Best Vacation Spots In Each State

By Joy Boyd 10 months ago

1. Alabama: The Gulf Coast

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The Alabama Gulf Coast is the go-to vacation spot. It has something for everyone, especially if you're into swimming, sunbathing and water sports! The beaches are beautiful, and you can go fishing or on a boat ride. They also have a lot of hiking trails and a zip line course. It's said that in the evening, there's tons of live music, and there's also a zoo and putt-putt for the kiddos!

2. Alaska: Anchorage

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If you're looking for an Alaskan adventure, Anchorage is the spot! There's a great mix of outdoor activities and city life. There are national parks and glaciers you can visit and even when you're in the city, it's set amongst beautiful scenery. You can climb Denali which is the tallest peak on the continent, and you'll even be able to see the Northern Lights!

3. Arizona: The Grand Canyon

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The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. People have been visiting this site for hundreds of years, exploring its 2 billion year old geological history. Whether you want to hike Bright Angel Trail or go rafting in the winding river, there's something for everyone. Spring is the best time to go weather wise!

4. Arkansas: Hot Springs National Park

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Hot Springs National Park has been dubbed as the "American Spa." These natural waters have healing and soothing effects due to the minerals found in them. There are over 25 miles of trails to explore. You can go camping, but be sure to check out this park in the spring, otherwise the heat is pretty unbearable!

5. California: Santa Barbara

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Santa Barbara is one of the best seaside cities and vacation destinations in California. It's got the laid-back beach vibes, but there are also a lot of fun places to explore. If you like going out, there's definitely a rowdy crowd, or you can keep it low-key with some wine by the fire. The weather is truly unbeatable, and there's great shopping, food, and drinks!

6. Colorado: Aspen

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Everyone knows that Aspen is one of the best places to ski in North America. But it also boasts a perfectly quaint mountain town that you can visit any time of the year! It's very charming, and there are a lot of summer activities like skeet shooting and river tours. They also offer festivals for music, art, and wine!

7. Connecticut: Mystic Country

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Mystic Country is the perfect spot if you're looking for a little New England charm. The Seaport has a museum that is considered a must-see by vacationers, where you can go aboard historic ships. There's hiking and lots of wildlife. You can also take a day trip to Mason's Island if fishing and swimming are more your speed!

8. Delaware: Dewey Beach

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Dewey Beach is a hot vacation spot in Delaware. There are nice beaches, great weather, and lots of partying. Whether you want to go boating, wake boarding, or dolphin watching, Dewey Beach has got you covered! There are tons of nightclubs as well, and you can always take a lovely stroll on the beach boardwalk!

9. Florida: Sanibel Island

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If you love to golf, or someone in your family does, then you're definitely going to want to check out Sanibel Island. This place has over 70 scenic courses, not to mention impeccable weather. There are also a lot of water activities, as to be expected. A lot of people also like to bird watch here as there are over 230 types of birds in the area. Sounds pretty perfect!

10. Georgia: Jekyll Island

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This island spans over 5,700 acres. People say the best time to visit is in the spring and fall. There's a lot of biking trails to explore, and it offers everything from beaches to forests and historical landmarks. There's 10 miles of white sand beaches, golf, a water park, and horseback riding!

11. Hawaii: Kauai

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I mean, you can never really go wrong with Hawaii. But Kauai is probably the best spot on the Islands. There are beautiful beaches and rain forests, huge mountains and beautiful waterfalls. It's considered one of the most beautiful places on the planet. There's a beautiful 22 mile trail and waterfalls you can swim in. Sounds like a dream!

12. Idaho: Idaho Falls

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For those seeking adventure, Idaho Falls is the spot. The area is known to be very hospitable to outsiders and there are a ton of outdoor recreation activities to explore. Whether you want to walk along the Snake River Greenbelt for beautiful waterfall views or head to the zoo with the family, there's so much to do! There are also trails that run through the thousand years old lava flow at Hell's Half Acre.

13. Illinois: Chicago

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Chicago is a great spot if you love Midwest summers on the lake! There are tons of spots to pick from, including Lake Michigan, which is the fifth largest lake on earth! You can explore navy Pier, and they also offer a flower and garden show in the spring. There are great bike paths, and it's one of the best places to spend the Fourth of July!

14. Indiana: Indiana Dunes State Park

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This state park is also on the shores of Lake Michigan. There are 15 miles of beautiful coast, and it's considered the best lakefront beaches in the country. There are also a lot of hiking trails, dunes, marshes, and forests. You can go fishing, enjoy a nice picnic, or in the winter, try your hand at cross country skiing!

15. Iowa: Dubuque

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The city of Dubuque is the vacation destination in Iowa. It's a town that features beautiful parks and a lot of history. There are zip line tours, and there's even an indoor water park for those cold winter months. It's nestled between the bluffs of the Mississippi River valley, giving it a stunning view!

