50 States of Unbelievable Tourist Attractions — Make the Most of Your Summer Vacation!
It's amazing how many must-see tourist attractions there are in the United States. Whether you're road-tripping to a beautiful beach or vacationing in a national park, there really is something for everyone — in every state. So pack your bags for a beautiful Summer vacation and check out one of these tourist attractions wherever your destination may be.
— Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
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Alabama — US Space and Rocket Center
This amazing locale in Huntsville has exactly what you'd imagine: everything you could ever want to know or experience about space and the rockets that travel there.
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Alaska — Mendenhall Glacier Caves
Mendenhall ice caves in Juneau are part of a 12-mile-long glacier and are only accessible by kayak and then a bit of a trek over the glacier to get inside.
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Arizona — Grand Canyon
You can find Grand Canyon National Park, the stunning formation around the Colorado River in Arizona, which is where more than five million people go to visit each year.
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Arkansas — Thorncrown Chapel
This chapel in Eureka Springs is out in the woods, practically in the middle of nowhere, and both an architectural and religious experience.
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California — Golden Gate Bridge
By crossing this iconic bridge in San Francisco, you're provided with stunning views of both the city and the mountains nearby.
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Colorado — Red Rocks Amphitheater
There may not be any more stunning outdoor music venue than this one that's made of actual red rocks in Morrison.
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Connecticut — Mystic Aquarium
This Mystic staple is the only place in New England where you'll find beluga whales.
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Delaware — Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
You can see how one of your favorite beers is made — and partake in a tasting, of course — at the Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Milton.
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Florida — Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World may not be the oldest Disney park, but it is the largest, taking up a huge portion of Central Florida and offering fun for all ages and all walks of life.
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Georgia — Forsyth Park
This beautiful park is nestled in Savannah, one of the most charming cities in all of the US.
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Hawaii — Pearl Harbor
The Pearl Harbor memorial pays homage to those who lost their lives during the 1941 attack.
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Idaho — Shoshone Falls
Shoshone Falls, on Snake River, are actually higher than Niagara Falls and are surrounded by a beautiful park that offers hiking, swimming, and other recreational activities.
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Illinois — Navy Pier
The Chicago landmark is home to several attractions, like rides, museums, and theaters, and sits right on Lake Michigan.
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Indiana — Indianapolis Motor Speedway
You don't have to be a racecar fan to appreciate how cool the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500, is.
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Iowa — Antique Archaeology
Antique Archaeology is the home base of the History channel's show American Pickers.
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Kansas — Dodge City
You know the phrase "Get out of Dodge"? Dodge City, the quaint old frontier town, is the Dodge being referred to.
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Kentucky — Churchill Downs
Ideally the best time to check out Churchill Downs in Louisville is during the Kentucky Derby, naturally.
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Louisiana — Steamboat Natchez
Go for a ride down the Mississippi River from New Orleans on board this steamboat that even provides you with live jazz music.
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Maine — Portland Head Light
You can't beat the amazing views from this lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth.
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Maryland — National Aquarium
This superfun attraction in Baltimore is the most visited tourist spot in the entire state of Maryland.
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Massachusetts — USS Constitution
This ship — and the corresponding museum — can be found in the Boston Navy Yard. The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat . . . in the world.
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Michigan — Motown Museum
What better way to learn about the history of Motown in its iconic city than at the museum that will tell you everything.
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Minnesota — Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox
Folk hero Paul Bunyan and his well-known blue ox are a popular roadside attraction in Bemidji.
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Mississippi — Elvis Presley Birthplace
You can take a tour through the Tupelo place where it all began for Elvis Presley.
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Missouri — Gateway Arch
Ride a tiny cart to the very top of the Gateway Arch and get views of all of St. Louis.
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Montana — Playmill Theatre
You can catch a well-known show in this little theater in West Yellowstone.
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Nebraska — Carhenge
Carhenge, in Alliance, is like England's Stonehenge but cooler and more quirky.
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Nevada — Las Vegas Strip
There's something for everyone on the Las Vegas Strip — and at all hours of the day and night too — whether you want to eat, drink, party, or relax.
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New Hampshire — Loon Mountain
Loon Mountain is a great place to find adventure, like hiking or skiing.
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New Jersey — Atlantic City Boardwalk
There is so much to do at this beach boardwalk in Southern New Jersey, like shopping, eating, or even fishing.
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New Mexico — Carlsbad Caverns National Park
You could spend hours wandering around the more than 100 caves at this national park in Chihuahuan Desert.
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New York — Statue of Liberty
You have a couple options for seeing the Statue of Liberty, including going to the island and making your way up the statue or just riding the Staten Island Ferry around it for views from the water.
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North Carolina — Biltmore Estate
This Asheville property is the largest home in the US, built by George Vanderbilt.
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North Dakota — International Peace Garden
The International Peace Garden lies on the border between the US and Canada and provides a relaxing place to have a moment to yourself.
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Ohio — Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Here at this Cleveland museum, you can learn about the biggest names in music history — including those behind the scenes who never get enough credit.
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Oklahoma — Myriad Botanical Gardens
This 17-acre garden is located right in downtown Oklahoma City.
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Oregon — Columbia River Gorge
The views at this Hood River canyon are so beautiful, you might not believe they're real.
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Pennsylvania — Hersheypark
Hershey's theme park has plenty of attractions to keep you busy, and everything is obviously chocolate themed.
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Rhode Island — Newport Mansions
These breathtaking buildings give you a glimpse at how the wealthy lived during the gilded age.
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South Carolina — Brookgreen Gardens
This 15-square-mile park is home to a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve.
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South Dakota — Mount Rushmore
The iconic Keystone sculpture depicts former US Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
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Tennessee — Grand Ole Opry
This Nashville staple is the show that made country music famous.
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Texas — The Alamo
You can learn the history of the great battle behind this structure in San Antonio by taking a tour that even includes reenactments.
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Utah — Arches National Park
More than 2,000 natural sandstone arches can be found in this park near Moab.
Vermont — Ben & Jerry's Factory
Get a firsthand view of how Ben & Jerry's ice cream is made, and of course get some ice cream of your own.
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Virginia — Luray Caverns
The natural geology here is actually incredible and should be seen in person.
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Washington — Chihuly Gardens and Glass
You might find it hard to believe that the sculptures in this Seattle museum are actually made of glass.
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West Virginia — West Virginia Penitentiary
This defunct prison has a huge creep factor and is a great place to visit near Halloween.
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Wisconsin — Lambeau Field
Don a cheese hat and go to a Green Bay Packers game at this iconic football field.
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Wyoming — Grand Teton National Park
This beautiful national park is a great spot for hiking and exploring — or any other number of activities.