Originally published on Travel + Leisure.

Discover 50 standout ways to explore the country from sea to shining sea.

By Travel + Leisure Editors

Published on May 19, 2026

The United States is the third-largest country in the world, stretching about 2,800 miles from east to west and 1,600 miles from north to south. Often described as a “nation of immigrants,” it’s home to hundreds of cultural communities and 574 federally recognized Native American Nations, each with distinct traditions and identities. That diversity is reflected in the country’s landscapes—from desert canyons to alpine peaks and coastal shores—as well as in its regional cuisines, local traditions, and one-of-a-kind experiences. To mark America’s 250th birthday—the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—Travel + Leisure has spotlighted 50 standout experiences (one in each state) ranging from hidden gems to iconic highlights and editor-approved favorites. 

UTAH 

A train traveling through a canyon landscape with mountains a river and vegetation nearby

The Canyon Spirit in Utah. 

Armstrong Collective

Cap off a visit to Salt Lake City—one of Travel + Leisure’s 50 Best Places to Go in 2026—by embarking on a three-day luxury rail journey to Denver aboard Canyon Spirit. In April 2026, the scenic train, formerly known as Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies to the Red Rocks, extended its route to include Utah’s capital. It showcases some of the Southwest’s most dramatic landscapes, from eastern Utah’s rugged mountain passes to the sweeping vistas of the Great Basin, all viewed from panoramic rail cars. Moving at a relaxed pace, the journey pairs regionally inspired cuisine with onboard storytelling that brings the landscapes outside the windows to life. —Susmita Baral

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Visit Salt Lake (VSL) is the private, nonprofit Destination Sales & Experience Organization (DSXO) dedicated to recruiting, retaining, and activating conventions, meetings, sporting events and leisure travel that fuels the region’s visitor economy. In partnership with Salt Lake County, hoteliers, members and public-sector stakeholders, VSL helps generate $6.15 billion in annual visitor spending, $575 million in direct tax revenue and $1,700 in household tax savings while supporting more than 56,000 jobs. By championing Salt Lake's authentic urban-meets-mountain identity, VSL creates transformative experiences that benefit the community and visitors alike. For more information, visit www.VisitSaltLake.com.