Matador Original Series

state with least tourism

The 10 Least Visited States That Should Be On Your 2024 Travel List

By: Matador Staff

The United States is a big country that brings people in from near and far. However, there are certain states that seem to get all the love from travelers. In many cases, that’s for good reason: New York for the city and idyllic upstate escapes, California for the coast and wine country, Florida for its beaches and theme parks. And then there are the states that get a small fraction of the number of visitors from abroad or even other states. But that doesn’t mean the lesser-visited states are any less worthy of attention. In some cases, they’re even more interesting to visit for authentic experiences that haven’t yet had every angle thoroughly documented on social media.

According to numbers from state tourism authorities compiled by tour operator company Xola , these are the 10 least visited states in the country. In some cases the relatively lower traveler numbers are surprising compared to the state’s reputation (at least until you consider the lengths that need to be taken to get there). Others simply don’t see local attractions get the same hype despite being awe-inspiring. All of these states, no matter what the visitor numbers say, are worth making a point to travel to in 2024 and beyond.

Contributors: Eben Diskin, Jori Ayers, Suzie Dundas, Tim Wenger, and Nickolaus Hines

Alaska: 2.26 million visitors

Alaska has an outsized reputation among the traveling set. It’s a cherished cruise destination (for large and small boats ), a place to view wildlife like bears and eagles, and a natural haven for people who enjoy fishing and embracing outdoor adventure in both the blistering cold and the long summer days. It’s also home to Denali National Park , one of the largest and most stunning in the world. That all said, it’s far less accessible than every other state in the country — especially those in the lower 48.

Those that do make it to Alaska get there primarily by flying into either Anchorage or Fairbanks, the state’s two major airports, and Alaska Airlines operates flights from a number of major airports around the country. The truly intrepid, however, can get there via an epic road trip through Canada’s British Columbia and Yukon.

If you didn’t drive yourself there, renting a car is the best way to see all Alaska has to offer. If you’re visiting in the summer, you could easily spend a week exploring the southern Kenai Fjords National Park , known for its brown bears, sea otters, whales, and birds. You can take a sightseeing boat tour of the fjords, hit the water in a kayak, and hike the dramatic Exit Glacier – just a 15-minute drive from the area’s main town of Seward. Summer in Alaska also means hiking in Denali National Park, or taking an epic road trip north from Fairbanks on the Dalton Highway , the most remote highway in the country.

During the Alaskan winter, the state comes alive in completely different ways. Denali takes on a whole new character, with the perfect snowy terrain for cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and snowshoeing. For a true Alaskan experience, head to North Pole (you read that right) just a few miles from Fairbanks, where Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service can take you dog sledding and snowmobiling through the wintry wilderness. You can even try your luck ice fishing on a frozen lake and eat whatever you catch (if you catch anything, of course – it’s harder than it looks).

Notable events in 2024:

  • World Ice Art Championships (February 17-March 31, 2024): An ice sculpting contest in Fairbanks, and the largest of its kind in the world. See the wild creations contestants manage to carve from blocks of ice.
  • Sundown Solstice Festival (June 7-9, 2024): Alaska’s biggest music event to celebrate the summer solstice, the festival takes place every year in Anchorage featuring a number of popular artists.
  • Great Alaska Craft Beer and Home Brew Festival (May 26-27, 2024): A beerfest celebrating beers from all over Alaska and the Yukon. The best brews from over 25 regional breweries, cideries, and distributors across the region will be in the spotlight.

Traveling to Alaska? Check out Matador’s Alaska accommodation guides:

  • 11 Airbnbs in Alaska for a Gorgeous Summer Vacation
  • Denali National Park lodges and hotels
  • Go To Alaska’s Stillpoint Lodge for Wilderness Adventure and Cliffside Luxury
  • Explore Alaska’s Most Famous National Park in Luxurious Exclusivity at Denali Backcountry Lodge

West Virginia: 3.96 million visitors

There’s a good chance that there are more people who know the chorus of the famous John Denver song about going home to West Virginia than there are people who travel there each year. But West Virginia is home to some of the most beautiful scenery and thrilling adventure activities in the country, from waterfalls, to national parks, to rivers for whitewater rafting, to stargazing sites .

