Below is a curated USA Travel Bucket List with the top 5 things to do in every state of USA, listed alphabetically. Each state’s activities are chosen to reflect its unique natural beauty, cultural heritage, historical significance, outdoor adventures, and local flavors, drawing from a mix of reputable travel sources like State by State, Bucket List USA, and Local Adventure, while prioritizing authentic experiences over tourist traps. I’ve kept each entry concise yet vivid to capture the essence of each state. If you want more details on any state, specific regions, or a tailored focus (e.g., budget-friendly, outdoor-only), let me know!
Top 5 Things To Do in Every State of USA
Top 5 Things To Do in Alabama
- Visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (Huntsville): Explore NASA’s history with rocket exhibits and space simulators.
- Walk the Civil Rights Trail (Montgomery): See the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and Rosa Parks Museum.
- Relax on Gulf Shores Beaches: Enjoy white sand and warm waters at Gulf State Park.
- Hike Little River Canyon National Preserve: Marvel at waterfalls and scenic trails in this “Grand Canyon of the East.”
- Experience Mardi Gras in Mobile: Join the original U.S. Mardi Gras with parades and festivals.
Top 5 Things To Do in Alaska
- Explore Denali National Park: Hike or bus tour to see Denali’s peak and wildlife like bears and moose.
- View the Northern Lights (Fairbanks): Catch the aurora borealis from September to April.
- Kayak Kenai Fjords (Seward): Paddle among glaciers and spot whales and seals.
- Fish for Salmon (Ketchikan): Try world-class fishing in Alaska’s salmon capital.
- Take a Glacier Flightseeing Tour: Soar over Glacier Bay or Juneau Icefield for stunning views.
Top 5 Things To Do in Arizona
- Marvel at the Grand Canyon: Hike the South Rim or take a mule ride into the canyon.
- Explore Antelope Canyon (Page): Tour this photogenic slot canyon’s red rock formations.
- Visit Sedona’s Red Rocks: Hike or jeep tour among iconic buttes and vortex sites.
- Drive Historic Route 66: Stop at retro diners and quirky attractions in Kingman or Flagstaff.
- Tour Saguaro National Park: See towering cacti and desert landscapes near Tucson.
Top 5 Things To Do in Arkansas
- Soak in Hot Springs National Park: Relax in historic bathhouses or hike scenic trails.
- Visit Crystal Bridges Museum (Bentonville): Explore American art in a stunning architectural setting.
- Canoe the Buffalo National River: Paddle through Ozark scenery and limestone bluffs.
- Explore Blanchard Springs Caverns: Tour underground caves with massive stalactites.
- Attend the Arkansas State Fair (Little Rock): Enjoy Southern food, music, and rides.
Top 5 Things To Do in California
- Hike Yosemite National Park: See Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and giant sequoias.
- Drive the Pacific Coast Highway: Experience Big Sur’s cliffs and Bixby Bridge views.
- Visit the Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco): Walk or bike this iconic landmark.
- Tour Hollywood (Los Angeles): See the Walk of Fame and Griffith Observatory.
- Wine Taste in Napa Valley: Sip world-class wines amid rolling vineyards.
Top 5 Things To Do in Colorado
- Ski or Hike Rocky Mountain National Park: Trek Trail Ridge Road or ski in winter.
- Explore Mesa Verde National Park: Tour ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings.
- Visit Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs): Hike among towering red rock formations.
- Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Journey through stunning mountain scenery.
- Enjoy Denver’s Craft Beer Scene: Sample brews at local taprooms like Great Divide.
Top 5 Things To Do in Connecticut
- Tour Yale University (New Haven): Explore historic campuses and the Peabody Museum.
- Visit Mystic Seaport Museum: Step into maritime history with ships and a 19th-century village.
- Hike Sleeping Giant State Park: Climb trails for panoramic views of the countryside.
- Dine on New Haven Pizza: Try iconic pies at Frank Pepe’s or Sally’s Apizza.
