150+ Ultimate USA Bucket List Destinations: Inspiration for All 50 States

Look, the USA is a huge country. If you’re planning a trip, it can be overwhelming to even know where to begin. There’s just so much to see and do! That’s why I’ve put together this ultimate guide to over 150 USA bucket list destinations in all 50 states (and Washington DC!). It’ll give you tons of inspiration for the best things to do in the United States as well as hopefully putting some lesser-known destinations on your radar.

These USA bucket list destinations are split up alphabetically by state. If I’ve written a post about the location on this blog, I’ll have it linked. I’ve also linked most of the spots on Google Maps, meaning you can click through directly to save it to your lists on there. Happy trip planning!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. When you purchase through links on my site, I may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you!).

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USA bucket list destinations by state
How to plan a USA bucket list destinations trip
USA bucket list destinations essentials
United States bucket list FAQ

USA bucket list destinations by state

Alabama

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark: History museum and industrial site that was in operation during the 1880s
Unclaimed Baggage: Massive shop that sells unclaimed or lost airline luggage for cheap
Gulf Shores: Popular vacation spot on the Gulf of Mexico with white sand beaches and sand dunes
U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Space museum with interactive exhibits and artifacts that’s especially fun for kids

Alaska

Anchorage: Home to indigenous cultural sites and gateway to nearby wilderness areas
Denali National Park: Untamed backcountry with the country’s tallest mountain as well as many large glaciers
Northern Lights in Fairbanks: Aurora season is from 21 August to 21 April. There is an 80% chance of seeing the Northern Lights on any given night!
Katmai National Park and Reserve: One of the best places to go if you want to see brown bears in their natural habitat

Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park: Absolutely massive hole in the ground (but way cooler than it sounds!). Take in views of the crater and the Colorado River from a viewpoint, or go further and take a multi-day hike from rim to rim.
Antelope Canyon: Wavy sandstone canyon on Navajo Nation land. Reservations to be part of a guided tour are required so make sure to book in advance!
Sedona: The quirkiest town known for its plethora of hiking trails, art galleries, and unique rock formations. Also a New Age/spiritual mecca!
Havasu Falls: Stunning waterfall on the Havasupai Indian Reservation that also requires a permit to enter

Arkansas

Hot Springs National Park: Urban park with rows of historic bathhouses that have been in operation since the 1890s
Ozark-St. Francis National Forest: Check out Hawksbill Crag, Lost Valley, and Big Bluff Goat Trail for some fun and scenic hikes
Fayetteville: Cute university town in northwest Arkansas with trendy boutiques and restaurants
Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel: Beautiful wooden chapel in the middle of the woods that also hosts weddings

California

San Francisco: Hippie haven as well as a modern tech utopia. Definitely check out the Golden Gate Bridge, Mission Dolores Park, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Napa Valley: The West Coast’s best wine region. Go wine tasting at Mumm Napa or Castello di Amorosa.
Los Angeles: The chillest and most Instagrammable city in Southern California. Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach are must-dos.
Yosemite National Park: One of the most beautiful places in the whole state. Go hiking or river rafting amongst the redwoods. This is also a great place for backcountry camping.
Joshua Tree National Park: Desert park with unique trees as well as lots of cool glamping options
Pacific Coast Highway: Cruise down State Route 1 for all the best ocean views, particularly near Big Sur and San Diego. This is one of the quintessential American road trips you shouldn’t miss!

Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park: Picture-perfect mountains as well as stunning alpine lakes. Check out Chasm Lake, Rainbow Curve Overlook, and the town of Estes Park for tons of natural beauty.
Boulder: Youthful college town at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains
Aspen: Bougie ski chalets and high-end resorts that especially cater to the wealthy
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: The sickest concert venue that’s surrounded by towering cliffs

Connecticut

Gillette Castle State Park: Lush park with a medieval-style castle from 1919
New Haven: Cozy, coastal city that’s home to Yale University
The Mark Twain House & Museum: A literary nerd’s heaven in Hartford

Delaware

Nemours Estate: A grand 102-room chateau that rivals the Palace of Versailles
Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library: Miles of winding trails around an estate and through a botanical garden. Also boasts a magnificent library!
Rehoboth Beach: Atlantic coastal town with a bustling beach boardwalk

Florida

Miami: Urban hub on the beach with an especially heavy Latin American influence. Miami Beach, Wynwood, and Brickell are equally cool neighborhoods to check out.
Florida Keys: Experience one of the most scenic drives from Key Largo to Key West. Eat some key lime pie and see the Southernmost Point of the Continental USA.
Dry Tortugas National Park: A remote and mostly-underwater park that’s made for SCUBA diving
Walt Disney World: Includes Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, and Epcot. So much fun for kids and adults alike. Make sure to get tickets in advance because the park can often be full!
Everglades National Park: Swampy wetlands with crocodiles as well as ample birdlife

Georgia

Savannah: Charming Southern city with manicured parks and horse-drawn carriages. Make sure to check out the Savannah historic district, which is filled with old churches, houses, and squares.
Amicalola Falls State Park: Tall waterfall and hiking trails that are good for a full days’ worth of exploration
Atlanta: Capital of Georgia and important Civil Rights Movement city. Add the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and The King Center to your itinerary.

Hawaii

Haleakalā National Park: Spectacular dormant shield volcano on the island of Maui
Waikiki: Tourist hub of Honolulu with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and family-friendly activities. Head to Waikiki Beach for sand, surf, and lots of palm trees.
North Shore: Laid-back area on the island of Oahu that’s known for surfing and food trucks
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: Lava flows and glowing craters litter the landscape

Idaho

Shoshone Falls: One of the largest natural waterfalls in the USA
Hiawatha Trail: Scenic, 15 mi (24 km) mountain bike trail that crosses into Montana
Sawtooth National Forest: Over 2 million acres of forest that’s perfect for hiking and backcountry camping

Illinois

Chicago: Beautiful lake-side city that’s great in summer and winter. Take a selfie with the Bean, eat some deep dish pizza at Giordano’s, and visit any one of the incredible museums on the Museum Campus. Also a great starting point for a Lake Michigan circle road trip.
Starved Rock State Park: Forested park with canyons and waterfalls
Garden of the Gods: Area with sandstone rock formations as well as heaps of hiking trails
Galena: Cute small town that’s perfect for a weekend getaway

Indiana

Bloomington: University city with a gorgeous campus as well as many tasty restaurants and cafes
Indiana Dunes National Park: Beaches and wind-swept sand dunes on the shores of Lake Michigan. Can also be done as a day trip from Chicago.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Famous racetrack that’s home to the Indy 500

Iowa

Iowa State Fairgrounds: Home to the annual Iowa State Fair, where you’ll find live music, carnival rides, and a ton of fried foods
Pella: Small town near Des Moines that was modeled after the Netherlands
Maquoketa Caves State Park: Hiking trails with caves as well as other unique geological features

Kansas

Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center: Nature preserve with animals, exhibits, and group activities
Monument Rocks Natural Landmark: Also known as the Chalk Pyramids, these unique formations often have antelope running between them
Old Cowtown Museum: Historical museum in Wichita with recreations of life in the 1880s

Kentucky

Mammoth Cave National Park: UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the largest known underground cave system
Red River Gorge Geological Area: Huge cliffs and sandstone arches along the Red River
Kentucky Horse Park: Horse-themed museum, tours, and presentations in Lexington

Louisiana

New Orleans: A melting pot of French, African, and American cultures. Come for Mardi Gras (generally from January to late February/early March), eat a beignet from Cafe du Monde, and party on Bourbon Street. The French Quarter is a great neighborhood to be based.
New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park: Concert park and exhibit spaces dedicated specifically to jazz music
The National WWII Museum: Interactive museum with submarines and planes, as well as a 4D theatre

