 Home / U.S. State Travel Guides / U.S. Vacations / U.S. National Parks / U.S. State Highpoints / U.S. Road Trip Planning  10 GREAT ATTRACTIONS IN EACH U.S. STATE ALABAMAHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Alabama: ✮ Visit some of the top waterfalls in Southeast Alabama, including Noccalula Falls in Gardsden and DeSoto Falls in Fort Payne ✮ Explore the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, one of the finest space museums in the country ✮ Cycle the Chief Ladiga Trail, a wonderful 33-mile paved rail trail that also connects to the 61.5-mile paved Silver Comet Trail in Georgia ✮ Attend a racing event at the Talladega Superspeedway ✮ Catch a concert at the outdoor Tuscaloosa Amphitheater ✮ Enjoy some of Alabama's Gulf of Mexico beaches, such as those found at Gulf Shores or Orange Beach ✮ Learn about the Civil Rights movement at the excellent Birmingham Civil Rights Institute ✮ Go hiking in one of the beautiful nature preserves in northern Alabama ✮ Enjoy some canoeing/kayaking or tubing on one of Alabama's scenic rivers (e.g. Cahaba River, Styx River, etc.) ✮ See more than 700 motorcycles on display at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham For a comprehensive travel guide to Alabama, click here. ARIZONAHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Arizona: ✮ Visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, ideally staying in a lodge or campground on or near the rim for a few nights ✮ Spend at least 3-4 days exploring the beautiful red-rock country of Sedona ✮ Take a guided tour of one or several slot canyons in Page (e.g. Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon) ✮ Explore these two amazing museums in Tucson: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and the Pima Air & Space Museum ✮ Drive through the wild west scenery of Monument Valley (highway US-163) ✮ Backpack down to the marvelous waterfalls of Havasupai ✮ Hike to Horseshoe Bend near Page ✮ Take a cave tour in Kartchner Caverns State Park ✮ Go golfing at one of the 50+ golf courses in the Scottsdale area ✮ See some of the largest cactus in the country within the western section of Saguaro National Park
For a comprehensive travel guide to Arizona, click here. ARKANSASHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Arkansas: ✮ Wander around the shops and restaurants located in the historic district of Eureka Springs ✮ Rock scramble up to the top of Pinnacle Mountain near Little Rock ✮ Visit the world-class Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville; make sure to walk the art-filled paths around the museum too ✮ Take a few hikes in the Ozarks region, including Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point, Lost Valley, and Glory Hole ✮ Explore a few of Arkansas's state parks - they boast one of the finest state park systems in the country ✮ Go boating on Lake Ouachita ✮ Take a hot springs bath in Hot Springs National Park ✮ Dig for your own diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro ✮ Canoe the world-famous Buffalo National River ✮ Go mountain biking in Bentonville, one of the premier mountain biking locations in the country
For a comprehensive travel guide to Arkansas, click here. CALIFORNIAHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in California: ✮ Gaze at the tallest trees in the world in Redwood National Park ✮ Tour some of the amazing museums of Los Angeles (e.g. the Getty Center) ✮ See the largest trees in the world in Sequoia National Park ✮ Walk the trails of Yosemite Valley within Yosemite National Park ✮ Drive the Big Sur highway along the California coast (US-1) ✮ Visit the hottest and driest environment in North America in Death Valley National Park ✮ Hit the slopes at one of the world-class ski areas near Lake Tahoe ✮ Head to the the premier family destination of Disneyland ✮ Drink your way through a few wineries in Napa Valley and/or Sonoma Valley ✮ Relax at any one of California's fantastic beaches ✮ Visit some of San Francisco's most famous sites (e.g. Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Bridge, etc.)
For a comprehensive travel guide to California, click here. COLORADOHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Colorado: ✮ Explore Rocky Mountain National Park in a vehicle and/or on foot ✮ Hit one or several of the many breweries found in and around Fort Collins ✮ Take a guided tour of ancient ruins at Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado ✮ Jump on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Durango for one of the most scenic railway journeys in North America ✮ Enjoy a concert at the outdoor Red Rocks Amphitheater ✮ Enjoy a soak at one of Colorado's famous hot springs resorts ✮ Hike up one of Colorado's big mountains (there are many mountains over 14,000 feet) ✮ Go whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River ✮ Go skiing or snowboarding at any of the state's famous ski areas (e.g. Aspen Snowmass, Telluride, Vail, etc.) ✮ Climb the sand dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park
