Tourist hotspots: the top attraction in every US state

American all-stars

Click or scroll on this gallery to discover the top attraction in every US state...​

Alabama: Gulf Shores

With soft white sands and crystal-clear warm waters, it's no surprise that Gulf Shores is Alabama's most popular attraction. Regular music and seafood festivals draw extra attention to this pristine spot throughout the year, but the shoulder seasons from March to May and September to November are an ideal time to visit, offering warm temperatures without the summer crowds.

Alaska: Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park showcases the mighty Alaskan landscape to perfection, with frozen glaciers rising from deep blue bays teeming with seals, sea otters and whales. This remote haven may be popular, but it's not the easiest place to visit – the national park is only accessible via boat cruises from nearby Seward, leaving the icy park largely undisturbed.

Arizona: Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon isn't just the number one attraction in Arizona. According to Airport Parking Reservations' analysis, it is also the most popular in the entire US. This mile-deep marvel in Arizona’s far northwest was carved out by the Colorado River over millions of years and stretches for 277 miles (446km). Viewpoints along its rim are perfectly positioned to appreciate the jaw-dropping scale and beauty.

Arkansas: Hot Springs National Park

America’s national parks are among its most beloved treasures, and the peculiar natural wonders of Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas are a hit with visitors. Here, faults in the earth’s crust release geothermal water, creating steaming waterfalls, bubbling cauldrons and therapeutic mineral baths spread across the 5,000-acre preserve.

California: Universal Studios Hollywood

While Lake Tahoe has been edging onto the radar as a top California getaway, Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles still takes the crown as the state’s biggest tourist magnet. Attractions based on the likes of Harry Potter, The Simpsons and Super Nintendo let visitors step inside the screen via exciting rides and roller coasters – what's not to love?

Colorado: Rocky Mountain National Park

The awe-inspiring mountain peaks, gorges, meadows and glacial lakes of Rocky Mountain National Park are Colorado’s most sought-after attraction. Featuring well-maintained trails, scenic roads, visitor centres and campgrounds, highlights also include deep blue Bear Lake and Trail Ridge Road, which reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet (3,713m) and is one of America’s most scenic highways.

Connecticut: Mohegan Sun

New England’s answer to Las Vegas, Mohegan Sun is a spectacular 36-story glass resort and casino complex. Along with its dazzling casinos, the resort encompasses three entertainment venues, including a major arena, spas, shops and a 55-foot (17m) indoor waterfall.

Delaware: Rehoboth Beach

America’s second smallest state has gained notoriety in recent years as the home state of President Joe Biden, and Atlantic coastal resort Rehoboth is a favourite spot for both locals and visitors. The mile-long boardwalk and pier is packed with amusements, eateries and snack stands and the sandy beach thrums with visitors on a summer’s day.

Florida: Walt Disney World Resort

As one of the world’s most-visited theme parks, it’s no surprise that Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida is the state's top spot – attracting approximately 55 million visitors annually across its four main theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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Georgia: Atlanta Botanical Garden

Fresh, pretty, and creative, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is an urban oasis offering the chance to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature – right in the heart of the city. Its amazing floral displays, plant sculptures, fountains, installations and illuminations have attracted plenty of attention. Along with a canopy walk and children’s garden, the attraction also hosts special events year-round.

Hawaii: Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii emerges as the state's top attraction. The summit observatories offer breathtaking panoramic views of red-hued volcanic cones piercing through the island chain's cloud cover, showcasing its geological origins. Mauna Kea is also renowned for its exceptional stargazing opportunities.

Idaho: Yellowstone National Park

America’s oldest national park spans several states, and despite the majority falling within Wyoming, a small portion does extend into Idaho – enough to make it the state's most popular attraction. A hydrothermal wonderland, part of the park's appeal is that it is home to the world’s greatest concentration of geysers and thermal features – one showstopper is the Grand Prismatic Spring (pictured), an incredible natural phenomenon that looks almost other-worldly. 

Illinois: Art Institute of Chicago

Not to be overshadowed by showier attractions, this creative treasure trove in Chicago is stacked with priceless sculptures, paintings and installations from around the globe. Its collections span centuries, and the institute also hosts big-name exhibitions to pull in the culture vultures. 

