100 of the best places to visit in the U.S.

You know about the Grand Canyon, but what about Antelope Canyon? It’s another awe-inspiring Arizona hotspot where guided tours take visitors into a subterranean sandstone world of curving, wave-like rocks. It’s like a cathedral carved by Mother Nature. No list of things to see in America can possibly miss out Grand Canyon National Park, where you can go river rafting and horse-back riding, or just take in this iconic sweep of other-worldly landscape on foot.

Roll back the years by visiting Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs. These stately landmarks in Spanish and Italianate styles stem back to the glory days of spa vacations and will soon have you taking photographs of the elegant buildings and gardens. You can even enjoy the thermal waters yourself at Buckstaff bathhouse. Another Arkansas must-see is Crater of Diamonds State Park, which lives up to its exciting name. You can literally search for diamonds in this volcanic crater and keep any you find.

The sprawling state of California boasts some of the best places to visit in the United States. Right at the top of the pile is Disneyland, which was built under the supervision of Walt Disney himself, and is still a magical magnet for families to this day. If a rustic escape is more your thing, there’s always the sweeping splendor of the Yosemite National Park, where you can go hiking and climbing amid the giant sequoia trees and granite cliffs of the Sierra Nevada.

The relaxed, maritime atmosphere of Lewes Beach makes it a favorite place of interest for visitors to Delaware. Think streets dotted with quaint boutiques, family-run restaurants, and long, sandy stretches where you can play sports or just lie back and chill out. Nearby, there’s Rehoboth Beach, dubbed “the nation’s summer capital.” One of its biggest draws is Rehoboth Boardwalk, where you can stroll between shops, treat the kids to traditional family amusements, chow down on saltwater taffy, or take your seats in a buzzing restaurant.

Florida is famed for its theme parks. Just take Universal Studios, an exhilarating and immersive experience that will make kids and adults alike feel like A-list action heroes. From adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to immersive 3D rides, the park will make you feel like you’ve stepped inside the world’s most iconic blockbusters. Meanwhile, the Everglades National Park also ranks among the top places to visit in the United States, with its lush forests and wetlands making up the largest tropical wilderness in the country.

Just 15 miles east of Atlanta lies Stone Mountain. This remarkable dome-shaped rock formation was formed by magma over millions of years and promises spectacular views. You can hike, take a scenic train ride, or an aerial tram to go up the mountains. If it’s high-octane family fun you’re seeking, check out Six Flags Over Georgia for pulse-pounding roller coasters and stomach-dropping rides. Live shows and great eats all help make Six Flags a rip-roaring day out for the whole family.

Home to the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field is one of the oldest and most iconic baseball parks in the nation. Stepping beneath its red marquee is a rite of passage for many sports fans, while the ivy-shrouded outfield walls are famous in their own right. Chicago’s Magnificent Mile also ranks as one of the best places of interest in the U.S. Lined with up-scale shops, it’s also adorned with stunning, photo-worthy landmarks like the Wrigley Building and the Chicago Water Tower.

What are the most popular points of interest in Indiana? Tough question, but imagine an eclectic landscape of sweeping sand dunes, dense forests, panoramic prairies and serene beaches. Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes State Park provides all this, along with meandering trails that entice hikers of all abilities. Meanwhile, the University of Notre Dame is a great Indiana institution, with attractions including the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art, showcasing everything from Italian Renaissance masterpieces to Native American ceramics.

Looking to get away from it all and enjoy the great outdoors? Backbone Start Park won’t disappoint thanks to its oak and maple woodlands trails and limestone cliffs. It’s the perfect place for hiking or cycling. The Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines are loved by locals and host the spectacular Iowa State Fair every year. In between this epic event, the Fairgrounds host all kinds of shows, from health expos to toy demos.

The Big Easy is one of the biggest draws in Louisiana, and the New Orlean’s Canal Street in the CBD is a good place to start exploring. Take a walk down the thoroughfare, studded with shops and rattling with streetcars, and take in the vibe of this legendary city. Mardi Gras puts New Orleans right up there in any list of the best places to visit in U.S.: See the work that goes into creating the floats when you visit Mardi Gras World.

