If you could tell visitors to do ONE thing in your state, what would it be?
We asked a handful of Huffington Post editors and our Facebook friends for the all-time best activity to do in each state. The only rule? The activity must involve a swimsuit, because it's the end of summer and we're ready to go out with a splash.
Not every adventure below is 100 percent perfectly suited for bikini attire: Some may include mountain hikes or cavern crawls that call for at least a T-shirt. But in any case, the lineup of waterfalls, canoe trips, national parks and surf spots is worth laboring on... just in time for Labor Day Weekend.
This national preserve has all sorts of spectacular swimming holes. Make sure yours is a designated safe spot -- like Marthas Falls -- before you jump in.
A sea kayak is the best way to see Alaska's rugged waterfalls, hidden coves and glaciers.
A series of bright blue waterfalls glitters on the Canyon floor, as part of the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Look out for seasonal closures, and make sure swimming is permitted before you jump in.
Visit a series of historic bathhouse buildings, then soak yourself in the healing thermal waters.
There are lots of spots for beginners in this authentic surf town, where the tacos are as precious as the sunsets.
This hardcore whitewater experience has tranquil parts, too.
Picnic spots and an epic waterfall hike make this the ideal natural playground.
This boardwalk hasn't lost its vintage vibe... and its frozen custard cones will never go out of style.
See-through water, warm temps and a small-town vibe? This is perfection.
Famous expert Dr. Beach named Waimanalo Beach the best beach in the country for 2015. Get it while it's (literally) hot.
A number of picture-perfect camping spots will get you close-up to nature for cheap. (Hurry before the season ends!)
A local might find it cheesy, but kayaking is hands-down the most epic way to tour Chicago's dazzling skyscrapers.
Fish, swim and soak up the last bits of summer in Indiana Dunes State Park, on the Lake Michigan shore.
The Iowa Great Lakes offer about 15,000 pristine acres of fishing, boating and retro amusement park rides.
This skatepark on water offers all sorts of jumps and ramps for wake boarders -- both beginner and veteran -- to practice their skills.
At Torrent Falls Climbing Adventure, you can both climb and rappel various rocky faces in the verdant Red River Gorge. It's best to be fully clothed for the climb, but there's always time for a bathing suit breather in the waterfall afterward.
This rugged gem is a playground of gardens, lakes, woods, meadows and mountains.
The beach and the boardwalk are great, but it's those spicy crab dinners that'll really make your summer.
Most people don't know that Massachusetts has been named one of the best whale watching spots in the world. Head out to Cape Cod for a peek, and then take a swim for yourself.
Few places trump the charm of Michigan's little lake towns. Start in Saugatuck, home to some of Lake Michigan's best beaches and art galleries galore.
The pristine waters of Superior National Forest offer an awe-inspiring slice of solitude.
Visitors come for sun, sand and a look at the old brick fort.
The waterpark to end all waterparks brings cabanas, "monsoons," and super-steep slides to Kansas City.
A view of Glacier National Park is MORE than worth the trek.
Take a gondola ride over the lake or watch a spectacular nighttime fountain show in Omaha's riverfront oasis.
The glitzy pools on the strip offer daytime parties the likes of which you've never even seen in a club. If a DJ during the day isn't your thing, the non-party pools are just as pleasant.
A three-day guided canoe trip takes you past hiking spots and fishing holes that nobody else can find.
A number of firework celebrations down the Jersey Shore will feature epic end-of-summer shows.
Calm waters become rapids on one of the most famous rivers in the country, with scenery that most rafting trips won't show you.
If the Caribbean seems too far away, the brilliant blue water at Green Lakes State Park makes for a great substitute.
The calm from 1,000 yoga sessions is captured in a single OBX sunrise. Catch it from the beach, near a lighthouse or on a stand-up paddle board.
Theodore Roosevelt had high praise for the river route, along which you'll find Lewis and Clark historic sites.
This otherworldly state park is a maze of cliffs, caves and waterfalls to explore.
Legend has it that Jesse James visited this woodland hole-in-the-rock, now park of Robbers Cave State Park. It's not a beach, per se, but sunny creek beds will still give you a nice tan.
If heaven is a place on Earth, then it's Samuel H. Boardman State Park. Wildlife, ancient trees and empty trails are yours to enjoy.
There's nothing more classic than a day at the waterpark, with a candy-fueled twist.
Bike rides, boating, 17 miles of beach... you name it, this charming island's got it.
This world-famous eatery is right on the water. Take a happy hour cruise on the Salty Dog catamaran, and grab a drink on land before buying your iconic Salty Dog T-shirt.
Known as the "crown jewel" of Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake has an incredible lodge where you can wake up near the water.
Temperatures aren't exactly tropical inside Lookout Mountain, but this underground waterfall is still a pleasant place to feel the mist.
This massive three-acre swimming pool is fed from an underground spring.
When hiking The Narrows, you won't find a trail. Instead, follow the river's path through a gorge with walls that are hundreds of feet high.
Take a boat ride for brunch or a lobster feast, and jump in the water afterward.
Rent a room on this stunning lakeshore, and enjoy vineyard tastings after swimming in the sun.
Our capital's major monuments are best seen from the water.
You won't find a more scenic place to learn the art of fly fishing.
You can watch the Dells' famous water ski shows between trips to the water park and rides on the zip line at this all-in-one family fun destination.
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is arguably one of our country's most little-known natural gems. Late summer and early fall are perfect times to visit Yellowstone National Park and see this wonder.
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