I’ve been to all 50 states. Here’s one thing I recommend doing in each.

Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a coastal paradise with a perfect blend of sun, sand, and Southern charm.

The coastal city has pristine beaches, thrilling water sports, and delicious seafood, making it my top recommendation when visiting the state.

Seward is the one place in Alaska that I continue to return to over and over.

The charming coastal town on the Kenai Peninsula is home to Kenai Fjords National Park, which has majestic glaciers, astonishing fjords, and diverse marine life.

Outside the park, Seward itself looks like the backdrop for an Alaskan Hallmark movie, with quaint shops, fresh seafood, and incredible views from every vantage point.

Although some bucket-list attractions don’t necessarily live up to the hype, in my opinion, this isn’t the case for the Grand Canyon. Even though I’ve visited the canyon nearly a dozen times, it still takes my breath away every time.

Larger than the entire state of Rhode Island, this landmark is one I think you have to see up close to truly understand and appreciate.

When in Arkansas, I always recommend visiting Hot Springs National Park.

Although it isn’t one of my favorite national parks for outdoor activities, its location in the quaint town of Hot Springs, Arkansas, offers an interesting and informative glimpse into history.

I like to spend my time walking through the historic bathhouses, shopping or dining in the city, and exploring the nearby hiking trails.

With more national parks than any other state, hundreds of miles of pristine Pacific coastline, towering redwoods, and the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States, California is a nature lover’s paradise.

Despite all the state has to offer, there’s still one place I’d recommend checking out over any other — Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park. Hike to Vernal Falls, lounge by the Merced River, and catch the sunset at Tunnel View for an unforgettable day.

Although my home state of Colorado has no shortage of jaw-dropping beauty, I always tell visitors to visit Telluride.

The views from the town look almost unreal, and driving through the surrounding San Juan Mountains feels like you’ve escaped to Europe.

Due to its more remote location, the journey to get here is part of the fun.

New Haven, Connecticut, offers a unique blend of history and culture, and is home to world-class museums, like the Yale University Art Gallery.

Spend a day exploring the historic New Haven Green and savoring the city’s famous pizza — a culinary tradition with deep roots.

Delaware’s beaches offer the classic East Coast experience, with pristine sand and gentle waves. I always recommend visiting Bethany Beach in the spring or fall for some solitude.

Rehoboth Beach is a great summer spot, and the boardwalk has an eclectic and diverse variety of restaurants, shops, and amusements.

One of my all-time favorite trips has been road-tripping from Miami to Key West on the 113-mile stretch of US Route 1 known as the Overseas Highway.

The drive is stunning, with 42 bridges, including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, connecting the Florida Keys to Florida’s mainland.

After seeing so much of the incredible beauty that the US has to offer, I still recommend one lesser-known National Park Service site more often than most: Cumberland Island National Seashore.

The stunning barrier island off the coast of Georgia is as historic as it is beautiful. The island offers history, wild horses, and a 17-mile-long stretch of beachfront.

If I had to recommend just one thing to do in Hawaii, it would undoubtedly be watching a sunrise or sunset at the summit of Haleakalā — one of the world’s largest dormant volcanoes — in Maui.

Located within Haleakalā National Park, visitors can drive to the summit for an incredible and unforgettable view. Reservations are required in advance to visit during sunrise, so plan ahead.

Idaho has plenty of mountain ranges, hot springs, and waterfalls, but my favorite thing to do is to float on the peaceful Teton River.

Every year, I visit the Teton Valley, where I rent a paddleboard and slowly meander the river while enjoying snacks, wildlife, and great views.

When in Illinois, I always recommend combining a visit to Chicago with a quirky road trip through the state on Route 66. I recommend stopping at the kitschy attractions, small towns, and diners that dot the route for a little bit of history and a lot of nostalgia.

Just an hour’s drive from Chicago, Indiana Dunes National Park feels like a hidden gem amid urban areas and industry.

The park is home to 15 distinct trail systems, lush forests, wetlands, gorgeous lake views, and sand dunes — some reaching nearly 200 feet tall. It’s a beautiful spot for a beach day or hike.

Des Moines, Iowa, is often overlooked as a tourist destination, but there’s so much to do in the state capital. With a thriving arts scene, historic sites, museums, and an up-and-coming foodie culture, it’s a great city to spend a day exploring.

I recommend visiting the Pappajohn Sculpture Park downtown to view sculptures by over 20 artists.

Although Kansas isn’t the flattest state in the country, it’s not exactly known for its elevation, either. That’s why I always recommend taking a short detour to the Monument Rocks chalk formations.

As the first national natural landmark in Kansas, the series of fossil-rich formations appearing out of what seems like nowhere creates an otherworldly and beautiful scene.

Of all the adventure options in Kentucky, I recommend hiking at Natural Bridge State Resort Park. The 2,200-acre park and nature preserve has 22 miles of trails, a 60-acre lake, a sky lift, camping spots, and scenic drives.

Although I love Louisiana as a whole, there’s nothing like New Orleans and its iconic French Quarter. As the city’s historic heart, it’s a must-visit for any traveler.

