50 Things To Do in All 50 States

7/30/2020

Everything from national monuments to amusement parks, here is some inspiration for a trip anywhere in the U.S.!

Alabama- U.S. Space & Rocket Center

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is a museum in Huntsville, Alabama, that showcases rockets, achievements, simulators, hands-on exhibits, and artifacts of the U.S. space program. It is a great way to learn about space in a town that has embraced the space program from the very beginning. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center has one of the most extensive collections of space artifacts and displays more than 1500 pieces. It is a great place for adults and children fascinated by outer space!

Alaska- Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a mecca for wildlife enthusiasts who wish to explore some of America’s untamed wilderness. It boasts miles of hiking trails with beautiful wildflowers. Visitors may also catch a glimpse of wildlife, including moose, caribou, and mountain goats. Private cars are allowed for the first leg of the 90-mile Denali Park road, after which you’ll take a tour bus farther into the park. Denali is a must-see when visiting Alaska.

Arizona- Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River. It stretches 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and attains a depth of over a mile. This western national park brings in about 5 million visitors from around the world each year. Aside from casual sightseeing from the South Rim, rafting, hiking, running, and helicopter tours are popular ways to view the area.

Arkansas- Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park is an American national park in central Garland County, Arkansas, adjacent to the city of Hot Springs. The hot spring water has been popularly believed for centuries to possess medicinal properties, and was a subject of legend among several Native American tribes. Following federal protection in 1832, the city developed into a successful spa town.

California- Disneyland

Of course we has to choose "The Happiest Place on Earth" as our top pick in California! A trip to Disneyland is the perfect spot for a memorable family vacation. Visit all of your favorite characters and experience the magic of Disney everywhere you turn! Take away the stress and leave the planning to us, one of our Travel Consultants can plan your perfect Disney vacation of your dreams.

Colorado- Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak is the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, in North America. The ultra-prominent 14,115-foot fourteener is located in Pike National Forest, 12 miles west of downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado. This is a great stop to combine with a trip to Colorado Springs!

Connecticut- Revolutionary War Tours

There are many ways to explore the Revolutionary War in Connecticut, which was nicknamed The Provision State by Gen. George Washington for its ability to supply the war effort with food, munitions and manufactured goods. Throughout the state there are many guided tours, museums, and historical battlefields. If you are a Revolutionary War buff, Connecticut should be at the top of your bucket list!

Delaware- Cape Henlopen State Park

If you're looking for a place with a little bit of everything to do, Cape Henlopen in Lewes, Delaware, is the perfect spot! From beaches and hiking trails to museums and historical areas, there is something for everyone here. Stop by the newly-renovated Seaside Nature Center to see stingrays, horseshoe crabs as well as local fish. You can also camp on the campgrounds or in cabins right in the state park! There are so many places at Cape Henlopen for nature loves to explore.

Florida- Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort, commonly known as Universal Orlando, is a theme park and entertainment resort complex based in Orlando, Florida. Universal Orlando consists of two theme parks (Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure), a water park, a night-time entertainment complex, and MORE! Movie and TV lovers can experience their favorites in a whole new way at Universal's themed areas and attractions based on the film industry.

Georgia- Centennial Olympic Park

Home to the 1996 Olympics, Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia, offers a variety of attractions and events throughout the year that are must-sees. The park is also surrounded by many major Atlanta Landmarks; the Georgia World Congress Center, College Football Hall of Fame, State Farm Arena, the CNN Center, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Georgia Aquarium, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the World of Coca-Cola. All of these attractions make Atlanta the perfect spot for a long-weekend getaway!

Hawaii- Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Besides the stunning and relaxing beaches, a must-see in Hawaii is Pearl Harbor National Museum. At the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, learn about one of the most pivotal moments in US history: the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the subsequent entry of the United States into World War II. Accessible only by boat, it straddles the sunken hull of the battleship without touching it. This needs to be a stop on your future vacation in Hawaii!

Idaho- Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a U.S. national monument and national preserve in the Snake River Plain in central Idaho. This area is is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. In 1969, Apollo astronauts actually visited the preserve and studied its topography as part of their preparation for going into space. To this day, permits can still be obtained to conduct scientific research in the park. If you want to experience outer space right here in the U.S., this is the place to go!

Illinois- Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, located in the Streeterville neighborhood of the Near North Side community area in Chicago, Illinois. Navy Pier is the place to go in Chicago for events, free public programs, attractions, culture, dining, shopping and more. It's where fun lives large, whether you're a visitor or local, with family or friends.