- Stroll Mark Twain House (Hartford): Tour the author’s Victorian home and museum.
Top 5 Things To Do in Delaware
- Relax on Rehoboth Beach: Enjoy boardwalks, sand, and family-friendly vibes.
- Tour Winterthur Museum (Wilmington): Explore American decorative arts and gardens.
- Visit Fort Delaware State Park: Take a ferry to this Civil War-era fort on Pea Patch Island.
- Explore Historic New Castle: Wander cobblestone streets and colonial buildings.
- Kayak Trap Pond State Park: Paddle through cypress swamps and scenic wetlands.
Top 5 Things To Do in Florida
- Visit Walt Disney World (Orlando): Experience Magic Kingdom’s iconic rides and shows.
- Explore the Everglades National Park: Take an airboat tour to see alligators and mangroves.
- Relax on South Beach (Miami): Soak up Art Deco vibes and vibrant nightlife.
- Tour Kennedy Space Center (Cape Canaveral): See rockets and space shuttle exhibits.
- Snorkel at Dry Tortugas National Park: Dive into coral reefs near historic Fort Jefferson.
Top 5 Things To Do in Georgia
- Stroll Savannah’s Historic District: Walk cobblestone streets and see Forsyth Park.
- Visit Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park (Atlanta): Tour his birth home and Ebenezer Baptist Church.
- Hike Tallulah Gorge State Park: Trek to waterfalls and suspension bridges.
- Explore Okefenokee Swamp: Paddle or boat through this unique blackwater ecosystem.
- Taste Georgia Peaches: Visit a farm or market for fresh peaches and Southern dishes.
Top 5 Things To Do in Hawaii
- Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Big Island): See active volcanoes and lava fields.
- Surf Waikiki Beach (Oahu): Take a lesson or relax on this iconic shore.
- Drive the Road to Hana (Maui): Discover waterfalls and black sand beaches.
- Visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial (Oahu): Tour WWII history at the USS Arizona.
- Snorkel Molokini Crater (Maui): Dive into vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
Top 5 Things To Do in Idaho
- Hike Sawtooth National Recreation Area: Trek among jagged peaks and alpine lakes.
- Raft the Salmon River: Experience thrilling whitewater in the “River of No Return.”
- Visit Craters of the Moon National Monument: Explore surreal lava fields and caves.
- Ski Sun Valley: Hit world-class slopes in America’s first ski resort.
- Relax in Lava Hot Springs: Soak in natural mineral pools.
Top 5 Things To Do in Illinois
- Tour Chicago’s Architecture: Take a river cruise to see skyscrapers like Willis Tower.
- Visit Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library (Springfield): Dive into Civil War history.
- Explore Starved Rock State Park: Hike to canyons, waterfalls, and bluffs.
- Drive Route 66: Stop at quirky landmarks like the Gemini Giant in Wilmington.
- Taste Deep-Dish Pizza: Try iconic Chicago-style pizza at Lou Malnati’s or Pequod’s.
Top 5 Things To Do in Indiana
- Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Watch the Indy 500 or tour the museum.
- Explore Indiana Dunes National Park: Hike or swim along Lake Michigan’s shores.
- Visit Amish Country (Shipshewana): Experience markets and horse-drawn buggy rides.
- Tour Conner Prairie (Fishers): Step into a living history museum with 19th-century reenactments.
- Hike Brown County State Park: Enjoy fall foliage and rolling hills.
Top 5 Things To Do in Iowa
- Visit the Bridges of Madison County: Tour historic covered bridges near Winterset.
- Explore Amana Colonies: Discover German heritage, shops, and breweries.
- Attend the Iowa State Fair (Des Moines): Enjoy food, rides, and butter sculptures.
- Canoe the Maquoketa River: Paddle through scenic limestone bluffs.
- Tour Field of Dreams (Dyersville): Visit the iconic movie site and baseball field.
Top 5 Things To Do in Kansas
- Visit the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library (Abilene): Explore WWII and presidential history.
- Tour Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve: Hike through rare prairie landscapes.
