Touring America: My Journey Through All 50 States!

Image from Britannica.com

Traveling to all 50 states wasn’t exactly something I set out to do from the start—it happened almost by accident. One day, I was jotting down all the places I’d visited in the U.S. when I realized I was only about 15 states short of seeing them all. At that point, I figured, “Well, I’ve come this far—I might as well see the rest.” And so, my journey to visit every state began.

Planning the Trip: Breaking It Down by Region

The Midwest – A great place to start, as the states are relatively close together and connected by a network of highways. While not the most scenic region overall, it has hidden gems, including the Great Lakes, rolling farmland, and iconic cities like Chicago and Minneapolis.

The South – Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and, of course, the heat. If you visit in the summer, be prepared—it can be brutally hot and humid. From the beaches of Florida to the bayous of Louisiana and the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina, the South has plenty to offer.

The East Coast – By far the easiest region to tackle, thanks to the smaller states and well-connected public transportation. You can drive through multiple states in just a few hours. The East is rich in history, from the colonial towns of New England to the bustling cities like New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C.

The West – The most breathtaking region, with dramatic landscapes that range from deserts and red rock formations to towering mountains and lush forests. This is where the journey gets longer, as states are much larger and more sparsely populated. However, the reward is stunning scenery in places like Colorado, Utah, Montana, and the Pacific Northwest.

Alaska & Hawaii – The final challenge. These states require a separate trip, but they’re more than worth it. Alaska is an outdoor lover’s paradise with glaciers, wildlife, and the northern lights, while Hawaii offers volcanic landscapes, tropical beaches, and a rich Polynesian culture.

Things Worth Seeing Along the Way

1. National and State Parks

If a state has a national park or a notable state park, go see it! The U.S. National Park system is one of the greatest treasures of the country, preserving some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Here are just a few must-visit parks:

• Yosemite (California) – Home to giant sequoias, granite cliffs, and stunning waterfalls.

• Grand Canyon (Arizona) – One of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders on Earth.

• Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee/North Carolina) – A mist-covered mountain range full of wildlife and scenic drives.

• Yellowstone (Wyoming/Montana/Idaho) – Geysers, hot springs, and diverse wildlife, including bison and bears.

• Acadia (Maine) – The rugged coastline and stunning views make it a gem of the Northeast.

• Everglades (Florida) – The only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist.

2. Major Cities

While cities share similarities, each state has its own distinct vibe. Exploring a state’s major city is a great way to experience local culture, from food and accents to unique traditions. Some standout cities include:

• New Orleans, Louisiana – Jazz, Creole cuisine, and the famous French Quarter.

• Seattle, Washington – A mix of urban culture and nature, with great coffee and waterfront views.

• Chicago, Illinois – Deep-dish pizza, iconic architecture, and a thriving arts scene.

• Dallas, Texas – Vibrant arts and culture scene, world-class museums, delicious Tex-Mex cuisine.

• Boston, Massachusetts – A history lover’s dream, with cobblestone streets and historic sites.

3. The Unusual & Quirky

Every state has its oddball attractions, and they’re often the most fun stops along the way. Some unique finds include:

• The World’s Largest Ball of Twine (Kansas) – Because why not?

• Carhenge (Nebraska) – A replica of Stonehenge, but made entirely of old cars.

• Cadillac Ranch (Texas) – A row of half-buried Cadillacs covered in graffiti.

• Mystery Spot (Michigan) – A place where gravity seems to go haywire.

• UFO Museum (New Mexico) – Located in Roswell, the heart of alien conspiracy theories.

4. Borders and Dividing Lines

I love finding places where I can be in two places at once, so discovering unique borders became one of my favorite parts of the trip.

• Texas/Mexico River Border – There’s a river where you can technically stand in both the U.S. and Mexico. But be careful—border patrol keeps a close eye on the area.

• Minnesota/Canada Water Border – Paddle across a lake and halfway through, you’ll be in Canada.

• The Center of the Contiguous U.S. – Located in Lebanon, Kansas, at 39°50’N latitude and 98°35’W longitude. Not the most exciting place, but a cool landmark for geography lovers.

• The Center of All 50 States – Found in South Dakota at 44°58′N 103°46′W.

Lessons Learned from Visiting Every State

• Road Trips Are King – While flying can be convenient, some of the best parts of the journey happen on the road. If you have the time, drive.

• Plan Around Weather – The South in summer? Brutally hot. Northern states in winter? Expect snow and freezing temps. Timing matters.

• Small Towns Have Big Charm – Big cities are fun, but don’t skip the small towns. Some of the best food, friendliest people, and most unique experiences happen off the beaten path.

• Respect Nature and Locals – Places like Alaska and Hawaii are stunning but also fragile. Locals in many places prefer to keep their landscapes pristine, so be respectful and minimize your impact.

Some of My Favorite States

It’s hard to pick favorites, but a few that stood out include:

• Washington & Oregon – Stunning forests, mountains, and coastline.

• Utah & Colorado – Some of the beautiful landscapes in the country, mountains, valleys, rivers, and wildlife.

• Maine & Vermont – Quaint towns, fall foliage, and great seafood.

• Florida & Louisiana – Vibrant culture, amazing food, and unique ecosystems.

• Michigan – The Great Lakes are truly impressive and offer some of the best summer destinations in the U.S.