Domestic Travel: U.S. States / Cities

LoAroundTheGlobo
Nov 24
10 min read

Updated: Dec 1

Here is my ever-growing list of U.S. states and the places I’ve visited—whether on a family trip, friends’ weekend, bachelorette getaway, romantic escape, work travel, or some combination of all of the above—plus my overall impressions of each place with pictures after the commentary.

ALASKA

Places Visited: Anchorage, Juneau, Denali National Park & Preserve

Vibes: Outdoorsy, Expansive, Spellbinding

Perfect for: An adventurous, soul-stirring escape with family, friends, or a partner. We soaked in the jaw-dropping views along Alaska’s southern shoreline during a cruise that stopped in Vancouver, Anchorage, and Juneau back when I was in middle school (covered in its own post), and I later shared my 2025 work/play adventures in Anchorage in another.

Rating: 10/10

ARIZONA

Places Visited: Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, Montezuma Castle National Monument, Papago State Park

Vibes: Unique, Outdoorsy, Restorative, Versatile

Perfect for: Absolutely any kind of trip or group—Arizona blends city vibes with desert magic like a pro. Just be prepared for the climate, which ranges from “surface of the sun” hot to “wait, why is it so cold?” dry chill. I’ve explored the state’s cities and natural wonders on multiple trips (all detailed in separate posts), and while I adore Arizona, the extreme weather and I are not always besties.

Rating: 9/10

ARKANSAS

Places Visited: Little Rock, Hot Springs National Park

Vibes: Quaint, Quiet, Wholesome

Perfect for: A relaxing weekend or low-key getaway. Little Rock is pleasantly sleepy, and Hot Springs—with its nostalgic bathhouses and small-town strip—is perfect for a quick, cozy escape. My mom and I had a wonderful time on our third annual Mother/Daughter Trip, and I even got to see a cousin who lives there. If I return, I’d likely head up to the Fayetteville area.

Rating: 7/10

CALIFORNIA

Places Visited: San Francisco, Sonoma, Los Angeles

Vibes: Versatile, Culturally Rich, Outdoorsy, Entertaining, Impressive, Expensive

Perfect for: Literally anything. California has something for every traveler and every vibe. I’ve been several times for both work and play, and there’s still so much left on my list—national parks galore, sporty beach towns, wine country, and of course the dream of driving the entire Pacific Coast Highway from San Diego to Oregon.

Rating: 10/10

COLORADO

Places Visited: Denver, Fraser

Vibes: Outdoorsy, Active, Mountainous, Free-Spirited

Perfect for: An adventurous friends’ trip, bachelor(ette) weekend, or romantic getaway. Colorado does mountain life very well. I’ve visited a few times and loved every minute, so it remains high on my revisit list—especially those iconic ski towns in winter.

Rating: 9.5/10

DELAWARE

Places Visited: Beaches along Delaware Seashore State Park (Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany)

Vibes: Quaint, Relaxing, Leisurely

Perfect for: A chill weekend with friends or a simple romantic escape. The beach towns are calm and peaceful—nothing too flashy, but perfectly pleasant. I had a great time with friends, and the easy drive from the DMV was a major perk.

Rating: 7/10

FLORIDA

Places Visited: Jacksonville, Sarasota, Boca Raton, Daytona Beach, Orlando, Kissimmee, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Key Largo, Clearwater, Everglades National Park

Vibes: Beautiful, Fun, Versatile, Chaotic

Perfect for: Sunshine seekers, beach lovers, theme-park enthusiasts, and party people. Florida has range. Growing up, I visited often because my grandma lived near Orlando, so we checked off all the parks, wildlife areas, alligator farms, and beaches over the years. Since then, I’ve returned for bachelorettes, work events, random weekends, and even the Disney World Marathon.

Points docked because… well, Floridians (both natives and transplants) can sometimes give “main-character energy” in the chaotic sense. You’ll have fun—but you might also be ready to go home by the end.

Rating: 8.5/10

GEORGIA

Places Visited: Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah

Vibes: Sporty, Fun, Expensive, Charming, Southern

Perfect for: A weekend packed with sporting events in Atlanta or Augusta, a romantic getaway to dreamy Savannah, or a bachelor(ette) trip thanks to Georgia’s great mix of city energy and outdoor charm. I’ve worked The Masters at Augusta National three times, explored Savannah’s sweet-and-spooky streets, and enjoyed Atlanta’s iconic aquarium—all during different trips. Safe to say, Georgia has treated me well.