- Explore Wichita’s Old Cowtown Museum: Step into a 19th-century frontier town.
- See Monument Rocks: Marvel at these towering chalk formations in the plains.
- Taste Kansas City BBQ: Try ribs or burnt ends at local joints like Q39.
Top 5 Things To Do in Kentucky
- Tour the Kentucky Derby (Louisville): Visit Churchill Downs and the Derby Museum.
- Explore Mammoth Cave National Park: Wander the world’s longest cave system.
- Sip Bourbon on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail: Visit distilleries like Maker’s Mark.
- Hike Red River Gorge: Trek to natural arches and cliffs in Daniel Boone National Forest.
- Visit Abraham Lincoln Birthplace (Hodgenville): See the historic cabin and memorial.
Top 5 Things To Do in Louisiana
- Experience Mardi Gras (New Orleans): Join parades and festivities in the French Quarter.
- Tour the French Quarter: Explore jazz clubs, beignets at Café du Monde, and historic streets.
- Swamp Tour in the Bayou: Spot alligators and herons on an airboat ride.
- Visit Oak Alley Plantation (Vacherie): Tour this iconic antebellum estate.
- Taste Cajun and Creole Food: Try gumbo, crawfish, or jambalaya in Lafayette.
Top 5 Things To Do in Maine
- Explore Acadia National Park: Hike Cadillac Mountain or bike carriage roads.
- Visit Portland Head Light: See New England’s iconic lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth.
- Eat Lobster in Bar Harbor: Savor fresh lobster rolls at local shacks.
- Kayak Penobscot Bay: Paddle among islands and rugged coastline.
- Stroll Boothbay Harbor: Enjoy quaint shops and coastal charm.
Top 5 Things To Do in Maryland
- Visit Annapolis Historic District: Tour the U.S. Naval Academy and colonial streets.
- Explore Assateague Island: See wild horses and pristine beaches.
- Tour Fort McHenry (Baltimore): Visit the birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner.
- Eat Maryland Crab Cakes: Savor seafood at Baltimore’s local spots.
- Hike Catoctin Mountain Park: Trek trails near Camp David’s scenic forests.
Top 5 Things To Do in Massachusetts
- Walk the Freedom Trail (Boston): See historic sites like Paul Revere House.
- Visit Cape Cod National Seashore: Relax on beaches or explore quaint towns.
- Tour Plimoth Patuxet Museums: Step into Pilgrim and Wampanoag history.
- Hike Mount Greylock: Enjoy panoramic views from the state’s highest peak.
- Experience Salem’s Witch History: Visit the Witch Trials Memorial and museums.
Top 5 Things To Do in Michigan
- Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Climb dunes or kayak Lake Michigan.
- Visit Mackinac Island: Bike or take a carriage ride in this car-free historic gem.
- Tour Henry Ford Museum (Dearborn): See automotive and American history exhibits.
- Cruise Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Boat past colorful cliffs and waterfalls.
- Taste Upper Peninsula Pasties: Try these savory meat pies in Marquette.
Top 5 Things To Do in Minnesota
- Explore Boundary Waters Canoe Area: Paddle through pristine lakes and forests.
- Visit Mall of America (Bloomington): Shop, ride coasters, or explore attractions.
- Tour Minneapolis Institute of Art: See world-class art collections for free.
- Hike Voyageurs National Park: Kayak or fish among northern lakes and islands.
- Attend the Minnesota State Fair (St. Paul): Enjoy food, music, and Midwest culture.
Top 5 Things To Do in Mississippi
- Visit Vicksburg National Military Park: Explore Civil War history and battlefields.
- Stroll Natchez Historic District: Tour antebellum mansions and riverfront charm.
- Experience the Mississippi Blues Trail: Visit blues landmarks like the Delta Blues Museum.
- Relax on Gulf Coast Beaches: Enjoy Biloxi’s sandy shores and casinos.
- Taste Southern Catfish: Savor fried catfish at local diners in Jackson.
