Fifty Nifty United States…

50 States, 50 Must-Do Adventures: The Ultimate U.S. Travel Bucket List

With our touring illusion show we have had the pleasure to travel all over this great country, so we have compiled one unforgettable thing to do in each U.S. state? Whether you’re planning a coast-to-coast road trip or slowly checking them off over a lifetime, this U.S. travel bucket list takes you from Alaska’s glaciers to Florida’s coral reefs.  

These picks aren’t just the most famous spots — they’re experiences that capture each state’s character, history, and natural beauty. Here’s one must-do activity in every state to inspire your next great adventure. If you want a touch of magic during your trip, I have also included magic theaters just like ours Jason Bishop: Straight Up Magic in the Poconos.  And, of course you can’t forget about food… so I named some great eateries we have discovered on the road.

Alabama – Birmingham Zoo

Everyone loves a zoo.

Best time: Spring or fall.

Tip: Make sure you feed the Lorikeets!

Food Suggestion: Find yourself some Fried Green Tomatoes & Pecan Pie

Magic Show: If you are in Birmingham October 23-24 see us at The Library Theatre

Alaska – Taku Lodge & Glacier Flightseeing

Fly over glaciers on your way to visit Taku Lodge where you will enjoy a fresh salmon dinner. 

Best time: June–August.

Tip: Dress in layers — summer can still be cold.

Food Suggestion: Skagway Fish Company — Skagway, AK — grab some fresh salmon or crab legs 

Jason tried the burger challenge!

Arizona – Cactus Forest Drive

A popular 8-mile, scenic drive near Tucson where you can experience the park's unique desert landscape and abundant saguaro cacti. 

Best time: March–May or September–November.

Tip: Start early to beat the heat.

Food Suggestion: Lindy’s on 4th — Take the burger challenge!!! Jason did!

Magic Show: Tucson Dinner Theater — Tucson, AZ

Arkansas – Hunt for Gems at Crater of Diamonds State Park

The only public diamond mine where you can keep what you find.

Best time: Spring or fall.

Tip: Wear old clothes — you will get dirty.

Food Suggestion: Nick’s BBQ & Catfish — Carlisle, AR — Just off I40 you will see signs for miles!

Magic Show: Maxwell Blade Theatre of Magic – Hot Springs, AR

California – Drive the Pacific Coast Highway

A bucket list drive with ocean cliffs, redwoods, and charming towns. It’s free and so beautiful!

Best time: May–October.

Tip: Allow two days to stop at Big Sur, Monterey, and Santa Barbara.

Food Suggestion: Pink’s — Los Angeles, CA — Amazing hotdogs with crazy toppings

Magic Show: San Francisco Magic Theater — San Francisco, CA

Colorado – Drive I70 through the Colorado Rockies

Take a drive on I70 from Denver right into Utah.  It is incredible!  Fun fact… Jason lost a drone while trying to capture the beauty.

Best time: Summer or fall.

Tip: If you drive it in the winter make sure you have snow tires and chains.

Food Suggestion: The Keg — Lakewood, CO

Magic Show: Cosmo’s Magic Theater — Colorado Springs, CO

Connecticut – Explore Mystic Seaport Museum

Step into a recreated 19th-century seaport village.

Best time: May–October.

Tip: Check for tall ship cruises.

Food Suggestion: Mystic Pizza — Mystic, CT — made famous from the movie

Magic Show:  Take a short drive to Pennsylvania to see us - Jason Bishop: Straight Up Magic at Camelback Resort!

Delaware – Relax on Rehoboth Beach

Boardwalk fun, boutique shops, and sandy shores.

Best time: June–September.

Tip: Visit midweek for fewer crowds.

Food Suggestion: Peach pie is the official state dessert, so find yourself a piece to enjoy!

Magic Show:  You’re only a short drive away from our show Jason Bishop: Straight Up Magic!

Florida – Snorkel Dry Tortugas National Park

Swim among coral reefs and explore Fort Jefferson.

Best time: Winter for calm waters.

Tip: Book ferry or seaplane early.

Food Suggestion: Sonny’s BBQ —several locations in various states but the first was in Florida!

Magic Show: Frank’s Magic Bar — Key West, FL

Gizmo in Savannah, GA

Georgia – Savannah’s Historic District

Cobblestone streets, live oaks, and southern charm. Check out Gizmo’s YouTube video about Savannah.

Best time: March–May.

Tip: Take a nighttime ghost tour.

Food Suggestion: Heirloom Market BBQ — Atlanta, GA

Magic Show: Atlanta Magic Theater — Atlanta, GA

Hawaii – Road to Hana, Maui

Drive this 64.4 mile long stretch with lots of twists and turns. It might be the most beautiful and scary drives you’ll ever take

Best time: Year-round.

Tip: If you are the one driving — be a confident driver!

