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Rachel •Dec 10, 2025
The 12 Best States to Visit in the US
Rachel •Dec 10, 2025Choosing where to travel in the US can feel like navigating a map of endless possibilities. Wide-open coasts, desert canyons, historic towns, creative cities, and mountain regions that shift character with every season create a landscape built for exploration. With so much variety, the real challenge often becomes figuring out which states to visit in the US for your travel style.
This guide highlights 12 of the best states to visit in the US, each offering something distinct: regional food traditions, cultural depth, national parks, family-friendly cities, and scenic backdrops that change dramatically from one state line to the next.
You’ll also find places where Wander offers beautifully designed luxury vacation rentals, giving you space and comfort that align with the way modern travelers want to explore.
1. California
Why it’s one of the best states to visit in the US
California feels almost like its own continent. Coastal mornings shift into golden wine-country afternoons, and road trips through redwood forests contrast with urban days in Los Angeles or San Francisco. The state rewards slow travel: pausing along the cliffs near Big Sur, wandering farmers markets in Sonoma, or hiking in Yosemite’s high country once the snow recedes.
For travelers curious about the best states for a US vacation, California excels because it delivers variety within short distances. Families gravitate to Tahoe and San Diego, couples to Napa Valley, and outdoor lovers to places like Sequoia or the Eastern Sierra.
Wander’s California portfolio includes architectural standouts on the coast, vineyard-adjacent homes, and desert retreats that immerse you in the Coachella Valley’s wide-open scenery.
Things to do
Drive Highway 1 for cliffside views and hidden beaches
Explore Yosemite Valley or Tuolumne Meadows in summer
Taste your way through Healdsburg, Napa, or Paso Robles
Enjoy desert architecture and pool time in Palm Springs
Discover art, dining, and coastal trails in Santa Barbara
Where to stay
Travel tips
Coastal fog often lingers until midday in summer
Inland regions warm up quickly, especially wine country
Book national park entry permits early during peak seasons
2. Colorado
Why it’s one of the best states to visit in the US
Colorado blends high-altitude drama with a lifestyle centered on fresh air and active days. In winter, towns like Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge set the standard for skiing in North America. Summer shifts the energy outdoors, with trails opening across the Rockies and mountain towns hosting festivals, farmers markets, and cool-evening patio dining.
Visitors looking for which states to visit in the US for year-round outdoor access consistently place Colorado at the top of their list. The landscapes feel cinematic: wide alpine basins, blue lakes, and craggy peaks that define every horizon.
Wander’s homes in Colorado give travelers front-row views of signature mountain ranges, plus thoughtful spaces to unwind after big days outside.
Things to do
Explore Rocky Mountain National Park’s alpine lakes
Mountain-bike in Crested Butte, a summer standout
Experience Telluride’s box canyon and gondola views
Walk Denver’s art districts and craft breweries
Drive the San Juan Skyway for peak-filled panoramas
Where to stay
Travel tips
Hydrate more than usual to adjust to altitude
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August
Shoulder seasons bring quieter trails and mild weather
3. Massachusetts
Why it’s one of the best states to visit in the US
Massachusetts blends New England charm with a sophisticated cultural scene. Boston’s walkable neighborhoods and historic sites create an easy introduction, but the state’s appeal expands well beyond the city. Cape Cod offers windswept beaches and seafood shacks, while Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket draw travelers who enjoy long coastal walks and small-town ambiance.
In western Massachusetts, the Berkshires deliver rolling hills, art museums, and summer performances at Tanglewood. This combination of history, coast, and countryside places Massachusetts among the best states for a US vacation for travelers who appreciate variety without long drives.
Wander’s homes in the state lean into scenery: private acreage in the Berkshires and a serene island retreat on Martha’s Vineyard.
Things to do
Walk the Freedom Trail in Boston
Spend the day roaming Oak Bluffs or Edgartown
Explore the art collections at MASS MoCA
Hike Monument Mountain or Beartown State Forest
Enjoy beaches and bike paths across Cape Cod
Where to stay
Travel tips
Ferries to the islands book early in peak season
Fall foliage peaks from late September to mid-October
Coastal breezes can be cool even on sunny days
4. Florida
Why it’s one of the best states to visit in the US
Florida combines year-round warmth with a surprising mix of experiences. The Gulf Coast offers calm waters and pastel sunsets, Miami delivers a global energy, and the Keys provide a tropical escape without leaving the country. Theme parks draw multigenerational groups, but quieter adventures await in the Everglades or along the state’s natural springs.
Florida sits high on lists of which states to visit in the US for winter vacations, thanks to its reliable sunshine and easy access from major airports.
