Alabama: Alabama Gulf Coast beaches
If you aren’t considering Alabama for your next summer beach vacation, you may want to reconsider. There are 32 miles of white sand made from quartz grains that washed down from the Appalachian Mountains thousands of years ago. That’s probably why more than 6 million people visit Alabama’s Gulf Coast beaches annually.
Alaska: Kenai Fjords wildlife cruise
Alaska is the place to go for spotting breathtaking wildlife. Alaska boasts incredible scenery, from glaciers to Northern Lights, as well as impressive animal sightings, including black, brown and polar bears and incredible marine life. The Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise out of Seward, Alaska, will bring you up close to whales, sea lions and puffins. There are a variety of tours with varying hours and prices, but a six-hour trip that covers miles of sea will run around $250 for adults.
Arizona: Grand Canyon
People from all over the world flock to the Grand Canyon for its overwhelming natural grandeur, and to experience its hiking, rafting and camping adventures; nearly 5 million people trek through this national park each year. But if you want to avoid the crowds while getting some of the best views possible, avoid the South Rim and check out the North Rim. It’s much more isolated, provides cooler summer temperatures and is largely shut down in the winter, save for backcountry camping and cross-country skiing.
Arkansas: Hot Springs National Park
Skip the beach and opt for a new type of relaxation at Hot Springs National Park. It’s America’s oldest national preserve and the smallest national park. From hiking to birding to experiencing the nearly 4,000-year-old hot springs, this is a true natural wonder. If you want to do like the locals, head to Buckstaff Baths to experience their natural healing waters. There’s a no-reservation policy, perfect for spontaneous travelers rolling through. Doors open at 8 a.m., so get there early!
California: Golden Gate Bridge
Get your camera ready when you road trip to California, because you don’t want to miss the amazing sight that is the Golden Gate Bridge. Opened in 1937, the 1.7-mile-long architectural wonder is one of the world’s most photographed bridges and one of the top attractions by state.
Colorado: Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is just a few miles from the town of Estes Park and is the ideal locale for nature lovers, with mesmerizing mountain peaks, shimmering alpine lakes, meadows, forests and hoards of wildlife. No wonder it draws around 5 million visitors a year. To avoid the heavy summer crowds, the best time to go is late May until early June, or just after Labor Day until mid-October.
Connecticut: Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History
The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History is a must-stop if you’re cruising nearby Yale University. It’s a history buff’s playground, with comprehensive collections including New England birds, dinosaurs, Greek and Roman antiquities, even an Egyptian mummy. Admission is free, so take the whole family and enjoy this more-than-150-year-old gem.
Delaware: Rehoboth Beach
If a long weekend of summer fun filled with crabbing, swimming and tax-free shopping sounds like your thing, book a beach house on Rehoboth Beach. It’s an East Coast haven that fills up in the summertime—and is delightful in the fall too. Be sure to get locally grown goods at the farmers market and grab a brew at the popular Dogfish Head pub on Rehoboth Avenue.
Florida: Disney World
Disney World is a Florida staple that you have to visit at least once in your life. It’s so popular that Orlando is one of the most visited cities in the United States. If you’ve been to all four parks, then be sure to check out the newest addition: Epic Universe, featuring five different worlds, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic and Super Nintendo World.
And if lines aren’t your thing, the resort offers something called VIP Tour Services. Though it costs a pretty penny, it’s your golden ticket to hopping on rides without the line and door-to-door transportation without the parking fees and waits, among other perks.
Georgia: Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is one of the largest aquariums in the world, and it’s home to whale sharks, sea otters, jellyfish and lots more that live in a combined 10-million-plus gallons of water. A visit to the Georgia Aquarium also means you’re supporting their research and rehabilitation efforts for animals like sea turtles and sea lions. More than 2 million guests visit the aquarium each year.
Hawaii: Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial
This memorial, dedicated to those who perished on the USS Arizona during World War II, stands above the remains of the sunken ship and is the No. 1 visitor destination in Hawaii. Begin at the Visitors Center for information on the Harbor and the Japanese attack, and then take a ferry shuttle out to the memorial. Admission is free for this historic site, but reservations are strongly recommended. Leave enough room in your schedule for the various other attractions, including the USS Bowfin submarine, the USS Missouri ship and the Pacific Aviation Museum.
