The Best Thing to Experience in Each of the 50 States

The United States is full of spectacular sights and exciting experiences in each state. Whether you enjoy being outdoors, learning about or embracing history, want indoor activities, or want to lounge on a beach, there’s something for everyone on this list. 

Each destination can open up new experiences and opportunities. Plus, each has varying traditions and ways of life, so you’re sure to experience plenty of new things with each state you cross off your list. As you explore the country, see how many of these suggestions you can add to your itinerary.

Alabama

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville is one of the best things to experience in Alabama. You can learn the history of space exploration and interact with the hands-on exhibits. While you’re there, you can check out the Saturn V moon rocket, one of only three worldwide and a National Historic Landmark. 

Alaska

Denali National Park in Alaska is something you won’t want to miss if in the Healy area or don’t mind going out of your way when you’re in the state. There are more than six million acres of this park, and it contains North America’s tallest peak, Mount McKinley. 

Arizona

If you visit Arizona’s Grand Canyon, you also will want to see Horseshoe Bend. Although it requires a 1.5-mile hike, it’s well worth the effort to see this part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. 

Arkansas

The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, AK, is one of the top attractions in the state. Entrance is free, and you can embrace art through many forms, including how it impacts the beauty of nature. 

California

There are many things you won’t want to miss in California, but the top of the list is Sequoia National Park. While there, you can explore foothills, canyons, and caverns and embrace the world’s largest trees. Plus, you’ll see huge mountains and much more. 

Colorado

Garden of the Gods is a beautiful sight you won’t want to miss in Colorado Springs, CO. You can hike through the area, embracing the unforgettable scenery and venturing on trails you haven’t seen before. There’s also a 1.5-mile wheelchair-accessible trail so that everyone can enjoy the experience. 

Connecticut

Visiting Mystic Seaport in Connecticut is both educational and fun. It is the biggest maritime museum in the nation and has an impressive collection of sailing ships and boats. 

Delaware

Rehoboth Beach is on the Atlantic Ocean. It has a boardwalk with amusement attractions, restaurants, shops, free concerts, and so much more. 

Florida

The Dry Tortugas National Park is made up of seven islands and lots of water. It includes Fort Jefferson on Garden Key Island, an unfinished fort from the Civil War that is the third biggest nationwide.

Georgia

The Savannah Historic District is one of the things you won’t want to miss in Georgia. As the largest National Historic Landmark District in the nation, it has plenty of places to explore.

Hawaii

The biggest gem you won’t want to miss in Hawaii is Punalu’u Beach. Not only will you find rich black sand, but you also might spot some turtles as they prefer nesting here.

Idaho

Idaho has one of the most unique national parks, the Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve. This park has trails, caves, and stunning scenes among the lava and sagebrush landscape. 

Illinois

You can’t fully embrace Illinois without seeing the 3,300-foot-long Navy Pier in Chicago on the shore of Lake Michigan. The pier features the Chicago Children’s Museum, a mirror maze, and several amusement rides. It’s worth spending an entire day in the area.  

Indiana

The Indiana Dunes National Park is one part of the state you won’t want to miss. This park has beautiful Lake Michigan beaches and is the perfect place to spend your summer days and nights. 

Iowa

Iowa offers plenty of attractions but one of the best is Maquoketa Caves National Park. From trails, caves, and other natural formations, you’ll find it all among the natural scenery.  

Kansas

Botanica, The Wichita Gardens is something you must experience if you’re in Kansas. It has over 17 acres of botanical gardens with themed gardens and exhibits. 

Kentucky

When you visit Mammoth Cave National Park, you can explore the longest cave system worldwide. 

Louisiana

You’ll want to check out the French Quarter if you visit Louisiana. It is a historic part of town and has exciting nightlife and unique buildings that set it apart from anywhere else. 

Maine

The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is an unforgettable experience with giant trolls and miles of trails winding through. You’ll find it on the Maine coast in Boothbay.

Maryland

The National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD, is a place you won’t want to miss. With thousands of species, this aquarium’s award-winning habitats attract tourists nationwide. 

Massachusetts

Boston, MA, has the history-packed Freedom Trail that you’ll want to check out if you’re in the area. You can learn about over 250 years of history on a 2.5-mile trail leading to 16 historic sites. 

Michigan

Empire, MI, is one place you’ll want to ensure you can fit into your trip so you can see Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It’s on the Lake Michigan coast and has extraordinary dunes for visitors to climb. You’ll also find South and North Manitou islands at this national lakeshore. 

Minnesota

In Minnesota, you’ll find the Minneapolis National Institute of Art. This art institute is home to more than 90,000 pieces of art and over 5,000 years of history. 

Mississippi

Minnehaha Regional Park features Minnehaha Falls, a 53-foot waterfall. You’ll also find gorgeous overlooks and limestone bluffs to explore.

