Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park lives up to the hype. In a way, it's like the Grand Canyon meets Niagara Falls, as the park's enormous gorge is dotted with a series of impressive waterfalls. 

The 7-mile Gorge Trail runs along much of the gorge's rim and has plenty of scenic overlooks and opportunities to hike down (or up) to the falls. There are also several bathrooms, snack bars, and restaurants along the way. 

If you prefer a more isolated and facility-free trek, head to the lesser-visited Finger Lakes Trail. During a recent 15-mile hike along it, I only ran into one person.

Watkins Glen State Park is about an hour-and-20-minute drive from Letchworth, so it's easy to get both in on the same trip. In fact, both parks are often featured on lists of the best state parks in the country.

Watkins Glen is much smaller and has fewer hiking trails than Letchworth, but it packs a pretty punch of beauty along its short, main trails. 

The two-mile main trail follows the glen's stream, which generates 19 waterfalls as it dives down 400 feet. The path winds over and under waterfalls through refreshing sprays of water.

Because you can start and finish the walk at various places, you can walk a distinct route each way.

Like the national parks, Watkins Glen State Park has a ton of options for tent camping and RVs.

However, since you're only 10 minutes from the city of Watkins Glen, you could easily go the hotel and restaurant route instead.

Montana's largest state park, Makoshika State Park, is also the most unusual.

Come for the out-of-this-world badland formations and stay for the fossilized remains of prehistoric creatures.

Makoshika comes from the Lakota phrase meaning "bad land" or "bad earth," and here, mudstone and sandstone badlands stretch across over 11,500 acres.

Mushroom- and Mars-like formations shoot up from the land like orange, gray, and rust-colored stone tents in a fossilized fairy forest.

The delightfully distinctive landscape also makes it a pristine place for photography lovers.

South Carolina is loaded with photo-worthy locations, but the most-photographed natural wonder in the state is the exquisite Table Rock State Park.

Nestled along the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this underrated state park is basically a huge chunk of metamorphic rock that geology nerds and happy hikers can both get excited about. 

The challenging seven-mile Table Rock Trail hike requires visitors to climb more than 2,000 feet in elevation, but the epic views at the top are well worth it. 

My favorite feature, however, might be the adorable accommodations inside the park. Think rustic wood cabins with fireplaces, flannel bedspreads, porches with rocking chairs, and full kitchens, so you don't need to leave the park if you don't want to.

If hiking isn't your thing, you can also explore the park by kayak, raft, or even hot-air balloon.

Kachemak Bay State Park was declared Alaska's first state park in 1972, and its mountains, forests, beaches, glaciers, and ocean are home to an astounding number of wildlife species. 

Sea otters, seals, porpoises, and even whales make frequent appearances along the bay, as do eagles and the ever-popular puffins.

Inland dwellers include moose, mountain goats, coyotes, wolves, and black bears, which you might be lucky enough to spot while hiking or skiing.

The park's remoteness helps preserve its ecological diversity and wilderness status, and its limited access points mean the park receives fewer visitors than other parks on the list.

Since there are no roads into the park, you'll need to fly or water taxi in from Homer, Alaska. If you plan to head into the backcountry, be prepared and bring a satellite device.

Tettegouche State Park is about an hour north of Duluth, Minnesota. 

Hiking along the waterfront trails of Tettegouche reminded me of the jagged cliffs of Acadia National Park in Maine — but with far fewer tourists.

Lake Superior is so vast — and can get so whipped up on a windy day — that it really feels like the Atlantic Ocean. The crashing waves provide even more ambiance to the already astonishing scenery.

The park also has a range of trails, from the short-and-sweet waterfront walk to Shovel Point with 300 steps to climb (but plenty of scenic overlooks to stop at) to the over 300-mile Superior Hiking Trail.

Not to throw shade on Acadia, which truly is a stunning national park, but Baxter State Park is basically its lesser-known and lesser-visited cousin.