Idaho: Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
This 750,000-acre preserve is your ticket to exploring the great outdoors in Idaho like you never have before. It’s composed of three young lava fields that spread across 500,000 acres of wild country on the Snake River Plain, and deep cracks resulting from erupted lava have created what is known as the Great Rift. Be sure to hike Caves Trail, a 1.6-mile hike that features four lava tubes. Visit during shoulder season in the spring and fall to avoid extreme temperatures.
Illinois: Millennium Park
The touristy lure of Chicago’s Millennium Park is filled with modern architecture and public art, including Cloud Gate, aka The Bean, a giant bean-like sculpture that reflects the city’s skyline. While there’s sure to be a large crowd here, all jostling to snap a photo, take a breather and check out the Lurie Garden, which is separated from the city by a 15-foot-high hedge consisting of conifers and deciduous trees. Here, you’ll find a secret garden filled with perennials, shrubs, grasses and trees, as well as a special treat of tulips, cherry blossoms and daffodils in spring.
Indiana: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Every Memorial Day weekend, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway comes alive with the best drivers in the world for the Indy 500. Making it there for the race means a weekend of activities: the race, the parties, the celebrities and everything in between. The rest of the year, the speedway remains one of the most popular tourist spots, thanks to its Speedway Hall of Fame, golf course and the chance to drive a real Indy car on the track.
Iowa: Field of Dreams film location
Filmed in Dyersville, Field of Dreams kept things real by opting out of a fake Hollywood set and instead filming at the Lansing Family Farm in Iowa. Relive the 1980s baseball cult classic at the farmhouse and baseball field that are open to visitors. Even cooler? The Field of Dreams home is now available for nightly rentals March through December.
Kansas: Monroe Elementary School
Take a step back in history to visit the former Monroe Elementary School in Topeka. It was once one of four all-black elementary schools in the area that sparked the Supreme Court case that ended segregation in public schools. It has since been turned into the Brown v. National Board of Education Historic site, an experiential Civil Rights museum run by the National Park Service, and it’s an important look back at American history.
Kentucky: Kentucky Bourbon Trail
If you’re a fan of Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark or Wild Turkey, then the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a must-visit destination where you can see and taste the only alcohol that is distinctive to the United States. The Trail consists of some 46 distilleries, so you’ll want to spread your visit across several days (some are 70 miles apart) or scale it down to just your favorites. A popular route begins in Louisville, heads southeast toward Springfield and ends in Lexington. Along the way, be sure to check out the oldest bar and oldest restaurant in Kentucky, Talbott Tavern in Bardstown.
Louisiana: Bourbon Street/French Quarter
The French Quarter’s Bourbon Street is the spot for jazz, Cajun and Creole cuisine, and of course, Mardi Gras. But if you want to avoid the most popular festivals while still getting fair weather, visit New Orleans after Mardi Gras (February or March) and before Jazz Fest (late April/early May). September to November is another mellow season, when the heat and humidity have died down. If you’re looking for something the locals love, even in the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter, check out Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub. You won’t find the usual cover bands here, just some classic nightly jazz shows. With more than 19 million visitors, New Orleans is always breaking Louisiana tourism records.
Maine: Acadia National Park
Maine is brimming with opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, and one of the best is Acadia National Park. Relish the hidden beaches and sunrises over Cadillac Mountain in the park’s 47,000 unspoiled acres. With more than 4 million visitors annually, Acadia is one of the most visited national parks in the country. For an intense hike, check out Precipice Trail, which features narrow ledges, switchbacks and a 1,000-foot vertical climb to the top. Top off your trip with an authentic seafood-shack experience at Stewman’s Lobster Pound.
Maryland: Annapolis and the U.S. Naval Academy
Dubbed the sailing capital of the nation, Annapolis features a historic district that includes 18th-century brick houses, the Maryland State Capitol building and breathtaking architecture, monuments and a naval history museum at the U.S. Naval Academy. Annapolis is also home to the state’s oldest bar, Middleton Tavern, which was once the hangout for the Continental Congress and our founding fathers, including George Washington, Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. These days, people come here for the famous Maryland crab cakes.
Massachusetts: Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall dates back to the early 1740s, when it served as Boston’s market hall and public meeting space, where the colonists gathered to protest British taxes, among other concerns. By the mid-19th century, it became the place for anti-slavery meetings and rallies. The entire Faneuil Hall Marketplace, made up of nearby market halls Quincy Market, North Market and South Market, is constantly bustling with tourists, buskers, nine-to-fivers on their lunch breaks and foodies alike. Top eats include New England clam chowder from Boston Chowda Company and cookies from The Boston Chipyard.