Indiana- Holiday World & Splashin' Safari

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari is a combination theme park and water park located in Santa Claus, Indiana. The theme park is divided into four sections that celebrate Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July with rides, live entertainment, games, and attractions. This family-friendly theme park is a great spot for a fun-packed weekend!

Iowa- Amana Colonies

The Amana Colonies are seven villages on 26,000 acres located in Iowa County in east-central Iowa. The villages were built and settled by German Pietists in 1856. You’ll find a wide variety of activities to do in the Amana Colonies. You can be transported back to these times while learning about the history of the colonires through visiting museums, attending events and festivals, and trying traditional fare at local restaurants.

Kansas- Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark

Monument Rocks are a series of large chalk formations in Gove County, Kansas, rich in fossils. The chalk formations reach a height of up to 70 ft and include formations such as buttes and arches. Some of the formations have been given nicknames from what they are shaped like, such as "Charlie the dog" and "Eye of the needle".

Kentucky- Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs, located on Central Avenue in south Louisville, Kentucky, United States, is a Thoroughbred racetrack most famous for annually hosting the Kentucky Derby. It officially opened in 1875 and was named for Samuel Churchill, whose family was prominent in Kentucky for many years. This is a great stop during a trip to Louisville to see the tradition of horse racing come to life.

Louisiana- French Quarter

The French Quarter is New Orleans' historic heart, famous for its vibrant nightlife and colorful buildings with cast-iron balconies. Crowd-pleasing Bourbon Street features jazz clubs, Cajun eateries and raucous bars serving potent cocktails. Quieter streets lead to the French Market, with gourmet food and local crafts, and to Jackson Square where street performers entertain in front of soaring St. Louis Cathedral.

Maine- Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a 47,000-acre Atlantic coast recreation area primarily on Maine's Mount Desert Island. Its landscape is marked by woodland, rocky beaches and glacier-scoured granite peaks such as Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the United States’ East Coast. Among the wildlife are moose, bear, whales and seabirds. The bayside town of Bar Harbor, with restaurants and shops, is a popular gateway to combine with a visit to Acadia.

Maryland- Great Falls

Great Falls is a series of rapids and waterfalls on the Potomac River, 14 miles upstream from Washington, D.C., on the border of Montgomery County, Maryland and Fairfax County, Virginia. The natural beauty of Great Falls is unmatched with its series of steep, jagged rocks that flow through the narrow Mather Gorge. The park's close proximity to downtown Washington, DC make it a prime place to visit and it is very popular with local residents and tourists.

Massachusetts- Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long path through downtown Boston, Massachusetts, that passes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States. Marked largely with brick, it winds between Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. Perfect for U.S. history lovers, visiting the Freedom Trail is a great day trip on an east coast vacation or trip to Boston!

Michigan- Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island sits in Lake Huron, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. Mackinac Island State Park, with trails, woods and the limestone Arch Rock formation, covers most of the island. Founded in 1780, Fort Mackinac is a walled cluster of military buildings on a coastal bluff. The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum has local works, including Native American art, maps and 19th-century photos.

Minnesota- Minnehaha Falls

Minnehaha Falls is located in Minnehaha Park, a city park in Minneapolis. The park includes picnic areas, trails, sculpture and the 53 foot falls. In the winter, the falls freeze, creating a dramatic cascade of ice that can last well into the spring. The Minnehaha Falls are located close to St. Anthony's Falls and Hidden Falls, which combined is a gorgeous road trip, filled with stunning waterfalls.

Mississippi- Vicksburg National Military Park

Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the site of the American Civil War Battle of Vicksburg, waged from March 29 to July 4, 1863. The park, located in Vicksburg, Mississippi, also commemorates the greater Vicksburg Campaign which led up to the battle.Visit 1,325 historic monuments and markers, 20 miles of reconstructed trenches and earthworks, a 16 mile tour road, antebellum home, 144 emplaced cannon, restored Union gunboat-USS Cairo, and the Vicksburg National Cemetery.

Missouri- Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City is an amusement park in the U.S. state of Missouri. Opened on May 1, 1960, the park is located between Branson and Branson West off of Missouri Route 76 on the Indian Point peninsula of Table Rock Lake. All of those attractions combined make for the perfect family getaway that is close to home!