Like Acadia, Baxter has amazing hiking, but it can also claim both Maine's highest peak, Mount Katahdin, and the terminus of the Appalachian Trail.

Head out on the northernmost end of the Appalachian Trail or tackle the Knife's Edge Trail, where you hike along the peak's ridge and feel like you're at the top of the world.

If hiking isn't your thing, you have 200,000 acres of parkland to wander around at your own pace, taking in tranquil lakes and gushing waterfalls while watching for hawks, eagles, and even black bears.

Because the park's main priority is preserving wilderness, it lacks paved roads, running water, and electricity, so you can really enjoy an off-the-grid experience.

In my opinion, Custer State Park is the most beautiful park in South Dakota. This stunning 71,000-acre park is a wildlife wonderland in the middle of the rolling Black Hills.

My family spent several days exploring the park, and while the hiking was great, the highlight of our weeklong trip was the buffalo jeep safari tour. 

Hundreds of buffalo wandered the hills, lazily sauntering in front of and around the open-air vehicle. Many of them were only a few inches from us.

Hawaii has some of the most stunning scenery in the country, so it's no surprise that its state parks are also jaw-droppingly beautiful.

Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park takes its name from the pali, or cliffs, that rise thousands of feet above the Pacific Ocean and create deep and narrow valleys punctuated with waterfalls.

Like many of the most remote and well-preserved wilderness areas, the park is not accessed by bridge or road. Rather, you need to either hike the coast or take a boat in.

Once you're in the park, you'll have more than 6,000 acres of remote beaches, lush valleys, and forested cliffs to explore by foot, kayak, or snorkel.

If you're looking for spectacular scenery and dreamy desert views without the crowds of nearby Arches National Park, head to the lesser-known Dead Horse Point State Park. 

Its desert canyons and woodlands very closely resemble the Grand Canyon, and the immensity of this park is the sort of thing you need to see to believe.

Hike along red-rock trails and down into deep canyons, bike the thrilling single-track Intrepid Trail System, or simply just look up for some world-class stargazing.

Dead Horse Canyon is an official International Dark Sky Park. On a clear night, you can see thousands of sparkling stars illuminating the desert landscape.

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.

You can see Mickey Mouse at all four theme parks, and when I visit, I stop in and say hi.

I especially love seeing Mickey at Hollywood Studios because he's in his sorcerer outfit from "Fantasia."

You can also catch Mickey at Town Square Theater in Magic Kingdom, Adventurers Outpost at Animal Kingdom, and CommuniCore Hall at Epcot.

Epcot is known for its incredible annual festivals.

The first part of the year brings the International Festival of the Arts, which happens to be my favorite. You can also experience the International Flower and Garden Festival in spring, the International Food and Wine Festival in summer and fall, and the Festival of the Holidays in winter.

I love that the festivals all have food booths where I can try unique items. I also make a point to see the incredible entertainment at the America Gardens Theater, like the celebrity-narrated Candlelight Processional during the Festival of the Holidays.

Disney Springs is filled to the brim with restaurants. Most of them are great, but I tend to find myself dining at celebrity-chef-owned spots more often than not.

A few of my favorites are Chicken Guy by Guy Fieri for a quick meal, Masaharu Morimoto's Morimoto Asia for a snack at the bar, and Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' for incredible fried chicken.

I've planned some visits around chefs' special events and have been lucky enough to accidentally run into other chefs at their restaurants.

In fact, my birthday treat this year was dining at eet by Maneet Chauhan. She and her team curated a special menu of dishes, and she did an open question-and-answer session for the group of diners.

No matter what time of year I go to Disney World, I have a Mickey-shaped ice-cream sandwich.

The cookies-and-cream ice cream is a refreshing treat, and I've found that the sandwiches don't melt nearly as quickly as the equally popular Mickey premium ice-cream bars.

There are hundreds of hotels around Orlando, but I like to stay at a Disney resort when I visit Disney World.

I love the theming of the hotels, how easy it is to get to the parks with complimentary transportation, and that I'm not bursting that Disney-bubble feel.

