With its scenic byways, stunning national parks and world-famous theme parks being a huge draw, it's no wonder around 63 million people visited the US from overseas in 2023. What's more, the National Travel and Tourism Office expects the number of international visitors to reach a record 82 million in 2025. That’s a lot of footfall, without counting the 60% of Americans who take at least one domestic trip per year. Every US state has its charms, but some get more attention than others.
Read on for a rundown of America’s least to most-visited states, according to data collated by World Population Review...
As a former mining hub, West Virginia has fallen on hard times since the decline of coal use, with the local headcount dropping to 1.7 million in 2024 – one of only three states where the population is decreasing. It also gets the fewest visitors of all the US states, but that’s set to change thanks to recent investment in tourism aimed at showing off its scenic assets. Follow country roads deep into the rugged heart of the Mountain State to spirited small towns, hidden highlights such as the Waterfall Trail (pictured) and America’s newest national park – New River Gorge – and you’ll likely have the place all to yourself.
Despite welcoming an average of 13 million US and overseas tourists each year, Vermont still ranks as one of the least visited US states. It’s also one of the most sparsely populated, home to less than 648,000 people. There are no major cities, skyscrapers are non-existent and state capital Montpelier hosts just 7,592 residents. As a result, its rural, small-town charm has remained blissfully intact. With wholesome outdoor activities such as sugar maple tree tapping in spring and leaf-peeping in fall, the state is ideal to escape urban life on a rural road trip across old, covered bridges, overnighting in quaint country lodges.
Covering around 77,350 square miles (200,335sq km) of Midwest plains and rocky bluffs, there’s plenty of room to move in Nebraska, where cattle outnumber people by more than three to one. The relatively small local population of around two million mostly live in and around Omaha with few tourists competing for space. While it's among America’s lesser-visited states, tourism is increasing fast with a 26% uptick in visitors in summer 2023, plus a huge surge in day-trippers to leftfield attractions such as Carhenge (pictured) and historic spots like Scotts Bluff National Monument and Buffalo Bill Ranch.
Dotted with quaint villages and an impressive natural bounty of valleys, rivers, lakes, and mountains bordering the Atlantic Ocean, the little old state of New Hampshire is much richer in scenic places and heritage spots than blockbuster attractions. Counting more than 14 million visitors in 2023 including a record-breaking 4.5 million tourists last summer, it still drew comparatively less travelers than its fellow states. That may be a good thing, as at just 9,349 square miles (24,213sq km), this unspoiled state is among the smallest in the US and there’s limited capacity for visitors.
Tiniest of all the US states, Rhode Island’s ranking among America’s least visited is almost certainly down to its size, as the New England summer resort has no shortage of charm. Harbor-side Newport is a pleasantly old-fashioned town of wharfs, clapboard boutiques, and heritage buildings that bustles with visitors in season. It once drew the nation’s wealthiest and most influential families to build summer mansions here, from the Vanderbilts to the Rockefellers. Remnants of the Gilded Age, they are now among Rhode Island’s prime visitor attractions alongside its more than 400 miles (644km) of meandering coast.
“If I went West, I think I would go to Kansas,” was US president Abraham Lincoln’s hot tip, but despite its location right in the heart of America, few travelers visit the US’ 15th most sizable state. Its relatively small population of around three million is supplemented by around 35 million visitors per year – some on vacation and others just passing through the vast prairies and plains much as the early settlers did in days of yore. More than 300 miles (483km) of peaceful trails retrace their steps, with remnants of the Old West and ranch stays along the way, plus 26 state parks and 24 fish-rich reservoirs that make Kansas an outdoors mecca.
Land of the Ozarks and bordering the mighty Mississippi, where you’ll find gushing hot springs and diamonds hidden in the soil, Arkansas is blessed with the sort of natural quirks that usually attract plenty of interest, but the state ranks low in the traveler popularity stakes. Hemmed in by several states, its lack of international inbound flights probably accounts for its comparatively low footfall, but even so several million people found their way here in 2022, with numbers growing as the state promotes outdoor adventures and natural assets in its seven national parks that include beautiful Buffalo River (pictured).
