Discover the Best States to Visit for an Unforgettable Trip

Surprising fact: the United States spans about 3.8 million square miles and is the only country with all five climate zones, offering a huge range of places and experiences that can change your trip in a single day.

I’m kicking off this guide with a clear plan: I share a curated list and the way I plan trips that balance cities, coastlines, and national parks across this large country.

My notes come from years on the road. I highlight museums in New York, turquoise springs in Florida, coastal drives in California, and the quiet magic of places like Vermont and Hawaiʻi.

I’ll frame realistic travel times, local culture, and practical tips so you can soak in moments without rushing. Expect region-by-region routes and notes on transit, car rentals, crowd levels, and seasonal views.

Key Takeaways

• I offer a people-first approach grounded in firsthand travel notes.
• The guide balances urban, coastal, and park experiences across the country.
• You’ll get practical day counts and transit advice for realistic planning.
• Region-based lists help you stitch routes for any season.
• Expect tips on crowd timing, festivals, and standout sights each year.

How I choose the best states to visit right now

I rank locations by how easily you can pair an urban morning with a natural afternoon. That simple rule drives my choices and keeps trips feeling full without feeling rushed.

What matters to me: cities, national parks, food, and history

Cities get priority when they offer walkable museums, striking architecture, and lively neighborhoods you can explore on foot.

Parks matter when they sit close enough for a half-day tour or an easy scenic drive. I prefer routes that let you switch from galleries to trails in the same afternoon.

Timing your trip: seasons, festivals, and crowd levels

I watch the calendar closely. Shoulder seasons often cut crowds and prices without sacrificing views.

Festivals can make a trip unforgettable, but they also raise costs and change availability. I weigh that tradeoff when I plan an itinerary.

“Pairing a museum morning with a coastal drive turns a good trip into a memory.”

• I favor places that mix architecture walks, food scenes, and short outdoor detours.
• I note when transit saves lots of time versus when a rental car unlocks rural gems.
• I highlight weather windows so you spend more time enjoying, not adjusting plans.

East Coast icons: New York and Florida for cities, coasts, and nonstop energy

On the East Coast I split my time between high-energy cities and easy coastal escapes. Both places reward flexible days—museum mornings, neighborhood bites, and late-afternoon beach time.

New York: NYC museums, Hudson Valley escapes, and Finger Lakes wine country

I start in New York with walkable Manhattan routes. I hit The Met and join public tours that sometimes run in Spanish, Mandarin, and German.

I add short escapes: cabins in the Catskills, wine tasting in the Finger Lakes, and Hudson Valley hikes. Buffalo and Syracuse offer family-friendly museums that round out the cultural side beyond Manhattan.

History and varied restaurants make city time feel classic and fresh.

Florida: Miami’s art deco, Keys road trips, and freshwater springs

Florida pairs Miami’s preserved art deco architecture with Little Havana bakeries and South Beach energy. I pencil in Mills 50 in Orlando for pan-Asian restaurants and street-food runs.

A day or two chasing freshwater springs shows a very different blue side of this state. I also map Key drives with key lime pie stops and sunset evenings on quieter beaches.

Bonus day trips: Syracuse, Buffalo, and Orlando’s global food scene

• I build in days for Buffalo’s and Syracuse’s museums for a broader cultural view.
• I stitch Hudson Valley jaunts and Hamptons runs from the city when time allows.
• Across Florida I chase small food stops—from Ybor City to the Keys—so every drive includes a meal discovery.

“Pairing a museum morning with a coastal drive turns a good trip into a memory.”

Pacific powerhouses: California, Oregon, and Washington

From cliffside drives to mossy forests, this region rewards short, flexible days. I map a mix of urban energy and wild escapes so each leg feels balanced.

California highlights and a coastal road day

I plan California in segments: a Pacific Coast Highway road day for cliffside views, a san francisco neighborhood crawl, and Los Angeles for film history and sunsets.

Yosemite, Big Sur, Napa, Joshua Tree, and beaches make this state vast and varied. I space drives with scenic pullouts, coffee roasters, and short hikes so the road is part of the fun.

Oregon: deep-blue lakes and indie culture

Oregon is a day at Crater Lake plus time on a dramatic coast. I always build in a long browse at Powell’s City of Books in Portland.