Food Suggestion: Spam

Magic Show: Warren & Annabelles — Maui, HI

Idaho – Raft the Salmon River

Thrilling rapids and wilderness views.

Best time: Late spring–early fall.

Tip: Go with a guided tour for safety.

Food Suggestion:  Of course we know potatoes, but Idaho is also known for other unique foods like finger steaks, huckleberries, and white sturgeon caviar. 

Magic Show:  Silverwood Theme Park — Athol, ID

Illinois – Willis Tower Skydeck, Chicago

Step onto a glass ledge 1,353 feet above the city.

Best time: Spring or fall.

Tip: Visit on a clear day for lake views.

Food Suggestion: Lou Malnatis Pizzeria — considered best deep dish pizza

Magic Show: Chicago Magic Lounge – Chicago, IL

Indiana – Notre Dame Stadium Tour

Head to South Bend, IN and see a college football game.

Best time: Football season.

Tip: While your there, take the stadium tour

Food Suggestion: Famous Indiana foods include pork tenderloin sandwich and sugar cream pie. The state also boasts popcorn as its official state snack. 

Magic Show: Mind Tripping Show — Indianapolis, IN

Iowa – Bridges of Madison County

Visit the covered bridges from the novel and movie.

Best time: Fall for foliage.

Tip: Pick up a local bridge map.

Food Suggestion: Iowa leads the nation in corn production, so fresh corn on the cob is a must, which pairs perfectly with another Iowa specialty Steak de Burgo.

Magic Show: A brief flight to Pennsylvania and you can catch our show… Jason Bishop: Straight Up Magic!

Kansas – Geographic Center of the 48 Contiguous US States, Lebanon

Stand at America’s symbolic heart.

Best time: Spring or fall.

Tip: Pair with a Kansas small-town road trip.

Food Suggestion: Chili and cinnamon rolls are a classic Kansas food combination, particularly as a school lunch. 

Magic Shop: Stevens Magic Emporium — Wichita, KS

Kentucky – Kentucky Derby Museum

Learn some fun derby facts and see how you size up to a jockey!

Best time: Fall or spring.

Tip: Take a guided track tour.

Food Suggestion: Try some Bourbon and a Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich

Magic Show: Brad Brown Magic — Williamstown, KY

Louisiana – French Quarter, New Orleans

Jazz, Creole cuisine, and historic architecture.

Best time: February–May.

Tip: Try beignets at Café du Monde.

Food Suggestion: Seafood Palace — Lake Charles, LA — make sure to get some Crawfish

Maine – Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park

Catch one of the first U.S. sunrises of the day.

Best time: Fall or summer.

Tip: Reserve your car pass early.

Food Suggestion:  Renowned for its lobster, blueberries, and whoopie pies.  Then wash it all down with the state’s official soft drink, Moxie. 

Magic Show:  You really aren’t that far from the Poconos!  Just head on over to see Jason Bishop: Straight Up Magic.

Maryland – Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Feast

Fresh crab served Maryland style.

Best time: May–September.

Tip: Bring a big appetite.

Massachusetts – Plymouth Rock

I have to be honest, there’s not much to see but the history behind it makes it worth the time.

Best time: Spring or fall.

Tip: Wear comfy shoes.

Food Suggestion: Neptune Oyster Bar — Boston, MA — Grab a delicious Lobster Roll

Magic Show: Miracles & Other Deceptions with Paul Gertner — Boston, MA

Michigan – Abbott’s Magic Get Together

Visit the small town of Colin, MI Aug 5-8, 2026 and be apart of the magic.  This famous magic convention brings in the top names in the magic world. 

Best time: Summer.

Tip: Check out the cemetery where many magicians have been buried.

Food Suggestion: Five Star Pizza — Colin, Mi

Magic Show: American Museum of Magic – Marshall, MI

Minnesota – Mall of America

Largest shopping and entertainment complex in the United States! Any girl would love it!

Best time: Anytime!

Tip: Bring your cash and credit cards!!!

Food Suggestion: Minnesota Tater-Tot Hotdish — I’ve never had it, but you can’t go wrong with tater-tots!

Magic Show: Museum of Illusions — Inside Mall of America — Although not “magic” as we do it, this museum has interactive exhibits that trick the eye!

Mississippi – Blues Clubs of Clarksdale

Hear Delta blues where it began.

Best time: April for the Juke Joint Festival.

Tip: Bring cash for cover charges.

Food Suggestion:  Pig Ear Sandwich is a regional specialty, particularly in central Mississippi. 

Missouri – Gateway Arch, St. Louis

Ride to the top of the 630-foot landmark.

Best time: Spring or fall.

Tip: Book tickets online to skip lines.

Food Suggestion: Joe’s Kansas City BBQ — Kansas City, MO

Magic Show: Rick Thomas Mansion of Dreams — Branson, MO

Montana – Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park

One of America’s most scenic drives. So amazing.  I think we stopped more along this drive then anywhere else.

