Ranked and rated: The best (and worst) US states
Some things seem immutable, like continents. Not just in the literal sense, with mountain ranges piercing the sky and the firm edges of landmasses that rarely shift, but also in their vastness. Their immense size ensures that while small details may change, the overall structure remains largely the same.
The same can be said for countries so large they nearly qualify as continents themselves. Take the United States, for example, a nation so expansive that it spans over 3,000 miles from east to west, touching both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It extends so far north and south that its northernmost state, Alaska, experiences Arctic chills, while its southern tip, Florida, basks in tropical sunshine.
True, the political turbulence of our current era means America quivers and changes at ground level, and this may happen again come November during the presidential election. Yet, beyond these shifts, the USA remains a largely unchanging entity. The Grand Canyon retains its grandeur, the Rockies remain rugged, and New York, despite its centuries of history, skyscrapers, and hot dogs, will always seem newer than the small city on the Ouse from which it borrowed its name.
So, one might assume the same applies to our Travel's ranking of U.S. states as holiday destinations. Initially rated exactly a year ago, we assessed each state using 39 factors across four key categories: nature, culture, experience, and luxuries (see "methodology" below). This data allowed us to rank the 50 states based on a variety of metrics, from five-star hotels, museums, and top-rated restaurants to the highest mountains, national parks, Dark Sky Places, and tallest waterfalls. We also considered less tangible measures like population density, average temperature, air quality, rainfall, crime rate, and cost of living, forming a clear picture.
That picture, however, is not static. Although only 12 months have passed, the rankings have shifted. The top 10 states from 2023 remain in the top 10 in 2024, but their order has changed. The winner of the poll remains the same, but its lead over the runner-up has narrowed by 42 points.
There are various reasons for these changes. Some are notable achievements, such as Ohio gaining 10 points due to Unesco World Heritage status being granted to the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, and Utah increasing its number of Dark Sky Parks to 20. Other changes are subtler, like the additional accolades for New York and Texas vineyards from Decanter’s 2024 awards and the impact of the latest New York Times restaurant list. In essence, the overall ranking remains impressive, but a few new details have emerged. And the rankings are now available for those interested.
No.10 - Arizona
| Criteria | Position |
|---|---|
| NATURE | 16th |
| CULTURE | 12th |
| LUXURIES | 27th |
| EXPERIENCE | 5th |
| READER POLL | Semi FInalist |
| TOTAL SCORE | 757 |
When a state can top a list like this with minimal sprawl, you know it's built on extraordinary scenery. Phoenix and its spa-retreat partner Scottsdale are neither small nor lacking in charm. Arizona boasts 26 five-star hotels (34 points) and NFL, NBA, and MLB franchises (60 points), with the state capital well represented. However, in this vast region (America’s sixth largest state), city life is overshadowed by the dramatic and expansive landscapes. Arizona doesn't have the advantage of coastal or lakefront locations to boost its rankings, but its three major protected areas (30 points) are true marvels of the West. Petrified Forest National Park features a painted desert and Triassic fossils, while Saguaro National Park is a forest of giant cacti silhouetted against the sunset. And of course, Grand Canyon National Park, as famous as it is breathtaking, needs no further introduction.
No.9 - Massachusetts
| Criteria | Position |
|---|---|
| NATURE | 14th |
| CULTURE | 6th |
| LUXURIES | 5th |
| EXPERIENCE | 33rd |
| READER POLL | Semi FInalist |
| TOTAL SCORE | 772 |
While size plays a role in this study (with four of the US's 10 largest states making the top 10), it is not always the determining factor. Massachusetts, the seventh smallest state, packs a lot into its 10,554 square miles, showcasing the charm of New England. Although it lacks National Parks, UNESCO sites, or top wineries, its 1,519 miles of coastline (20 points) boast impressive seaside stretches, including the long arc of Cape Cod and the beloved summer islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Inland, Massachusetts offers a leafy beauty that features seven of the country’s top 100 golf courses (35 points) and ensures 61 percent of the state is forested, contributing to its renowned autumn foliage displays (40 points). Additionally, the city of Boston enhances the state’s appeal. It hosts teams in all three of the US's most prestigious sports leagues: NFL football (New England Patriots), MLB baseball (Red Sox), and NBA basketball (Celtics), which collectively add 60 points. The Boston Symphony Orchestra, one of the world’s finest, contributes another 20 points.