16. Kansas: Wichita

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Wichita used to be considered a quiet, small town, but now it's bustling with activity. If you're into seeing remnants of the Old West, then this is a great place to visit. You can check out the Old Cowtown Museum or the Museum of Ancient Treasures. There's also amazing art by Plains Indian artists on display, and you can explore the history of aviation.

17. Kentucky: Cities along the Bourbon Trail

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This stretch is definitely only for those 21+... but if you're interested in learning more about bourbon, then were better to go than the bourbon capital of the world! There are a lot of distilleries to visit along the way as you learn the scientific process behind making this unique American beverage. You can even take classes to make your own!

18. Louisiana: New Orleans

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We don't think there's anyone who's regretted a trip to New Orleans. It's known for its rich history, incredible food, and overall good times. Of course, the home of Mardi Gras, we suspect these people know how to have a good time! Check out Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. There are also some really cool ghost tours if that's your thing!

19. Maine: Bar Harbor

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Bar Harbor is most breathtaking in the autumn. This quaint town is located on the sea, giving it an adventurous and romantic feel. There's some amazing food on Mount Desert Island, great hikes, and a beautiful national park - Acadia. If you're looking for an idyllic escape, look no further than Bar Harbor!

20. Maryland: Ocean City

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Ocean City is known to be a good Spring Break destination. A lot of people also plan their bachelor or bachelorette parties here. But don't let that worry you, it's also a very fun family destination. There's live music, bike rides, and mini golf. You can walk along the boardwalk, and there are definitely some fun parties at night. Amusement park rides by the water or parasailing are also available to you!

21. Massachusetts: Cape Cod

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Cape Cod is an incredibly popular summertime destination for vacationers. The sandy beaches are pristine with clear water and ponds. You can take a boat ride or hit a bike trail. There's also great swimming spots and the area is rich in history. If you're looking for a coastal escape, be sure to check out Cape Cod.

22. Michigan: Grand Haven

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Grand Haven has a lot to offer at any time of the year. In the spring, you'll want to go hiking and biking through the scenic outdoors. There are amazing beaches in the summer. Fishing in the fall, and of course, all the snow sports in the winter. So no matter what your preference, there's probably something in Grand Haven that you'll enjoy.

23. Minnesota: Voyageurs National Park

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This park is best for campers who are REALLY into camping. The campsites are some of the most remote around. In fact, you have to have a boat to reach them. If you prefer to have some isolated down time, then be sure to check out this park. If you don't have access to a boat, there is a guided boat tour that can help you out!

24. Mississippi: Biloxi

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There's a shrimping trip in Biloxi that is considered the best attraction in the state! You can learn how to catch, cook, and eat these delicious shrimp, fresh from the Mississippi Gulf. There are also casinos and an island to explore. Of course, there are beaches, and you'd be surprised at how many dolphins you can spot!

25. Missouri: Branson

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There's so much to do in Branson! Zip lines, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and then the usual fanfare like amazing live music, shows, and good food. There are a lot of the usual outdoor activities too like canoeing, fishing, and horseback riding. It's also considered an incredibly pet-friendly vacation spot.

26. Montana: Glacier National Park

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If you want beautiful views, head to Glacier National Park! There are amazing forests, mountains, lakes, and hiking trails. This is definitely not a vacation for those who don't want to be out an active! There are over 700 miles of trails in the area, so go breathe in the fresh air.

27. Nebraska: Lincoln

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Lincoln is the capital of Nebraska and has much to offer. It's home to the Sunken Gardens, which people say is a spot you must see! There are over 30,000 individual plans on display, and it's redesigned into a new theme every year. There's also a Children's Museum for the kiddos and a beautiful nature center!

28. Nevada: Las Vegas

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There's a lot more to do in Vegas than just clubs and casinos. Did you know that there are beautiful gardens and hiking trails too? There's a lot of live entertainment of course, and also some cool adrenaline-pumping activities. It's not far from the desert if you want to take an ATV tour or race some cars at Speed Vegas.

29. New Hampshire: Bretton Woods

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There's some of the best skiing in New Hampshire in Bretton Woods. But even in the off-season, there's plenty to do. There are some incredibly beautiful resorts here with amazing food and drinks for you and your friends. There's a zip line as well, if you're feeling adventurous!

30. New Jersey: Ocean City

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Ocean City, New Jersey has some of the best surfing spots in North America. It's also a great spot for families. Stop for some ice cream or other delicious treats along the boardwalk or take a ride on the amusement park attractions. There are also incredibly beautiful vacation homes here to check out.

31. New Mexico: Albuquerque

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Albuquerque is such an underrated city! It's full of charm and good times. There's a beautiful mountain range to set the scene, and the sun is pretty much always shining! You can go on some of the best trail runs and there's also an International Ballon Fiesta. You can watch hundreds of hot air balloons lift off. There's also a light show and fireworks and good food.

32. New York: Adirondacks

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You might be surprised we didn't go with NYC here, but we wanted to change it up. The Adirondacks feature many opportunities for hiking and boating, even snowboarding, in an incredibly beautiful setting. You've probably heard of Lake Placid, with its gorgeous mountain town. So def add this one to the top of your list!