Indiana: University of Notre Dame

Dating back to 1842, the University of Notre Dame is renowned for its architectural and natural beauty, featuring the iconic Golden Dome, which gleams atop the Main Building and serves as a symbol of the university. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart, a magnificent Catholic church, stands at the heart of the campus, which includes other notable structures, like the Hesburgh Library with its famous Touchdown Jesus mural.

Iowa: Field of Dreams

This tranquil corner of Iowa has transformed into a pop culture hotspot, thanks to its starring role in the 1989 hit movie The Field of Dreams. The baseball field, constructed for the film, has been meticulously preserved, attracting tourists from far and wide to play and pitch amid the rolling green fields of Dyersville. Daily tours of the grounds offer a glimpse into the original homestead, where visitors can even spend the night.

Kansas: Garden of Eden

A whimsical and unique attraction designed and built by Civil War veteran S.P. Dinsmoor, this quirky landmark continues to fascinate and inspire those who visit. Dinsmoor began this ambitious project in 1904, creating a limestone cabin surrounded by an intricate sculpture garden that offers his distinctive take on the biblical story. The site welcomes visitors throughout the year, allowing them to freely explore the exterior sculptures, while guided tours of the cabin's interior offer a deeper understanding of Dinsmoor's life and creative vision. 

Kentucky: Ark Encounter

Constructed entirely of timber by Amish craftsmen using biblical dimensions, the life-size replica of Noah’s Ark in Williamstown, Kentucky, is an awe-inspiring sight. The attraction features landscaped gardens, ziplines and animal sculptures. Visitors can also explore the multi-level interior, which houses exhibits that recount stories from the Bible.

Louisiana: French Quarter

Tourists flock to New Orleans' oldest district, known as the French Quarter or Vieux Carre, famous for its distinctive architecture and 18th-century buildings. Jackson Square, a focal point of the neighbourhood, features St. Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo – the building where the Louisiana Purchase was signed in 1803. The entire history-steeped neighbourhood is now a National Historic Landmark, and it's not hard to see why.

Maine: Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a top choice for a scenic day out in Maine, with pristine lakes and a wild coastline dotted with deserted beaches that encapsulate Maine’s picturesque beauty. Covering much of Mount Desert Island, the park features landscapes highlighted by historic lighthouses and trail loops leading to lookout points like Bubble Rock.

Maryland: National Aquarium

Located in Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium provides a captivating glimpse into the underwater world. As Maryland’s top attraction, it houses hundreds of marine animals, from blacktip reef sharks to clownfish reminiscent of Nemo. Visitors can explore walkways over open shark pools, underwater viewing areas, a large glass pavilion and exhibits featuring tropical rainforests, Atlantic coral reefs and Australian habitats.

Massachusetts: Museum of Fine Arts

Located in Boston, the Museum of Fine Arts is a grand and glittering affair, featuring galleries filled with works by illustrious artists, ancient artefacts from Greece and Rome, stylish exhibitions of fashion and design, and photographic histories. In addition to ongoing exhibitions and a permanent collection spanning several floors, the institute hosts fresh shows every few months.

Michigan: University of Michigan

The Gothic stone courtyards, gatehouses, halls and collonaded walkways of the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus evoke a sense of Hogwarts-like charm and grandeur. Established in the early 19th century, it stands as one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions in the United States. This architectural masterpiece attracts visitors with its historic buildings and picturesque grounds, offering a glimpse into the university's rich heritage and academic excellence.

Minnesota: Mall of America

The Mall of America, an epic indoor shopping destination in Bloomington, is the nation’s largest and most impressive mall. This four-level mega-mall manages to house Nickelodeon Universe, the largest indoor theme park in the US, complete with roller coasters and water rides. In addition to hundreds of dining options and shops featuring a wide range of brands, it offers an abundance of family entertainment, including a climbing zone, bounce park, cinemas and the Great Big Game Show attraction.

Mississippi: Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway, a historic trail stretching 440 miles (708km) from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, links the Cumberland, Tennessee, and Mississippi rivers, making it the region’s most popular pilgrimage route. This scenic journey winds through lush swamps and over picturesque bridges, offering glimpses of historic landmarks along the way.

Missouri: Lake of the Ozarks

This watery beauty spot in the verdant Ozark Mountains is a focal point for aquatic activities like boating and kayaking. One of America's largest man-made lakes, originally created for hydro-electric power generation, it has evolved into a popular resort destination while maintaining its peaceful ambience, with tranquil lodgings and boathouses lining coves and tree-shaded shores.

