I have been to all 50 states, and all of them more than once, so here I am ranking all 50 of the best states to visit. Additionally, every state has something worth visiting, so make sure to visit and decide for yourself!

The Rules: I detail the following categories: nature, cities, and miscellaneous. Also, not to pick on any state too much, I wimped out and did a 10-way tie for 41-50.

This is a page in progress and I’ll continue updating it to fill in the gaps.

*Last edited November 2, 2026

Ranking the Best states to visit

1. California

California has it all.

Nature: It has a huge stretch of perhaps the most beautiful coastline spanning the Pacific Ocean. It has mountains, including Mt. Whitney, which is the tallest peak in the lower 48 states. Finally, it has 9 National Parks, more than any other state in the USA! And we’re not talking weak parks, we are talking about Yosemite and El Capitan, Sequoia with trees so big you can drive a car through them and Death Valley, which is not only the hottest place in the world, but also has some beautiful sand dunes and slot canyons.

Cities: There is a diverse range of cities in California. First, Los Angeles is the second largest metropolitan area in the USA and is home to so many things it would take forever to list them all. However, notable tourist destinations include Hollywood, Disneyland and tons of ocean towns like Santa Monica and Venice Beach. I haven’t even gotten to San Francisco, which is a beautiful walking town and just outside of wine country staples like Napa and Sonoma. Southern California has San Diego and surf vibes. Finally, there are just so many other cities worth a visit including San Jose, Fresno, Oakland and many others.

Misc.: California is probably best known for their Mexican and Latin culture influences, and perhaps the best place in the US to grab a burito. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, there will be tons of options where you’ll fit right in. Conservatives have a negative impression of California, as it has some of the most progressive laws for climate and labor in the country. However, the state has something for everyone, you just have to find your slice of the state.

2. New York

I love New York City, it is my favorite city in the world. However, New York is more than just NYC and the whole state has a lot going for it as well.

Nature: Upstate New York is beautiful. It shares Niagara Falls with Canada to the north. Additionally, it is home to the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains. I mentioned above that Colorado has 34 ski resorts… New York has 52, the most in the USA. Also, I’ve never been to Letchworth State Park, but I really want to go. Lastly, New York has coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario (or Lake America or whatever, but I doubt anyone in New York actually calls it that).

Cities: New York City. The Big Apple. The city that never sleeps. I’ve been to a lot of cities, and this one is right up there at the top. The museums, the food, Broadway shows, it just makes for such a fun place to visit. I’ve been to NYC many times and loved every visit. Central Park is probably the best urban park, so you even get a natural feel in this sprawling metropolis. Also, despite New York City getting so many accolades, there are plenty of other cities (Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and there is even a place called “Yonkers”).

Misc.: New York pizza is the best pizza in the USA.

3. Utah

A little bit of a hot take here, but I just had to put Utah at number 3.

Nature: Especially when you take into account nature, as Utah has the well marketed “Mighty 5” national parks: Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands. Also, Utah has some awesome mountains and in turn, some amazing skiing. Resorts like Park City, Alta and my personal all-time favorite skiing, Snowbird! Even outside of the national parks, there are some other great natural wonders, like a giant Salt Lake and Timpanogos Cave.

Cities: Utah might have the most marquee cities in the USA, but they are still no slouch. Salt Lake City has come a long way in terms of food and nightlife and despite misconception, has numerous breweries and distilleries. Park City is a little more mountain town and is home to the Winter Olympic training facility.

Misc.: Politically, Utah is the opposite of California and historically pretty conservative. Okay, let’s just mention the thing that makes Utah a little different… the Church of the Latter Day Saints, also known as the Mormons. Utah has the highest percentage of Mormans by far compared to anywhere else in the country. Additionally, nearly half of the population is Mormon. Salt Lake City’s Temple Square offers a historical backdrop to this religion. A very small percentage of people have multiple wives, as documented by reality TV, but it’s definitely a more unique trait found in Utah.

4. Colorado

Rocky Mountain Region

It was a hard decision between Colorado and Utah and it could have gone either way.

Nature: Colorado is home to the most “14ers”, with 53 peaks over 14,000 feet in elevation. Additionally, it is home to 4 national parks: Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dune and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Also, it has the most ski resorts in the west with 34, and some of the best with Vail, Aspen and Copper Mountain.

Cities: Denver is the biggest city in the Rocky Mountains and home to great food and activities. Colorado Springs has the Air Force Academy, Garden of the Gods and a drive up Pikes Peak, where you can drive up to the peak at over 14,000 feet in elevation. Additionally, Colorado may have the best mountain towns with charming locations like Ouray, Durango, Frisco, Estes Park and many others.

Misc.: Colorado has a pretty casual vibe. Green chile is big and Colorado pizza is served with honey (put the Idaho Springs Beau Jo’s on your list). Also, nearly half of the eastern part of Colorado is flat and you’d think you were still in Kansas.

5. Alaska

Alaska 2 Weeks

I have been to Alaska twice and they have to be two of my favorite vacations!

