50 US States in Alphabetical Order

There are so many beautiful places to see in the USA! Whether you are trying to go on a ski or beach trip, the USA has got you covered. You can find every landscape, from a desert to explore in Arizona to mountains to hike in Colorado. You can swim in beautiful lakes in California to beaches in Florida. We list 50 US states in alphabetical order.

Is it on your bucket list to see all 50 states? It is my best friend Ariana’s goal and she has visited 49 so far! Can you believe it? We went as far as going on a RANDOM road trip through the Midwest a few summers ago. We drove from Texas to Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and back to Texas. RANDOM. But it was HONESTLY a great time and I do not regret it! My goal is not to see all 50 states, but to see as much of each state as possible. For example, driving through a state does not count. I hope that makes sense. So far, I have been to 27 states. Okay, so without further ado, below is 50 US states in alphabetical order!

Alabama-

The Huntsville Botanical Gardens, Cathedral Caverns, and Gulf Coast Beaches are the most beautiful places to visit in Alabama. Alabama is most known for college football at Auburn University or the University of Alabama.

Things to Do:

• Gulf Coast Beaches
• Cathedral Caverns
• US Space and Rocket Center
• Huntsville Botanical Gardens
• College Football

Alaska-

You can see the northern lights and swim with orcas in Alaska!

Things to do:

• Kenai Fjords National Park
• Glacier Gardens
• See the Northern Lights
• Swim with Orcas
• Kincaid Park Sand Dunes

Arizona-

The BEST things to do in Arizona are hiking at the Grand Canyon, Camelback mountain, and Antelope Canyon.

Things to Do:

• Desert Botanical Garden
• Hoover Dam
• Monument Valley
• Antelope Canyon
• Camelback Mountain
• Grand Canyon

Arkansas

Relaxing at Hot Springs National Park or kayaking at Woolly Hollow State Park is how to spend your time in Arkansas.

Things to Do:

• Hot Springs National Park
• Woolly Hollow State Park
• Blue Springs Heritage Center

California-

California is the most beautiful state, home to beaches, mountains, lakes, palm trees, and NICE weather year-round. The best things to do are to visit the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles, bike riding at Griffith Park, wine tasting in Napa Valley, and kayaking at Lake Tahoe.

Things to Do:

• Kayaking or Skiing at Lake Tahoe
• Wine Tasting in Napa Valley
• Bike Riding at Griffith Park
• Hollywood Sign
• Malibu Beaches
• Sacramento Old Town
• Golden Gate Bridge

Colorado

Colorado has some of the world’s BEST skiing! YOU HAVE to visit Colorado one day for a FUN ski trip.

Things to Do:

• Skiing in Aspen or Vail
• Horseback Riding at Zapata Ranch
• Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

Connecticut

If you are EVER in Connecticut, I swear by Jennings Beach! 🙂 We also recommend going shopping in Westport Connecticut.

Things to Do:

• Flee Markets in Westport in the Summer
• Jennings Beach
• Fall Leaves
• Lobster Rolls

Delaware

Delaware also has beaches, including DEWEY beach near OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND.

Things to Do:

• Dewey Beach
• Lewes Beach + Ferry

Florida

If you want a beach trip, skip Connecticut and Delaware! GO TO FLORIDA. Also, be sure to visit the THEME PARKS, including Disney World!

Things to Do:

• Hollywood Beach Boardwalk
• Jet Skiing in Key West
• Swimming with Dolphins in Key West
• Boat Ride in Fort Lauderdale
• Las Olas Blvd
• Sister Springs
• Disney World + Theme Parks

Georgia-

Savannah is a charming southern city with beautiful greenery and plants.

Things to Do:

• Forsyth Park in Savannah
• Atlanta Botanical Garden

Hawaii-

UMMM, who does not want to go to Hawaii??? Hawaii has incredible mountains, views, and beaches! Surfing is the most popular thing to do in Hawaii!

Things to Do:

• Island Hopping
• Hiking
• Snorkeling
• Helicopter Ride

Idaho-

Idaho is most known for its potato production and the gem state. People call it the gem state because the mountains have minerals: gold, silver, zinc, and copper. Did I forget to mention? IDAHO has awesome HOT SPRINGS!!!! There are over 100 places to hike to hot springs.

