Alabama —
Enjoy 32 miles of white sand beaches and the fresh seafood found at the Alabama Gulf Coast beach towns of Gulf Shores, Fairhope, Orange Beach (shown here) and Dauphin Island. Visitors can soak up the sun during the annual Hangout Music Festival (May 16-18), the National Shrimp Festival (October 9-12) or any time in between.
Alaska —
While Alaska is already a world-class destination for whale watching, it's going to get even better in 2014. The skeleton of Snow, a humpback whale who visited Glacier Bay regularly when alive, is scheduled to go on display at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in summer 2014. One of the world's largest reconstructed humpback whale skeletons, Snow will be displayed in a new outdoor exhibit in Bartlett Cove. The effort to preserve and display Snow's skeleton was led by park staff and local residents over 13 years.
Arizona —
Who can visit Arizona without exploring the Grand Canyon? You can hike for a day or a week, take a mule ride down to the bottom, canoe down the river or take a helicopter tour. Stay for the day, camp or spend the night in luxury. Whatever way you choose to explore this 277-mile-long cut through the Southwest, just don't skip this glorious national park.
Arkansas —
Even without an exceptional modern art exhibit in 2014, this relative newcomer to American museums would be worth a visit. Created in 2005 by the Walton Family Foundation, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art was designed by architect Moshe Safdie and is connected through sculpture and walking trails to downtown Bentonville. It gets even better this March, with more than 60 works by Edgar Degas, Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, Henri Matisse. Pablo Picasso and others in the "William S. Paley Collection: A Taste for Modernism" show. The works will be on display March 15-July 7. 
California —
Yosemite celebrates its 150th birthday in 2014, the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln signing a bill creating the Yosemite Land Grant on June 30, 1864. The legislation, which created the first California state park, protected the Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, marking the first time the federal government set aside a piece of land purely for preservation purposes and giving birth to the worldwide notion of a national parks system. (Yosemite became a national park in 1906.) There will be celebrations across the park and across the state.
Colorado —
Hike or bike or enjoy a concert or film at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, more than 6,400 feet above sea level. While Red Rocks isn't the only place to hear great music in the area, it claims to be the only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater in the world. It has hosted some of the greatest bands in the world -- including the Beatles, 50 years ago this year.
Connecticut —
The International Festival of Arts & Ideas (June 14-28, 2014) in New Haven will host a seemingly nonstop series of music, art, lectures and conversations over the course of the 15-day festival. Many of the events are free, and attendees can see and hear some of the best musicians and other arts figures from around the world. Aaron Neville, the Kronos Quartet and Rosanne Cash were featured last year. 
Delaware —
Downton Abbey comes to downtown Wilmington in an exhibition of English elegance and American grandeur starting March 1 and continuing through January 4, 2015. The Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library will host the "Costumes of Downton Abbey," featuring 40 of the show's costumes as well as photographs inspired by the PBS show. It's all hosted in the real-life elegance of the former DuPont family mansion.
Florida —
The hottest Florida ticket this summer may be for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida, which is scheduled to open a new Harry Potter section in the summer. Visitors can travel aboard the Hogwarts Express between the existing Hogsmeade at Universal's Islands of Adventure and a new "London" and Diagon Alley (a rendering is shown here). The exhibit will include a new Gringotts Bank marquee attraction.
Georgia —
The movie "Gone with the Wind" turns 75 this year, and what better place to celebrate than along the official Gone with the Wind Trail? While the most popular attraction on the trail is the Margaret Mitchell House in Atlanta, where Mitchell wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the trail hits other significant spots in the state in Marietta, Atlanta and Jonesboro.
Hawaii —
Observe Hawaii's Volcano Awareness Month in January by heading to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the volcanoes (and other fun stuff) in its "After Dark in the Park" programs. Just be careful: There are active volcanoes at this park. Pay attention to all National Park Service rules and instructions. 
Idaho —
The volcanic eruptions that became the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve started about 15,000 years ago and ended about 2,000 years ago, creating a spectacular and otherworldly landscape to explore. While the volcanoes on this 750,000-acre park are dormant, not extinct, no eruptions have occurred recently. However, geologists do expect them to eventually become active again. 