New River Gorge is a great place to start. The largest gorge in the Appalachian Mountains, this national park is home to some of the state’s most stunning natural beauty, and is an adventure travel hot spot for rafting, rock climbing, and base jumping. Rafting along the New River is one of the best ways to see the park as rafts go past huge sandstone walls and pine, willow, and aspen trees. The class II to V rapids are no joke, though, so it’s best to enlist the pros at an outfitter like Adventures on the Gorge . There are also over 1,500 climbing routes around the park, making it one of the best rock climbing areas on the East Coast, while hiking trails like the Glad Creek Area Trails lead past waterfalls.

West Virginia has beautiful waterfalls that range from huge, epic cascades like Sandstone Falls in New River Gorge and Blackwater Falls in Blackwater River State Park, to smaller falls like Babcock Mill Creek Falls. Set beside the bucolic Glade Creek Grist Mill, the latter is considered one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the entire state.

  • Cheat River Festival (May 3, 2024): An annual celebration of the Cheat River watershed, the festival helps raise money for watershed projects throughout the year. Bands from all over Appalachia entertain crowds with live music.
  • West Virginia Trail Fest (May 10-11, 2024): An annual event for runners of all ages to explore the hills and trails of Pocahontas County. There are four races: a 5k, 30k, 60k, and 100k. All races finish at the Snowshoe Resort.
  • Almost Heaven BBQ Bash (June 13-14, 2024): The largest barbecue competition in West Virginia with live entertainment, food vendors, and arts and crafts.

Traveling to West Virginia? Check out Matador’s West Virginia accommodation guides:

  • 11 Cozy Airbnbs Near New River Gorge National Park Perfect for Exploring Nature

Nebraska: 6.5 million visitors

There’s a tendency to generalize the Midwest and the states that make up the Corn Belt. The farms and rows of crops are off-handedly referred to as classic flyover country, and Nebraska, right in the center of the US, doesn’t exactly attract lines of visitors. Yet Nebraska is not only filled with natural beauty, but is also one of the foremost destinations for birdwatching.

The state is home to several lush and picturesque state parks that are perfect for hiking, biking, and camping. You can see herds of buffalo and longhorn cattle in Fort Robinson State Park in Crawford, and in true Wild West fashion, the events calendar is loaded with dozens of rodeos. For campers, Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area in Ogallala wraps around Lake McConaughy, the state’s largest lake, and there are plenty of campsites along the shoreline. Nebraska also has one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the country. The Ashfall Fossil Beds in the northeast are famous for their immaculately preserved rhino, three-toed horse, and ancient dog skeletons. Unlike some active digs, visitors can roam the excavation area and see things close up.

Perhaps the highlight of Nebraska’s wildlife viewing is the annual sandhill crane migration . Even if you’re not a bird or wildlife enthusiast, it’s worth visiting the state for this migration alone. It’s one of the largest migrations in North America, featuring roughly one million cranes (80 percent of the world’s sandhill crane population) stopping along the Platte River Valley to rest from late February to early April as they travel south. The Crane Trust runs all-inclusive overnight tours, including lodging, meals, and special viewings, so you can see experience the phenomenon in all its feathery glory.

  • Nebraskaland Days 2024 (June 11-June 20, 2024): A summer concert series and rodeo. There’s also a beer garden, a golf classic, and cowboy kickball on tap for the week.
  • Fort Cody Summer Music Series (Every Thursday in the summer): Bring your lawn chair and listen to some of the area’s best live music at the Fort Cody Trading Post in North Platte throughout the summer.
  • North Platte Canteen Festival (September 28 & 29, 2024): A decades-long tradition, the Canteen Festival includes a market and art show, live 1940s music, and a historical performance set to music.

Wyoming: 8.1 million visitors

Wyoming certainly has its own set of famous tourism draws, most prominently Jackson Hole and Yellowstone National Park. Yet as a whole, the state’s sprawling natural wonders and cowboy culture — the capital is home to Cheyenne Frontier Days, celebrating all things Wild West, and Wind River Country is a year-round destination for a classic Western experience — offer so much more to see. You can even get a taste of the covered-wagon experience of the Oregon Trail near Casper.

