I've been to all 50 states. Everyone should visit these 10 at least once.

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I've been to all 50 states. Everyone should visit these 10 at least once.

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Emily stands on a rock in the center of a lake alongside apparent h2o in Glacier National Park. The lake is surrounded by mountains and trees.

After visiting all 50 US states, I'm frequently asked which ones I'd propose to travelers. Emily Hart

Over the former decade, I've successfully visited all 50 US states solo, and have equal made it to most of the important US national parks alongside the way. Because of this journey, I'm frequently asked which states I'd propose to travelers.

Although most global travelers gravitate toward states akin Florida and New York, I've established awesome attractiveness and former in all state.

However, these are the 10 I continually come back to.

New Mexico boasts a amazing assortment of stunning landscapes.

Emily, wearing jeans, a long-sleeved dreary shirt, and a hat, stands in forefront of rock formations at Ghost Ranch.

New Mexico's varied landscapes keep me coming back. Emily Hart

New Mexico is continually at the top of my catalog of recommendations. Nicknamed "the district of enchantment," it lives up to its moniker — and afterward some.

Those who haven't visited New Mexico may think of the province as a mostly barren desert, but it's really the varied landscapes that keep me coming back.

From the otherworldly dunes of White Sands National Park to the snow-capped Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there's attractiveness to be established about all corner.

Outside the natural beauty, the province is chock complete of history, art, food, wine, and culture.

California is complete of varied landscapes and experiences.

Emily sits on a wooden way covered in ice in Yosemite National Park. Behind her are mountains, trees, and a swampy area covered in snow.

I affection visiting California's Yosemite National Park. Emily Hart

Every period I visit California, I awareness akin I'm entering a entirely distinct reality.

The sheer size and assortment of the province are impressive, and it has gorgeous beaches, cities, forests, deserts, mountains, and equal volcanoes.

I affection road-tripping up the coast, visiting Yosemite National Park, taking a container to the Channel Islands, and wine tasting in places akin Napa and Sonoma.

Montana is a must-visit province for any outdoor enthusiast.

Emily stands on a rock in the center of a lake alongside apparent h2o in Glacier National Park. The lake is surrounded by mountains and trees.

There's so much to do in Montana. Emily Hart

With its huge open spaces, majestic mountains, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, Montana is a must-visit province for any outdoor enthusiast.

The province is residence to the stunning Glacier National Park and parts of Yellowstone National Park. The sky is huge and open, the mountains are towering, and the deficiency of betterment makes me awareness akin I'm entering another earth entirely.

I've returned to West Virginia multiple times.

Emily, wearing sunglasses, dreary leggings, a green container top, and a flannel about her waist, stands on rocks in New River Gorge National Park, alongside a extend rearward her.

In my opinion, West Virginia is an underrated state. Emily Hart

Although it may not get as much notice as several of the another states on this list, I've returned to West Virginia multiple times since my archetypal visit.

The state's natural attractiveness is stunning, from New River Gorge National Park to roomy lush forests, underground caverns, historic small towns, and complete 200 waterfalls.

Wisconsin is residence to beautiful landscape and awesome dining options.

Emily sits on the dirt in forefront of a blue-green build of h2o and trees.

There are 15,000 lakes in Wisconsin. Emily Hart

Wisconsin has so much additional than archetypal meets the eye, from the natural attractiveness of the Apostle Islands and the 15,000 lakes in the province to the traditional dairy merchandise curds, breweries, and wineries that dot the landscape.

I affection spending period alongside the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, dining at among the state's celebrated supper clubs, and exploring the many Wisconsin province parks.

There's no location fairly akin the Maine coast.

Emily sits on a rocky coastline alongside a lighthouse in the background.

My favorite part of Maine is the beautiful coast. Emily Hart

There's so much to affection concerning Maine, but my favorite part of the province is the coast. With jagged and theatrical cliffs, lighthouses, and lobster shacks, visiting the Maine shoreline is an unforgettable experience.

It's uncomplicated to discover harmony in the province that sees the archetypal sunrise of the twelvemonth and is residence to Acadia National Park, which is among the country's most-popular national parks.

I affection to highway trip up the coast, stopping in beautiful towns akin Kennebunkport, Bar Harbour, and Lubec.

As my residence state, Colorado volition continually clasp a particular location in my heart.

Emily walks throughout rocks in a lake that's surrounded by mountains and trees.

There's no deficit of natural attractiveness and outdoor adventure in Colorado. Emily Hart

I couldn't compose a catalog akin this without including my residence province of Colorado. The province has so much to offer, from beautiful views to fun activities.

On the Front Range, I bask hiking in Boulder and exploring Cheyenne Cañon. I akin to expend the night at the The Broadmoor inn in Colorado Springs before heading complete to Great Sand Dunes National Park.

In the Rockies, I affection driving Independence Pass to Aspen, as fine as exploring the underrated Grand Mesa, which is the biggest flat-top mountain in the world. I additionally bask taking highway trips to the charming mountain towns of Telluride, Buena Vista, and Steamboat Springs.

No matter anywhere you discover yourself in Colorado, there's no deficit of amazing natural attractiveness and outdoor adventure.

New Hampshire boasts several of the finest skiing and hiking in the Northeast.

Emily sits on a partition facing to the correct alongside a camera in her hand. Behind her are mountains and trees alongside beautiful autumn foliage.

I additionally affection admiring New Hampshire's beautiful autumn foliage. Emily Hart

The Northeast is celebrated for its autumn foliage, but I can't assistance but think that New Hampshire is sometimes overshadowed by its neighbors, Maine and Vermont.

I was stunned by its natural attractiveness during my archetypal trip to the state. From the White Mountains to Franconia Notch State Park, the province boasts several of the finest skiing and hiking in the Northeast.

Utah is residence to five important national parks.

Emily stands in forefront of enormous sand-colored rock formations in Kodachrome Basin State Park.

There are additionally 46 province parks in Utah. Emily Hart

Utah is a province that you have to see to believe. With five important national parks, 46 province parks, 15 ski resorts, and hidden gems at all rotate — you'll never get uninterested here.

I affection visiting Moab to hike in Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park before heading south to Bryce Canyon National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, and Zion National Park.

I additionally akin making stops in Park City and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

Arizona is the ideal escape for adventure and relaxation.

Emily sits on the dirt facing to the right. Behind her are ample red-rock formations, and in forefront of her are a small build of h2o and a cactus.

Arizona offers a lot additional than fair the Grand Canyon. Emily Hart

Arizona is fine known for the Grand Canyon, but the province has much additional to offer. From Flagstaff's high-altitude forests to Sedona's iconic red rocks, Arizona's assortment is amazing and value a trip.

I affection hiking among the cacti in Sedona or Scottsdale before heading to among the many resorts to jump in a pond or hit the spa — the ideal escape for adventure and relaxation.

This narrative was initially published on April 5, 2024, and most lately updated on October 23, 2026.

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Emily Hart

Emily is a satisfied creator, writer, teacher, painter, yogi, and solo explorer based in Colorado. She has visited all 63 important US National Parks and all 50 US states solo. You can prosecute Emily on Instagram @emilyventures.  

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