Top 5 Things To Do in Missouri
- Visit Gateway Arch (St. Louis): Ride to the top of this iconic monument.
- Explore Ozark National Scenic Riverways: Canoe or fish in clear spring-fed rivers.
- Tour Kansas City’s National WWI Museum: Dive into global history with stunning views.
- Taste St. Louis BBQ: Try ribs at Pappy’s Smokehouse or Bogart’s.
- Visit Mark Twain Boyhood Home (Hannibal): Explore the author’s roots and caves.
Top 5 Things To Do in Montana
- Explore Glacier National Park: Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road or hike to Hidden Lake.
- Visit Yellowstone National Park: See geysers, hot springs, and wildlife (shared with WY/ID).
- Fish the Madison River: Try fly-fishing in world-class trout waters.
- Hike Bob Marshall Wilderness: Trek through rugged, pristine backcountry.
- Experience a Dude Ranch: Stay at a working ranch near Bozeman for a Western adventure.
Top 5 Things To Do in Nebraska
- Visit Chimney Rock National Historic Site: See this Oregon Trail landmark.
- Explore Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway: Drive through rolling grasslands and dunes.
- Tour Strategic Air Command Museum (Ashland): See historic aircraft and Cold War relics.
- Watch the Sandhill Crane Migration (Kearney): Witness thousands of cranes in spring.
- Visit Carhenge (Alliance): Check out this quirky Stonehenge replica made of cars.
Top 5 Things To Do in Nevada
- Explore Las Vegas Strip: See Bellagio fountains, casinos, and shows.
- Visit Red Rock Canyon: Hike or bike near stunning desert landscapes.
- Tour Hoover Dam: Marvel at this engineering feat on the Colorado River.
- Experience Burning Man (Black Rock Desert): Join the annual art and culture festival (seasonal).
- Explore Valley of Fire State Park: Hike among red sandstone formations.
Top 5 Things To Do in New Hampshire
- Hike White Mountain National Forest: Climb Mount Washington or Franconia Notch trails.
- Drive Kancamagus Highway: Enjoy fall foliage and scenic vistas.
- Visit Strawbery Banke Museum (Portsmouth): Explore colonial history in a living museum.
- Ski Bretton Woods: Hit slopes with stunning views of Mount Washington.
- Explore Lake Winnipesaukee: Boat or fish in New England’s largest lake.
Top 5 Things To Do in New Jersey
- Stroll Atlantic City Boardwalk: Enjoy casinos, shops, and ocean views.
- Visit Cape May: Relax on beaches and tour Victorian architecture.
- Hike Delaware Water Gap: Trek scenic trails along the Appalachian Trail.
- Explore Liberty State Park: See Statue of Liberty views and Ellis Island history.
- Taste Jersey Shore Diner Food: Try pork roll or bagels at local spots.
Top 5 Things To Do in New Mexico
- Visit White Sands National Park: Sled or hike on gypsum dunes.
- Explore Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Tour massive underground caves.
- Tour Santa Fe’s Palace of the Governors: Dive into Native American and Spanish history.
- Attend Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta: Watch hundreds of hot air balloons.
- Taste New Mexican Chile: Try green or red chile dishes in Santa Fe or Taos.
Top 5 Things To Do in New York
- Visit Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: Tour these symbols of freedom via ferry.
- Explore Times Square: Experience Broadway shows and vibrant energy.
- Walk Central Park and the High Line: Enjoy urban nature in NYC.
- Tour the Metropolitan Museum of Art: See 5,000 years of art in NYC.
- Visit Niagara Falls: Take a Maid of the Mist boat tour for close-up views.
Top 5 Things To Do in North Carolina
- Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Hike trails or drive scenic routes.
- Visit Biltmore Estate (Asheville): Tour America’s largest private home and gardens.
- Relax on Outer Banks Beaches: See lighthouses and wild horses in Corolla.
- Hike Blue Ridge Parkway: Enjoy mountain views and waterfalls.