In terms of rural charm, the small New England state of Maine is top of the charts, but it’s surprisingly little-visited by outsiders. The farthest northeast, its lighthouse-dotted Atlantic shore and brilliant gold and scarlet fall foliage draw road-trippers from the south and artists seeking stunning landscapes and solitude. The state’s arty legacy is showcased in more than six museums strung together on the Maine Art Museum Trail, while local life is centered around pretty Portland’s historic streets, antique boutiques and fresh seafood such as the famous Maine lobster.
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Farms cover almost 90% of sparsely-populated North Dakota, leaving little to attract tourists. But what it lacks in obvious draws, it makes up for in wide-open space that reaches up to the border with Canada. Rich with historic Native American sites, the state offers a snapshot of the past. Bison still roam on the plains of Theodore Roosevelt National Park (pictured), where the former US president once owned a ranch in the shadow of the badlands. Movie buffs still make the pilgrimage to the remote town of Fargo made famous by the Coen Brothers, where a woodchipper prop from the movie makes for funny photo ops at the visitor center.
All railroads once led to Connecticut, which was the first US state to introduce trains. To this day, Bridgeport’s connections make it a travel hub and Essex hosts a working steam train, but it draws in precious few outsiders. A pocket-sized part of the New England region, Connecticut actually packs a lot in alongside 1% of the US population and one of the country’s most prestigious universities, Yale. It’s another state that’s perfect for a shoulder-season road trip exploring cute cookie-cutter towns in spring, and following byways across timber-truss bridges to flaming forest canopies in fall.
At the southern end of the Great Plains states, Oklahoma is typically spread out and sparsely populated, covering just under 70,000 square miles (181,300sq km) – that's twice the size of Portugal and many other European countries, but around the average area for a US state. It’s not a popular tourism destination, yet it pulled in a record 18 million visitors in 2022 and boasts a veritable grab-bag of winning diversions, from museums showcasing cowboy culture to musical attractions covering everything from jazz to Bob Dylan, and quirky spots such as the Totem Pole Park and Route 66 Museum (pictured).
Travelers seeking out remote and wild destinations won’t take long to catch on to Montana, which has the wide open skies and jaw-dropping scenery to rival the very best. Its majestic landscape of peaks, ranch-dotted plains and white-water rivers covers a vast area that counts as the fourth largest state in the US. Despite this, Big Sky Country registers few visitors each year compared to other states. Its magical mountain towns and untamed backcountry make for thrilling outdoor adventures – whether that’s hiking and rafting in summer or snow sports in winter.
Twice the size of New England, little-visited Idaho is blessed with dramatic scenery that deserves more attention. Known as the Gem State for its mineral-studded terrain, it's a hidden gem for travelers too. Although around 35 million people take vacations and day trips in and around Idaho each year, 16% of that number actually live in the state. Most visitors come to tour the region and experience its natural wonders that include Shoshone Falls (pictured) – 36 feet (11m) higher than Niagara – and Hells Canyon, which at 7,900 feet (2,400m), is deeper than the Grand Canyon.
Where’s Delaware? Its low ranking on the travel radar may indicate many people don’t know. As America’s second smallest state covering just under 2,500 square miles (6,475sq km), it’s hard to spot on the map – a sliver of East Coast land sandwiched between New Jersey and Maryland. It had the honor of being the first state in the union after ratifying the US Constitution in 1787 and is now most famous as the home state of US president Joe Biden. The teardrop-shaped state is rounded by seashore dotted with coastal resorts such as Rehoboth (pictured) with amusement-packed boardwalks drawing in summer visitors.
America's fifth chunkiest state has one-fifth of the national population density, making it extremely spacious and perfect for travelers seeking peaceful vistas. The ancient nature of the land feels palpable, and with more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other US state, by rights New Mexico should get far more visitors. Alongside Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the desert harbors many mysteries in New Mexico that have nothing to do with Area 51 – chief among them are the camouflaged Pueblo dwellings of Chaco Culture National Historical Park (pictured) that date back to AD 850.
