Planning a US trip and overwhelmed trying to pick states? Yeah, I've been there too. America's huge, and every state brings something completely different. After road-tripping to 48 states (still working on Alaska and Hawaii!), let me break down what actually makes a state worth visiting. Forget those generic "top 10" lists copied from tourist brochures.
What makes one of the best states to visit in America truly stand out? It's about that magic combo: killer natural scenery you can't find elsewhere, cities buzzing with their own vibe, food that'll make you cancel your diet, and honestly – how easy it is to actually enjoy without going broke. Some spots look great on Instagram but drain your wallet faster than a Vegas slot machine.
Let's get real practical. I'll give you specifics – not just "visit the Grand Canyon" but exactly how to see it without the Disneyland crowds, where to grab green chile cheeseburgers in New Mexico, and why that charming coastal town closes down in February. Because nobody wants to show up to locked doors.
Local Insight: I once drove 3 hours to a "must-see" waterfall in Oregon only to find it dried up in August. Learned my lesson – always check seasonal access!
California: Where Beaches Meet Mountains and Everything Else
Okay, obvious pick? Maybe. But California's popular for reasons beyond Hollywood hype. Where else can you surf at sunrise, hike among 2,000-year-old trees by noon, and wine-taste at sunset? The sheer variety lands it firmly among the best states to visit in America. Traffic in LA? Brutal. Parking in San Francisco? Might require a second mortgage.
Can't-Miss California Experiences
Yosemite National Park
Address Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Entry $35/vehicle (valid 7 days), reservations required May-Oct
Hours 24/7 year-round (some roads close in winter)
Tip Skip summer crowds – visit April-May or September-October. Tunnel View at sunrise? Pure magic.
Santa Monica Pier & Beach
Address 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Cost Free entry, rides $5-$10 each
Hours Pier 6AM-10PM daily, attractions vary
Transport Easily reachable via LA Metro Expo Line (get off at Downtown Santa Monica)
My Take: Napa Valley wine tours are fantastic, but honestly? Sonoma County feels less staged and crowded. Book a small family vineyard tour instead.
Hawaii: Beyond the Postcard Perfection
If we're talking bucket list destinations among the best American states to travel to, Hawaii dominates. But it's not all luaus and umbrella drinks (though those are great!). Each island has its own soul. Maui is adventure central. Kauai is raw nature. Oahu blends city and surf. Heads up: Food prices? Ouch. Rent a car – public transit won't cut it.
Hawaii Island Breakdown
| Island | Best For | Must-Do | Budget Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maui | Road trips, waterfalls, luxury resorts | Road to Hana (start EARLY), sunrise at Haleakalā (reserve months ahead!) | Skip resort breakfasts – grab delicious banana bread from roadside stands ($6) |
| Kauai | Hiking, dramatic coastlines, escaping crowds | Na Pali Coast boat tour or Kalalau Trail hike (permit required) | Camp at county parks (like Anini Beach) instead of hotels |
| Oahu | History, nightlife, surfing culture | Pearl Harbor memorial (free, but book tickets online), North Shore surfing beaches | Use TheBus ($2.75/ride) across Honolulu instead of Uber |
Local Food Alert: Don't just eat poke bowls (though do eat those!). Try loco moco (rice, burger patty, egg, gravy) at a diner. Plate lunches (2 scoops rice, mac salad, main) are cheap and filling.
New York: More Than Just the City
NYC grabs headlines, but the state itself? Wildly underrated for nature. The Adirondacks dwarf national parks. Finger Lakes wineries rival California. Finding the best states to visit in the US means looking beyond skyscrapers.
Escaping NYC: Upstate Gems
- Letchworth State Park: Called the "Grand Canyon of the East". $10/car entry. Hike the Gorge Trail for insane waterfall views. Open year-round (winter access limited).
- Finger Lakes Wine Trail: Seneca Lake or Cayuga Lake routes. Tastings $3-$8 each. Most wineries open 10AM-5PM daily spring-fall. Rent a bike along Seneca Lake.
- Storm King Art Center: Massive outdoor sculpture park an hour north of NYC. $23/adult. Open Wed-Sun 10AM-5:30PM Apr-Dec. Bring picnic supplies!
City Reality Check: Times Square is loud, crowded, and smells faintly of hot dogs and desperation. Go once for the spectacle, then escape to quieter neighborhoods like West Village or Dumbo.
Arizona: Desert Dreams & Canyon Grandeur
For jaw-dropping landscapes, Arizona tops the list of best states to visit in America. The Grand Canyon is legitimately mind-blowing. Sedona looks photoshopped in real life. But visiting July-August? Pure madness. Heat hits 115°F (46°C).
Grand Canyon South Rim (Most Accessible)
Entry $35/vehicle, valid 7 days
Best Time March-May & Sept-Nov
Avoid Crowds Arrive before 8AM or after 4PM. Skip Mather Point – hike .5 miles to Shoshone Point (often empty!).
Stay Tusayan (just outside park) has chain hotels. Flagstaff (1.5hrs away) is cheaper & cooler.
Sedona Secret: Skip the expensive Pink Jeep tours. Drive Schnebly Hill Road (requires SUV/high clearance) for free red rock vistas. Grab killer prickly pear margaritas at Elote Cafe (book months ahead!).
Colorado: Mountain Highs Year-Round
Winter skiing gets attention, but Colorado shines as one of the best states to visit in America during summer and fall too. Wildflowers explode in July. Aspens turn gold in September. Denver is surprisingly cool (and walkable!). Altitude sickness sneaks up on many visitors – hydrate like crazy.