For a comprehensive travel guide to Colorado, click here. CONNECTICUTHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Connecticut: ✮ Stay at (or near) Mohegan Sun, one of the best and largest resort casinos in the U.S. outside of Las Vegas ✮ Visit Gillette Castle State Park and explore a stone castle that looks like a medieval fortress ✮ Cycle one of Connecticut's excellent rail trails (e.g. Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, Farmington River Trail, Airline State Park Trail, etc.) ✮ Visit the excellent Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic ✮ See retired PEZ candy dispensers at the PEZ Visitor Center in Orange ✮ Go for a picnic and see a set of great waterfalls at Kent Falls State Park ✮ Head to Lake Compounce & Crocodile Cove, the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States ✮ Eat some of the best pizza you've ever had in New Haven ✮ Hit the beach at Hammonasset Beach State Park ✮ Visit the various museums of Yale University in New Haven
For a comprehensive travel guide to Connecticut, click here. DELAWAREHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Delaware: ✮ Enjoy one Delaware's seaside resort towns and their beaches ✮ Go kayaking on Fenwick Island ✮ Take the kids to Funland, an family amusement center found on the beach boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach ✮ Explore the coastal views and bike paths of Cape Henlopen State Park, arguably the best state park in the state ✮ Go bird-watching at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge ✮ Catch a NASCAR race at Dover International Speedway ✮ Hop on the Wilmington & Western Railroad for a scenic railroad journey ✮ Visit the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library in Winterthur ✮ Drink up at the Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Milton ✮ Explore the Hagley Museum and Library in Wilmington
For a comprehensive travel guide to Delaware, click here. FLORIDAHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Florida: ✮ Take an amusement-park vacation in Orlando by visiting some of the parks of Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and/or Universal Studios ✮ Enjoy some of the fine beaches along the Gulf Coast of the Florida Panhandle ✮ Take a roadtrip from Miami to Key West by driving across the Florida Keys ✮ Cycle one of Florida's excellent paved rail trails (e.g. Withlacoochee State Trail) ✮ Jump on a guided airboat tour in the Everglades region ✮ Show off your stuff at South Miami Beach ✮ Go boating or take a guided seashelling tour of the Ten Thousand Islands near Marco Island ✮ Relax at one of the fine beaches on the southern and central Gulf Coast (e.g. Naples, Sanibel, Siesta Key, etc.) ✮ Visit the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Cape Canaveral ✮ Spot manatees in one of Florida's beautiful natural springs
For a comprehensive travel guide to Florida, click here. GEORGIAHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Georgia: ✮ Explore the beautiful historic district and waterfront areas of Savannah, one of the finest medium-sized cities in the country ✮ Visit the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, a top 5 aquarium in the U.S. ✮ Take cycling tour in and around Atlanta ✮ Go waterfall hunting in northern Georgia ✮ Tour the various beaches, islands, and lighthouses of Georgia's Atlantic coastline ✮ Rent a tube and float down one of Northern Georgia's scenic rivers (e.g. Chattahoochee, Chestatee, Cartecay, Toccoa, etc.) ✮ Cycle some or all of the excellent 61.5-mile fully paved Silver Comet Trail rail trail ✮ Attend the Masters Tournament golf event in Augusta ✮ Visit two Civil War battle sites at Chickamagua & Chattanooga National Military Park ✮ Go whitewater rafting on one of the most iconic whitewater rafting rivers in the Southeast: the Chattooga River
For a comprehensive travel guide to Georgia, click here. IDAHOHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Idaho: ✮ Cycle one of Idaho's famous long-distance rail trails (e.g. Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes or the Route of the Hiawatha) ✮ Drive the Sawtooth Scenic Byway in central Idaho ✮ Relax in one of Idaho's excellent hot springs resorts ✮ Take an epic multi-day whitewater rafting trip (e.g. Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Snake River through Hells Canyon, etc.) ✮ Go skiing or snowboarding at Sun Valley ✮ Head to Coeur d'Alene, dubbed the "honeymoon capital of the Northwest" ✮ Throw on a backpack and head deep into the Sawtooth National Recreation Area ✮ Hop in one of Idaho's hot springs resorts ✮ Explore an otherworldly volcanic landscape at Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve ✮ Visit one of Idaho's world-class waterfalls (e.g. Shoshone Falls or Upper Mesa Falls)
For a comprehensive travel guide to Idaho, click here. ILLINOISHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Illinois: ✮ Explore downtown Chicago, my #1 favorite major city in the U.S. ✮ Wander the lively historic district of Galena ✮ Visit the Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio in Oak Park ✮ Patron some of Chicago's world-class museums (e.g. The Field Museum, the Museum of Science & Industry, the Art Institute of Chicago, etc.) ✮ Eat some hot dogs and deep dish pizza in downtown Chicago ✮ Catch a ballgame at Wrigley Field in Chicago ✮ Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum in Springfield ✮ Head to the rugged and scenic Starved Rock State Park, Illinois's best state park ✮ Embrace the madness of the roadside attraction and "world's largest" sculptures and statues in the town of Casey ✮ Hike among 320-million year old cliffs in the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area in southern Illinois