Maine

Acadia National Park: Full of forest and rocky shoreline. Check out the Precipice Trail, the Bubbles Divide Trail, and Cadillac Mountain.
Portland Head Lighthouse: Iconic (and still operative) lighthouse from 1791
Portland: Try some Maine lobster and ride the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, a scenic ride around the coast

Maryland

Ocean City: A narrow resort town strip with beaches and boardwalks
Baltimore Museum of Art: An impressive collection of works from Matisse, Picasso, and more
National Aquarium: Marine-life exhibits as well as a walk-through rainforest

Massachusetts

Boston: One of the most historical USA bucket list destinations that’s now known for its trendy restaurants and Italian heritage. Check out Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the Paul Revere House, and Boston Common park.
Salem: The perfect spooky season destination to learn about the 1692 Salem Witch Trials
Cape Cod: A sprawling coastal peninsula famous for its lighthouses and seafood

Michigan

Mackinac Island: Charming island on Lake Huron that has banned motor vehicles since 1901
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Over 40 mi (64 km) of shoreline on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that has stunning blue-green water
Sleeping Bear Dunes: Giant sand dunes with hiking trails and pristine campsites

Minnesota

Mall of America: Largest shopping mall in the US with over 520 stores, as well as an amusement park, cinema, and aquarium. Next door is Mall of America Water Park, one of the largest water parks in the country.
Minnehaha Falls: Year-round park with waterfalls, wading pools, and sculptures
Voyageurs National Park: Remote park for kayaking, canoeing, and hiking. Many parts of the park can only be reached by boat ride so prior planning is a must.

Mississippi

Henderson Point Beach: Sugary white-sand beach that’s great for sunrise and sunset
Elvis Presley Birthplace: Historical museum and event center in Tupelo that’s specifically focused on Elvis’ life
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum: Interactive galleries focusing on Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement

Missouri

The Gateway Arch: Tall, curved monument with an elevator to the top (also part of an urban National Park)
Lake of the Ozarks: Scenic and snaking reservoir with camping, fishing, and underground caverns
Titanic Museum: Exhibits, tours, and artifacts from the formerly magnificent ship

Montana

Glacier National Park: Vast northern park with exquisite lakes and manicured hiking trails as well as plenty of backcountry camping options
Bison Range: Prairie land refuge with scenic drives and wildlife viewing
Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness: Massive nature preserve with at least 30 mountains over 12,000 ft (3658 m) tall

Nebraska

Scotts Bluff National Monument: Park with unique rock formations and remnants of the formerly important Oregon Trail
Chimney Rock: Mountain with a tall, pointy spire on top
Sunken Gardens: Lush lawns, ponds, and sculptures in Lincoln

Nevada

Las Vegas: The city that never sleeps. Go gambling at one of the casinos on the Strip, party at OMNIA or Tao nightclubs, and eat and drink your way down Fremont Street.
Lake Tahoe: Picturesque alpine lake known for its water sports as well as its many camping locations
Seven Magic Mountains: The most Instagrammable rainbow art installation in the middle of the desert

New Hampshire

Ice Castles: Frozen wonderland of sculptures, tunnels, and fountains made out of ice (only open during winter)
Mt Washington: The highest peak in the northeastern USA that’s also known for its dramatic weather
Franconia Notch State Park: Hiking, skiing, and canoeing, as well as an aerial tramway inside a mountain pass. One of the many wonderful state parks in New Hampshire!