Best time: July–September.

Tip: Drive early to avoid traffic.

Food Suggestion:  Montana is known for its huckleberries, bison, and Rocky Mountain oysters which are bull testicles, often breaded and fried.  Would you try them?

Nebraska – Sandhill Crane Migration, Platte River

Witness a world-class wildlife event.

Best time: March–April.

Tip: Bring binoculars.

Food Suggestion:  Nebraska is known for Runza sandwiches, the Reuben sandwich, and Kool-Aid

Magic Show:  Catch our friend Eric Eaton in October at the Funny Bone Comedy Club in Omaha, NE

Nevada – Container Park

Cute little shopping and dining area all situated in stylized shipping containers. Then don’t forget to get your photo at the famous Las Vegas sign.

Best time: Spring or fall.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes.

Food Suggestion: Peppermill Diner — Las Vegas, NV — The hot spot for famous performers to grab a bite after a performance

Magic Show: Too many to plug!

New Hampshire – Mount Washington Cog Railway

Ride a historic train to the highest peak in the Northeast.

Best time: Summer or early fall.

Tip: Dress in layers — it’s cold up top.

Food Suggestions:  New Hampshire is known for apple-related treats like cider donuts and apple pie, and traditional New England fare like baked beans and maple syrup.

New Jersey – Atlantic City Boardwalk

Classic seaside amusements and casinos.

Best time: Summer.

Tip: Try the saltwater taffy.

Food Suggestion:  Curley’s Fries — Wildwood, NJ

Magic Show:  Catch us live in Branchburg, NJ at RVCCArts

New Mexico – Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Explore vast underground caves.

Best time: Spring or fall.

Tip: Stay for the bat flight at sunset.

Food Suggestion:  Biscochitos are New Mexico's official state cookie, adopted in 1989.

New York – See a Broadway Show, NYC

The Cutting Room in NYC

Experience world-class theater in Times Square.  Check out our friend Pat Dunn in Mamma Mia or see the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular

Best time: Year-round.

Tip: Get discounted tickets at TKTS.

Food Suggestion: Artichoke Basille’s Pizza — NYC — Almost ALL pizza in NYC is great, but this place is definitely my favorite!

Magic Show: Monday Night Magic — New York City — Different performers each show - sometimes us!

North Carolina – Grandfather Mountain

Drive the two mile winding, scenic road to the top of Grandfather Mountain. Then decide if you have it in you to walk across the mile high swinging bridge.

Best time: October.

Tip: Stop at overlooks often.

Food Suggestion: The state boasts its own signature soft drink, Cheerwine, a cherry-flavored soda, and the Cherry Bounce is a regional cocktail from North Carolina. 

Magic Show: Marsh Magic Store — Apex, NC

North Dakota – Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Wild bison and rugged badlands.

Best time: Late spring–early fall.

Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset.

Food Suggestion:  Chokecherries: The official state fruit, used in jellies, jams, and other treats.

Magic Show:  The Medora Magic Show — Medora, ND

Ohio – Cedar Point Amusement Park

The “Roller Coaster Capital of the World.”

Best time: May–September.

Tip: Buy Fast Lane passes to skip lines.

Food Suggestion:  Buckeye Candy: This is a peanut butter and powdered sugar confection dipped in chocolate, resembling the nut of the state tree

Magic Show: Madhrikan’s Theater of Magic — Berlin, OH

Oklahoma – Route 66 Attractions

Neon signs, diners, and quirky roadside stops.

Best time: Spring or fall.

Tip: Don’t miss the Blue Whale of Catoosa.

Food Suggestion: Try the Chicken fried steak

Magic Show: Hesters Theatre of Magic — Hochatown, OK

Oregon – Powell’s Bookstore

Humongous book store that occupies four stories on a full city block in downtown Portland’s Pearl District

Best time: Open daily, 10am – 9pm

Tip: Arrive early for parking.

Food Suggestion: Cheryls on 12th — Portland, OR — AMAZING breakfast!!!

Magic Show: The Magic Shop & More — Astoria, OR

Pennsylvania – Falling Water

House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for the Kaufmann family, owners of Pittsburgh’s largest department store., nestled in the woods.

Best time: Spring or fall.

Tip: Bring your hiking shoes..

Food Suggestion: Steve’s Prince of Steaks — Philadelphia, PA — Philly is know for cheesesteaks, but these are the best! (In our opinion;)

Magic Show: JASON BISHOP:STRAIGHT UP MAGIC — Tannersville, PA

Rhode Island – Newport Cliff Walk

Ocean views and Gilded Age mansions.

Best time: Summer.

Tip: Wear sturdy shoes.

Food Suggestion:  Johnnycakes - Cornmeal griddle cakes, a traditional food with deep historical roots in Rhode Island.

