The United States is truly an amazing country. There’s just such an incredible diversity of peoples and places that it’s almost always possible to find something exciting around just about any corner. In fact, you’ll find that each state boasts its own unique personality, a lot of which comes from some of the awesome destinations that each contains.
That’s why so many people choose to head out and explore all 50 of the states. There’s just so much to see! But, if you’re going to plan a trip through the United States in order to see it all, what are the places you should make it priority to see? That’s what we’re going to cover below.
On the list that follows, we’ve pulled together our favorite vacation spots in each of the 50 states. To be sure, every single one of these places is awesome. Just the same, we had to pass over countless awesome places in order to arrive at this list. (So, don’t be too upset if your favorite spot didn’t make the cut!)
So, without further ado… Let’s check out the best vacation spots in each of the 50 states!
1. Alabama: The Gulf Shore
The gorgeous beaches along Alabama’s coastline are a pure joy, with plenty of sand and surf to keep everyone happy.
2. Alaska: Anchorage
This city provides the perfect home base for doing everything you’d want to do in Alaska, including hiking, fishing and even checking out glaciers.
3. Arizona: Sedona
If you ask the locals, they’ll tell you that there’s just something special about Sedona, something that touches the soul. We won’t disagree!
4. Arkansas: Ponca
You’ll find this little town up in the Ozarks, and it’s the perfect destination in Arkansas for your outdoorsy types!
5. California: Palm Springs
Forget the urban hustle-bustle of Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego, and instead check out the vacation spot that was good enough for Sinatra.
6. Colorado: Aspen
You definitely want to go to a place where the women (or men) flock to you like the salmon of Capistrano. We’re talking about a little ol’ place called Aspen.
7. Connecticut: Mystic
This quaint village near the border with Rhode Island has plenty to offer, including fine dining, a seaport museum, and an aquarium.
8. Delaware: Rehoboth Beach
One of the hidden beach gems of the East Coast, there’s plenty to see and do at this popular vacation destination.
9. Florida: Sanibel Island
Florida has no shortage of great places to take a vacation, but it’s the laid-back vibe of Sanibel Island that makes it our pick.
10. Georgia: Tybee Island
The gorgeous beaches, bed and breakfasts and southern hospitality are just some of what make this island near Savannah our pick for Georgia.
11. Hawaii: Maui
If we’re being completely honest, you could probably throw a dart at a map of Hawaii and find an ideal vacation spot… But, Maui is our pick.
12. Idaho: Couer d’Alene
The natural beauty of this area is what makes it our pick for Idaho… Oh, and there’s the world famous golf course there too… What’s it called?
13. Illinois: Chicago
This is one of the coolest and most unique cities in the country, and it’s one that everyone should take the time to visit.
14. Indiana: Chesterton
When you stay here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Indiana Dunes Lakeshore, which abuts Lake Michigan.
15. Iowa: Okoboji
You might think that Iowa is just all cornfields, but when you visit this town and its lake, you’ll see Iowa has far more to offer than you initially suspected.
16. Kansas: Monument Rocks
The landscape of Kansas is truly something else, and nowhere is this better on display than here.
17. Kentucky: Louisville
This cultural center has something to offer everyone, from exceptional food to some of the best bluegrass music in the country.
18. Louisiana: New Orleans
There’s not other place in the country that’s like New Orleans, which is why it’s an easy pick for the great state of Louisiana.
19. Maine: Ogunquit
During the summer months, a visit to this small town along the coast is like taking a trip back in time… In a good way!
20. Maryland: St. Michaels
If you really want to get a flavor for the seafood culture of the great state of Maryland, you want to visit this small town.
21. Massachusetts: Nantucket
The grey shake homes and shops that dot the island have a charm all their own, but it’s the gorgeous beaches that really grab at the heart.
22. Michigan: Traverse City
If you think that California’s Wine Country is the only game in town, then think again and book a trip to Traverse City.
23. Minnesota: Grand Marais
This quaint little small town along the northern shore of Minnesota is a sleepy place to relax and also a great hub for outdoor activities.
24. Mississippi: Biloxi
On the same day that you take a boat out and enjoy the water, you can hit up one of Biloxi’s fun casinos at night.
25. Missouri: Lake of the Ozarks
When you really unwind and understand the Midwestern ethic of “going to the lake”, then you go here.
26. Montana: Big Sky
If you’re going to pay a visit to Big Sky Country, then you might as well visit the town from which the name derives!
27. Nebraska: Omaha
No, it’s not just something that Peyton Manning used to yell out before receiving the snap! It’s actually a unique and cool city.
28. Nevada: Lake Tahoe
Sure, you could hit up the casinos of Reno and Las Vegas, but Lake Tahoe is really what Nevada should be known for.
29. New Hampshire: Portsmouth
Situated on what very little shoreline New Hampshire has, Portsmouth is a fun little city with great shops and fun restaurants.
30. New Jersey: Cape May
Forget about the “Jersey Shore” of MTV fame, and instead check out this incredible town during the summer months.
31. New Mexico: Sante Fe
Those who want to see some exceptional art during their U.S. vacation will want to make Santa Fe a stop.
32. New York: Montauk
Out at the edge of Long Island, you’ll find this exquisite town that has an almost haunting quality to it.
33. North Carolina: Corolla
The laid-back vibe of this destination along North Carolina’s Outer Banks is what led to its selection here.
34. North Dakota: Fargo
Forget about the movie and the television show, and instead take a walk back into America’s past by visiting this iconic town.
35. Ohio: Put-In-Bay
You’ll find this delicious island just off the shore of Ohio in Lake Erie, and you’ll likely not want to leave once you get there.
36. Oklahoma: Oklahoma City
A lot of effort has gone into making Oklahoma City an exciting town, and it’s really paid off.
37. Oregon: Portland
It’s a hipster enclave, that’s for sure. However, you’ve got to experience it, sampling all the crazy shops, restaurants and bars while you do!
38. Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh
A lot has changed in Pittsburgh over the past several decades, and you owe it to yourself to see what those changes have been. This city is a real up and comer!
39. Rhode Island: Watch Hill
This small little village that’s just south of Westerly is home to some gorgeous mansions and some of the best beaches in the Northeast.
40. South Carolina: Beaufort
A visit to Beaufort is the closest you can come to getting a feel for what the antebellum south was like.
41. South Dakota: Deadwood
And, if you’ve got a yen for the Old West, then you’ll want to check out Deadwood, which is the closest you can come in the 21st century.
42. Tennessee: Nashville
The very beating heart of country music itself, Nashville is a vibrant city with great music, food and culture.
43. Texas: Marfa
This small little town is a surprise to people who’ve never heard of it before, a strange haven for artists and more.
44. Utah: Moab
In our opinion, Utah is home to the most beautiful landscape in the entire country, and that landscape is on full display in Moab.
45. Vermont: Burlington
Not too far away from the Canadian border, you’ll find this wonderful city that has a culture that’s decidedly its own.
46. Virginia: Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is great, but there’s also the wineries, the food, the museums, and even the amusement parks.
47. Washington: San Juan Islands
If you’re looking to get back to nature during your U.S. vacation, then you can’t do much better than the gorgeous San Juan Islands.
48. West Virginia: Fayetteville
A great hub for those looking for outdoor activities, this city also has plenty to offer itself, from its fun restaurants to its quirky shops.
49. Wisconsin: Bayfield
Those looking to mix their outdoor experiences with some upscale city experiences will find themselves well-served here.
50. Wyoming: Jackson Hole
Incredible mountains, wonderful landscape, and some of the best skiing in the country… What’s not to love? (It is a tad expensive here, though…)
