I Have Been To All 50 States—These 10 Are Must-Sees (Plus 5 Gems I Almost Skipped)
After zigzagging across America for over a decade, I’ve finally planted my flag in all fifty states. The journey taught me that some destinations deserve their spotlight while others hide their treasures in plain sight.
From snow-capped mountains to sun-soaked beaches, bustling cities to quiet backroads, here’s my honest take on where you absolutely must go—and which surprising spots almost slipped through my travel net.
1. California: The Golden Paradise
Endless coastlines stretch alongside towering redwoods and sun-drenched vineyards in this western wonderland. California offers everything from celebrity-spotting in Los Angeles to wine tasting in Napa Valley.
Don’t miss driving the Pacific Coast Highway with stops at Big Sur and Monterey. The desert landscapes of Joshua Tree and mountain escapes in Lake Tahoe showcase why this state truly has it all.
2. Alaska: The Last Frontier
Towering glaciers calve into turquoise waters while grizzlies fish for salmon in crystal-clear streams. Alaska’s raw, untamed beauty exists on a scale that’s hard to comprehend until you’re standing in it.
Summer brings endless daylight perfect for wildlife viewing in Denali National Park. Consider small ship cruises through the Inside Passage for up-close glacier encounters and whale watching that big ships can’t match.
3. Utah: Red Rock Wonderland
Mars-like landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see, painted in impossible shades of orange, crimson and rust. Utah houses five national parks within easy driving distance of each other, creating the perfect road trip circuit.
Arches National Park delivers exactly what its name promises, while Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos create otherworldly hiking experiences. For the ultimate adventure, try canyoneering in Zion’s slot canyons or stargazing in Capitol Reef.
4. Hawai’i: Island Paradise
Volcanic landscapes meet turquoise waters in this tropical wonderland where each island offers distinctly different experiences. Hawai’i blends adventure and relaxation like nowhere else on American soil.
Explore active volcanoes on the Big Island, drive the Road to Hana on Maui, or hike the Napali Coast on Kauai. Island-hopping flights are affordable and quick, making it possible to experience multiple islands even on shorter trips.
5. Montana: Big Sky Country
Rugged mountain ranges frame endless prairies where bison still roam and stars blanket the night sky. Montana delivers wilderness experiences that feel untouched by time, especially in Glacier National Park.
Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road for jaw-dropping alpine scenery. Base yourself in Whitefish for mountain town charm or near Yellowstone’s northern entrance for wildlife viewing. Summer brings perfect hiking weather, while winter offers uncrowded skiing.
6. New York: Beyond The Big Apple
Rolling vineyards, thundering waterfalls, and mountain wilderness exist just hours from skyscraper canyons. New York’s diversity extends far beyond its famous city, offering experiences that range from urban energy to complete solitude.
Explore the Finger Lakes wine region or hike in the Adirondack Mountains. The stunning landscapes of Hudson Valley provide perfect weekend escapes, while Niagara Falls delivers natural wonder. Even a short trip can combine city excitement with surprising natural beauty.
7. Arizona: Desert Dreamscape
Saguaro cacti stand like silent sentinels against fiery sunsets in landscapes that shift from red rock canyons to pine-covered mountains. Arizona delivers year-round adventure with dramatic scenery that changes with every mile.
The Grand Canyon remains the crown jewel, best experienced by hiking below the rim. Sedona’s red rocks offer spiritual energy and stunning hiking, while Antelope Canyon’s swirling formations create photographer’s heaven. Winter visitors enjoy perfect temperatures for desert exploration.
8. Colorado: Rocky Mountain Majesty
Jagged peaks pierce azure skies above alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers in summer and champagne powder in winter. Colorado’s mountain towns each offer unique character alongside world-class outdoor recreation opportunities.
Beyond famous ski resorts like Aspen and Vail, discover Telluride’s box canyon beauty or Crested Butte’s wildflower festivals. Drive the Million Dollar Highway for white-knuckle mountain passes and historic mining towns where the Wild West still lives.
9. Oregon: Pacific Northwest Perfection
Misty forests meet dramatic coastlines where lighthouse-dotted headlands guard against the Pacific’s power. Oregon blends outdoor adventure with quirky culture and farm-to-table cuisine that rivals anywhere in America.
Drive the entire coast for constantly changing scenery, from sand dunes to sea stacks. Portland’s food scene deserves its reputation, while Crater Lake’s impossible blue waters hypnotize visitors. Don’t miss Columbia River Gorge’s waterfall corridor just outside Portland.
10. Louisiana: Southern Soul
Jazz spills from doorways while steam rises from bowls of gumbo in this cultural melting pot where European, African, and Caribbean influences created something entirely unique. Louisiana’s soul runs deeper than tourist traps suggest.
New Orleans deserves several days beyond Bourbon Street—explore Garden District architecture and neighborhood restaurants. Venture into bayou country for swamp tours and authentic Cajun culture. Lafayette and Breaux Bridge offer music and food experiences without tourist crowds.
11. West Virginia: Hidden Mountain Magic
Mist-shrouded mountains cradle winding rivers and small towns where Appalachian traditions remain vibrant and authentic. West Virginia offers outdoor adventure alongside genuine hospitality that makes visitors feel like longtime friends.
Whitewater rafting on the New River provides world-class thrills. The Greenbrier region combines luxury resorts with backcountry hiking opportunities. Fall brings spectacular foliage displays, while Blackwater Falls State Park showcases rushing waterfalls against evergreen forests in any season.
12. Idaho: Rugged Wilderness Surprise
Pristine wilderness cradles crystal-clear alpine lakes where mountain goats pick their way across jagged peaks. Idaho surprises first-time visitors with landscapes that rival more famous mountain states but with fraction of the crowds.
The Sawtooth Mountains offer backpacking adventures among some of America’s most stunning peaks. Coeur d’Alene’s lake provides perfect summer recreation, while Sun Valley combines world-class skiing with small-town charm. Hot springs scattered throughout the state provide perfect relaxation after outdoor adventures.
13. Vermont: New England Charm
Rolling green hills dotted with red barns and white church steeples create postcard-perfect scenes in every direction. Vermont embodies New England charm with covered bridges, maple sugar shacks, and village greens that haven’t changed in centuries.
Fall foliage season transforms hillsides into fiery displays of red and gold. Burlington offers lakeside dining along Lake Champlain, while the Northeast Kingdom provides remote beauty. Don’t miss sampling maple products directly from family farms or skiing at authentic mountain resorts.
14. New Mexico: Land Of Enchantment
Ancient pueblo dwellings stand beneath impossibly blue skies in landscapes where Native American, Spanish, and Anglo cultures blend into something magical. New Mexico lives up to its nickname with light quality that has drawn artists for generations.
Santa Fe’s adobe architecture houses world-class galleries and restaurants. Taos combines ski slopes with thousand-year-old pueblo communities. White Sands National Park’s gypsum dunes create otherworldly landscapes, while Carlsbad Caverns reveals underground wonderlands worth the detour.
15. Arkansas: Natural State Revelation
Crystal-clear streams cut through forested mountains where hidden waterfalls reward hikers willing to venture off main highways. Arkansas earns its “Natural State” nickname with surprising diversity and outdoor beauty. Hot Springs National Park combines historic bathhouses with hiking trails right from downtown.
The Buffalo National River offers premier paddling through undeveloped wilderness. Eureka Springs delivers Victorian charm alongside mountain biking trails, while the Ozarks provide endless fishing, hiking and camping without the crowds of more famous mountain regions.