33. North Carolina: Asheville

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Asheville is a beautiful mountain town. There's a lot of history here, and also delicious food and breathtaking gardens. You'll be a short drive away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There you can partake in wine tasting, fly-fishing, and more. There's also a train ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

34. North Dakota: Fargo

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Fargo is probably most known for the feature film named after it that came out in 1996. It's named one of the cleanest small towns in the world. If you want to visit the zoo or catch a sports game or shop, it's all here. Of course, we have to mention the great hiking trails available at the state parks in the area.

35. Ohio: Cleveland

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Cleveland is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and several other museums and historical sites. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is nearby, and it's one of the most famous national parks in the country. There's a lot of wildlife to see and exploring to do!

36. Oklahoma: Tulsa

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Tulsa has an interesting brag! It offers the best and safest drinking water in America. Anyways, it's also a great family vacation spot. There's a Big Splash Waterpark that the kiddos will love, as well as a nature center. There's a beautiful rose garden for the grown-ups and stunning running trails.

37. Oregon: Astoria

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Astoria is the most historic town in Oregon. There are beautiful beaches, a state park, and stunning views. Indian beach is famous for its tide pools, and beachgoers and surfers alike love this spot. There are some really cool rock formations as well, and a lot to take in in this city!

38. Pennsylvania: Skytop

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Skytop Lodge is the peaceful vacation you've been looking for! It's in the Pocono Mountains and sits on 500 acres. You can go boating or dogsledding, biking and even ice skating! Most say that this place holds a lot of classic charm and there are a ton of dining options.

39. Rhode Island: Providence

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Did you know that Providence is one of the oldest cities in the United States? You'll find a lively arts and theater scene, as well as some of the best dining in the state. The best part? Providence is super affordable for parents and kids alike. If you're looking for a fun and reasonably priced family vacation, look no further.

40. South Carolina: Myrtle Beach

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Myrtle Beach is an incredibly popular family vacation destination for people from all over the country. There's a zoo, aquarium and museum for the kiddos. There's also a waterpark and a SkyWheel. One of the best family activities is the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament.

41. South Dakota: Sioux Falls

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Sioux Falls is another amazing and affordable vacation spot. There are free Moonlight Movies in Fawick Park, there's also a bike ride you can take along the river for very cheap. If you have kids, check out the kid-friendly (and free!) theater performances at McKennan Park. There's also an all-day pass available for the Sioux Falls Trolley for only $1!

42. Tennessee: Spencer

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Okay, of course, everyone loves checking out Nashville and Memphis, and for good reason! They're both amazing. But if you're wanting something a bit more low key, check out Spencer. Fall Creek Falls State Park is there with the tallest waterfall in the eastern US> There's also golfing and an interactive nature center.

43. Texas: Austin

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Austin is one of those spots you can visit any time of the year and have a good time. The weather is warm pretty much the whole year. You can go kayaking, swimming, and boating. There's also a growing nightlife scene with yummy food and festivals. Be sure to check it out!

44. Utah: Salt Lake City

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Salt Lake City is great for a getaway. There are national parks, festivals, and of course, basically every winter activity you could ever want. It's easy to get around the city via public transportation, which is a win. There are also a lot of free museums and hikes to check out.

45. Vermont: Swanton

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Tyler Place Family Resort has existed in Swanton since 1933. They offer amazing all-inclusive family vacations. There are different packages to choose from, including date nights for the adults. You can go paddle boating, have a bonfire by the water, or check out some live music.

46. Virginia: Virginia Beach

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Virginia Beach is a vacation destination that offers a lot of cool resorts and a great family getaway. The beaches are beautiful, and there's also a huge waterpark. You can check out the aquarium, and Busch Gardens is not too far of a drive. There's a lot outdoors to see from sand dunes and forests to fresh water marshes.

47. Washington: Seattle

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Seattle has so much to offer. The various neighborhoods each have their own culture, and there's so much to see and do. The city is rich in art and music. New restaurants are always popping up. It's home to the original Starbucks, and there are beautiful outdoor activities at North Cascades or Puget Sound.

48. West Virgina: Berkeley Springs

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Berekely Springs is a mountain town that is gorgeous year round, but THRIVES in the summer. There are many natural springs and bathhouses throughout the town. There's also a playground at the center of the town for the kids. You can take beautiful picnics and enjoy free outdoor concerts in the summer.

49. Wisconsin: Madison

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Madison, Wisconsin has been named one of the best cities to live! It's considered one of the least stressed cities in the US. Everyone is super friendly, there's a cool culture, and delicious food! You can take day hikes or go kayaking and boating. There are many places to explore before capping off the day with a delicious dinner.

50. Wyoming: Jackson Hole

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Jackson Hole offers what's likely to be the most peaceful vacation of your life. Spring Creek Ranch has absolutely jaw-dropping views. There's also a spa and outdoor heated pool. The restaurants in the area offer great food with an even better view. And of course, there's great skiing too.

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