Rating: 8.5/10

HAWAI‘I

Places Visited: Kaua‘i Island (Waimea, Princeville, Kapa‘a, Wailua, Lihu'e, Po'ipu)

Vibes: Spellbinding, Remote, Culturally Rich, Pricey

Perfect for: Family, friends, or a romantic escape—Hawai‘i offers everything from zen-level relaxation to jaw-dropping adventures. I loved Kaua‘i so much I visited twice in one year, and it remains my favorite place on Earth. My travels there are covered in another post, and while I’d love to explore the other islands someday, I’d follow local guidance on when and how to visit responsibly.

Rating: 10/10

ILLINOIS

Places Visited: Chicago, East St. Louis

Vibes: Versatile, Urban, Lively, Clean

Perfect for: A friends’ weekend, bachelor(ette) trip, or romantic city getaway. I’ve visited Chicago more times than I can count—for work, birthdays, bachelorettes, and pure fun—and it’s hands down my favorite U.S. city. Think classic urban energy with bonus waterfront magic: the river slicing through downtown and Lake Michigan lining the east side. Add in clean streets and friendly Midwestern charm, and it’s a winner. I haven’t explored much outside Chicago yet, so I can’t give the whole state a perfect score… for now.

Rating: 9/10

KENTUCKY

Places Visited: Bourbon Trail (Louisville, Frankfort, Lexington), Newport, Covington

Vibes: Stunning, Underrated, Quaint, Historical

Perfect for: A bachelor(ette) trip along the gorgeous Bourbon Trail, a weekend in Louisville, or a bucket-list experience at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby. I’ve done all three, and Kentucky continues to charm with its blend of Southern warmth and Midwestern friendliness.

Rating: 9/10

MARYLAND

Places Visited: Baltimore, Ocean City, Annapolis, Bethesda, Great Falls National Park

Vibes: Lively, Predictable, Sporty, Patriotic

Perfect for: A low-stress, easy-driving weekend getaway with family, friends, or a partner. Growing up in Virginia meant countless Maryland visits, and each area offers something slightly different—history in Annapolis, trails at Great Falls, nightlife in Ocean City, and city vibes in Baltimore. Maryland strikes a great balance between urban and waterfront energy.

Rating: 7/10

MASSACHUSETTS

Places Visited: Boston, Westport, Cape Cod (Chatham, Brewster)

Vibes: Historical, Patriotic, Urban-but-Quaint, Diverse, Fun

Perfect for: A friends’ weekend, a history-filled family trip, or a romantic escape. Thanks to several college friends from the Boston area, I’ve visited many times—and always have a blast. Between Boston’s charming downtown, the cozy New England vibes along the Cape, and relaxing trips to Westport, the state consistently delivers. Boston isn’t the hottest bachelor(ette) spot (it skews small-town-ish and the nightlife can feel… same-y), but Massachusetts overall is a gem.

Rating: 9/10

MICHIGAN

Places Visited: Detroit

Vibes: Versatile, Industrial, Cultural, Historical

Perfect for: A fun yet restorative friends’ or family getaway. I’ve only visited once for work, but Michigan is high on my wish list—especially the Upper Peninsula, Mackinac Island, and the remote, postcard-worthy areas I’ve heard rave reviews about. Since I’ve only scratched the surface, the whole-state score remains a work in progress.

Rating: 7.5/10

MISSOURI

Places Visited: Kansas City, Columbia, St. Louis, Gateway Arch National Park

Vibes: Midwest, Quaint, Communal

Perfect for: A fun friends’ weekend centered around sports or a bachelor(ette) trip (the Ozarks, anyone?). My brother attended law school in St. Louis, and I once visited Joe's BBQ during a lunch with my cousin (technically on the Kansas side of town), so all in all, I’ve visited many times for work and play and had a pleasant experience each time. Missouri’s slower pace, friendly people, and manageable tourist attractions make it a surprisingly delightful go-to.

Rating: 8.5/10

MONTANA

Places Visited: Gardiner, Yellowstone National Park, Kalispell, Whitefish, Glacier National Park

Vibes: Spellbinding, Mountainous, Outdoorsy, Expansive

Perfect for: An adventurous and soul-filling escape with family, friends, or a partner. I first visited Yellowstone (shared by Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming), then returned years later with a then-boyfriend to explore Glacier National Park and the charming towns nearby—all documented in another post.

Rating: 10/10

NEVADA

Places Visited: Las Vegas

Vibes: Entertaining, Expensive, Unique

Perfect for: A wild, high-energy weekend with friends or a bachelor(ette) party. I spent my 21st birthday in Vegas with a big group of friends and family, then returned for work and again for a friend’s bachelorette. Vegas is famous for a reason—day clubs, nightlife, world-class shows, and the surreal “desert mirage” factor. I don’t gamble and don’t need another extremely pricey party weekend, but I’d absolutely return to explore Nevada beyond the Strip—Hoover Dam, desert landscapes, and the arts scene are calling.