Illinois —
If you care about tallest building designations, get to the Willis Tower fast. The building (formerly known as the Sears Tower) will be the tallest skyscraper in the United States, at 1,730 feet, until New York's One World Trade Center is completed. Celebrate 40 years of the tower's Skydeck Chicago, which can provide views of up to four states from the 103rd floor. Want more of a thrill? Five years ago, the tower also added the Ledge -- a series of glass boxes extending four feet from the Skydeck. 
Indiana —
The amazing life of orangutans will be center stage this Memorial Day weekend when the Indianapolis Zoo is scheduled to open the International Orangutan Center (a rendering is shown here). Home to eight of the endangered apes, it will serve as a significant venue for the study of orangutans and will allow visitors to learn more about them in a new exhibit developed to support the animals as a social unit.
Iowa —
While many states have a state fair, the Iowa State Fair is also the state's largest tourism event. Held in Iowa's capital of Des Moines every August, the fair draws more than a million people each year. Enjoy live entertainment, the famous Butter Cow (shown here), livestock shows, art shows and many, many foods served on a stick. The fair turns 160 years old this year.
Kansas —
Most Americans know the powerful nations in conflict during World War II. Starting in January, the multi-year "World War II Remembered" exhibit at the Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum in Abilene turns its attention to the dozens of smaller Allied nations and their soldiers who sacrificed for the war effort in "Be Ye Men of Valour: Allies of World War II" exhibit.
Kentucky —
Rev up your engines and head to the new National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park this August. Located across from the National Corvette Museum and near a General Motors assembly plant (where the Corvette is manufactured) in Bowling Green, the park will feature a two-mile west and one-mile east circuit for drivers of all skill levels and all makes and models of sports cars.
Louisiana —
The city of Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement in the entire Louisiana Purchase, will celebrate its 300th birthday this year. There's plenty to explore downtown and in the adjacent neighborhoods, which are included in the city's 33-block National Historic Landmark District. The town also boasts the "Steel Magnolias" movie house (shown here), the Cane River Creole National Historical Park and the new Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. 
Maine —
Ship lovers will enjoy a three- or four-hour cruise on the Katahdin Steamship, a 110-foot boat built by Bath Iron Works in 1914, which marks its 100th anniversary in August with cruises, a birthday party and new museum exhibits. Since being restored in 1995, "Kate" operates seasonally on Maine's Moosehead Lake, the state's largest lake.
Maryland —
Two-hundred years ago, the "bombs bursting in air" and that "our flag was still there" in our national anthem were first spotted by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812 at the Battle of Baltimore (September 13-14, 1814). The flag was flying at Fort McHenry, so expect Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (shown here) to be at the forefront in September when the state hosts tall ships from around the world and the Blue Angels to mark the battle that inspired the anthem.
Massachusetts —
All eyes will be on Boston on April 21, Patriot's Day in Massachusetts, for the 118th running of the Boston Marathon. The city is eager to show its recovery from the devastating 2013 attack. Whether you're a runner or a supporter, you can show your love for "Boston Strong." (The 2010 race is shown here.) If you care to dive into early American patriotism, a stroll on the Freedom Trail will give you a sense of the history of the American Revolution.
Michigan —
For 19 days starting on September 24, Grand Rapids' downtown will be taken over by art. ArtPrize is an open art exhibition where anyone can submit his or her art and any space within the ArtPrize district can display art: The artists and venues connect through the organization's website. The brainchild of Rick DeVos, grandson of Amway co-founder Richard DeVos, ArtPrize gives away $560,000 in total cash prizes, $360,000 by public vote and $200,000 by jury.
Minnesota —
It may be called the Mississippi River but it starts in the northwestern section of Minnesota and travels nearly 700 miles within the state. Here, visitors can actually walk across the headwaters. As the river crosses northern Minnesota and heads south through Minneapolis-St. Paul, it forms the state's southeast border below tall, wooded bluffs. Along the way, you can explore river towns, bike on trails or walk along the riverfront in downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Mississippi —
The site of Jackson's first school for African-American children in 1894, the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center focuses on the African-American experience in the Deep South. Permanent exhibits include a gallery on civil rights and Mississippi's historically black colleges and universities. The museum also holds a Smithsonian exhibition, "Field to Factory: The Afro-American Migration, 1915-1940," which documents the migration of many African- Americans from the rural South to the urban North. 
Missouri —
Founded in 1990 to document the history of African-American baseball from the late 1800s through the 1960s, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City moved into permanent space in 1997 and now shares the 18th and Vine museum complex with the American Jazz Museum. Its location is historically relevant: During that same period, the 18th and Vine historic district was the city's center of African-American culture.