For a comprehensive travel guide to Illinois, click here. INDIANAHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Indiana: ✮ See the sand dunes and enjoy the beaches of Indiana Dunes National Park ✮ Peek into dozens of classic motor-homes at the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart ✮ Take the kids to the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, widely considered the best children's museum in the country ✮ Catch a NASCAR event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ✮ Ride the rollercoasters at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus ✮ Cycle one of Indiana's great rail trails (e.g. Monon Trail, Cardinal Greenway, etc.) ✮ Watch a college football game at Notre Dame ✮ See the beautiful waterfalls within Clifty Falls State Park ✮ Explore one of Southern Indiana's underground show caves (e.g. Marengo Cave, Indiana Caverns, etc.) ✮ Mail a letter from the Santa Claus Post Office in Santa Claus
For a comprehensive travel guide to Indiana, click here. IOWAHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Iowa: ✮ See the six covered bridges of Madison County ✮ Cycle the High Trestle Trail, a fantastic 25-mile paved rail trail with a series of diamond-shaped steel structures to ride through ✮ Marvel at the art sculptures found at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park in Des Moines ✮ Stop at the world's largest truck stop on I-80 in Walcott ✮ Walk among 200 prehistoric Native American mounds in Effigy Mounds National Monument ✮ Step on the famous baseball field shown in the Field of Dreams ✮ Go deep into a cave and see a natural bridge at Maquoketa Caves State Park ✮ See more than 200 motorcycles on display at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa ✮ Score great views of the Mississippi River from Pikes Peak State Park ✮ Visit the Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption, believed to be the largest grotto in the world For a comprehensive travel guide to Iowa, click here. KANSASHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Kansas: ✮ Enjoy the excellent museums and gardens of Wichita ✮ Stop at some of the Wizard of Oz attractions in the state, including the OZ Museum in Wamego ✮ Visit one of the best space museums in the U.S., the Cosmosphere ✮ See the natural rock formations at Monument Rocks in western Kansas ✮ Mountain bike the famous Switchgrass Trail in Wilson State Park ✮ Explore an old mine at Strataca in Hutchinson ✮ See the World's Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City ✮ Go hiking, boating, or swimming in Elk City State Park, arguably Kansas's best state park ✮ Wander around Lawrence's lively downtown district, often called "one of the most beautiful main streets in the U.S." ✮ Visit the Mid-America Air Museum, one of the largest and best aviation museums in the country
For a comprehensive travel guide to Kansas, click here. KENTUCKYHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Kentucky: ✮ Tour some of the world-class bourbon distilleries in Bardstown, Frankfort, Lexington, and/or Louisville ✮ Go hunting for arches and natural bridges in the spectacular Red River Gorge Geological Area ✮ Embrace the horse-obsessed culture and attractions in Louisville ✮ Tour one of Kentucky's amazing underground caves (e.g. Mammoth Cave National Park, but there are many others) ✮ Visit the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green ✮ Go camping in Daniel Boone National Forest ✮ Try via-ferrata climbing with Southeast Mountain Guides ✮ Visit the original KFC restaurant in Corbin ✮ Wander the historic district of Berea, the "folk arts and crafts capital of Kentucky" ✮ See one of Kentucky's best waterfalls at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
For a comprehensive travel guide to Kentucky, click here. LOUISIANAHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Louisiana: ✮ Visit the outstanding National World War II Museum in New Orleans ✮ Walk the 13-block French Quarter historic district in New Orleans ✮ Cycle the paved Tammany Trace Trail rail trail ✮ Visit the Oak Alley Plantation, which is perhaps the most famous plantation in the U.S. ✮ Attend the wild Mardi Gras event (typically held in late February or early March) ✮ Go boating in Atchafalaya Basin ✮ Enjoy live music on Frenchmen Street in New Orleans ✮ Gamble in one of Bossier City's fine casinos ✮ Tour the Laura: A Creole Plantation in Vacherie ✮ Take a guided food or sightseeing tour in New Orleans
For a comprehensive travel guide to Louisiana, click here. MAINEHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Maine: ✮ Explore the great city of Portland, especially the Old Port district ✮ Head to Bar Harbor and explore the rocky coastline of Acadia National Park ✮ Go hiking in Baxter State Park ✮ Explore the southern coastline and its many fine beaches (e.g. Long Sands Beach, Ogunquit Beach, Old Orchard Beach) ✮ Go whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River with Northern Outdoors or another local guide service ✮ Visit some of Maine's 65 lighthouses ✮ Hit the slopes at Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry or Sugarloaf Mountain in Carrabassett Valley ✮ Hike to Moxie Falls, one of the best waterfalls in New England ✮ Ride a snowmobile on some of Maine's 14,000 miles of trails ✮ Sail some of the Maine coastline
