Hike around the scenic De Soto National Forest 
• Enjoy the wildlife at the Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge  
• Visit the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum 
• Enjoy a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River 
• Hike the trails and enjoy the beauty of the Tishomingo State Park 

Missouri 

Missouri best attractions to see

• Discover the Gateway Arch National Park 
• Take photos of the iconic Gateway Arch
• Visit the Jefferson City Missouri State Capitol  
• Explore the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum 
• Visit the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis 
• Take the kids to the Silver Dollar City theme park 
• Explore the National World War I Museum and Memorial 
• Visit the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum 
• Attend the BBQ - American Royal contest in late September 
• Explore the art at Saint Louis Art Museum 
• Wander through the Missouri Botanical Garden 
• Discover the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield 
• Try some rides at the Cole County Fair 
• Go shopping at Crown Center 
• Spend the day at STL Zoo 
• Check out a show at the Sheldon Concert Hall 

Missouri outdoors activities

• Hike the Ozark Trail and visit the Lake of the Ozarks 
• Walk the Katy Trail  
• Discover Ha Ha Tonka State Park  
• Visit the Mark Twain Cave  
• Enjoy the views along Route 66 
• Hike around Castlewood State Park 

Montana 

Montana best attractions to see

• Visit the Montana State Capitol building  
• Explore the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument 
• Take the family to the Museum of the Rockies 
• Attend the Montana State Fair in late July 
• Visit the historic mining town of Butte 
• Watch a rodeo in Billings 
• Attend the Montana Folk Festival in July 
• Visit the C.M. Russell Museum 
• Explore the historic mining town of Virginia City 

Montana outdoor activities 

• Visit Glacier National Park and go hiking in the backcountry 
• Take a scenic drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road  
• Observe wildlife at the CSKT Bison Range  
• Hike around the Beartooth Mountains  
• Go skiing or snowboarding at Big Sky Resort 
• Visit the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness by boat 
• Drive through the Big Hole Valley 
• Take a drive down Dinosaur Drive 
• Go camping in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness 
• Visit the Blackfeet Indian Reservation 

Nebraska 

Nebraska best attractions to see

• Visit Chimney Rock National Historic Site 
• Tour the Nebraska State Capitol Building 
• Visit the Stuhr Museum-Prairie Pioneer 
• See the Scotts Bluff National Monument 
• Go to the Nebraska State Fair in late August 
• Catch a college football game at Memorial Stadium  
• Enjoy a day out at the International Quilt Museum 
• Visit the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum 
• Attend the Christmas lighting ceremony at the Nebraska Governor's Mansion 

Nebraska outdoors attractions 

• Explore the Sandhills nature region  
• Take a scenic drive along the Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway 
• Hike around the Nebraska National Forest  
• Go on a canoe trip on Platte River 
• Drive through the Nebraska Panhandle 
• Check out the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park 
• Stroll around the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park 
• Walk the Cowboy Trail East Trailhead 
• Visit the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters 
• Explore the Fort Robinson State Park 

Nevada 

Nevada best attractions to see

• Take a tour of the Hoover Dam 
• Walk the famous Las Vegas Strip 
• Experience a show on the Strip 
• Watch the Bellagio's famous fountains 
• Visit the Neon Museum Las Vegas 
• Check out The Mob Museum 
• Spend time at the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas 
• Check out the Westgate Sportsbook 
• Visit the Mackay Mansion Museum 
• Swing by the National Automobile Museum 

Nevada outdoors activities

• Cruise around Lake Tahoe 
• Hike around the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area 
• Drive along the Extraterrestrial Highway (Route 375) 
• Experience the Burning Man festival in the Black Rock Desert 
• Explore the Valley of Fire State Park 
• Tour Area 51 
• Enjoy the views along the Mount Charleston Scenic Byway 
• Discover the Great Basin National Park 
• Explore the Tonopah Historic Mining Park 

New Hampshire 

New Hampshire best attractions to see

• Take in the views on the Conway Scenic Railroad 
• Tour the trails and waterfalls at Castle in the Clouds 
• Explore the coastal town of Portsmouth 
• Visit the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site 

New Hampshire outdoors activities 

• Discover the White Mountain National Forest 
• Hike to the summit of Mount Washington 
• Drive the Kancamagus Highway
• Go skiing or snowboarding at Loon Mountain Resort 
• Explore the Flume Gorge and Franconia Notch State Park 
• Take a hot air balloon ride over the White Mountains 
• Check out the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse  
• Take a scenic drive through the White Mountains on Route 302 
• Watch the New Hampshire Highland Games in September 
• Take the family to the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center 
• Go fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee 
• Explore the Maudslay State Park 
• Attend the New Hampshire Film Festival in October 

