The Best Vacation Spot In Each US State, According To Travelers

Looking at the top spots in each state shows just how incredibly megadiverse this large country is. From great cities to quaint towns, from geysers to canyons to beaches to skyscrapers, "from the mountains to the prairies to the oceans white with foam," America contains untold treasures. Here are the top ones in each state, as informed by traveler recommendations, bloggers, and first-hand experience.

When looking for the top spot in the state, we try to find places that offer as much as possible to as many different types of travelers as possible. Gulf Shores, a resort community nestled along the turquoise shores of the Gulf of Mexico, aces this requirement. It offers 32 miles of pristine white sand and turquoise beaches, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, two theme parks, 16 golf courses, ample shopping, and exquisite seafood restaurants like Tacky Jacks, the Flora Bama Lounge, Hangout, and the Pick Pony Pub.

Marvel at the majesty of North America's tallest mountain, surrounded by an endless expanse of pristine forest, glaciers, moose, caribou, and epic hikes. Depending on the season, this thrilling expanse can be enjoyed via a backcountry hike, an official park tour, or a "flightseeing" plane or helicopter tour offering terrific wildlife and mountain views. You can also explore Denali National Park by guided raft tours, an ATV or Jeep tour, or, of course, a sled pulled by husky dogs. Remote as it is, the park offers plenty of hotels, cabins, and restaurants.

The 1.2 million-acre expanse of fiery red cliffs and chasms is not just Arizona's best attraction — it's one of the official Seven Wonders of the World. Take in the incomparable views from several viewpoints, including the Grand Canyon Skywalk or Ooh Aah Point. Traverse Grand Canyon trails like Bright Angel or Hermit – on your feet or atop a mule – or get the ultimate view from a guided helicopter tour. At the bottom, inviting cabins beckon.

The charming, historic city of Hot Springs boasts eight geothermal baths housed in historic buildings along its famed Bathhouse Row. Duck inside as many as you can for beautiful architecture, fascinating history, and of course, hot tubs and spa treatments. Bathhouse Row is part of Hot Springs National Park, the first spot set aside by the federal government for recreation. Surrounding Hot Springs is Lake Ouachita State Park, with more than 40,000 acres of lakes, rivers, and forests, Garvan Woodland Gardens botanical gardens, and much more.

This impossibly beautiful, culturally rich, and iconic city is surrounded by an ocean, mountains, and redwood forest. Take in jaw-dropping views and Victorian architecture from an iconic cable car, the top of the Coit Tower, by boat, or one of the many hilly parks. Enjoy some of the world's best Asian food in the country's oldest Chinatown. And of course, walk or bike across the incomparable Golden Gate Bridge for views of the city, bay, open ocean, and mountains of the Marin Headlands.

Say "Colorado" to just about anyone in the world, and only one thing will come to mind: the Rockies. This 415-square-mile national park is full of unbelievable mountains, meadows, lakes, and forests. Visitors can hike along Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the U.S. National Park System, or along popular trails like Alpine Ridge, Gem Lake, and Bear Lake. Visitors can also enjoy numerous waterfalls like Alberta Falls or Chasm Falls, or head to Moraine Park to see herds of elk.

This charming town on the Long Island Sound is beloved for its quaint New England downtown, which is home to the iconic pizzeria that lent its name to the 1988 Julia Roberts film. The Mystic Seaport Museum is an interactive dive into New England maritime history with a historic village and working marina, while the nearby Mystic Aquarium is home to thousands of marine species. In the summer, more water awaits at the lovely Bluff Point State Park, where forest trails meet beautiful beaches.

About 2.5 hours from our nation's capital lies Rehoboth Beach, our "Nation's Summer Capital." The destination offers miles of beautiful beaches and a classic boardwalk lined with ice cream and onion rings, arcades, and Funland, an amusement park whose name says it all. Surrounding the beach and boardwalk are Jungle Jim's Waterpark, the colorful Penny Lane open-air mall, and acres of pine forest and wetlands of Cape Henlopen State Park and Delaware Seashore State Park.

