25 Best States to Visit and Things to do
I’ve visited all 50 states, and narrowing them down to the top 25 wasn’t easy. Some stand out for their incredible scenery, others for their food, culture, cities, or unforgettable experiences.
After considering all of those things, these are the 25 states I think are the best to visit. From California at number one to Ohio at number 25, here’s my ranking.
#25: Ohio
Ohio earns a spot in the top 25 because it offers a good mix of cities, nature, history, and food. Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati each have a different feel, giving travelers plenty of options beyond the state’s well-known college sports culture.
Cleveland is a great place to start, especially if you enjoy music and museums. Visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, explore the city’s neighborhoods, and spend some time along Lake Erie. Columbus has a lively downtown, excellent restaurants, and plenty of parks and cultural attractions. In Cincinnati, try the city’s famous chili and explore the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.
Ohio also has some impressive outdoor escapes. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the state’s standout natural attraction, with waterfalls, forests, hiking trails, and scenic views close to Cleveland. Add in Ohio’s small towns, covered bridges, and Lake Erie shoreline, and the state offers more variety than many travelers expect.
#24: Montana
Montana is a great choice for travelers who want wide-open landscapes, mountain scenery, and outdoor adventures. Glacier National Park is the state’s biggest highlight, with dramatic peaks, clear lakes, scenic roads, and some of the best hiking in the region.
Montana is also a convenient base for exploring Yellowstone National Park, especially if you want to combine the two destinations on a longer road trip. Towns such as Bozeman add a lively side to the trip, with restaurants, museums, shops, and easy access to the surrounding mountains.
For winter travelers, Big Sky is another major attraction, offering skiing and snowboarding surrounded by impressive mountain views. With its mix of national parks, small towns, scenic drives, and outdoor activities, Montana easily earns a place among the top 25 states to visit.
#23: Utah
Utah is one of the best states to visit if you love dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventures. The state’s Mighty 5 national parks Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef offer everything from towering cliffs and narrow canyons to natural arches and colorful rock formations.
Beyond the national parks, Salt Lake City is a great base for exploring the area, with easy access to mountain trails and ski resorts. The Bonneville Salt Flats also offer one of Utah’s most unusual landscapes, while places such as Park City and Moab add even more reasons to explore the state.
#22: Wisconsin
Wisconsin combines beautiful lakes, outdoor activities, friendly cities, and plenty of great food. With shorelines along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, the state offers opportunities for boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and scenic road trips.
Milwaukee is known for its lakefront, museums, restaurants, and breweries, while Madison has a lively downtown and a beautiful setting between two lakes. For a quieter escape, head to Door County for small towns, beaches, parks, and scenic drives. The Wisconsin Dells is another popular choice, especially for families looking for year-round entertainment.
#21: Maine
Maine is a top choice for travelers who want coastal scenery, fresh seafood, charming towns, and outdoor adventures. Acadia National Park is the state’s biggest attraction, with rocky coastlines, mountain trails, forests, and spectacular sunrise views.
The coast is just as appealing outside the park. Portland offers a strong food scene and easy access to the waterfront, while smaller coastal towns provide a slower pace and classic New England scenery. Maine is especially beautiful in the fall, when the forests turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
#20: Minnesota
Minnesota is a great state for travelers who enjoy lakes, forests, outdoor activities, and lively cities. Voyageurs National Park is a standout destination, with waterways, islands, forests, and opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking.
The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul offer museums, restaurants, parks, music, and cultural attractions. For a scenic getaway, Duluth sits along Lake Superior and makes a great base for exploring the North Shore. Minnesota also has plenty of smaller lakes and parks, making it an excellent destination for an outdoor-focused trip.
#19: Florida
Florida is one of the most popular states in the country for a reason. Its beaches, theme parks, warm weather, and coastal cities give travelers plenty of ways to spend a vacation. Orlando is famous for its major theme parks, while Miami offers beaches, nightlife, art, and a strong mix of cultures.
For a different experience, explore the Florida Keys or visit Everglades National Park to see one of the state’s most unique natural environments. St. Augustine adds history and old-world charm, while destinations such as Tampa, Sarasota, and the Gulf Coast offer more beaches and waterfront attractions.
#18: New Mexico
New Mexico stands out for its desert landscapes, mountain scenery, history, art, and distinctive local culture. Santa Fe is known for its adobe architecture, galleries, museums, and creative atmosphere, while Albuquerque offers a mix of food, culture, outdoor activities, and southwestern character.
