I’ve been to all 50 states, and after ranking the bottom 25, it’s time to celebrate the best of the best. These are the top 25 states where I’d happily spend more time, eat more food, and explore every corner.
Using the same formula as my last post, I averaged parks, food, culture, and personal experiences to see which states really shine. Here are the top 25.
Prefer video? I also made a video ranking the top 25 U.S. states, March Madness style.
#25: Ohio
First up is a state with probably the most annoying college sports fans imaginable. We get it, you can spell your four-letter state.
Note: The buckeye tree is poisonous to humans and livestock, just like their football fans.
My personal disdain for the Buckeyes aside, Ohio deserves its spot here in the top 25 with at least three metropolitan areas worth visiting.
Columbus, despite “THE” university being there, is also the largest city, so there’s plenty for you to explore while in the middle of the state. Cincinnati has a signature dish that somewhat resembles chili for you to try.
And Cleveland really does rock. Walk along Lake Erie and visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, see the Tremont neighborhood, and check out the house from A Christmas Story. If you’re a comic nerd like me, pay your respects to the creators of Superman here, too.
READ MORE: Cleveland is one of our favorite underrated cities. See which others made the cut!
Don’t skip out on the only national park in Ohio while you are visiting Cleveland, as well. Cuyahoga Valley was definitely worth visiting.
#24: Montana
You might disagree with me on this placement, but when you look at Montana from more than just, “We give good outdoors,” what else are you left with?
Number 24 on my list, that’s what.
I’m not saying they don’t deserve to be ranked higher. Glacier National Park is well worth a visit when you get there.
Note: Sadly, the glaciers are disappearing. Scientists estimate that many of the park’s glaciers could be gone within the next couple of decades due to climate change, so if you want to see them in all their glory, sooner is definitely better.
Montana is also another base for your trip to Yellowstone, as a tiny piece of it sits inside the state. Make sure to stop in Bozeman if you are doing a road trip like us from Jackson.
Someday, I will ski at Big Sky. Someday.
#23: Utah
Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks are worth visiting for any fan of the outdoors. Visiting the Delicate Arch at sunrise, hiking the Narrows at Zion, and seeing the hoodoos at Bryce Canyon are some of the most amazing experiences of any park I’ve been to.
Salt Lake City is one of my favorite cities in the country, and also the scene for one of my favorite cult movies starring Matthew Lillard. They have some of the best places to ski in the United States, just a short drive away.
If you’re lucky, you can also see land-speed records being set at the Bonneville Salt Flats, about an hour and a half from SLC.
To be honest, I liked Utah more than its ranking would suggest here.
READ MORE: Planning a trip to Utah? Start with this detailed guide to the best of the state!
#22: Wisconsin
Next up is my home state of Wisconsin. If the number of out-of-state license plates you see in Door County is any indication, Wisconsin is popular with more than just yours truly.
Wisconsin is an outdoor lover’s dream. The state has two of the Great Lakes, along with thousands of lakes and rivers for you to fish, and in the summer, you can swim or kayak to your heart’s content.
In the winter, you can walk from the shore to the Apostle Islands when Lake Superior is frozen. Or you can wait until the summer hits and ferry your car to Washington Island on Lake Michigan instead.
Milwaukee and Madison are two cities I’d recommend anyone visit. Milwaukee sits on Lake Michigan, and if it were not so close to Chicago, I might be able to convince Agnes to live there someday. The cheese curds alone make an argument.
Madison sits between two large lakes and is one of the best college towns in the country. Its proximity to tasty (if a little overrated) beer in New Glarus doesn’t hurt, either.
Last, one of Agnes’s favorite places in the world is the Wisconsin Dells. Seriously, she had her bachelorette party there. Winters can be rough in Wisconsin, so the Dells plopped a bunch of indoor waterparks in the area, making this a year-round destination.
Give it a try, will ya?
#21: Maine
Maine is another one where I will be accepting disagreement, because I have nothing but good things to say about it. The coast is beautiful, the seafood is top-notch, and Acadia National Park is dog-friendly. (Kimmy got a say here, too.)