Siesta Key is pure Florida: white sand, turquoise waters, and coral reefs. Regularly voted one of the top beaches in the country and world, Siesta Key offers ample opportunities for swimming, sailing, parasailing, kayaking, jet skiing, kiteboarding, wakeboarding, waterboarding, or fishing. Head down to Patriot's Pier to catch a boat cruise or simply to take in a fiery Gulf sunset. Explore the island via an e-bike tour or the Siesta Key Breeze Trolley, which stops through the charming shops and restaurants of Siesta Key Village.

With cobblestone streets leading to ornate fountains and rambling Spanish moss trees fawning over exquisitely preserved colonial homes, Savannah is one of the country's most beautiful and bewitching cities. You can get on an old trolley at night through a cemetery to hear ghost stories. Stroll through the incomparable Forsyth Park before heading to quaint shops on Broughton Street. Then head to River Street for a riverboat cruise. Twenty-five minutes east lies Tybee Island, a brightly-colored beach town perfect for carefree beach fun.

Claiming the crown of Hawaii's most beautiful island is somewhat akin to being crowned Miss Universe: Winning means you're among the most beautiful in the universe. Kauai, or the Garden Isle, is a paradise of towering, jagged mountains plunging into turquoise water. The list of attractions is endless, but visitors particularly enjoy the 17-mile expanse of towering cliffs along the Napali Coast and its challenging Kalalau Trail; Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific;" and too many perfect tropical beaches to list here.

Sun Valley is more than just a world-renowned ski resort, though that can't be ignored: the famed Sun Valley Resort was America's first destination ski resort, and it boasts the country's first chairlift. But once the snow clears, the rugged mountain landscape is perfect for hiking, rafting, golfing, fly fishing, horseback riding, or swimming. At night, marvel at the universe at America's first Dark Sky Reserve, and when the sun rises, entertain yourself with over 50 restaurants and shops in Sun Valley and Ketchum. No wonder Ernest Hemingway loved it here.

This booming Alpha City along the shores of Lake Michigan has everything, from towering skyscrapers overlooking world-class shopping and dining to charming, diverse neighborhoods full of local character. At Millennium Park, take in the grandeur of the iconic Chicago skyline and gaze at fountains, Lake Michigan, or a giant glass "Bean." Ogle priceless art at the Art Institute of Chicago. Jog along Lake Shore Drive. Ride a Ferris wheel at Navy Pier. Or, simply stroll through charming neighborhoods like Logan Square, Hyde Park, and the Gold Coast.

For a quieter side of Lake Michigan, head about an hour southeast of Chicago to 15,000 acres of peaceful beaches, dunes, forests, and trails. Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park offer swimming, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and more. Don't miss the Paul H. Douglas Trail, West Beach, Portage Beach, and over 60 historic structures, including five houses transported from the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. Nearby Chesterton is a charming town full of galleries, theaters, shops, restaurants, and spas.

Iowa may bring to mind amber waves of grain, but it's also home to the Iowa Great Lakes, a chain of seven glacial lakes that boast some of the clearest, bluest water in the world. The best known is West Okoboji Lake, a wholesome paradise of swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and much more. Once guests dry off, they can enjoy lakeside concerts and fireworks, Arnolds Amusement Park, and the town of Okoboji's numerous theaters, museums, restaurants, hotels, and cabins.

To see why Kansas is called the Prairie State, head to Flint Hills Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, the most dense, intact tallgrass prairie in North America. Although its 11,000 acres may be just a tiny fraction of the 170 million acres once covered by tallgrass, that still leaves plenty of space to hike and marvel at bison on a ranger-guided tour. Each June, enjoy Symphony in the Flint Hills, complete with cowboy tunes from the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra, guided prairie walks, covered wagon rides, stargazing, and dancing.