- Taste Carolina BBQ: Try pulled pork with vinegar-based sauce in Raleigh.
Top 5 Things To Do in North Dakota
- Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park: See badlands, bison, and scenic drives.
- Explore Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park: Tour Custer’s home and Mandan village.
- Attend Medora Musical: Enjoy this Western show in the Badlands.
- Hike Maah Daah Hey Trail: Trek through rugged badlands terrain.
- Visit International Peace Garden: Stroll this border park with Canada.
Top 5 Things To Do in Ohio
- Visit Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland): Explore music history and exhibits.
- Explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Hike or bike scenic trails and waterfalls.
- Tour Ohio State Reformatory (Mansfield): Visit the “Shawshank Redemption” prison.
- Attend Cedar Point Amusement Park (Sandusky): Ride world-class roller coasters.
- Taste Cincinnati Chili: Try unique chili over spaghetti at Skyline Chili.
Top 5 Things To Do in Oklahoma
- Visit Oklahoma City National Memorial: Reflect at the site of the 1995 bombing.
- Explore Route 66 Attractions: See the Round Barn and Pops 66 in Arcadia.
- Tour Philbrook Museum of Art (Tulsa): Admire art and Italian-style gardens.
- Hike Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge: Spot bison and climb Mount Scott.
- Attend a Powwow: Experience Native American culture at events like Red Earth Festival.
Top 5 Things To Do in Oregon
- Visit Crater Lake National Park: See the deepest U.S. lake’s stunning blue waters.
- Explore Portland’s Food Scene: Try food carts and local brews in the Pearl District.
- Hike Columbia River Gorge: Visit Multnomah Falls and scenic trails.
- Drive Oregon Coast Highway 101: See Haystack Rock and rugged beaches.
- Tour Powell’s City of Books (Portland): Browse the world’s largest independent bookstore.
Top 5 Things To Do in Pennsylvania
- Visit Independence National Historical Park (Philadelphia): See the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
- Explore Gettysburg National Military Park: Tour Civil War battlefields and museums.
- Hike Ricketts Glen State Park: See 24 waterfalls on the Falls Trail.
- Tour Fallingwater (Mill Run): Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece.
- Taste Philly Cheesesteaks: Try Pat’s or Geno’s in Philadelphia.
Top 5 Things To Do in Rhode Island
- Stroll Newport’s Cliff Walk: Walk between mansions and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Tour The Breakers: Explore this Vanderbilt mansion’s Gilded Age opulence.
- Relax on Narragansett Beach: Enjoy surfing or sunbathing.
- Visit Providence’s WaterFire: Experience this art installation with bonfires on the river.
- Taste Rhode Island Clam Chowder: Savor clear-broth chowder at local spots.
Top 5 Things To Do in South Carolina
- Explore Charleston’s Historic District: Tour Rainbow Row and Battery Park.
- Visit Fort Sumter National Monument: Take a ferry to this Civil War site.
- Relax on Myrtle Beach: Enjoy the boardwalk and sandy shores.
- Hike Congaree National Park: Wander through old-growth floodplain forests.
- Taste Lowcountry Cuisine: Try shrimp and grits or she-crab soup in Charleston.
Top 5 Things To Do in South Dakota
- Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial: See the iconic presidential carvings.
- Explore Badlands National Park: Drive or hike through dramatic rock formations.
- Tour Custer State Park: Spot bison and drive the Wildlife Loop.
- Visit Deadwood: Experience Wild West history and historic gaming halls.
- See Crazy Horse Memorial: View the massive mountain carving in progress.
Top 5 Things To Do in Tennessee
- Visit Graceland (Memphis): Tour Elvis Presley’s iconic home and museum.
- Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Hike Clingmans Dome or Cades Cove.
- Experience Nashville’s Music Scene: Visit the Grand Ole Opry or honky-tonks on Broadway.
- Tour Jack Daniel’s Distillery (Lynchburg): Learn about Tennessee whiskey.
- Visit Ruby Falls (Chattanooga): See this underground waterfall in a cave.
