The United States is a gorgeous country with a diversity of options to explore. This year is the year of exploring our own countries due to the Coronavirus. With 50 states to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start exploring the United States. These are what I think are the 10 best states to visit in the United States, but I think all states are worth visiting at some point. This list gives you a good idea of which states to visit first and states I continue to visit again and again.
I have lived in Southern California my entire life, but that does not mean I have not explored what the United States has to offer. A goal my parents had for me as I was growing up was to take me to all 50 states before I graduated high school. Although I did not make it to all 50 by the time I graduated, I finished visiting all 50 shortly thereafter. My parents believed it was important to explore my own country as well as the rest of the world. I am thankful for this as I have seen so much of the United States due to their planning.
Table of Contents
The Best States to Visit in the United States
Alaska: The Last Frontier
Capital City: Juneau
Major Airports: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
Signature Food: Salmon
Best Time to Visit: Summer
Alaska was not originally on my top ten list, but the more I thought about it, the more I remembered how amazing Alaska is. Not only is Alaska the largest state, it is the third least populated state. Winters in Alaska consistently reach below freezing temperatures, but summers offer gorgeous weather and peak travel time. 15% of Alaska’s population is Native Americans and their influences can be seen across the state.
The highlight of any trip to Alaska is Denali National Park. In this park, you can see the highest mountain in the United States, Mount McKinley, view wildlife, and go on hikes. Alaska contains eight different National Parks and all are unique and worth a visit. Glacier Bay offers the chance to see glaciers up close along with fjords and picturesque mountains.
Alaska offers a ton of things for people looking for an adventure or an adrenaline rush. Flightseeing is a super popular activity in Alaska. Some flights head up into the Arctic Circle and other helicopter rides land on glaciers where you can then hike around. White Water Rafting is available in many areas (just beware of the freezing water). Icy Strait Point offers the chance to embark one of the world’s longest ziplines or opt to zipline through the rainforest in several other towns. A sled dog ride is a good way to get an Alaskan experience and sled dog camps across the state.
Other fun things to do in Alaska include visiting the site of the Klondike Gold Rush, fishing for salmon, or taking a scenic train ride. If visiting during the wintertime, make sure to head up to the North Pole, known for its year-round Christmas decorations. Alaska is full of adventure, thus making it one of the best states to visit in the United States.
Arizona: For People Who Love the Desert
Capital City: Phoenix
Major Airports: Phoenix International Airport
Signature Food:
Best Time to Visit: Fall-Spring
Some people may skip over Arizona due to over half of the state being covered by desert. However, there are actually a ton of magical sites in Arizona. The majority of the state is usually pretty hot and although I prefer the cold, I still love escaping to Arizona during the winter months. Phoenix hosts the MLB-West Spring Training, which any baseball lover should attend. Phoenix is also a superb hiking destination. Near Phoenix lies the red-rock region of Sedona and the resort area of Scottsdale. Scottsdale has several wine tasting rooms, but to get a full experience, wine lovers should opt to head to the Cottonwood area.
From Phoenix, head south to Tucson to see the infamous Saguaro cacti and find some more amazing hikes. From there you can head east to the wine tasting region of Willcox. The other option is to head to Northern Arizona via Flagstaff. The northern part of Arizona contains the spectacular Grand Canyon and the small town of Page. Page is famous for the Instagrammable Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. If you get the chance, make sure to stop in Monument Valley, home to the Navajo, and a popular filming location. The beauty of Arizona will make you want to visit again and again
California: The State That Has It All
Capital City: Sacramento
Major Airports: Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport
Signature Food to Try: Mexican Food
Best Time to Visit: Anytime
Cities and Beaches
Being born and raised in California has given me the opportunity to see a ton of the state. California has so much to offer, especially on a road trip. From National Parks to wine country, city escapes, and beaches, California has it all. If you really wanted to, you could spend the morning at the beach, go hiking in the mountains, and end up in the desert all in one day! California has it all, thus making it one of the best states in the United States.