No.8 - Utah
| Criteria | Position |
|---|---|
| NATURE | 8th |
| CULTURE | 38th |
| LUXURIES | 36th |
| EXPERIENCE | 1st |
| READER POLL | 1st Round |
| TOTAL SCORE | 779 |
If the word "Utah" brings to mind images of vast red deserts and endless horizons, you’re pretty close to reality. This survey confirms that impression. Covering 85,000 square miles, Utah proudly showcases its arid landscape. With five national parks (earning 40 points), it is surpassed only by California and Alaska. Each park in this quintet exemplifies the American West's rugged beauty: Bryce Canyon’s sandstone spires, Canyonlands’ deep scars, Capitol Reef’s desert views, Arches’ iconic rock formations, and Zion’s grand canyon. The state's low population density (39 people per square mile; 39 points) enhances the sense of solitude and offers prime star-gazing opportunities. Utah boasts the highest number of Dark Sky Parks in the country, with 20 parks (earning 50 points), which make up 22% of all such areas in the US. Despite its desert reputation, Utah is also a haven for winter sports. Two of its ski resorts (Park City, Alta/Snowbird) are ranked among the nation’s top ten (20 points).
No.7- Hawaii
| Criteria | Position |
|---|---|
| NATURE | 4th |
| CULTURE | 20th |
| LUXURIES | 13th |
| EXPERIENCE | 26th |
| READER POLL | 3rd |
| TOTAL SCORE | 784 |
A relaxing sunny holiday doesn’t need to be on the seafront, but it certainly helps, and Hawaii’s oceanic setting plays a significant role in its top-10 ranking in this study. Despite its eight main islands not giving it the longest coastline in the US, Hawaii's 1,052 miles are some of the most pristine and valuable (20 points). Its impressive tally of 12 top-ranked beaches (50 points), including Wailea Beach on Maui, is matched only by Florida. This extensive shoreline also offers ample space for luxurious accommodations, with Oahu and Maui featuring a combined 29 five-star hotels (sixth highest state total; 49 points). Additionally, Hawaii boasts an ideal average temperature of 21°C (49 points) and the best air quality in the nation (50 points).
No.6 - Washington
| Criteria | Position |
|---|---|
| NATURE | 3rd |
| CULTURE | 21st |
| LUXURIES | 8th |
| EXPERIENCE | 32nd |
| READER POLL | Semi Finalist |
| TOTAL SCORE | 797 |
While its name sometimes leads to confusion with America’s monument-laden capital, the northwesternmost state in the contiguous USA, Washington, bears little resemblance to a global metropolis. Indeed, Seattle is an engaging city with impressive museums such as the Olympic Sculpture Park, contributing to the state’s total of 464 institutions. Ltd Edition Sushi is one of two Washington restaurants on the New York Times list. However, Seattle is far from an urban giant. Beyond its city limits, Washington reveals its wild and wonderful side, epitomized by the dramatic, volcanic presence of Mount St. Helens. Approximately 53 percent of the state is covered in forests, a natural bounty showcased magnificently in the rainforest of Olympic National Park, one of Washington’s three protected areas. Moreover, Washington’s claim to natural beauty is underscored by its four entries among America’s ten tallest waterfalls, including the 2,568-foot Colonial Creek Falls, the tallest in the continental US.
No.5 - Colorado
| Criteria | Position |
|---|---|
| NATURE | 9th |
| CULTURE | 13th |
| LUXURIES | 13th |
| EXPERIENCE | 3rd |
| READER POLL | Semi Finalist |
| TOTAL SCORE | 834 |
It would be a disservice to reduce Colorado to just its mountains. While Denver, the "Mile High City," hints at the state's elevation, it is a bustling metropolis passionate about sports, with the Broncos, Nuggets, and Colorado Rockies representing the NFL, NBA, and MLB, respectively. Mesa Verde National Park is a unique treasure, with its sixth-to-12th-century houses recalling the Anasazi people and pre-colonial America. It contributes significantly to the state’s cultural heritage as Colorado’s sole UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of its four national parks. However, the Rockies play a substantial role in the state’s allure. Colorado is home to five of the USA’s top 10 ski resorts—Aspen, Breckenridge, Snowmass, Vail, and Winter Park—known for their dependable snow coverage. The state also boasts 14 glaciers, including the expansive Arapaho Glacier, and significant volcanic features like the La Garita Caldera.
No.4 - Texas
| Criteria | Position |
|---|---|
| NATURE | 12th |
| CULTURE | 7th |
| LUXURIES | 9th |
| EXPERIENCE | 2nd |
| READER POLL | Semi Finalist |
| TOTAL SCORE | 852 |
As the largest US state after Alaska, Texas’s prominent position on this list is hardly surprising. Spanning 268,596 square miles, Texas boasts five of the country’s 13 largest cities: Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth. These metropolitan areas contribute significantly to the state’s 1,155 museums (19 points) and 46 five-star hotels (26 points). The NFL, NBA, and MLB all have a presence in Texas, with Houston alone hosting the Texans (football), the Astros (baseball), and the Rockets (basketball), earning a combined 60 points. Houston is also home to Texas’s tallest building, the 1,002-foot (305-meter) JPMorgan Chase Tower (45 points), and as the birthplace of Beyoncé, it can claim one of the state’s three “Album of the Year” Grammy winners (20 points).