Top 5 Things To Do in Texas
- Explore San Antonio River Walk: Dine and stroll along this vibrant urban waterway.
- Visit the Alamo (San Antonio): Dive into Texas Revolution history.
- Experience Austin’s Live Music: Catch shows on Sixth Street or at Austin City Limits.
- Hike Big Bend National Park: Trek desert trails and the Rio Grande.
- Taste Texas BBQ: Try brisket at Franklin Barbecue in Austin or Snow’s in Lexington.
Top 5 Things To Do in Utah
- Explore Zion National Park: Hike Angels Landing or The Narrows.
- Visit Bryce Canyon National Park: See vibrant hoodoos and stargaze.
- Hike Arches National Park: Walk to Delicate Arch and other formations.
- Ski Park City: Hit world-class slopes or visit during Sundance Film Festival.
- Explore Monument Valley: Drive or tour this iconic desert landscape.
Top 5 Things To Do in Vermont
- Hike Green Mountain National Forest: Trek to waterfalls or ski Stowe’s slopes.
- Visit Ben & Jerry’s Factory (Waterbury): Tour and taste iconic ice cream.
- Drive Route 100: See fall foliage, covered bridges, and quaint towns.
- Explore Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace: Shop and dine in a vibrant pedestrian area.
- Taste Maple Syrup: Visit a sugarhouse for fresh syrup and maple candy.
Top 5 Things To Do in Virginia
- Visit Colonial Williamsburg: Step into 18th-century America with reenactments.
- Explore Shenandoah National Park: Drive Skyline Drive or hike Old Rag.
- Tour Monticello (Charlottesville): Visit Thomas Jefferson’s historic estate.
- Relax on Virginia Beach: Enjoy the boardwalk and oceanfront.
- Visit Arlington National Cemetery: Pay respects at this historic military site.
Top 5 Things To Do in Washington
- Explore Olympic National Park: Hike rainforests, beaches, and Hurricane Ridge.
- Visit Pike Place Market (Seattle): See fish-throwing and local crafts.
- Tour Mount Rainier National Park: Hike or climb for stunning volcanic views.
- Cruise Puget Sound: Kayak or ferry to spot orcas and islands.
- Taste Washington Wines: Visit Walla Walla’s vineyards for tastings.
Top 5 Things To Do in West Virginia
- Hike New River Gorge National Park: See the iconic bridge and raft whitewater.
- Explore Seneca Rocks: Climb or hike this dramatic rock formation.
- Visit Harpers Ferry National Historical Park: Tour Civil War and abolitionist history.
- Ride the Cass Scenic Railroad: Journey through mountain forests.
- Attend a Bluegrass Festival: Enjoy Appalachian music in local towns.
Top 5 Things To Do in Wisconsin
- Visit Door County: Explore charming towns, lighthouses, and cherry orchards.
- Tour Milwaukee Art Museum: See its stunning winged architecture and exhibits.
- Attend Summerfest (Milwaukee): Enjoy the world’s largest music festival.
- Explore Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Kayak sea caves or cruise Lake Superior.
- Taste Cheese Curds: Try fresh, squeaky curds at a local dairy or festival.
Top 5 Things To Do in Wyoming
- Explore Yellowstone National Park: See Old Faithful, geysers, and wildlife.
- Visit Grand Teton National Park: Hike or boat with stunning mountain views.
- Tour Cody’s Buffalo Bill Center: Dive into Western history and culture.
- Attend Cheyenne Frontier Days: Experience the world’s largest outdoor rodeo.
- Ski Jackson Hole: Hit challenging slopes with Teton backdrops.
This USA Travel Bucket List showcases the diverse and unforgettable experiences awaiting in every state, from iconic landmarks and natural wonders to cultural treasures and culinary delights. Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or a weekend getaway, these top 5 activities per state offer a mix of the most popular, unique, and bucket-list-worthy adventures. Use this guide as a starting point to explore America’s rich tapestry of destinations, and let each state’s distinct character inspire your next journey.
