Canyonlands, located outside Moab, Utah, is the state's largest national park. However, it's spread out over four districts with no bridges or roads connecting each one inside the park.

Some districts even require high-clearance, low-range four-wheel-drive vehicles to access them. In other words, this park is less accessible to the average visitor.

For an experienced adventurer, this park would likely be a favorite. However, for the average visitor or family on vacation, there might be less to enjoy because of the park's remoteness and rugged terrain.

In my opinion, Bryce Canyon National Park in Southern Utah is the state's most unique park. It's known for its otherworldly landscape of tall, thin rock formations called hoodoos, which were sculpted by wind and water erosion.

Although I love the park and have visited it multiple times, it ranks lower on the list due to sometimes-limited accessibility.

Bryce Canyon has an average elevation of 8,000 feet above sea level. Because of this, the weather can vary greatly. Winter weather can often lead to road and trail closures, and in the summer months, the park can see fierce thunderstorms and lightning.

I think everyone should visit Bryce Canyon at least once in their lifetime — doing so just takes a little more preparation and planning than some other parks.

Out of all the Utah national parks, I've visited Arches the most. It holds a special place in my heart, but has become very crowded in the last several years.

As the second-smallest park in Utah, the increased crowds are more noticeable, leading to timed-entry reservations being necessary to enter the park from April 1 to July 6 and August 28 to October 31.

Despite that, the landscape is truly iconic, and there are plenty of trails accessible to hikers of all levels.

Zion National Park was one of the most-visited national parks in 2023, and it's easy to see why.

From the legendary Angels Landing hike (which requires a permit) to the unique Narrows hike through the Virgin River surrounded by steep canyon walls, there's only one word to describe Zion — magnificent.

The only downside is that the park's popularity leads to heavy crowds in the summer months.

If you're looking for a park to visit in Utah, my No. 1 recommendation is always Capitol Reef. As the second least-visited park in Utah (behind Canyonlands), this park is somewhat more remote and, in my opinion, unique.

Spend a day hiking, taking a scenic drive, and even picking fruit at the historic Fruita orchards.

The park is also known for its striking geological features, including the Waterpocket Fold — a nearly 100-mile-long "wrinkle" in the Earth's crust that has created deep canyons, ridges, and cliffs that are stunning to explore.

I also recommend staying after sunset for incredible stargazing — the park was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2015.

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.

A few years after making millions from a deal with his brother in 1999, Kimbal attended culinary school in New York.

The South African-born businessman later moved to Boulder, where he worked with chef Hugo Matheson at a restaurant on Pearl Street for a few years until the pair co-founded The Kitchen Restaurant Group in 2004.

Although it began in Boulder, the group now has restaurants in Chicago, Denver, and Austin.

Kimbal is also now somewhat of a local celebrity here. Many residents, including myself, have spotted him eating at The Kitchen's flagship location or walking around its surrounding area.

After not visiting The Kitchen for several years, I decided to pop in for a late weekday lunch to see what the seasonal menu looked like and if it continued to live up to its hype.

I went to the original location on West Pearl, a historic district with a pedestrian mall that's perfect for residents and visitors alike.

As a Boulder resident, I consider it the heart of the city. I love walking to the popular area to dine, drink, or shop.

When I arrived at The Kitchen, just a few other groups were dining.

Although the restaurant has been open since 2004, its interior looked like it had definitely been updated throughout the years.

The bar was well-lit and looked elegant with a mirrored wall and simple stools. The back dining area looked cozy and intimate, with dark woods, exposed brick, minimal decor, and artsy orb-shaped light fixtures.

The atmosphere felt casual but still upscale, which I appreciated.

The lunch menu at The Kitchen includes handhelds, plates, and sweets, with a wide variety of shareable dishes — crab fried rice, burrata, carrots, and lamb arayas, to name a few.

Despite the interesting choices, I stuck with my basic perennial favorite: hand-cut garlic fries. I got a large portion of fries served with a bearnaise aioli for $9.50.

Although I enjoyed the fries, the garlic was a little overpowering for my taste. The creamy, flavorful aioli was the best part of the dish.