They have awesome fall colors that you shouldn’t miss on a New England road trip, but the topography is beautiful all around. Portland and the entire coastline are just scenic as heck.
Put this on your list to visit, and don’t listen to my list, which would appear to say it’s mid. States gotta go somewhere on this list. Don’t be mad.
#20: Minnesota
As a lifelong Wisconsin sports fan, it pains me to put Minnesota above them on this list.
But Minnesota deserves…to…be ranked…higher, I guess.
See, that wasn’t so hard to say.
Voyageurs National Park is still a white whale of ours, but I hear it’s pretty up there. Duluth, right there looking cute next to Lake Superior, is so excited for you to come visit that they sell shirts saying, “You’ve been there.”
Some decent skiing for the Midwest is nearby as well.
The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are, reluctantly, superior to cities nearby, as well. It may pain me to say this, but check out the North Star state when you get the chance.
#19: Florida
Since I’m still in a hater mood, as I had to say nice things about Minnesota, I’m going to let you in on a little secret about Florida as well: I don’t really care for it.
It’s too hot and humid for me, the bugs are huge, and there is no topography change, with the highest point being like only 100 feet above sea level.
This is still probably too low a ranking for them, though. I mean, there’s Disney World and all the parks nearby in Orlando, the Keys, Miami, Tampa, Daytona Beach, and the Everglades.
It’s also home to St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the country.
Personal feelings may have gotten a little involved in this one, but here we are.
#18: New Mexico
We’ve had lots of cool experiences in New Mexico.
Albuquerque is kinda weird, but always fun to visit. Between the quirky neighborhoods, great food spots, and Breaking Bad connection — watch out for the crazy lady near Walter White’s house — there’s never a dull moment.
Santa Fe was just as quirky in its own way, with its colorful adobe streets, art galleries, and mystical stuff. Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands National Parks were amazing, and the mountains around Taos have some fun resorts.
Between desert landscapes, mountain views, and some truly unique local culture, New Mexico really lives up to its nickname: the Land of Enchantment.
#17: Georgia
If Agnes would let me, I’d live many months out of the year in the Augusta or Savannah area. I’d probably never see Augusta National, but there are many other worthy courses nearby, in addition to the fun college town of Athens.
Most will go through Atlanta to get here, and it’s worth a few days to explore the city before getting to explore more of the state, but Savannah is definitely a favorite.
If you’re a fan of fun tours, they have a lot focusing on the haunted stories of Savannah’s past.
Speaking of haunted, Lake Lanier, about an hour from Atlanta, is considered one of the most haunted lakes in the U.S. My uncle used to spend weekends there all the time, though, so it’s fine. Lake Oconee is fun, too, and less haunted.
#16: Maryland
Maryland was a little bit of a surprise to me, but it’s not like they are not deserving of an above-average rating. The DC area does include Maryland, after all. This alone ranks them high in food, sports/entertainment, and things to do outside.
The Chesapeake Bay region is worth a visit for crabbing, sailing, or just enjoying waterfront towns like Annapolis. Baltimore has a surprising number of things to see, from the Inner Harbor and National Aquarium to the street art.
You can see wild ponies on Assateague Island, the majority of which is in Maryland. (The rest is in Virginia.)
Out west, you’ve got the mountains of Garrett County for hiking, skiing, and waterfalls, while Ocean City offers a classic boardwalk beach escape.
There’s a reason the area around the Chesapeake has always been ocupado, I guess, and is worth visiting.
#15: Hawaii
Another state I probably have ranked too low is Hawaii. Let’s be honest, you don’t need me to sell it for you, though. If you love it, I get it. Take that flight across the Pacific whenever you like!
While there, you can experience awesome weather, ocean activities, Polynesian culture, and entertainment that you just don’t get in the lower 48.
Bring your patience pants with you to the islands, though, as they are popular for a reason. The island of Oahu has some of the worst traffic in the country, and everything from food to lodging tends to be more expensive than in most states.
