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What are the best places to visit in the U.S.? We rounded up the top bucket-list ideas for each and every state (plus D.C.)!
Harness your inner astronaut at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, one of Alabama’s hidden gems. This Smithsonian-affiliate museum has an extensive collection of artifacts, rockets, spacecraft and simulators. Still want more? Sign up for the center’s three-day Adult Space Academy to live out your out-of-this-world childhood fantasies. You’ll construct and launch model rockets, learn the history of spaceflight, participate in a ropes course and simulate a moon walk.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to train in an astronaut simulator and experience a one-sixth gravity chair!
Few natural wonders rival the breathtaking beauty of the aurora borealis. In the United States, your best chance to witness this celestial spectacle is in Alaska, especially around Fairbanks and Anchorage, where clear, dark skies make for ideal viewing conditions. To make the most of your trip, it’s best to join a guided northern lights tour, where local experts know the best viewing spots and can help you navigate the unpredictable weather. Plan for at least a weeklong adventure to maximize your odds of spotting the aurora borealis. Spend your days exploring the state’s rugged landscapes, soaking in natural hot springs and visiting Denali National Park.
Don’t miss: Visiting between September and early April, when, yes, it will be very cold, but it will also be your best chance to see the northern lights in Alaska.
What would this must-visit U.S. bucket list be without a trip to the Grand Canyon? Carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon features a vast expanse of layered rock that glows in shades of red, gold and amber beneath the desert sun. Head to the South Rim, the park’s most accessible and iconic vantage point, for sweeping panoramic views and those unforgettable photo ops that capture the canyon’s immense scale.
Don’t miss: The more secluded North Rim of the Grand Canyon for a more involved, active trip. Full lodging, dining and visitor services are generally available from May 15 through October 15.
For a small fee, visitors can dig for real gemstones at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, a 37-acre plowed field that’s actually the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic crater. It’s one of the only places in the world where the public can search for genuine diamonds in their original volcanic source and keep whatever they find. Here, treasure hunters have unearthed everything from tiny gems to stones weighing several carats.
Don’t miss: Camping on-site, as well as splashing and sliding at the Diamond Springs Water Park after a day of searching for valuable gems.
Stand in the impressive shadows of the tallest trees on earth at Redwood National and State Parks, one of the best places to visit in the USA. The tallest living tree here (and in the world) stretches 380 feet into the air. The parks also offer nearly 40 miles of stunning, rugged Pacific Ocean coastline, making the Redwood Highway one of the best road trips in America.
Don’t miss: Trekking through the magical Fern Canyon (be sure to bring waterproof footwear!) and spending time on the rough-and-wild Gold Bluffs Beach.
Stand in the majestic shadows of the sandstone walls at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre near Denver, widely celebrated as one of America’s most spectacular outdoor concert venues. With an impressive and ever-changing lineup that spans major pop stars, multi-night residencies by artists like The Avett Brothers and collaborations with the Colorado Symphony, Red Rocks offers something truly special for every live-music lover.
Don’t miss: Hiking Red Rocks Park during the day (sunrise is the most popular time to go, before the heat of the day sets in) or joining a morning yoga class in the venue on select Saturdays in the summer.
Experience the untouched Connecticut River Valley the way Americans did a century ago—via steam train and riverboat. Offered by Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, this two-part, two-and-a-half-hour train and boat tour through the countryside passes through (among other highlights) the undeveloped Selden Neck State Park, which is accessible only by boat. The tour is especially gorgeous during the autumn, when the leaves reach peak color.
Don’t miss: Spotting a bald eagle, with February and March being the months you’re most likely to see the national bird.
In America’s smallest state, let the river carry you (and your worries) away. Gather friends, park one car at the boat ramp near New Castle’s Battery Park, then launch your kayak or tube for a leisurely float along the Delaware River’s broad, tidal waters. Just be sure to check the wind, tide and river conditions before setting off!
