Gulf Shores beach is well known for its impeccable white sands and turquoise sea, so seashell hunting is both a great way of exploring the area and learning about the wide variety of seashells that wash out on the beach. Hosted by Jeff, a Gulf Shores local, you'll learn to distinguish different types of shells, the best shell-hunter etiquette, and how to clean and polish your shells properly. Prices start from around £16 ($21) per person.

See the wild side of Alaska with this incredible day trip from Anchorage, discovering scenic views, hiking on a glacier and more. The day starts with an early train journey on board the Coastal Classic train to Spencer, where you'll enjoy a kayak tour on Spencer Lake and a trek on the glacier. After you've got up close and personal to the striking blue ice, enjoy another scenic train ride to Grandview, through the Placer River Gorge and back to Anchorage. Prices start from around £277 ($360) per person.

Arizona might be famous for its canyons, buttes and valleys, but there's more to the Copper State. Head to Mesa, just outside of Phoenix, and join a stand-up paddleboarding tour along the Salt River. Thanks to the calm waters, this is suitable for beginners as host Curtis, a certified instructor, will help you find your balance. Once you're paddling steady on the board, admire the beauty of the surrounding landscape and spot wild horses, bald eagles and elusive river otters. Prices start from around £59 ($77) per person.

Get to know the aromas and flavours of Arkansas cuisine as you embark on this 2.5-hour food walk. Lead by Ashley, a food scientist and founder of The Local Table, the tour focuses on the trendy 8th Street Market in Bentonville. During the tour, you'll have a chance to speak to six local chefs, brewers and mongers, and try around 15 different dishes and drinks that tell the story of the community here. Prices start from around £58 ($75) per person.

The best way to explore San Diego's rugged coastline is by kayak. Previous experience isn't required as you'll do a little paddle tutorial before heading out into the Marine Protected Area in La Jolla Bay. If conditions are safe, you'll kayak into the stunning Emerald Cave and you might spot seals, sea lions, sea turtles and dolphins. Prices start from around £28 ($36) per person. Find more top things to do in San Diego with our city guide.

Described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience by more than 20 recent guests, this Colorado winter hike is fully tailored to you. Led by Tyler, an adventure photographer who grew up in the Colorado Rockies, the hike starts before sunrise to beat the crowds. As you conquer the towering peaks and take in the amazing scenery, Tyler documents your journey so you've got fantastic images to remember it by. Prices start from around £98 ($127) per person.

Discover New Haven's unique pizza culture with a hands-on experience, learning how to make your own. Led by chef John of Elm City Social and Olives and Oil, the class covers the basics of pizza-making: rolling the dough properly, how to choose toppings and how to bake the pie. Once the hard work is done, sit down and enjoy your creation with a glass of wine. Prices start from around £43 ($56) per person.

Both an educational and incredibly tasty experience, host Erika cooks up a proper Italian feast in her Claymont home, sharing secrets to making excellent spaghetti and meatballs, lasagne and pizza. The class highlights the differences between Italian and American-Italian cooking and you'll also have a chance to get stuck in and help with the meal. Prices start from around £75 ($98) per person.

Embark on a small group tour through the gorgeous Shell Key Preserve just off the coast of St. Petersburg, southwest of Tampa. Tides permitting, you'll kayak through mangrove tunnels and over shallow seagrass meadows before you reach the secluded Shell Island. Prices start from around £30 ($39) per person.

This two-hour stroll takes guests around the historic streets and squares of Savannah. Focusing on history, architecture and culture, the tour is a great way of getting to know the city's historic district and can be tailored to your interests. Prices start from around £21 ($27) per person.

On this snorkelling adventure, hosted in Kapolei on the island of Oahu, you'll swim with schools of tropical fish and spot a wide range of marine wildlife. Learn about the unique sea environment and the creatures you've seen as well as receive professional photos of your swim. It's worth noting that all Airbnb animal experiences must follow guidelines created by World Animal Protection and are hosted by industry professionals, like biologists and conservationists. Prices start from around £99 ($129) per person.

Find your zen among the flowers as you join a yoga class in the gorgeous Edwards Greenhouse in Boise. The class begins with a 10-minute meditation and you don't need any previous yoga experience to join. The class is hosted by yoga teacher Jason Allen and although all the necessary equipment is provided, you're free to bring your own too. Prices start from around £16 ($21) per person.