Covering more than 70,000 square miles (181,300sq km) of backcountry mountains, vast prairies and forests including six national parks crisscrossed with trails, there’s plenty of room to play in South Dakota. Despite welcoming a record 14.7 million visitors in 2023, up 2.3% on 2022, its popularity doesn’t come close to the likes of its southern cousins. Incredible landscapes such as the rocky striped hills of Badlands National Park (pictured) draw in travelers, while many more come to see the man-made marvel of Mount Rushmore, which clocked up 2.4 million visitors in 2022.
There are just six people per square mile in the scenic northwestern state of Wyoming, making it the least populated place in America. It’s also among the least-visited despite being a gateway to seven national parks including wonderous Yellowstone and less-known Grand Teton. As the Cowboy State, Wyoming is steeped in western culture where you can trace tales of the Old West and stay on modern dude ranches. Its wild terrain is also ripe for outdoor adventure, with hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as white water rafting and kayaking opportunities.
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Hands down the largest US state – bigger than Texas, California and Montana combined – the northern US enclave of Alaska is the only place less densely populated than Wyoming. Its glacial landscapes, mountain peaks and wildlife do attract curious outsiders, but it still ranks low in the line-up of most-visited states. On the plus side, wilderness vacations viewing bears, moose and humpback whales are still possible here – and remote travel is said to be on the rise. It’s also the only US state where you have regular chances of spotting the Northern Lights.
Kentucky’s signature combo of bluegrass, bourbon, and horses is more than enough to charm most visitors, but it receives few tourists compared to nearby southern states of Virginia and Tennessee. That could change now there are more international flights landing in neighboring Cincinnati, plus airport upgrades at Louisville which will allow it to receive international visitors. The world-famous Kentucky Derby is always a popular event, and thorough-bred stud ranches dot the countryside, which can be visited on fun road trips. There are also cute trail towns, old bourbon distilleries, and bluegrass, folk and Americana hubs to explore, such as Owensboro.
A lesser-known US destination, there’s much more to midwestern Iowa than farms, cornfields, and The Field of Dreams. It has low-key cultural delights and outdoor beauty to woo both bookish types and thrill seekers. Iowa City is a UNESCO City of Literature perfect for browsing boutiques for the next page-turner and people-watching in literary-leaning cafes and coffee shops. Out of town, there’s natural adventure on offer too – including trails to hidden waterfalls in the Decorah area and caves, springs, and high bluffs in state parks such as Backbone, and Yellow River State Forest.
The only US state to border four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan is spread across two peninsulas connected by one of the world’s longest suspension bridges – the Mackinac Bridge. It presents a contrast of people-packed cities such as Detroit alongside peaceful wilderness areas perfect for summer recreation. The state has gained more popularity thanks to the concerted efforts of the Pure Michigan campaign, credited with drawing an extra two million visitors per year. Among its claims to fame, Michigan is the home state of Domino's pizza and the birthplace of Motown.
All trails west once led from Missouri, a landlocked state bordered by no less than eight other territories. As the historic start-point for the Pony Express, Oregon, Santa Fe, and California Trails, many travelers once traversed the state on pilgrimages west. In fact, the state’s role as the ‘Gateway to the West’ in the 1800s is commemorated by the soaring Gateway Arch in St Louis, which is among Missouri's major tourist attractions. Today, livestock outnumber tourists and the population clusters around the urban centers of Kansas City and St Louis.
Soulful Louisiana on the Gulf of Mexico harbors the popular city of New Orleans, where travelers flock for the annual Mardi Gras and jazz-filled French Quarter, a veritable melting pot of culture and heritage. Before the pandemic, Louisiana welcomed 53 million visitors per year from the US and overseas including Canada and the UK, and numbers are steadily climbing again. Outside New Orleans, its appeal lies in its sub-tropical climate, sampling iconic cuisine such as Cajun and Creole food, and touring alligator-haunted bayous.
There’s plenty of room to breathe in surprisingly scenic Oregon, which is among the top 10 largest states in the US yet has half the average population density, with most locals residing in the major cities of Portland and Salem. The West Coast state shares a stunning shoreline with California to the south, featuring appealing day-trip destinations such as Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. Among its diverse natural assets are dense forests, volcanic peaks such as Mount Hood, the 80-mile (129km) Columbia River Gorge, and the US’ deepest lake, Crater Lake – all of which attract outdoor adventurers.