Montana —
Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, the Miles City Roundup celebrates the best of rodeo competition. The roundup is part of the Bucking Horse Sale (May 15-18), which is in its 64th year and features some of the world's top riders and animals. There's also bull riding, horse racing, sheep shearing, concerts, a morning parade and street dances on Friday and Saturday nights. 
Nebraska —
About 500,000 sandhill cranes make a pit stop along the Platte River between February and April before heading north to their summer breeding grounds. So do more than 10 million ducks and geese. To avoid the crowds, head to the North Platte Area and bird watch at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park. In the Kearney area, take an Audubon Rowe Sanctuary tour.
Nevada —
The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering (January 27-February 1) in Elko will mark its 30th year with animal welfare advocate Temple Grandin, known for her work in developing humane livestock slaughterhouses, as keynote speaker. The conference honors the campfire tradition of cowboys reciting and singing poetry.
New Hampshire —
First-time leaf peepers take note: The Kancamagus Highway is the place to view fall foliage. Often referred to as the best fall foliage trip in the United States, the 34.5-mile "Kanc" crosses through White Mountain National Forest. Between mid-September and mid-October, thousands of motorists travel to spot the changing colors. It's shown here at the Lower Falls of the Swift River.
New Jersey —
After the devastation of Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and the Seaside Park and Seaside Heights boardwalk fire last year, the communities of the Jersey Shore were determined to rebuild. Head to Asbury Park, made famous by a Bruce Springsteen album, with its famous boardwalk (shown here). It has an incredible Silverball Pinball Museum Arcade (with machines dating to 1931) and plenty to eat. If you want something low-key, try a visit to Cape May.
New Mexico —
The ancestral home of the Acoma Nation, Sky City sits atop a mesa with stunning views of the surrounding desert. Take a tour from an Acoma guide and learn more about one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the United States at the beautiful Sky City Cultural Center and Haak'u Museum.
New York —
One World Trade Center will be the tallest building in the United States when completed in 2014, creating yet another reason for tourists to flock to downtown New York. They already head to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum to pay their respects, making Lower Manhattan the second most popular destination in New York (behind Times Square).
North Carolina —
Have you ever wanted to fly? Try hang-gliding lessons at Kitty Hawk Kites Flight School on North Carolina's Outer Banks. Founder John Harris, who has taught thousands of students to take off from Jockey's Ridge dune, celebrates 40 years in business this year. Some students have even taken off in a replica of the Wright Brothers' 1902 glider. Kitty Hawk also offers Jet Ski tours, sailing cruises, horseback riding trips and other fun that doesn't require flight.
North Dakota —
Where can you visit a museum's buffalo herd? And see that it includes three rare white buffalo held sacred in Native American tradition? At the National Buffalo Museum in Jamestown, North Dakota, of course. That's where you may spot Dakota Legend, Dakota Miracle (shown here) and White Cloud at multiple viewing spots, so make sure to ask where they are roaming during the summer.
Ohio —
Test your skill at landing a space shuttle orbiter on one of two interactive space shuttle landing simulators installed at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton last year. The military aviation museum expects to open a full-scale mock-up of a space shuttle orbiter's payload bay, engine and tail sections early this year. When it's finished, visitors will be able to look into the cockpit and mid-deck areas of a shuttle and see how astronauts trained for their missions. The museum's permanent collection includes more than 360 aircraft and missiles and a hangar of retired presidential aircraft.
Oklahoma —
Walk through the Removal Corridor to see the bleak journey of the Chickasaw Nation to Oklahoma. Experience it at the Chickasaw Cultural Center, a space that allows visitors to follow the Chickasaw Nation's pre-Oklahoma life through today. The center, which opened in 2010 and sits on more than 100 acres of Chickasaw land in Sulphur, offers visitors the opportunity to see traditional dwellings, join a stomp dance's inner circle and taste Chickasaw culture at the Aaimpa' Café, where grape dumplings, Indian fry bread and pashofa (a dish made of hominy and pork similar to corn soup) are served.
Oregon —
Hike, camp or take a jet boat through North America's deepest river gorge in Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, named for the canyon that measures more than a mile from the bottom of the Snake River to the tallest mountaintop. Carved out by the Snake River and a remnant of the last ice age, Hells Canyon drops 8,000 feet below Seven Devils Mountains' He Devil Peak. (You might even enter Idaho during your trip because Hells Canyon is in both states.)