New Jersey 

New Jersey best attractions to see

• Walk the iconic boardwalk in Atlantic City 
• Tour Princeton University campus 
• Get educated at the Liberty Science Center 
• Take the kids to the Adventure Aquarium 
• Check out the art at the Newark Museum 
• Explore the historic sites of Morristown 
• Experience the Thomas Edison National Historical Park 
• Visit the USS Battleship New Jersey 
• Take the kids to the Skylands Stadium 
• Admire the art at the Noyes Museum of Art 
• Learn the history at the Old Barracks Museum 
• Enjoy a bug extravaganza at Insectropolis 
• Visit the New Jersey State Museum 

New Jersey outdoors activities 

• Hike around the Palisades Interstate Park  
• Go dolphin watching at Cape May  
• Walk the length of the Ocean City boardwalk  
• Hike the trails at Fort Lee Historic Park 
• Take in the nature at the Allaire State Park 
• Walk around the Monmouth Battlefield State Park 
• Have a fun day at Six Flags Great Adventure 

New Mexico 

New Mexico best attractions to see

• Visit the art and cultural hub of Santa Fe 
• Check out the International UFO Museum 
• Visit the historic village of Taos Pueblo 
• Visit the New Mexico Museum of Space History 
• Take a hot air balloon ride over the Rio Grande Valley 
• Head to Trinity Site, the very first nuclear bomb site 
• Explore the historical Fort Union National Monument 
• Discover the city of Las Vegas and see the old Wild West town 
• Tour the Kit Carson Home & Museum 
• Visit the Lincoln Historic Site and see the Old Lincoln Courthouse 
• Get spooked in SHAKESPEARE GHOST TOWN 

New Mexico outdoors activities 

• Visit the famous White Sands National Monument 
• Explore the ancient ruins of Chaco Culture National Historical Park 
• Hike the gorgeous landscape of the Gila Wilderness 
• Admire the beauty of Bandelier National Monument  
• Explore the Petroglyph National Monument  
• Marvel at the Carlsbad Caverns National Park  
• Hike to the top of Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico 
• Visit the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge 
• See the spectacular rock formations at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument 
• Take a scenic drive through the Mimbres Valley 
• Visit the Sandia Mountain Wilderness and hike to Sandia Crest 

New York 

New York best attractions to see

• Visit the Statue of Liberty and take a ferry to Liberty Island 
• Spend time at The National September 11 Memorial & Museum  
• Visit the New York State Capitol building 
• Admire the art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art 
• Stroll through Central Park 
• Tour the Empire State Building and head to the observation deck 
• Learn something new at the American Museum of Natural History 
• Watch the sunset from The Edge observation deck
• Visit the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum 
• Walk around Hudson River Park  
• Visit the Baseball Hall of Fame 
• Chow down on Buffalo wings in Buffalo 
• Take the kids to Buffalo Zoo 
• Check out the Corning Museum of Glass 
• Take a scenic drive through the Hudson Valley 

New York outdoor activities 

• Explore the Finger Lakes region 
• Visit the beaches on Long Island  
• Discover the Catskill Mountains 
• Check out the Westchester County Parks 
• Experience the Ithaca Falls 
• Admire the views from Brooklyn Bridge 
• Enjoy a boat cruise of Niagara Falls 
• Head to the Adirondack Mountains 
• Visit Saratoga Springs 

North Carolina 

North Carolina best attractions to see

• Explore the Biltmore Estate 
• Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial 
• Attend a Carolina Panthers football game 
• Visit the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores 
• Visit the USS North Carolina (BB-55) 
• Check out the North Carolina Museum of Art 
• Take the kids to the North Carolina Zoo 
• Visit the North Carolina Aviation Museum 
• Tour the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site 
• Learn more at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences 

North Carolina outdoors activities

• Hike around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 
• Walk the Outer Banks trail to the lighthouse  
• Hike to Linville Falls  
• Enjoy the views on the Blue Ridge Parkway  
• Try your hand at surfing at Wrightsville Beach 
• Go skiing or snowboarding at Sugar Mountain Resort  
• Hike around the Chimney Rock State Park 
• Explore Carolina Beach State Park  
• Go camping at Mount Mitchell State Park 
• Hike the Art Loeb Trailhead 
• Explore the nature of Grandfather Mountain State Park 
• Walk the forested trails at the Carolina Raptor Center 