Michigan: Henry Ford Museum
America’s industrial period is revived at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, which welcomes about 2 million visitors annually. Here, 12 acres offer a mesmerizing collection of antique machinery, automobiles, locomotives, the rocking chair Abraham Lincoln was sitting in when he was shot, the first car Ford ever built, the Rosa Parks bus and the Lincoln JFK was riding in when he was assassinated. For a unique experience, head next door to Greenfield Village, where you can purchase a pass and take unlimited rides on a restored Model T, horse-drawn vehicles, the carousel and a Model AA Bus.
Minnesota: Mall of America
Before online shopping and Amazon delivering products right to your door, people left their homes to go shopping in person. Window shopping and carrying bags through the shopping mall was definitely a favorite pastime for decades. When the Mall of America opened in 1992, it became the largest mall in the United States. Even today, people love visiting the mall, with about 32 million tourists coming to the center every year. Beyond shopping, there’s the Nickelodeon Universe theme park, an aquarium, a mini-golf course, a movie theater and seriously so much more.
Mississippi: Vicksburg National Military Park
During what’s considered one of the greatest battles of the Civil War, Vicksburg experienced a 47-day siege that resulted in more than 20,000 casualties and ended with the Union taking control of the Mississippi River. History buffs flock to this site, where you can visit 1,325 monuments and 20 miles of trenches, and tour the restored USS Cairo, which was the first U.S. ship to be sunk by a torpedo, in 1862. The National Park Service has reported that over half a million visitors come to this site every year. To make the most of your experience, book a professional guide to take you back in time and show you all about civilian life and the military operations of the campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg.
Missouri: Gateway Arch
The Gateway to the West and an ode to St. Louis, the Gateway Arch was erected in the 1960s. Today, it remains an iconic monument among the city’s skyline. Witness the nation’s tallest monument in an all-inclusive experience with the Ultimate Explorer tram and riverboat cruise combo, which offers entry to the arch facility, a tram ride to the top of the arch for panoramic views, a documentary movie and a Mississippi River cruise.
Montana: Yellowstone River whitewater rafting
A trip to Yellowstone National Park means a chance to view native wildlife, from bison to bears, pelicans and moose. The best way to cover a lot of ground is a whitewater raft trip down the Yellowstone River, the last major un-dammed river in the lower 48 states, which flows an incredible 671 miles from its source southeast of Yellowstone all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.
The rafting opportunities here are top-notch, and Yellowstone Raft Company prides itself on being one of the only outfitters fully permitted by both the National Park Service and the National Forest Service to run trips on the Yellowstone River. Try a fun half or full day of adventure at one of the country’s most visited national parks.
Nebraska: Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock is the result of erosion along the bluffs on the southern edge of the North Platte River Valley, with a 325-foot spire made of rock towering over the plains. Discover a piece of history, a landmark that more than 300 settlers moving west described in travel journals, making it Nebraska’s most recognizable landmark. Designated a National Historic Site in 1956, the several-million-year-old site is a must visit. Admission is $17 for adults and $8 for kids, and it gives you the opportunity to enjoy museum exhibits, media presentations and other educational materials concerning life on the overland trails.
Nevada: Las Vegas Strip
The Strip is a 4.2-mile stretch of South Las Vegas that by no means goes under the radar, with more than 42 million visitors flying into the city every year. Gourmet restaurants, gambling galore and DJ-hosted pool parties all await.
If you want to break up your usual Vegas experience with something a bit more grounding, head to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. These sandstone rocks, dyed by iron oxide over centuries, reach thousands of feet into the sky. Hiking and off-roading are highly suggested here.
New Hampshire: Mount Washington
The highest point in New England, Mount Washington is home to some seriously fluctuating temperatures, from a balmy 72 to a bone-chilling -102 degrees. You can hike, drive or take the Cog Railway to the summit. The auto road opened in 1861 as America’s first man-made attraction and will take you to the highest peak in the northeast. If you come during the winter months and are looking to spend the night, Harvard Cabin within Huntington Ravine offers a cozy stay, with a stoked wood stove, a stovetop for meals and a loft bed.