San Diego is a great starting point in California with its impressive downtown and gorgeous beaches. Spend time wandering around Balboa Park or stop in a museum. Old Town San Diego gives a glimpse into California’s past. Although not my favorite city in the world, Los Angeles has enough to keep you busy for days. Visit the iconic Venice Beach and Abbot Kinney Boulevard or search for movie stars in Hollywood. Eat at some of the best restaurants in Downtown LA or head out on a food tour. Los Angeles actually has a ton of cheap things to do. Perhaps check out a studio tour or visit a theme park such as Universal Studios or Disneyland.
Wine Country and the Outdoors
Head up the coast along Route 1 for an ever-popular California Coast road trip. Along the way, make sure to stop in Paso Robles, an underrated wine country in California. Also nearby are the wine regions of Santa Maria and Santa Ynez. San Francisco with its steep rolling hills filled with fog is known for the Golden Gate Bridge, delicious food, and cable cars. A fantastic weekend trip, visitors will leave their hearts in San Francisco. Nearby is the popular wine region of Napa Valley and Sonoma.
Prefer the outdoors to cities? Make sure to check out the California National Parks! Although Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Death Valley may be the most popular, do not miss out on Muir Woods, Sequoia, or Kings Canyon National Park. You could also head up to Northern California to check out Lassen National Park. If looking for a relaxing getaway, head no further than Palm Springs or Palm Desert. No matter what, everyone will find something they love in California.
Florida: For Theme Park and Beach Lovers
Capital City: Tallahassee
Major Airports: Miami International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Jacksonville International Airport and Tampa International Airport
Signature Food: Cuban Food
Best Time to Visit: Winter or Spring
Florida is a state known for its gorgeous beaches and a plethora of theme parks. Orlando contains ten major theme parks within the city and several water parks. Disney lovers will want to head to Disney World with four theme parks, two water parks, and tons of resorts. You could easily spend a week exploring the complex. Universal Studios Resort is a haven for Harry Potter lovers with two parks, both with areas dedicated to the Wizarding World. Other parks include Legoland, Busch Gardens, and Discovery Cove.
Florida contains 825 miles of coastline, which means tons of amazing beaches and great options for water sports. Miami Beach and Daytona Beach are always popular stops. I personally prefer the Gulf Coast beaches such as St. Pete Beach and St. Augustine. For a unique beach experience, head down to Key West, Florida’s southernmost point. Check out the southernmost point of the Continental United States, a concrete buoy in Key West.
Aside from beaches and theme parks, Florida offers many other wonderful things to do. The MLB-East holds its Spring Training in Florida. View shuttle launches from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral or search for crocodiles in Everglades National Park. You can also see some of the Spanish influence splashed around Florida through various fortresses and architecture. Florida also contains a ton of springs throughout Central Florida. No matter what, Florida makes for a perfect vacation!
Massachusetts: For the History Lovers
Capital City: Boston
Major Airports: Boston International Airport
Signature Food: Lobster
Best Time to Visit: Fall
Although not a very large state, Massachusetts packs a historical punch and makes it one of the best states in the United States. Its capital city of Boston contains important sites from the American Revolution. The Freedom Trail connects 16 iconic sites from the colonial period. Boston also contains the previous homes of President John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and John F. Kennedy! Make sure to grab some delicious Italian food in little Italy. Do not forget to tour Harvard and check out Cambridge.
Right outside of Boston is the location of the start of the American Revolution at Minute Man National Historic Park. Just south of Boston is Plymouth Rock, the site of the landing of the Mayflower and site of the Plymouth Colony.
For lobster and beaches, head out to Cape Cod. This peninsula is a popular summertime destination in Massachusetts and is full of quaint villages, lighthouses, and gorgeous landscapes. A day trip to Nantucket Island or Martha’s Vineyard are great seasonal escapes and contain many resorts. If looking for a fabulous lobster dinner, Cape Cod is the place to find it!
New Mexico: For Its Scenic Beauty
Capital City: Santa Fe
Major Airports: Albuquerque International Airport
Signature Food: Hatch Chilies
Best Time to Visit: Fall and Spring
Although you would not think there is much to do in New Mexico, there are a ton of hidden gems in this state. Albuquerque, its most well-known city, is mostly known for its annual Balloon Fiesta. Spend at least two days in Albuqueruqe. Outside of that, you can find awesome food, petroglyphs, scenic hikes, and amazing wineries. Head to the capital, Sante Fe, for pueblo-style architecture, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, and New Mexican history. Roswell is also a fun kitschy town to explore.
