Just click on a state below explore!
Alabama: A state rich in history and vibrant culture. We can’t wait to explore Mobile, the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the U.S., celebrating its colorful history since 1703. Fun Fact: Alabama was the first state to declare Christmas a legal holiday in 1836.
Alaska: A haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. We’re eager to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights in Fairbanks and explore Katmai National Park. Fun Fact: Alaska boasts more coastline than the rest of the U.S. combined.
Arizona: Home to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Sedona’s stunning red rock formations are perfect for hiking and photography. Fun Fact: Arizona is home to the only place in the U.S. where four states meet, known as the Four Corners.
Arkansas: Unique adventures await, like digging for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park. We can’t wait for a mini side trip to visit family here. We’re excited to visit Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary for big cats and other rescued wildlife. Fun Fact: Arkansas is the only U.S. state where you can legally hunt for diamonds and keep what you find.
California: Perfect for an adventurous road trip along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. We’re thrilled to see sea otters in the wild and explore the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Fun Fact: California produces over 80% of the world’s almonds.
Colorado: Explore the breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park with its majestic peaks and serene trails. Red Rocks is on our list too, where we hope to catch an outdoor concert. Fun Fact: Colorado is the only state to have turned down hosting the Olympics, declining in 1976 due to cost concerns.
Connecticut: Featuring the historic Mystic Seaport, a living museum of America’s maritime past. We’re excited to see what this state has to offer. Fun Fact: The first phone book was published in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1878.
Delaware: Proudly “The First State,” with historical sites like the First State Heritage Park. We look forward to exploring Fort Delaware State Park and the Delaware Seashore State Parks. Fun Fact: Delaware has the fewest counties of any state, with only three: New Castle, Kent, and Sussex.
Florida: The unique Everglades National Park promises one-of-a-kind wildlife adventures. We can’t wait to return to the Keys and visit Cape Canaveral National Seashore. Fun Fact: Florida is the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Georgia: Savannah’s historic district charms with cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture. Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium are on our list too, where we hope to get some great shots of marine life. Fun Fact: Georgia is known as the Peach State but also leads in pecans, peanuts, and Vidalia onions.
Hawaii: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers dramatic volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests. We can’t wait to visit the Honolulu Zoo and enjoy plenty of snorkeling. Fun Fact: Hawaii is the only U.S. state that grows coffee commercially.
Idaho: Known for Shoshone Falls, the “Niagara of the West.” We’re looking forward to Coeur d’Alene and the City of Rocks National Reserve. Fun Fact: Idaho produces about one-third of the potatoes grown in the U.S.
Illinois: Chicago offers stunning views from Willis Tower’s observation deck and fun times at Navy Pier. Revisiting Lincoln Park Zoo and recreating Ferris Bueller’s Day Off are must-dos, plus a side trip to Manteno, where we lived for a little bit. Fun Fact: Illinois is home to the world’s first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building in Chicago, completed in 1885.
Indiana: Home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the largest sports venue in the world. Exploring the sand dunes at Indiana Dunes National Park will be fun too. Fun Fact: The first long-distance auto race in the U.S. was held in Indiana on Memorial Day in 1911.
Iowa: Hosting the historic Amana Colonies, picturesque German villages. We’re excited to visit Blank Park Zoo and hope to squeeze in a stop at Pikes Peak State Park. Fun Fact: Iowa’s east and west borders are entirely formed by rivers (the Mississippi and Missouri).
Kansas: Featuring the expansive Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, perfect for nature hikes. Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita and Monument Rocks are on our list too. Fun Fact: Kansas produces more wheat than any other state in the U.S.
Kentucky: Mammoth Cave National Park boasts the world’s longest cave system, perfect for underground explorations. The Louisville Zoo is another stop we’re looking forward to. Fun Fact: The song “Happy Birthday to You” was written by two sisters from Louisville.
Louisiana: New Orleans’ French Quarter offers vibrant culture, music, and history. We’re excited to dive in and explore the bayou. Fun Fact: Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with parishes instead of counties.
Maine: Acadia National Park provides stunning coastal scenery and outdoor adventures. The Maine Wildlife Park is a favorite, and Maine’s diverse landscapes—from coast to mountains—are always calling us home. Fun Fact: Maine produces more blueberries than any other state in the U.S.
Maryland: Antietam National Battlefield is a significant Civil War site for history buffs. We’re eager to check out the wild ponies at Assateague Island. Fun Fact: The first successful manned balloon launch in the U.S. took place in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1784.
Massachusetts: Boston’s Freedom Trail offers a journey through American history. The Cape’s small-town beach vibe is a favorite. Fun Fact: The first American lighthouse was built in Boston Harbor in 1716.
Michigan: Mackinac Island offers historical sites and a charming, car-free atmosphere. We’re excited to see the lake lighthouses and hunt for Yooperlites. Fun Fact: Michigan has the longest freshwater shoreline in the world.
Minnesota: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is perfect for serene paddling and outdoor exploration. The Minnesota Zoo and Voyageurs National Park are on our list too. Fun Fact: Minnesota has more than 11,000 lakes, earning it the nickname “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”
Mississippi: Vicksburg National Military Park offers rich Civil War history and scenic views. Exploring the Davis Bayou area and Gulf Islands National Seashore will be thrilling. Fun Fact: The world’s first human lung transplant was performed in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1963.
Missouri: St. Louis’ Gateway Arch provides iconic views and a taste of American history. A visit to the Saint Louis Zoo is also on our list. Fun Fact: Missouri is known as the “Show Me State,” a nickname from a speech by Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver.