New Jersey

Atlantic City: Resort city known for its casinos, beaches, and boardwalk
Ocean City Boardwalk: Buzzing strip of beach with several amusement parks and food stalls
Cape May: Seaside resort town with grand Victorian houses

New Mexico

Balloon Fiesta Park: Home to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, a hot air balloon festival held annually during October
White Sands National Park: Dramatic site with rare white gypsum sand dunes
Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Limestone caves and rock formations as well as miles of hiking trails
Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness: Multicolored badlands, sandstone hoodoos, petrified wood, and dinosaur bones

New York

New York City: No list of USA bucket list destinations would be complete without the Big Apple! The Empire State Building, Central Park, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Brooklyn Bridge are a few of the most popular tourist attractions (among many).
Statue of Liberty: An American icon representing freedom
Niagara Falls: A group of 3 powerful waterfalls between New York and Canada
Catskill Mountains: Luscious mountain range offering hiking and skiing

North Carolina

Biltmore Estate: Large, historic mansion with lavish gardens
Ocracoke Island: Part of the coastal Outer Banks region that is only accessible by ferry or private plane. One of the nicest beach areas on the East Coast.
Sliding Rock: Natural waterfall slide into a swimming hole in Pisgah National Forest

North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Giant park with badlands, buttes, and roaming bison, elk, and deer
The Enchanted Highway: Sculpture garden artwork made of scrap metal
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site: Lodge, museum, and walking trails dedicated to the region’s native people

Ohio

Cedar Point Amusement Park: One of the largest theme parks in the world with several record-breaking roller coasters in Sandusky
Hocking Hills State Park: Plenty of hiking trails amid waterfalls and gorges
Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Rolling hills, deep forests, and a scenic railroad running beside a river

Oklahoma

Philbrook Museum of Art: A collection of fine and decorative art held in an ornate mansion in Tulsa
Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve: Animal park, petting zoo, and museum filled with exhibits on Southwest art and relics
Lake Hefner: Reservoir lake with a lighthouse in Oklahoma City

Oregon

Crater Lake National Park: A round, mirrored lake which is the deepest in the USA. The perfect place to take a scenic drive!
Multnomah Falls: Multi-leveled waterfalls over 600 ft (182 m) tall
Portland: Quirky, liberal city with an artsy scene. Check out Powell’s City of Books, Voodoo Doughnut, and the Portland Art Museum.
Thor’s Well: A bizarre hole in a rock that seems to drain the ocean away

Pennsylvania

Reading Terminal Market: Indoor farmers’ market in operation since 1892
Independence Hall: Building where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were debated and signed. Philadelphia is filled to the brim with historic landmarks and important spots in American history.
Presque Isle Lighthouse: Square white lighthouse in a State Park filled with lagoons and beaches

Rhode Island

Block Island: Sandy beaches, nature trails, and wildlife refuges
WaterFire: Arts and sculpture center with performances and events in Providence
Narragansett Bay: New England’s largest estuary and a good place to charter a boat for the day

South Carolina

Congaree National Park: Hardwood forest with hiking trails and creeks
Charleston: Antebellum port city with cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages. Check out Rainbow Row, the Battery, and King Street for bars and restaurants.
Hilton Head Island: Coastal resort area known for its relaxing beaches and multiple golf courses

South Dakota

Badlands National Park: Majestic and striking geological formations made by erosion
Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse Memorial: Massive mountain sculptures of 4 US presidents and a Lakota war leader, respectively
Wind Cave National Park: Wildlife-rich prairie with one of the world’s longest caves

Tennessee

Nashville: Honky tonk city known for country music and hot chicken. Check out the Grand Ole Opry, Music Row, and the 12 South neighborhood.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: One of the most popular National Parks in the country with lush, rolling hills and plenty of hiking trails. Explore Clingmans Dome, Grotto Falls, and Charlies Bunion.
Rutledge Falls: Wide cascades with a short walking trail

Texas

Marfa: Small desert city known as an arts hub
Magnolia Market at the Silos: Trendy home design store and food trucks designed by Chip and Joanna Gaines
Big Bend National Park: River canyons, desert, and mountains on the shores of the Rio Grande
Hamilton Pool: Lovely natural swimming hole with a small waterfall
San Antonio River Walk: Landscaped walkways, bridges, and restaurants along the San Antonio River

Utah

Zion National Park: Vast park with unique geological formations. Notable areas include The Narrows, Angel’s Landing, Emerald Pools, and The Subway.
Monument Valley: Giant ravine with spectacular views
Bryce Canyon National Park: Known for its towering spires (hoodoos) and natural amphitheatre
Bonneville Salt Flats: Cracked and sometimes mirrored salt flats in a dried up lake
Arches National Park: Out of this world vistas and rock formations make for a super unique experience. Check out Delicate Arch, Devil’s Garden, Skyline Arch, and Fiery Furnace.