Things to Do:

• Hot Springs

Illinois-

Illinois has the best deep-dish pizza to try! Don’t forget to get a photo at the bean in Chicago!!

Things to Do:

• Chicago Bean at Millennium Park
• Chicago Riverwalk
• Skydeck Chicago

Indiana-

Visit Indiana Dunes National Park, home to 50 miles of trails!

Things to Do:

• Indiana Dunes National Park
• Central Canal
• Marengo Cave

Iowa-

Iowa is most famous for having 87,500 farms producing everything from corn to eggs.

Things to Do:

• Iowa Capital
• Dunnings Springs

Kansas-

The best things to do are to visit the Oz Museum featuring exhibits from the Wizard of Oz and go to Massachusetts Street for unique shops, restaurants, and bars.

Things to Do:

• Oz Museum

Kentucky-

The Kentucky Derby is most known for horse racing and preppy fashion!

Things to Do:

• Kentucky Derby
• Bourbon Tour

Louisiana-

Mardi Gras is an annual celebration in New Orleans celebrated with bright colors, food, beads, and dancing.

Things to Do:

• Airboat Swamp Tour with Alligators
• Haunted Ghost Tour

Maine-

If you are ever in Maine, go to a beautiful lighthouse and try LOBSTER!

Things to Do:

• Portland Head Light (Lighthouse)
• Nubble Lighthouse

Maryland-

Maryland has the BEST aquarium in the world. Also, DO NOT forget to try CRAB CAKE while you are in Maryland.

Things to Do:

• The National Aquarium
• Ocean City Boardwalk
• National Harbor

Massachusetts-

If you are ever in Massachusetts, GO TO MARTHA’S VINEYARD!

Things to Do:

• Explore the Beaches of Martha’s Vineyard
• Swan Boat Ride in Boston

Michigan-

Explore the stunning scenery at Upper Peninsula, where you can see pictured rocks, sleeping bear dunes, and the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Things to Do:

• Sleeping Bear Dunes (Beaches)
• Pictured Rocks at Upper Peninsula
• Thunder Bay National Marine

Minnesota-

The Mall of America is a top location to see if you’re in Minnesota!

Things to Do:

• Mall of America

Mississippi-

The Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the world!

Things to Do:

• Mississippi River
• Red Bluff Canyons
• Holly Springs National Forest
• Old Mississippi State Capital

Missouri-

You have to see the Gateway Arch if you’re ever in St. Louis. You ALSO have to go to Kansas City for the INCREDIBLE amount of themed bars! They even have a DISCO-themed bar!

Things to Do:

• Gateway Arch in St. Louis
• Themed Bars in Kansas City

Montana-

Trekking through the Rocky Mountains is one of the best things to do in Montana or visiting Glacier National Park. You will also find ski resorts and fishing or hunting opportunities.

Things to Do:

• Glacier National Park
• Rocky Mountains
• Skiing
• Fishing
• Hunting

Nebraska-

Chimney Rock is a popular scenic spot in Nebraska.

Things to Do:

• Niobrara State Park
• Joslyn Castle
• Scotts Bluff National Monument

Nevada-

VEGAS. There is nothing like spending a night at one of the luxurious hotels in Vegas! Also, don’t forget to visit the Bellagio Hotel for the incredible fountain display and gardens and the Wynn Hotel to go GAMBLING!

Things to Do:

• Red Rock Canyon
• 7 Magic Mountains
• Luxury Hotel Hopping
• Bellagio Hotel – Gardens and Fountain Display
• Gambling

New Hampshire-

The BEST place to visit in New Hampshire is PLYMOUTH for several reasons, including the historic houses that are also museums.

Things to Do:

• University of New Hampshire Hockey Game
• Plymouth Historic Houses
• Skiing or Hiking at Mount Lafayette

New Jersey-

The BEST place to visit in New Jersey is BEACH HAVEN! My god, you will not regret it!!!! You can go fishing, swimming, relaxing in the sand, and more. It is a beach trip you won’t forget. You also have to visit Hoboken and Jersey City for a taste of New Jersey. Did you know? Hoboken is known as the hub of restaurants and bars!

