Alabama: US Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville
This family-friendly museum is a celebration of all things outer space. Its crowning jewel is Rocket Park, which includes, among other landmark rockets, the U.S. Army Jupiter that launched a pair of monkeys into space in the 1950s.
Alaska: Denali National Park and Preserve
Crowned by mighty Denali, the tallest peak in North America at 20,310 feet (6,190m), this national park sprawls over six million rugged acres.
Arizona: Grand Canyon National Park
No US travel wish list would be complete without the Grand Canyon: the mother of America's natural wonders and one of the country's most popular attractions.
Arkansas: Crater of Diamonds State Park
There are few places on Earth that allow the general public to mine for diamonds but this park in the Natural State is one of them.
California: Half Dome, Yosemite National Park
The most famous image of Yosemite National Park, Half Dome's distinctive bulk rises some 5,000 feet above the valley floor. Reaching the summit is no small feat and the 16-mile round-trip route is best left to competent hikers.
Colorado: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Morrison
There's no better place to see the stars" so Red Rocks proudly touts and that may well be true. The natural open-air amphitheater has played host to musical greats .
Connecticut: Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic
Tipped as the country's leading maritime museum, Mystic Seaport has been educating the public about America's nautical past since 1929.
Delaware: Cape Henlopen State Park
One for beach lovers, Cape Henlopen State Park is all wind-whipped shores and pillowy dunes. Those after a dose of the coast flock to these shores to camp, hike and bike, and also to visit the Seaside Nature Center.