Whether you’re into hiking, paddling, fishing, or taking scenic snaps to share on social media, Attean Pond in Maine will tick all the right boxes. Think dreamy mountains, swathes of forests, and the sounds of loons in the distance, all adding up to a relaxing escape from the bustle of big city living. Hungry for more of the Maine landscape? Try Acadia National Park, where soul-stirring views of mirror-like lakes and the rocky Atlantic coastline will stop you in your tracks.

Baltimore is one of the most exciting places in Maryland, and offers some of the best sightseeing in the U.S. Just take the historic Inner Harbor quarter, which is where you’ll find the Maryland Science Center and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African-American History and Culture. Then, there’s the Assateague State Park, with its handsome feral horses, scenic beaches and opportunities to go kayaking. The Assateague Lighthouse, with its red and white stripes, is a standout landmark of the area.

As this list shows, there are things to see in each state that will suit all tastes. And if you’re after a bit of nature in Minnesota, head for Voyageurs National Park. It’s a must for lovers of canoeing and kayaking, thanks to its vast network of rippling, interconnected waterways. The Minnesota State Fair Grounds, meanwhile, draw in millions annually for the famous state fair, packed with shows, rides and foodie adventures. The grounds also host numerous events throughout the year.

Culture vultures in Mississippi may be fascinated by a visit to the small city of Oxford. As well as hosting an exciting music scene, it’s also home to Rowan Oak, former residence of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner, which is now a museum devoted to this giant of American letters. Elsewhere in the state, there’s Biloxi Beach on Mississippi Sound, boasting sugary-soft white sands and plenty of resort hotels to choose from. You can even try your luck at the lavish casinos.

The Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis is just one of many attractions that makes the Gateway City one of the best places to visit in the U.S. Visitors can witness an impressive variety of plant species and landscaping styles, from Japanese gardens to Victorian-style hedge mazes. A true icon of the state is the Gateway Arch in in Downtown St. Louis, one of the tallest human-made monuments in the U.S. Take a trip to the top of this sleek, futuristic landmark for spectacular views of the city.

Where to visit in every U.S. state? Well, when it comes to Nevada, the great, glittering Las Vegas Strip is a no-brainer. Made famous by countless movies and TV shows, its iconic hotels and casinos light up the thoroughfare, with enough razzle-dazzle to make your head spin. By contrast, Grand Basin National Park is all about nature at its rawest with its undulating foothills and bristlecone pines, and the eerie subterranean universe of the Lehman Caves.

Feel like playing in the Atlantic Ocean? Hampton Beach makes it happen. This is a major draw for families and couples in New Hampshire, with its exceptionally clean and pristine waters, not to mention its scenic boardwalk and traditional amusement arcades. Or, you can head to the heavens by visiting Mount Washington State Park, which covers the peak of Mount Washington. Part of the Presidential Range, it’s adorned by hiking trails and huts where you can rest up.

One of New Jersey’s most distinctive landmarks is Boardwalk Hall. The archways of its exterior make it impressive even from afar, but step inside and you’ll discover a huge pipe organ with over 33,000 pipes, making it the world’s largest musical instrument. The hall also hosts a variety of events over the year, from pop acts to boat shows. Any visit to the state should also include a trip along the Jersey Shore, with its amusement parks and family attractions like Jenkinson’s Boardwalk.

Bring your hiking boots when you come to North Carolina, because the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is calling. A dreamy landscape of emerald peaks and wildflowers, white-tailed deer and black bears, it’s a paradise for campers and outdoorsy adventurers. Then there’s the Biltmore Estate, once the personal playground of George Washington Vanderbilt II. The centerpiece of this Gilded Age gem is the largest privately-owned house in the United States. Feel like a Vanderbilt yourself by dining at one of the estate’s restaurants.

From scenic drives to world-class hiking amid a vast, cinematic landscape, Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers all kinds of adventures. Look out for bison, wild horses, and President Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin. Over on the border with Canada, you’ll find the International Peace Garden, a flower-filled symbol of the good relations between the neighboring nations. As well as the beautiful greenery, it has standout attractions including a floral clock 18 feet in diameter, and lakes where you can go canoeing.