Things to Do:

• Surfing at Beach Haven
• Six Flags
• Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
• Hoboken
• Ellis Island

New Mexico-

The White sands national park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park, home to limestone caves and hiking trails should be added to your New Mexico bucket list.

Things to Do:

-White Sands National Park

-Carlsbad Caverns National Park

New York-

New YORKKKK!! The city that never sleeps. Times Square and the top of the Empire State Building are the best things to do.

Things to Do:

• Top of Empire State Building
• Times Square
• Central Park
• Croton Falls

North Carolina-

Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The wineries and breweries are a lot of fun to visit also!

Things to Do:

• Great Smokey Mountains
• Jockey’s Ridge State Park
• Chimney Rock State Park

North Dakota-

Farms and ranches cover 90% of North Dakota.

Things to Do:

• Petrified Forest Loop

Ohio-

If you are ever in Ohio, visit PUT N BAY for a fun camping trip. Also, I loved Cincinnati because of the vast amount of breweries that you can go to!

Things to Do:

• Camping at PUT N BAY
• Breweries in Cincinnati

Oklahoma-

Get outdoors in Oklahoma at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.

Things to Do:

• Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.

Oregon-

The best waterfall to visit is Multnomah Falls and Proxy Falls in Oregon! The natural beauty is undeniable. Be sure to visit Crater Lake!

Things to Do:

• Crater Lake
• Multnomah Falls
• Proxy Falls

Pennsylvania-

Pittsburgh and Philly are great cities to see if you are ever in Pennsylvania. You have to visit the Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, and the historic district in Philly!

Things to Do:

• Independence Hall
• Liberty Bell

Rhode Island-

Newport is the most beautiful place to visit in Rhode Island! You will find rocky beaches throughout the state.

Things to Do:

• Newport Rocky Beaches

South Carolina-

South Carolina has beautiful beaches and weather. Don’t forget to visit Myrtle Beach.

Things to Do:

• Myrtle Beach

South Dakota-

Mount Rushmore is one of the most iconic symbols built in rock, featuring President George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

Tennessee-

Nashville is known as MUSIC CITY, so you MUST witness LIVE MUSIC along Broadway. If you are there for the 4th of July, they put on an AMAZING firework show.

Things to Do:

-Broadway St for Live Music

-4th of July Firework Show

Texas-

My favorite place in Texas is the Riverwalk in San Antonio!

Things to Do:

• Riverwalk in San Antonio
• Food Trucks in Austin
• Corpus Christi Beaches

Utah-

Utah LOOKS like you are on another planet, especially at Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Arches National Park.

Things to Do:

• Zion National Park
• Bryce Canyon
• Arches National Park

Vermont-

A trip to Vermont is not complete unless you visit BURLINGTON!

Things to Do:

• Burlington Vermont

• Camping
• Skiing

Virginia-

Jamestown is a MUST-SEE because it has rich American history. The first settlers arrived in Jamestown.

Things to Do:

• Skyline Caverns
• Hawksbill Mountain
• Smith Mountain Lake State Park
• Jamestown

Washington-

Did you know? The very first Starbucks opened in Washington.

Things to Do:

• Wallace Falls State Park
• Whatcom Falls Park

West Virginia-

Do you like white water rafting, hiking, kayaking, or outdoor adventures? West Virginia is for you! Don’t forget to catch WVU sporting events!

Things to Do:

• White water rafting
• Hiking
• Kayaking
• WVU sporting events!

Wisconsin-

The best thing to do in WISCONSIN is to go on a Cheesehead factory tour in Milwaukee. We also recommend sailing to the sea caves at the Apostle Islands.

Things to Do:

• Cheesehead Factory in Milwaukee
• Sea Caves at the Apostle Islands

Wyoming-

You will find Yellowstone National Park, canyons, rivers, hot springs, and Old Faithful in Wyoming.

Things to Do:

• Yellowstone National Park
• Devils Tower National Monument
• Old Faithful
• Grand Teton National Park
• National Elk Refuge

Bonus: Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is not a state; however, be sure to visit at night to see the monuments light up!

Things to Do:

• Cherry Blossom Festival
• Monuments

Have you ever been to the USA? We listed the 50 US States in Alphabetical Order. Which states were you able to visit? Please comment below!

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