During my visit, the lunch menu featured dishes like a fried-chicken sandwich, lobster roll, steak frites, Halloumi naan, quiche, and rigatoni.

Although many sparked my interest, I was most curious about the crispy cauliflower for $24.50. When my server told me it was one of his favorite dishes even though he doesn't like cauliflower, I knew I had to try it.

The breaded and fried cauliflower was paired with carrots, chickpeas, tamarind chutney, coriander chutney, mango, pickled red onion, and an herb salad.

I loved the combination of flavors, but the texture of the cauliflower stood out the most. It was perfectly crispy and almost resembled fried chicken.

The portion felt nearly too large, but I was happy to be able to take leftovers home.

To end my meal, I couldn't resist ordering the cheesecake with a brown-sugar pecan crust, poached pears, and fig coulis.

The slice was beautifully plated and I loved the fresh taste of the cheesecake, which didn't feel too heavy. The star, though, was the crisp brown-sugar pecan crust.

It seemed reasonably priced at $12.50 for a slice.

As a frequent solo diner, I've found restaurant service can be hit or miss when I'm alone. Sometimes, staff don't spend enough time checking in on me or ask me to sit at the bar instead of a table.

Fortunately, at The Kitchen, I was given the same level of service I'd expect if I'd been there with a group.

The professional, knowledgeable staff I encountered seemed available to answer my questions and bring me what I needed at any point during my visit.

Before this, I'd had dinner at The Kitchen several times. I'd always enjoyed my experience but found the space could get crowded, so I'm glad I came here for a quieter lunch.

The prices felt very reasonable for the quality of the dishes, attentive service, and the amount of food I received — I spent $62 for a starter, main, and dessert, including a 22% tip.

Overall, The Kitchen lives up to the hype, with professional and friendly service, a great location, fair prices, and fresh, inventive dishes that left me wanting to return for another lunch.

There really is nothing quite like the Grand Canyon. Standing at the edge of the 278-mile-long canyon is truly a humbling experience.

The perspective from above on the rim (or from below, if you're hiking) is a reminder of the vast natural world and how small we really are.

The breathtaking views are unlike any you'll find elsewhere — especially at sunrise and sunset — with a diverse ecosystem, abundant wildlife, and lots of recreation opportunities. Grand Canyon National Park is a destination that must be seen to be understood.

In my opinion, the Midwest doesn't always get the credit it deserves. In fact, many people still refer to it as "flyover country," insinuating that there's not much to do or see in this part of the US.

However, the Midwest is full of incredible natural beauty, and places like the Great Lakes are definitely worth visiting.

Although it's a large area, the five interconnected freshwater lakes (Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario) boast some of the most breathtaking surrounding landscapes.

From the idyllic Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior to the majesty of Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago, this region offers something for everyone.

From Creole architecture to widespread live music, street art, and delicious food, New Orleans has a soul that I haven't found anywhere else in the US.

The many festivals and celebrations, including Mardi Gras, set the city apart and help make a visit to New Orleans an experience unlike any other.

New York City is truly a cultural center, not just for the US but for the entire world. The city boasts diverse neighborhoods, world-class art and museums, and an energy you won't find anywhere else.

Long the symbol for the American dream, the city's historical significance in the US and beyond can't be overstated.

As a cultural, fashion, financial, and media hub, there is always something new to see in NYC.

Although I love New Mexico as a whole, I truly believe there's nowhere else in the US quite like the northern part of the state.

From its stunning natural beauty and wide-open spaces to unique art and cultural experiences, there's always something new to explore in this area.

The tourist areas of Santa Fe and Taos offer ample opportunities for shopping, museums, art galleries, and restaurants. But if you're looking for a lesser-known spot, I recommend checking out the Ghost Ranch retreat center, where visitors can spend a day hiking or horseback riding.

California is home to some of the country's most beautiful and awe-inspiring landscapes, but even with all it has to offer, Yosemite National Park stands out.

In my opinion, Yosemite's iconic granite cliffs are among the most impressive natural formations in the world. The park is also home to some magnificent waterfalls and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, where visitors can walk among over 500 of these trees.