Don’t miss: Strolling the streets of colonial-era New Castle, where you’ll find museums, eclectic eateries and scenic trails for strolling.
Each spring, Washington, D.C., bursts into bloom as thousands of cherry trees transform the city into a sea of pink and white. The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates their beauty and the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan, the country that gifted the trees to the U.S. more than a century ago. Each year, the festival draws visitors from around the world, making the capital one of the country’s most popular spring travel destinations.
Don’t miss: Flying a kite on the National Mall!
Assuming you’ve already hit up Walt Disney World, use your next trip to the Sunshine State to visit the Florida Everglades. This unique ecosystem, known for its wildlife, is home to crocodiles, panthers and a host of birds, making it pretty much a requirement for a wildlife lover’s USA bucket list. Airboat tour guides will tell you everything you need to know while you visit this natural wonderland safely.
Don’t miss: Going slogging in the summer with a park ranger! Wearing long pants and plenty of bug spray, you’ll literally walk through the swamp’s muck, water and dirt with a ranger to learn about and see more of the only subtropical wilderness in America.
Savannah’s Historic District, a 2.5-square-mile treasure of cobblestone streets, manicured squares and 19th-century mansions, is one of the largest and most beautifully preserved in the country, making it one of America’s must-see destinations. Here, centuries-old oaks draped in Spanish moss canopy the sidewalks. Wander through Forsyth Park, browse the boutiques along Broughton Street or linger over dinner in a restored mansion.
Don’t miss: Stopping in Chippewa Square, where Forrest Gump famously sat on his bench.
Pay tribute to the tragic events of Dec. 7, 1941, a date that lives in infamy, by visiting the World War II Valor in the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Honolulu. The USS Arizona Memorial, accessible only by boat, marks the final resting spot for more than 1,000 of the 1,177 sailors and Marines killed on the ship.
Don’t miss: Standing on the deck of the USS Missouri, the exact spot where the Japanese officially surrendered, ending World War II.
Reaching the top of Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg would ordinarily be a trek. But with the help of a gondola lift, the ascent is a bit easier. This picturesque 3.1-mile journey is the longest gondola ride in North America, and once you reach the top, you’re free to bike, eat, tube or just breathe in the crisp mountain air.
Don’t miss: Tying up your laces and hitting the Kellogg Peak Fire Lookout Trail, which offers panoramic mountain views from a recreated 1935 fire lookout. You can also take the easier Moose Knuckle Trail, a gentle 2-mile route with stunning vistas along the way.
Soar to the 94th floor of 875 North Michigan Avenue (formerly the John Hancock Center) for jaw-dropping views of the Windy City from the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck. Gaze out over Lake Michigan, spot landmarks like Navy Pier and Willis Tower, and if you’re feeling bold, step onto TILT, a glass platform that tilts you out over the city below.
Don’t miss: Watching the sunset as the skyline lights up—Chicago’s most dazzling view, seen from 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile.
Even if you’re not into racing, Indy 500 weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway packs everything great about America—music, food, community spirit, parades and one of the loudest sporting events in the world—into one Midwestern city. The fun starts long before the race with the 500 Festival, a monthlong celebration leading up to race day that features a half-marathon, a 5K, a parade and Breakfast at the Brickyard.
Don’t miss: Watching the winner “kiss the bricks” at the finish line, a beloved Indy 500 tradition since 1996.
The 296-foot-long Fenelon Place Elevator in Dubuque is said to be the shortest and steepest scenic railway in the world. The elevator was built in 1882 for private use and opened to the public two years later. And despite lasting less than a minute, it’s one of the best train rides in America. Operating seasonally from April 1 to Nov. 30, the ride is cash-only at the top station.
Don’t miss: Taking in the panoramic view of three states and the Mississippi River from the top of the bluff.