Deep under Kentucky lies Mammoth Cave National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve that's home to 400 miles of mapped caves. Tours are offered at all levels, from a 10-minute stroll to the six-hour Wild Cave Tour, which is only recommended to experienced spelunkers. Venture above ground to enjoy nearly 53,000 rolling, wooden acres of lush forest and riverways, perfect for hiking, canoeing, camping, and more. Nearby Cave City boasts attractions like Dinosaur World and Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo.

The Big Easy was an easy choice. This steamy city is steeped in jazz, joie de vivre, and a certain je ne sais quoi, to quote its French founders. On that note, the world-famous French Quarter boasts some of the country's best restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. The Bourbon Street bacchanal may not be for everyone, but that's just a fraction of what's on offer. Take a streetcar through the Garden District's grand old homes, salivate over Café du Monde beignets, or enjoy a Mississippi River steamboat cruise.

This picture-perfect Maine village is nestled amid the staggering rocky coast and towering mountains of Acadia National Park's Mount Desert Island. Start your day by viewing one of America's first sunrises, whether from the summit of Cadillac Mountain or the town's scenic Shore Path. Then spend the day driving the 27-mile Park Loop Road atop the cliffs of Mount Desert Island or aboard a whale watch or puffin cruise. Return home to a lobster dinner in the cozy, wood-paneled tavern or B & B dining room.

Like Rehoboth Beach, Ocean City offers a beautiful beachside boardwalk full of restaurants, hotels, amusement parks, and more. Take in sun and sand at the 10-mile beach, or stroll along the iconic boardwalk to check out spots like Candy Kitchen, Dumser's Dairyland, or authentic Maryland crabs at Crab Alley and On The Bay Seafood. Get wild at Trimper Rides and Amusement Park, the Jolly Roger, or Seacrets restaurant and nightclub. Or, see the wild horses at nearby Assateague Island National Seashore.

New England summers are glorious, and there's nowhere better to spend them than Martha's Vineyard, an exceptionally beautiful resort island just south of Cape Cod. First and foremost, enjoy incredible beaches, dunes, and wetland preserves, from the crashing waves of South Beach to the towering clay cliffs of Aquinnah. The Vineyard also contains six towns, which all boast handsome, historic architecture, notably the storybook "Gingerbread Houses" of Oak Bluffs; delectable seafood restaurants; and resplendent hotels and palatial waterfront estates.

The iconic Mackinac Island, where some local Native American tribes believe the Earth was created, boasts seemingly everything except cars. It is a delightful mix of history, nature, relaxation, and of course, fudge. Mackinac Island has long been called the "Fudge Capital of the World," and its 13 fudge shops produce up to 10,000 pounds of fudge daily in peak season. To work that off, consider biking around the island or kayaking around the bluffs. Then, take a horse and buggy ride back to the iconic Grand Hotel for some elegant afternoon tea.

Take this "All-American Road" through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Great Lakes. Highway 61 hugs Lake Superior for 145 miles, from Duluth to Grand Portage State Park, passing through stunning lakeside forests and towns. There are endless attractions along the way, from lava rocks at Artists' Point and hawks at Hawk Ridge to waterfalls at Cascade River State Park, Gooseberry Falls State Park, and Grand Portage State Park, which contains the Falls of the Pigeon River, the tallest waterfall in Minnesota.

Biloxi is a fun-loving beach city known for being the original "Seafood Capital of the World," with amazing casinos to boot. Stay in one of its famed casino resorts, like the Beau Rivage or the Hard Rock Hotel. From there, lounge on the famous Biloxi Beach, and make sure to venture to the landmark Biloxi Lighthouse. Explore the turquoise Gulf waters through a ride on the Betsy Ann Riverboat, a guided shrimping trip, or a day trip to pristine Ship Island or the Davis Bayou Area Gulf Islands.

Branson may take the cake for offering the most unique set of attractions, from a Bigfoot theme park and dinner horse show by Dolly Parton to a virtual reality museum. Hold onto your hats at Wonderworks, an upside-down house, and hold on tight at Titanic Branson, a full-size replica of the ill-fated ship. Branson is particularly famed for its numerous theme parks, like Silver Dollar City and Shepherd of the Hills, as well as its endless array of concerts and theater productions.