Nature enthusiasts, state and national park lovers, and more can easily find mountains and protected areas that would take a lifetime to fully explore. Wyoming, after all, is where the first national park was founded, and today, the state has two national parks, two national monuments, one national recreation area, and one national historic with four national historic trails.

Star Valley , an hour south of Jackson, is perfect for adventurers looking to escape the crowds. Known for its abundance of wildlife, open grasslands, and rugged mountains, Star Valley captures classic Wyoming like nowhere else. It’s particularly appealing in the winter thanks to its deep snow that’s perfect for snowmobiling and skiing. With over 300 miles of groomed trails and hundreds of acres of backcountry, winter comes with a feeling of limitless freedom that visitors can experience with rentals easily available from outfitters like Jackson Hole Adventure Rentals in Alpine. In the summer, skiing and snowmobiling are replaced by ATVing and dirt biking, particularly along Dry Creek Trail.

A fall roadtrip between Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks rivals the leaf peeping in more heavily trafficked areas of the country. Wyoming is home to more than 4,000 lakes and reservoirs , many of which are open to paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, and other water recreation.

Hikers don’t need to confine themselves to Yellowstone for some of Wyoming’s most beautiful scenery. Killpecker Dunes, part of Wyoming’s Red Desert and where you’ll find some of Wyoming’s best hikes , is home to miles of towering sand dunes and dotted with otherworldly rock formations. The Boars Tusk, a 400-foot monolith, is the core of a volcano exposed by the erosion of the surrounding rock, and you can hike three miles to the spire. While there are no designated trails in the dunes, you can explore the area safely at your own leisure, and the whole area is dog friendly. The Dubois Badlands are another surreal desert environment ideal for hikers. The seemingly endless multicolored flatlands are home to wildlife like bighorn sheep, mule deer, and antelope. The hiking loop is only four miles long, but the area’s ethereal nature and lack of crowds make it well worth a visit.

  • Sheridan WYO Rodeo (July 10-13, 2024): Taking place in the small city of Sheridan, the WYO Rodeo is one of the top rodeos in the country. The weeklong festivities include a pancake breakfast, a 5K race, Main Street Parade, carnival, and, of course, traditional rodeo events.
  • Cheyenne Frontier Days (July 19-28, 2024): A 10-day festival in Wyoming’s capital, Frontier Days is one of the biggest rodeos you’ll find. It includes rodeo events, concerts, and parades.
  • Laramie County Fair (July 31-August 10, 2024): This annual fair is a sampling of everything that makes Wyoming great, from a ranch rodeo and farmer’s market to good old fashioned pig wrestling.
  • Airbnbs near Grand Teton National Park With Jaw-dropping Views
  • The 9 Best Hotels Near the Entrances of Yellowstone National Park
  • 8 Airbnbs for Your Jackson Hole Bachelorette Party
  • Teton Peaks Resort Is the Perfect Home Base for a Snow-Filled Adventure Near Grand Teton National Park

Delaware: 9.2 million visitors

Delaware isn’t the smallest state in the country, but it’s close. It’s most known for being a corporate tax haven and the longtime home of Joe Biden. But anyone who’s spent time in the Mid-Atlantic knows that the state is also home to fascinating history and beaches.

Delaware’s nickname, “The First State,” alludes to its position as the first state to ratify the Constitution in 1787. Its historical associations don’t end there. There are several historic homes and museums throughout the state making it more than a worthwhile visit for history buffs. The Winterthur Museum and Gardens in Winterthur, for example, has one of the richest collections of Americana anywhere in the country. Built in the early 1800s to showcase collections of priceless antiques and art, the estate’s 175 rooms are furnished to historical accuracy and are full of decorative arts. Similarly, the Nemours Estate in Wilmington is home to the largest formal French gardens on the continent. You could easily spend a whole day exploring its 200 acres of lawns, meadows, and woodlands, or wandering the huge conservatory.

The Jersey Shore and the beaches of Charleston and Hilton Head are more famous as Atlantic Coast beach destinations, but locals know that Delaware’s beach scene can hold its own. Rehoboth Beach is one of the best beaches on the East Coast, with wide stretches of white sand and a boardwalk lined with boutiques, restaurants, and resorts. It’s also home to Funland , an amusement park that’s been a local institution since the early ‘60s. Farther to the south, you’ll find Dewey Beach, Delaware Seashore State Park, and Bethany Beach, with atmospheres ranging from young and lively to relaxing and family friendly.