For a comprehensive travel guide to Maine, click here. MARYLANDHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Maryland: ✮ Cycle some or all of the 150-mile long Great Allegheny Passage Trail (GAP) trail, one of the very best long-distance rail trails in the U.S. ✮ Enjoy some seaside amusement parks and other attractions at Ocean City, Maryland's most famous beach town ✮ See wild ponies and beautiful beaches at Assateague Island National Seashore ✮ Appreciate the arts at the excellent Walters Art Museum in Baltimore ✮ Cycle some or all of the 184-mile Chesapeake & Ohio Towpath ✮ Visit Antietam National Battlefield, the famous Civil War site that marks the bloodiest day in U.S. history ✮ Take the kids to the top-rated Baltimore Aquarium ✮ Walk around Annapolis while enjoying its Colonial architecture, shops, and fine restaurants ✮ Catch a Baltimore Orioles ballgame at Oriole Park at Camden Yards ✮ Stroll the shops of the attractive historic downtown area of Frederick For a comprehensive travel guide to Maryland, click here. MASSACHUSETTSHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Massachusetts: ✮ Tour the historic city of Boston, one of the most walkable cities in the U.S. ✮ Spend a week enjoying the beaches, towns, and other attractions of Cape Cod ✮ Take a ferry to visit the upscale islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket ✮ Explore the museums, nature parks, and quaint small towns of the Berkshires in western Massachusetts ✮ Attend the Big E in Springfield, one of the largest country fairs in the U.S. (typically held in mid-to-late September) ✮ Try some fried claims and other great seafood in the towns of Ipswich and Essex ✮ Go antiquing at the Brimfield Antique Show in Brimfield (3x per year) ✮ Visit the outstanding Museum of Fine Arts in Boston ✮ Cycle the 25-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail ✮ Catch a ballgame at Fenway Park in Boston
For a comprehensive travel guide to Massachusetts, click here. MICHIGANHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Michigan: ✮ Wander the lively Bavarian-themed town of Frankenmuth ✮ Visit the excellent Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn ✮ Take a boat tour to visit the cliffs of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore ✮ Marvel at the gardens and art sculptures of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids ✮ Hop on a ferry to explore beautiful Mackinac Island on foot and/or bicycle (rentals available on the island) ✮ Relax on one of the fine beaches of Lake Michigan in western Michigan ✮ Mountain bike the Copper Harbor Bike Trail System ✮ Hunt for scenic waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula (e.g. Tahquamenon Falls, Bond Falls, etc.) ✮ Climb the sand dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore ✮ Go backpacking in Isle Royal National Park
For a comprehensive travel guide to Michigan, click here. MINNESOTAHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Minnesota: ✮ Visit the Mall of America in Bloomington, the largest shopping mall in the U.S. ✮ Stay in Duluth for a few nights and explore the towns and parks along the North Shore Scenic Drive ✮ Search for some of Minnesota's famous roadside attractions, including sculptures that have earned "World's Largest" accolades ✮ Head to the SPAM Museum in Austin, one of the quirkiest and humorous small museums in the country ✮ Take a multi-day canoeing trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness ✮ See where the Mississippi River begins its journey in Itasca State Park ✮ Photograph the Split Rock Lighthouse, which is perched on a dramatic, steep cliff in Split Rock Lighthouse State Park ✮ Gawk at the Jolly Green Giant statue in Blue Earth, the king of all roadside attractions in Minnesota ✮ Cycle one of Minnesota's excellent rail trails ✮ Visit Tettegouche State Park to witness 120-foot High Falls
For a comprehensive travel guide to Minnesota, click here. MISSISSIPPIHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Mississippi: ✮ Cycle the Longleaf Trace and/or the Tanglefoot Trail; both are among the finest rail trails in the U.S. ✮ Head to Natchez, the "B&B capital of the south" ✮ Drive the Natchez Trace Parkway, which passes through some of MI's most historic towns ✮ Take a boat tour from Gulfport to visit Fort Massachusetts on Ship Island ✮ Visit one of the premier Civil War sites at Vicksburg National Military Park ✮ Tour the Melrose plantation in Natchez ✮ Catch some blues music at Red's Lounge in Clarksdale ✮ Hit the beaches at Gulf Islands National Seashore ✮ Throw some dice at one of the fine casinos in Biloxi For a comprehensive travel guide to Mississippi, click here. MISSOURIHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Missouri: ✮ Let the kids go wild on the play structures at the City Museum in St. Louis, arguably the best children's playground on the planet ✮ Walk among billion year-old giant granite rocks at Elephant Rocks State Park ✮ Enjoy all the family-friendly attractions, amusement parks, museums, and live performances in Branson ✮ Devour some amazing BBQ in Kansas City (e.g. Joe's, Arthur Bryant's, Jack Stack, Q39, etc.) ✮ See the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the "Eiffel Tower" of the American Plains ✮ Learn more about Mark Twain at several attractions in Hannibal ✮ Get some thrills at the Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson ✮ Tour one of the exceptional show caves in Central Missouri (e.g. Meramec Caverns, Bridal Cave, Onondaga Cave, etc.) ✮ Explore the lovely Forest Park in St. Louis, one of the great urban parks of America ✮ Cycle the Katy Trail, one the ten best long-distance rail trails in the U.S.
