After visiting all 50 US states, I'm often asked which ones I'd recommend to travelers.Emily Hart
- Over the past decade, I've traveled solo to all 50 US states and most major US national parks.
- Although I've found beauty in every state, there are some that I want to visit over and over again.
Over the past decade, I've successfully visited all 50 US states solo. I've even made it to most of the major US national parks along the way. Because of this journey, I'm often asked which states I'd recommend to travelers.
Although most international travelers gravitate toward states like Florida and New York, I've found fantastic beauty and history in every state.
However, these are the 10 states I always return to.
New Mexico boasts a surprising variety of stunning landscapes.
New Mexico's diverse landscapes keep me coming back. Emily Hart
New Mexico is always at the top of my list when recommending US states. Nicknamed "the land of enchantment," it lives up to its moniker — and then some.
Those who haven't visited New Mexico may think of the state as a mostly barren desert, but it's actually the diverse 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 beauty to be found around every corner.
Outside the natural beauty, the state is chock full of history, art, food, wine, and culture.
Montana is a must-visit state for any outdoor enthusiast.
There's so much to do in Montana. Emily Hart
With its vast open spaces, majestic mountains, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, Montana is a must-visit state for any outdoor enthusiast.
The state is home to the breathtaking Glacier National Park and parts of Yellowstone National Park. The sky is vast and open, the mountains are towering, and the lack of development makes me feel like I'm entering another world entirely.
California is full of diverse landscapes and experiences.
I love visiting California's Yosemite National Park. Emily Hart
Every time I visit California, I feel like I'm entering a completely different reality.
The sheer size and diversity of the state are impressive, and it has gorgeous beaches, cities, forests, deserts, mountains, and even volcanoes.
I love road-tripping up the coast, visiting Yosemite National Park, taking a boat to the Channel Islands, and wine tasting in places like Napa and Sonoma.
There's no place quite like the Maine coast.
My favorite part of Maine is the beautiful coast. Emily Hart
There's so much to love about Maine, but my favorite part of the state is the coast. With jagged and dramatic cliffs, lighthouses, and lobster shacks, visiting the Maine coast is an unforgettable experience.
It's easy to find peace in the state that sees the first sunrise of the year and is home to Acadia National Park, which is one of the country's most popular national parks.
I love to road trip up the coast, stopping in beautiful towns like Kennebunkport, Bar Harbour, and Lubec.
I've returned to West Virginia multiple times.
In my opinion, West Virginia is an underrated state. Emily Hart
While it may not get as much attention as some of the other states on this list, I've returned to West Virginia multiple times since my first visit.
The state's natural beauty is stunning, from New River Gorge National Park to ample lush forests, underground caverns, historic small towns, and over 200 waterfalls.
Wisconsin is home to beautiful scenery and great dining options.
There are 15,000 lakes in Wisconsin. Emily Hart
Wisconsin has so much more than first meets the eye, from the natural beauty of the Apostle Islands and the 15,000 lakes in the state to the classic cheese curds, breweries, and wineries that dot the landscape.
I love spending time along the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, dining at one of the state's famous supper clubs, and exploring the many Wisconsin state parks.
As my home state, Colorado will always hold a special place in my heart.
There's no shortage of natural beauty and outdoor adventure in Colorado. Emily Hart
I couldn't write a list like this without including my home state of Colorado. The state has so much to offer, from beautiful views to fun activities.
On the Front Range, I enjoy hiking in Boulder and exploring Cheyenne Cañon. I like to spend the night at the The Broadmoor hotel in Colorado Springs before heading over to Great Sand Dunes National Park.
In the Rockies, I love driving Independence Pass to Aspen, as well as exploring the underrated Grand Mesa, which is the biggest flat-top mountain in the world. I also enjoy taking road trips to the charming mountain towns of Telluride, Buena Vista, and Steamboat Springs.
No matter where you find yourself in Colorado, there's no shortage of incredible natural beauty and outdoor adventure.
Utah is home to five major national parks.
There are also 46 state parks in Utah. Emily Hart
Utah is a state that you have to see to believe. With five major national parks, 46 state parks, 15 ski resorts, and hidden gems at every turn — you'll never get bored here.
I love 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 also love making stops in Park City and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.
New Hampshire boasts some of the best skiing and hiking in the Northeast.
I also love admiring New Hampshire's beautiful fall foliage. Emily Hart
The Northeast is famous for fall foliage, but I can't help but think that New Hampshire is sometimes overshadowed by its neighbors, Maine and Vermont.
I was stunned by its natural beauty during my first trip to the state. From the White Mountains to Franconia Notch State Park, the state boasts some of the best skiing and hiking in the Northeast.
Arizona is the perfect escape for adventure and relaxation.
Arizona offers a lot more than just the Grand Canyon. Emily Hart
Arizona is well known for the Grand Canyon, but the state has much more to offer. From Flagstaff's high-altitude forests to Sedona's iconic red rocks, Arizona's diversity is surprising and worth a trip.
I love hiking among the cacti in Sedona or Scottsdale before heading to one of the many resorts to jump in a pool or hit the spa — the perfect escape for adventure and relaxation.