I Visited All 50 States — Here Are 10 Worth Seeing And 5 I’d Skip

Crossing all 50 states off my list has been one of the most rewarding (and revealing) adventures of my life. Every place had something to offer—but let’s be honest, not every state left a lasting impression.

Some spots blew me away with natural beauty, unforgettable food, or unexpected charm. Others… well, let’s just say I probably won’t be planning a return trip anytime soon. Ever visited somewhere and thought, “That’s it?” Yeah, I’ve had a few of those too.

So, if you’re wondering where to spend your hard-earned vacation days—and where you might want to hit the skip button—here’s my no-fluff, experience-backed take on which states truly deliver and which ones fell short.

1. Alaska: Where Wilderness Reigns Supreme

Nothing prepared me for Alaska’s raw, untamed beauty. The first time I saw a glacier calving into the sea, I stood speechless as thunder-like cracks echoed across the water.

Moose wandered through downtown Anchorage during my visit, reminding me that humans are merely guests in this vast wilderness. Denali National Park offers views that make even amateur photographers look like professionals.

Summer’s midnight sun let me hike at 11 PM with perfect daylight, while winter’s northern lights painted the sky in otherworldly colors. Alaska isn’t just another state—it’s an immersive experience that will reset your definition of natural beauty.

2. Utah: Red Rock Wonderland

Stepping into Utah’s national parks feels like walking on another planet. The crimson arches of Moab defy gravity in ways that made me question everything I knew about geology.

Zion’s towering canyon walls create a cathedral-like atmosphere where I found myself whispering without realizing why. Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos—those strange spire-shaped rocks—glow like they’re lit from within during sunrise.

Even driving between destinations becomes an unforgettable experience with empty highways cutting through technicolor deserts. Utah offers such dramatic landscapes that I’ve returned four times and still haven’t seen it all. The contrast between red rocks and blue skies creates a natural masterpiece.

3. California: Something for Everyone

Where else can you surf in the morning and snowboard by afternoon? California’s diversity blew me away during my three-week road trip from San Diego to Redwood National Park.

Yosemite Valley brought tears to my eyes when I first glimpsed El Capitan and Half Dome. The ancient redwoods made me feel tiny yet connected to something timeless. Death Valley’s barren beauty contrasted perfectly with San Francisco’s foggy charm.

Then there’s the food scene—from fresh fish tacos in San Diego to wine country delights in Napa Valley. California gets criticized for being crowded and expensive, which it sometimes is, but its natural wonders and cultural experiences are worth every penny.

4. Oregon: Pacific Northwest Paradise

Oregon stole my heart with its perfect balance of wilderness and quirkiness. The coastline features dramatic sea stacks and lonely lighthouses where I spent hours watching powerful waves crash against volcanic rock.

Portland charmed me with its food cart culture and bookstores, while Crater Lake’s impossibly blue waters seemed to glow from within. The Columbia River Gorge offered waterfall after waterfall, each more beautiful than the last.

What surprised me most was eastern Oregon’s painted hills—layers of colorful soil creating natural artwork that changes with the light. I loved how I could drive from dense forests to high desert in just a few hours. Oregon feels authentic in a way that’s increasingly rare.

5. New York: More Than Just Manhattan

Many visitors never venture beyond the skyscrapers, but New York State amazed me with its diversity. The Finger Lakes region captivated me with rolling vineyards and waterfall-filled gorges where I hiked for days.

The Adirondacks offered wilderness experiences comparable to Montana, with fewer crowds and more accessible peaks. Fall foliage in the Hudson Valley created a painter’s palette that made every bend in the road a new masterpiece.

Yes, New York City deserves its reputation—I still remember the first time I emerged from the subway into Times Square’s sensory overload. But the state’s true magic lies in its contrast between world-class urban experiences and genuinely remote natural beauty that few tourists ever discover.

6. Colorado: Rocky Mountain Majesty

If heaven had mountains, they’d look like Colorado’s peaks. My first drive through Rocky Mountain National Park left me constantly pulling over just to stare in awe at the jagged skyline.

The historic mining towns like Telluride and Ouray nestled in valleys felt like time capsules with modern amenities. Mesa Verde’s ancient cliff dwellings connected me to people who lived here centuries ago in ways I hadn’t expected.

During my summer visit, wildflower meadows created carpets of color stretching to the horizon. Winter transformed the same landscapes into a pristine wonderland where I learned to snowshoe under bluebird skies. Colorado combines outdoor adventure with surprisingly sophisticated small towns in perfect harmony.

7. Washington: Emerald Wilderness

Rain creates magic in Washington, where everything seems impossibly green and alive. Olympic National Park took my breath away with its unique combination of rainforest, mountains, and wild beaches all within a day’s drive.

Mount Rainier dominated the horizon during my visit, appearing and disappearing behind clouds like a shy giant. The San Juan Islands offered peaceful kayaking alongside curious seals and maybe the best sunset I’ve ever witnessed.

Seattle’s food scene surprised me with fresh seafood that made me question everything I’d eaten before. Even eastern Washington charmed me with rolling wheat fields and surprising wine country. The state feels like several distinct worlds connected by excellent coffee and a shared appreciation for natural beauty.

8. Maine: Rugged Atlantic Beauty

Maine’s coastline feels like it was designed by an artist obsessed with drama and detail. Acadia National Park’s pink granite cliffs plunge directly into the Atlantic, creating scenes I couldn’t stop photographing.

