Good Morning America’s Epic Journey Across the United States
A Historic Road Trip to Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday
Good Morning America is embarking on an ambitious and heartwarming journey that will take viewers across every corner of the United States. Beginning in July 2025, the beloved morning show is launching “America the Beautiful: 50 States in 50 Weeks,” an extraordinary series that will visit all 50 states over the course of a year. This momentous project is timed to coincide with two significant milestones: the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, and GMA’s own 50th anniversary. The concept is both simple and profound—each week, a GMA anchor or correspondent will travel to a new state, following the chronological order in which they joined the Union. This isn’t just about showcasing landmarks and tourist attractions; it’s about celebrating the real heart of America: its people. The show is inviting viewers from across the country to share stories about the individuals in their communities who make their states special, creating a grassroots celebration of American spirit and diversity.
The Journey Begins: Delaware Through the Southern States
The adventure kicked off on July 3rd with chief meteorologist Ginger Zee visiting Delaware, appropriately the first state to ratify the Constitution. Zee spent time with the hero lifeguards of Rehoboth Beach, even competing against them in challenges that would make the “Baywatch” crew envious. From there, the journey continued to Pennsylvania, where GMA highlighted Shankweiler’s Drive-In, the world’s oldest operating drive-in movie theater, a nostalgic reminder of classic Americana. In New Jersey, the Garden State’s agricultural heritage took center stage at Piney Hollow Farm, showcasing the state’s tomato and blueberry production. The series then traveled south to Georgia, where correspondent Deborah Roberts returned to her home state to visit Savannah, the birthplace of Girl Scout cookies and a movement that transformed opportunities for girls nationwide. Connecticut featured the country’s first amusement park, while Massachusetts showcased Boston’s legendary Wally’s Café, a multi-generational jazz club that has been a cultural cornerstone for decades. Maryland’s segment honored the legacy of Harriet Tubman, and South Carolina brought viewers to Clemson University as students prepared for a new academic year.
Exploring Natural Wonders and Regional Pride
As the series progressed northward and westward, GMA highlighted some of America’s most breathtaking natural landscapes and unique cultural touchstones. In New Hampshire, viewers were treated to the majestic Mount Washington State Park, while Virginia’s segment focused on Portsmouth and the nonprofit Mercy Chefs. The New York episodes were particularly rich, featuring Niagara Falls and its new “Niagara Takes Flight” attraction, meetings with members of the Iroquois Nation to discuss the land’s deep Indigenous significance, and a heartwarming surprise visit from Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin, who has championed CPR education. North Carolina’s coverage took on special meaning as correspondent Janai Norman visited Asheville to document the city’s recovery one year after Hurricane Helene devastated the area. Rhode Island introduced viewers to Block Island’s unique school and its dedicated students, while Vermont brought the charm of the von Trapp Family Farm in Stowe, where Highland cows roam the same landscape that reminded the famous family of their Austrian homeland. Each state received a condensed “90 seconds” segment, packing fascinating facts, history, and cultural highlights into bite-sized presentations perfect for morning television.
Heartland Values and Musical Heritage
The journey through America’s heartland revealed the diversity and richness of the nation’s interior. Kentucky celebrated its renowned horse heritage and Southern hospitality, while Tennessee took viewers off-roading at Windrock Park, one of the state’s largest adventure destinations with hundreds of miles of scenic trails. Ohio’s segment featured the Cincinnati Zoo celebrating its 150th anniversary, and Louisiana brought the festive spirit of New Orleans with Cameron Mathison joining the Krewe of BOO! parade just in time for Halloween. Mississippi, the birthplace of the blues, was explored through its musical heritage with correspondent Steve Osunami taking in the sights and sounds of the Magnolia State. Illinois featured Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch, bringing seasonal cheer, while Alabama highlighted its long seafood history in Bayou La Batre. Indiana’s Children’s Museum provided an engaging backdrop for showcasing what the Hoosier State offers. Missouri revealed why it’s called the “Cave State” with explorations of its underground wonders, and Arkansas invited viewers inside the famous Crater of Diamonds State Park, where visitors can search for precious gems. Each state’s segment emphasized not just geography and attractions, but the people who call these places home.
Coastal Beauty and Western Adventures
The series continued its sweep across the nation’s diverse landscapes, from Great Lakes shores to southern coastlines and beyond. Michigan brought a personal touch when Ginger Zee explored her home state, hitting the slopes at the Crystal Community Ski Club and highlighting the state’s connection to the Great Lakes, music scene, and educational institutions. Florida’s segment showcased the Sunshine State’s commitment to conservation through a hospital dedicated to protecting sea turtles. Texas offered something truly spectacular when Michael Strahan visited Big Bend National Park, an International Dark Sky Reserve where the night skies put on celestial displays free from light pollution. Iowa featured the quirky and beloved University of Okoboji Winter Games, an annual tradition drawing thousands to the small community. Wisconsin celebrated both its dairy heritage and innovation, including a visit to SC Johnson’s headquarters designed by architectural icon Frank Lloyd Wright. California’s episode took viewers on a journey along the state’s 840-mile Pacific Coast Highway, from Eureka’s Sequoia Park to countless coastal communities. Minnesota highlighted immigrant success stories through a small business that achieved national recognition while honoring its cultural roots, and Oregon combined natural beauty with cultural preservation, featuring Mount Hood and Native American tribes maintaining traditions through dance.
A Celebration of American Spirit and Community
What makes “America the Beautiful: 50 States in 50 Weeks” more than just a travel series is its fundamental focus on human connection and community pride. Throughout the journey, GMA hasn’t simply pointed cameras at famous landmarks or recited historical facts—though there’s certainly been plenty of both. Instead, the show has consistently highlighted the individuals and organizations that give each state its unique character. From lifeguards keeping swimmers safe on Delaware beaches to entrepreneurs preserving drive-in movie culture in Pennsylvania, from volunteers feeding disaster victims in Virginia to conservationists protecting sea turtles in Florida, the series showcases Americans doing extraordinary things in their communities. The “90 seconds” segments serve as quick reference guides packed with surprising facts—like Rhode Island’s Hollywood history or Missouri’s connection to Walt Disney—but the longer features dive deep into stories of resilience, innovation, tradition, and hope. Whether it’s North Carolina communities rebuilding after natural disaster, Indigenous peoples sharing their heritage at Niagara Falls, or small-town Iowa coming together for winter festivities, these stories reflect the diverse tapestry of American life. As the series builds toward America’s 250th birthday celebration, it’s creating a living portrait of the nation—not just its geography and history, but its living, breathing present and the people who will shape its future. This year-long journey reminds viewers that America’s true beauty lies not in its monuments or landscapes alone, but in the spirit of its people and the communities they’ve built together.