Wander’s homes in South Florida and the Keys give guests a private, comfortable base near beaches, restaurants, and water activities.
Things to do
Relax on Marco Island or Siesta Key’s white sands
Paddle through mangroves in the Keys
Explore Miami’s food neighborhoods and art scene
Visit the Everglades for birding and airboat tours
Enjoy a sunset cruise in West Palm Beach
Where to stay
Travel tips
Humidity peaks from June through September
Afternoon storms pass quickly in summer
Winter months offer the most comfortable temperatures
5. New York
Why it’s one of the best states to visit in the US
New York offers a diverse range of experiences that vary significantly between regions. New York City needs no introduction: world-class museums, theater, architecture, and food.
However, some of the most memorable trips occur upstate, where the Hudson Valley, Catskills, and Adirondacks provide an opportunity for slower, scenic days.
Waterfalls in the Finger Lakes, cozy mountain towns, and serene lakeside spots make New York one of the best states for a US vacation for travelers who want both city immersion and nature.
Wander’s upstate homes emphasize the region’s calm: waterfront views, forested acreage, and thoughtful modern design.
Things to do
Wander through Central Park or the Met
Taste wine around Seneca and Cayuga Lakes
Hike Kaaterskill Falls or Giant Ledge
Explore Hudson’s galleries and boutiques
Paddle or ski in the Adirondacks
Where to stay
Travel tips
Upstate foliage peaks in early to mid-October
NYC is easiest to navigate by subway or rideshare
Lake regions cool quickly at night even in summer
6. Oregon
Why it’s one of the best states to visit in the US
Oregon’s landscapes feel gradually revealing: the closer you look, the more layers appear. The coast stretches for miles with basalt cliffs and secluded beaches. Forests around Mount Hood offer waterfalls and hiking, while the high desert near Bend provides a completely different palette of colors and temperatures.
Portland remains a hub for food lovers and creative communities, and its proximity to nature makes it easy to combine urban days with scenic ones. Travelers seeking guidance on which states to visit in the US for outdoor variety often find Oregon an intuitive choice.
Wander’s homes bring guests close to forests, mountains, and rugged cliffs.
Things to do
Walk Cannon Beach or explore tide pools at low tide
Ski or hike around Mount Hood
Visit wineries in the Willamette Valley
Kayak on clear lakes near Bend
Photograph the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor
Where to stay
Travel tips
Weather shifts quickly along the coast; pack layers
Summer wildflowers bloom beautifully around Mount Hood
Portland’s food scene rewards exploring beyond downtown
7. Texas
Why it’s one of the best states to visit in the US
Texas spreads out in every direction, with each region offering something distinct. Austin blends lake access with live music and a relaxed creative scene. Houston leans into museums and global food, while San Antonio layers culture, history, and riverside strolls. Farther out, Hill Country offers wineries, scenic drives, and small towns perfect for weekend exploration.
Warm weather nearly year-round and easy internal travel make Texas one of the best states for a US vacation for groups with varied interests.
Wander’s Texas homes bring together design-forward interiors and access to both urban and coastal settings.
Things to do
Kayak Lady Bird Lake in Austin
Visit the Alamo and the River Walk in San Antonio
Explore Houston’s Museum District
Enjoy wineries around Fredericksburg
Relax on Galveston’s beaches
Where to stay
Travel tips
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures
Hill Country wildflowers peak from March to April
Urban areas have lively food truck scenes worth exploring
8. North Carolina
Why it’s one of the best states to visit in the US
North Carolina moves gracefully between beaches and mountains. The Outer Banks stretch for more than 100 miles, shaped by wind, dunes, and maritime forests. Inland, Asheville anchors the Blue Ridge Mountains with art galleries, breweries, and easy access to some of the East Coast’s most rewarding hikes.
The state’s changing elevation and seasonal shifts create a broad range of experiences, making it an excellent option for travelers deciding which states to visit in the US for fall colors, scenic drives, and outdoor time.
Wander’s properties sit at the center of peaceful landscapes, whether you prefer lakeside mornings or forested mountain views.
Things to do
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in autumn
Explore Biltmore Estate and its gardens
Paddle or fish on Lake Gaston
Hike around Black Balsam Knob
Visit the craft breweries and markets around Asheville
Where to stay
Travel tips
Mountain weather cools quickly after sunset
Leaf season varies yearly but typically peaks in October
Coastal areas stay warm well into early fall
9. Washington
Why it’s one of the best states to visit in the US
Washington is defined by contrasts: volcanic peaks, temperate rainforests, island-dotted bays, and a city with both outdoor access and strong cultural identity. Seattle anchors the region with world-class coffee, music, and waterfront views, while ferries connect travelers to quieter islands where the pace slows noticeably.