Missouri

Visiting the Titanic Museum should be at the top of your list if you’re in Missouri. This museum is shaped like the Titanic, so it almost feels like you’re on the real ship as you explore the displays.

Montana

Montana is home to Bannack State Park, where you can find a ghost town with boat tours and more. The park is also a National Historic Landmark and the site of the first major gold discovery in Montana. 

Nebraska

Chimney Rock is in the North Platte River Valley and is an extraordinary historic site and geological formation rising 400 feet over the prairie. Despite its age, it hasn’t changed over time, with the landscape similar to how it was during the early 19th century. However, today it features a museum and visitor site.

Nevada

Visiting Nevada offers endless opportunities for fun, but the best thing you won’t want to miss is the Valley of Fire State Park. It is in the Mojave Desert in Clark County and has natural formations that are over 2000 years old. 

New Hampshire

Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest in the state and a popular place for swimming, fishing, boating, or enjoying the beach. You can also find Funspot, one of the biggest Arcades in the world, on Lake Winnipesaukee’s Weirs Beach. 

New Jersey

Cape May is a seaside town and resort area known for grand homes, beaches, shopping, and restaurants. It’s also home to Cape May Point State Park, a historic lighthouse, and the Historic Cold Spring Village, which all make for an unmissable experience.

New Mexico

New Mexico is home to White Sands National Park, with dunes of gypsum sand. It is one of the few places you can enjoy gypsum sand dunes.

New York

If you only have the opportunity to do one thing in New York, you’ll want to explore Central Park. The park offers an unforgettable experience no matter the season, with attractions such as the zoo, the carousel, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and multiple guided tours.

North Carolina

While North Carolina offers numerous state parks and other destinations, you’ll want to make sure to visit Asheville’s Biltmore mansion. Built for George Washington Vanderbilt II, Biltmore is the largest home in America. 

North Dakota

History enthusiasts will love the many historic sites in North Dakota, including the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site. It was the dominating location on the upper Missouri River for peaceful fur trading. 

Ohio

Cedar Point in Sandusky is an amusement park on the Lake Erie peninsula. It has rides and attractions for all ages, including 18 roller coasters and special themed Peanuts children’s areas.

Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, you won’t want to pass on visiting Robbers Cave State Park. You can enjoy nature through hiking, boating, cave exploration, and much more. 

Oregon

The 5.5-acre Portland Japanese Garden has a teahouse, various styles of gardens, a waterfall, and a wonderful mountain view. It’s a serene experience that can help you find peace and forget about the typical business of your life. 

Pennsylvania

While in Pennsylvania, spend a day at Hersheypark in Hershey. The park features an 11-acre zoo, family rides, a waterpark, and plenty of chocolate treats to enjoy.

Rhode Island

One of the most stunning experiences in Rhode Island is the Waterplace Park and Riverwalk that border the Woonasquatucket River. As a celebration of the river, the city gathers multiple times yearly to enjoy over 100 bonfires in large iron pans in the river. 

South Carolina

The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston is a place you’ll never forget. It is one of the oldest plantations, and the grounds include a garden with a swamp, a riverwalk, and much more. This garden is on the National Register of Historic Places. 

South Dakota

When you visit South Dakota, the best thing to do is to visit Wind Cave National Park. It has plenty of outdoor exploration and beautiful sites, with stunning features inside the cave, too.

Tennessee

Tennessee is full of attractions and natural wonders, but one thing you won’t want to miss is visiting The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can find blooming wildflowers and lush forests no matter when you go, along with waterfalls and rivers along the many hiking trails. 

Texas

The Natural Bridge Caverns in San Antonio are the largest in the state and have famous limestone formations. There are pathways in the chambers, making it easy for all skill levels to explore. 

Utah

Utah has many stunning sights, but one you won’t want to miss is Arches National Park. This park has over 2,000 natural stone arches and many other unforgettable wonders. 

Vermont

Vermont has over 100 covered bridges, and they provide picturesque sights you won’t forget. Planning a road trip involving multiple bridges will allow you to explore much of the state while visiting these landmarks. 

Virginia

Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring Shenandoah National Park. It’s a perfect place for hiking and camping, and you can find waterfalls, forests, wildflowers, and much more. 

Washington

The Space Needle in Seattle is something you’ll want to do if you’re in the area. It’s an observation tower originally built for the 1962 World Fair and becoming a Seattle landmark.

West Virginia

Known for the beautiful mountain sights, it’s fitting that the best thing to experience in West Virginia is Blackwater Falls State Park. It is in Tucker County in the Allegheny Mountains and has a 62-foot cascading waterfall. 

Wisconsin

The Milwaukee Art Museum features over 25,000 antique and present-day pieces of art. The museum also houses the War Memorial Center, the Kahler Building, and the Quadracci Pavilion.

Wyoming

Mammoth Hot Springs is not only a spectacular landmark, but it’s also a mystery to scientists. The springs’ heat source is unknown despite many attempts to figure it out.