The state’s natural attractions are just as impressive. White Sands National Park features enormous white gypsum dunes, while Carlsbad Caverns National Park takes visitors deep underground into a spectacular cave system. Add the mountain town of Taos and New Mexico’s scenic drives, and the state offers a travel experience that feels completely different from most places in the U.S.
#17: Georgia
Georgia offers a strong mix of Southern culture, historic cities, outdoor scenery, and great food. Savannah is one of the state’s most appealing destinations, with beautiful squares, historic buildings, moss-covered trees, and a relaxed atmosphere. Atlanta adds a completely different experience with major attractions, restaurants, museums, and entertainment.
Outside the cities, Georgia has plenty to explore. The Blue Ridge Mountains offer hiking, waterfalls, and scenic views, while Lake Oconee is a popular spot for boating and relaxing by the water. Athens is another worthwhile stop, especially for its music, food, and lively college-town atmosphere.
#16: Maryland
Maryland packs a surprising amount of variety into a relatively small state. The Chesapeake Bay is central to the state’s identity, with waterfront towns, sailing, seafood, and opportunities to enjoy the coast. Annapolis is especially worth visiting for its historic streets and waterfront setting.
Baltimore offers museums, restaurants, historic neighborhoods, and attractions around the Inner Harbor. For nature and outdoor adventures, visit Assateague Island to see its famous wild horses or head west toward the mountains for hiking and waterfalls. Maryland’s mix of coast, cities, history, and outdoor attractions makes it an easy state to explore.
#15: Hawaii
Hawaii is hard to compare with most other states because of its tropical landscapes, beaches, volcanic scenery, and Polynesian culture. Each island offers something different, from the busy beaches and attractions of Oahu to the dramatic landscapes of Kauai and the volcanic scenery of the Big Island.
You can spend your trip swimming, snorkeling, hiking, surfing, or simply relaxing by the ocean. Maui is another favorite for scenic drives, beaches, and mountain landscapes. Hawaii can get crowded, but the combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and unique culture makes it one of the most memorable states to visit.
#14: Illinois
Illinois earns its place in the top 25 largely because of Chicago, one of the most exciting cities in the country. You can explore its famous architecture, museums, sports, neighborhoods, and food scene, with everything from deep-dish pizza to excellent international restaurants.
There is more to Illinois beyond Chicago, too. Springfield is worth visiting for its connection to Abraham Lincoln and American history. Along the state’s rivers and smaller towns, you’ll find scenic drives, parks, and quieter places to explore. Illinois may not have the dramatic landscapes of some states on this list, but its cities, history, and food make it a worthwhile destination.
#13: Arizona
Arizona is one of the best states in the country for dramatic natural scenery. Grand Canyon National Park is the biggest attraction, but it is only one part of what makes the state special. The red rocks around Sedona, the giant saguaro cacti near Tucson, and the desert landscapes throughout the state all offer something different.
Outdoor lovers can explore Saguaro National Park, Monument Valley, and several scenic areas around the Colorado River. For a break from the desert heat, head north to Flagstaff, where higher elevations bring cooler temperatures and nearby forests and mountains. Arizona’s mix of canyons, deserts, forests, and red-rock landscapes makes it easy to see why it ranks so highly.
#12: Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a great state to visit for history, coastal scenery, food, and charming towns. Boston is the main highlight, with historic attractions such as the Freedom Trail, excellent museums, waterfront areas, and a lively restaurant scene.
Outside Boston, Cape Cod offers beaches and coastal communities, while Salem is known for its fascinating history and spooky atmosphere. Plymouth is another important historic stop, and the Berkshires offer hiking, scenic drives, art, and small-town charm. With so many different experiences within a relatively small area, Massachusetts is an easy state to explore on a road trip.
#11: Virginia
Virginia is a strong choice for travelers who enjoy history, mountains, beaches, and charming towns. Richmond has a rich history along with museums, restaurants, and a growing food scene. Further east, Virginia Beach offers a classic coastal getaway with miles of shoreline and plenty of activities.
Nature is another major reason to visit. Shenandoah National Park has scenic mountain trails and overlooks along Skyline Drive, while Natural Bridge State Park is home to an impressive limestone arch. Historic Williamsburg and other sites connected to early American history add even more variety to a trip around the state.
#10: Michigan
Michigan is one of the Midwest’s best states for outdoor adventures, waterfront towns, and city experiences. Surrounded by the Great Lakes, it has beautiful beaches, forests, islands, and scenic drives that make summer road trips especially enjoyable.