Powell’s gives a calm counterpoint to rugged shorelines and spruce forests.You can learn about best-places-to-visit-in-spain

Washington: skyline, rainforest, and small towns

I carve time for Seattle’s markets, then head for Olympic National Park to hike mossy trails and wild beaches.

Small towns like Leavenworth and Walla Walla add slow, local flavor. The people I meet often steer my next detour.

“Start with urban buzz, then detox on ocean overlooks and forest trails.”

Southwest stunners: Arizona, Nevada, and Utah

Here the landscape shifts fast—red rock, salt pans, and engineered marvels sit within a few hours. I plan this leg so I can catch rimline light at dawn, squeeze in a short hike, and still be at a café by late afternoon.

Arizona: Grand Canyon viewpoints, Sedona hikes, and Tucson flavors

I start in Arizona with the grand canyon for sunrise or sunset viewpoints. Then I pair red-rock hikes in Sedona with spicy Sonoran eats in Tucson.

Tip: Front-load your tough hikes before noon and save museum time or shaded patios for the heat.

Nevada: Beyond las vegas — Valley of Fire, Red Rock, and Hoover Dam

From las vegas I carve day trips to Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon for big views without long drives. I always slot a stop at Hoover Dam for a dose of engineering history.You can learn about best-time-to-visit-yosemite

When I need a quick mountain reset, the Mt. Charleston Scenic Byway offers cooler air and short trails.

Utah: The Mighty Five and Bonneville salt flats

Utah is where I chase long hikes: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion anchor the route. I sprinkle scenic drives when I want an easier day and never skip a stop at the Bonneville Salt Flats for surreal photos.

• I plan a road trip with photo stops—slot canyons, wide panoramas, and salt pans.
• Book park reservations or shuttles ahead; busy days fill fast in a national park.
• When the heat spikes, I shift afternoons to viewpoints and cool cafés.

“This region balances blockbuster sights and quiet corners where desert light does the rest.”

The South I keep returning to: Tennessee, Texas, and Louisiana

I’m drawn back by long nights of live tunes and slow, deliberate mornings. This corner of the country mixes loud, local music with wide skies and food that sticks in your memory.

Tennessee: Nashville, Memphis, and the Smokies

I time Tennessee for live sets in Nashville and museum days in Memphis. I stop at the STAX Museum of American Soul Music and the National Civil Rights Museum.

Then I take a leaf-swept drive into the Great Smoky Mountains for a nature reset.

Texas: Hill Country, El Paso, and big-sky drives

In Texas I hop between Hill Country tasting rooms, San Antonio’s artful blocks, and El Paso sunsets. Palo Duro Canyon offers a desert counterpoint to city life.

New Orleans: Creole & Cajun flavor, jazz, and architecture

New Orleans is my flavor capital—gumbo, beignets, and live jazz beneath ironwork balconies that drip with charm. I seek out restaurants where staff love telling each dish’s story.

• I focus on cities that sing at street level—music venues, small galleries, and hands-on restaurants.
• I build itineraries for slow mornings and late nights, leaving room for serendipity: a brass band, a distillery stop, or a pie at a roadside town cafe.

“A brass band in a square can reshape an evening into a memory.”

Mountain West adventures: Colorado and New Mexico

I plan my Mountain West legs around daylight and breathing room: alpine trails first, town cafés later. Summer in Colorado means wildflower bands on high meadows and long, clear evenings for scenic drives.

Colorado: alpine wildflowers, Rocky Mountain hikes, and scenic drives

I build Colorado days around long daylight and summit views. I stop for waterfall pullouts, short ridge hikes, and slow drives that let you drink in jagged peaks.

Classic ski towns become hiking hubs in summer, and shoulder-season wildflowers and quieter trails often make the trip feel richer.

New Mexico: Santa Fe arts, Albuquerque flavors, and otherworldly landscapes

New Mexico pairs gallery mornings in Santa Fe with late-afternoon walks on dunes or badlands. Albuquerque’s chile-forward plates and blue-corn traditions shape the local food scene.

I plan a mix of museum mornings and golden-hour nature walks so each place stays fresh. Whether I’m doing a national park day or a set of state-managed trails, I stack easy walks between longer hikes to keep legs happy.

• I aim for a balance: gallery time, cafés where people swap trail tips, and short hikes that fit the day.
• Some of my favorite mountain memories came from shoulder months—I’ve returned to the same place after years and found it quieter and more vivid.