Discover a slice of Chicago's Pedway (Downtown Pedestrian Walkway) system, learn why it's called the Windy City and see some of the city's most prominent sights – this walking tour really is one of the best ways to get to know Chicago. There will be stories of Prohibition-era gangsters and the city's fascinating speakeasy past, plus you'll get to try an authentic Chicago snack that's been around for decades. Prices start from around £26 ($34) per person.

Head to this beautifully restored 1850s home in New Albany near Louisville and get to know host Melissa's chickens. Learn about keeping them, hand-feed the flock and take pictures with the friendly birds, including a rare breed called silkie chicken. If there are chicks being raised, you'll be able to meet them and take home a couple of eggs – some are blue or green. Prices start from around £8 ($10) per person.

At the charming Prairie Patch Farm in Cedar Rapids, you'll meet a friendly herd of llamas and embark on a 45-minute guided walk with the creatures through the farm's mowed trails and a nature preserve. Owners Andy and Kahle will teach you all about these fascinating animals including how to interact with them. Prices start from around £16 ($21) per person and kids under 10 go free.

In this hands-on experience, you'll create beautiful stained glass pieces during a four-hour workshop in Eureka. Hosts Doug and Monica will explain the techniques and demonstrate how to cut, grind, foil and solder the glass, before you have a go at creating your own masterpiece. Prices start from around £48 ($62) per person.

Run by the Appalachian Horse Project, a non-profit organisation which cares for the free-roaming horses in the southeastern Kentucky mountains, this tour takes in these incredible animals in their natural habitat. From Jackson, you'll ascend the mountain in tour guide vehicles along a beautiful winding road. There'll be opportunities to stop and take photos of the horses along the way and once you get to the top, head to an overlook for panoramic views of the mountains and forests surrounding the area. Prices start from around £28 ($36) per person.

Hop on cool cruiser bikes and take in New Orleans on two wheels as you pedal through the historic centre of the city and into the surrounding bayous (streams and marshy lakes). The three-hour tour passes regal oak trees, the opulent Esplanade Avenue and City Park, and traverses Bayou St John. The experience is hosted by Eric, who was born and raised in NOLA, and you'll learn about the history of the city and why these bodies of water have historically been so important. Prices start from around £36 ($47) per person.

Portland is famous for its craft beer scene so what better way to get to know the city than a tour of local breweries. On the guided walk you'll try around 10 different beverages and visit a classic old Portland brewery, a Belgian-style spot and up-and-coming brewers. Prices start from around £47 ($61) per person and includes drinks.

Take a look at the most stunning Airbnbs in the USA

See Baltimore's prettiest side as you hop on board a sailboat and enjoy a beautiful sunset on the water. As the day draws to a close, you'll be treated to a symphony of colours over Fort McHenry and the city as well as some wine, cheese and crackers on the deck. Prices start from around £99 ($129) per person.

Boston is brimming with incredible history and its buildings and streets definitely have a story or two to tell. This comprehensive two-hour tour takes in sights such as the historic Custom House Tower, the Old City Hall and the famous streets of Beacon Hill. Prices start from around £27 ($35) per person.

Hosted by Mike, a professional blacksmith in the village of Shelby, this is a totally unique experience you shouldn't miss. Learn the basics of blacksmithing, like twisting iron and how to use a hammer, to make your own wall hook. Mike's got some great stories to tell along the way. Prices start from around £52 ($68) per person.

Essentially a therapeutic forest walk to help you de-stress, slow down and reconnect with your senses, forest bathing is based on ancient Japanese practices. This experience takes place in Westwood Hills Nature Center, in the city of St. Louis Park, and is led by certified forest therapy guide David. You'll finish the session with a relaxing tea ceremony. Prices start from around £32 ($42) per person.

The Gulf of Mexico is full of a wide variety of fish and crustaceans so it's no wonder seafood is popular along the Mississippi coast. Hop aboard the Sail Fish and enjoy the calm waters of the Mississippi Sound as you get a first-hand experience of how Gulf shrimp are caught and how the shrimping and seafood industry in Mississippi operates. Prices start from around £19 ($25) per person.