Pennsylvania —
While many lovers of the outdoors already know the pleasure of the Great Allegheny Passage, bikers and hikers can now travel the 150-mile route, completed last year, without fear of traffic or motorized vehicles. The passage connects with the 184.5 mile C&O Canal Towpath in Cumberland, Maryland, creating a 334.5-mile route between Pittsburgh and Washington. 
Rhode Island —
Fire and water combine in downtown Providence for an award-winning installation of more than 80 sparkling bonfires in braziers on the city's three rivers. Created in 1994 by Barnaby Evans, WaterFire will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. The schedule typically runs from the end of May through early November.
South Carolina —
A tiny tobacco town just 90 miles from Charleston, Lake City is transformed into an artistic mecca for 10 days each year as ArtFields turns the town's businesses into galleries that display juried art. Prizes totaling $100,000 are decided by a panel of jurors and by visitors during the festival, which runs April 25 through May 4 this year.
South Dakota —
One of the largest publicly owned bison herds in the world lives at Custer State Park in the Black Hills. There you can also see elk, mountain goats, antelope, wild turkeys and burros. Hike, fish, camp or stay overnight at one of the 71,000-acre park's five lodges.
Tennessee —
Memphis will be celebrating 60 years of rock 'n' roll this year: that moment when WHBQ's Dewey Phillips first played Elvis Presley's debut record on the radio. The yearlong celebration will include many events, including Graceland's celebration for Presley's birthday and a Sun Studio celebration on July 5.
Texas —
Originally built in the 1930s, the original, iconic San Antonio River Walk has been expanded by eight miles. The city's beloved River Walk, one of the most popular spots in Texas, wanders through the historic downtown connecting historic sites, restaurants and shops.
Utah —
Want to try your hand at a Winter Olympics sport but not sure how to start? Head to Utah Olympic Park in Park City and ride in a professionally piloted bobsled, learn how to curl or figure skate, and watch live Olympic trials (if you can make it in early January). Guided tours show the behind-the-scenes work of operating an Olympic park.
Vermont —
The Northeast Kingdom is known for spectacular fall foliage, Nordic skiing and wonderful local food. Now you can taste all that food at the NEK Tasting Center, which Eden Ice Cider founders Eleanor and Albert Leger opened in August to spotlight the farmers and producers working in the state's three northeastern counties. A sweet maple treat, an ice cider or a meal is yours for the tasting.
Virginia —
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond will celebrate the arrival of "Treasures from the Forbidden City," on loan from Beijing's Palace Museum, this October. The exhibition will explore Imperial China during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Many of the more than 200 objects have never been seen outside China before this tour. (An Aristide Maillol sculpture is shown here gracing the museum's sculpture garden.)
Washington —
A short ferry ride from Seattle takes you to the stunning San Juan Islands. The islands have wonderful restaurants and outdoor activities but the stars are the 80 or so endangered Southern Resident orca whales living wild around the islands and in the Salish Sea. See these amazing mammals in their natural habitat.
West Virginia —
The Mountain Music Trail takes visitors on an exploration of the roots of the state's strong music tradition, influenced by West Virginia's Scottish and Irish ancestors and the Allegheny Mountains. The regional trail goes through five counties via U.S. Route 219, and there are festivals and workshops throughout the year.
Wisconsin —
Taliesin in southwestern Wisconsin was Frank Lloyd Wright's home and studio for more than 48 years. Architects and others continue to work in the space he redid for his own school and practice. Tours of the building and property are offered.
Wyoming —
While Yellowstone National Park is an obvious choice for first-time visitors to Wyoming, a short drive away is Grand Teton National Park, a gem that shouldn't be overlooked. (Admission to one park gets you into the other park.) Check out the bull moose in Cascade Canyon and grand views of the Tetons on the Grandview Point trail hike to the summit.
And our 51st pick is ... —
How could we skip the District of Columbia, even if it isn't a state? The national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner," turns 200 this year. The National Museum of American History plans to celebrate on Flag Day (June 14). No need to wait, however. The almost 200-year-old, 30-by 34-foot flag is on permanent display, and the exhibit explores the making of the flag that inspired the Francis Scott Key song, written in 1814 after the author saw the flag waving above Fort McHenry as British ships were withdrawing from Baltimore.