New Mexico contains 19 different pueblo towns that each have their own government. Acoma and Taos are two of the most popular pueblos to visit. Acoma is located on a high plateau and is sometimes called “sky city.” Taos Pueblo is a designated UNESCO site and one of the oldest inhabited communities in the United States.
White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns National Parks are two unique sites to see as well. White Sands contains tons of white sand dunes made of crystals. Meanwhile, Carlsbad Caverns offers self-guided cave tours and huge limestone chambers. New Mexico also contains 11 National Monuments to explore as well. No matter where you go in New Mexico, you will get a glimpse into its scenic beauty.
New York: The Ultimate City Vacation
Capital City: Albany
Major Airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport,
Signature Food: New York pizza and bagel
Best Time to Visit: Anytime
New York contains one of my favorite cities in the world: New York City. Although I may have a slight bias since my dad was born and raised there, it seriously has a ton of amazing things to offer for everyone. I love spending a weekend in NYC whenever I can and hitting up some of the budget sites it has to offer. Brooklyn is also a fun borough to explore with many unique eateries. I continually return to NYC at least once a year and experience new things each time.
Outside of NYC, New York contains a popular wine region, the Finger Lakes. This area contains over 100 wineries as well as many breweries and distilleries. Around the region is a plethora of state parks with tons of hiking trails. Wine lovers should also check out the Hudson River Valley.
There are also a ton of historical sites scattered across New York, even outside of NYC. Within the city make sure to visit Federal Hall, the site of the first United States capital, and Hamilton’s gravesite. Seneca Falls contains the site of the Women’s Rights Convention and the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Near Poughkeepsie, lies the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt along with his presidential library and a historic site dedicated to Eleanor Roosevelt. In Oyster Bay, you can visit Theodore Roosevelt’s former residence.
For those wanting a beach escape, the Hamptons and Long Island are popular beach getaways. The Adirondack Mountains offer the perfect mountainous escape. Head to Lake George or one of the 7,600 lakes across the state. New York has tons of diverse options for fun, therefore, making it one of the best states in the United States!
Oregon: For the Outdoorsy Peeps
Capital City: Salem
Major Airports: Portland International Airport
Signature Cuisine: Eat at a Food Truck
Best Time to Visit: Summer or Fall
Oregon has so many outdoor activities, so it is the perfect place to visit for people who love hiking and outdoor adventures. The weather is gorgeous in the summertime and a welcome escape from the heat across the rest of the country. Portland is a great place for people who want a mix of delicious food and the outdoors. There are a ton of gardens across the city and it is only a short distance to many day hiking areas such as Multnomah Falls. From Portland, it is also easy to get to the Willamette Valley wine tasting region. Head to Salem to visit the capitol building and eat some more delicious food or to Crater Lake for a National Park getaway.
You can also opt to take a road trip down the Oregon Coast for breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, and visit isolated beaches. Beer lovers should head to Bend, Oregon, which has 22 breweries, the highest per-capita in the nation. From Portland, you can also take a lot of day and weekend trips. No matter what, Oregon is a fantastic choice, and one of the best states in the United States.
Tennessee: For Families and Country Lovers
Capital City: Nashville
Major Airports: Memphis International Airport and Nashville International Airport
Signature Food: BBQ ribs
Best Time to Visit: Early Summer and Fall
There is no end to the fun that can be found in Tennessee. Although I have not been in a few years, I have explored this state a couple of times and have had a ton of fun. Nashville may be Tennessee’s most well-known city. A visit is not complete without attending a performance at the Grand Ole Opry and visiting the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Memphis, famous for being the home of Elvis Presley is another worthy stop. Visit his estate of Graceland to learn more about his life. Later, grab some barbecue on Beale Street and listen to some tunes while you eat (and drink).
