Like most travel enthusiasts, my goal is to visit all 50 states in America. I love taking my time really exploring each state and not rushing though it. So far, I have visited 32 of the 50 states (18 away! Whoo!). *link list here* My favorite way to travel is by road trip so you can explore multiple areas and take in as much as possible while you’re there.
There’s something special to each state – even the ones known for being the “drive through states” – but of course I have my favorites. These are the states that I would visit time and time again without hesitation. Below are my current favorites in no specific order. I have a feeling this might change after exploring more of the West (especially since two of them already make this list).
Vermont
Vermont’s weather freezes my skin but warms my heart every time I visit. Vermont has one of those picturesque landscapes where everywhere you stop looks like a scene from a postcard. The outdoor activities are also spot on. There’s plenty of hiking, skiing/snow activities in the winter, and plenty of lakes for the summer. Also, if you’ve ever fantasized about being in a hallmark movie you’ll find what you’re looking for in Vermont. I can’t guarantee a love story with a man who owns a Christmas tree farm but you never know..
Do you love bread, cheese, or beer? I mean who doesn’t?! (unless you have an allergy, so in that case my clogged-up heart goes out to you because Vermont is where it’s at.) Delicious bakeries are not sparse and they take their beer game seriously. You can even find hidden delicious gems at a gas station! The cinnamon raisin bread at P&H Truck Stop is phenomenal – huge thank you to our Autoparts service tech in New York for this recommendation. If you’re feeling spontaneous you can also just pick a town and wander around enjoying tasty treats. You seriously can’t go wrong with whichever you choose. Also make sure to stop by one of their many artisan shops to give your eyes a treat too!
California
California really has it all from bustling cities to landscapes you could only imagine in fantasy novels. The state also has the best weather year round so you can really take advantage of your visit. I’ve been out to California at least 5 times and each trip has been vastly different yet amazing.
I am not a huge city gal, so most of the time I fly into the big cities and immediately head on out as there are several different cities within a days trip from one another like Los Angles, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose. Here, you’ll find all types of museums, shopping, and activities where you could easily spend a week or two just in one of the cities.
If you choose to head outside the cities you’ll find an abundance of landscapes like wild coastline, wide open deserts, and otherworldly forests that tower over you. The wildlife is pretty spectacular too. You can see so many wild animals with a little planning. They have elephants seals, harbor seals, sea lions, pelicans, bears, zebras, and plenty others that didn’t make it onto this list. All around California is great to visit and I hope to be back soon! (I just wish it was cheaper)
Washington
Washington state is a great place to explore. Their ferry transportation around Seattle and surrounding islands is like nothing you’ve experienced before. You can just hop on a ferry with your car and venture out surrounded by the Puget Sound and Mountains in every direction. It’s a picturesque ride for sure and seems so unreal to an East Coaster. Their wilderness and parks are also other worldly. You can even visit a few rain forests in the Olympic National Park and with the right rain coat, you won’t want to leave!
They also have these super cute and small coffee stands set up throughout the state for your caffeine hit. Just be aware that the cute Lady Bug one is more like the coffee version of Hooters. If you’re into it that’s cool but it certainly makes for quite a surprise if you don’t!
Virginia
Virginia has the best scenic road I have ever been on – Blue Ridge Parkway. It takes you high above the mountains and has plenty of stop offs to see waterfalls and overlooks. I highly recommend adding some extra time if you’re driving through the state to hop on it and check it out. It is a stunning drive that just elevates your mood. With that, there’s also plenty of parks including Shenandoah National Park that you will want to spend your time in. If you’re looking for a break of nature and want to explore some city, it’s a quick drive to Washington DC or plenty of smaller cities including Alexandria for some shopping and even more history.
Pennsylvania
I’ve spent a lot of time in Pennsylvania which makes it a classic for me. It’s a large state for the northeast – from east to west it takes about 6 hours to traverse by car. There’s plenty of small towns and two major cities to spend your time exploring, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Philly alone has so much of the countries history packed in and some of the best restaurants you can find. You’ll be able to snack on the best cheese steaks, hoagies, cannoli’s and pizza you can find.
There are plenty of parks surrounding the state. So you are not in short supply of mountains or country side in whichever direction you go. I am also a huge fan of their smaller cities like Lancaster, Jim Thorpe, and Scranton. Pennsylvania is also home to Cherry Springs State Park which is known for the best star gazing in the east coast.
