Top 5 states to visit

Photo by Nubia Navarro and Johnmark Smith

With 50 states to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to go in the United States.

By Adamaris Mancera and Amanda Perez

The rolling Black Hills of South Dakota. The bustling city streets of New York. The lobster shacks that dot the coast of Maine. Each state has much to offer travelers, and characteristics that make it unique. It can be difficult to choose where to go next, as the US offers so many options. Yet, there are five states that stand out.

Mall of America is an expansive complex that includes an amusement park. (Photo by Runner1928 via Wikimedia Commons)

#5 Minnesota 

Minnesota has several national parks, including Voyageurs National Park in the north part of the state, and Pipestone National Monument to the south, making it a solid destination for outdoor lovers. The Mall of America, located just outside of the Twin Cities, is the largest mall in all of the United States. Not only does the mall offer great shopping, but it also features an aquarium and indoor theme park, making it a great place to have an adventure with family.

Quaint homes in Telluride, Colorado. (Photo by Ken Lund via Wikimedia Commons)

#4 Colorado 

In addition to the mountain attractions of Colorado, there are also four main national parks that people usually visit: Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. In this state, which boasts a temperate climate year-round, people are at one with nature, and have a number of routes they can take, each full of adventures and more fun exploring with friends and family. The Colorado River provides tourists an opportunity to go whitewater rafting as well.

The rolling shore of Miami Beach offers fun for families. (Royalty-free photo by Antonio Cuellar via Pexels.com)

#3 Florida 

With so many amusement parks, like Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World (plus all their sister parks), Orlando has a lot to offer on its own. But Florida is also known for its museums, including the Ringling Brothers Museum in Sarasota, the Dalí (featuring the work of famed painter Salvador Dalí), and The Hemingway Home & Museum, dedicated to the author of “The Old Man and the Sea” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls”, Ernest Hemingway.

Visitors to Florida can also watch a shuttle launch at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.

Miami is another great destination in Florida, one that is good for families looking to spend time at the beach, as well as take in a city with plenty of art deco style.

The natural splendor of Utah is plentiful, and tourists can visit any number of rock formations and national parks. (Royalty-free photo by Ray Bilcliff via Pexels.com)

#2 Utah 

Like many of the states on this list, Utah has so many national parks tourists can visit. This state has plenty to offer in terms of exploring the outdoors and hiking different trails. It is the perfect place in both summer and winter. In the summer, visitors can take in one of five major parks, including Zion or Bryce Canyon. admiring nature. In the winter, Salt Lake City is the place to be. The capital city, site of the 2002 winter Olympics, is home to different activities like skiing and snowboarding, snow tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and exploring ice castles.

The shoreline of Hawaii is dotted with volcanic formations. (Royalty-free photo by Troy Squillaci via Pexels.com)

#1 Hawaii 

The number one state to visit, without a doubt, is Hawaii, with its many islands. Although 10+ hours away by plane, Hawaii is a beautiful destination with vistas and beaches like no other. Visitors can try snorkeling or parasailing activities, or hop on one of many cruises that are good for family trips, as they offer a chance to see several islands in one trip. And of course, Hawaii is popular with honeymooners as well.

This number one vacation spot is also big on tradition. For example, visitors can take in a luau dance or fire shows. 

In addition to traditional and black sand beaches, such as Punaluʻu Beach, there are volcanoes to see in Hawaii, including Mauna Loa, one of five that are around The Big Island. A trip to this state ensures the visitor will have the chance to experience new sights and fun activities, and that is what makes it the top choice for traveling domestically.