  • Clifford Brown Jazz Festival (June 21-24): Jazz fans will want to bookmark this event happening in Wilmington’s Rodney Square. Watch multiple jazz musicians, enjoy the beer and wine vendors, and browse local community displays.
  • Delaware State Fair (July 18-27, 2024): Held annually in Harrington at the end of July, the Delaware State Fair dates back to 1869 and features concerts, a casino, and rides. In the winter, an ice rink occupies the fairgrounds and hosts open public skating and hockey sessions.
  • Firefly Music Festival (September 22-25, 2024): An annual music festival at The Woodlands of Dover International Speedway, a 105-acre festival grounds next to the speedway. Past lineups have included artists like Avril Lavigne, Zedd, My Chemical Romance, Green Day, and Dua Lipa.
  • The 8 Best Airbnbs in Rehoboth Beach

Montana: 12.5 million visitors

Montana’s natural beauty is no secret. Thanks to the popularity of shows like Yellowstone , neither is its cowboy culture and Native American history . Glacier National Park is within its borders, as is a small portion of Yellowstone National Park. Montana’s state parks offer the same beauty without the crowding that those two famous national parks see every year.

In the winter, Montana offers incredible skiing at places like Big Sky Resort, the second largest ski resort in the country with 5,850 acres of skiable terrain and 400 inches of annual snowfall. Montana’s snowy terrain is just as fun for non-skiers and snowboarders as well with the right itinerary .

Visitors can see Montana’s rich history first-hand dating back to prehistoric times with the Montana Dinosaur Trail . There are also numerous historical landmarks and sites , a rich gold rush history (it is the Treasure State, after all), Native American landmarks like the Little Bighorn Battlefield, and stopping points along the Lewis and Clark Trail . Before Lewis and Clark, Native Americans explored and lived on the land, and there are 12 recognized tribes on eight reservations in the state.

Exploring nature comes naturally in a place like Montana. Few places in the world are like Wild Horse Island , where bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and other native wildlife roam alongside the descendants of the horses once pastured on the island by the Salish-Kootenai. Visit the quiet Flathead Lake for fishing with a stunning view of the mountains and colorful pebbles. Fueling up on the bounty of the land is easy with high-quality farm-to-table dining throughout summer, and breweries, bakeries, cafes, and bars that’ll keep you warm through winter.

  • Montana Renaissance Festival (June 1-2, 2024): Montana’s largest and longest-running renaissance festival. This annual festival includes different characters, combatants, demonstrators, and delicious food and drinks.
  • Sweet Pea Festival (August 2-4, 2024): This annual arts festival in Bozeman’s Lindley Park features art, live music, and theater with food vendors and plenty of activities for kids.
  • Montana Folk Festival (July 12-14, 2024): Multiple stages feature artists and musicians both local and national. The festival includes traditional foods, two traditional art markets, folklife demonstrations and workshops, and a family area.
  • Take a Fun Escape Into Nature at These Airbnbs Near Glacier National Park
  • 11 Missoula Airbnbs To Harness Montana’s Great Outdoors
  • Montana’s New Adults-Only Resort Is an Exclusive Luxury Experience in the Big Sky State

New Hampshire: 12.8 million visitors

Colorado, California, and Utah likely come to mind when thinking of the top mountain destinations in the US. The one state that deserves to be on that list is New Hampshire, where opportunities for outdoor recreation are plentiful .

The state’s White Mountains are home to the best skiing on the East Coast, including the famed Tuckerman’s Ravine backcountry zone and Cannon Mountain, a ski resort that rivals many of its counterparts farther west when it comes to technical skiing. This region is even home to the longest-running ski shop in the US, Lahout’s , which has been strapping up savvy skiers since 1920. In summer, you can effectively criss-cross much of the state on trails , with hiking that rivals trails in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains . Nowhere else in North America is such easy access to outdoor adventure found within a short drive or train ride from at least five major cities (though a New Hampshire road trip has its own draw for those up for a drive).