The food scene is good, but not as diverse as other top-ranking states, especially if you’re looking for more variety or international cuisine. Still, don’t get too worked up about it. You’re in paradise.
#14: Illinois
Depending on whom you ask, I either gave Illinois too much or too little credit for Chicago.
Chicago has some of the best food, entertainment, sports, and cultural activities anywhere in the world, so I feel that it is worth dragging up the rating just a little bit. (Also, we got married there, so there’s that.)
Some other things I know about Illinois are as follows:
- Grand View Drive in Peoria Heights was called the “World’s Most Beautiful Drive” by President Theodore Roosevelt during his visit in October 1910.
- Springfield is not only the capital, but an excellent place for history and checking out the house once owned by Abraham Lincoln.
- Illinois gives good river, with the Mississippi running along its entire western edge.
- Meanwhile, humans displayed some serious engineering skill by reversing the Chicago River to keep Chicago’s drinking water in Lake Michigan clean. It’s a feat that indirectly connects the city to the Mississippi via the Illinois River.
Other than that, there’s lots of flat land and corn fields in between, so don’t be alarmed. Just focus on the pizza back in Chicago.
#13: Arizona
Arizona, a place that is definitely not flat, is up next. Someone once told me the Grand Canyon was just a big hole in the ground, and I had to politely disagree with that take. The Grand Canyon is absolutely worth seeing.
Fun fact: Speaking of big holes, in Winslow, you can see an actual meteor crater that is over 500 feet deep and nearly 4,000 feet in diameter.
Arizona has a lot of desert, but the Saguaro cactus and jagged mountains make the landscape beautiful nonetheless. It might be hot there, but you can cool down at reservoirs like Lake Mead and Lake Powell.
The state’s higher altitude cities, like Flagstaff, Sedona, and Prescott, offer a contrast to the desert landscapes in the Southern part of the state, as well. If you’re a fan of the movie Tombstone, like I am, check out the city, even though it’s a bit of a tourist trap.
While Phoenix isn’t my favorite, Arizona overall is definitely worthy of a high ranking.
#12: Massachusetts
I was told to put Massachusetts in the top 15, or people from Boston would be mad at me.
I’m totally kidding, Boston would bring up any state it was located in, especially if you’re a history buff invested in the Freedom Trail, but there’s more to the state.
Fun fact: Boston cream pie is the official state dessert of Massachusetts. It’s technically a cake, but nobody seems too concerned about that.
Cape Cod is perfect for beach days and trips to coastal towns, and Salem is delightfully spooky in the fall. Plymouth lets you stand where some of the first U.S. immigrants landed.
Add in the Berkshires for hiking and cultural events, and it’s easy to see why Massachusetts consistently draws tourists from all over.
Moving ahn.
#11: Virginia
Virginia also has part of the DC area to brag about, but just like Maryland, there’s so much more to explore.
Stop by Richmond for its history, food scene, and craft breweries on your way to Virginia Beach. Don’t skip Shenandoah National Park for stunning mountain hikes and Skyline Drive views.
If you’re into natural wonders, Natural Bridge State Park is a must-see. This massive limestone arch has been wowing visitors for centuries.
Throw in quaint towns like Williamsburg, historic sites from Colonial America, and stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Virginia proves it’s more than just a DC suburb.
We’re getting close, friends. Time now for the top 10!
#10: Michigan
We begin the top 10 in the Midwest with Michigan. Folks who think anything between NYC and LA is fly-over country may be surprised by this ranking. To them, I say, “Get out more.”
Michigan has anything you’d want to do outside, top-notch sports and entertainment, and food-wise, they have a freaking pizza style named after Detroit.
Traverse City gives me vibes of Door County in Wisconsin, and that’s one of the best compliments this man can give.
Grand Rapids is just a cool mid-sized city, and close to some of the cutest towns on the Lake Michigan shoreline, like Saugatuck. The towering dunes not far from Benton Harbor are also the spot where I proposed to Agnes.
Michigan is worthy of the top 10, whether you know about it or not.
#9: North Carolina
Next up is the superior Carolina. North Carolina has several cities for you to visit, probably starting with Charlotte. The city has a lively Uptown district and a nice craft beer scene.