For a comprehensive travel guide to Missouri, click here. MONTANAHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Montana: ✮ Use West Yellowstone as a base camp for exploring Yellowstone National Park ✮ Drive the seasonal Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park (note: reservations are likely needed) ✮ Head to Bozeman to explore the city and surrounding mountains (including Big Sky) ✮ Go skiing or snowboarding at Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin ✮ Stay on one of Montana's famous guest ranches (although it cost a ton of $$$$$$$) ✮ Throw a line on one of Montana's outstanding fly-fishing rivers (e.g. Yellowstone River) ✮ Go backpacking in one of Montana's legendary national forests or wilderness areas (e.g. Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness) ✮ Drive the seasonal Beartooth National Scenic Byway (US-212), often called the #1 scenic drive in the U.S. ✮ Soak in one of Montana's hot springs resorts ✮ Go whitewater rafting on the Flathead River
For a comprehensive travel guide to Montana, click here. NEBRASKAHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Nebraska: ✮ Wander the badlands and geologic features of Toadstool Geologic Park in the northwestern corner of the state ✮ Smile at the absurdity of Carhenge in Alliance ✮ Spend a few days exploring the fine museums and other attractions of Omaha and Lincoln ✮ Watch the famous sandhill crane migration on the Platte River (late February through early April) ✮ Take a canoe trip down the Niobrara River ✮ Visit the excellent Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, a top 5 zoo in the country ✮ See two of the famous Oregon Trail sites at Chimney Rock National Historic Site and Scotts Bluff National Monument ✮ Take a guided Jeep or stagecoach tour in Fort Robinson State Park ✮ Cycle the Cowboy Trail, the state's most famous rail trail ✮ See one of the best waterfalls in the Great Plains region at Smith Falls State Park
For a comprehensive travel guide to Nebraska, click here. NEVADAHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Nevada: ✮ Spend 2 full days exploring the world-class Valley of Fire State Park (only one hour north of Las Vegas) ✮ Explode the senses by spending a few days and nights exploring "The Strip" of Las Vegas ✮ Watch some world-class entertainment/shows in Las Vegas ✮ Attend the free-spirited Burning Man Festival (this is definitely not for everyone!) ✮ Explore the fascinating geology of Cathedral Gorge State Park ✮ Go underground at Lehman Caves in Great Basin National Park ✮ Drive the loneliest road in America, US-50 ✮ Visit the National Automobile Museum in Reno, one of the premier auto museums in the country ✮ See the Hoover Dam from its various overlooks ✮ Go offroad driving at Gold Butte National Monument
For a comprehensive travel guide to Nevada, click here. NEW HAMPSHIREHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in New Hampshire: ✮ Stay in Conway or North Conway and explore various parts of the exceptionally scenic White Mountain National Forest ✮ Take a hike in Franconia Notch State Park near Lincoln and Franconia ✮ Walk, shop, and dine in downtown Portsmouth ✮ Hike Mt. Monadnock, one of the most climbed mountains in the world (make parking reservations in advance!) ✮ Take the kids to Story Land and/or Santa's Village, two of the best theme parks for young children in the U.S. ✮ Climb through boulder caves at the Lost River Gorge or the Polar Caves ✮ Drive, hike, or take a cog railway to the top of Mt. Washington ✮ Seek out some of New Hampshire's 50+ covered bridges ✮ Hit slopes at one of many great ski areas found in the central and White Mountains regions of the state ✮ Drive the famous Kancamagus Highway (NH-112) during fall foliage (early October) between Lincoln and Conway
For a comprehensive travel guide to New Hampshire, click here. NEW JERSEYHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in New Jersey: ✮ Take the family to Ocean City, one of the best family-friendly seaside towns in the U.S. ✮ Explore the shops, restaurants, and Victorian architecture of Cape May ✮ Walk among hundreds of art sculptures at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, which I feel is the top outdoor sculpture park in the U.S. ✮ Photograph the amazing views of NYC from Liberty State Park in Jersey City ✮ Visit Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, one of the best and most famous rollercoaster parks in the U.S. ✮ Go aboard the Battleship New Jersey in Camden, the "most decorated U.S. Navy battleship" ✮ Hop on a ferry from Liberty State Park to visit the Statue of Liberty ✮ Have fun on the liveliest beach boardwalk in New Jersey: Wildwood ✮ Cycle the Delaware & Raritan Canal, a 70+ mile rail trail that is considered NJ's best long distance bicycling trail ✮ Visit the American Dream in East Rutherford, one of the largest malls in the country
For a comprehensive travel guide to New Jersey, click here. NEW MEXICOHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in New Mexico: ✮ Take a guided or self-guided cave tour at Carlsbad Caverns National Park ✮ Walk or sand-surf on the gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park ✮ Shop and dine in beautiful Santa Fe ✮ Attend the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta ✮ Visit Taos, preferably in winter to hit the slopes at Taos Ski Valley ✮ Enter some ancient ruins at Bandelier National Monument ✮ Grab some delicious pistachios at McGinn's Pistachio Tree Ranch in Alamogordo ✮ Take the Sandia Peak Tramway up to scenic views of Albuquerque ✮ Hop aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad ✮ Drive the High Road to Taos Scenic Byway, a 105-mile scenic drive between Santa Fe and Taos
For a comprehensive travel guide to New Mexico, click here. NEW YORKHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in New York: ✮ Witness the magnificent power and beauty of Niagara Falls in Western NY ✮ Enjoy the beaches of Long Island ✮ Drink at some of the more than 100 wineries found in the Finger Lakes Wine Country ✮ Catch a ballgame at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx ✮ Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty ✮ Explore lower and central Manhattan on foot ✮ Catch a Broadway show in NYC ✮ Take a hike in Adirondack Park ✮ Head to Lake Placid for a few days of skiing or snowboarding at Whiteface Mountain ✮ Visit some of NYC's world-famous museums (e.g. The Met, American Museum of Natural History, etc.)