I love wandering through the French Market, sampling the iconic beignets at Café du Monde, or simply soaking up the lively atmosphere.

I always recommend attending a performance at the iconic Preservation Hall to take your French Quarter experience to the next level.

After many trips to Maine, Kennebunkport still stands as my top recommendation.

Just under 90 miles from Boston, this quaint coastal town has gorgeous beaches, outdoor activities, and relaxing accommodations.

Assateague Island National Seashore allows visitors to admire wild horses and hike, camp, and relax on the pristine beaches.

Just a short drive from Ocean City, the stunning barrier island is part of both Maryland and Virginia, offering what feels like an escape from the world.

For a relaxing getaway, I recommend visiting Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in the quieter offseason.

I have great memories of relaxing on the beach for a fall bonfire at the historic Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster, riding bikes on the 25.5-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail, and visiting the iconic Cape Cod National Seashore.

Lake Michigan’s east coast has a thriving art scene, specifically in Saugatuck and Douglas. Known as the “Art Coast,” this lakeside enclave has long been a haven for artists and art lovers alike, with plenty of galleries, shops, and festivals.

The area is also home to delicious wineries, beautiful beaches, and upscale restaurants.

Make sure to visit the iconic Oval Beach, spend an afternoon on an adventurous Saugatuck Dune Ride, and finish the day renting a boat for a relaxing ride on the Kalamazoo River.

Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is one of the most unique places I’ve visited.

Made up of nearly 40% water, the park has four large lakes, 26 smaller ones, and over 500 islands. Because of this, Voyageurs is best seen by boat.

I recommend taking a boat to the historic Kelle Falls Hotel to take in the stunning wildlife.

For music fans, I highly recommend visiting the Mississippi Blues Trail, which features museums and historic sites significant to the genre.

Some of the stops include notable cities like Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis Presley, and Berclair, where B.B. King was born. Another highlight is the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale.

In my opinion, St. Louis is an underrated city. From Gateway Arch National Park to Forest Park, there’s plenty of greenery to enjoy. I also recommend checking out the Budweiser Brewery for beer tasting or heading to the St. Louis Zoo, which is free to enter.

Plus, with all the restaurants and activities at the historic Union Station, the city has countless attractions to keep any visitor busy.

Montana is a vast and gorgeous state, but nothing else compares to Glacier National Park. The park covers about a million acres, with over 700 miles of hiking trails and seven separate entrances — three of which connect to Going-to-the-Sun Road.

On multiple occasions, I’ve been brought to tears driving this 50-mile road surrounded by some of the world’s most impressive beauty. There are plenty of places along the way to stop, admire the view, hike, and learn more about the park.

Scotts Bluff National Monument is an incredibly impressive sight in western Nebraska. The towering bluffs rise dramatically above the North Platte River and offer gorgeous scenic drives and hiking trails.

Important in the history of Western expansion, the monument preserves parts of the Oregon Trail and is a beautiful place to visit and catch a sunset.

For a road-trip experience unlike any other, I recommend driving the “Loneliest Road in America.” This stretch of Nevada’s Highway 50 received its nickname from Life magazine in 1986 due to its perceived lack of attractions.

Despite this characterization, it has become a tourist attraction, luring visitors who appreciate wide-open spaces and desert landscapes. Along the way, you can stop at historic small towns and Great Basin National Park.

The White Mountains of New Hampshire are stunning at any time of year, but I love visiting in the fall to see the breathtaking foliage. For the best views, I recommend driving the scenic Kancamagus Highway and the Franconia Notch Parkway.

In addition to taking a drive, I suggest hiking on the trails and stopping by the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods for incredible views and a bite to eat.

In recent years, New Jersey has emerged as an up-and-coming wine destination. The state has four AVAs — or American Viticultural Areas, which are regions that have proven to be beneficial for grape growing — and over 50 wineries.

I recommend spending time in the Cape May area, home to the gorgeous Cape May Winery and Vineyard and Hawk Haven Vineyard and Winery.

I love traveling to northern New Mexico and making stops in the tourist-friendly towns of Santa Fe and Taos. However, my favorite place to visit — Ghost Ranch — is slightly less popular.

Located in Abiquiu, New Mexico, Ghost Ranch was once home to artist Georgia O’Keeffe. In fact, many of her iconic paintings were inspired by the area’s unique geological formations, vibrant colors, and vast open spaces.

Now, as an educational and retreat center, visitors can stay overnight, hike, or horseback ride on a tour through the otherworldly landscapes.

I love New York City and think everyone should experience it at least once. However, I also encourage visitors to leave the city and see what else the state has to offer.

For example, I love the Finger Lakes area and recommend checking out the absolutely stunning Watkins Glen State Park. Famous for its dramatic gorge trail that winds through a series of 19 waterfalls, hiking there is an unforgettable experience.

After visiting North Carolina several times, my No. 1 recommendation is to visit the state’s western mountain towns.

From larger towns like Asheville to smaller cities like Brevard and Hendersonville, the area is teeming with outdoor activities, craft breweries, and historic charm.

