Alright, drop those cliched postcards and let’s be real for a moment. The USA isn’t just burgers, freedom, and eagles – it’s a vast playground of culture, nature, and unexpected adventures. Planning a visit? Here’s where you really ought to be dropping your cash and time.
In this article...
1. Alaska – The Last Frontier
If you’re looking for America, but colder, wilder, and with less stuff between the cool bits, Alaska’s your jam. From glacier hikes to Northern Lights, it’s nature turned up to 11. Also, did I mention bears? Because there are bears. Everywhere.
2. Utah – More than Just Mormons
Between the jagged peaks of the Rockies, the otherworldly landscapes of national parks like Zion and Arches, and the underrated ski scenes, Utah’s kinda like Colorado’s lesser-known, cooler younger sibling.
3. Louisiana – Swamps, Jazz, and Really Good Food
New Orleans is the crown jewel with its old-world charm and endless nightlife, but venture out to get a taste of authentic Creole culture and some of the most underrated natural landscapes in the country.
4. Hawaii – Yes, It’s That Good
Palm trees, volcanic beaches, and waves that’ll knock you off your feet (literally and figuratively). But dig deeper, go local, and you’ll uncover a cultural mosaic and history that’ll make that piña colada taste even sweeter.
5. Maine – Lobsters, Lighthouses, and… More Lobsters
It’s like New England distilled into its purest form, injected with a fierce love for seafood. The rugged coastlines and quaint towns are the cherry on top.
6. Oregon – Where Hipsters Meet Nature
Portland’s got the breweries, bookstores, and that famous ‘keep it weird’ spirit. But the Oregon coast, the Cascades, and the endless forests are where the state really shines.
7. Montana – Big Sky, Bigger Adventures
People think Texas is big? Adorable. Montana’s got the sky-high mountains, rolling grasslands, and some of the most pristine wilderness areas in the US.
8. Georgia – Peaches, History, and Southern Charm
From the bustling streets of Atlanta to the historic squares of Savannah, Georgia mixes the old and the new beautifully. Plus, the Appalachian Trail starts here, for those feeling a bit adventurous.
9. New Mexico – The Land of Enchantment, Literally
Between Roswell (yes, that Roswell) and the stunning landscapes of places like White Sands, New Mexico is a crossroads of indigenous culture, Spanish history, and some seriously good green chile.
10. Vermont – The Green Mountain State (And Yes, It’s Green)
This is where to go if you want picturesque. Think rolling hills, postcard-worthy fall foliage, and some of the best craft beer in the country.
Wrap-Up:
Now, let’s get something straight: every state has its gems, and this isn’t an exhaustive list. But if you’re looking for a starting point, a highlight reel of the US of A, these states are a damn good place to start. So pack that bag, rev that engine, and get ready to dive headfirst into the beautifully chaotic tapestry that is America.