The research triangle of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill is also well worth your time, with solid museums, universities, and a vibrant foodie and music scene.
Asheville and the nearby mountain cities beg you to head up further to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Don’t miss the Blue Ridge Parkway if you want one of the most scenic drives in the country.
If the cold isn’t your thing, head downhill to Wilmington or the Outer Banks and soak up the sun, sand, and surf.
And don’t forget the small towns scattered across the state. North Carolina really offers a bit of everything, making it one of the most well-rounded states to explore.
#8: Tennessee
Tennessee holds the remainder of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and what a sight this park is to behold.
The college towns of Knoxville and Chattanooga in the east are scenic and quite the contrast with the Western edge of the state. While in the East, don’t skip out on Gatlinburg and especially Pigeon Forge for a visit to Dollywood.
On your way West, visit Nashville for honky tonks, and say hello to the bachelor/ette parties while there. If you are a fan of country music or just music in general, don’t skip out on Nashville. Eat some hot fried chicken for me while you are there.
Finally, I must end our Tennessee adventure in Memphis. Speaking of music, head to Beale Street for probably more bachelor/ette parties, but also some of the best live entertainment you can see.
Stop by my childhood favorite, The Rendezvous, for their famous dry rub ribs. I’d say to tell them, “Brian said hi,” but nobody that I know still works there anymore.
#7: Pennsylvania
I’ve heard the joke that Pennsylvania is Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, with Alabama in the middle. Well, you already know that I think Alabama is underrated, so Pennsylvania being ranked so high should come as no surprise.
If I were to choose between the two major cities, though, I’d probably pick Pittsburgh, as I like the vibes better. My glutes would also be stronger from having to climb hills all the time.
Philadelphia is obviously a draw too, though. I may or may not have run up those Rocky steps with my hands held high.
Beyond the cities, Lancaster County gives you a peek into Amish country and a slower pace of life. The Pocono Mountains are perfect for hiking and fall foliage drives, and Hershey is the home of chocolate.
Pennsylvania proves there’s more to the state than its two biggest cities.
#6: Colorado
Up next is the highest state. I’m talking about average elevation, you guys.
Colorado, once you get to the Front Range, is one of the most scenic states we have. Climb a 14er, and you’ll be treated with visual nirvana. Try the Sky Pond hike if you want to see what I mean.
Or, if hiking isn’t your thing, take a chair lift from a resort in Breckenridge and ski down, instead. We spent a month in Fairplay exploring the mountains, and visually, there isn’t much that beats Colorado.
Denver, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs give travelers plenty of urban options, too. These cities have great food, craft breweries, cultural activities, and quick access to natural landmarks like the Garden of the Gods.
If you’re looking for something more offbeat, check out the Florissant Fossil Beds or the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park for history and adventure. Golfers, don’t miss RainDance National.
Whether it’s hiking, skiing, or just driving from one stunning landscape to another, Colorado is a tough one to beat. And yet…
#5: Texas
Coming in at number 5 is another state where I spent part of my childhood. I’ll give you a hint. The town has a replica of the Eiffel Tower.
Texas is big. It’ll take over 10 hours to drive from one end to the other, and since many stops are worth it, plan to spend plenty of time exploring.
Cities from Dallas to Austin, San Antonio to Houston, and El Paso to Amarillo all have their own flavor, from music and food to cultural attractions.
Don’t skip the smaller, quirky spots either. Marfa’s art scene and mysterious lights, Fredericksburg’s German heritage and wineries, or Galveston’s beaches charm add to the state’s personality. BBQ in Lockhart is basically mandatory.
Highly ranked for all categories, Texas is worth a trip all by itself.
#4: Oregon
Before we embarked on our nomadic journey, the Oregon coast was a strong contender for places we wanted to live someday.
It is so close to the Willamette Valley wine region, to Portland, and to some of the best links golf outside of Scotland you can play. Oregon has the most parks in total, from coastal state parks to forested trails.