Glacier National Park is a staggeringly beautiful outdoor paradise, offering a bewitching array of mountains, lakes, meadows, and free-ranging moose, bears, goats, and bighorn sheep. As its name suggests, the million-acre park contains 25 active glaciers. Most notably, the iconic Grinnell Glacier is perched at 1,600 feet and accessible by a five-mile hike. Many of the park's top sites can be viewed by traveling along the epic Going to the Sun Road, which traverses through lakes, waterfalls, cedar forests, and alpine peaks.

From February to April each year, about a half million sandhill cranes descend on Kearney, Nebraska for migration, the single largest gathering in the world. To experience this magic, head to one of the many viewing decks. Ft. Kearny State Recreation Area offers excellent views from its Trail Bridge. The Crane Trust in Wood River offers a VIP experience with an overnight stay in their cottages and suites, as well as a guided tour from the comfort of viewing blinds.

"Sin City" is one of the world's foremost entertainment capitals, boasting large, opulent casinos with equally opulent restaurants, suites, and shows. Stroll down the famous Strip and marvel at the eclectic mix of towering resorts, from the dancing fountains of the Bellagio to the faux NYC skyline of New York New York. One of the Strip's newest additions is the 366-foot-tall Sphere, a spherical concert hall with LED lights that can turn it from a freakishly realistic eyeball to an emoji in a split second.

Like Colorado, New Hampshire is arguably best known for its mountains. Hit the slopes at resorts like Attitash, Waterville Valley, and Bretton Woods. In the summer, hike Sugarloaf Mountain, Franconia Notch, or for the ambitious, Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. If you're not up to the 6,300-foot hike, drive or take the Mt. Washington Cog Railway. Kids will love nearby theme parks like Santa's Village and Storyland, while parents will love the excellent shopping and dining of North Conway.

The endless attractions of the Jersey Shore culminate in Cape May, the "Nation's Oldest Seashore Resort" located at the Garden State's southern tip. That seashore consists of 30 miles of beaches, the beautiful Cape May Lighthouse, and South Cape May Meadows, a 200-acre haven for migratory birds. Dry off and enjoy cozy bed and breakfasts, grand beachfront resorts, the well-preserved Victorian storefronts at Washington Street Mall, and delectable restaurants like Tisha's Fine Dining, Beach Plum Farm Kitchen, and the Lobster House.

Santa Fe is a fitting capital for the Land of Enchantment. The "City Different" is an extraordinary combination of centuries-old Pueblo adobe architecture and cutting-edge art and museums, all surrounded by stunning desert scenery. Santa Fe Plaza, the hub of the city since 1610, is home to numerous concerts, festivals, and vendors selling beautiful Indigenous art. Nearby, Canyon Road features more than 80 art galleries, and fans of more avant-garde art will enjoy Meow Wolf, a 20,000-square-foot psychedelic and immersive art experience.

Where to start with the Big Apple, often called the Capital of the World? Whatever you're looking for — including peaceful nature — you can find when visiting one of the world's most exciting, glamorous cities. For just a tiny fraction of all on offer, stroll around Central Park, see a Broadway show, go to the top of the Empire State Building, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, and take a boat ride to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Let your spirits soar in the spot where the first plane took flight. The Outer Banks is a 200-mile strip of pristine beaches lining the North Carolina coast. Don't miss Kitty Hawk, where the Wright Brothers' plane took off, and then hang glide at Jockey's Ridge State Park. Go further back in time by visiting "The Lost Colony," a costume drama detailing the failed colony at Roanoke. The Outer Banks also features numerous beaches, lighthouses, harbors, the wild horses of Carova and Ocracoke, adorable inns, and restaurants.