Ohio is home to one of the oldest amusement parks in the country. Founded in 1870, Cedar Point is particularly renowned for its array of nerve-shredding roller coasters—names like Iron Dragon and Cedar Creek Mine Ride say it all. Afterwards, relax at Castaway Bay waterpark resort. Visiting Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is one of the quintessential things to do in America. Here, you’ll delve into the wild lives of the greatest guitar heroes of all time.

In Pennsylvania with little members of your clan? Treat them to a day at Sesame Place, which brings the legendary characters of Sesame Street to life. You can spin around on Elmo’s Cloud Chaser, take a ride on Oscar the Grouch’s own roller coaster, and meet the Sesame Street residents themselves. A worthy addition to any list of where to go in the U.S. is Presque Isle State Park, set on a peninsula in Lake Erie, which has miles of trails and beaches to discover.

Looking for places of interest in Rhode Island? Narragansett Beach is a good place to start with its wide, clean sands, rippling waters and happy atmosphere. It’s a picture-perfect New England setting for rest and relaxation. A stately attraction is Brown University, the esteemed Ivy League bastion of learning in Providence. Located in idyllic College Hill, amid historic homes, the campus has English Baroque flourishes and makes for a fascinating area to walk through on a sunny day.

Think South Carolina, and the elegant antebellum architecture of Charleston might spring to mind. Whether you’re interested in the Civil War or just want to wander the handsome streets, explore Charleston Waterfront, and take in the Southern charm, which ticks boxes for history lovers and romantic couples alike. You can also add Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum to your itinerary. Here, you can get close to iconic fighter jets and the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, which served in both WWII and Vietnam.

Comfy shoes are a must in San Antonio, Texas, because its major attraction is the San Antonio River Walk. This meandering network of walkways is dotted with shops, bars and restaurants has been dubbed America’s answer to Venice, and puts you close to iconic places like the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Alamo. Then there’s Six Flags Fiesta Texas, one of the best places to visit in the U.S. for families. With its thrilling rides and roller coasters, it’s an adrenaline-pumping day out for the whole family.

Rose-hued sandstone cliffs, soaring eagles and other-worldly slot canyons await in Zion National Park, one of the most entrancing swathes of landscape in the state of Utah. It’s a great location if you’re here on a budget, as you can enjoy hiking the epic trails and take in views you’ll never forget. In Salt Lake City, you can check out Temple Square, the heartland of the Mormon Church, where the soaring landmarks include the intricate spires of the Salt Lake Temple.

Lake Champlain is one of the great natural wonders of Vermont. The vast body of water, fringed by mountains, makes for a serene, rustic getaway, whether you go hiking along its shores or relax on a beach. Just as ravishing is Green Mountain National Forest, where you can go fishing or kayaking at Grout Pond, or take a long walk through the verdant woodlands, keeping an eye out for the local wildlife. The ski resorts are also a big draw, come the snowy season.

Want to experience a truly unique way to get around? Try the Cass Scenic Railroad in West Virginia. Here, you can ride in vintage logging cars pushed by a traditional steam locomotive and take in spectacular views from one of the highest points in West Virginia. Lovers of water sports should also make time for New River Gorge Bridge National Park and Reserve, where you can get stuck into some thrilling whitewater rafting, or stay dry by going hiking and rock climbing against the lush, Appalachian backdrop.

Nestled in the north woods of Wisconsin, you wouldn’t expect to find safari themed water parks. But Wisconsin’s Kalahari Water Parks are the country’s largest indoor water park. Come here with the kids to enjoy miles of slides, rides and attractions, even in the dead of winter. In the summer, plan for a trip to the shores of Lake Superior where you can glimpse the incredible Apostle Islands Lakeshore. The sea caves freeze in winter, making it an exciting year-round attraction.

Made famous around the world by its starring role in the classic sci-fi movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Devils Tower is exciting to see even without any UFOs in the vicinity. This jutting rock formation is irresistible to climbers, with many flocking to tackle this unique landmark every year. Another Wyoming wonder is Grand Teton National Park, known for its glacial waters, endless trails and jaw-droppingly mountainous horizon. Hikers, skiers, climbers and animal lovers will all be beguiled during a visit.