North Dakota 

North Dakota best attractions to see

• Enjoy a cruise on the Lewis and Clark Riverboat 
• Visit the North Dakota State Capitol building 
• Explore the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum 
• See the Buffalo Herd at the National Buffalo Museum 
• Pass through the Scandinavian Heritage Park 
• Experience the beauty at the International Peace Garden 
• Visit the Fort Buford State Historic Site 
• Attend a concert at the Alerus Center 
• Explore the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site 
• Visit the Red River Valley Fairgrounds 
• Check out Frontier Village 

North Dakota outdoor activities 

• Hike around Painted Canyon at Theodore Roosevelt National Park 
• Walk through Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park 
• Hike the Maah Daah Hey Trail  
• Attend the Norsk Hostfest, North America’s largest Scandinavian festival 
• Visit the Lake Sakakawea State Park  
• Bring the kids to the Chateau de Mores State Historic Site 
• Take a drive on the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway 
• Learn more at the Prairie Village Museum 

Ohio 

Ohio best attractions to see

• Have fun at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 
• Explore the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden 
• See a play at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park 
• Visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force 
• Tour the Pro Football Hall of Fame  
• Discover the variety at the wildlife conservation center 
• Admire the art at the Cincinnati Art Museum 
• Explore the grounds and gardens of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens 
• Listen to live music at the Blossom Music Center 
• Visit the Columbus Museum of Art 
• Stroll around Capitol Square and visit the Ohio Statehouse 
• Enjoy a day at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 
• Visit the Cleveland Museum of Natural History 
• See a game at Progressive Field 
• Visit the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum 
• Take a trip to the village of Chagrin Falls 
• Attend the Ohio State Fair in July 
• Explore the Akron Art Museum 

Ohio outdoors activities — USA bucket list by state

• Hike around Hocking Hills State Park  
• Explore the trails at Five Rivers MetroParks 
• Enjoy the nature at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park 

Oklahoma 

Oklahoma best attractions to see

• Visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum 
• Tour the Oklahoma state capitol building 
• Visit the Philbrook Museum of Art 
• Explore the Tulsa Arts District 
• Visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 
• Attend a show at the Civic Center Music Hall  
• Wander through the Myriad Botanical Gardens 
• Watch a game at the Paycom Center 
• Bring the kids to the Tulsa Zoo 
• Tour the Harn Homestead museum 
• Visit the Tulsa State Fair in September 
• Watch a concert at the BOK Center 
• Enjoy the Oklahoma City Arts Festival in April 
• Get smart at the Science Museum Oklahoma  
• Take a hot air balloon ride in Tulsa 
• Visit the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium 
• Stop by the Tulsa Garden Center at Woodward Park 
• Attend the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival from late June 
• Visit the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark & Museum 
• Tour the Woody Guthrie Center 

Oklahoma outdoors activities 

• Hike the trails at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge  
• Take a scenic drive along the Arkansas River in Tulsa 
• Explore the nature of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area 
• Hike the trails at Beavers Bend State Park 

Oregon 

Oregon top attractions 

• Walk along Cannon Beach and see Haystack Rock  
• Attend the Oregon Shakespeare Festival from late June 
• Get smart at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)  
• Visit the National Historic Oregon Trail interpretive center 
• Grab a beer at the Deschutes Brewery 
• Attend the Portland Rose Festival in May 
• Spend the day at the Oregon Coast Aquarium 
• Attend the Oregon Brewers Festival in July 
• Visit the Oregon State Fair in August 
• Stroll around Pioneer Courthouse Square 

Oregon outdoor activities

• Visit Crater Lake National Park 
• Explore the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area 
• Hike the Pacific Crest Trail 
• Visit Multnomah Falls and hike to the top 
• Hike around the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument  
• Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the Willamette Valley 
• Explore the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve 
• Discover the Cascade Mountains 
• Drive along the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway 
• Go whitewater rafting on the Deschutes River 

Pennsylvania 

Pennsylvania top attractions 

• Visit the Liberty Bell 
• Tour the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum 
• Visit the Pennsylvania State Capitol building  
• See a show at the Kimmel Cultural Campus 
• Explore the Franklin Institute 
• Salivate on a tour of Hershey's Chocolate World 
• Walk through the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden 
• Visit Amish country in Lancaster County 
• Take a ride on the Strasburg Railroad 
• Watch a game at PNC Park 
• Learn the history at the National Civil War Museum 
• Walk across Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater house 
• Visit the Allentown Art Museum 
• Sample the goods at the D.G Yuengling & Son, Inc. Brewery  
• Treat the kids to the Pittsburgh Zoo  
• Explore the Erie Maritime Museum 
• Learn more at the Anthracite Heritage Museum 
• Take a tour of the Pittsburgh Glass Center 