Detroit offers music, sports, museums, and a growing food scene, while Grand Rapids is known for its breweries, restaurants, and arts. For a quieter getaway, visit Traverse City or the small towns along Lake Michigan. The state’s sand dunes, lakeshore parks, and northern forests give Michigan plenty of natural beauty to go with its cities.
#9: North Carolina
North Carolina offers an impressive mix of mountains, beaches, cities, and small towns. Charlotte is a major urban destination with museums, restaurants, sports, and entertainment, while Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill form a lively area known for universities, culture, and food.
In the western part of the state, Asheville is a popular base for exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains and nearby scenic drives. The Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway provide some of the state’s best outdoor experiences. Head east to Wilmington or the Outer Banks for beaches, coastal towns, and water activities. With so much variety, North Carolina is one of the easiest states to recommend for a well-rounded trip.
#8: Tennessee
Tennessee is a great state for travelers who want a mix of mountains, music, food, and lively cities. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of its biggest attractions, with scenic drives, hiking trails, waterfalls, and mountain views.
In eastern Tennessee, Knoxville and Chattanooga offer outdoor activities, restaurants, and a relaxed city atmosphere. Nashville is the place to go for live music, country music history, and a busy nightlife scene. Further west, Memphis adds its own musical history, especially around Beale Street, along with famous barbecue and plenty of local character.
#7: Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania combines major cities, American history, mountains, and smaller towns, making it one of the most varied states to explore. Philadelphia is packed with historic landmarks, museums, restaurants, and famous attractions, while Pittsburgh stands out for its hills, rivers, sports, and distinctive neighborhoods.
Outside the cities, Lancaster County offers a look at Amish country, while the Pocono Mountains are popular for hiking, scenic drives, and fall colors. Chocolate lovers can visit Hershey, and history fans will find plenty of important sites throughout the state. Pennsylvania has enough variety to make a road trip well worth the time.
#6: Colorado
Colorado is hard to beat when it comes to mountain scenery and outdoor adventures. The Rocky Mountains provide endless opportunities for hiking, camping, skiing, and scenic drives, with high peaks and alpine lakes around nearly every corner.
Denver, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs give travelers plenty of city experiences without putting them far from nature. Places such as Garden of the Gods, Breckenridge, and Rocky Mountain National Park are easy highlights for an outdoor-focused trip. Whether you want to hike a challenging trail, ski in a mountain town, or simply enjoy the views, Colorado has something for almost every type of traveler.
#5: Texas
Texas earns a spot near the top because it offers an enormous range of places, landscapes, food, and experiences. The major cities each have their own personality, from Austin’s live music and food scene to San Antonio’s historic attractions and Houston’s museums and restaurants. Dallas and Fort Worth add even more variety.
The smaller destinations are just as interesting. Marfa is known for its art and unusual desert atmosphere, while Fredericksburg combines German heritage with wineries and a charming downtown. Galveston offers beaches and coastal attractions, and Lockhart is a must-visit for anyone who loves Texas barbecue. With so much to explore, Texas can easily fill an entire trip on its own.
#4: Oregon
Oregon stands out for its dramatic coastline, forests, mountains, waterfalls, and excellent food and wine. The Oregon Coast is one of the state’s biggest highlights, with rugged beaches, small coastal towns, and scenic viewpoints along the way.
Inland, the Willamette Valley is known for its wineries, while Portland offers great restaurants, neighborhoods, parks, and a strong local culture. Outdoor travelers can explore Crater Lake, Multnomah Falls, the Oregon Dunes, and the mountains around Bend. Oregon packs an impressive amount of scenery into one state, making it one of the best choices for a road trip.
#3: Washington
Washington is one of the most diverse states in the Pacific Northwest, with mountains, forests, islands, coastline, vineyards, and lively cities. Mount Rainier National Park is a major highlight, offering incredible mountain views, hiking trails, and scenic drives.
Seattle adds a completely different experience with Pike Place Market, museums, coffee shops, music, and its famous skyline. Eastern Washington is worth exploring too, especially around Spokane, Walla Walla, and Lake Chelan. Whether you want mountain adventures, waterfront scenery, wine country, or city attractions, Washington offers plenty of reasons to visit.
#2: New York
New York takes the number two spot because it offers an incredible mix of city life, nature, food, culture, and history. New York City alone could carry the state this high, with its famous skyline, museums, restaurants, neighborhoods, parks, and endless entertainment.