New Jersey: Atlantic City Boardwalk
When you think of the Jersey Shore, Atlantic City and its lively gambling, resorts, wide beaches and iconic boardwalk likely spring to mind. AC’s tourism market is alive and thriving, with 27 million visitors traveling here each year. When you’re not rolling some dice, be sure to check out Tony Boloney’s, an inventive pizza joint serving up pies with toppings like chicken and waffle, fig, homemade goat cheese and local honey.
New Mexico: Albuquerque sunrise balloon rides
There’s something magical about a morning sky filled with colorful hot-air balloons. And when you wake up to hop in a balloon to join the fun, it’s even more electric. The one-hour flight begins before sunrise and provides spectacular views of the Rio Grande Valley and the Sandia Mountains. If you can make it in the fall, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is a spectacular nine-day happening that is the biggest balloon event in the country.
New York: Empire State Building
While the sweeping views from the iconic Empire State Building are a must-see (and will possibly make you think of Buddy from Elf), it’s a process to make it to the Empire State Observatory on the 102nd floor. You must wait in three lines: one for security, another for buying tickets and a third for the elevator up. (You can skip the ticket line by buying yours online.) If you’re really pressed for time, purchase an Express Pass; it’s double the price of a regular ticket, but you get to skip to the front of the elevator line. However you get there, you won’t want to miss the site that almost 3 million tourists visit every year.
North Carolina: Biltmore Estate
Just outside the funky town of Asheville, you’ll find the historic Vanderbilt family Biltmore Estate, a 250-room mansion that remains one of America’s greatest castles. The estate-turned-museum is completely self-sustaining and even has its own winery, and it draws over 1 million visitors annually. Your best bet is to go in the spring, when the flowers are in full bloom and you can fully enjoy the beauty of the garden that was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (who also created New York’s Central Park).
North Dakota: Dakota Thunder
The world’s largest sculpture of an American bison, Dakota Thunder is a massive, 26-foot-tall bison located in Frontier Village in Jamestown. It’s one of the main roadside attractions in the Midwest. The area features original buildings from the frontier villages of North Dakota, which have been moved to the current site. Here, the National Buffalo Museum is filled with antiques and artifacts from the days of the prairie pioneers. Wild West shoot-outs, stagecoach and pony rides, and more entice. Another great activity here is the Pipestem Horse Camp and Trail, which offers corrals, tether lines, trailer sites and access to a five-mile trail.
Ohio: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
When you think of the U.S. top attractions by state, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame comes to mind. Legendary music experiences and memorabilia await, with collections including everything from Britney Spears’s original red latex bodysuit to handwritten lyrics by John Lennon, as well as frequently changing exhibits. Advanced ticket reservations are recommended to be among the half million people who visit annually. Want to hear some live music? Check out what’s coming up onstage at the Rock Hall, including occasional free concerts.
Oklahoma: National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
Located in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum features an internationally renowned collection of Western art and artifacts from the Old West. Over 10 million people from around the world have visited the attraction to learn about this bit of American history, where you can check out a model frontier town and visit three Western Halls of Fame devoted to actors, rodeo riders and great Westerners.
Oregon: Crater Lake
The deepest lake in the United States is located a few hours from Crater Lake National Park. The fresh, clear-water lake sinks 1,943 feet deep, and the formation is thanks to a volcanic eruption from Mount Mazama some 7,700 years ago that collapsed the 12,000-foot-tall mountain into the center. The park has been called one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, which makes it a must-see tourist attraction that draws more than 2 million visitors a year.
Pennsylvania: Independence National Historic Park
The true birthplace of America is located in Pennsylvania. Around 3 million people visit the center every year to see the Liberty Bell, walk through Independence Hall and visit the First Bank of the United States. Standing in the same room in Philadelphia where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed is a must when traveling to, or through, Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island: Newport mansions
The Blue Bloods of the Gilded Age once summered in Newport in mansions set on cliffs overlooking the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. These estates include the Vanderbilts’ Breakers, the Marble House, Rosecliff and the Chateau-sur-Mer within Newport’s Bellevue Avenue Historic District. Today, many are open for touring, and you can even stay the night in The Chanler at Cliff Walk, which dates back to the 1870s. The mansions are among the most visited places in New England, surpassing some of the biggest museums in Boston.