My favorite budget-friendly hotel is Disney's All-Star Movies, and my favorite splurge option is Disney's Riviera Resort.

The All-Star Resorts are a little farther from the theme parks, but the rooms are well-appointed, and I love the nostalgia. This is where I often stayed as a kid.

Riviera Resort is ultra-luxe, and the Disney Skyliner provides direct service to Epcot. I also love watching the fireworks from the rooftop lounge attached to Topolino's Terrace.

A few new attractions at Disney World, like Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot, use virtual queues.

I always try to make reservations for these two attractions during the 7 a.m. drop on the day I want to visit the park. If I'm unsuccessful during the morning drop, I try again at 1 p.m. after I've checked into the park.

The virtual-queue option is free, so I'd much rather wake up early to use it than pay extra for a Lightning Lane line-expediting pass.

If I can't get a virtual queue spot, for some reason, I skip the attraction. I visit often enough that the extra cost isn't worth it to me — I'll be able to try again soon.

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Disney World is known for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, a ticketed event at Magic Kingdom, but this is the second year for Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios.

The after-hours event runs for five hours on select nights and includes perks like short ride times, party-exclusive food, and the opportunity to meet rare Disney characters.

It also requires a separate ticket, but it can be slightly more affordable — Magic Kingdom's event costs between $180 and $220 for adults, and Jollywood Nights goes for $160 to $180.

This is all separate from daytime park admission. One-day, single-park tickets for this month start at about $150.

Universal's holiday tour is a must-do for me every season.

My $100 ticket included five hours with a tour guide, special meet-and-greets, dinner, dessert, and more. It's the only way to meet Santa at Universal Orlando, although he does appear nightly in a holiday parade.

The tour is less expensive than the Disney events, but unlike those, it requires a park ticket — a one-day, single-park ticket costs about $120 right now. Luckily, I have an annual pass, so I was able to use that and skip this added cost.

I also spent time at Universal before check-in to explore some of the holiday offerings on my own.

Getting photos with characters is one of my favorite parts of visiting theme parks, so I was sure to line up for some of the party-exclusive meet-and-greets at Jollywood Nights, like Disney's Duffy Bear dressed as Santa.

However, you don't have to have an event ticket to meet holiday-themed characters. Some characters, like Chip and Dale and Woody, are out in their holiday best all day at Hollywood Studios.

Universal goes full Grinch during the holiday season, with offerings like a Grinch meet-and-greet, a character breakfast with the mean one himself, and the "Grinchmas Who-Liday Spectacular" show.

From sweet treats to merchandise, you'll see the green guy all over the park.

Earl the Squirrel, a Universal character inspired by a real-life squirrel who used to live in the park's Christmas tree, is also a main figure of the season.

There were Jollywood Nights-specific entertainment offerings at my event — like a "Nightmare Before Christmas" sing-along — there are also holiday happenings for daytime park guests.

The popular "Frozen Sing-a-long Celebration" show gets a special holiday revamp, and Santa also greets guests at It's A Wonderful Shop.

There's no greater holiday joy for me than watching the "Grinchmas Who-Liday Spectacular" show, starring the Grinch, every Who down in Whoville, and a real-life version of Max (the dog).

Anyone with a regular park admission can see the Broadway-quality performance, which features songs by Mannheim Steamroller. It runs several times every day throughout the holiday season.

The park also has a special holiday parade that features Dreamworks characters, floats, entertainers, and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons.

The holiday food at Disney truly can't be rivaled.

I noshed on lots of things you can only get during Jollywood Nights, like kimchi-pimento-cheese dip and tot poutine, but festive foods are available at the park during the day as well.

From a red-velvet holiday shake to a winter-spiced whoopie pie, Disney has plenty of only-seen-at-Christmas foods to try.

Universal has some holiday-themed treats, like Max-shaped cookies and a roasted-turkey-dinner crepe, but I didn't think there were too many options.