Pigeon Forge, the perfect family escape, lies in the mountains and is home to Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s theme park. This area is the perfect mountain resort town for an escape from the cities and also popular for musical reviews. Chattanooga, known for its history in the Civil War and for its connection to trains makes for another great weekend destination. The highlight of the visit will be taking the train up Lookout Mountain for the sweeping views of the area. Tennessee offers many unique destinations and attractions that will make for an enjoyable trip!
Texas: For Foodies and Music Lovers
Capital City: Austin
Major Airports: Dallas International Airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Houston International Airport
Signature Food: BBQ
Best Time to Visit: Fall or Spring
Texas has some seriously awesome and unique things to do: Wine, BBQ, live music, rodeos, the fun is endless. Being that it is the second-largest state in the United States (and larger than any European country) it offers endless areas to explore and is one of the best states in the United States.
The capital city of Austin has become more popular in recent years due to the Austin City Limits music festival. Outside of that, Austin offers tons of outdoor recreation areas such as Barton Springs and checking out the bats along Congress Bridge. It is also home to the Lyndon B. Johnson Library and tons of murals scattered across the city. From Austin, it is an easy journey into the Texas Hill Country, the largest wine region in the state.
Head to San Antonio for a closer look into Texas history with a visit to the Alamo. Later, walk along the Riverwalk to enjoy great food, drinks, and music. Meanwhile, Dallas offers a look into the life of John F. Kennedy and many visit to attend a game at the AT&T Stadium. Space lovers should visit Houston in order to visit the Space Center and learn about space travel.
Texas also offers many fun smaller towns to explore. Waco has become popular due to Fixer Upper, a home improvement show. Madia, Texas boasts a Prada Themed art exhibit that has made this small town more popular. Other small towns such as Dublin, offer adorable Texas charm and make the perfect weekend getaways.
Outdoor lovers will enjoy Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. There are also a ton of awesome state parks hidden throughout the state. No matter where you choose to visit, you are in for an adventure in Texas!
Runner Ups for the Best States in the United States
It was hard to pick just ten states, so I included a few runner ups that I also enjoy and have tons of unique things to offer.
Hawaii: For Beach Lovers
Capital City: Honolulu
Major Airports: Hilo International Airport, Honolulu International Airport, and Kona International Airport
Signature Food: Pineapple, Poke, and Shaved Ice
Best Time to Visit: Anytime
Hawaii, located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, actually contains 137 islands and 750 miles of coastline which make for some scenic drives. However, the four main islands, Hawaii (the Big Island), Oahu, Maui, and Kaui are the most well-known and popular to visit. Although Hawaii is definitely overpriced, if you can find a good deal, it is worth a visit.
Oahu is the most commercialized of the four islands. Despite this, there is a diverse range of activities to do, especially once you get out of the Honolulu area. Popular sites include hiking Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, the Dole Plantation, North Shore, and Pearl Harbor.
The Big Island contains more natural sites such as volcanoes. black sand beaches, tons of waterfall hikes, and some great places to snorkel. For a glimpse of active volcanoes, make sure to visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and head to Hilo for lots of free outdoor activities.
Maui is known for the Road to Hana, pristine beaches, and state parks. Kauai also offers tons of gorgeous beaches, state parks, and a surprising number of food trucks. You will not be sorry with any of the hikes you do. From natural scenery to a warm tropical climate, Hawaii should be on everyone’s list of states to visit.
Utah: For National Park Lovers
Capital City: Salt Lake City
Major Airport: Salt Lake City International Airport
Best Time to Visit: Spring or Summer
Utah is known for its mighty 5 National Parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. It is very easy to plan a Utah road trip to hit all of the parks. These parks offer a ton of diverse hikes. Most popular include the Narrows and Angels Landing in Zion. The Landscape Arch and Devil’s Garden in Arches are also worthwhile. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area are also good stops.
Besides National Parks, Utah also offers some other unique outdoor activities. The Bonneville Salt Flats are Instagram-worthy as are the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Utah also contains some awesome state parks such as Goblin Valley and Dead Horse Point. Make sure not to miss Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah. Visitors can enjoy watching the Morman Tabernacle Choir practice or tour the state capital building. No matter what adventure you choose, Utah is a perfect state for National Park Lovers.