Despite these urban achievements, Texas is best known for its rugged landscapes, which further enhance its score. The highest point, Guadalupe Peak (8,751 feet/2,667 meters), adds 37 points for its elevation and 10 more as part of the Guadalupe Mountains, one of Texas’s two National Parks. Additionally, the vast desert areas provide the basis for 11 Dark Sky Parks, earning 40 points.
No.3 - New York
| Criteria | Position |
|---|---|
| NATURE | 8th |
| CULTURE | 2nd |
| LUXURIES | 2nd |
| EXPERIENCE | 49th |
| READER POLL | 4th |
| TOTAL SCORE | 876 |
New York City is often the first destination that comes to mind when considering travel in the USA. This study reveals that the country’s largest city also significantly influences the state that shares its name. Most of New York State's 876 points are attributed to the "Five Boroughs." The Statue of Liberty, a notable UNESCO World Heritage Site, earns 15 points and is inseparably linked to the city. One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the USA, adds 50 points. The state's impressive totals for museums (1,221; 43 points) and top-rated restaurants (five; another 50 points) are largely due to the city's rich cultural offerings, including The Met, MoMA, and the Brooklyn and Meatpacking Districts. However, there are notable exceptions. New York State lacks National Parks and high-altitude mountains, but regional beauty awaits in the Adirondacks and the Catskills, which are as worthy of exploration as a night in the East Village.
No.2 - Florida
| Criteria | Position |
|---|---|
| NATURE | 5th |
| CULTURE | 8th |
| LUXURIES | 4th |
| EXPERIENCE | 6th |
| READER POLL | 1st |
| TOTAL SCORE | 949 |
It's no surprise to see the Sunshine State's success as a destination reflected in its high ranking. Florida's 8,436 miles of coastline are a significant part of its appeal, worth 40 points, and its 12 top-ranked beaches earn another 50 points. Additionally, its average temperature of 22°C adds 50 points. However, there's more to this popular peninsula than just its waterfront. Florida is one of only two US states with three NFL teams (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins), and it also boasts a pair of teams in both the baseball and basketball major leagues, contributing a total of 60 points. Miami alone covers all three sporting categories and adds a fair number of the state’s 81 five-star hotels, the second-highest tally, worth 45 points. While there is a significant water element to the most celebrated of the three National Parks (30 points), the Everglades serve as a reminder that Florida is richly biodiverse despite its sand-and-sea image. More importantly, it is also the popular choice, finishing first in our reader poll, which gave Florida an additional 100 points (though this wasn't enough to tip the overall scales).
No.1 - California
| Criteria | Position |
|---|---|
| NATURE | 1st |
| CULTURE | 1st |
| LUXURIES | 1st |
| EXPERIENCE | 18th |
| READER POLL | 2nd |
| TOTAL SCORE | 1,147 |
Despite the variety of metrics used in this study, there was always going to be one clear winner: California. This spectacular slice of the US west coast, perpetually basking in sunshine, truly has it all. With 3,427 miles of coastline—only surpassed by Alaska, Florida, and Maine—California scores high (20 points) and boasts two of the nation's top beaches, including Coronado Beach in San Diego (20 points). San Diego, along with Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Francisco, contribute to a vibrant scene of food, accommodation, and culture. These cities host five of the country’s top restaurants (50 points), 138 five-star hotels (44 points), and 1,759 museums, more than any other state (35 points).
California's appeal extends beyond its cities and coastline. The state's renowned wine regions, like Napa and Sonoma, produce 159 award-winning wines (50 points), far outpacing any other state. Additionally, 13 of the top 100 US golf courses are located here, taking advantage of California's vast landscapes (45 points). The state also features lofty heights, with Mount Whitney standing at 14,505 feet (4,421 meters) as the highest point in the continental US (49 points). The Sierra Nevada mountain range, home to Mount Whitney, also supports two premier ski resorts, Heavenly and Mammoth Mountain (20 points), and contributes to California's unique status with glaciers and active volcanoes (25 points each).
California's natural beauty is further highlighted by its nine national parks, more than any other state except Alaska (50 points). These parks range from the iconic landscapes of Yosemite and Joshua Tree to the dense forests of Sequoia and Redwood. California, in all its diversity and grandeur, is a true champion.
