I’ve Been Around The US These 9 States Are Essentials, And 6 I’ll Always Return To
After years of chasing sunsets, backroads, and unexpected detours across America, I’ve found that some states don’t just impress they stay with you.
These are the places where the landscapes steal your breath, the culture feels alive, and every visit leaves you wanting more. From epic road trip moments to quiet corners full of soul, certain states earned their way onto my must-visit (and must-repeat) list.
Whether you’re planning your first big adventure or looking for somewhere new to fall in love with, these are the states that truly stand out.
1. California – The Golden State Wonder
Whether you’re chasing waves in Malibu or ideas in San Jose, California delivers a travel experience as big and bold as the state itself.
You’ll find pristine beaches stretching along the Pacific Coast, towering redwood forests in the north, and desert landscapes in the south. The diversity here is unmatched anywhere else in America.
Food lovers rejoice in California’s farm-to-table culture and wine country experiences. Whether you’re surfing in San Diego or exploring San Francisco’s hills, California delivers memories that last forever.
2. New York – The Empire State Experience
The city’s skyline may define New York for many, but the state’s true scope includes serene forests, historic villages, and dramatic natural wonders.
Upstate New York features stunning Finger Lakes, Adirondack Mountains, and Niagara Falls’ thundering waters. The cultural richness spans from world-class museums to charming small towns with rich histories.
Food scenes here range from New York pizza to upstate farm cuisine. Whether you’re catching a Broadway show or hiking mountain trails, New York provides experiences that define American culture and natural beauty.
3. Florida – Sunshine State Paradise
From the wild beauty of the Everglades to the soft sands of its Gulf and Atlantic beaches, Florida delivers nonstop outdoor appeal.
Theme park capital Orlando draws millions, while Miami pulses with international flair and art deco architecture. Key West offers a laid-back island vibe that feels worlds away from mainland America.
Wildlife watching opportunities abound, from manatee encounters to alligator spotting. Whether you’re seeking family fun at Disney World or peaceful beach relaxation, Florida delivers sunshine-filled adventures that brighten any travel itinerary.
4. Texas – Lone Star Greatness
Everything truly is bigger in Texas, from sprawling ranches to generous hospitality that welcomes visitors like family. This massive state contains multiple distinct regions, each offering unique attractions and experiences.
Austin’s music scene rivals Nashville, while Houston leads in space exploration and diverse cuisine. Dallas combines modern sophistication with cowboy heritage that defines American frontier spirit.
BBQ joints serve up legendary flavors, and Hill Country wildflowers create stunning spring displays. Whether you’re exploring big cities or small towns, Texas delivers authentic American experiences with unmistakable pride and character.
5. Colorado – Rocky Mountain High
The Rocky Mountains in Colorado aren’t just a backdrop — they’re the main attraction, delivering thrills from ski runs to switchback hikes.
Denver combines urban sophistication with easy mountain access, making it perfect for city and nature lovers alike. Small mountain towns like Aspen and Vail offer charm alongside world-class recreation.
Craft beer culture thrives here, with breweries dotting the landscape from Boulder to Fort Collins. Whether you’re conquering fourteeners or enjoying après-ski culture, Colorado provides mountain adventures that refresh both body and soul.
6. Arizona – Desert Beauty Unveiled
Few places stir the imagination like Arizona, where the Sonoran Desert bristles with iconic cacti and Sedona’s red rocks glow under shifting light.
Grand Canyon’s massive scale humbles every visitor who peers into its colorful depths. Phoenix and Scottsdale offer resort luxury amid desert settings that feel like natural spas.
Native American culture runs deep here, with reservations preserving traditions and crafts for centuries. Whether you’re exploring slot canyons or relaxing at desert resorts, Arizona reveals natural wonders that redefine your understanding of American landscapes.
7. Washington – Pacific Northwest Magic
It’s rare to find a place where rainforest trails and tech campuses coexist so effortlessly, but Washington state pulls it off with style.
Mount Rainier dominates the landscape like a sleeping giant, while San Juan Islands offer peaceful retreats accessible by scenic ferry rides. The Columbia River Gorge features waterfalls that cascade hundreds of feet.
Fresh seafood, craft beer, and farm-fresh produce create a foodie paradise. Whether you’re island hopping or mountain climbing, Washington delivers Pacific Northwest experiences that showcase nature’s incredible diversity and power.
8. Utah – Adventure Playground
From the red-rock temples of Zion to the gravity-defying spans of Arches, Utah’s landscapes are nature’s greatest sculptures on display.