Crater Lake was always on my bucket list, and seeing those pristine waters was worth trekking to its somewhat inconvenient location. But there’s more than just that one iconic spot.
Bend offers incredible mountain biking and craft breweries, while the Oregon Dunes, Multnomah Falls, and the dramatic coastline make for endless outdoor adventures.
While living there might stay only as a dream, we will definitely be back. The Pacific Northwest calls.
#3: Washington
Staying in the Pacific Northwest, up next is Oregon’s neighbor.
Mount Rainier is stunning. Whether you’re hiking, taking scenic drives, or just snapping photos from afar, it’s impressive.
The eastern part of the state is no slouch, either. Explore the rolling landscapes around Spokane, the wine country of Walla Walla, and the outdoor adventures near Lake Chelan. Plus, they have vampires up there that shine bright like diamonds.
Seattle, of course, deserves a shoutout for its iconic skyline, Pike Place Market, music scene, and coffee culture.
Whether you love mountains, water, forests, or quirky urban neighborhoods, Washington has a little bit of everything. It’s easily one of the most versatile and scenic states in the country.
#2: New York
Coming in second is New York. I’m sure you’ve heard of our most famous city, right? New York City is well deserving of being one of the world’s central hubs, and honestly, it’s all I need to rank the state so highly.
From iconic skyline views to world-class food, museums, and nightlife, it’s a city like no other.
But the state doesn’t end at the 5th borough. Upstate New York has plenty to offer, from the Finger Lakes with scenic vineyards and some surprisingly strong wines, to the Adirondacks for hiking, skiing, and camping.
The Hudson Valley is perfect for charming small towns, farm-to-table restaurants, and historic estates. Niagara Falls gives you one of the most dramatic natural spectacles in the country.
Whether you’re city-bound or exploring wide-open spaces, New York has a mix of culture, nature, and history that’s almost impossible to beat. That’s unless you’re the last state on my list, of course.
#1: California
Finally, we’ve made it to number 1, where the math and my personal opinions have spoken, haters. It wasn’t really close, to be honest, as California takes the top spot of any ranking I can throw at it.
From the towering Redwoods in the north to the sunny beaches of San Diego in the south, California has just about every outdoor activity you can imagine.
You can explore Yosemite, Sequoia National Park, and Death Valley, all in one trip if you’re ambitious. And yes, you could snowboard and surf on the same day if you’re feeling extra Californian.
California also wins on food and culture. They have the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the U.S., based on a list I Googled, but they’re also home to incredibly diverse eats thanks to immigrant communities.
The state is full of entertainment venues, festivals, and cultural experiences, from Santa Barbara and Solvang to the wine regions of Sonoma and Napa. Road-trippers can’t miss the scenic drives from San Francisco to Los Angeles or getaways from San Diego.
And beyond food, outdoors, and culture, California is full of superlatives. It has the highest peak in the lower 48, the lowest and hottest points in the U.S., and some of the largest trees in the world.
No matter what kind of adventure, experience, or scenery you’re after, California has it.
Did I tell you can snowboard and surf on the SAME DAY??
So…did I get it right?
Ranking all 50 states was no small task, and it was full of tough calls, surprises, and debates with myself along the way. From hidden gems like New Mexico to all-time favorites like California, each state has something unique to offer travelers.
The beauty of exploring the U.S. is that no matter where you go, there’s always a story, a view, or a bite of food that makes the trip unforgettable.
So pack your bags, hit the road, and see for yourself what makes each state special. Your own top 25 (or bottom 25) might look a lot different.
Planning travel in the U.S.? Check out these guides:
- Where to Stay on a Trip to Yellowstone
- Planning a Trip to Wyoming? Start Here
- Plan a Trip to Zion National Park
- Top Things to Do in New Glarus, WI
- What to Expect on a Trip to Flora-Bama
More posts about U.S. destinations:
- Top Things to See at Utah’s Canyonlands
- Why Visit Capitol Reef National Park
- Winter Activities to Enjoy in Chicago
- Sedona Hikes for Trips to Arizona
- Visit the Best Museums in Memphis
Want to see more?
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