I Have Traveled To Every State, These 15 Were Incredible & 5 I Would Honestly Skip Next Time
After years of crisscrossing America—through winding backroads, scenic highways, and countless small towns—I can finally say I’ve been to all the states. Some blew me away with their natural beauty or vibrant energy. Others? Let’s just say they didn’t leave me itching to come back.
Every state had something to offer, but not all left the same impression. A few made me fall in love instantly, while others felt like one-and-done stops. Here’s the honest truth about the places I’d revisit in a heartbeat—and the ones I’d probably skip next time.
1. Utah’s Red Rock Wonderland
Otherworldly landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see, with crimson canyons and delicate arches that seem to defy gravity. Utah boasts five national parks within its borders, each offering dramatically different experiences.
The hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging scrambles, perfect for adventurers of all levels. Moab serves as an ideal base camp for exploring this geological playground.
2. California’s Endless Variety
One day you’re surfing Pacific waves, the next you’re standing among ancient redwoods towering hundreds of feet overhead. California packs more diverse experiences into a single state than anywhere else I’ve visited.
From the star-studded streets of Los Angeles to the misty vineyards of Napa Valley, the Golden State never stops surprising. The contrasting landscapes make it feel like visiting multiple countries in one trip.
3. Alaska’s Untamed Wilderness
Nothing prepares you for the sheer scale of the untouched wilderness that unfolds before your eyes. Massive glaciers calve into steel-blue waters while wildlife roams freely across vast tundras.
Alaska’s remoteness creates an adventure unlike anywhere in the lower 48. Denali National Park offers heart-stopping mountain views, while coastal communities provide glimpses into rugged frontier living that seems from another era entirely.
4. New Mexico’s Enchanted Desert
Sunsets paint the desert landscape in impossible shades of orange and pink, creating a dreamlike quality that captivates artists and travelers alike. New Mexico’s blend of Native American, Hispanic, and frontier influences creates a cultural tapestry unlike anywhere else.
Santa Fe’s adobe architecture and vibrant art scene offer the perfect introduction to this enchanted land. The food alone—green chile everything!—makes the journey worthwhile.
5. Maine’s Rugged Coastline
Jagged rocks meet crashing waves in a dramatic display that has inspired generations of painters and photographers. Maine’s charming fishing villages dot the coastline like scenes from a storybook.
Lighthouse enthusiasts will find paradise here with over 60 beacons guarding the rocky shores. The lobster rolls alone justify the trip—fresh-caught seafood served with minimal fuss and maximum flavor in practically every coastal town.
6. Montana’s Big Sky Country
Wide open spaces stretch to the horizon, creating a sense of freedom that’s increasingly rare in our crowded world. The mountain ranges rise dramatically from rolling prairies, forming a backdrop that seems pulled from a Western film.
Montana’s Glacier National Park offers some of America’s most spectacular alpine scenery. Wildlife watching here is unparalleled—from grizzlies to mountain goats, the animal encounters add thrilling moments to already breathtaking landscapes.
7. Hawaii’s Tropical Paradise
Stepping off the plane feels like entering another world where lush greenery meets turquoise waters and volcanic landscapes. Each island offers its own personality, from Kauai’s dramatic cliffs to Maui’s perfect beaches.
Hawaii blends natural wonders with rich Polynesian culture in a way that captivates all senses. The Road to Hana, with its waterfalls and rainbow eucalyptus trees, showcases the islands’ stunning diversity in a single day’s drive.
8. Colorado’s Mountain Majesty
Mountain towns buzz with energy year-round, offering seasonal adventures from powder skiing to wildflower hiking. The laid-back vibe pairs perfectly with breathtaking alpine scenery that changes dramatically with each season.
Colorado’s outdoor playground status is well-earned, with fourteeners (peaks above 14,000 feet) challenging even experienced hikers. Denver offers urban sophistication as the perfect complement to mountain adventures, making this state an all-season destination.
9. Oregon’s Diverse Landscapes
Few places let you experience windswept coastlines, dense forests, and high desert all in a single road trip. The dramatic scenery shifts every few hours of driving, keeping even the longest journeys interesting.
Oregon’s commitment to public lands means countless accessible natural wonders. Portland’s quirky culture and farm-to-table food scene provide the perfect urban counterpoint to the state’s wild places, creating a balanced experience for any traveler.
10. South Dakota’s Hidden Treasures
Beyond the famous faces of Mount Rushmore lies a surprising landscape of otherworldly badlands and rolling prairies teeming with wildlife. The contrast between the Black Hills’ forested peaks and the stark badlands creates visual drama at every turn.