New Hampshire is divided into seven “regions,” each of which might as well be labeled as “beer crawl zones.” The small state has more than 90 breweries . On the culinary front, the Granite State excels in taking classic New England fare like steamers (steamed soft-shell clams) and chowder and adding a rugged, high-mountain twist. Venison dishes are popular here, which, when paired with a side of New England Clam Chowder, is a meal as iconic as the French fries and gravy found just across the state’s northern border. When it comes to arts and culture, the city of Manchester is home to the acclaimed Currier Museum of Art and is a prime stop for Frank Lloyd Wright fans, with both the Toufic H. Kalil House and Zimmerman House open for visits.

The picturesque Lakes Region invites visitors to explore its pristine lakes and charming towns. The iconic Mount Washington, with its unpredictable weather, is a challenge for hikers and a must-see for those seeking breathtaking vistas. The historic charm of Portsmouth, with its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, provides a delightful blend of culture and maritime heritage. Classic New England living can be found in New Hampshire’s quaint villages, like Hanover and Jackson. For an effortless look at the state’s natural beauty, the Conway Scenic Railroad is one of the prettiest train routes in New England.

  • Maple Sugaring Month (March): To not douse yourself in maple syrup is to not experience New Hampshire. Visit in March and it’s all but guaranteed to happen, as the state celebrates maple sugaring month.
  • Hillsboro Summer Festival (July 11-14): Live music, carnival rides, and fireworks are par for the course at Hillsboro Summer Festival, taking place in mid-July. Add to the docket a 5k road race, ample food vendors slinging everything from carnival fare to farm-to-table craft eats, and a parade that brings in the entire town, and you have one heck of a party.
  • Hampton Beach Seafood Festival (mid-September): New Hampshire isn’t only mountains and beer. The state’s small-but-mighty coastline produces some of the most delicious seafood on the Eastern Seaboard, and that seafood is on display at the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival. Everything from lobster to clams are steamed, fried, grilled, and smoked to perfection, and each day of the event features a lineup of live music and entertainment.
  • These Top-Rated New Hampshire Airbnbs Put You Near Mountains, Lakes, and Ocean
  • This Quirky New Hampshire Hotel Has a Deserted Island-Themed Room With a Seashell Bed
  • The Mount Washington Resort Isn’t Just a Ski Hotel, It’s a Cozy Alternate Universe
  • Channel Your Inner Thoreau With a Solo Retreat at These Remote New England Airbnbs
  • This road trip will take you to the most wish-listed Airbnbs in the Northeast

Vermont: 13 million visitors

Rural and mountainous Vermont is perfect for travelers looking for an outdoorsy retreat, from the Northeast Kingdom , to scenic backroads , to the state’s charming small towns. It’s fairly affordable, and an ideal retreat for anyone looking for a less-crowded mountain getaway. And as long as you avoid leaf peeping on a Saturday in October, it’s unlikely you’ll run into any kind of crowd, at least compared to more touristed states.

The Green Mountain State offers picturesque landscapes, ranging from lush hillsides and pretty mountain lakes to natural swimming holes, world-class fishing , bucolic farms, covered bridges, and lakeside cycling paths — and that’s just in summer. Winter brings some of the best skiing on the east coast at resorts like Killington and Stowe (as well as plenty of activities off the slopes ), spring brings excitement as breweries set up their outdoor tables and farms open for maple syrup season, and fall brings a cascade of autumn colors to most of the small state’s 3.4 billion trees. Foliage festivals are commonplace come September, and apple cider donuts abound at every small town general store and farmer’s market.

Vermont also has some of the best scenic trails in the US, from hiking trails like the famous 273-mile Long Trail to the drivable Mad River byway, which passes through many of the state’s cutest small towns.

Visitors to Vermont will need to fly into Burlington, home to the state’s only airport. It’s the biggest city in Vermont, and the city’s Church Street Marketplace is an artisan paradise with local shops and restaurants, baskets overflowing with fresh flowers, and easy access to gorgeous Lake Champlain. Most of the other destinations in the state (including Motpelier, the country’s least-populated capital city) are small towns focused on outdoor adventures, though you could also plan your trip around famous historical sites , the Vermont Cheese Trail , or tasting your way through the state’s 56 breweries and dozens of orchards and farmstands .