Rating: 9/10

NEW MEXICO

Places Visited: Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Carlsbad, Roswell, White Sands National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Sitting Bull State Park

Vibes: Outdoorsy, Cultural, Quaint, Inspired by Native Populations

Perfect for: A weekend getaway with friends, family, or a partner to explore stunning natural sights, experience the world-famous Albuquerque Balloon Festival, or dive into the region’s rich blend of Native, Indigenous, Hispanic, and even alien-inspired cultures. I visited with my mom before meeting up with my brother and the American Oddities Tour—and the Balloon Festival is covered in a separate blog post if you’re curious!

Rating: 9/10

NEW YORK

Places Visited: New York City, Buffalo, Niagara Falls State Park, Catskills Mountains

Vibes: Vibrant, Diverse, Versatile, Urban and Rural

Perfect for: Any type of trip for any type of traveler. From NYC’s nonstop energy to Upstate’s cozy towns and the scenic foothills near Canada, New York really offers it all. I’ve visited multiple times, and NYC is popular for very obvious reasons—it’s one of the most fast-paced, diverse, electric cities on the planet. I also loved visiting Niagara Falls on our first Mom/Daughter trip (more on that in another post). I can’t wait to explore more of the Catskills, Finger Lakes, and Adirondacks next.

Rating: 10/10

NORTH CAROLINA

Places Visited: Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Winston-Salem, Outer Banks, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Fayetteville, Ocracoke, Cape Hatteras, Wilmington (Topsail Beach)

Vibes: Versatile, Charming, Appealing

Perfect for: Any group and any vibe—North Carolina has cities, beaches, mountains, booming industries, and slower-paced getaways all in one. Many of my friends (and now me!) have relocated here because the quality of life is fantastic and there’s always something to do. I grew up vacationing in the coastal towns, exploring quirky mountain cities, and visiting college hubs across the state. Now that I live in Charlotte, I can confidently say NC truly feels like home.

Rating: 10/10

OHIO

Places Visited: Cleveland, Cuyahoga National Park, Columbus, Cincinnati

Vibes: Historical, Urban-but-Quaint, Country

Perfect for: A weekend getaway with friends or a trip built around a concert or game. Ohio pride is very real, so I’ve docked a point or two simply because, although I loved my 2.5 years living in Cincinnati, Cincy is an anomaly—diverse, fun, and full of great food, beer, music, and sports, surrounded by an otherwise fairly conservative, homogenous state. Still, I loved exploring Columbus, Cleveland, and Cuyahoga Valley on our second Mom/Daughter trip.

Rating: 8/10 (to Visit); 9/10 (to Live)

PENNSYLVANIA

Places Visited: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh

Vibes: Sporty, Industrial, Historical, Salt-of-the-Earth

Perfect for: A friends’ weekend or a concert/game-focused trip. Having family outside Pittsburgh and a best friend from Philly means I’ve visited countless times, and I always enjoy the hardworking, passionate energy of Pennsylvanians and the mix of history and grit found in both cities.

Rating: 8.5/10

RHODE ISLAND

Places Visited: Newport, Portsmouth

Vibes: Nautical, Small-Town, Affluent

Perfect for: A romantic getaway, a wholesome bachelor(ette) trip, or a weekend with friends. My college friends and I visited for a polo match and dinner in downtown Newport, which is adorable—cobblestones, coastal views, endless restaurants and shops, and perfect New England charm.

Rating: 8/10

SOUTH CAROLINA

Places Visited: Columbia, Irmo, Charleston, John’s Island, Kiawah Island, Mount Pleasant, Rock Hill, Florence, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, North Augusta, Congaree National Park

Vibes: Low-country, Quaint, Southern, Slow-Paced

Perfect for: A friends’ weekend, family trip, or romantic escape. I lived in Columbia during college and have nothing but gratitude for the memories—football games at USC, summers in North Myrtle, rowdy nights in Charleston, and everything in between. South Carolina will always hold a special place in my heart. Humidity and slower economic development aside, it’s a hot, fun, and undeniably sexy place to visit.

Rating: 9/10

SOUTH DAKOTA

Places Visited: Rapid City, Black Hills National Forest, Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Vibes: Remote, Beautiful, Underrated

Perfect for: An adventure-packed, outdoorsy trip with family or friends. Most people visit for the rugged landscapes—and rightly so—but you can also time your visit for Sturgis and its world-famous motorcycle rally.