Teddy Roosevelt would be happy to see that his beloved "badlands" are not much different than they were when he galloped through them. You can even still visit the Maltese Cross Cabin where he stayed. The best way to catch the whole park is the 36-mile Scenic Loop Drive, which leads to numerous trails. Don't miss incredible views from Painted Canyon, Wind Canyon, or Riverbend Overlook — all stunning expanses of rock, river, and cliffs dotted with bison, elk, and wild horses.

Hocking Hills Stae Park is a wonderland of protected parks, forests, and nature preserves abounding with caves, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and cliffs. Visitors can stay in treehouses and marvel at a series of towering waterfalls tumbling down rocks into caves and pools, notably the powerful Cedar Falls, the 100-foot-tall Whispering Falls, Ash Cave Falls, and Old Man's Cave Falls. Guests can also swim in Lake Logan, tube down the Hocking River, which hosts a Mega Tube Float each August, or marvel at the whirlpool-like Devil's Bathtub.

Oklahoma's second city abounds in astounding, quirky attractions. Enjoy everything from a zoo, aquarium, and planetarium to a Cave House and mysterious spot called "The Center of the Universe." Visit a museum devoted to Bob Dylan, or marvel at a 21-foot statue of a "Space Cowboy" along Route 66. Tulsa also boasts a thriving arts district, famous recording studios, more than 4,500 acres of wildlife preserve, and several water parks. Center of the universe, indeed.

A quick glance at the sweeping scenery surrounding Cannon Beach will instantly reveal why it was named one of National Geographic's "21 Best Beaches in the World." Massive rock formations like Haystack Rock dot sandy beaches bordered by miles of misty forest and waterfalls. Visitors can hike, surf, light campfires, and watch puffins. But what makes Cannon Beach a true gem is the picture-perfect town, which boasts galleries, breweries, a bookstore, and even a glassblowing studio.

Feel the Brotherly Love in Philadelphia, once America's largest city and capital. American history still reverberates loudly, and the city's most popular attractions include the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Philly pays homage to one of the Declaration's most famous writers and signatories with the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which includes the Philadelphia Museum of Art (home to the famous "Rocky Steps") and the Franklin Institute. But Philadelphia isn't just a history museum — it's a living, working city of restaurants, universities, and urban beaches along a reinvigorated riverfront.

Experience Gilded Age splendor by visiting the resplendent summer "cottages" of 19th-century aristocracy like the Vanderbilts, Astors, and Morgans. In fact, the 70-room Breakers, the 50-room Marble House, and the 40-room Rosecliff are anything but cottages: They are palatial chateaus now open to the public. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful ocean views and opulent palaces along the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk or by driving the 10-mile Ocean Drive. For excellent dining, shopping, and live music, head to the bustling and historic Thames Street.

Whether you're sitting under the gnarled branches of the 500-year-old Angel Oak or strolling along the pastel-colored, 18th-century buildings of Rainbow Row, you'll realize instantly why this sultry city exploding with Southern charm is regularly named the most beautiful in America. Hike the Battery seawall along the coast, or buy hand-woven baskets at the over 200-year-old Charleston City Market. Pose next to the iconic Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park, or relax under the shade of towering magnolias at White Point Garden.

The stern faces of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt gaze upon millions of annual visitors and 1,278 acres of pristine wilderness. Start along the 56 state and territorial flags flying along the Avenue of Flags, then ascend the Presidential Trail for a closeup view of presidential nostrils. Stop by the Sculptors Studio to see where sculptor Gutzon Borglum molded these "presidents," then explore the incredible hiking, caverns, mineral springs, water parks, dinosaur parks, and wild buffalo of the surrounding Black Hills.

Country music wafts out of all corners of Nashville, or "Music City," where you can visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Patsy Cline Museum, the Johnny Cash Museum, the Glen Campbell Museum, and so many more. Music City has just as many spots to enjoy live music, including the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium (which was once home to the Grand Ole Opry), and the Bluebird Café. At night, put on your best dancing boots and bar crawl along Broadway, or the "Honky Tonk Highway."

