After Traveling To Every US State, These 10 Stood Out (And 5 Didn’t)
After years of road trips, detours, and more gas station snacks than I care to admit, I’ve finally made it: all 50 states, checked off the list. What started as a fun goal turned into something much deeper—an eye-opening journey through the wildly different faces of America.
One moment I was kayaking in Alaska’s icy waters, the next sipping sweet tea under mossy oaks in Georgia. Not every stop was a highlight reel. Some places wowed me with jaw-dropping scenery or unforgettable locals; others had me wondering if I’d made a wrong turn—culturally or literally.
Curious which states surprised me (for better or worse)? I’ve rounded up my personal highs, lows, and unexpected favorites from this 50-state journey. Let’s just say, not all mileage is created equal.
1. Utah’s Red Rock Wonderland
My jaw literally dropped when I first saw Utah’s otherworldly landscapes. Five national parks in one state? That’s practically showing off! Hiking through the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon felt like walking on another planet, while the massive arches of Moab defied gravity before my eyes.
The locals call this feeling ‘red rock fever’ – that sense of awe that hits you when surrounded by million-year-old sandstone formations glowing orange at sunset. I’ve never seen stars shine brighter than when camping in Utah’s desert.
Even driving between destinations becomes an adventure with scenic byways cutting through colorful canyons and mesas. Utah somehow combines rugged adventure with accessible beauty, making it impossible to forget.
2. Michigan’s Hidden Great Lakes Magic
Nobody warned me about Michigan’s breathtaking beauty. Surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, this mitten-shaped state offers more coastline than California!
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore changed my perspective completely – massive sand mountains tumbling into Caribbean-blue waters that stretch to the horizon. Fall in the Upper Peninsula reveals forests ablaze with colors that make New England look tame.
Charming lighthouse-dotted shores and friendly locals made every stop memorable. Did you know Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes? I accidentally discovered pristine hidden spots where loons called across misty morning waters. The perfect mix of wilderness and accessibility made Michigan my biggest surprise favorite.
3. Louisiana’s Soulful Rhythm
Stepping into Louisiana feels like entering another country – one with better food and music than most places on earth. Beyond the tourist-packed streets of New Orleans lies a state pulsing with authentic culture unlike anywhere else in America.
Zydeco music spilling from tiny dance halls in Cajun Country had me two-stepping with locals who treated me like family. The food alone deserves its own category – from crawfish boils in backyards to gumbo that’s been perfected over generations. Gliding through misty cypress swamps with alligators lurking below created memories I’ll never forget.
Louisiana embraces its quirks proudly, refusing to be anything but itself. That authenticity resonated with me more than slicker, more polished destinations ever could.
4. Alaska’s Untamed Wilderness
Alaska humbled me with its sheer scale and raw power. Words like ‘massive’ and ‘wild’ take on new meaning when you’re watching glaciers calve house-sized chunks of ice into pristine fjords. The state operates on nature’s terms, not human convenience.
Watching grizzlies snatch salmon from rushing streams while eagles soared overhead made me feel like I’d stepped into a nature documentary. The midnight sun illuminated adventures that stretched beyond normal hours, with hiking trails all to myself despite the breathtaking scenery.
Locals embody a resilient spirit that matches their surroundings. Their stories of winter survival and summer abundance revealed a different way of measuring life’s value. Alaska isn’t just bigger – it’s more intense in every way.
5. New Mexico’s Enchanting Desert
They call New Mexico the ‘Land of Enchantment’ for good reason. The quality of light here transforms ordinary landscapes into mystical realms – no wonder artists have flocked here for generations. Santa Fe’s adobe architecture glows pink at sunset, creating a dreamlike atmosphere unlike any other American city.
Ancient pueblo dwellings carved into canyon walls connected me to civilizations that thrived here long before European contact. The food blends Native American, Spanish and Mexican influences into something uniquely New Mexican – green chile stew warmed my soul on cool desert nights. White Sands National Park blew my mind with its endless waves of gypsum dunes stretching to the horizon.
New Mexico embodies the beautiful contradictions of the American Southwest in the most authentic way possible.
6. Montana’s Big Sky Country
Montana’s nickname ‘Big Sky Country’ suddenly made perfect sense as I drove through rolling prairies that seemed to stretch into infinity. The horizon appears impossibly distant here, with weather patterns visible for miles – I watched thunderstorms dance across plains while standing in sunshine.
Glacier National Park ranks among America’s most spectacular treasures. The Going-to-the-Sun Road carved into mountainsides had me white-knuckling the steering wheel while gasping at each new vista. Turquoise alpine lakes reflected snow-capped peaks in perfect symmetry. Conversations with fourth-generation ranchers revealed a deep connection to the land that transcends politics or trends.
Montana represents America’s frontier spirit in its purest form, with enough open space to make you feel wonderfully insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
7. Hawaii’s Tropical Paradise
Hawaii delivers everything you’ve dreamed about and then surprises you with experiences you never imagined. Each island offers its own personality – from Kauai’s lush, dramatic Na Pali coastline to the Big Island’s active volcanoes where I witnessed glowing lava meeting the ocean in a spectacular steam show.
Snorkeling alongside sea turtles and tropical fish in crystal waters made me forget the mainland existed. Beyond the postcard beaches lies a rich cultural heritage that locals generously share through music, dance, and food traditions that stretch back generations.
Hiking through bamboo forests to hidden waterfalls revealed Hawaii’s wild heart beyond the resorts. The aloha spirit isn’t just a marketing slogan but a genuine philosophy embraced by residents who made me feel welcome in paradise.
8. Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Majesty
Colorado hits you with natural beauty that feels almost excessive. The Rockies dominate the landscape with snow-capped peaks visible from almost anywhere, creating a backdrop that makes everyday life seem more dramatic.