For a comprehensive travel guide to New York, click here. NORTH CAROLINAHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in North Carolina: ✮ Tour the magnificent Biltmore Estate in Asheville ✮ Drive some of the spectacular 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway ✮ Go waterfall hunting in the North Carolina mountains (there are 100s of them) ✮ Hike or drive to the top of the state at Mount Mitchell State Park ✮ Explore the beaches and shorelines of the Outer Banks ✮ Drink and eat your way around Asheville, one of the most likable medium-sized cities in the U.S. ✮ Take a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park ✮ Paddle through rapids on a whitewater rafting trip on the French Broad River or Nantahala River ✮ Drive on the beach in Corolla ✮ Tour the huge U.S. Navy Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington
For a comprehensive travel guide to North Carolina, click here. NORTH DAKOTAHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in North Dakota: ✮ Engage in history at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site ✮ See the impressive Gol Stave Church at Scandinavian Heritage Park ✮ Go backpacking or horsepacking on a portion of the 96-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail ✮ Cycle the Greenway of Greater Grand Forks ✮ Drive the Petrified Forest Loop in Theodore Roosevelt National Park to see beautiful badlands scenery ✮ Catch the Medora Musical, a famous live song-and-dance show in Medora (near Theodore Roosevelt National Park) ✮ Go bird-watching at the J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge in either spring and fall ✮ Stop at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, one of the premier Lewis & Clark sites in the U.S. ✮ Photograph the scrap metal roadside attractions along the Enchanted Highway in the southwestern part of the state ✮ Take a selfie with the world's largest buffalo in Jamestown For a comprehensive travel guide to North Dakota, click here. OHIOHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Ohio: ✮ Ride some of the world's best rollercoasters at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky ✮ See historic American signs at the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati ✮ Cycle the excellent Little Miami Scenic Trail paved rail trail ✮ Visit the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, which is one of the oldest, largest, and best aviation museums in the U.S. ✮ Explore the hiking and biking trails of Cuyahoga Valley National Park ✮ Stop at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton ✮ Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, one of the finest zoos in the country ✮ See waterfalls and impressive geologic attractions at Hocking Hills State Park ✮ Eat the West Side Market in Cleveland ✮ Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland
For a comprehensive travel guide to Ohio, click here. OKLAHOMAHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Oklahoma: ✮ Visit either one of Oklahoma's two great Route 66-focused museums (there's one in Clinton and Elk City) ✮ Stroll around the Bricktown shopping and dining district in Oklahoma City ✮ Enjoy the great outdoors on scenic trails within the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge ✮ Pay your respects at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum ✮ Visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma ✮ Take a selfie with the gigantic Golder Driller roadside attraction in Tulsa ✮ Drive the Talimena National Scenic Byway through the Ouachita Mountains ✮ See the stunning bronze sculptures at Centennial Land Run Monument in Oklahoma City ✮ Visit the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve in Bartlesville, a working ranch w/excellent Western art & history exhibits ✮ Enjoy beautiful architecture and art at the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa
For a comprehensive travel guide to Oklahoma, click here. OREGONHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Oregon: ✮ Spend a week driving the entire Oregon coastline (which is mostly US-101 but there are also several other roads to explore) ✮ Visit the deepest lake in the U.S. at Crater Lake National Park ✮ Take an underground cave tour at Oregon Caves National Monument ✮ Go whitewater rafting on one of Oregon's wild rivers ✮ Ride a dune-buggy in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area ✮ Drink your way through a few wineries in the Willamette Valley ✮ Hit the slopes at Mt. Bachelor Ski Area, one of the premier winter resorts of the U.S. ✮ Hunt for waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge ✮ Find great reads at the massive Powell's City of Books in Portland ✮ See colorful desert scenery at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument For a comprehensive travel guide to Oregon, click here. PENNSYLVANIAHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Pennsylvania: ✮ Take in the Revolutionary War and other historic sites in downtown Philadelphia ✮ Enjoy the sights and food of Amish/Dutch country ✮ Tour a decommissioned prison at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia ✮ Visit the Civil War sites and museums of Gettysburg ✮ Ride the famous rollercoasters of Hersheypark ✮ Try a famous Philly cheesesteak, they definitely meet the hype (I recommend Dalessandro's or Sonny's) ✮ Cycle one of Pennsylvania's legendary rail trails (e.g. the Great Allegheny Passage) ✮ Visit other top-rated amusement parks in Pennsylvania, including Knoebels, Kennywood, Dutch Wonderland, Dorney Park, and Waldameer ✮ Hike the waterfall-infused trails of Ricketts Glen State Park ✮ Take a coal mine tour at Lackawanna Coal Mine
For a comprehensive travel guide to Pennsylvania, click here. RHODE ISLANDHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Rhode Island: ✮ Relax on quaint and scenic Block Island for a few nights ✮ Cycle the 14.5-mile East Bay Bike Path, one of New England's best paved rail trails ✮ Walk the famous 3.5-mile Cliff Walk in Newport and then head to the area surrounding Thames Street for many shops, restaurants, and bars ✮ Take a guided tour of one (or several) of Newport's historic mega-mansions ✮ Attend a WaterFire bonfire event in downtown Providence ✮ Drive Ocean Drive, Rhode Island's most famous and best scenic drive ✮ Hit the beach at Narragansett Town Beach ✮ Eat all-you-can-eat seafood at the Nordic in Charlestown ✮ Join a sailing tour in Newport ✮ Attend either the Newport Folk Festival or the Newport Jazz Festival, or both