Vermont

Gifford Woods State Park: Old-growth forest known for autumn leaf peeping
Ben & Jerry’s Factory: Original ice cream factory that offers tours and tastings
Green Mountain National Forest: Backcountry area with waterfalls, cliffs, ponds, and trails
Dog Mountain: Touching memorial to our four-legged friends

Virginia

Shenandoah National Park: Giant swath of forest with wonderful vista views
Blue Ridge Parkway: Scenic road that winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains
McAfee Knob: Landmark spot on the Appalachian Trail with a panoramic rock ledge

Washington

Mount Rainier National Park: Washington’s highest peak surrounded by wildflower meadows and glaciers
Seattle: A lovely Pacific Northwest city on the Puget Sound. The Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and Chihuly Garden and Glass are must-sees.
North Cascades National Park: Unbelievably beautiful park with tons of backcountry trails. Check out Ross Lake Overlook, Diablo Lake, and Trail of the Cedars.

West Virginia

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve: The USA’s newest National Park with tons of outdoor activities on a whitewater river
Blackwater Falls State Park: Hiking and skiing destination with chic lodges that are great for nature lovers
Spruce Knob: West Virginia’s highest point that features an interpretive trail and observation tower

Wisconsin

Devil’s Lake State Park: Large park around a blue lake that is popular for rock climbing and hiking
Door County: Quaint peninsula with tons of forest, beautiful beaches, and camping spots
Madison: Cool college town between two lakes. Check out the Chazen Museum of Art and the Wisconsin State Capitol for weekly farmers’ markets.

Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park: Rugged mountains set back against picturesque meadows and valleys. Paintbrush Canyon, Schwabacher Landing, and T.A. Moulton Barn are especially photographic spots.
Jackson Hole: The cutest mountain town at the foothills of Grand Teton National Park
Yellowstone National Park: Constantly ranked as the best US National Park (and for good reason!). Check out Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Lewis Falls.
Hot Springs State Park: Natural hot springs in a park with roaming bison

bonus! Washington, D.C.

White House: Iconic building that is home to the US president and one of the most popular places to visit in North America
Lincoln Memorial: Greek Parthenon-inspired tribute to Abraham Lincoln
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: Natural history museum with dinosaur exhibits, displays of rare gems, and much more. D.C. is one of the best cities to visit if you love museums because most of them are free!
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: Super cool museum dedicated to the rich history of aviation and space exploration

How to plan a USA bucket list destinations trip

Choose your vibe

Do you want a relaxing beach vacation? A fast-paced city break focusing on museums and fine dining? How about a whirlwind tour of all the most unique and interesting National Parks? Lucky for you, the USA has it all. For simplicity’s sake, try to stick to one general theme or vibe for your trip. It’ll make planning where you go and what you see way easier.

Be realistic

On that note, it’s important to be realistic and realize that you won’t be able to see everything you want to. The United States is HUGE. Traveling from one part of the country to the other can take hours, especially if you’re driving.

One of the biggest mistakes that visitors to the US make is underestimating how long it takes to travel across the country. Try to stick to one or two states max per trip (unless you’re traveling for an extended period of time, you lucky dog!).

Rent a car

Unless you’re planning to only visit big cities, you’ll probably need to rent a car to travel around the US. Our public transportation systems aren’t great and often don’t go exactly where you need them to.

Discover Cars is a great website to start your search because they compare all of the major rental car brands. Make sure you shop around in order to get the best deals!