Descend 650 feet beneath the Kansas prairie to Strataca, formerly known as the Kansas Underground Salt Museum, in Hutchinson. Built within one of the world’s largest rock salt deposits, this subterranean attraction explores the state’s mining history and the science behind its salt beds. Deep underground, you’ll also find secure vaults that safeguard original film negatives—including Gone with the Wind—and valuable documents from around the world.
Don’t miss: Visiting the Permian Room, where salt walls deep underground reveal the ancient story of the Permian Sea.
Grab your most outlandish hat and head to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby! This historic race—known as “the greatest two minutes in sports”—has been held every year since 1875 on the first Saturday in May. If horse racing isn’t your style, the Kentucky Derby Festival, a two-week celebration leading up to the race, is bound to have something for you.
Don’t miss: Sipping a mint julep, one of the most famous drinks in America, and indulging in a slice of Derby Pie.
Depending on the date of Easter, Mardi Gras can fall on any Tuesday in February or March. But it’s not just a one-day festival—parades and parties take place up to two weeks ahead of the big day. For a more relaxed take, visit earlier in the season, when celebrations are in full swing but the crowds haven’t yet peaked.
Don’t miss: Jamming to the sounds of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band at Preservation Hall, the legendary New Orleans venue that’s helped preserve the city’s jazz tradition since 1961.
At Quoddy Head State Park in Lubec, you can stand at the easternmost point of the continental United States and admire the candy-striped West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, a picture-perfect structure perched above the rocky Atlantic shoreline.
Don’t miss: Wandering the park’s trails, which wind through spruce forests and coastal bogs as they offer sweeping views across Quoddy Narrows toward Canada.
Head to Annapolis, the sailing capital of the United States and home of the U.S. Naval Academy, to experience life on the Chesapeake Bay. Whether you charter a boat, take a sailing lesson or just enjoy the waterfront breeze, enjoying the largest estuary in the United States is a must-do when in Maryland’s capital city.
Don’t miss: Visiting during the annual Antique & Classic Boat Festival and Coastal Arts Fair at Navy Point, held each June, which features classic wooden boats, fiberglass vessels, vintage racers and other antiques.
In the days leading up to Halloween, the historical town of Salem, Massachusetts, throws the ultimate bash, which is why it’s considered one of the best places to visit in the U.S. Venture to the infamous site of the Salem witch trials for parades, costume balls, haunted houses and after-dark walking tours. All this, coupled with the town’s cobblestone streets, candlelit pubs and eerie reenactments, makes it one of the spookiest places in America to celebrate Halloween.
Don’t miss: Visiting the Witch House, home of Judge Jonathan Corwin and the only structure left in Salem with direct ties to the famed 1692 witch trials.
Tucked away in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, near the small town of Newberry, Oswald’s Bear Ranch is home to more than 40 rescued and orphaned black bears. Open from Memorial Day weekend through early October, the ranch spans several walkable habitats, giving visitors a safe, up-close look at these incredible animals.
Don’t miss: Visiting for the daily 4 p.m. feeding, when the bears lumber out for their afternoon treats—a crowd favorite for all ages.
Ely, Minnesota, often dubbed the sled dog capital of the country, is the perfect place to unleash your inner adventurer (pun intended). Bundle up and ride across the snow-covered wilderness with one of the local outfitters that offer dog-sledding excursions, including White Wilderness. Trips range from short excursions to multi-day treks, with the option to camp overnight in the quiet, frozen wilds of northern Minnesota.
Don’t miss: Visiting in February to watch the annual WolfTrack Classic sled dog race and partake in festivities that include beer tastings and special dinners.
Along the Mississippi Delta, the Tamale Trail tells a story of migration, labor and flavor. Brought by Mexican workers during the Cotton Rush and reshaped by local hands, the Delta tamale emerged as a spicier, distinctly Southern take on the traditional Mexican version. They’re slow-cooked in liquid rather than steamed, creating a softer texture and a rich, flavorful “juice.” Today, the trail connects towns and tastes, preserving a legacy of cultural exchange that defines the region’s soul.