Pennsylvania outdoor activities

• Hike around Ricketts Glen State Park  
• Drive through the Poconos 
• Hike the trails at Ohiopyle State Park 
• Take a scenic drive through the Pennsylvania Wilds 

Rhode Island 

Rhode Island best attractions to see

• Visit Newport's mansions and cliff walk 
• Attend the Newport Folk Festival in July 
• Spend the day at the Roger Williams Park Zoo 
• Visit the Providence Performing Arts Center 
• Take a sunset cruise from Newport Harbor 
• Check out the Rhode Island School of Design Museum (RISD) 
• Visit the Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark  
• Tour the lighthouse at Newport Harbor 
• Enjoy wine tasting at the Newport Vineyards 
• Explore the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park 
• Attend a concert at the XFINITY Center 
• Take a ferry ride to Rose Island Lighthouse 
• Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame 
• Attend the Newport Jazz Festival in summer (June/July) 
• Have fun at the Newport Car Museum 
• Catch a game at the Dunkin' Donuts Center 
• Get educated at the John Brown House Museum 
• Explore the South County Museum 
• Visit the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace & Museum 

Rhode Island outdoors activities 

• Hike through the Arcadia Management Area  
• Walk along the East Bay Bike Path  
• Explore the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge  
• Drive along the scenic Ocean Drive 

South Carolina 

South Carolina best attractions to see

• Take a historic walking tour of Charleston 
• Visit the historic plantations, like Magnolia Plantation & Gardens 
• Explore the history at the South Carolina State Museum 
• Take the kids to the Greenville Zoo 
• Walk the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade 
• Pass through the Brookgreen Gardens 
• Visit the South Carolina Aquarium  
• Visit the USS Yorktown CV-10 
• Admire the work at the Greenville Museum of Art 
• Explore the historical town of Camden 
• Watch a Clemson football game at Memorial Stadium 
• Visit the Columbia Museum of Art 
• Explore the history at the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon 
• Learn more about the McLeod Plantation Historical Site 
• Attend a performance at the Peace Center Concert Hall 

South Carolina outdoor activities 

• Enjoy a ferry ride to Fort Sumter  
• Walk the scenic trails at Congaree National Park  
• Get to know the Lowcountry region 
• Take a sunset cruise on a catamaran 

South Dakota 

South Dakota best attractions to see

• Visit Mount Rushmore  
• See the Crazy Horse Memorial 
• Explore the historic gold-mining town of Deadwood  
• Visit the South Dakota State Capitol building  
• Watch the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August 
• Bring the kids to Reptile Gardens 
• Visit the world‘s only Corn Palace 
• Check out the historic gold-mining town of Lead 

South Dakota outdoors activities  

• Watch the Buffalo in Custer State Park  
• Take a scenic drive on the Needles Highway  
• Explore the landscape of the Badlands National Park  
• Drive along Iron Mountain Road  
• Visit the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site 
• Explore the caves at Wind Cave National Park 
• Visit the Museum of Geology at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 
• Take a scenic drive through the Black Hills  
• Explore the Black Hills on horseback 
• Enjoy the views on a drive of the Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park 

Tennessee 

Tennessee best attractions to see

• Visit Graceland, Elvis Presley’s former home 
• Walk through the Country Music Hall of Fame 
• Take a tour of the Jack Daniel's Distillery 
• Walk Nashville's famous Music Row and see the city's many recording studios  
• Visit Sun Studio, where Elvis Presley recorded his first songs 
• Watch a concert, or tour, the Ryman Auditorium, the original home of country music  
• Check out the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum to learn about the city's musical heritage  
• Visit the Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery 
• Head to the Hermitage district, the former home of US President Andrew Jackson 
• Drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway (Tennessee side) 
• Learn about the state's past at the East Tennessee Historical Society and Museum 
• Explore the Stax Museum of American Soul Music 
• Enjoy a day at the Tennessee Aquarium 

