These 10 States Totally Blew Me Away—And 5 I Wish I Skipped
Road tripping across America showed me the incredible diversity our country offers. From breathtaking landscapes to disappointing tourist traps, my journey taught me that not all states are created equal.
Here’s my honest take on which states left me speechless with wonder and which ones I’d scratch off my travel list next time around.
1. Utah’s Red Rock Wonderland
My jaw literally dropped when I first gazed across Zion National Park. The massive sandstone cliffs glowed amber in the sunset, creating a scene that no photo could possibly capture.
Hiking through the Narrows with water up to my knees while towering walls stretched hundreds of feet above remains my favorite memory. Even small towns like Moab charmed me with their quirky desert vibes and access to outdoor adventures.
2. Montana’s Big Sky Country
Nothing prepared me for Montana’s vastness. Driving through Glacier National Park on Going-to-the-Sun Road, I kept pulling over just to stare at impossibly blue lakes beneath jagged mountains.
Wild moose wandered near our cabin one morning, completely unbothered by human presence. The night skies sparkled with more stars than I’d ever seen, making me feel wonderfully small in the grand scheme of things.
3. Oregon’s Diverse Landscapes
From rugged coastlines to lush forests, Oregon packs incredible variety into one state. Standing on Cannon Beach watching the fog roll around Haystack Rock felt like stepping into a fantasy movie.
Hiking through the Columbia River Gorge, I discovered waterfall after waterfall hidden among moss-covered trees. Portland’s food scene was an unexpected bonus – I still dream about those food trucks and local coffee shops that make the city so special.
4. Michigan’s Hidden Treasures
Who knew Michigan would be home to some of America’s most beautiful beaches? The Sleeping Bear Dunes along Lake Michigan rivaled any ocean coastline I’ve visited, with powdery sand and crystal-clear freshwater.
Exploring the Upper Peninsula felt like discovering a secret paradise. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore stunned me with its colorful cliffs and turquoise waters. Fall colors here transformed ordinary forests into magical wonderlands of red and gold that I couldn’t stop photographing.
5. New Mexico’s Enchanting Spirit
They call New Mexico the Land of Enchantment for good reason. Sunrise at White Sands National Park created a dreamscape of rippling white dunes against purple mountains that felt otherworldly.
Santa Fe’s adobe architecture and vibrant art scene captivated me instantly. The food deserves special mention – green chile everything became my obsession! Watching hot air balloons dot the sky during Albuquerque’s famous festival ranks among my most magical travel moments.
6. Colorado’s Mountain Majesty
Driving through the Rocky Mountains left me breathless – literally from the altitude and figuratively from the beauty. Hiking around Maroon Bells near Aspen rewarded me with mirror-like lakes reflecting perfect mountain peaks.
Small mountain towns like Telluride charmed me with their combination of rugged outdoor spirit and sophisticated culture. Even Denver surprised me with its perfect blend of urban excitement and easy access to nature. The craft beer scene was just a delicious bonus!
7. Maine’s Coastal Magic
Waking up to foggy harbors filled with lobster boats set the perfect mood for exploring Maine’s rugged coastline. Acadia National Park blew me away with its perfect combination of mountains meeting ocean.
Fresh lobster rolls eaten at tiny dockside shacks tasted better than any fancy restaurant meal. The lighthouses dotting rocky points against crashing waves created postcard-perfect scenes at every turn. Even in summer, the crowds were manageable compared to other coastal destinations.
8. Hawaii’s Island Paradise
Yes, Hawaii lives up to the hype! Watching the sunrise from Haleakalā crater on Maui felt like witnessing the birth of the world. The colors shifted from deep purple to fiery orange as clouds swirled below us.
Snorkeling with sea turtles and colorful fish just steps from the beach exceeded my expectations. Road to Hana’s waterfalls and black sand beaches made for an unforgettable day trip. Even the air smells different here – sweet with tropical flowers and ocean salt.
9. Alaska’s Untamed Wilderness
Alaska’s sheer scale and wildness reset my definition of nature. Watching massive glaciers calve into the sea with thunderous crashes during a boat tour near Seward is something I’ll never forget.
Wildlife appeared around every corner – bald eagles soared overhead while moose munched plants near our cabin. Denali National Park offered views that stretched forever, with North America’s tallest peak dominating the horizon. The midnight sun created surreal experiences of hiking under bright skies at 11 PM.
10. Washington’s Green Paradise
Rain creates magic in Washington state. Olympic National Park’s Hoh Rainforest felt like stepping into a fairy tale with moss dripping from ancient trees and ferns creating a primeval atmosphere.
Ferry rides across Puget Sound offered spectacular views of Seattle’s skyline against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Mount Rainier appeared like a mirage on clear days, dominating the horizon from seemingly impossible distances. The seafood – especially those fresh oysters – made every meal memorable.
11. Nebraska’s Endless Plains
Hours of identical cornfields made Nebraska a blur of monotony. Stopping at roadside attractions like Carhenge (yes, a replica of Stonehenge made with cars) only highlighted how little there was to see.
Finding decent food became a challenge outside of Omaha and Lincoln. Gas station meals became our norm. The wind never stopped howling across the flatlands, making outdoor activities unpleasant even on sunny days. Perhaps I missed something special, but this state just didn’t capture my imagination.
12. North Dakota’s Forgettable Journey
My expectations weren’t high for North Dakota, but somehow it still disappointed. Theodore Roosevelt National Park offered a few nice views but paled compared to other western parks.
The famous Wall Drug signs counting down the miles became the most entertaining part of the drive. Small towns seemed abandoned, with limited options for food or lodging. Maybe winter offers more charm with snow activities, but summer left me wondering why I’d added this state to my itinerary.
13. Mississippi’s Missed Potential
Despite its rich cultural history, my Mississippi experience felt underwhelming. Natchez offered some beautiful antebellum homes, but many attractions closed early or operated on limited schedules.
The humidity in summer was truly oppressive, making outdoor exploration nearly unbearable. Gulf Coast beaches disappointed with brown water and industrial views. The state’s complex history deserves thoughtful presentation, but many sites glossed over difficult topics, creating an uncomfortable tourism experience that felt incomplete and sometimes tone-deaf.
14. Kansas’ Monotonous Horizons
Kansas tested my endurance with seemingly endless fields and identical small towns. The World’s Largest Ball of Twine couldn’t quite justify the hours spent crossing the state.
Fierce storms interrupted our journey with alarming frequency, forcing us to shelter at roadside motels. While sunflower fields provided brief moments of beauty, they weren’t enough to overcome the overwhelming flatness. Local diners offered friendly service but limited menu options beyond fried everything.
15. Oklahoma’s Underwhelming Attractions
Oklahoma City’s memorial was moving, but beyond that, the state struggled to hold my interest. The constant oil rigs dotting the landscape created an industrial feel that detracted from natural beauty.
Route 66 attractions promised nostalgia but delivered mostly faded signs and closed businesses. Summer heat made outdoor activities unbearable by mid-morning. Even the famous musical couldn’t convince me that Oklahoma was worth an extended stay, though friendly locals tried their best to highlight their state’s charms.