Nature: The nature is second to none in Alaska and helps make up for the city category coming up next. Denali (officially Mount McKinley, but nobody calls it that) is the largest mountain in North America. Also, it is actually the highest vertical in the world from base to peak. It is taller than Everest, but it just starts a lower elevation. Additionally, Alaska is home to 8 national parks and includes Denali, Kenai Fjords, Glacier Bay and Wrangell St Elias (the largest national park in the country). A lot of them require small plane access to visit, but I can only imagine it is well worth it. Even a relaxing cruise down the southern coast is a dream to see glaciers, whales and other wildlife.

Cities: No one comes to Alaska for the cities. In fact, locals will tell you that Anchorage is only 15 minutes from Alaska! Anchorage is by far the biggest and is still well under half a million in population. Fairbanks is home to a university, but otherwise could be anywhere. That doesn’t mean they arent’ worth visiting, but you definitely want to spend your time in the outdoors when in Alaska.

Misc.: The salmon are everywhere in season, so if you are there is the summer it is sure to fresh on the menu. Halibut, crab and other seafood are also popular.

6. Hawaii

I have also been to Hawaii twice and like Alaska, are the two most remote states from everywhere else. In the end, I am just more of a mountains person than a beach person. However, Hawaii has its share of mountains as well!

Nature: Okay, so maybe people would call them “volcanoes” rather than mountains, but the fact is that Mauna Kea on the Big Island is the tallest mountain from base to peak and taller than Denali above, but only if you count the underwater part. They even have skiing in the winter if you want to say you went snow skiing in Hawaii. However, we really have to talk about the beaches and they are amazing. White sand beaches, black sand beach, even green sand beaches. Additionally, a lot of them are secluded and feel like you are on your own private island. Be sure to get in some snorkeling or scuba and see they amazing underwater wildlife. We even went night snorkeling on the big island with giant manta rays!

Cities: Also, like Alaska, you probably aren’t coming to Hawaii for the cities. Honolulu is the biggest by far. However, the little food stands scattered on the islands are great fun to visit.

Misc.: There are 4 main islands: Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii (more commonly referred to as “The Big Island”) and they all have their own vibe and geographical features. There are also two smaller islands, Molokai and Lanai, as well as other smaller islands scattered in the archipelago.

7. Florida

If Florida wasn’t so hot for half the year, it would probably rank even higher.

Nature: Florida has 3 national parks: Everglades, Biscayne and Dry Tortugas. Additionally, it is a sanctuary for numerous bird species and the only place in the USA that has both crocodiles and alligators. Also, they have manatees, known as sea cows. Additionally, the Florida Keys are a spectacular drive over bridges stretching the ocean all the way to Key West.

Cities: Florida has a lot of cities, including the Miami with it’s Cuban and Hispanic influence. Additionally, there is also Orlando, with world-reknowned theme parks Disney World and Universal Studios. Also, there is nearby Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.

Misc.: Florida has the most out-of-state transplants compared to every other state in the country! Less than a third of residents are native born, due to the large retirement population that moves to Florida. Personally, it is too hot for me, especially in the summer, but the winter months make for a pleasant visit.

8. Washington

Pacific Northwest Region

Washington State shouldn’t be confused with Washington D.C (District of Columbia), our national capital all the way on the other side of the country.

Nature: Washington is home to 3 national parks: Mount Ranier, Olympic and North Cascades. Additionally, there are the Snoqualmie waterfall and Mt Saint Helens volcano, which erupted in 1980. There is also the San Juan Islands and the beautiful coast drive along the Pacific Ocean.

Cities: Seattle is the largest city and home to the headquarters for major businesses Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks and Boeing. Additionally, Seattle is home to the space needle, Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly glass museum and Pike Place Market. Also, Seattle has a ton of coffee shops, but Starbucks and others, with seemingly multiple on every corner.

Misc.: Great place to get fresh seafood, including salmon and Dungeness crab.

9. Texas

Southwest Region

Texas has a lot of unique qualities and is the second biggest land-mass state after Alaska.

Nature: Texas is home to 2 national parks: Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains. Big Bend really is a fantastic national park and includes Santa Elena Canyon along the Rio Grane. Additionally, there is a small river border crossing into Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico. Additinally, there is the Chihuahuan desert in the west and the Gulf of Mexico to the east.

Cities: Texas has a lot of cities and is the second most populated state behind California. The largest are Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Austin.

Misc.: Texas has the most cattle of any state and the popular foods are beef brisket bbq and chile con carne.

10. Wyoming

Our family in front of Grand Teton mountain range

Wyoming is officially the least populated state in the US. And population per square mile it is only behind Alaska.

Nature: Wyoming is home to 2 national parks: Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Additionally, Yellowstone is the first ever national park in the USA. It was created to have a vacation spot here to compete with wealthy people vacationing in Europe. Yellowstone is home to numerous geysers and hot pools. Also, Grand Teton is a dramatic mountain vista to the south. Wyoming also has some world class skiing with Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole.

Cities: The nature category definitely carries Wyoming. In fact, can we even call what they have in Wyoming cities? Cheyenne, Wyoming’s capital, is right around 100,000 metro population, which is definitely small. However, Jackson, located south of Grand Teton is one of the more visited and oozes small town charm. Cody, east of Yellowstone is a fun visit as well.

Misc.: You can get some unique food options like bison and elk when visiting Wyoming.