Olympic National Park feels almost otherworldly, with ecosystems shifting from coast to rainforest to alpine meadows. For travelers seeking one of the best states for a US vacation where landscapes take center stage, Washington is a standout.
Wander’s Washington homes embrace this sense of escape, from island retreats to mountain vistas.
Things to do
Visit Pike Place Market and the Seattle waterfront
Hike Mount Rainier’s Skyline Trail
Explore the Hoh Rain Forest
Take a ferry to the San Juan Islands
Kayak or whale-watch off Orcas Island
Where to stay
Travel tips
Summer offers the clearest mountain views
Ferries run frequently but can fill on weekends
Expect misty mornings even during dry months
10. Arizona
Why it’s one of the best states to visit in the US
Arizona’s landscapes are shaped by light and scale: red-rock cathedrals in Sedona, saguaro forests around Phoenix, and the immense depth of the Grand Canyon. Winter and spring are especially comfortable, drawing travelers seeking warmth, outdoor activities, and scenic drives.
Urban areas like Scottsdale complement the desert with wellness resorts, art galleries, and a growing dining scene. These contrasts make Arizona one of the best states to visit in the US for travelers who appreciate dramatic scenery paired with easy relaxation.
Wander’s desert properties offer privacy, sweeping views, and peaceful outdoor living.
Things to do
Hike Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock
Visit the Grand Canyon’s South Rim viewpoints
Explore Scottsdale’s galleries and restaurants
Drive through the Sonoran Desert at golden hour
Stargaze under exceptionally clear skies
Where to stay
Travel tips
Desert temperatures drop sharply after sunset
Spring wildflowers can be spectacular after wet winters
Hydration matters year-round due to low humidity
11. Tennessee
Why it’s one of the best states to visit in the US
Tennessee blends mountain scenery with a cultural soundtrack that echoes across the state. The Smokies bring misty ridgelines, wildlife, and some of the most visited trails in the country. Nashville offers live music on any night of the week, while Memphis anchors soul, blues, and rock history with museums and iconic music venues.
For travelers exploring which states to visit in the US for a mix of nature and culture, Tennessee checks every box. The food scene is also a highlight, from hot chicken to barbecue to Appalachian-inspired cooking.
Wander’s property near Pigeon Forge provides a scenic base for exploring the Smokies.
Things to do
Hike to Alum Cave or Clingmans Dome
Explore Nashville’s music venues and museums
Visit Graceland and the National Civil Rights Museum
Drive Cades Cove at sunrise for wildlife viewing
Enjoy Dollywood’s rides and seasonal festivals
Where to stay
Travel tips
Smoky Mountain weather changes quickly at elevation
Weekdays offer quieter experiences in the national park
Fall colors typically peak from mid-October onward
Expert Tip from a Wander Travel Specialist
Plan one early-morning loop through Cades Cove. Arriving before sunrise gives you a better chance of seeing black bears and deer before the crowds roll in.
12. Wyoming
Why it’s one of the best states to visit in the US
Wyoming feels wild in a way few places still do. Grand Teton National Park rises sharply above sagebrush valleys, while Yellowstone’s geysers and hot springs reveal the planet’s geologic energy in real time. Towns like Jackson offer a mix of western character, upscale dining, and outdoor access within minutes.
If you’re deciding which states to visit in the US for raw natural beauty, Wyoming sits near the top, especially for travelers drawn to wildlife, wide skies, and high-altitude adventures.
Though Wander doesn’t currently have properties here, the state pairs beautifully with trips to Idaho or Montana, creating compelling multi-state itineraries.
Things to do
Photograph the sunrise at Oxbow Bend
Watch wildlife in Lamar Valley
Hike Cascade Canyon in the Tetons
Visit Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring
Explore Jackson’s galleries and mountain-town dining
Travel tips
Summer brings long daylight hours for hiking
Expect cooler temperatures even in July and August
Parking fills early in Yellowstone; start before 8 a.m.
Where to stay
Start Planning Your Escape With Wander
The US is vast enough to offer a different type of trip in every direction, from high alpine lakes to tropical islands, from cities built on art and food to regions shaped by geology and climate.
These 12 states are among the best in the US to visit, as they pair memorable landscapes with rich culture, diverse food, seasonal beauty, and accommodations that elevate each moment.
When you travel with Wander, the experience becomes even more seamless, giving you a home base designed for connection, comfort, and time well spent.
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