Lobster shacks dot the coastal roads where I enjoyed the freshest seafood imaginable while watching working fishing boats. The lighthouses standing sentinel against fierce storms embody Maine’s resilient character.

Inland, I discovered pristine lakes and forests where moose outnumber people. Fall brings a color explosion that rivals any New England state. What I appreciated most was Maine’s unpretentious authenticity—this isn’t a place that tries to impress tourists, yet it succeeds effortlessly through its natural beauty and straightforward charm.

9. South Dakota: Surprising Wonders

South Dakota wasn’t high on my list until I actually visited—what a delightful surprise! Badlands National Park’s otherworldly landscape stopped me in my tracks with formations that looked like melting sandcastles painted in bands of color.

The Black Hills offered perfect winding roads through pine forests where I spotted mountain goats perched on impossible ledges. Mount Rushmore impressed me more than expected, especially during the evening lighting ceremony.

Custer State Park’s wildlife loop brought me face-to-face with buffalo herds that sometimes created traffic jams. What makes South Dakota special is how accessible its wonders are—I could see world-class attractions without fighting crowds or spending a fortune. This underrated state delivers far more than you’d expect.

10. Hawaii: Tropical Paradise Worth the Flight

Hawaii’s beauty hit me before I even landed—those first glimpses of sapphire waters and emerald mountains from the plane window were unforgettable. Each island offers its own personality, from Kauai’s dramatic Na Pali Coast to the Big Island’s active volcanoes.

Snorkeling at Molokini Crater brought me face-to-face with tropical fish that seemed unreal in their vibrant colors. The Road to Hana’s waterfalls and black sand beaches rewarded every hairpin turn with new wonders.

What surprised me most was how Hawaiian culture permeates everything—this isn’t just a beach destination but a place with deep traditions and history. Yes, it’s expensive and requires a long flight, but Hawaii delivers experiences impossible to find elsewhere in the United States.

11. Kansas: Endless Wheat and Little Else

Driving across Kansas tested my endurance with seemingly infinite fields of wheat and corn stretching to every horizon. I kept waiting for something—anything—to break the monotony.

The few attractions like the World’s Largest Ball of Twine left me wondering why I’d driven hours to see them. Topeka and Wichita offered standard city amenities but nothing memorable enough to justify a special trip.

Kansas does have its moments—sunsets over the prairie can be spectacular, and the people I met were genuinely friendly. However, when planning a cross-country trip, I’d recommend treating Kansas as a place to pass through rather than a destination. With limited vacation time, other states simply offer more bang for your buck.

12. North Dakota: Great People, Minimal Attractions

North Dakota’s remoteness becomes apparent the moment you cross the state line. Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers some genuinely beautiful badlands scenery, but it’s surrounded by hours of driving through landscapes that rarely change.

Fargo was pleasant enough with its quirky downtown, though nothing I couldn’t find in more accessible cities. The geographical center of North America in Rugby was literally just a stone marker in a field.

The locals showed me incredible hospitality—I was invited to dinner twice by people I’d just met. Unfortunately, warmth alone doesn’t make for a compelling vacation destination. Unless you’re committed to visiting all 50 states like I was, North Dakota’s limited attractions probably don’t justify the significant effort required to reach them.

13. Delaware: First State, Last on My List

As our first state, Delaware deserves historical respect, but as a travel destination, it left me searching for highlights. Rehoboth Beach offers typical Atlantic coast experiences, though nothing distinguishable from neighboring states with more varied attractions.

Wilmington has some interesting museums and gardens, yet nothing unique enough to build a trip around. The tax-free shopping is nice but hardly qualifies as a cultural experience.

My three days in Delaware felt about two days too long. The state’s small size means you can see most points of interest quickly, which became problematic when trying to fill an itinerary. Delaware isn’t unpleasant—it’s just unremarkable compared to nearby options like the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland or Philadelphia’s historic districts just across the state line.

14. Mississippi: Troubled History, Limited Present

Mississippi’s complex history creates an uncomfortable backdrop for tourism. While the Mississippi River itself offers impressive views, most riverside attractions pale compared to those in Louisiana or Tennessee.

Jackson and Biloxi provided decent food and some cultural sites, but I constantly found myself comparing them unfavorably to New Orleans or Memphis. The heat and humidity during my summer visit made sightseeing genuinely unpleasant.

The state does have important civil rights historical sites that are educational and moving. However, persistent poverty remains visible throughout the state, creating a sobering travel experience. Mississippi seems caught between acknowledging its troubled past and developing compelling reasons for visitors to spend time there today. I found myself eager to continue to neighboring states.

15. Indiana: The Forgettable Midwest

Indiana blends into the Midwest landscape without establishing a distinct identity. Indianapolis offers a pleasant downtown and the impressive Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but these attractions warrant a weekend at most.

The northern lakes region provides typical Midwest summer recreation, though Michigan and Wisconsin offer superior versions of the same experience. Southern Indiana has some nice state parks with rolling hills, yet nothing you can’t find in neighboring states.

What struck me most was how difficult it was to remember specific Indiana experiences just months after my visit. The state isn’t actively disappointing—it simply lacks memorable features that distinguish it from surrounding states. When planning Midwest travel, Indiana functions better as a pass-through than a destination, with Chicago, Michigan’s lakeshore, and Kentucky’s bourbon country offering more distinctive experiences.