  • The Vermont Maple Syrup Festival (April 26-28): There are few things more associated with Vermont than maple syrup, and this three-day festival celebrates the sugary sweetness in all its glory. In addition to festival staples like a craft market, cooking contests, and all manner of maple syrup shopping, the festival also includes fiddle shows, sugarhouse tours, syrup tastings, and, naturally, daily pancake breakfasts.
  • Von Trapp Oktoberfest (September 21): if the name “Von Trapp” sounds familiar, it’s because the Von Trapps were the family that inspired “The Sound of Music” — and they live in Vermont. Every September, the huge Von Trapp farm and Bierhall celebrates a European-inspired Oktoberfest, with beer tastings, an oompah band, cask tapping, and stein holding competitions. Wearing lederhosen or a dirndl is absolutely encouraged.
  • The Vermont City Marathon (May 26): You don’t have to be a runner to appreciate the energy of the state’s capital city during the annual downtown marathon and relay. It’s the biggest marathon in New England, and the town comes alive that weekend with live music, special restaurant events, street fairs, and spectator stations along the route. Of course, if you’re interested in becoming a marathon runner, it’s a good first race: the course is flat, scenic as can be as it runs along Lake Champlain, and available to do in segments, as you can register for a multi-person relay version, too.
  • 8 Luxury Hotels for Quebec and New England Fall Vacations
  • What To Expect at Hotel Vermont, Burlington’s Hippest Place To Stay
  • 9 Great Killington Airbnbs for Your Adventure Weekend in Vermont
  • The 13 Cutest A-Frame Airbnbs To Rent in the Northeast
  • The Most Idyllic Vermont B&Bs for a Fall Getaway

South Dakota: 14.5 million visitors

South Dakota often gets painted with the same brush as the rest of the Midwest. And while it’s not a bad brush — the Midwest is known for friendly locals, quirky only-in-America-type experiences , and low-key cool small towns — South Dakota really has no match.

South Dakota’s parks are reason enough to warrant a visit, with two in particular leading the way: Badlands National Park and Wind Cave National Park. Just like the state, the two parks are quite under-visited, ranking at the 27th and 19th least-visited parks in the lower 48. That means visitors will have Badlands National Park’s surreal landscapes of rugged canyons, towering spires, and vast prairies seemingly to themselves. Sure, you’ll likely have crowds on summer holidays on the park’s scenic hiking trails, but it’s nowhere near the crowds of parks in places like California or Utah. Wind Caves is also well-worth the visit, with both gentle and adventurous tours of the 154-mile-long underground cave, and herds of bison that roam the park’s 44 square miles above ground.

South Dakota offers Americana out the wazoo, and you can’t road trip through the state without visiting sites like the World Famous Corn Palace or the Mammoth Site near Hot Springs, where archaeologists have found more than 60 wooly mammoth skeletons. And if you like your history a little more recent, be sure to spend at least one night in the notorious gold rush town of Deadwood , once home to legends like Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane.

While South Dakota’s winter season is certainly chilly, it shines when it comes to peaceful activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Custer State Park is an especially gorgeous place to spend time in nature once it starts snowing.

But South Dakota isn’t all Wild West history and vast landscapes. It’s filled with towns worth a few days in their own right, like Hill City, an aptly named town in the Black Hills. Its Main Street is lined with art galleries, boutiques, and cozy cafes, and is the starting point for rides on the vintage 1880 Train through remote areas of the Black Hills. In Rapid City , art, history, and nature are all easily accessible. Also worth visiting is Spearfish, roughly halfway between Deadwood and Wyoming’s Devils Tower Monument, and Hot Springs, where you’ll find the famous naturally warm waters that lend the town its name.

South Dakota also has near-endless options for learning about America’s Indigenous cultures. Visitors can see the famous Crazy Horse carving at the Crazy Horse Memorial in the town of the same name, join archaeological demonstrations and guided tours at the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village in Mitchell, and wander through Native American art galleries like the Journey Museum & Learning Center in Rapid City. Visitors can also travel with the Indigenous-owned Tatanka Rez Tours , which offers guided tours of the Pine Ridge Reservation and nearby historical sites, or try modern versions of traditional Lakota foods at the low-key (and highly rated) Watecha Bowl in Sioux Falls.

  • Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August): It’s near-impossible to talk about the town of Sturgis without mentioning the world-famous motorcycle rally. It’s the biggest in the country and has tons to do even if you don’t bike. That includes concerts from A-listers (past headliners include Steppenwolf and the Doobie Brothers), bike shows, stunt shows, parades, bar crawls, mustache contests, and more. It draws about 500,000 attendees each year, so book your hotel far in advance.
  • The Annual Buffalo Roundup (September): Every year at Custer State Park, guests can watch cowboys round up more than 1,300 buffalo from the park to keep their numbers down. The buffalos that get herded are sold to farmers or treated to limit their offspring, but not killed. It attracts about 20,000 spectators and starts around 6 AM.
  • South Dakota Chislic Festival (July 27, 2024): Roughly 10,000 people attend the Chislic Festival each year, tasting all-things-chislic (seasoned meat hunks, basically). It’s your standard sprawling food fair, with artisans, entertainment, tastings, and more.
  • The 21 Best Airbnbs in South Dakota for a 2023 Getaway
  • 11 Rapid City Airbnbs To Experience the Best of South Dakota

Maine: 15.6 million visitors

Maine is a place of beautiful contrasts. Its 228 miles of rugged Atlantic coastline give way to the peaks of the Whites, the Longfellows, and the Appalachian mother range. A rural mountain culture built on dogged individualism shares roots with small but vibrant coastal cities where you’ll find some of New England’s best food ( Portland ), the trail of legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyon (Bangor), and unforgettable historic lighthouses (everywhere).

Then there’s Acadia National Park . Highlights can be seen in a day , though it’s worth setting aside more time to explore the 150-plus miles of hiking trails stretching above dramatically elevated views of the rocky Atlantic coast. Reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest, the park draws outdoor enthusiasts of all persuasions to road and gravel bike, hike, fish, and revel in the natural beauty of Mount Desert Island and its neighbors. Sugarloaf, Sunday River, Saddleback, and other ski resorts make Maine an underrated destination for downhill skiing and snowboarding.

Mainers have a distinct culture that prioritizes such activities as windjamming , odd drinking traditions, and sustainable lobster harvesting . Perhaps the most famous modern Maine native is Stephen King, and fans of the author can see the real-world inspiration for some of his stories across the state. There’s also a slew of epic state parks to visit, and you can even end your night in a lighthouse (just don’t ring the alarm). Maine’s inland lakes and mountains offer serenity and outdoor adventures, with destinations like Moosehead Lake and Baxter State Park capturing the essence of the state’s natural beauty. The fall foliage transforms the landscape into a kaleidoscope of colors, attracting leaf peepers from near and far.

  • Acadia Birding Festival (May 30-June 2): This high-flying event celebrates the ecological wonders of the Gulf of Maine’s birds, and there a quite a lot of them – over 200 species pass through or above the park each year. This festival offers a wealth of activities for bird enthusiasts of all levels, featuring field trips, boat trips, workshops, and lectures. Participants have the opportunity to witness some of the rarest and most beautifu birdsl in the world. The festival also provides an exceptional opportunity to learn from local bird experts and connect with fellow birders from across the globe.
  • Maine Lobster Festival (July 31-August 4): Held in Rockland, Maine, during the first weekend of August, the Maine Lobster Festival is a five-day celebration of the state’s iconic crustacean. This annual event attracts tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world with the promise of fresh, local lobster dinners, nationally renowned entertainers, cooking contests, activities for all ages, and enough general revelry to make you forget that the event is supposed to be about celebrating lobstering rather than celebrating life in general.
  • Maine Harvest Festival (mid-November): The Maine Harvest Festival, held annually in Bangor in November, is a vibrant celebration of autumn’s bounty. Over two days, the Cross Insurance Center transforms into a bustling marketplace showcasing the best of Maine agriculture, art, and culture. Farmers and producers from across the state gather to offer their freshest harvests, including crisp apples, vibrant pumpkins, juicy berries, and flavorful cheeses. Alongside these delicious offerings, visitors can discover handcrafted artisan goods, from jewelry and pottery to woodworking and textile art. The festival also features live music performances, cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, and educational workshops on topics like gardening, food preservation, and sustainable agriculture. Children can enjoy a dedicated play area with activities, games, and face painting.
  • 8 New England Lighthouses You Can Actually Spend The Night In
  • These Airbnbs in Portland, Maine, Showcase The Best Of Maine’s Coolest City
  • These Airbnbs In Acadia National Park Surround You With Natural Beauty
  • 10 Cozy Airbnb Cabin Rentals in The Northeast For The Perfect Mountain Escape
  • The Cliff House Is the Perfect Place To Experience Maine’s Winter Magic
  • End an Action-Packed Day at Acadia National Park at One of These Gorgeous New England Luxury Hotels

