The United States offers an incredible diversity of travel experiences across its 50 states, from tropical beaches to arctic wilderness and everything in between. Based on comprehensive travel data and popularity metrics, this guide reveals the must-visit destinations in each state to help you plan the ultimate American adventure.
At-a-Glance Summary: Best Places to Visit in America
Top Regions to Explore:
Northeast: New York City, Boston, Philadelphia
South: Orlando, New Orleans, Austin
West: Grand Canyon, Yosemite, San Francisco
Midwest: Chicago, Cleveland, Hocking Hills
Pacific: Hawaii’s beaches, Alaska’s glaciers
Best Time to Visit:
Spring (April–May) and Fall (September–October) for mild weather, smaller crowds, and scenic beauty.
Top Experiences in the USA:
Exploring national parks and road trips across multiple states
Visiting landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Golden Gate Bridge
Experiencing local food, music, and cultural diversity
Discovering hidden landscapes — check out 9 alien landscapes you can visit without a spaceship
For seasonal inspiration, explore 10 destinations that are trending hard this fall, handpicked by Travelfika travel experts.
Northeast Region
New York: The Empire State
Top Attraction: New York City
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Times Square & Broadway
Central Park
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Travel Tip: Book Broadway tickets and observation decks 2–3 months in advance for the best deals.
Massachusetts: Historical Hub
Top Attraction: Boston
Freedom Trail
Harvard University
Fenway Park
Cape Cod beaches
Pennsylvania: American History
Top Attraction: Philadelphia
Independence Hall
Liberty Bell
Gettysburg Battlefield
Hershey’s Chocolate World
Southern Region
Florida: Sunshine State
Top Attraction: Orlando Theme Parks
Walt Disney World
Universal Studios
Miami South Beach
Everglades National Park
Travel Tip: Visit theme parks in September or January for shorter queues and pleasant weather.
Texas: Lone Star State
Top Attraction: Diverse Landscapes
San Antonio River Walk
Austin live music scene
Big Bend National Park
Houston Space Center
Louisiana: Cultural Melting Pot
Top Attraction: New Orleans
French Quarter
Bourbon Street
Plantation tours
Swamp tours
Western Region
California: Golden State
Top Attraction: Diverse Experiences
Yosemite National Park
San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge
Los Angeles Hollywood
San Diego beaches
Arizona: Desert Beauty
Top Attraction: Grand Canyon
South Rim viewpoints
Sedona red rocks
Monument Valley
Antelope Canyon
Travel Tip: Visit Grand Canyon at sunrise for optimal light and fewer crowds.
Colorado: Mountain Majesty
Top Attraction: Rocky Mountains
Rocky Mountain National Park
Aspen skiing
Garden of the Gods
Mesa Verde ruins
Midwest Region
Illinois: Heartland Hub
Top Attraction: Chicago
Millennium Park
Art Institute
Navy Pier
Willis Tower Skydeck
Ohio: Historical Heartland
Top Attraction: Multiple Cities
Cedar Point amusement park
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Hocking Hills State Park
National Museum of the USAF
Pacific Region
Hawaii: Tropical Paradise
Top Attraction: Island Diversity
Oahu’s Waikiki Beach
Maui Road to Hana
Kauai Na Pali Coast
Big Island volcanoes
Alaska: The Last Frontier
Top Attraction: Wilderness Adventures
Denali National Park
Glacier Bay
Northern Lights
Inside Passage cruise
Regional Travel Planning
Best Time to Visit Each Region
Northeast: May–October for mild weather and foliage
South: October–April to escape the summer heat
West: Year-round with distinct seasonal charms
Midwest: June–September for outdoor adventures
Pacific: Hawaii year-round, Alaska May–September
Travel Style Recommendations
Family Travel: Florida, California, Virginia
Adventure Travel: Alaska, Colorado, Utah
Cultural Travel: New York, Louisiana, Massachusetts
Road Trips: California, Arizona, Utah, Montana
For adventure lovers, read about 9 best trails and other spots for dogs in US national parks.
Planning Your American Adventure
Budget Considerations
Accommodation: $100–300/night
National Parks: $20–35 per vehicle
Theme Parks: $100–150 per person daily
Dining: $15–50 per person
Transportation Tips
East Coast: Trains and short-haul flights between cities
West Coast: Rental cars for flexibility
National Parks: Advance reservations are often required
Major Cities: Efficient public transport available
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most visited state in the US?
Florida tops the list with over 130 million annual visitors, driven by its beaches, cruise ports, and world-famous theme parks. California follows closely with diverse attractions from coastal cities to national parks.
Which state has the most national parks?
California leads with nine national parks, including Yosemite, Sequoia, and Joshua Tree. Alaska comes second with eight, featuring untouched wilderness like Denali and Glacier Bay.
What’s the best state for family vacations?
Florida ranks highest for families due to its theme parks, beaches, and resorts. California and Virginia also offer family-friendly experiences with a good mix of adventure and culture.
Which state is most affordable for tourists?
Tennessee, New Mexico, and Kentucky offer great value for travelers, with lower accommodation, food, and entertainment costs compared to coastal states.
How many states should I visit in one trip?
Plan 3–5 neighboring states in a 2–3 week itinerary. Classic routes like a California road trip or a New England fall foliage trail offer variety without travel fatigue.
What’s the best time to visit multiple states?
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer pleasant weather across most regions and fewer crowds.
Do I need a car to explore multiple states?
For major cities, public transport is efficient. But for national parks and small towns, a rental car is highly recommended for flexibility and convenience.
Why the USA Belongs on Every Traveler’s Bucket List
America’s sheer diversity, from desert canyons and alpine peaks to historic cities and modern skylines, makes it a lifetime destination. Whether you’re drawn to the wild beauty of Alaska, the energy of New York, or the cinematic charm of California, each state adds a new chapter to your travel story.
Start Planning Your 50-State Adventure
From the tropical beaches of Hawaii to the icy glaciers of Alaska, the USA offers unforgettable experiences in every corner. Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip, a regional getaway, or exploring iconic cities, this guide gives you everything you need to start your journey.
Begin your journey today with Travelfika, your guide to exploring the best places to visit in America and beyond.