Musical melodies and the mighty Mississippi river dominate this southern state, pulling in visitors from far and wide to cruise on its heritage paddle-wheel steamboats and visit Elvis’ childhood home. Aside from Tupelo and sites associated with the birthplace of the Blues, the white sand beaches of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and annual Natchez Balloon Festival feature high on visitors' itineraries. At the last local count, Mississippi received an average 23.4 million visitors per year, but only 55% of them were from out-of-state.
Small but perfectly formed, Maryland is the fifth most densely-packed state in the US with the majority of the population living in the historic port-side city of Baltimore. While Baltimore is big for baseball fans and patriots seeking the birthplace of the national anthem, Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the US whose claim to fame is its tasty blue crabs, oysters, and rockfish. Around 18 scenic and historic byways link the state’s capes, lakes, and historic spots. The state managed to clock up 43.5 million visitors in 2022, the majority of which were day trippers.
Washington State is best defined by its star city – Seattle. The state’s most populous place, it bustles with coffee culture, was the birthplace of grunge rock music, and has a skyline marked out by its iconic 605-foot-high (184m) Space Needle. Alongside Seattle, the Evergreen State’s main selling point is its stunning geography of mountain peaks, verdant forests, glassy lakes, and Pacific coastline that attract plenty of outdoorsy types with tens of millions of mostly domestic tourists visiting the state every year.
A true metropolis, Indianapolis serves as a headquarters for major companies such as pharmaceuticals Eli Lilly, and many come here for work, so it’s little surprise it ranks as the number one state for business in the Midwest. There’s plenty to tempt recreational visitors too, including the famous Indy 500 races at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Beyond the city, millions of visitors discover its bracing forest trails and natural marvels such as the subterranean Indiana Caverns and lake-side Indiana Dunes National Park (pictured) each year.
As the 12th largest state in America, Minnesota is not so mini. The most northerly state aside from Alaska, it covers a vast area of prairies, forest, and sparkling blue lakes that are a haven for outdoor adventurers. Known for its icy winter weather, ice hockey games are a big draw for visitors, along with the US’s largest mall, The Mall of America in Bloomington, and the creatively rich twin cities of Minneapolis-St Paul. Sharing eight border crossings with Canada, many people pass back and forth, partly explaining the 77 million visitors it registered in 2022.
Typical of northeastern states, Pennsylvania is pretty heavily populated, having the fifth highest number of residents of any US state as well as being home to one of America’s chief mega-cities, Philadelphia. As the country’s capital during the American Revolution and site of the infamous Gettysburg battlefield, Pennsylvania is named the Keystone State for a reason. Its historic sites draw crowds of tourists each year, which partly accounts for its higher status in this ranking compared with most neighboring states.
Small but mighty Massachusetts is the seventh tiniest US state, punching far above its weight in terms of visitor numbers. Home to Harvard (pictured) in the smart old city of Boston that serves as a hub for international flights, it draws millions of visitors each year for city business trips, weekend breaks and summer vacations in the classic New England hideaways of Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. Site of the Mayflower Landing and touchstones of the American Revolution strung together on the Freedom Trail, the state has tons to offer history buffs too.
From the Great Smoky Mountains down to hundreds of miles of Atlantic shore flanked by the beautiful Outer Banks, North Carolina has a great sweep of countryside with vast forests harboring waterfalls, rivers and streams that beckon outdoor explorers. While millions of vacationers visit North Carolina’s sparkling vineyards and beaches frequented by wild horses (pictured) each year – including Kitty Hawk where the Wright brothers flew their first plane – others come for high-octane stock car racing in the home of Nascar’s first track.
Average in size and shape for a US region, the middling state of Wisconsin is marked out by its love of cheese. It produces more cheese than practically the rest of America combined, and its creameries are surely a magnet for dairy fans and foodies, while the state prides itself on its hearty food in general. Milwaukee, situated on the western shore of Lake Michigan, is Wisconsin's largest city. It’s also a gateway to the Great Lakes, and a large chunk of the 111 million people who visited the state in 2022 made a beeline for its ample outdoor adventures and rustic cabins.