Montana- Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a 1,583-sq.-mi. wilderness area in Montana's Rocky Mountains, with glacier-carved peaks and valleys running to the Canadian border. It's crossed by the mountainous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Among more than 700 miles of hiking trails, it has a route to photogenic Hidden Lake. Other activities include backpacking, cycling and camping. Diverse wildlife ranges from mountain goats to grizzly bears.

Nebraska- Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

The Omaha zoo redefines the term “zoo” by dedicating resources to saving and protecting species around the world. Outside of a world-renowned conservation program, Omaha’s Zoo offers a variety of travel-worthy experiences. Walk through the world’s largest indoor desert and the largest indoor rainforest in North America. Explore exotic locations and underground caves to see thousands of animals from across the globe in their natural habitat. With more than 7 acres of indoor exhibits, Omaha’s Zoo is a year-round must-do.

Nevada- Las Vegas Strip

Lined with upscale casino hotels, the neon-soaked Strip is quintessential Las Vegas. As well as gambling floors, the vast hotel complexes house a variety of shops, restaurants (ranging from mainstream to high-end), and performance venues for music, comedy and circus-style acts. Attractions like the soaring, choreographed Fountains of Bellagio and the High Roller observation wheel draw crowds.

New Hampshire- Mount Washington

Mount Washington, called Agiocochook by some Native American tribes, is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288.2 ft and the most topographically prominent mountain east of the Mississippi River. The mountain is notorious for its erratic weather. Today its summit, a State Park, is visited by over a quarter of a million people from all over the world each year. From there, on a clear day, it's often possible to see into five states - New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts and New York - even into Canada.

New Jersey- Liberty State Park

Liberty State Park is a park in the U.S. state of New Jersey, located on Upper New York Bay in Jersey City, opposite both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Liberty State Park offers unparalleled views of Manhattan's skyline, making it a popular New Jersey destination, drawing millions of visitors every year.

New Mexico- White Sands National Park

White Sands National Monument is in the northern Chihuahuan Desert in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It's known for its dramatic landscape of rare white gypsum sand dunes. Trails through the dunes include the raised Interdune Boardwalk and the Dune Life Nature Trail, dotted with interpretive exhibits on wildlife and other features. Dunes Drive is a looped road from the White Sands Visitor Center to the dune field.

New York- Central Park

Central Park is an urban park in New York City located between the Upper West and Upper East Sides of Manhattan. It is the most visited urban park in the United States with an estimated 38 million visitors annually, and is the most filmed location in the world. Main attractions include landscapes such as the Ramble and Lake, Hallett Nature Sanctuary, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and Sheep Meadow; amusement attractions such as Wollman Rink, Central Park Carousel, and the Central Park Zoo. Recreational activities include carriage-horse and bicycle tours, bicycling, sports facilities, and concerts and events such as Shakespeare in the Park.

North Carolina- Biltmore

Biltmore Estate is a historic house museum and tourist attraction in Asheville, North Carolina. Still owned by George Vanderbilt's descendants, it remains one of the most prominent examples of Gilded Age mansions. The summer is the best time to visit, with exhibits such as Downton Abbey: The Exhibition and Biltmore Gardens Railway to longer hours for America’s Largest Home, the glorious gardens and grounds, outdoor adventures, and complimentary wine tastings.

North Dakota- Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park lies in western North Dakota, where the Great Plains meet the rugged Badlands. A habitat for bison, elk and prairie dogs, the sprawling park has 3 sections linked by the Little Missouri River. The park is known for the South Unit’s colorful Painted Canyon and the Maltese Cross Cabin, where President Roosevelt once lived. The Scenic Loop Drive winds past several overlooks and trails.

Ohio- Cedar Point

Cedar Point is an amusement park located on a Lake Erie peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio. Opened in the late-1800s, it is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the United States. The park features a world-record 71 rides, including 17 roller coasters – the second-most in the world. Cedar Point's normal operating season runs from early May until Labor Day in September. The park then reopens only on weekends until the end of October or early November for a Halloween-themed event known as HalloWeekends.

Oklahoma- Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Chickasaw National Recreation Area is a National Recreation Area situated in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains in south-central Oklahoma near Sulphur in Murray County. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area preserves partially forested hills of south-central Oklahoma near Sulphur. The park's springs, streams, and lakes provide opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, camping, and hiking, among other activities.

Oregon- Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is in the Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon. It’s known for its namesake Crater Lake, formed by the now-collapsed volcano, Mount Mazama. Wizard Island is a cinder cone near the western edge of the lake. The Rim Drive, a road surrounding the lake, offers views of the park’s volcanic formations. The park’s numerous trails include Sun Notch, with views of the Phantom Ship, a small island.