Tennessee outdoors activities

• Experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park  
• Hike to the top of Mount Le Conte in the Great Smoky Mountains  
• Discover the nature of the scenic Fall Creek Falls State Park 
• Visit the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park 
• Take a scenic drive along the Tail of the Dragon 
• Bring the family to the Lost Sea Adventure, America's largest underground lake 
• Visit the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the site of the Lorraine Motel where Dr Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated 
• Drive through the Cherohala Skyway, and enjoy views of the Appalachian Mountains 

Texas 

Texas best attractions to see

• Visit the Alamo  
• Head to the Space Center Houston 
• Visit the USS Lexington Museum  
• Walk, or take a boat cruise, along the San Antonio River Walk  
• Explore the Texas State Capitol building  
• Explore the Fort Worth Stockyards 
• See the San Jacinto Monument  
• Visit the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center  
• Discover the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza 
• Attend the SXSW: South by Southwest Conference & Festivals in March 
• Learn history at the National Museum of the Pacific War 
• Tour the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum 
• Take the family to Moody Gardens 
• Visit the Fort Davis National Historic Site 
• Get smart at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science 
• Catch a show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Boardroom 

Texas outdoors activities

• Hike around the Big Bend National Park  
• Take a scenic drive through Texas Hill Country  
• Enjoy the nature at the Caddo Lake State Park 
• Explore the Gulf Coast beaches, such as Padre Island National Seashore 

Utah 

Utah best attractions to see

• Visit the Utah State Capitol building 
• Walk around Temple Square 
• Enjoy a day out at the Natural History Museum of Utah 
• Stroll around the Red Butte Garden  
• Spend the day at Hogle Zoo 
• Check out the art gallery at Salt Lake City Public Library  
• Attend the Sundance Film Festival in January 
• Pass through the Utah Olympic Park 

Utah outdoors activities

• Hike to Angel's Landing in Zion National Park 
• Explore Bryce Canyon National Park 
• Drive through Arches National Park 
• Hike to Delicate Arch 
• Be wowed at Great Salt Lake  
• Ski at Park City Mountain Resort  
• Go camping at Dead Horse Point State Park  
• Explore inside the Timpanogos Cave National Monument 
• Go skiing at the Alta Ski Area 
• Check out the Wasatch Mountains  
• See the sunrise at Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon in Canyonlands National Park 
• Enjoy the nature at the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area 
• Photograph the Natural Bridges National Monument 
• Take a drive along the East Mirror Lake Highway 

Vermont 

Vermont best attractions to see

• Sample the treats at the Ben & Jerry's factory  
• Stop by the Vermont State House  
• Learn something at the Vermont Historical Society Museum  
• Take the family to Shelburne Museum  
• Visit the Robert Frost Stone House Museum at Bennington College 
• Treat the kids to the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory  
• Visit the Billings Farm & Museum 
• Check out the Vermont Marble Museum 
• Take a brewery tour at the Alchemist 
• Visit the VINS Nature Center 
• Tour the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum 
• Enjoy local art at the Vermont Folklife Center 

Vermont outdoors activities 

• Go skiing at Stowe Mountain Resort 
• Explore the Lake Champlain islands 
• Hike around the Green Mountain National Forest 
• Drive along the Vermont Route 100  
• Explore the wildlife at the Dead Creek Wildlife Area 
• Go fishing in Lake Champlain 

Virginia 

Virginia best attractions to see

• Check out the Jamestown Settlement 
• Tour Monticello, the former mansion of President Thomas Jefferson 
• Tour the Virginia State Capitol building  
• Explore the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts 
• Visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center 
• See the horses at the Virginia Horse Center 
• Stop by the Governor’s Palace 
• Tour the USS Wisconsin 
• Bring the kids to the Virginia Air & Space Center 
• Enjoy a day out at Busch Gardens Williamsburg 
• Tour the Kingsmill Plantation 
• Stop by the Virginia War Memorial 
• Learn more at the American Civil War Museum – Historic Tredegar 
• Visit the Cape Charles Lighthouse by boat 
• Enjoy a concert or show at the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts 

Virginia outdoor activities

• Explore the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge  
• Hike around Shenandoah National Park  
• Enjoy a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway 
• Visit the Natural Bridge 
• Explore the Manassas National Battlefield Park 

Washington 

Washington best attractions to see

• Watch the sunset from the Space Needle 
• Explore the museums and exhibits at the Museum of Pop Culture 
• Savor the goods on a chef-guided food tour of Pike Place Market 
• Check out the art at Chihuly Garden and Glass 
• Take the kids to the Museum of Flight 
• Explore the neighborhoods around Capitol Hill and Pioneer Square 
• Enjoy a day at the LeMay America’s Car Museum 
• Stroll around the Olympic Sculpture Park 
• Explore the historic buildings and Victorian architecture of Port Townsend 
• Walk around the Rainier Beach neighborhood 