Don’t miss: Trying family-owned Doe’s Eat Place in Greenville, an icon of the trail serving tamales that have drawn generations of Delta diners since the 1940s.
Rising 630 feet above the Mississippi River, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis is the tallest monument in the United States and a striking symbol of the country’s westward expansion and the city’s pivotal role in it. Visitors can ride the compact tram to the top to take in sweeping views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River.
Don’t miss: Stopping by the free Museum at the Gateway Arch, featuring interactive galleries that explore the design, construction and legacy of the Arch.
One of America’s most scenic drives, the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is open only from late June through early fall, when snow has finally cleared from the mountain passes. The narrow, winding route cuts through alpine peaks and past waterfalls, glaciers and wildlife. Completed in 1932, it’s both an engineering landmark and a showcase of the park’s rugged terrain.
Don’t miss: Crossing Logan Pass—where alpine meadows and jagged peaks frame one of Glacier’s most iconic views (we highly recommend timing this for sunrise).
In Nebraska, witness one of earth’s most remarkable migrations as nearly a million Sandhill Cranes sweep through the Platte River Valley each spring. Their stopovers on wide sandbars and in open fields transform an otherwise overlooked stretch of prairie into one of North America’s great wildlife spectacles.
Don’t miss: Peeping the early-morning roosting at Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary near Kearney, where dawn light and the sound of thousands of wingbeats turn the Platte River into a living, breathing landscape.
Las Vegas’s newest landmark, the Sphere combines a 16K wraparound screen, multichannel sound and motion effects to create a venue that surrounds its audience rather than merely staging a show. Inside the 366-foot dome, images extend beyond the frame and sound moves with precision, creating a sense of scale that makes concerts and films feel as if they’re unfolding all around you, regardless of where you’re seated.
Don’t miss: Experiencing the Sphere after dark, when its 580,000-square-foot exterior LED display transforms the Las Vegas skyline into a shifting canvas of color, motion and light.
Climb nearly 6,300 feet to the summit of Mount Washington aboard the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway. Operating since 1869, the Mount Washington Cog Railway’s steep ascent offers sweeping views of the Presidential Range. Riders will also get a firsthand sense of the engineering that made this New England icon possible.
Don’t miss: Visiting the museum at Marshfield Base Station, which traces the railway’s 19th-century origins and its evolution into one of New Hampshire’s defining landmarks.
Open since 1870, Atlantic City’s boardwalk was the first—and remains the longest—beach boardwalk in the world. Stretching more than five miles along the coast, it captures the enduring spirit of the Jersey Shore with its abundance of arcades, souvenir shops and oceanfront casinos.
Don’t miss: Stopping at Steel Pier, where you’ll find rides, games and stalls selling classic boardwalk fare like funnel cake and ice cream.
Every October, more than 500 hot-air balloons ascend over Albuquerque for the annual International Balloon Fiesta. The balloons create a vibrant, colorful scene in the sky as they float up, up and away. In addition to balloons, the festival offers live entertainment, concessions and fireworks.
Don’t miss: Planning around the Mass Ascension at sunrise, the Special Shape Rodeo and the magical Balloon Glow at night.
Sure, you’ll have to get creative about relieving yourself as you camp out for a prime spot in Times Square. But watching the ball drop, enjoying musical performances and being among the throngs of people eager to say goodbye to an old year and greet a new one is a travel bucket-list item everyone should experience at least once.
Don’t miss: Arriving in New York City a few days early if you want to settle in and be at the heart of the action on New Year’s Eve. Times Square is busy 365 days a year, but on Dec. 31, it’s a sea of humanity!
For a true taste of classic Southern charm, head straight to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, a 250-room mansion—the largest privately owned home in the U.S.—that spans more than 175,000 square feet. Still run by Vanderbilt descendants through The Biltmore Company, the estate gives visitors a real sense of life and luxury during the Gilded Age.