Pennsylvania- Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American independence, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Once placed in the steeple of the Pennsylvania State House, the bell today is located in the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park. The bell first cracked when rung after its arrival in Philadelphia, and was twice recast by local workmen. In its early years, the bell was used to summon lawmakers to legislative sessions and to alert citizens about public meetings and proclamations.

Rhode Island- Newport Vineyards

A great stop on your New England getaway, Newport Vineyards is a beverage and culinary destination that blends together award-winning wine, fresh craft beer, farm to table dining experiences and unique events situated on over 100-acres of preserved farmland. Experience a touch of Napa just minutes from Newport, RI.

South Carolina- Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, a city and vacation resort on South Carolina’s Atlantic coast, is the hub of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile string of beaches. It’s also known for its celebrity-designed golf courses. Along its beachfront boardwalk are arcades, souvenir stands and restaurants, as well as the old-fashioned Family Kingdom amusement park and the SkyWheel, one of the country’s tallest Ferris wheels.

South Dakota- Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a massive sculpture carved into Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. Completed in 1941 under the direction of Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln, the sculpture's roughly 60-ft.-high granite faces depict U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. The site also features a museum with interactive exhibits.

Tennessee- Beale Street

Beale Street, also known as "The House of Blues" and "America's Most Iconic Street" is a Memphis hot spot lined with restaurants, shops, and bars full of entertainment. It is a significant location in the city's history, as well as in the history of blues music. Festivals and outdoor concerts frequently bring large crowds to the street and its surrounding areas.

Texas- The Alamo

The Alamo Mission in San Antonio, commonly called The Alamo and originally known as the Misión San Antonio de Valero, is a historic Spanish mission and fortress compound founded in the 18th century by Roman Catholic missionaries in what is now San Antonio, Texas. It was the site of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Today it is a museum in the Alamo Plaza Historic District and a part of the San Antonio Missions World Heritage Site.

Utah- Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a southwest Utah nature preserve distinguished by Zion Canyon’s steep red cliffs. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive cuts through its main section, leading to forest trails along the Virgin River. The river flows to the Emerald Pools, which have waterfalls and a hanging garden. Also along the river, partly through deep chasms, is Zion Narrows wading hike.

Vermont- Killington Ski Area

Killington Mountain Resort & Ski Area is a ski resort in the northeast United States, near Killington, Vermont. It is the largest ski area in the eastern U.S., and has the largest vertical drop in New England at 3,050 feet. Starting in the 2013–14 ski season, it was given the title "Beast of the East." Thrill seekers and ski enthusiasts need to check out this area for beautiful views and amazing ski trails.

Virginia- Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park extends along the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. The Skyline Drive runs its length, and a vast network of trails includes a section of the long-distance Appalachian Trail. Mostly forested, the park features wetlands, waterfalls and rocky peaks like Hawksbill and Old Rag mountains. Shenandoah is home to many bird species, plus deer, squirrels and the elusive black bear.

Washington- Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is a public market in Seattle, Washington. It opened in 1907 and is one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers' markets in the United States. Overlooking the Elliott Bay waterfront on Puget Sound, it serves as a place of business for many small farmers, craftspeople and merchants. Pike Place Market is Seattle's most popular tourist destination and the 33rd most visited tourist attraction in the world, with more than 10 million annual visitors.

West Virginia- New River Gorge National River

The New River Gorge National River is a unit of the United States National Park Service designed to protect and maintain the New River Gorge in southern West Virginia. The park is rich in cultural and natural history and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities. New River Gorge is also home to some of the country's best whitewater rafting. It is also one of the most popular climbing areas on the east coast with over 1,400 established rock climbs.

Wisconsin- Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells takes its name from the Dells of the Wisconsin River, a scenic, glacially formed gorge that features striking sandstone formations along the banks of the Wisconsin River. Together with the nearby village of Lake Delton, the city forms an area known as "the Dells", a popular Midwestern tourist destination because of the beautiful natural scenery.

Wyoming- Old Faithful

Old Faithful is a cone geyser located in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. It is a highly predictable geothermal feature, and has erupted every 44 minutes to two hours since 2000. Old Faithful can vary in height from 100-180 feet with an average near 130-140 feet. This has been the historical range of its recorded height. Eruptions normally last between 1.5 to 5 minutes.

Feeling inspired for your next trip? Contact Brentwood Travel to start planning your U.S. vacation today! Call 314-439-5700 or email us!

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