“Stretch your itinerary so you never shortchange a place you’ll wish you’d lingered in for years.”

New England charm: Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut

New England rewards slow days: town squares, leafy byways, and a hint of literary mystery. I plan my days so one library hour and one scenic stop fit into each afternoon. That rhythm keeps travel gentle and surprising.

Vermont: covered bridges, Green Mountain byways, and fall color

Vermont is my postcard pick. Covered bridges, sugar shacks, and the Green Mountain Byway glow in peak color each fall. I link farm stands and foliage overlooks into a single, continuous day.

Massachusetts: Boston Public Library, literary history, and island escapes

I carve out a library-and-literature day in Massachusetts. The Boston Public Library and Louisa May Alcott’s home feed a quietly bookish afternoon. When I want salt air, I hop a ferry for Martha’s Vineyard or plan a Salem stop in October for spooky history.You can learn about best-places-to-visit-in-switzerland

Connecticut: mall-town ambiance, thin-crust pizza, and TV-town vibes

Connecticut surprises me with friendly small towns and thin-crust pizza culture. Washington Depot still feels like a real-life Stars Hollow. I stroll town centers, savor a slice, and let the local people set the pace.

• I plan drives that connect town centers, parks, and literary stops into one relaxed loop.
• Reservations help: ferries and popular tours fill fast—book ahead so you linger, not line up.
• Architecture and history anchor city hours, while nearby byways give you room to breathe.

“One town coffee, one library hour, one scenic stop at a time—that’s how New England shows its charm.”

Mid-Atlantic mix: Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania

Mid-Atlantic trips give me a tidy mix of history, shoreline calm, and mountain views. I build days that let a city morning bleed into a scenic late afternoon without rushing the moment.

Virginia highlights

I map Virginia for skyline drives and Shenandoah overlooks in a single day. Shenandoah National Park makes for easy sunrise or sunset stops, and I always stretch my legs under the towering Natural Bridge.

Maryland moments

Maryland gives me a coastal-and-trails combo. I watch Assateague’s wild horses at dawn, chase inland waterfalls like Muddy Creek Falls, then cap the day with a crab feast in Annapolis.

Pennsylvania pairings

I pencil in a Philadelphia city day for Independence-era sites and a calm afternoon at Fallingwater on a guided tour. Pittsburgh’s Gilded Age architecture rounds the route with grand, walkable neighborhoods.

• I like to stack a day trip—Annapolis or Lancaster—between bigger city stays so the itinerary breathes.
• Local people—park rangers and crab-shack crews—often steer me to lesser-known viewpoints and neighborhood bites.
• Flag a national park pass or timed entry for peak foliage and holiday weekends; it makes the day smoother.

“These places feel like home the minute you slow down and listen.”

Heartland surprises: Michigan, Illinois, and the Midwest’s small towns

The Midwest surprised me with shoreline sunsets and a handful of urban corners that feel freshly discovered.

Michigan splits its pull between big-lake beaches and dune overlooks. I spend mornings at Sleeping Bear Dunes, then head into Detroit for galleries, music, and a hopeful, vibrant comeback.

Chicago highlights

In Chicago I plan a riverwalk architecture day and save a museum as a weather buffer. Neighborhood wandering reveals standout restaurants and public art that anchor the city experience.

Road-trip detours

Traverse City wineries and Holland’s coastal town core make easy add-ons that turn a short run into restorative days.

• My split: lake time, then an art- and food-forward city day.
• I thread a road trip through waterfront parks, indie shops, and farm-to-table stops that show the region’s evolving scene.
• This is where I find the small place-by-place details — coffee roasters and neighborly hubs that make the Midwest feel like home.

For more regional routes and practical notes, check this Midwest travel guide that I use for planning.

Underrated and unforgettable: Kentucky, Arkansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma

Some of my most memorable legs are the ones that wind through quiet towns and sudden panoramas. I save this loop when I want big moments with small crowds.

Kentucky: bourbon country, bluegrass, and Mammoth Cave

I go to Kentucky for cave tours beneath the surface and for bluegrass nights above ground. Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest cave system, and nearby bourbon trails add a slow, flavorful afternoon.