Montana: Glacier National Park

For jaw-dropping natural vistas, Montana’s Glacier National Park ticks all the boxes with its alpine meadows, glacier-carved valleys, luminous lakes and frosted peaks. Accessible by road, the park boasts 700 miles (1,130 km) of trails, making it a haven for hiking enthusiasts. Additionally, whitewater rafting tours are a popular way to immerse oneself in its raw beauty and pristine landscapes.

Nebraska: Sunken Gardens

Once a neighbourhood dumpsite, these ornamental gardens covering one-and-a-half acres of land in Nebraska are a breath of fresh air in Lincoln. With water features, lily ponds, sculptures, green lawns and peaceful places to sit, it’s also free to visit – and every spring and summer season showcases new floral and foliage displays designed by garden artists.

Nevada: T-Mobile Arena

Since opening its doors in 2016, Vegas' premier arena on the Strip has hosted some of the biggest games, acts, and shows, solidifying its status as Nevada's most sought-after attraction. This multi-venue arena hosts major basketball games, hockey matches, UFC events, as well as iconic music concerts and awards shows, accommodating up to 20,000 people. It has become the perfect destination for an entertaining night out in Las Vegas.

New Hampshire: Santa’s Village

Santa’s Village, a family Christmas-themed park in New Hampshire, has been delighting visitors since the 1950s. Over the years, it has expanded its attractions with new rides and experiences, including the new roller coaster Midnight Flyer, introduced in 2024. The park features grottoes, fair games, a toy train and live reindeer, complemented by traditional amusements like swings, a carousel and a Ferris wheel, creating a magical day out for all ages.

New Jersey: Ocean City

Travelers rate Ocean City on the Jersey Shore as New Jersey’s premier destination. Renowned as the state’s top family-friendly attraction, Ocean City boasts a bustling boardwalk that connects pristine beaches with piers brimming with traditional resort amusements, themed rides, restaurants, shops and food stands.

New Mexico: White Sands National Park

Like an optical illusion, the bleached gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park look like snow drifts against the mountains, though the typically high New Mexico temperatures tell a different story. Trails into this peculiar natural wonder include the scenic Dunes Drive, leading into the heart of the dunes.

New York: Niagara Falls

As one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, Niagara needs no introduction. Visitors flock to the spot every year to tick it off their bucket lists, and although New York is one of the USA’s most attraction-packed states, Niagara is still the most popular, according to Airport Parking Reservations' research. Numerous platforms offer views of the main horseshoe-shaped falls and smaller America Falls, with the famous Maid of the Mist boat ride an absolute must.

North Carolina: Blue Ridge Parkway

Few scenic drives rival the beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway, winding through the misty Appalachian Mountains from Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park. Along this route, travellers encounter the iconic Linn Cove Viaduct lookout point (pictured), as well as ancient rivers, cascading waterfalls, towering mountaintops and deep forested gorges.

North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Amid the rolling farmsteads of North Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers a snapshot of times gone by, when wild bison still roamed the North American plains. The park encompasses significant Native American sites and honours the legacy of former US President Theodore Roosevelt, who once owned a ranch in the shadow of the badlands.

Ohio: Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art, a world-class arts institution, boasts a stellar collection featuring prominent exhibitions that have included artists such as Monet. In 2005 the museum underwent an extensive expansion, with the addition of a glass atrium (pictured) that connects its original century-old building to newer galleries. 

Oklahoma: Oklahoma City Zoo

Oklahoma City Zoo earns the state’s top attraction rating, according to the Airport Parking Reservations scoring system. The park is home to 190 different species including great apes, bears, tigers, elephants, flamingos, giraffes and red pandas, and offers special feeding times where visitors can interact with the resident animals. The zoo also takes part in conservation programs to keep animals in the wild.

Oregon: Crater Lake National Park

A blue lake within a sleeping volcano towering high above Oregon, the natural marvel of Crater Lake National Park deserves attention. The small, cone-shaped Wizard Island rises from the lake, drawing the eye from the surrounding rim and Cascade Mountain Range, which can be seen from scenic lookouts or from along the Rim Drive.