South Dakota’s Custer State Park offers safari-like wildlife viewing experiences with free-roaming bison herds. The state’s pioneer history and Native American heritage add cultural depth to the stunning natural attractions.
11. Tennessee’s Soulful Rhythms
Music flows through the streets and hillsides, creating an atmosphere that feels alive with creative energy day and night. From Memphis blues to Nashville country, the soundtrack changes as you cross the state.
Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains provide natural beauty to balance the cultural riches. The food scene deserves special mention—hot chicken in Nashville, barbecue in Memphis, and mountain comfort food in between make this a delicious destination.
12. Vermont’s Pastoral Charm
Rolling green hills dotted with red barns and grazing cows create a landscape that feels nostalgic and timeless. The small towns with their white church steeples seem lifted straight from a Norman Rockwell painting.
Vermont’s commitment to local agriculture means farm-to-table isn’t just a trend—it’s a way of life. Fall foliage transforms the Green Mountain State into a kaleidoscope of reds and golds, creating scenic drives that rival any in the world.
13. Arizona’s Desert Magic
Saguaro cacti stand like sentinels against fiery sunsets, creating silhouettes that have become iconic symbols of the American Southwest. The Grand Canyon’s immensity leaves even the most jaded travelers speechless with wonder.
Arizona blends natural wonders with vibrant cultural experiences. Sedona’s red rock formations attract spiritual seekers, while Tucson’s authentic Mexican food scene satisfies culinary adventurers. The desert’s surprising biodiversity reveals itself to patient observers.
14. North Carolina’s Dual Personality
Pristine beaches stretch for miles along the Outer Banks while the opposite side of the state boasts some of the oldest mountains in the world. The transition between these extremes creates a journey through multiple ecosystems.
North Carolina’s small towns offer southern hospitality at its finest. Asheville’s creative energy and craft beer scene provide the perfect mountain getaway, while coastal communities preserve their unique maritime heritage through excellent seafood and relaxed vibes.
15. Washington’s Natural Diversity
Temperate rainforests drip with moss and ferns just a few hours’ drive from snow-capped volcanic peaks and rugged Pacific coastlines. The landscape variety packed into this corner of America seems almost impossible.
Washington offers Seattle’s innovative urban energy alongside pristine wilderness. Olympic National Park showcases this diversity perfectly—you can hike from beach to rainforest to alpine meadows in a single day. The coffee culture fuels adventures throughout the evergreen state.
16. Kansas: Endless Fields, Limited Appeal
Mile after mile of wheat fields blur together, creating a monotonous journey that tests even the most patient road-tripper. Kansas certainly has its charms, but they’re harder to discover than in many other states.
The Sunflower State offers few natural features that break up the flat terrain. While the people are genuinely friendly and Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve provides a glimpse of the original prairie ecosystem, I found myself eager to reach more varied landscapes.
17. Delaware’s Forgettable Impression
Blink and you might miss it while driving the Eastern Seaboard. Most travelers encounter Delaware as merely a brief toll stop on I-95 rather than a destination worthy of extended exploration.
The First State has some pleasant beaches and tax-free shopping, but these attractions pale compared to neighboring states. Rehoboth Beach offers a nice getaway, but similar coastal experiences with more character exist just north or south of Delaware’s borders.
18. Mississippi’s Missed Potential
Historical significance alone doesn’t make for an engaging visit when infrastructure and attractions feel neglected. The Magnolia State has fascinating stories to tell but struggles to present them in ways that captivate modern travelers.
Mississippi’s Gulf Coast offers some beach options, but they’re overshadowed by neighboring states’ coastlines. While the blues heritage provides cultural interest, I found too few well-developed destinations to justify a return trip compared to nearby Louisiana or Tennessee.
19. Indiana’s Uninspiring Landscape
Surrounded by states offering more distinctive experiences, this Midwestern crossroads often feels like somewhere to pass through rather than a destination itself. The corn and soybean fields create a repetitive backdrop for most journeys.
Indiana has bright spots—Indianapolis offers a surprisingly vibrant downtown, and the northern dunes provide unexpected natural beauty. However, these highlights feel isolated among large stretches of unremarkable terrain that failed to leave lasting impressions compared to neighboring Michigan or Kentucky.
20. Connecticut’s Overshadowed Status
Sandwiched between New York and the more distinctive New England states, this small slice of the Northeast corridor struggles to establish a memorable identity for travelers. The wealthy suburbs and corporate headquarters create a somewhat sterile atmosphere.
Connecticut has pockets of charm in places like Mystic Seaport. However, the high costs, traffic congestion, and lack of unique natural features made it feel like experiencing the downsides of both urban and rural areas without enough special qualities to compensate.