Other Popular US States
Visiting other states in the United States? Make sure to check out these guides to help plan your trip! Every state has a ton to offer and there are unique things to see in every single state! The United States also has a ton of amazing wine regions, even outside of California.
Georgia: Atlanta
Idaho: Boise
Illinois: Chicago, Springfield
Indiana: Indiana Dunes NP
Kentucky: Louisville, Mammoth Cave NP
Missouri: St. Louis, Gateway Arch NP
Oklahoma: Oklahoma City
South Dakota: Badlands NP, Wind Cave NP
Pennsylvania: Philadelphia
Virginia: Leesburg, Mount Vernon, Richmond, Shenandoah
Washington: Bainbridge Island, Olympic NP, Seattle, Vancouver
Wyoming: Cheyenne
Although it was hard to choose only 10 states for the best states in the United States, these states stand out in my memories of visiting them. No matter what, the United States has a ton to offer and explore. Check out these travel planning tips to start planning your US Vacation. What are your favorite US States to visit?
35 thoughts on “The 10 Best States to Visit in the United States”
This is such a great article Francesca! I have to agree that California, Arizona and Oregon have to be on my top 10 USA list. I really need to get to Alaska. It looks so awesome!
Thank you! Alaska is so awesome and a unique state for sure. Hope you can visit soon.
As a fellow Oregonian, I’m happy Oregon has made it to your list! Alaska has been at the top of my bucket list for so long. I must make it out there soon!
Yay! I seriously love Oregon. There are some really cool things to see there.
I got to keep up! Only saw 4 states from your list. Alaska and Hawaii are probably on top of my list right now. Thank you for sharing!
I hope you can visit more soon!
GREAT blog! I have been to all 50 US states now (!!) and I can honestly say my list might not be very different than yours. You highlight a lot of our country’s best places so beautifully.
Thank you! That is so exciting that you have been to all 50 too! It is seriously such an accomplishment.
This post came at the perfect time!! We are looking to explore more of our local options and now we have a great list to look through and choose from thanks to you 🙂
I figured a lot of people are looking to stay within the country these days.
What a great list!! I’ve been to a few of these, but I definitely need to explore more within the US! Alaska is definitely at the top of my list, followed by Hawaii! Great to see them included here!!
Alaska is so amazing!
I always love reading your posts! You make great points about why these 10 states are perfect for different things/people. My friend lives in Alaska and she raves about it often – she’s definitely helped it skyrocket on my travel goals!
Thank you! Alaska is seriously so gorgeous. I couldn’t live there, but I love visiting!
Great list that includes all my favourite places in the USA. Between my husband and I and our parents, we have lived in more than half of the states on your list. Alsaska and Oregon are both my favourites.
That is so awesome! The US has some really awesome states, that is for sure!
This was so interesting to read! I was in California last year and lovedmy time there. It really has something for everyone I feel 🙂 Would love to visit more states!
I agree about California. There is so much fun stuff there!
Saving this for my USA bucket list road trip xxx
You’re going to need a lot of time! Lol
I learned so much from this. Would love to visit Massachusetts and Oregon one day
Both of those are amazing states and highly underrated in my opinion.
California really does have it all. I’m excited to explore a bit more of it this summer. Utah is next on my list, the national parks look breathtaking.
It seriously does. There is SO much to do there.
I’m from Austin, and I have to say it’s an amazing city!! So many fun things to do in Texas. Great article 🙂
I want to go so bad! I had to cancel my trip there so hopefully I can go soon.
I love that Alaska was number 1! That just might be my favorite state! This is such a great list and I have to agree with most of it.
Alaska is such an awesome state!
The USA is so cool!! There truly are some amazing states and they are all unique in their own way. Been to all of these except three.
The USA has so much cool stuff to see. A lot of people underestimate their own country!
Definitely Utah! I love the rural side of it and how it looks, it’s so pretty.
Right!? There is so much cool stuff in Utah.
We’ve hit all of these except for Alaska…saving that one for last, when we’re just about done with the 50 states! Otherwise, I’d have to agree, especially California!
Ahhh that’s awesome! I liked North Dakota being last because they made a big deal out of it!
I love all of these facts about the different states – great read!