But there is plenty to explore beyond the city. The Finger Lakes offer scenic vineyards and small towns, while the Adirondacks are ideal for hiking, camping, and winter activities. The Hudson Valley has charming communities, historic estates, and farm-to-table restaurants, while Niagara Falls is one of the most impressive natural attractions in the country. Few states offer this much variety in one destination.
#1: California
California takes the number one spot because it has an almost unmatched mix of scenery, cities, food, culture, and outdoor adventures. From the Redwood forests in the north to the beaches around San Diego, the state offers an incredible range of landscapes.
You can explore Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, and Death Valley, then spend the next day enjoying a coastal town or a major city. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego each offer their own food, entertainment, and cultural experiences, while places like Napa, Sonoma, Santa Barbara, and Solvang add smaller-town charm.
California also has some truly remarkable extremes, including Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, Death Valley, the lowest point in North America, and some of the world’s largest trees. Whether you want mountains, beaches, deserts, forests, great food, or city life, California gives you plenty of reasons to keep coming back.
Best States for Nature and Outdoor Adventures
If nature is your main reason for traveling, several states on this list stand out. California, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Utah offer everything from dramatic mountains and national parks to forests, deserts, beaches, and scenic drives.
For a mix of landscapes, California is hard to beat. Colorado and Utah are excellent for mountain adventures, while Washington and Oregon offer forests, waterfalls, lakes, and Pacific Northwest scenery. These states are especially good choices if you want to spend more time outside during your trip.
How I Ranked the Top 25 States
I ranked these states based on the things that make a trip memorable, including natural scenery, food, culture, cities, outdoor activities, and my own experiences while traveling. A state does not have to be perfect in every category to make the list. Sometimes one incredible city, national park, or travel experience can make a big difference.
Since I’ve visited all 50 states, this ranking also reflects what I personally enjoyed most. Your list may look completely different, and that’s part of the fun of comparing U.S. destinations.
Which of These States Should You Visit First?
The best state to visit depends on what you want from your trip. For dramatic national parks and outdoor adventures, California, Colorado, Utah, Washington, and Oregon are excellent choices. If you prefer big cities, food, and culture, New York, Illinois, Texas, and Massachusetts offer plenty to explore.
For beaches and warmer weather, consider Florida, Hawaii, North Carolina, or California. History lovers may enjoy Virginia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, or New York, while travelers looking for a mix of everything will find plenty to like in states such as Tennessee, Michigan, and Georgia.
There is no single right choice. Start with the type of experience you want, then pick the state that fits your trip best.
Tips for Planning a Trip to These Top States
You don’t need to see an entire state in one trip. Many of these states are large enough to deserve several visits, so choose one region or a few main attractions and build your trip around them.
For popular states like California, New York, Florida, and Hawaii, book accommodations and major attractions early, especially during busy travel seasons. For outdoor destinations such as Colorado, Utah, Oregon, and Washington, check seasonal conditions before you go.
Most importantly, leave some room for unexpected stops. Some of the best travel experiences can happen in a small town, scenic overlook, local restaurant, or roadside attraction you never planned to visit.
Want to See More U.S. Travel Ideas?
If you’re planning your next trip around the United States, there are plenty more places worth exploring. From national parks and scenic road trips to underrated cities and unique attractions, you can keep discovering new destinations across the country.
Conclusion
Ranking the top 25 states is not easy when every state has something different to offer. From California’s incredible variety to Ohio’s cities and attractions, these states all have plenty worth exploring.
Of course, your ranking may look completely different. The best state for you depends on the experiences, scenery, food, and places you enjoy most. Use this list as inspiration, then start planning your own trip and see which states make your personal top 25.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the #1 state to visit in the USA?
California is ranked #1 on this list because it offers an impressive mix of beaches, national parks, cities, food, culture, and outdoor activities.
What are the top 5 states in this ranking?
The top five are California, New York, Washington, Oregon, and Texas.
What is the best state for outdoor activities?
Colorado, California, Washington, Oregon, and Utah are excellent choices for hiking, scenic drives, national parks, skiing, and other outdoor adventures.
Which state is best for a first-time U.S. trip?
California is a strong choice because it offers many different experiences in one state, including major cities, beaches, mountains, national parks, and scenic road trips.
Are these the objectively best 25 states?
No. This is a personal ranking based on travel experiences, scenery, food, culture, outdoor activities, and things to do. Your own top 25 may look very different.
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