Embarking on a year of adventures calls for exploring paths less traveled and states ready to rise in the ranks of must-visit destinations. The U.S. is sprawling with states offering unique cultures, delectable food, thrilling festivals, and much more. Whether you’re drawn to the wild call of nature, the buzz of a burgeoning food scene, or the thrill of uncovering hidden treasures in thrift stores, there’s a state waiting to surprise you.
20. Missouri: “The Show Me State”
Missouri offers a mix of history and adventure. Highlights include camping at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, exploring the City Museum in St. Louis, and savoring Kansas City’s barbecue alongside jazz music.
19. Iowa: “The Hawkeye State”
Iowa features farm stays, camping at Maquoketa Caves State Park, the Iowa State Fair, and the Amana Colonies with their local craftsmanship.
18. Wyoming: “The Equality State”
Wyoming embodies the American West with guest ranches, wildlife safaris in Grand Teton, hiking in the Wind River Range, and cowboy culture through rodeos.
17. Connecticut: “The Constitution State”
Connecticut offers beachside camping at Hammonasset Beach State Park, sailing on historic schooners, and New Haven’s unique apizza.
16. Indiana: “The Hoosier State”
Indiana is known for its state parks, the Indianapolis 500 race, historic covered bridges, and a growing craft beer scene.
15. Arkansas: “The Natural State”
Arkansas provides outdoor adventures in the Ozarks, world-class art at the Crystal Bridges Museum, and relaxation in Hot Springs National Park.
14. Oklahoma: “The Sooner State”
Oklahoma’s landscape is perfect for camping and exploring Native American heritage, with Route 66 adding a touch of Americana.
13. New Hampshire: “The Granite State”
The White Mountains in New Hampshire offer camping and lodges, charming towns like Portsmouth, and scenic drives like the Kancamagus Highway.
12. South Dakota: “The Mount Rushmore State”
South Dakota features Badlands National Park, the art scene in Rapid City, and historic Deadwood, with its Wild West reenactments.
11. Alabama: “The Heart of Dixie”
Alabama welcomes beachgoers to the Gulf Shores, offers deep dives into civil rights history, and celebrates music in Muscle Shoals.
10. Maine: “The Pine Tree State”
Maine is celebrated for Acadia National Park, Portland’s culinary scene, and its craft beer scene, especially known for New England-style IPA.
9. Nevada: “The Silver State”
Beyond Las Vegas, Nevada offers desert camping, Reno’s cultural renaissance, and an unexpected wine country in Pahrump.
8. North Carolina: “The Tar Heel State”
From the Appalachian Mountains to the Outer Banks, North Carolina is known for Asheville’s arts and craft breweries and its distinctive barbecue flavors.
7. Vermont: “The Green Mountain State”
Vermont’s green mountains and farm-to-table movement make it ideal for outdoor adventures, with Burlington leading in innovative dining.
6. Oregon: “The Beaver State”
Oregon’s varied landscapes complement Portland’s foodie scene, thrift shopping, and the renowned Willamette Valley’s pinot noir.
5. Louisiana: “The Pelican State”
Louisiana is a hub for music, especially in New Orleans, offers a rich culinary heritage, and hosts vibrant festivals like Mardi Gras.
4. Colorado: “The Centennial State”
The Rocky Mountains in Colorado provide outdoor adventures, a leading craft beer scene, and unique attractions like sandboarding at Great Sand Dunes National Park.
3. Alaska: “The Last Frontier”
Alaska’s wild beauty, cultural heritage, and fresh seafood offer a unique experience, with treasure hunts in thrift stores for outdoor gear and memorabilia.
2. Michigan: “The Great Lakes State”
Michigan’s Great Lakes beaches, vibrant craft brewery and winery scene, Detroit’s arts and music revival, and secluded camping in the Upper Peninsula stand out.
1. New Mexico: “The Land of Enchantment”
New Mexico, with its cultural blend, historical sites, and natural beauty from White Sands National Park to Santa Fe’s arts scene, tops the list as the must-visit destination for 2024.
Embrace the Adventure
Each destination offers its unique blend of culture and nature, proving that the United States is a mosaic of experiences waiting to be explored. As you plot your 2024 travels, let this list be a reminder that adventure lies not just in distant lands but in the nooks and crannies of our own expansive backyard.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional advice.
The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