Don’t miss: Strolling the 75 acres of formal gardens, designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, co-designer of New York City’s Central Park.
Every summer, the Medora Musical brings the spirit of the Wild West to North Dakota’s Badlands. Held nightly from early June to mid-September at the outdoor Burning Hills Amphitheatre, this Western-style variety show celebrates the legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt and his love for the Dakota Badlands.
Don’t miss: Dining at Pitchfork Steak Fondue, just a short walk from the amphitheater and serving up 12-ounce steaks cooked fondue-style on pitchforks in hot oil. Enjoy a full buffet of sides and desserts while taking in the stunning views from atop a bluff, all set to live music.
Celebrate your favorite icons in Ohio, home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Akron, about an hour’s drive apart. Other, more niche, halls of fame include the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame in Euclid and the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton.
Don’t miss: Booking tickets early to catch the live ceremonies at the Rock & Roll or Pro Football halls—especially if your favorite bands or players are being inducted—as these events sell out fast.
Get ready to cruise Oklahoma’s 400-mile stretch of Route 66, where history, nostalgia and quirky roadside charm collide. Along this historic route, you’ll roll past retro diners, neon signs and small towns that feel frozen in time.
Don’t miss: Stopping at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, which captures the spirit, sights and stories of America’s most iconic road.
Wildlife lovers, this one’s for you. At the Original Alpaca Picnic Experience at Flying Dutchman Alpacas in Bend, you can enjoy a gourmet meal in a scenic pasture while friendly alpacas wander nearby. The experience lasts approximately 90 minutes and is available year-round, weather permitting. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with nature and with these charming creatures.
Don’t miss: Adding a professional photography session to your picnic package! Wasim Muklashy, photographer and co-owner of the Original Alpaca Picnic Experience, can capture you and your group with the alpacas in the scenic pasture.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece, Fallingwater, is a must-see when in Pennsylvania. After an easy day trip from Pittsburgh, visitors can stroll its expansive grounds beneath a canopy of trees. Prepare to be captivated by the home’s striking design—and the waterfall flowing beneath it.
Don’t miss: Hiking the short distance down to the prime spot to take your own version of the iconic photograph of Fallingwater, with the waterfall flowing in the foreground.
White Horse Tavern in Newport is said to be the oldest bar in America. Built in 1652, it was a regular haunt for colonists, British soldiers, Hessian mercenaries, pirates, sailors, even Founding Fathers—and now you!
Don’t miss: Trying the Tavern’s standout dishes, including Beef Wellington and the local favorite Rhode Island clam chowder, which make this one of the best places to visit in the U.S. for foodies.
The kitschy tourist hot spot known as South of the Border has been delighting travelers for more than 70 years. What began in 1949 as a modest beer stand on the border of dry counties in North Carolina has evolved into a sprawling roadside attraction. Today, it boasts bars, restaurants, an ice cream parlor, numerous stores, a 200-foot observation tower, a small amusement park and an arcade—making it an easy decision to stop off during an East Coast road trip.
Don’t miss: Visiting Reptile Lagoon, home to the largest indoor reptile exhibit in the U.S., a showcase for a diverse array of reptiles.
Traffic jams are usually frustrating—but not in Custer State Park. This scenic drive in the Black Hills of South Dakota gives you a front-row seat to nature, where bison often wander onto the road and stop traffic entirely. Since you can’t go anywhere, it’s the perfect opportunity to snap plenty of up-close photos of these iconic animals.
Don’t miss: Swinging over to nearby Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park.
Nashville’s RCA Studio B is a cornerstone of American music history. Established in 1957, it played a pivotal role in the development of the “Nashville Sound,” a style that blended traditional country with pop elements. Over the years, the likes of Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton and The Everly Brothers recorded there. However, it was Elvis Presley who made the studio legendary, recording more than 200 songs, including the hits “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” and “It’s Now or Never.”