Right in the heart of the US, bordered on three sides by water, Illinois is a president-making state, having been home to four US presidents including Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama. It’s this history – and Chicago’s status as ‘America’s favorite city’ that keep visitors coming back. The genuinely charming Midwest city is bisected by a network of waterways and overlooks Lake Michigan, with sandy beaches and cycle paths lining the waterfront. For adventures in the fresh air, the state shares the vineyards, lakes, and scenic byways of the pretty Midwest, while those seeking a sense of Abraham Lincoln can head to his former home in Springfield.
A recent Brand USA survey found that 10% of people considering a vacation to the US were interested in visiting New Jersey. But this small urban state’s present and future visitor figures – totting up 114.6 million visits in 2022 – may be slightly skewed by the presence of Newark airport and its proximity to one of the world’s most visited cities – New York City. That said, the Jersey Shore and bedazzling casino mecca of Atlantic City are a magnet for millions of visitors each year, whether from further afield or just out of state.
Like New Jersey, Colorado may not be among the most-visited states in the US but it rated high on people’s travel radar in Brand USA’s survey, named among the top 10 US territories vacation-planners are interested in. The extension of the popular Rocky Mountaineer train on the Rockies to the Red Rocks route between Denver and Moab is already bringing in fresh visitors keen to experience Colorado’s legendary Rocky Mountains scenery. Mile High City Denver – which actually sits one mile (1.6km) above sea level – plus Aspen for winter sports, and the ancient wonders of Mesa Verde National Park, also feature on traveler's wish lists.
Landlocked Utah’s peculiar defining feature is the largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere, which gave state capital Salt Lake City its name. Rimmed by mountains, the pretty city is popular with visitors, centering on historic Temple Square that serves as the headquarters for the Mormon church. Out of town, Arches National Park, and the slot canyons of the southwest are irresistible for outdoor explorers. As the filming location for classic movie Thelma and Louise, Utah was made for scenic road trips, minus the dramatic cliff-drop ending.
The Deep South state of Alabama is fringed by miles of peaceful Gulf Coast shores and two-thirds of its area is cloaked in forest, with an uncrowded local population evenly spread out between its town and cities, making for a relaxing vacation destination. Northern Alabama’s stunning scenery draws millions of visitors, as do Birmingham and Montgomery for their storied history at the center of America’s Civil War and Civil Rights Movement. Meanwhile the exciting US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, which also hosts the popular Space Camp, is a family favorite.
Technically in the federal District of Columbia rather than a state, US capital city Washington DC is a must-see for Americans and holds plenty of historic fascination for visitors from abroad too, being in the top five territories that overseas travelers are curious to visit, according to Brand USA. History is both made and memorialized on Washington DC’s National Mall, making it possibly the best place in the US for a historical fix. The long grassy park laced with war memorials and fountains links the US Capitol to the east with the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and its reflecting pool (pictured) to the west.
Ohio’s ranking in the top 12 most visited states might be a surprise to some, but this Midwest state spanning almost 45,000 square miles (117,000sq km) offers a snapshot of all that’s good about America, whether that’s comfort food and culture, pro sports, or superb scenery. From the Ohio River and Appalachian Mountains in the south to Lake Erie in the north, the state is set up for outdoor pursuits, but it also boasts three major urban centers in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. These cities draw both business and city break travelers to attractions such as football, baseball, and basketball team games and Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
From Memphis to Nashville, music is the lifeblood of Tennessee and it’s a magnet for those who come to experience its neon-lit streets and live music scene. Many make the pilgrimage to Elvis’ iconic Graceland home or to visit Dollywood for thrills and spills in Dolly Parton’s very own theme park. Combined with the potential for invigorating hikes along the Appalachian Trail or tracing Civil Rights history at a variety of sites, it’s easy to see why Tennessee is such a frequented state.