If you're looking to really experience delicious festival food at Universal, you'll want to visit during Mardi Gras or Halloween Horror Nights, when the park is filled with stands selling tasty themed bites.

Choosing a theme-park souvenir is tough on any vacation, but it's even harder for me during the holidays.

Almost every Hollywood Studios' giftshop was taken over by Mickey ornaments and cozy holiday sweatshirts. There were also special pop-up areas selling even more festive items.

Like Disney World, Universal goes all out with holiday-themed merch.

This is especially true for the themed lands, like Seuss Landing and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Both "Grinchmas" and "Holidays at Hogsmeade" release fun limited-time offerings this time of year.

Disney goes all out, adorning Hollywood Studios with vintage Hollywood-glam decorations like star-lit lamp posts and sparkly ornaments and lights.

You'll even find fake snow made of soap, dubbed "snoap." It's really beautiful to watch it fall over the decorated theme park without having to feel freezing cold — a win-win.

From the 80-foot tree in the New York area to its Holiday Tribute Store filled with limited-time merchandise, Universal's Christmas decor is truly something to behold.

It also produces plenty of snoap, so you don't have to worry about missing out on that magic.

Disney and Universal hold special places in my heart after years of building family memories in both.

Still, I think Universal is a better value during the holidays since a regular park ticket gets guests way more seasonal activities for their money.

Although I added on the VIP tour and recommend it, it's not actually necessary. Everyone can meet characters like the Grinch and Earl the Squirrel, watch the "Grinchmas Who-Liday Spectacular," and catch the parade.

Disney keeps many of its best holiday activities in its separate, ticketed events, which can be costly, especially if you're also planning on spending the day at the parks.

I paid about $4,000 for a Disneyland vacation in 2023. It was a solo trip with four nights at the Disneyland Hotel and four park days.

Though that cost didn't include my airfare, it included all my meals and ticket upgrades.

While at the parks, I attended the Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween after-hours event, which cost about $150. I also took the Disney100, $110, and Walt's Main Street Story, $160, tours.

My seven-day Disney Wonder cruise cost $5,800 for two adults in a veranda stateroom. Like many cruises, this included most of my meals and entertainment options.

Our room was about $1,100 cheaper than a typical veranda stateroom because it had obstructed views. But it was perfect for the cold, windy Alaska weather.

One major hidden cost was the port excursions — we spent about $2,000 for four excursions. We also paid extra for some specialty beverages and a brunch at Palo.

Not including airfare, the total came to about $8,800, or $4,400 a person.

Other than the specialty brunch, all my meals on the cruise ship were included in my up-front cost. Each day, I got breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, and we also had access to 24-hour room service.

My favorite cruise treat was the soft serve.

I'm used to paying theme-park prices for meals on a Disney vacation, which can cost $60 a day. Eating as much as I wanted, whenever I wanted, was a luxury.

Unlike some companies, Disney doesn't offer unlimited drink packages on its cruises. Fountain drinks, coffee, tea, and sparkling water were included, but wine, beer, cocktails, and specialty coffees weren't.

The cocktails were generally cheaper on the cruise. An old-fashioned at Park Wine Country Trattoria in Disneyland cost me $18.50, but an old New Orleans fashion cocktail at French Quarter Lounge on the cruise was $14.50.

I often travel to Disney theme parks solo, so a PhotoPass Package is a must if I don't want a camera roll of only selfies.

At Disneyland, I can download photos individually for about $15. If I get a line-expediting lightning-lane multipass, usually about $32 a day, I can get unlimited downloads.

For longer trips, the PhotoPass+ One Week pass costs $78 for unlimited downloads.

On my Disney cruise, the photo package was more straightforward because there was only one option. But it was expensive — $296 for the seven-day trip, over $200 more than the same package at the parks.

My Disneyland trip was packed with Disney history and unique experiences.

I loved seeing the castle decorated for the 100th anniversary and meeting characters in their Halloween costumes.