Rating: 8/10

TENNESSEE

Places Visited: Nashville, Knoxville, Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Vibes: Southern, Mountainous, Fun

Perfect for: Nearly anything: a romantic mountain getaway, a rowdy bachelor(ette) trip to Broadway’s honky-tonks, or a wholesome family vacation. Now that my brother and his girlfriend live outside Nashville, I’ll be visiting more—and I suspect my rating will only go up.

Rating: 8/10

TEXAS

Places Visited: Austin, Dallas, Houston, Round Rock, San Antonio, The Alamo, El Paso, West Texas (Guadalupe Mountains National Park)

Vibes: Southern, Sporty, Cultural, Varied, Traditional

Perfect for: Anything from a romantic historical getaway to an outdoorsy adventure or a lively friends/bachelor(ette) trip—especially in Austin. Texas has incredible food (thank you, Latino influence), tons of outdoor activities like boating on Lake Travis or hiking the Guadalupe Mountains, and some of the best nightlife in the South. It’s massive and varied, offering a little bit of everything for everyone.

Rating: 9/10

UTAH

Places Visited: Salt Lake City, Park City, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Great Salt Lake State Park, Bear Lake State Park

Vibes: Active, Cultural, Unique, Versatile

Perfect for: A weekend with friends or family—or a bachelor(ette) trip to Park City. I’ve visited with both family and girlfriends and had wildly different but equally fun and wholesome experiences each time. Whether you’re zip-lining near Salt Lake City, learning about the state’s fascinating cultural split (Mormons vs. heathens—kidding, but also not), or exploring the state’s iconic national parks, Utah is a slam dunk.

Rating: 9/10

VIRGINIA

Places Visited: Richmond, D.C. Suburbs (Alexandria, Arlington, Rosslyn), Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Lynchburg, Blacksburg, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Lexington, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Winchester, Leesburg, Petersburg, Williamsburg, Fredericksburg, Chesapeake, Newport News, Tappahannock, Yorktown, Eastern Shore, Blue Ridge Mountains Parkway, Shenandoah National Park, Damascus, Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Farmville, Powhatan, Luray Caverns State Park, Front Royal, Urbanna, Deltaville

Vibes: Versatile, Historical, Outdoorsy, Cultural, Political

Perfect for: Truly anything and everything. Virginia is the best state—yes, I’m biased, but I’ve lived in four states, one federal district, and another country, and nothing compares. Mountains? Check. Beaches? Check. Cities, small towns, history, sports, culture, politics? All there. As the saying goes, Virginia is for lovers—and it’ll always be home to me.

Rating: 10/10

WASHINGTON

Places Visited: Seattle, Tacoma, Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park

Vibes: Rainy, Outdoorsy, Progressive

Perfect for: A romantic weekend or a friends’ trip built around hiking, biking, wildlife spotting, and enjoying wholesome, outdoorsy Pacific Northwest vibes.

Rating: 9/10

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Places Visited: National Mall & Monuments, Rock Creek State Park, Smithsonian Museums, East Potomac Park, Georgetown, Downtown, Chinatown, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Tenleytown, Kalorama, Woodley Park, Penn Quarter, NoMa, U Street Corridor, H Street Corridor, Navy Yard, Capitol Hill

Vibes: Political, Historical, Monumental, Fast-Paced

Perfect for: Anyone who loves museums, history, good food, walkable neighborhoods, or simply the thrill of being in the nation’s capital.

Rating: 10/10 (to Visit); 8/10 (to Live)

WEST VIRGINIA

Places Visited: Charleston, Beckley, New River Gorge National Park

Vibes: Underrated, Relaxing, Mountainous, Remote

Perfect for: A rugged, off-grid weekend enjoying the peace and quiet of Appalachia. I’ve visited (and driven through) West Virginia countless times—for snowboarding, whitewater rafting, hiking, cozy cabin weekends—and I always love it. It’s often misunderstood, but it’s one of the most naturally beautiful states in the country.

Rating: 9/10

WYOMING

Places Visited: Yellowstone National Park, Grand Tetons National Park, Jackson Hole, Casper, Devils Tower National Monument, Family Ranch near the South Dakota Border

Vibes: Spellbinding, Rural, Outdoorsy, Remote

Perfect for: A rugged escape where you can slow down, stargaze like never before, and soak up true Western living. We drove across Wyoming from Gardiner, Montana, through Cody, and onto the ranch where my brother once worked—a major highlight of our two-week road trip. Between the wildflowers, rolling hills, and endless skies, Wyoming is perfect for anyone wanting to disappear (in a good way) for a bit.

Rating: 10/10