Living in the USA has many benefits, and having 50 states to visit is one of them. No two states are alike, and their residents are proud of them. It’s precisely that diversity that makes this country the wonderful place it is. 

Traveling the world has appeal, but a sense of wanderlust can be equally satisfied by visiting different states in the union. These states have everything from sun and surf to mountains and valleys, rolling farmlands to vibrant urban centers. 

1. Alaska

Because it’s so far away from the lower 48 states, Alaska has an air of mystery about it. The potential for finding new places and having unique adventures makes it the perfect place to visit. There’s a reason it’s called The Last Frontier.

You can get familiar with the state by ATVing, kayaking, hiking, cruising, and even ziplining. If you want to have an ecologically friendly experience around Alaska, you take an adventure on a single-day or multiple-day ecotour. 

2. Arizona

The Grand Canyon is Arizona’s most famous attraction, but there’s much more to see and experience. Native Americans are an integral part of the state’s and country’s history, and you can visit their tribal lands to learn more about their culture.

For an eerie look into Arizona’s past, there are five hidden ghost towns to immerse yourself in. After nightfall, you can view its legendary star-filled nightscapes, which can be seen from designated dark spaces or an observatory. 

3. California 

When you plan a trip to California, you’ll have to decide which of the twelve regions you’ll visit. You may even decide to go to more than one. With all of the various attractions and diverse climates, no one would blame you!

There’s hiking and mountain biking in the Shasta Cascade region, and skiing in the High Sierra part of the state. The arid beauty of desert areas like Joshua Tree National Park is not to be missed, and you might catch a glimpse of your favorite celebrities in Los Angeles County. 

4. Colorado

No matter which time of year you go to Colorado, you’re bound to find something to fall in love with. It could be skiing and snowboarding in Aspen or Telluride, or watching a concert at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater.

Hiking enthusiasts can challenge themselves by climbing on the highest sand dunes in North America at Great Sand Dunes National Park. The iconic Denver Union Station has a cool scene with boutiques, restaurants, and hotels.  

5. Hawai’i 

The six main islands of the state, Kaua’i, O’ahu, Moloka’i, Lāna’i, Maui, and Hawai’i, are equally gorgeous in specific ways. O’ahu, home to the capital city Honolulu, is the most typically visited of the chain, but the other islands are worth more than a look. 

Kaua’i is known as the Garden Island because of its abundant greenery, and O’ahu  Moloka’i’s residents stay true to their native Hawai’ian ancestry, Lāna’i has a relaxing, laidback environment, and Maui is the Valley Isle, with its scenic views of the land and sea. The Big Island, Hawai’i, is home to Volcanoes National Park. 

6. Maine 

Moose sightings and fresh lobsters are just two of many things to experience while you’re in Maine. The Pine Tree State has more than 60 historical lighthouses, many of them open to the public for touring with museums next to them.

In addition to more than 3,500 miles of Atlantic Ocean shoreline that are ideal for sailing and kayaking, Maine also has more than 32,000 miles of streams and rivers. In the winter, they’re perfect for ice fishing and snowmobile riding. 

7. New Mexico

Travelers with an affinity for American history will find plenty of it in New Mexico. Pecos National Historical Park houses the remnants of a Spanish adobe mission, a pueblo that dates back for generations, and a Civil War hiking trail. 

Spend some time at the Aztec Ruins National Monument, taking in its pueblo architecture dating back almost 1,000 years. The monument is considered a sacred place among the Indigenous population, but guests have the chance to walk through some of the originally built rooms. 

8. New York

New York is home to countless attractions, but the number and types of museums are impressive. There are several Frank Lloyd Wright houses scattered throughout the state, not to mention the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. 

The National Soaring Museum in Elmira houses the most gliders and sailplanes in the world and has an amusement park, playground, and swimming pool that’s part of the complex. Families will enjoy the Milton J Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology and its touchable exhibits. 

9. Oregon

If your travel plans involve bringing the family pooch(es) along, Oregon has numerous dog-friendly places to enjoy with your furry bestie. DogTown USA has 51-plus miles of trails and off-leash areas for the pups to run free. 

The Good Dog Trail permits off-leash hiking and the Sandy River Delta is the perfect place for dogs to swim and play fetch in the water. After all that activity, you can grab a bite at the Sugarpine Drive-In for a meal for yourself and a cone of vanilla ice cream for your travel buddy. 

10. Montana 

Photos of Montana show breathtaking views of the landscape, but they hardly do it any justice compared to seeing it in person. There’s a reason why it’s called Big Sky Country, and all you have to do is look up to see why.

The open, clear blue skies and snow-capped mountains draw visitors in, and the diverse regions keep them coming back. You can experience Native American culture from the present time and the past, and discover artifacts from the Old West,

11. Pennsylvania 

The Keystone State has Pittsburgh in the West and Philadelphia in the East, but in between the two cities are expansive rural areas reflecting its Pennsylvania Dutch, German, Amish, and Mennonite heritage.

For family entertainment, Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg is the largest admission-free park in the United States. The fun doesn’t stop there. Dorney Park, Sesame Place, and the chocolate-themed Hersheypark are the state’s other major amusement parks. 

12. South Carolina 

The South has a rich heritage, and South Carolina is no exception. Learn about the important role it played in the Revolutionary War at four different historical sites around the state and the history of the Native American tribes. 

The Gullah Geechee people of the Lowcountry have a distinctive culture that traces back to West Africa. Guests can find out more about the Gullah Geechee by visiting the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. 

13. Utah

You’ve probably heard of Utah’s Great Salt Lake, but are you familiar with Arches National Park, which has more than 2,000 rock formations in the shape of arches? How about the otherworldly Capitol Reef National Park? 

Utah has the highest number of certified International Dark Sky Parks and Communities worldwide. These areas are made for stargazing, with skies so clear, you can see the Milky Way. Guided tours are also available. 

14. Wisconsin

Cold, snowy winters and the Badgers athletic teams are what come to mind when you hear the name Wisconsin. While those are a part of the culture, there is much more for visitors to uncover.

In the warmer months, you can go tubing and white water rafting, or boat in one of the state’s 15,000-plus lakes. There are several beaches you can go to for sunbathing or to catch some waves.