Don’t miss: Planting your feet on the studio floor’s X, where artists stood to achieve optimal acoustics during recordings.
To understand the history, culture and personality of the Lone Star State, visit its massive state fair, where the saying “Everything’s Bigger in Texas” proves true. The multi-week extravaganza, which takes place in the fall, features food, rides, an auto show and the annual college football rivalry game between Oklahoma and Texas.
Don’t miss: Sampling fair food that runs the gamut from deep-fried tacos to stuffed pretzels, followed by a thrilling ride on the Ferris wheel.
Bryce Canyon National Park is renowned for its striking red rock formations, making the park a must-see in the USA. Plus, the hiking trails are accessible and manageable, so it’s an excellent destination for adventure-loving families of all ages and skill levels. Come nighttime, the clear, dark skies make Bryce Canyon a prime spot for stargazing.
Don’t miss: Participating in ranger-led Full Moon Hikes, which occur monthly on the night of the full moon.
Take the Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour in Waterbury, and indulge in the legendary Vermonster Sundae—20 scoops of ice cream, four bananas, three cookies, a brownie, hot fudge, walnuts and more. Be sure to carve out time to snap a photo with the giant ice cream cow statue, explore behind-the-scenes views of the production floor and visit the scoop shop for limited-edition, exclusive and seasonal flavors.
Don’t miss: Stopping at the quirky Flavor Graveyard, where discontinued Ben & Jerry’s flavors are commemorated with humorous headstones—a fun and photo-worthy stop for ice cream fans of all ages.
Few road trips capture the American landscape quite like a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The road winds through misty mountains and rolling valleys, each curve revealing a new, picture-perfect view. In spring, wildflowers spill across the meadows; by autumn, the hills are ablaze with color.
Don’t miss: Picnicking at Peaks of Otter, a peaceful spot framed by a glassy lake and towering ridgelines.
Situated in the Cascade Mountains, the charming small town of Leavenworth is modeled after a Bavarian village, with Alpine-style buildings housing cozy restaurants and unique shops. It’s worth a visit any time of year, but it’s especially magical during the Village of Lights: Christmastown festival, when the town glows with more than half a million twinkling lights. Alternatively, visit in the fall for Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest, one of the most popular Bavarian-style celebrations in the country.
Don’t miss: Visiting the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, home to thousands of nutcrackers, some dating back centuries.
On the third Saturday in October each year, the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayette County, located within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, is closed to traffic and becomes the launch point for hundreds of BASE jumpers. The festival, known as “Bridge Day,” draws tens of thousands of spectators and includes vendor booths, rappelling and other extreme-sport activities.
Don’t miss: Taking the Bridge Walk tour (available year-round) to traverse the catwalk 25 feet beneath the bridge deck for incredible views of the gorge.
Paddle through the red-sandstone sea caves of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, where Lake Superior’s clear waters reveal arches and hidden chambers. In rare winters, when the lake freezes solid, the caves transform into shimmering ice cathedrals that can sometimes be reached on foot. Though the park is open year-round, safe access to the caves is highly seasonal and is best in summer, though it’s occasionally possible in winter.
Don’t miss: Popping to Madeline Island, a peaceful U.S. island getaway just offshore that offers beaches, trails and lakeside views.
Picture Yellowstone National Park under a blanket of snow, quiet except for the hiss of a geyser or the crunch of boots on ice. In winter, most roads are closed to cars, and the West Entrance (in Montana) opens only to snowcoaches and guided snowmobile tours. It’s Yellowstone at its most peaceful—and one of America’s great bucket-list experiences, especially when bison wander past, covered in snow.
Don’t miss: Gliding across the frozen landscape to Old Faithful, where the geyser erupts in near silence, surrounded by steaming vents and frosted pines.
Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Additional reporting by Juliana LaBianca.