Arkansas: Ozark overlooks, Hot Springs, and Crystal Bridges

Arkansas blends Ozark scenery with Hot Springs’ spa heritage. Bentonville’s Crystal Bridges gives you a striking art day between hikes and overlooks.

Nebraska & Oklahoma: affordable cities and wild vistas

Nebraska is my affordable city break. Omaha’s Durham and Joslyn museums pair well with legendary burgers and western drives toward Scotts Bluff.

Oklahoma surprises with bison in Wichita Mountains, the Talimena Scenic Byway in autumn, and the Philbrook’s galleries for a cultured stop.

• I structure each day around one best anchor—cave tour, museum, or scenic byway—then follow locals’ tips.
• These are one favorite detours when I want impact without big-city prices.
• Friendly people and slow towns make me linger; I leave room for conversations that change the plan.

“Stack one anchor and one casual hour; you’ll end the day with a mix of art, nature, and hospitality.”

Islands and extremes: Hawaiʻi and Alaska

Volcanic ridgelines and glacial waterways make me favor unhurried days and local-led experiences.

I plan sunrise hikes and slow evening hours so the landscapes settle in. Both places reward a respectful approach: one asks for Mālama care, the other asks for patience and wide-eyed watching.

Hawaiʻi: Mālama mindset, lush hikes, and mindful beach time

In Hawaiʻi I follow the Mālama spirit—careful choices, early hikes, and shorter beach sessions to ease crowds. I seek stewardship programs and local guides who show how visitors can give back.

Plan: book trail permits and time your beach hours for quieter moments. Let island rhythms and evening music shape the night.

Alaska: Denali wildlife, Kenai Fjords glaciers, and epic scenic drives

My Alaska route runs Anchorage to Seward with Kenai Fjords boat days under blue ice. I use the Denali shuttle for peak wildlife viewing and find that long drives reveal unexpected vistas.

Tip: check road conditions and reserve seats early—weather windows and timed entries shape a smooth trip.

“These islands feel like different worlds—volcanic greens and glacial blues—so I slow my pace to truly take them in.”

• I prioritize sunrise starts and sunset lookouts for dramatic light.
• I mix music-filled evenings and hearty local fare so cultural time complements outdoor time.
• For more detailed routes, I use a focused guide on Alaska and Hawaiʻi planning.

Best states to visit: build-your-own USA road trip

A themed loop makes the country feel smaller: pick a flavor and stitch the legs together.

I map each route so a city morning hands off to a nature afternoon. That way you swap a museum for a vista without wasting a day.

City-to-nature pairings

Classic pairings work because they compress variety. San Francisco to Big Sur on the Pacific Coast Highway is one clean day of cliffside driving and redwood stops.

New York City to the Hudson Valley folds winery afternoons and small-town streets into a simple, bookended trip.

Route ideas

Want nonstop geology? Link the Grand Canyon, Valley of Fire, and Zion for deserts and canyons that glow at golden hour.

Prefer a coastal rhythm? A coasts-and-redwoods loop through Oregon and northern California gives back-to-back ocean days.

For music and food, I sketch a trail across Nashville, Memphis, Austin, and New Orleans that pairs live venues with regional plates.

• If you’re looking to connect cities and wild spaces fast, choose SF–Big Sur or NYC–Hudson Valley.
• I note drive times, scenic pullouts, wineries, and cafés so the plan stays playful between anchors.
• Pick a theme from this short list, then add detours until the route matches the pace you want.

“Pick a spine—coast, canyon, or music—and build small detours that make the route yours.”

This list of pairings helps you plan by season, crowd levels, and how much coast you crave. I show where a short city stay supercharges a longer nature leg, and vice versa, so your pacing fits your style.

Conclusion

This final note pulls together the simple planning rules I use on every road and city day.

Anchor your trip with New York, San Francisco, or New Orleans, then add nearby nature for balance. I mean a museum morning, a scenic tour, and a sunset drive along the coast—real clarity in a few days.

I’ve packed these pages with places I love: city corners, small towns, and wild views. Some of my one favorite moments I’ve ever had came from a sudden café stop, a street musician’s set, or a last-minute ferry ride.

Pick one best theme—architecture, music, parks, or food—and craft the rest of the days around it. The country shines when city energy meets towns where people slow down. Travel light, follow local tips, and you’ll map a road that feels like home.