Magic Show:  You really are not far from Jason Bishop: Straight Up Magic — you should probably check it out!

South Carolina – South of the Border

Just stop!  It doesn’t have to cost you anything but your time and its just a fun kitschy experience on the border of North & South Carolina.

Best time: Anytime.

Tip: Don’t forget to take a picture..

Food Suggestion: Shuler’s BBQ — Latta, SC — Great Bbq place that was featured on The Profit so we thought we would try it.  Now we stop whenever we have the time driving up and down I95.

Food Suggestion: Red Bone Alley — Florence, SC — It was so long ago, but I am pretty sure it was this place. It was the first shrimp & grits I ever had and I think about it often!  It was that good!

Magic Show: Catch our show at Lexington 2 Performing Arts Center in West Columbia, SC on Friday, February 27, 2026.

South Dakota – Mount Rushmore & Badlands

Two iconic landmarks in one trip.

Best time: Summer.

Tip: See Mount Rushmore’s lighting ceremony.

Food Suggestion: Chislic, which is often made with lamb or beef.  It is deep-fried and seasoned, traditionally served with toothpicks. It's a popular snack, often enjoyed with beer

Magic Show:  The Dinner Detective — Sioux Falls, SD — Not magic, but this looks fun!

Tennessee – National Civil Rights Museum

Visit The Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King, Jr was assassinated.  It is a very surreal experience.

Best time: Spring or fall.

Tip: Schedule your visit in advance and skip the lines

Food Suggestion: Corky’s BBQ — Memphis, TN — definitely get the pulled pork nachos!

Magic Show: House of Cards – Nashville, TN

Magic Show: Evanswood Magic Theater — Pigeon Forge, TN

Texas – Fort Worth Cattle Drive

Twice daily they walk the cattle through the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards

Best time: Every day 11:30am & 4pm (weather permitting)

Tip: Arrive early for a good view.

Food Suggestion: Mattito’s TexMex — Dallas, TX — 

Magic Show: Magic at Margaritaville — Montgomery, TX

Utah – Angels Landing, Zion National Park

One of the most thrilling hikes in the U.S.

Best time: Spring or fall.

Tip: Apply for a hiking permit early.

Food Suggestion:  Utah is known for its high per capita consumption of Jell-O, so much so that it was named the official state snack. But also try Fry Bread if you get the chance.

Magic Show: Mystique — West Jordan, UT

Vermont – Maple Syrup Farm Tour

Taste fresh maple syrup straight from the source.

Best time: March–April.

Tip: Buy extra to take home.

Food Suggestion:  Vermont is famous for its high-quality maple syrup, which is a key ingredient in many local dishes and products. 

Magic Show: Marko’s Magic Show — Jeffersonville, VT

Virginia – Colonial Williamsburg

An 18th-century living history museum.

Best time: Spring or fall.

Tip: Wear walking shoes.

Food Suggestion: Cookout — Tons of locations in Virginia, North Carolina & South Carolina.  This might just be the perfect fast food place! A bazillion milkshake options and they are super quick to make everything.   My favorite food item is the quesadilla.

Magic Show: The Wagsters Magic Theatre — Williamsburg, VA

Washington – Pike’s Place Market

Browse the fresh flower stands and watch a purchased fish get tossed to the fishmongers to wrap & prepare.

Best time: Summer.

Tip: Its less busy on a Tuesday & Wednesday

Food Suggestion: Salumi — Seattle, WA — they are only open from 10am - 3pm and you will probably have to wait in line outside

Magic Show: Not a show, but check out Market Magic Shop right in Pike’s Place

West Virginia – New River Gorge Bridge Catwalk

Walk 851 feet above the river.

Best time: Fall for foliage.

Tip: Go with a guided tour.

Food Suggestion: A classic comfort food, biscuits and gravy are widely enjoyed in West Virginia and throughout the Appalachian region

Wisconsin – Summerfest, Milwaukee

The world’s largest music festival.

Best time: Late June–early July.

Tip: Check the lineup early.

Food Suggestion: CHEESE!

Magic Show: Rick Wilcox Magic Theater — Wisconsin Dells, WI

Magic Show: Tristan Crist Magic Theatre — Lake Geneva, WI

Wyoming – Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park

Watch the famous geyser erupt on schedule.

Best time: Late spring–early fall.

Tip: Visit early morning to avoid crowds.

Food Suggestion:  Wyoming's vast landscapes are home to bison, and the meat is a popular choice in burgers, steaks, and other dishes, so order something made with Bison!

Final Tip: Bookmark this 50-state travel bucket list and start planning — whether it’s a weekend getaway or a cross-country road trip, there’s a lifetime of adventure waiting in the USA.  And… Don’t forget to plan your trip to see us live in the Pocono Mountains!