Pennsylvania: Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens, a horticultural haven located about an hour's drive from Philadelphia, is the most beloved destination in the state. This garden of delights is divided into fountain, forest, conservatory, lake and tower districts, offering Italian sculpture gardens, mesmerising dancing fountains, expansive glasshouses with exotic plants, a Victorian belltower, cascading waterfalls, picturesque pagodas and stunning floral displays.

Rhode Island: The Elms

A grand remnant of the Gilded Age, when America’s wealthiest families built vacation homes in Rhode Island, The Elms remains a prized treasure and is the top attraction in this tiny state. Among a cluster of heritage-protected Newport mansions, this late 19th-century manor's opulent interiors and original landscaping offer visitors a glimpse into another era.

South Carolina: Myrtle Beach

Stretching 60 miles (96km) along the Atlantic coast, this expansive ribbon of sand offers a perfect balance of tranquillity and amenities. The wide, grass-backed beaches provide ample space to relax in, while the lengthy boardwalk and pier boast a variety of seaside attractions and seafood eateries. The broader resort area includes vacation staples such as golf courses, dinner shows, water parks and water sports, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.

South Dakota: Badlands National Park

Tennessee: Dollywood

Music legend Dolly Parton’s very own theme park, Dollywood, is Tennessee’s star attraction. The iconic singer has spared no expense in creating her folksy country park, which boasts 50 world-class rides and roller coasters – including Big Bear Mountain and Daredevil Falls – high-octane theatre shows, parades and a welcoming atmosphere characteristic of the Dolly brand.

Texas: Big Bend National Park

Named for the Rio Grande River that winds through the park, carving through canyons and onto open plains, Big Bend National Park includes the largest protected tract of Chihuahua Desert and sits along 118 miles (189km) of Mexican border. A prime spot for outdoor adventures, trails lead to lookout points and hot springs, and river rafting is a great way to explore the rugged terrain.

Utah: Arches National Park

Utah's top state attraction is Arches National Park, where visitors are consistently amazed by over 2,000 stone arches shaped by time. The park's russet-red landscapes feature boulders balancing precariously on ledges, and towering arches perched atop cliff edges – visible from various viewpoints accessible via trails or a scenic drive-through.

Vermont: Lake Champlain

Set against the backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains, serene Lake Champlain has captured the hearts of Vermont visitors. Spanning approximately 500 square miles (1,294 sq km), it is a beloved sailing destination with shores adorned by lake houses, harbour clubs and quaint jetties, making it an ideal location for a lake house retreat or a leisurely day on the water.

Virginia: Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Busch Gardens Williamsburg, featuring numerous hair-raising roller coasters, a waterpark and family funfair rides, holds the title of Virginia's top attraction. This world-class theme park draws inspiration from European history and legend, offering thrilling rides like Escape from Pompeii, Roman Rapids, Griffon and Loch Ness Monster.

Washington: North Cascades National Park

Among America’s most beautiful natural spaces, the word is out about North Cascades National Park in Washington state. Tourists gave its pristine and picturesque alpine landscapes top marks on Tripadvisor, with standout features including the stunning turquoise Diablo Lake. The park’s name comes from its pine forests rushing with waterfalls fed by the mountain glaciers of the surrounding peaks.

West Virginia: New River Gorge Bridge

Deep in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, the world’s fourth longest steel arch bridge is the focal point of New River Gorge, and a popular target for day-trippers exploring the national park. It's also listed among the USA’s National Historic Places. A visitor centre with a scenic outlook and staircase leads down into the gorge, where visitors can take guided tours of the steel catwalk underneath the roadway.

Wisconsin: House on the Rock

This whimsical house, dreamed up by architect Alex Jordan, has piqued the curiosity of so many people that it has become Wisconsin’s most popular attraction. Built around a 60-foot (18m) high chimney of rock, the House on the Rock boasts a disorienting array of interior spaces and gardens, reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. Highlights include the huge, suspended Infinity Room, the indoor red-brick Streets of Yesterday, hundreds of miniature dollhouses and the world’s largest carousel.

Wyoming: Grand Teton National Park

A sister park to nearby Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park features expansive backcountry vistas, with the Teton Range of the Rockies towering over the Jackson Hole valley. Historic barns on Mormon Row (pictured) mark early settlements, adding to the park's charm. Climbing to the top of Wyoming’s list of attractions, its raw beauty attracts streams of sightseers and adventure-seekers during the summer months.

Now find out how every US state got its nickname

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