One of Nashville's few live music competitors is Austin, the "Live Music Capital of the World." The Texas capital people try to "keep weird" buzzes with the artsy vitality of a progressive university town. Check out honky tonk and indie music at iconic Austin music venues like the Broken Spoke and Carousel Lounge, or take a guided tour of the city's many murals. Shop for cowboy boots on South Congress Street, or stock up on barbecue and tacos, the city's specialties, by sampling near-ubiquitous food trucks.

Spectacular caves, canyons, and cliffs await at Zion National Park, the 148,000-acre maze of fiery red wilderness that edges out steep competition as Utah's top attraction. Speaking of steep, be careful of sheer drops like the one along the 1,488-foot Angels Landing, the most dangerous trail in Zion. The park is full of dramatic natural wonders like this. Brave the 1,000-foot-high and 20-foot-wide path of The Narrows, or trek to Zion's bright Emerald Pools and waterfalls.

Whether you're speeding down a slope or licking a Ben & Jerry's ice cream cone at their nearby factory, this magical Vermont village is full of scenic Green Mountain delight. Gaze at ski slopes from the Trapp Family Lodge, founded by the real Von Trapp family of "Sound of Music" fame. Stroll down Stowe's adorable Main Street, with a picturesque white church and shops selling apple cider and maple syrup, or take the Gondola SkyRide cable car up Mt. Mansfield for panoramic area views.

The breathtaking, 105-mile Skyline Drive winds its way through the 500 miles of mountain trails through Shenandoah National Park. Just two hours southwest of Washington, D.C., this bucolic Blue Ridge Mountain paradise of forest and waterfalls offers ample opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, and birding. For a short and easy hike, try Bearfence Mountain, which is just over a mile round-trip and offers panoramic valley views. If you're feeling feistier, try the trails of Stony Man Mountain or Hawksbill Mountain, the two highest in the park.

Just a short trip from the bustle of Seattle are the San Juan Islands, a Pacific Northwest paradise. The archipelago of over 450 islands offers thousands of acres of mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and farms. In busy Friday Harbor, you'll also find galleries, museums, inns, theaters, a sculpture park, and an alpaca farm. The islands offer all types of terrain for hiking and biking, as well as coastlines for kayaking and spotting whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea lions, seals, and more.

Outdoor enthusiasts will understand the true meaning of "Wild, Wonderful West Virginia" at the New River Gorge National Park, known for its world-class rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, once the longest steel arch bridge in the world. The bridge soars over the 73,000-acre gorge created by the snaking New River, surrounded by forest, sandstone cliffs, and numerous trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Daredevils can also walk on the narrow catwalk under the New River Gorge Bridge.

Madison is Wisconsin's vibrant capital known for its thriving, artsy downtown, large university, state capital, world-class cheese and beer, and the five lakes spanning more than 15,000 acres. In the summer, the lakes are great for swimming and camping, and in the winter, they freeze over and numerous carnivals, festivals, and even 5K races are held on top of them. Along State Street near the Capitol, visitors can enjoy hundreds of shops, galleries, restaurants, and the largest producers-only farmers market in the country.

You're truly in the Wild West at Yellowstone. It's America's oldest national park and is known for its jagged cliffs, grizzly bears, buffalo herds, and having more geysers and hot springs than anywhere on Earth. The iconic deep blue, green, and yellow Grand Prismatic Spring is larger than a football field, deeper than a 10-story building, and seemingly brighter than a supernova. Old Faithful earned its name by shooting up to 8400 gallons of water more than 180 feet high, every 90 minutes on the dot.

Choosing the single best spot in any state is a tall task, as different people prefer different things. However, some spots offer something for everyone, mixing awe-inspiring nature with distinct local culture, alongside an indefinable "it" factor. We tried our best to locate these destinations by scouring through Tripadvisor, Reddit, and travel blogs to look for spots that popped up again and again. More often than not, people from all walks of life agreed on these specific state highlights.