Movies •Books •Music •Food •Tv Shows •Technology •Politics •Video Games •Parenting •Fashion •Green Living •more >

Lunch » People » Sharrie » Lists » Top 20 States I've Visited in U.S.A.

Top 20 States I've Visited in U.S.A.

Jan 31, 2010

by Sharrie
posted in 100 Top Places (to see before you die)

For a foreigner I must admit I've traveled to a great many states in the U.S. All in all, perhaps about 1/2 of the whole of America (as in U.S.A.). Since I traveled only for leisure purposes, the way I go about seeing these states is their attractions (be it nature or manmade). What I did go for in the U.S. are the national parks and this is how this list is ranked, basically. The other states that are not on the list but those I've visited are :Virginia, North Dakota, New Jersey, Michigan, Idaho & Georgia. In this sense, this list was compiled. The other half of America? I'll have to wait for retirement, hopefully! ;-)

Utah

Let's begin the tour with Utah's natural resources and its stunning vistas. It's probably one of the states with the most breathtaking national parks in both America and the world.

Arches N.P., Bryce N.P., Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point State Park, Glen Canyon, Monument Valley, Zion N.P. are some of the most spectacular parks not only in America but also the world. Utah certainly is in God's favor!

Nevada

Nevada's gemstone is Las Vegas which I happen to like a lot. You can read about it in my Las Vegas review should you be interested. For most from the Orient, Las Vegas is like a miracle out of sands. For me, it's pure entertainment with the best hotels for my getaway to the many national parks nearby. Shopping & food are great too! Some Americans seemed to have misgiving about Vegas, but well, I know a lot more who love it too!

Hawaii

I love the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and think it's one of the most unique parks in the world. I've this fascination with volcanoes and glaciers, so this one is special for me. Hawaii also has beautiful green lush landscapes in Maui and Kauai. Beautiful from both above and on ground.

Alaska

Yes, I've seen DVDs & many documentaries on Alaska. I've even been to Fairbanks and Coldfoot in the middle of winter! Crossed the Arctic Circle and flew across the landscapes in end January. Yes, timing is not great for my Alaskan trip but I was there for the Northern Lights! This will rank higher if I was here in the Summer, I'm sure. I'll be making my trip back here for a cruise and hopefully that's in near future!

California

California has a good mix of cities, entertainment and nature.

First, national parks:

1) Death Valley

2) Sequoia

3) Yosemite

Cities:

Los Angelis

Sacramento

San Diego

San Francisco

Other than the national park, Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument was quite a novelty for me back then in my youth. I've also had dreams about something similar to its indoor pools way before I visited the place. It's like déjà vu!

New Mexico

One of the most unique national parks in the world and America is found here. Carlsbad Caverns National Park. For those with interest in sand dunes, you will be delighted with White Sands National Monument. Perhaps you might have the good luck to meet some aliens in this state too! ;-) Ever heard of Roswell & Area 52?!

Oregon

I love Oregon's Marionberry wine. Portland is another nice city to walk around and to simply relax and watch the world goes by. No tax in this state makes it a great shopping paradise! Imagine buying all your Apple's product here! Mount Hood is interesting as well.

Washington

There are a few national parks in the state of Washington. However, I've only been to Mount Rainer National Park. Seattle is nice other than its rainy weather. Everett, well, my favorite company being Boeing and not Microsoft! ;-) A visit to the Boeing factory is a must!

New York State

For some reasons, I'm not very fond of New York. I know, it's a favorite for most Americans. Well, Empire State Building is still around and you can always go to United Nations or Wall Street. Times Square on New Year's Eve or the Statue of Liberty. Hmm, I'm still not excited! Ooops!

Texas

I've only been to Houston and El Paso enroute to Guadalupe National Park. When I returned from Ecuador, I was asked a lot of question at the airport. That's not very nice treatment at all! Probably the worst I've ever had from the tens of times I've been to this country!

Minnesota

I traveled via Minneapolis many times but have actually not ventured beyond its airport. It's here because the other states I've been to was either far too long ago (like Atlantic City in New Jersey) or I didn't like it that much (like Atlanta in Georgia). Otherwise it's a non-eventful one (like Fargo in North Dakota, Idaho Falls in Idaho). To be fair, Detroit in Michigan will probably hold the same spot for now. Arlington in Virginia, if you like Pentagon?

I know, you will ask me, what about New Orleans? Well, I haven't been to New Orleans! ;-)

What did you think of this list?

Helpful

Thought-Provoking

Fun to Read

Well-Organized

Post a Comment

jbeswick December 22, 2010

Great list, Sharrie - I'd largely agree, although I'd push DC and Texas up a little higher ;-) I completely agree about Utah and Arizona though - there are some spectacular things to see in both states that just take your breath away.

show text editor

reply to this comment

Follow this review

MichaelN February 02, 2010

Thank for sharing your experiences. I have been to most of the places you mentioned and would love to have your expanded reviews of each. New York has a lot of things to offer but most visitors never leave Manhattan. We have many museums within the city, probably more than anywhere in the country. Then we have Cooperstown and Niagra Falls that are must places to visit.

Sharrie February 02, 2010

:-) I'm not quite an arts or museum person. I used to live in Toronto and hence visited Niagara mostly from the Canadian side of the waterfall ;-)

show text editor

reply to this comment

Follow this review

devora February 02, 2010

I've only been to 11 of these. No offense to Utah, but I didn't expect it to be at the top of any list like this! I agree though, it's gorgeous there, and I've taken some of my favorite photographs there, of their natural wonders, and their gorgeous churches. As with your other travel lists, I've got some catching up to do. Thanks for sharing, Sharrie! :)

Sharrie February 02, 2010

If you haven't been to any of those national parks on my list, then you haven't seen the best of Utah, Debbie! You need to like nature a lot to like Utah and for me, I found the best lot of them in Utah. That's why. However, if you're a pure city girl, then Utah certainly won't be it for you ;-)

show text editor

reply to this comment

Follow this review

or create a list from this list

About the list creator

Sharrie (Sharrie)
Ranked #4

I'm a traveler at heart & have been nicknamed Travel Queen by friends & colleagues alike. Traveling has been my life passion for the last decade or so. As we enter a new decade, I'm excited … more

Recent reviews by Sharrie