South Carolina: Charleston history tour
Take a walking tour of historic Charleston, where you’ll get up close and personal with Charleston’s mansions, historic churches and gardens. A don’t-miss is the International African American Museum that shares the untold stories of African Americans spanning generations.
South Dakota: Mount Rushmore and more tour
Experience South Dakota’s Black Hills region, where, along with the presidential sculptures of Mount Rushmore, your tour will take you to the Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park. Be sure to walk the Presidential Trail if you’ve always wanted to get up close and personal to those grand and towering sculptures, where various prime vantage points along your walk allow you perfect photo ops. Don’t miss a chance to be one of the 2 million annual visitors to this national park.
Tennessee: Graceland
Head to Memphis to see all that represents America’s one and only king: Elvis Presley. Graceland is the longtime home of the iconic singer and serves as one of the top five visited private homes in the country, and over 20 million people have toured it. Inside this estate, you’ll find shag carpeting, blinding red fur and leopard print. If you’re looking for discounts on everything Elvis, from memorabilia to Graceland tickets, become a Graceland Insider. Also, be sure to come after 2 p.m. to avoid the crowds!
Texas: Live music in Austin
The capital of Texas is known for its stellar food-truck scene and the famous Texas Longhorns of UT. Now a tech hub and one of the fastest growing cities in the country, Austin has roots that go back to its early music scene that birthed legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Gary Clark Jr. Check out local mainstays like Antone’s and Elephant Room, as well as music festivals like Austin City Limits and SXSW.
Utah: Zion National Park
Located at the intersection of the Colorado Plateau, the Mojave Desert and Great Basin, Zion is a half-mile-deep canyon that’s carved into the red rocks, making for an incredibly magical landmark. For a truly awe-inspiring experience, check out the Emerald Pools within Zion National Park–Upper, Middle and Lower—three trails of varying lengths and skill levels all filled with natural beauty. This is one of the most visited national parks in the country.
Vermont: Ben & Jerry’s Factory
Ice cream lovers won’t want to miss Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury, where visitors can watch their favorite confection being made during a 30-minute tour that also includes a scoop room serving up flavors not available at the grocery store. The location of the factory is especially cool because it was the original building of Ben & Jerry’s offices and factory. About 350,000 people visit the factory each year.
Virginia: Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is the place to go to immerse yourself in historic America. It’s the largest tourist attraction in the city too. “This isn’t just a place where things once happened. They’re happening, right now, here in the 18th century,” the website boasts. There are a variety of historic reenactments, including meetups with Revolutionary thinkers, a visit to a blacksmith’s shop and tours of the slave quarters at the home of a prominent family of the time. Visitors can also enjoy Colonial-inspired dining, carriage rides and more.
Washington: Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is a must-see when you’re in Seattle. The open-air market offers crafts, food, brews, buskers and a whole lot of liveliness. The public market is one of the oldest farmers markets in the country, covering nine acres, from Pike Street north to Virginia Street, and from 1st Avenue west to Western Avenue. When you’re not eating, drinking and shopping on the lower levels, or taking advantage of the market’s historic arcade, be sure to peruse the events calendar for events, including cooking classes and burlesque shows. You’ll be missing out if you’re not one of the 10 million visitors to come through.
West Virginia: Bridge Day
Every year, on the third Saturday of October, Fayette County celebrates Bridge Day, an annual day—and party—when the Western Hemisphere’s longest arch bridge becomes pedestrian-only. It draws nearly 80,000 people, and the bridge is filled with hundreds of craft and food vendors; you can even bungee jump off the bridge. It’s the largest BASE jumping event in the world.
Wisconsin: Wisconsin Dells waterpark
If you thought you needed to go to Florida or California to get some fun in the sun and water, you’d be mistaken. The coastal states don’t have any popular tourists attractions that top the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” the Wisconsin Dells. In 1989, the park opened the country’s first indoor waterpark, and today it’s still America’s largest indoor and outdoor waterpark. There are more than 200 waterslides to accommodate the 4 million annual sliders! The most popular months to visit are June through August, but you can beat some of the crowds if you slide by from March through May.
Wyoming: Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park, which includes the Teton mountain range, the 4,000-meter Grand Teton peak and the Jackson Hole valley, is a popular destination for its mountaineering, hiking, backcountry camping and fishing. It has broken its own visitation records for consecutive years. On Brush Buck Tours, you’re practically guaranteed to spot elk, moose, bison, wolves and grizzly bears.
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