A three-hour feast for the eyes and mind, this cycling tour visits the historic former residences of authors who have resided in St. Louis over the years. A must for any literary fanatic, the tour takes in the remarkable homes of the likes of T.S. Eliot, Tennessee Williams and Kate Chopin. Prices start from around £29 ($38) per person.

A top destination for fly fishing in the US, Montana is a great place to give this sport a go. Setting up base in a local stream within a 30-minute drive of Helena, you'll learn everything from selecting the right fly and picking a stream to how to use a fly rod and safely wade through the water. The experience can also be adapted for those with previous experience. Prices start from around £159 ($208) per person.

The hometown of one of the most influential business owners and investors in America, Omaha is closely tied with the Buffett family. The two-hour tour takes in all the locations significant to Warren and the rest of the Buffett family, like the grocery store founded by his great grandfather in 1869 and his current office. It's a brilliant insight into the man dubbed the Oracle of Omaha. Prices start from around £32 ($42) per person.

When you finally tire from the neon lights of Las Vegas, there's only one way to escape the city – Nevada's amazing nature. Head to the Valley of Fire State Park for the day and explore its most popular attractions on a day hike. Host Adam will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel, provide snacks and water for the day, as well as take photos on the windswept dunes and ancient rocks. Prices start from around £143 ($187) per person.

New Hampshire's White Mountains are absolutely stunning and in winter there's no better way to explore them than to fully immerse yourself in the landscape. The 2.8-mile (4.5km) trek takes around two and a half hours – you'll scale Mount Willard and spot local wildlife. Prices start from around £26 ($34) per person.

Hop on a bike and see all of Cape May's best bits during this brilliant two-hour bike tour. Take in the atmospheric streets and marvel at the oldest hotel still operating in Cape May. Along the way, you'll also be able to see digital photos of what Cape May used to look like and notice how it's changed throughout the decades. Prices start from around £23 ($30) per person.

If you've always been keen to create your own handcrafted item, this freestyle weaving class in Santa Fe is for you. First, choose a pattern and colour combination, then learn the basics of weaving. You'll get to keep the piece you've created. Prices start from around £139 ($181) per person.

You'd probably be able to taste pretty much all of the world's cuisines in New York City and what better way to appreciate the city's multiculturalism than on a food tour. This experience focuses on Filipino food – you'll visit three different restaurants for a starter, several mains and a dessert. Along the way you'll learn about Filipino migration to the US and how the Big Apple has shaped Filipino dishes in the US. Prices start from around £48 ($63) per person.

Get away from the crowds and enjoy the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains on a four-hour hike near Asheville in western North Carolina. Depending on your experience and hiking ability, the trek will be up to six miles (9.7km) long. Hosted by licensed hiking guide Greg, the hike will lead you to a secluded mountaintop, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Prices start from around £59 ($77) per person.

For a taste of a real, working ranch, head to this lovely spot in Towner, North Dakota which offers visitors a chance to see how the farm takes care of lamb and sheep. This is a hands-on experience and you may be able to feed a lamb – it's perfect for those who have never been on a farm. Prices start from around £28 ($37) per person.

Now discover the best Airbnb property under $100 in every state

There are plenty of excellent places to eat in Cleveland and what better way to explore them all than with a local. You'll head out on a three-hour ramble through the West Side Market and the surrounding Ohio City neighbourhood. During the tour, you'll stop at around five restaurants to sample some of the best dishes the city has to offer as well as hear about the history of the area and the food culture. Prices start from around £54 ($70) per person.

Not many know that Oklahoma City is filled with stunning architecture, spanning decades and various styles. On this 2.5-hour bike ride you'll learn about the city's history and see everything from skyscrapers and luxury mansions to historic buildings and even a haunted hotel. Prices start from around £40 ($52) per person.

Take a deep breath and relax as you let your worries melt away during this foot reflexology session. Sit back in a zero-gravity chair as a therapist works on your feet using an acupressure-like 'thumb walk' technique to help your whole body relax. You'll also be treated to tea and locally-made vegan chocolate. Prices start from around £93 ($121) per person.