Plan your route

Once I have an idea of what kind of things I want to see, I like to map them out on Google Maps. I store all of the restaurants, activities, and hikes I find in one saved list. This makes it easy to visualize my route and see if it makes sense logistically. I also like to double-check the opening and closing times of any attractions I want to see so that I’m not disappointed.

One of the best parts of traveling, though, is leaving time for unplanned exploration. Always make sure to set aside some time to do whatever you feel like on that day! Stumbling upon a random cafe or hidden gem is such a treat.

USA bucket list destinations essentials

Tripod: No shame in the game! Tripods are great for taking pictures that don’t suck, especially if you’re traveling solo.
Phone mount: Essential for having your phone maps visible and hands-free while driving
America the Beautiful Pass: Worth the money if you’ll be visiting at least 2 National Parks in one year
Sunglasses: A must to keep the glare out of your eyes when it’s super bright
National Geographic road atlas: While I rely on phone maps 99% of the time, it’s nice to have a paper map just in case!
Portable charger: An absolute essential whenever I’m traveling

United States bucket list FAQ

When is the best time to visit the USA?

That depends on where you’re going and what you want to do and see! Since the country is so vast and geographically unique, there is no one best time or season to visit.

The summer months (June through August) are the most popular time for international visitors. Most attractions will be open and the weather is generally warm and pleasant. On the other hand, hotel prices will probably be higher and anywhere you visit will be more crowded. Certain states, like Arizona or Texas, also get unbearably hot.

Winter (December through February) can also be a great time to visit depending on your destination. Some states, like Hawaii and Florida, actually experience their biggest uptick in tourism in the winter months (from people wanting to escape the cold!). Skiing and snowboarding holidays to states like Colorado and Utah are popular as well. Keep in mind that winter weather can be especially brutal in the northern states.

The shoulder seasons (spring, March through May, and autumn, September through November) are also a great bet. Weather in most places is generally more mild and attractions will be less crowded than in summer.

What are some must-see places in the USA?

There are tons! The most popular tourist destinations in America include the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Grand Canyon, Walt Disney World, Waikiki Beach, and the Las Vegas Strip.

What’s the best way to get around the United States?

Unfortunately, public transportation within the US is severely lacking. Unless you’re staying within a big city, you’ll probably want to rent a car to get around. Taking a self-drive road trip is one of the best ways to get around the country easily and cheaply.

If this is your first time visiting the US, the idea of driving might be a bit scary. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Americans drive on the right hand side of the road.
Depending on the city, speeding on highways can be quite common. In Chicago, for example, you’ll practically get run off the road if you stick to the limit of 65 mph!
Watch out for your speed while you’re in cities, though — speed traps and cameras can catch you and give you a fine.

What’s the number one vacation spot in America?

New York City is the #1 most popular place to visit in the United States. In 2019, the tourism board recorded over 66.6 million visitors!

How much money do I need to travel America?

Again, this depends highly on where you’re going to be visiting. Some cities, like NYC, San Francisco, and Honolulu, have a much higher cost of living than the national average. It’s also important to keep in mind that sales tax rates vary by state and aren’t included in the sticker price of an item.

Tipping is also a very common custom (and pretty much expected) at any restaurant. A 15-20% tip on top of your bill is standard for good service.

Average prices for:

Dinner: $20-45 per person, plus tip at a standard sit-down restaurant
Mid-range hotel room: $75-200 per night
A full tank of gas: $60-100
One subway/bus ride: $2-3

Based on these figures, I’d recommend budgeting between $200 to $300 per person, per day. This gives you the best chance of being able to experience everything you want without having to scrimp and save along the way.

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Phew! If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading this list of ultimate USA bucket list destinations! I think that every state has something cool to offer, and I hope that I’ve convinced you of that too.

Are there any epic USA bucket list destinations in your state that I’ve missed? Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo Niki

USA Bucket List Destinations: 150+ of the Best Places to Visit in All 50 States