Paying extra for the tours and party was worth it. During Walt's Main Street Story Tour, we visited Walt's old apartment on Main Street, USA. I even stood on the same patio Walt did while watching guests enter the park almost 70 years earlier.

At Oogie Boogie Bash, I met characters who rarely do meet and greets in the parks, including Bruno from "Encanto," Lots-o-Huggin' Bear from "Toy Story 3," and Judge Doom from "Who Framed Roger Rabbit."

The Alaskan cruise was also packed with unique experiences.

Disney cruises offer activities from morning until midnight. We watched a "Frozen" stage show, met Alaska-exclusive characters like Lumberjack Goofy, and saw amazing scenery from the deck.

Every evening, we returned to our room to find our towels folded to look like different animals, and on the last day, we even learned how to do it ourselves.

One of the most magical experiences was sipping on drinks made with glacier ice while we were within a quarter mile of Dawes Glacier.

The magic continued in the Alaska ports. We saw humpback whales and sea otters at Icy Strait Point, watched a bear wander down Creek Street in Ketchikan, and held four-week-old sled-dog puppies in Juneau.

Every Disney vacation is magical in its own way.

There are plenty of experiences from both these trips that I don't think I'll ever forget — from exploring Walt's Disneyland apartment to meeting Alaska Fisherman Mickey.

But when it comes to breaking down the value of each trip, I got more out of the Alaskan Disney cruise.

It was a bit more expensive, but my cruise was filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, unlimited food, and unique Disney activities.

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.

I inevitably need a morning boost at Disney World, especially after spending a few days in the parks. But I try not to buy cups of hot black coffee.

I'm always at a hotel when I visit the parks — usually a resort on the Disney property — so I have access to at least a single-serve coffee machine that makes a decent cup at no added expense to me.

Even better, when I stay at a Disney Vacation Club villa, there are usually larger machines that brew full pots instead of single cups. I can bring my own ground coffee and filters for my perfect cup.

Rain and Disney World seem to go hand-in-hand. When it rains at one of the theme parks, you'll likely see people donning thick, branded ponchos from the gift shops that cost about $12.

I've been guilty of buying these when I've been ill-prepared in the past, but I can get much cheaper disposable ones on Amazon or at Target before the trip.

The thinner, disposable ones are smaller anyway, so it's easy to pack multiple in any bag I have with me. Then, when it's done raining, I can simply throw the poncho away instead of carrying around a wet bundle of plastic.

I like to stay at the Disney World resorts, but I usually skip upgrading my booking from a standard to a preferred room closer to the hotel's front or its transportation options.

I imagine this is a nice feature for families with kids, but the rooms themselves seem to be exactly the same. Plus, it only saves me a couple of minutes of walking.

Prices vary depending on which kind of resort you're at — value, moderate, or deluxe. Sometimes, it's only about a $20-a-night difference between standard and preferred, but I could use that money on plenty of other things.

Disney World sometimes offers dining packages for its bigger shows, but I often find them to be of poor value. I'd rather grab something quick and easy and save my money.

For instance, you can book a dining package to watch "Fantasmic!" at Hollywood Studios. The price includes your meal, a drink, and guaranteed seats to the show, starting at $57 for adults.

That's much more than I'd normally spend on a meal at Disney World, and as long as I get to the theater early, open seats are usually plentiful.

If you're not as familiar with Disney World, all the different ticket add-ons can be confusing — plus, they always seem to be changing.

For now, there are still times when I think it makes sense to pay $15 a person per day for a Lightning Lane Multi Pass that I can use to expedite three lines at certain attractions. However, the individually priced Lightning Lane Single Passes for the most popular rides cost $10 to $25 each.

I understand that some people only have one opportunity to visit the parks and get on these rides, but I'm there often enough that the added expense isn't worth it.

Instead, I just get to the park early or stay late since lines are usually shorter during those times. I also keep my eye out for virtual queues on rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. When they're open, you can reserve one a day for free on the My Disney Experience app.