Washington outdoors activities 

• Take a ferry ride to the islands in Puget Sound  
• Visit Mount Rainier National Park from Seattle
• Hike to the summit of Mount St. Helens 
• Spend a day at Olympic National Park  
• Take a day trip to the San Juan Islands  
• Enjoy the views along the North Cascades Highway  
• Take a scenic drive along the Chinook Scenic Byway 
• Climb to the summit of Mount Baker 
• Bring the family to see Snoqualmie Falls 

Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. best attractions to see

• Visit the National Mall and see the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the US Capitol
• Explore the Smithsonian Museums (American History, Natural History, Air and Space, etc)
• Take a tour of the White House
• Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
• Walk the Tidal Basin and see the cherry blossoms by bike in spring
• Visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
• Take a stroll through Georgetown
• Tour the Supreme Court of the United States
• Visit the National Archives Museum

West Virginia 

West Virginia best attractions to see

• Explore the historical buildings in the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park 
• Visit the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, a former mental hospital turned museum 
• Visit the West Virginia State Capitol building 
• Ride the historic trains at the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park 
• Explore the Grave Creek Mound Historical Site 
• Visit the West Virginia Penitentiary, a former prison turned museum 
• Head to the West Virginia Culture Center, which houses the West Virginia State Museum 
• Check out the fun art exhibitions at the Clay Center  
• Enjoy the Museum of American Glass of West Virginia 
• Bring the kids to the West Virginia Wildlife Center 
• See the history at West Virginia Independence Hall 
• Watch the glass blowing process at the Blenko Glass Company 
• Browse artisan crafts at the Tamarack Marketplace 

West Virginia outdoors activities 

• Visit the New River Gorge Bridge and hike around the area  
• Explore the natural beauty of Blackwater Falls State Park  
• Hike around the Monongahela National Forest  
• Spend the day at the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park  
• Enjoy the views on the Highland Scenic Highway  
• Discover the spectacular caves at the Lost World Caverns 
• Hike around the Dolly Sods Wilderness 

Wisconsin 

Wisconsin best attractions to see

• Check out the art at the Milwaukee Art Museum 
• Take a brewery tour in Milwaukee 
• Explore the Wisconsin State Capitol 
• Attend a Green Bay Packers football game at Lambeau Field 
• Visit the Japanese-style House on the Rock 
• Head to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum  
• Browse the goods at the Milwaukee Public Market 
• Check out the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts 
• See the animals at the Milwaukee County Zoo 
• Visit the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center 
• Sample different varieties at a Wisconsin Cheese Mart 
• Attend a Wisconsin Badgers University football game at Camp Randall Stadium 

Wisconsin outdoors activities

• Hike the Ice Age National Scenic Trail  
• Take in the views along the Great River Road  
• Enjoy a day trip to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore  
• Hike around the Havenwoods State Forest  
• Discover the Kettle Moraine State Forest 
• Walk the trail at the Ice Age Reserve Wildlife Area 
• Take a ferry and explore Washington Island 
• Go camping at the Devil's Lake State Park 

Wyoming 

Wyoming best attractions to see

• Visit the Wyoming State Capitol building 
• Check out the Buffalo Bill Center of the West museum 
• See the extraordinary collections at the Fossil Butte National Monument 
• Attend a rodeo at Cheyenne Frontier Days 
• Bring the kids to the Wyoming Dinosaur Center 
• Visit the Laramie Plains Museum 

Wyoming outdoors activities

• Explore the thermal basins and the geysers at Old Faithful at Yellowstone National Park 
• Hike around Grand Teton National Park 
• Admire the views along the Beartooth Highway  
• Check out the wildlife at the National Elk Refuge 
• Hike around Bighorn Mountains 
• Take a hot air balloon ride over Jackson Hole 
• Go skiing or snowboarding at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort  
• Explore the Sinks Canyon State Park 
• Go fishing on the Snake River Canyon 
• Take a scenic drive along the Red Desert 
• See the Devil's Tower National Monument 
• Enjoy the nature at the Medicine Bow National Forest 
• Go rock climbing at Tensleep Canyon 
• Explore the pools at the Hot Springs State Park 
• Visit the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area 

What do you think about this mega USA bucket list by state? Hopefully, it has helped you with planning your US trip, especially if it’s your first time visiting the country. Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments.  

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