Colorado Essentials By Season
| Season | Where to Go | What to Do | Cost Saver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec-Mar) | Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen for skiing/snowboarding | Ski passes ($150-$250/day), snowshoeing, hot springs | Stay in Dillon/Silverthorne instead of resort towns |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Rocky Mountain NP, Telluride, Crested Butte | Hiking, mountain biking, rafting ($60-$120/trip) | Free ranger programs in national parks |
| Fall (Sept-Oct) | Santhas Mountains, Kebler Pass, Maroon Bells | Leaf peeping, scenic drives, photography | Campgrounds ($20-$30/night) beat hotels ($300+) |
Denver Tip: The airport (DEN) is MILES from downtown. Take the $10.50 A-Line train – it takes 37 minutes and saves $$$ on Uber.
Florida: Not Just Theme Parks
Okay, Disney World is massive. But Florida's real magic hides in springs, weird little towns, and unreal beaches. When picking the best states to visit in the USA, Florida offers crazy diversity – from Miami's art deco to Everglades airboats. Hurricane season (June-Nov) is a gamble.
- Emerald Coast (Panhandle): Sugar-white sand beaches way less crowded than Miami. Destin and Pensacola are bases. Public beach access points are free.
- Everglades National Park: $30/car entry. Shark Valley tram tour ($29) or rent bikes ($22). Airboat tours ($50+) outside park boundaries. Go December-April (less bugs!).
- St. Augustine: Oldest US city. Castillo de San Marcos fort ($15/adult). Walkable historic district. Avoid summer humidity if possible.
Theme Park Reality: Disney is exhausting. Genie+ passes are basically mandatory now ($15-$25/person/day ON TOP of tickets). Universal feels more manageable. Budget for WAY more than you think.
Louisiana: Pure Soul and Spice
For culture and food unlike anywhere else in the US, Louisiana dominates. New Orleans pulses with music. Cajun country feels like another world. It's messy, humid, and utterly unforgettable.
New Orleans French Quarter
Vibe Historic architecture, live jazz, beignets, crowds
Must-Eat Beignets at Café du Monde ($4.25/order, cash only, 24/7), Po'boys at Parkway Bakery ($15 avg)
Smart Move Stay just outside the Quarter (like Marigny) for quieter nights
Warning Bourbon Street smells like stale beer and regret after 10PM. Frenchmen Street has better jazz clubs.
Beyond NOLA: Drive to Lafayette for authentic Cajun culture. Eat boudin (sausage) at roadside stops. Kayak through eerie cypress swamps near Lake Martin ($35 guided tours).
Comparing Your Top Contenders
Still stuck? Here's the brutally honest rundown on choosing among the best American states to travel to:
| State | Best For | Best Time to Visit | Budget Level | My Personal Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Beaches, mountains, cities, wine | April-May, Sept-Oct | $$$ (Expensive) | 9/10 (Traffic sucks) |
| Hawaii | Unique landscapes, beaches, culture | April-May, Sept-Oct | $$$$ (Very Expensive) | 10/10 (Cost painful) |
| Colorado | Mountains, hiking, skiing, outdoors | June-Sept (summer), Dec-Mar (winter) | $$ (Moderate) | 9/10 (Altitude adjustment) |
| Arizona | Desert scenery, canyons, hiking | March-May, Oct-Nov | $ (Budget Friendly) | 8/10 (Summer hell) |
| Louisiana | Food, music, unique culture | Feb-May (avoid Mardi Gras unless you love crowds) | $$ (Moderate) | 8/10 (Humidity brutal) |
Your Burning Questions About the Best States to Visit in America (Answered)
What is the #1 best state to visit in America?
There's no single "best" – it depends wildly on what you want! Hawaii wins for unique landscapes and vibe. California wins for sheer variety. Colorado is tops for mountain lovers. New York blends city and nature brilliantly. Honestly? Avoid anyone who gives a single answer.
What are the most affordable best states to visit in the US?
Arizona (outside peak season), New Mexico, Utah (camping!), and surprisingly – Florida's Gulf Coast if you skip theme parks. Avoid Hawaii and California cities if your wallet is thin.
Which state has the most diverse scenery?
California hands down. Ocean cliffs, redwood forests, deserts (Death Valley), snow-capped mountains (Sierra Nevada), fertile valleys, lakes... it's insane. Utah comes close with mountains, deserts, canyons.
What is the most underrated state to visit?
Michigan: Stunning Great Lakes coastline (Sleeping Bear Dunes!), vibrant Detroit comeback, amazing fresh water. New Mexico: Incredible blend of Native, Hispanic, and Wild West culture plus alien landscapes (White Sands!). Maine: Rugged coast, lobster rolls, Acadia National Park.
How far in advance should I plan a trip to top US states?
Popular Parks (Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain): Lodging 6-12 months out. Campsites? Book the second reservations open (often 6 months prior). Hawaii: Flights/hotels 6-8 months ahead. Big Cities (NYC, LA, SF): Hotels 3-4 months out for best rates. Flexibility saves money!
Making Your Final Choice
Picking the best states to visit in America isn't about chasing a ranking. It boils down to three things:
- What vibe do you want? Relaxing beach? Bustling city? Mountain solitude? Cultural immersion?
- What's your actual budget? Be honest. Hawaii flights alone cost more than a week in Arizona.
- When are you traveling? Skiing Colorado in July? Bad idea. Visiting Death Valley in August? Worse idea.
My biggest screwup? Trying to cram California coast, Yosemite, *and* Vegas into one week. We spent half the trip driving stressed. Pick one region per trip. Dive deep. Chat with locals. Find those weird roadside attractions (world's largest ball of twine, anyone?). That's where the real best states to visit in America memories happen.
Got a specific state or trip dilemma? Drop it in the comments – I've probably messed it up before so you don't have to!
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