Hurricane Helene recently brought historic flooding and damage to the area, but when it can welcome visitors again, it should be on everyone’s bucket list.

For travelers attempting to visit all 50 states, North Dakota is often one of — if not the last — state they visit. The state even has a “best for last” club visitors can join if they visit North Dakota as their 50th state.

Despite being seemingly under the radar for some, North Dakota is home to overwhelming natural beauty, including Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The unique park boasts rugged badlands, rolling prairies, and the winding Little Missouri River.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located between Cleveland and Akron, is a great place to spend a day or more.

Visitors can ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, hike or bike the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, and admire the park’s gorgeous waterfalls, including the 60-foot Brandywine Falls.

A unique way to experience Oklahoma is to visit the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve.

Managed by The Nature Conservancy, the 39,650-acre preserve aims to preserve the tallgrass prairie that once covered 14 states but is now less than 4% of its original size.

Here, visitors can hike, take a scenic drive, and observe the abundant wildlife.

In my experience, there’s no place in the US quite as peaceful as the Oregon coast, which includes my favorite spots like Pacific City, Cannon Beach, Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, and Ecola State Park.

There is truly no shortage of incredible views, rugged coastline, hiking opportunities, and laid-back towns to spend a weekend in.

When visiting Pennsylvania, I always recommend spending time in the Pocono Mountains. The area encompasses many state parks and forests, hiking trails, scenic drives, and lookout points.

I recommend checking out the Delaware Water Gap, hiking at Hickory Run State Park, and visiting the impressive Bushkill Falls — a series of eight waterfalls known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania.”

Newport, Rhode Island, is a must-visit for any history or architecture buff. Home to the famed Gilded Age mansions, visitors can walk along the Cliff Walk trail or drive along Ocean Drive for views of the magnificent mansions and the Atlantic Ocean.

If mansions aren’t your thing, spend time on the beaches of Newport or plan a visit during the summer to attend the annual Newport Folk Festival.

South Carolina has a lot to see and do, from beautiful coastal beaches to swamps, lakes, and mountains. One of my top recommendations may be unexpected — a swamp tour through Cypress Gardens.

The natural preserve and gardens in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, allow visitors to take a guided or self-guided tour through the waters of a tall-bald-cypress and tupelo-tree swamp.

The Black Hills in South Dakota have long been a favorite vacation destination of mine.

However, the one experience I recommend more than any other is visiting Custer State Park and driving the iconic Needles Highway.

The winding 14-mile road takes visitors through narrow tunnels and past the towering Cathedral Spires, offering breathtaking views at each turn.

Great Smoky Mountains is consistently the most-visited national park in the country, with nearly three times the visitation of even the second-most-visited spot.

In my opinion, this park is an iconic American landmark worth braving the crowds for. I recommend hiking, exploring the kitschy streets of Gatlinburg, or visiting nearby Dollywood.

Big Bend National Park is a remote, vast wilderness park in western Texas that blends river, mountain, and desert landscapes to create a truly unique experience for visitors.

Hike, camp, or take a scenic drive through the park before catching some of the most spectacular stargazing in the country.

After traversing most of Utah several times, there’s one spot I keep coming back to — Capitol Reef National Park.

The park centers on the Waterpocket Fold, a geological landscape stretching nearly 100 miles.

Capitol Reef also offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and even orchards.

Stowe, Vermont, may be known as a legendary winter-ski destination, but it comes alive in the fall with striking and vibrant foliage.

I recommend driving to the summit of Mount Mansfield on the historic Auto Toll Road for gorgeous views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains, or riding the Gondola SkyRide for foliage views from above. Afterward, spend time exploring the quaint and historic city.

Although there’s plenty for visitors to do in Virginia, my top recommendation is to hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail, which is over 2,190 miles long and spans from Maine to Georgia.

A bucket-list hike for many, Shenandoah National Park includes 101 miles of the Appalachian trail to explore.

Cape Flattery — the northwesternmost point of the contiguous US — is my favorite spot to recommend in Washington.

Known for its rugged coastline and unique rock formations, Cape Flattery is part of the Makah Reservation, so a permit is required to recreate there. However, permits can be purchased online or at various in-person locations.

I’ve loved all my visits to West Virginia, but the activity I recommend more than any other is white-water rafting on the Gauley River.

During “Gauley Season” in the fall, controlled dam releases create what is, in my opinion, some of the best white-water rafting in the country.

Wisconsin is one of my all-time favorite states to visit — it’s unexpectedly beautiful and offers lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Bayfield is my favorite Wisconsin city and also happens to be the smallest one in the state. In the city’s quaint downtown, travelers will find local shops, art galleries, and locally sourced dining experiences.

After visiting all 63 major US National Parks, Wyoming’s Grand Teton is my favorite. In my opinion, the park’s stunning landscapes and hiking trails are unlike any other.

My top recommendation is to find a lake to enjoy. Whether you’re paddleboarding and wading at String Lake or swimming at Jackson Lake, submerging yourself in these waters is a once-in-a-lifetime refreshing experience.