Montana: Glacier National Park offers spectacular mountainous landscapes and outdoor adventures. We’re eager to visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. Fun Fact: Montana has the largest migratory elk herd in the nation.
Nebraska: Chimney Rock is a historic landmark on the Oregon Trail. We’re also looking forward to Scotts Bluff National Monument. Fun Fact: Nebraska has more miles of river than any other state.
Nevada: Red Rock Canyon offers stunning desert landscapes and hiking trails. We’re excited to explore The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and enjoy boondocking in the desert. Fun Fact: Nevada is the driest state in the U.S., with an average annual rainfall of about 10 inches.
New Hampshire: Mount Washington offers adventurous hiking and breathtaking views, and the White Mountains are a perfect escape. Fun Fact: New Hampshire was the first state to declare its independence from England, six months before the Declaration of Independence was signed.
New Jersey: Atlantic City offers iconic boardwalks and beachside fun. We’re looking forward to revisiting Liberty State Park and the Delaware Water Gap. Fun Fact: New Jersey has the highest population density of any state in the U.S.
New Mexico: Carlsbad Caverns National Park promises enchanting underground adventures. We’re excited to explore the unique landscapes and rich history. Fun Fact: New Mexico has more PhDs per capita than any other state.
New York: Beyond the hustle and bustle of NYC, we are looking forward to exploring the serene beauty of the Finger Lakes and the Adirondacks. And of course, Niagara Falls! Fun Fact: New York was the first state to require license plates on cars.
North Carolina: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers stunning views and diverse wildlife. We’re excited to explore the Outer Banks and visit the North Carolina Zoo. Fun Fact: North Carolina is the largest producer of sweet potatoes in the U.S.
North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt National Park features rugged terrain and abundant wildlife. We’re eager to explore the state’s scenic byways and historical sites. Fun Fact: North Dakota is home to the world’s largest buffalo monument, standing 26 feet tall.
Ohio: Cuyahoga Valley National Park provides beautiful hiking trails and scenic views. We’re excited to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Fun Fact: Ohio is the birthplace of seven U.S. presidents, earning it the nickname “The Mother of Presidents.”
Oklahoma: The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. We’re excited to explore the Oklahoma City National Memorial. Fun Fact: Oklahoma has the most man-made lakes of any state in the U.S.
Oregon: Crater Lake National Park offers breathtaking views and outdoor adventures. We’re eager to explore the Oregon Coast and visit Multnomah Falls. Fun Fact: Oregon is the only state with an official state nut, the hazelnut.
Pennsylvania: Gettysburg National Military Park provides a deep dive into Civil War history. We’re excited to visit the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. Fun Fact: Pennsylvania is the home of the first computer, built in 1946 at the University of Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island: The smallest state in the U.S. offers charming coastal towns and beautiful beaches. We’re eager to explore Newport’s historic mansions. Fun Fact: Rhode Island was the first of the original thirteen colonies to declare independence from British rule.
South Carolina: Charleston’s historic charm and beautiful architecture are a must-see. We’re excited to visit the South Carolina Aquarium and explore the coastal landscapes. Fun Fact: The first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter in South Carolina.
South Dakota: Mount Rushmore is an iconic American landmark we can’t wait to see. We’re also looking forward to exploring the Badlands National Park. Fun Fact: South Dakota is home to the world’s largest collection of mammoth fossils at the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs.
Tennessee: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. We’re excited to visit the Blue Hole, a hidden gem near our grandparents’ house, and explore the vibrant music scene in Nashville. Fun Fact: Tennessee is home to the most visited national park in the U.S., the Great Smoky Mountains.
Texas: Big Bend National Park provides a unique desert landscape and incredible stargazing opportunities. We’re looking forward to exploring the vibrant cities of Austin and San Antonio. Fun Fact: Texas is larger than any European country.
Utah: Zion National Park offers breathtaking hikes and stunning rock formations. We’re excited to explore Bryce Canyon and Arches National Park. Fun Fact: Utah is home to the Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere.
Vermont: The scenic Green Mountains and picturesque small towns are perfect for a relaxing getaway. We’re eager to visit the Ben & Jerry’s Factory and explore the fall foliage. Fun Fact: Vermont was the first state to join the Union after the original thirteen colonies.
Virginia: Shenandoah National Park offers beautiful mountain views and serene hiking trails. We’re excited to explore historic Jamestown and visit Colonial Williamsburg. Fun Fact: Virginia is known as the “Mother of Presidents” because eight U.S. presidents were born there.
Washington: Olympic National Park offers diverse ecosystems from lush rainforests to rugged coastlines. Layla is thrilled to visit Forks, famous for the Twilight series, and I can’t explore the vibrant city of Seattle. Fun Fact: Washington is the only state named after a U.S. president.
West Virginia: The New River Gorge National Park provides stunning views and adventurous whitewater rafting. We’re excited to explore the Appalachian Trail and visit Harpers Ferry. Fun Fact: West Virginia is the only state formed by seceding from a Confederate state during the Civil War.
Wisconsin: Door County offers charming small towns and beautiful waterfront views. We’re eager to explore the Apostle Islands and visit the Milwaukee Art Museum. And of course, a stop to visit family. Fun Fact: Wisconsin is known as “America’s Dairyland” and is famous for its cheese.Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park, with its geysers and hot springs, is a must-see. We’re looking forward to exploring Grand Teton National Park and the scenic landscapes. Fun Fact: Wyoming was the first state to grant women the right to vote in 1869.