We all know that iconic scene from Rocky when Sylvester Stallone's character ascends the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and some of us have even dreamed of recreating it. This four-mile (6.4km) run weaves through the Italian market streets, just like in the film, passes by some of Philly's most important buildings and attractions, and finishes at the top of the famous steps. Prices start from around £23 ($30) per person.

This 2.5-hour kayaking experience is a peaceful and relaxing activity for those wanting to get back to nature. Paddle around the stunning Slack Reservoir in Greenville, spotting wildlife along the way. All equipment is provided and you'll be given a safety briefing before you head out. There's also an opportunity to have beautiful pictures taken of your time on the water. Prices start from around £28 ($37) per person.

Leave the tourist-packed streets of Charleston behind and take to the water in a fun experience sailing around Charleston Harbor. You can either kick back, relax and take in the sunset views or help out on the boat. It's also very likely you'll see a dolphin or two riding the sailboats bow wave or playing in the water. Prices start from around £95 ($124) per person.

Forget about fridge magnets and keyrings, have something special to remind you of South Dakota by making your own ring. Hosted in Sioux Falls, you'll learn the basics of silversmithing then put it into practice. Form, file, solder and shine to craft a unique spinner ring from an ordinary copper pipe. Prices start from around £38 ($50) per person.

Baking perfect biscuits is a real skill and what better way to learn it than among friends with a mimosa in hand. During the class, which takes place in Nashville, you'll learn how to bake three types of biscuits – classic buttermilk, white cheddar drop and mini cinnamon sugar – as well as sausage gravy, chocolate sauce and brown sugar peaches, when in season. Prices start from around £52 ($68) per person.

Get a real Texan experience as you ride through a forested deer pasture on horseback. Hosted at the Blue Moon Ranch near Fredericksburg, you'll trek through stunning scenery, spot animals and learn about the ranch's rescued horses. Prices start from around £60 ($78) per person.

Although Utah's Zion National Park is a top spot for tourists, you'll escape the crowds on this three-hour hike and head to some lesser-known places nearby. Explore some of the stunning hidden slot canyons in the area and soak in the jaw-dropping scenery. There's also an opportunity to add on an abseiling experience. Prices start from around £64 ($84) per person.

Hosted at the Liberty Hill Farm near Rochester, this dairy farm tour gives guests a real taste of what working life is like here. Times of the tour coincide with daily tasks like milking cows and feeding calves, and you can even give it a go yourself. When you leave, you'll have a full understanding of how milk makes it from the cow to your jug. The farm donates all proceeds from tours to the non-profit Liberty Hill Center for Agricultural Education, dedicated to fostering an appreciation of local agriculture. Prices start from around £12 ($16) per person.

Enjoy a two-hour nature ramble near Charlottesville, in the company of adorable llamas. As you walk the farm's trails, winding through pastures and woodland, you'll learn more about the friendly animals and how they're used today. You'll also have the opportunity to glimpse inside the farm and see how the llama fibre is prepared and used. Prices start from around £40 ($52) per person.

Take in the iconic skyline of Seattle to the east and majestic Mount Rainier to the south as you depart Bainbridge Island's Waterfront Park on board this stunning sailboat. During the two-hour sail, you'll head into several charming harbours and might even see a whale or two. Prices start from around £56 ($73) per person.

Start the day by touring this lovely strawberry farm near the town of Clendenin, its century-old barn and the 130-year-old farmhouse. Depending on the time of year, you might be able to pick your own strawberries before heading to the kitchen. There you'll be provided with fresh fruit and guided through making your own strawberry jam. Prices start from around £40 ($52) per person.

These are the best free attractions in every state

Wisconsin's cocktail of choice, the old fashioned has enjoyed a sort of a renaissance here. Learn how to make it Wisconsin-style (with brandy instead of whiskey) during this two-hour class, as well as sampling some local beers. Hosted in Milwaukee by natives Andrea, Angela and Leah, who have extensive bartending experience, you'll learn how to perfect your old fashioned. Prices start from around £40 ($52) per person.

A top location for fly fishing, whether you're a beginner or more experienced, Salt River in Alpine is where guide Cody hosts fly fishing trips, lessons and experiences. All equipment, including fly rod, flies and line, is provided – all you have to do is just enjoy a day on the water. Prices start from around £179 ($234) per person.

Now take a look at the ultimate US bucket list