Salt Lake City provides urban amenities amid mountain settings that offer world-class skiing just minutes from downtown. Park City’s charm extends beyond winter sports into summer festival seasons.
Adventure opportunities seem endless here, with hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives revealing new vistas around every corner. Whether you’re exploring slot canyons or powder skiing, Utah creates outdoor memories that last lifetimes.
9. Nevada – Desert Entertainment Hub
It’s easy to associate Nevada with The Strip, but venture beyond the casinos and you’ll discover surreal landscapes and echoes of the Old West.
Lake Tahoe straddles the California border, providing alpine recreation amid crystal-clear waters. Reno combines gambling excitement with easy access to Sierra Nevada adventures.
Desert landscapes here feel almost alien, with unusual rock formations and vast open spaces that stretch to distant horizons. Whether you’re trying your luck at casinos or exploring backcountry trails, Nevada surprises visitors with its diverse attractions.
10. Hawaii – Tropical Paradise Found
Nowhere else in the U.S. feels like Hawaii, where fiery volcanoes and lush rainforests coexist across islands shaped by raw natural power.
Maui’s Road to Hana winds through rainforests and waterfalls, while Big Island’s active volcanoes create new land daily. Oahu balances Honolulu’s urban energy with North Shore’s legendary surf breaks.
Polynesian culture infuses everything from food to music, creating authentic island experiences. Whether you’re snorkeling coral reefs or watching sunrise from volcanic summits, Hawaii delivers tropical adventures that feel like dreams come true.
11. Montana – Big Sky Country
Looking out over Montana’s rolling plains and dramatic mountains, you understand why it’s called “Big Sky Country” — it’s beauty on a boundless scale.
Yellowstone’s northern entrance leads through Paradise Valley, where wildlife viewing opportunities abound year-round. Small towns like Bozeman and Missoula blend outdoor recreation with cultural attractions.
Ranch experiences here offer authentic cowboy culture, while fishing streams provide world-class fly fishing opportunities. Whether you’re hiking glacier-carved valleys or watching bison herds, Montana delivers wilderness experiences that reconnect you with nature’s raw power.
12. Alaska – Last Frontier Adventure
Few places feel as epic as Alaska, where Denali rises majestically above a landscape that humbles even the most seasoned traveler.
Glacier Bay showcases ice formations thousands of years old, while Inside Passage cruises reveal fjords and islands accessible only by boat. Anchorage provides modern amenities amid genuine wilderness settings.
Northern lights dance across winter skies, creating natural light shows that inspire awe and wonder. Whether you’re dog sledding or whale watching, Alaska offers adventures that push boundaries and create stories you’ll tell forever.
13. Maine – Coastal Charm Personified
The essence of New England lives along Maine’s coast, where quaint fishing villages and rugged cliffs create postcard scenes in every direction.
Portland’s food scene rivals major cities, specializing in fresh seafood that’s caught daily by local fishermen. Bar Harbor serves as gateway to island adventures and coastal exploration.
Lobster rolls here set the standard worldwide, while blueberry fields provide sweet summer treats. Whether you’re lighthouse hopping or kayaking among islands, Maine delivers coastal experiences that embody American maritime heritage and natural beauty.
14. Vermont – Green Mountain Serenity
Vermont’s Green Mountains create pastoral beauty that changes dramatically with seasons, from spring wildflowers to autumn’s legendary foliage displays. Small towns here preserve New England character with covered bridges and village greens.
Maple syrup production continues traditions passed down through generations, while craft beer breweries add modern touches to rural settings. Stowe and Killington provide excellent skiing amid mountain scenery.
Farm-to-table dining reaches perfection here, with local ingredients creating memorable meals. Whether you’re leaf-peeping or cross-country skiing, Vermont offers peaceful retreats that restore your connection to simpler times and natural rhythms.
15. Oregon – Pacific Coast Perfection
With its entire coastline protected for public use, Oregon delivers wild, untamed beauty that feels both expansive and inclusive.
Portland’s quirky culture embraces food trucks, craft breweries, and environmental consciousness that defines Pacific Northwest values. Columbia River Gorge features waterfalls that cascade through ancient forests.
Wine country here produces world-class Pinot Noir amid rolling vineyard landscapes. Whether you’re exploring tide pools or hiking mountain trails, Oregon combines natural beauty with cultural authenticity that creates unforgettable Pacific Coast experiences.