Hawaii is famous the world over for its surf scene and tropical beauty so it’s small wonder it’s one of the top 10 most visited destinations in the US. As popular with domestic travelers as those from abroad, 29% of potential international visitors say they are considering a trip to the island state, according to Brand USA, putting it in the top five most sought-after places. The USA’s only archipelago state, there are seven major islands to explore including Hawaii’s Big Island, as well as dozens more small volcanic islets with a total land area of around 11,000 square miles (28,500sq km).
The charming southern state of Georgia boasts the busiest airport in the world in its state capital Atlanta, which almost certainly explains its top 10 most visited ranking. Aside from having stellar worldwide connections, the state has history and natural attractions aplenty. At the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, visitors can explore places associated with Martin Luther King in Atlanta, or head to one of the US’s most beguiling historic districts in the town of Savannah. Stirringly beautiful landscapes await visitors too in Providence Canyon, Amicalola Falls, and Driftwood Beach, to name just a few.
Arizona’s extraordinary landscapes, from the signature cacti of the Sonoran Desert to the natural wonder of the Grand Canyon, pull in plenty of visitors, while its atmospheric old towns such as Tombstone offer a taste of the wild west. Its wilderness areas are set up for oodles of outdoor fun, from mountain biking and hiking to segway and horseback tours, while the culturally rich cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale offer colorful museums and hangouts galore. Little surprise, then, that Arizona clocked up more than 40 million overnight stays in 2022 alone.
Stretching from the Atlantic to the Appalachians, Virginia has some of the most diverse tourism offerings in the US. History lovers revel in the Historic Triangle, home to colonial-era Williamsburg, the US’s first English settlement of Jamestown and the place where the US Revolutionary War ended at Yorktown. Meanwhile, Virginia Beach is the picture of summer bliss with more than 200 sunny days per year and Shenandoah National Park (pictured) offers a natural playground among the beautiful Blue Ridge valleys and peaks.
New York’s position in the top five most visited US states is entirely expected given the enormous appeal of New York City as a bucket-list destination. In fact, it was the second most sought-after US state in Brand USA’s survey of potential international visitors, with 44% of people planning a future trip, and that’s before even accounting for the huge numbers of business visitors to the Big Apple. New York City alone attracted almost 62 million travelers in 2023, while the state as a whole drew even more visitors to its blockbuster attractions that include Legoland New York and Niagara Falls.
The second most hefty of America’s states, everything's bigger in Texas – from wide open vistas to portion sizes. Texas welcomes tens of millions of travelers each year with several major airports including Dallas Fort Worth and San Antonio acting as global travel hubs. Its lively country and cowboy culture of rodeos and line dancing plus tasty barbecue gives way to urban sophistication in San Antonio and historic spots such as the infamous Alamo, all of which serve to catch the attention of prospective US visitors, placing it firmly in their top 10 US destinations.
As the self-styled entertainment capital of the world, Nevada is all about tourism. Its glitzy hotels, casinos, and clubs of the Vegas Strip (pictured) and trendy Reno to the northwest are a powerful magnet for tourists from across the world. A weekend trip to Las Vegas is almost a rite of passage for Americans, and the state receives tens of millions of visitors each year. Nevada isn’t all arid desert either – to the north is America’s largest alpine lake, Lake Tahoe, ideal for a restful getaway.
The Gulf State’s tropical beaches, world-class theme parks, and protected natural areas like the Everglades receive a staggering number of visitors each year, adding to the throng of residents that rank it third among America’s most populated states. Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is the world’s most visited theme park and anchors many families' vacations to the state, registering an average of 55 million visitors each year, while Universal Orlando Resort pulls in around 22 million tourists. Together they take much credit for Florida’s ranking as the second-most visited state.
From its iconic southern beaches and ancient redwood forests to Hollywood stars and the modern business mecca of Silicon Valley, the magnetic Golden State easily takes the crown as America’s most-visited region. Its popularity shows no sign of slipping either, as it ranked top in Brand USA’s survey of desirable US destinations, with 46% saying they were planning a future trip. The city of LA alone pulled in around 50 million visitors in 2023, according to the tourism office, while more than 100 million domestic and international travelers visited the state as a whole.
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