3 States You Can Skip, But These 12 Are Absolutely Worth Visiting At Least Once
Planning your next American adventure can feel exciting—and totally overwhelming. With 50 states offering everything from towering mountains to bustling cities and endless small towns in between, it’s hard to know where your time and money will be best spent.
The truth is, not every state delivers the kind of wow factor you hope for. After traveling across the country, I’ve seen the unforgettable highlights and the forgettable letdowns. Some states deserve a prime spot on your bucket list, while others you can skip without any regret.
1. North Dakota
Wide open prairies stretch as far as the eye can see, but the scenery rarely changes. North Dakota ranks among the least visited states for good reason.
The Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers some respite from the monotony, but compared to America’s other natural wonders, it falls short of justifying a special trip.
2. Nebraska
Endless cornfields dominate the landscape, creating a drive that feels like watching paint dry. Nebraska simply doesn’t offer enough unique attractions to warrant a dedicated journey.
While Omaha has some decent urban amenities and the Sandhill Crane migration impresses bird enthusiasts, these isolated highlights can’t compete with neighboring states’ more diverse offerings.
3. Kansas
Flat terrain stretches monotonously in all directions, offering minimal topographical variation. Kansas epitomizes the phrase “flyover state” with its lack of distinctive natural features or must-see attractions.
Beyond the Oz Museum and a handful of historical sites, the Sunflower State rarely provides enough compelling reasons to divert your travel plans its way.
4. California
Breathtaking diversity defines this coastal wonderland, from sun-soaked beaches to snow-capped mountains. The Golden State packs more variety into its borders than most countries manage nationwide.
From Yosemite’s towering granite cliffs to Death Valley’s otherworldly landscapes, California offers natural wonders alongside world-class cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Wine country, redwood forests, and desert oases await.
5. New York
Urban energy pulses through concrete canyons where dreams take shape daily. The Empire State offers far more than just its iconic metropolis, though the city alone justifies the journey.
Beyond Manhattan’s skyscrapers, discover the thundering majesty of Niagara Falls, the serene beauty of the Finger Lakes, and the rustic charm of the Adirondacks. New York’s cultural institutions and culinary scene remain unmatched.
6. Hawaii
Paradise materializes in volcanic form, surrounded by azure waters teeming with colorful marine life. Each island offers distinct personalities and landscapes, from Kauai’s lush rainforests to Maui’s dramatic coastlines.
The Aloha State blends Polynesian cultural heritage with breathtaking natural beauty. Witness molten lava pouring into the ocean, hike through bamboo forests, or simply relax on black, white, or even green sand beaches.
7. Alaska
Untamed wilderness extends beyond imagination in America’s last frontier. Towering glaciers calve into pristine waters while bears fish for salmon in crystal-clear streams.
The Last Frontier offers adventures impossible elsewhere in the United States. Alaska’s national parks showcase nature at its most magnificent, from Denali’s towering peak to Kenai Fjords’ marine ecosystems. Northern lights dance across winter skies in spectacular displays.
8. Colorado
Majestic peaks pierce the clouds while wildflowers carpet alpine meadows in explosive color. The Centennial State offers outdoor adventures for every season, from world-class skiing to summer hiking and mountain biking.
Colorado’s mountain towns charm visitors with their unique character and stunning backdrops. Denver blends urban sophistication with outdoor accessibility, while Mesa Verde’s ancient cliff dwellings provide fascinating historical context to this naturally blessed region.
9. Utah
Otherworldly red rock formations create landscapes that seem plucked from science fiction. The Beehive State boasts five stunning national parks, each showcasing different aspects of its geological wonders.
Zion’s towering canyon walls, Bryce’s hoodoo amphitheaters, and Arches’ delicate stone structures demonstrate nature’s artistic capabilities. Utah offers world-class skiing in winter, while its southern deserts provide perfect hiking weather nearly year-round.
10. Florida
Tropical vibes permeate this peninsula where crystal-clear springs bubble up from underground. The Sunshine State offers more than just theme parks, though Orlando’s attractions alone draw millions annually.
Florida’s diverse ecosystems range from the unique Everglades to pristine Gulf Coast beaches with powder-soft sand. Key West’s laid-back atmosphere, Miami’s cultural melting pot, and the Space Coast’s technological marvels ensure something for every traveler.
11. Arizona
Grand vistas carved over millennia showcase nature’s patient artistry on an incomprehensible scale. The Grand Canyon alone justifies visiting the Grand Canyon State, but it’s just the beginning of Arizona’s wonders.
Sedona’s red rock formations create spiritual energy centers amid stunning scenery. Monument Valley’s iconic buttes feel instantly familiar from countless films. The Sonoran Desert blooms spectacularly in spring, while Flagstaff offers alpine forest experiences just hours from desert heat.
12. Louisiana
Jazz rhythms float through humid air while spicy aromas beckon from century-old restaurants. The Pelican State offers America’s most distinctive cultural experience, centered around but not limited to New Orleans.
Louisiana’s French and Spanish colonial influences blend with African and Caribbean traditions to create unique cuisine, music, and architecture. Explore mysterious bayous teeming with wildlife, antebellum plantations along River Road, and vibrant festivals celebrating this cultural gumbo.
13. Washington
Emerald forests meet sapphire waters beneath snow-capped volcanic peaks in this Pacific Northwest gem. The Evergreen State offers stunning diversity from rainforests to deserts within a day’s drive.
Olympic National Park showcases three distinct ecosystems: temperate rainforest, wild coastline, and alpine meadows. Seattle’s innovative spirit and coffee culture provide urban counterpoints to Mount Rainier’s majestic presence. The San Juan Islands offer peaceful retreats and whale-watching opportunities.
14. Maine
Rugged coastlines dotted with lighthouses define this northeastern corner where America greets the sunrise first. The Pine Tree State embraces its maritime heritage while offering pristine natural experiences.
Acadia National Park combines mountain and ocean landscapes in spectacular fashion. Quaint fishing villages serve up the freshest lobster imaginable. Maine’s forested interior provides peaceful retreats, while Portland’s vibrant food scene surprises visitors with world-class culinary offerings.
15. Montana
Big sky country unfolds in panoramic splendor where bison still roam and trout-filled rivers wind through pristine valleys. The Treasure State offers America’s most authentic western experience without the crowds.
Glacier National Park’s alpine scenery rivals any mountain landscape worldwide. Montana’s working ranches welcome visitors seeking authentic cowboy experiences. Native American cultural sites provide historical depth while Yellowstone’s northern reaches showcase geothermal wonders and abundant wildlife.