For a comprehensive travel guide to Rhode Island, click here. SOUTH CAROLINAHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in South Carolina: ✮ Enjoy fine dining in Charleston, a famous culinary destination ✮ See waterfalls and some of the best scenic views in the state at Caesar's Head State Park ✮ Visit one of South Carolina's historic forts (e.g. Fort Moultrie or Fort Sumter) ✮ Walk around Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet and see more than 1,000 art sculptures ✮ Paddle your way through Congaree National Park ✮ Visit the gardens and museum at Middleton Place ✮ Go whitewater rafting on the Chattooga River ✮ Hit any of South Carolina's famous beaches (e.g. Coligny Beach on Hilton Head Island) ✮ Enjoy some seaside amusements and/or some golfing at Myrtle Beach ✮ Stop at the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum to explore three decommissioned naval ships
For a comprehensive travel guide to South Carolina, click here. SOUTH DAKOTAHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in South Dakota: ✮ Spend a week (or more) in the Black Hills region, an area absolutely packed with tourist attractions and outdoor activities ✮ Drive the park roads and wander the trails of Badlands National Park ✮ Visit Mt. Rushmore, both during the day and while lit up at night ✮ Visit Falls Park in Sioux City and then ride some of the city's paved bike trails ✮ Cycle part or all of the 106-mile George S. Mickelson unpaved rail trail from Deadwood to Edgemont ✮ See wild buffalo and donkey's in Custer State Park ✮ Go underground at Jewel Cave National Monument or Wind Cave National Park ✮ Drive the Needles Highway in Custer ✮ Shop at the gigantic Wall Drug store in Wall (near Badlands National Park) ✮ Photograph the Corn Palace in Mitchell, one of the icons of roadside america-type attractions
For a comprehensive travel guide to South Dakota, click here. TENNESSEEHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Tennessee: ✮ Embrace the tourist madness of Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/Sevierville; there are literally dozens of amusement parks and other attractions there ✮ Drive and/or hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park ✮ Enjoy live music at some of the 30+ bars found on Broadway Street in Nashville ✮ Visit Beale Street and the fabulous museums in and around Memphis ✮ Go whitewater rafting on the Nolichucky River, Ocoee River, or Pigeon River ✮ See some of the famous waterfalls in central Tennessee (e.g. Burgess Falls, Cummins Falls) ✮ Ride the rollercoasters and other attractions at the excellent Dolly's Splash Country Water Adventure Park in Pigeon Forge ✮ Go underground in one of northeastern Tennessee's caves (e.g. Bristol Caverns or Tuckaleechee Caverns) ✮ Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville ✮ Catch a concert at the Grand Ole Opry or Ryman Auditorium in Nashville
For a comprehensive travel guide to Tennessee, click here. TEXASHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Texas: ✮ Walk the famous San Antonio River Walk, and then visit The Alamo ✮ Indulge in the live music scenic in Austin while visiting some of the city's amazing restaurants, including Franklin's BBQ ✮ Explore the trails and scenery of Big Bend National Park ✮ Enjoy some of the beaches along the Texas Gulf Coast ✮ Visit some of Houston's outstanding museums (e.g. Space Center Houston, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Museum of Natural Science, etc.) ✮ Eat at the Big Texan Steak Ranch and then spray-paint some half-buried cars at Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo ✮ See the geologic formations of Palo Duro Canyon State Park in northern Texas ✮ Wander the streets of the quaint town of Fredericksburg and visit nearby wineries in Texas Hill Country ✮ Hike to the summit of the highest peak in Texas: Guadalupe Peak ✮ Visit the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
For a comprehensive travel guide to Texas, click here. UTAHHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Utah: ✮ Spend a few days hiking the sandstone trails of Arches National Park ✮ Explore the sites of Zion National Park using their shuttle bus system ✮ Marvel as you walk around the odd rock formations in Goblin Valley State Park ✮ Drive the UT-12 scenic byway all the way from Panguitch to Torrey ✮ Enjoy the jaw-dropping views from Dead Horse Point State Park ✮ Go skiing or snowboarding at one of the famous resorts of northern Utah (e.g. Park City, Alta, Snowbird, etc.) ✮ See the famous hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park ✮ Hit the world-famous mountain biking trails of Moab ✮ Go offroad driving pretty much anywhere in southern Utah ✮ Try canyoneering in one of Utah's slot canyons (guides available in select towns)
For a comprehensive travel guide to Utah, click here. VERMONTHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Vermont: ✮ Stay in or near Stowe and enjoy its hiking trails, paved bike path, waterfalls, shops, and restaurants ✮ Ski Killington Resort, the largest ski resort in Vermont and one of New England's best ✮ Drive as much of VT 100 / Route 100 as possible in early October to see prime fall foliage ✮ Explore Burlington, one of America's favorite medium-sized cities ✮ Visit the Shelburne Museum, an outstanding American history museum with several buildings (and a steamboat) full of exhibits ✮ Hike a portion of the 270+ mile Long Trail ✮ Take a factory tour at Ben & Jerry's in Waterbury ✮ Find some of Vermont's secret swimming holes ✮ Go mountain biking on the Kingdom Trails in East Burke ✮ Walk around Woodstock, one of New England's prettiest towns
For a comprehensive travel guide to Vermont, click here. VIRGINIAHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Virginia: ✮ Ride the rollercoasters at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg ✮ Visit one or several of Virginia's 300+ wineries ✮ Take a guided tour of Thomas Jefferson's estate/gardens at Monticello in Charlottesville ✮ Walk around Arlington National Cemetery and see the Tomb of the Unknown Solider ✮ Engage in history at Colonial Williamsburg ✮ Cycle the famous Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park ("W&OD") ✮ Go underground in one of Virginia's show caves (e.g. Luray Caverns) ✮ Hit the beach at Virginia Beach or Assateague Beach ✮ Drive a portion (or all) of the Skyline Drive and/or Blue Ridge Parkway ✮ Spend a day (or two) at Water Country USA, one of the very best water parks in the U.S.