Mountain towns like Telluride and Ouray nestle in valleys so picturesque they seem designed rather than formed by geology. Hiking above the tree line rewarded me with alpine meadows exploding with wildflowers in summer. The locals embody an outdoor lifestyle that’s both aspirational and approachable – everyone seems ready for adventure at a moment’s notice.
Mesa Verde’s ancient cliff dwellings offered a fascinating glimpse into indigenous innovation. From red rock formations to high mountain passes, Colorado packs diverse landscapes into one state, making it impossible to grow bored even after multiple visits.
9. Maine’s Rugged Coastline
Maine’s coast embodies a perfect rugged beauty that feels distinctly American yet somehow European. Lighthouse-topped rocky headlands jut into the Atlantic, where lobster boats bob in harbors that haven’t changed much in generations.
The rhythmic crash of waves against granite shores became my favorite soundtrack. Acadia National Park blends mountains and ocean in ways that constantly surprised me. Hiking Cadillac Mountain at sunrise – watching first light touch American soil – created one of my most memorable travel moments ever. Small coastal towns maintain an authentic character that resists commercialization.
I feasted on lobster rolls served in unpretentious shacks that put fancy seafood restaurants to shame. Maine’s independent spirit and respect for tradition make it feel like a place where America’s best qualities remain intact.
10. Tennessee’s Musical Soul
Tennessee vibrates with music history so rich you can practically feel it humming through the floorboards. From Elvis’s Graceland in Memphis to Nashville’s honky-tonks, this state created the soundtrack for American life.
I found myself unexpectedly emotional standing in Sun Records where rock and roll was born. Beyond the musical landmarks, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers misty mountain beauty that earned its name. Watching fireflies perform synchronized light shows in summer forests felt magical beyond description.
The food deserves special mention – hot chicken in Nashville and slow-cooked barbecue in Memphis represent regional cooking at its finest. Tennessee balances its commercial music industry with authentic Appalachian traditions, creating a cultural mix that feels both familiar and constantly surprising.
11. North Dakota’s Surprising Emptiness
I’ll be honest – North Dakota tested my commitment to visit all fifty states. The endless flatness creates a landscape that seems to repeat itself mile after mile, with little to break the monotony.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park offered some relief with its badlands formations, but felt underwhelming compared to similar landscapes elsewhere. Towns appeared with decreasing frequency as I crossed the state, many feeling like they were holding on by a thread. The wind never seemed to stop howling across the plains, creating a soundtrack of emptiness.
Friendly locals did their best to highlight attractions, but conversations often turned to people leaving rather than reasons to stay. While I appreciate North Dakota’s agricultural contributions, as a traveler seeking memorable experiences, it left me checking off a list rather than creating lasting memories.
12. Nebraska’s Forgettable Plains
Nebraska blurs in my memory despite my best efforts to find its unique character. Interstate 80 cuts through seemingly infinite cornfields that create a hypnotic sameness hour after hour. Lincoln and Omaha offer decent urban experiences, but lack the distinctive flavor that makes other American cities memorable.
The Sandhills region promised interesting terrain, but delivered subtle variations of grassland that required more imagination than I could muster to appreciate. Chimney Rock and other Oregon Trail landmarks provided brief historical interest before the plains reclaimed my attention.
When asked about Nebraska highlights, I struggle to name experiences that couldn’t be replicated elsewhere. The state feels like America’s background music – present but rarely commanding attention. Even the famous Runza sandwich left me wondering why it inspired such regional loyalty.
13. Oklahoma’s Underwhelming Scenery
Oklahoma occupies an awkward middle ground – not quite southern, western, or midwestern enough to claim a strong regional identity. The landscape shifts between unremarkable plains and modest hills that never quite deliver the drama promised by tourism materials.
Even the famous musical feels like it’s describing somewhere more interesting. Oklahoma City’s memorial stands as a moving tribute, but the surrounding city lacks distinctive character. The constant oil infrastructure dotting the landscape creates an industrial feel that detracts from natural beauty. Tornado alley’s volatile weather added anxiety rather than excitement to my visit.
While locals showed genuine hospitality, conversations frequently turned to leaving for opportunities elsewhere. Oklahoma feels like a state still searching for its narrative beyond the pioneer history that dominates its cultural touchstones.
14. Kansas’s Monotonous Horizon
Kansas tests the limits of finding beauty in simplicity. The state’s relentless flatness creates a landscape so uniform that hours can pass without visual markers of progress. Roadside attractions like the World’s Largest
Ball of Twine speak to the creative lengths needed to generate tourism in a state light on natural wonders. Wichita and Kansas City (the Kansas side) offer standard mid-sized city amenities without distinctive character. The Flint Hills provide a brief respite with rolling tallgrass prairies, but even this highlight requires a specialized appreciation for subtle beauty.
Tornado season adds a layer of meteorological drama to an otherwise predictable experience. While the sunflower fields create impressive photo opportunities in season, they represent fleeting highlights in a state that struggles to compete with its more geographically blessed neighbors.
15. Connecticut’s Unremarkable Blend
Connecticut suffers from middle child syndrome – sandwiched between more interesting New England states and New York without developing a compelling identity of its own. The wealthy coastal areas feel like extensions of New York suburbs, while inland regions blend into generic New England without the charm of Vermont or Maine.
Historic sites dot the landscape but rarely tell stories unique to Connecticut. Mystic Seaport offers a pleasant afternoon but pales compared to similar maritime attractions elsewhere in New England. The pizza in New Haven provides a genuine highlight, though hardly enough to build a destination around.
Fall foliage attracts visitors, but neighboring states offer more dramatic displays against more interesting terrain. Connecticut functions perfectly well as a place to live, but as a travel destination, it rarely gives visitors stories worth sharing when they return home.