For a comprehensive travel guide to Virginia, click here. WASHINGTONHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Washington: ✮ Explore the Paradise area of Mount Rainer National Park, preferably on foot on a clear and sunny day when the mountain is visible ✮ Spend a few days and nights exploring Seattle, one of the top tourist cities in the U.S. ✮ Stay in or near Port Townsend and explore the diverse terrain of Olympic National Park (e.g. mountains, beaches, rainforest, hot springs, etc.) ✮ Go on an orca/killer whale-watching boat tour around the San Juan Islands ✮ Visit some of Washington's world-class waterfalls (e.g. Snoqualmie Falls, Palouse Falls, Panther Creek Falls, etc.) ✮ Shop at one of the U.S.'s most famous public marketplaces at Pike Place Market in Seattle ✮ See the most active volcano in the continental U.S. at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument ✮ Marvel at the stunning art of the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum in Seattle ✮ Visit the lovely Bavarian village of Leavenworth and take a hike in the nearby mountains while you're there ✮ Catch a concert at the outstanding outdoor Gorge Amphitheater in George
For a comprehensive travel guide to Washington, click here. WASHINGTON D.C.Here are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Washington D.C.: ✮ Visit several of the amazing Smithsonian museums ✮ Go hiking in Rock Creek Park ✮ Walk around the National Mall area to see all its famous memorials ✮ Visit the city during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival (typically late-March to mid-April) ✮ Take a day trip to Virginia and visit some of the great attractions just over the border ✮ See the White House (and comment on how much smaller it is in person, just like everyone else does) ✮ Visit the Georgetown neighborhood to shop at boutique stores and eat at fine restaurants ✮ Hop on an elevator to the top of the Washington Monument (timed tickets are required) ✮ Take a tour of the Library of Congress ✮ Walk the grounds of the United States National Arboretum For a comprehensive travel guide to Washington D.C., click here. WEST VIRGINIAHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in West Virginia: ✮ Cycle the Greenbrier River Trail, one of the premier rail trails in the U.S. ✮ Take a scenic rail journey on the Cass Scenic Railroad ✮ Stay at The Greenbrier resort, one of the finest luxury destinations in the U.S. ✮ See the New River Gorge Bridge and consider a guided walk across a platform below the bridge with a company called Bridge Walk ✮ Explore the historic district of Harpers Ferry (and perhaps walk along a portion of the Appalachian Trail while you are there) ✮ Tour a decommissioned prison at West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville ✮ Go whitewater rafting on the Gauley River, one of the most famous rafting trips in the country ✮ Soak in a hot springs bath at Berkeley Springs State Park ✮ Visit some of West Virginia's beautiful waterfalls (e.g. Blackwater Falls, Falls of Hills Creek, etc.) ✮ Experience the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, one of the finest wilderness areas on the East Coast For a comprehensive travel guide to West Virginia, click here. WISCONSINHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Wisconsin: ✮ Enjoy one (or several) of the indoor and outdoor water parks in Wisconsin Dells, the water park capital of the world (there are more than 20!) ✮ Explore the city of Madison on foot; it's a foodie heaven and one of the best and most walkable mid-sized cities in the U.S. ✮ Spend time enjoying the towns, parks, shorelines, and other attractions of the Door County peninsula, known as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest" ✮ Be amazed by the quirky collections at House on the Rock, one of the largest private collection museums in the U.S. ✮ Go for a hike in Devil's Lake State Park ✮ Drink tons of beer and eat lots of cheese! There are literally hundreds of breweries in Wisconsin along with many large and small cheese shops ✮ Catch a Green Bay Packers football game at legendary Lambeau Field ✮ Cycle the excellent Elroy-Sparta State Trail (bring a headlamp for its 3 tunnels) ✮ Take a guided tour of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright's home, studio, and school at Taliesin in Spring Green ✮ Go boating or kayaking in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
For a comprehensive travel guide to Wisconsin, click here. WYOMINGHere are 10 great attractions and/or experiences in Wyoming: ✮ Spend at least 4-5 days exploring the various regions of Yellowstone National Park, one of the premier national parks of the world ✮ Visit the historic town of Cody and enjoy its museums and western-themed attractions ✮ Drive the Beartooth Scenic Byway, a serious contender for the best scenic drive in the lower 48 states ✮ Walk around Devils Tower National Monument in eastern WY; combine this with a trip to the Black Hills region of South Dakota if possible ✮ Backpack into the stunning Wind River Mountains ✮ Head to Jackson for at least 3-4 nights and explore the town, local area, and nearby Grand Teton National Park ✮ Float down the Snake River near Jackson ✮ Visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West museum in Cody ✮ Hit the slopes at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village ✮ Attend the nightly rodeo at Cody Nite Rodeo in Cody
For a comprehensive travel guide to Wyoming, click here. ROAD TRIP GUIDEBOOKSIn addition to the information found on my website, I personally recommend purchasing these road trip/travel-related guidebooks. Click on any book cover to read reviews and/or purchase these books on Amazon.com.  
 
 
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