TravelingRauf Logo

9 Unpopular, Least Known, Least Visited States in the US

state with least tourism

Most visited states in the US attract millions of tourists each year due to their iconic landmarks, vibrant cities, and diverse attractions.

But the truth is that some of the most beautiful and culturally-rich American destinations remain relatively unknown – especially to those living outside the US.

So in this post, you’ll discover the 9 most unpopular, least known, least visited states in the US, mostly forgotten or ignored by tourists. 

From awe-inspiring mountain ranges to fascinating geological formations, each state offers something extraordinary for adventure seekers.

And to your surprise, the average amount of states visited by Americans is just 12. Let’s go on a journey of discovery and explore 9 least popular, hidden gems in the United States. 

Top 9 Unpopular, Unknown, Least Visited States in the US

Please enable JavaScript

Without further ado, let’s get straight to off-the-beaten and the least talked-about states in America.

1/ North Dakota

North Dakota often gets overlooked in favor of its larger neighbors, but it’s home to some amazing experiences. Not only is it one of the most unpopular states in the USA, but it is also one of the safest states in the country .

North Dakota

This state has much to offer visitors, from majestic landscapes and outdoor adventures to cultural attractions and historic sites.

You can also enjoy this tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills .

North Dakota is the least populous state in the United States by a wide margin. And that may be why it is one of the least traveled states in the US.

Although it’s small compared to some of its neighboring states, there are many things to do there. 

Reasons to visit the North Dakota

The state has a wealth of natural beauty, with vast prairies that stretch for miles and endless blue skies overhead.

There is plenty to explore here, with national parks, monuments, and recreation areas perfect for hiking, camping, and fishing.

In addition to its outdoor attractions, North Dakota has several fascinating cultural attractions, such as local galleries, museums, and festivals like the International Peace Garden .

Whether you’re looking for adventure or want to take in the sights, explore these best-seller tours in North Dakota. 

2/ Oklahoma

Oklahoma is one of the least-known states in the US among tourists. But it has a lot to offer.

Oklahoma is one of the least-known states in the US among tourists. But it has a lot to offer.

From stunning landscapes and outdoor activities to various cultural attractions, there is something for everyone to explore and experience in Oklahoma.

The state may not be the most popular vacation destination in the US, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth visiting.

Despite being one of the least visited states in the country, Oklahoma has plenty of unique attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.

Reasons to Visit Oklahoma

Despite being one of the most forgotten states in the US, Oklahoma boasts a diverse landscape of mountains, prairies, forests, and deserts.

You can explore these natural wonders on foot, car, or bike, with many trails and roads. You can even do indoor skydiving with two flights in Oklahoma City

Also, skip the lines for entrance by pre-booking your ticket for the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum . 

For culture lovers, it has a variety of museums, galleries, and theaters offering plenty to explore. The state is also home to several festivals throughout the year, like the Tulsa International Mayfest Festival in May.

Whether looking for outdoor adventure or cultural attractions, you’d love these activities and tours in Oklahoma.

3/ Nebraska

Nebraska is one of the least visited states in the US, but there is still plenty to explore and experience here. Although it may among the most unpopular states in the US, Nebraska has much to offer visitors.

Nebraska

With just over two million people, Nebraska is the 37th most populous state in the US. Despite this small size, there is still a lot to explore here. It’s also one of the safest places to live in the US .

Book this VIP pick-up and drop-off service for flying to or from Omaha, the most famous city in Nebraska. 

Reasons to Visit Nebraska

The State of Nebraska offers a variety of outdoor activities , such as camping, hiking, and fishing. Many cultural attractions exist here, such as museums, galleries, and theaters.

Nebraska has many historical landmarks and unique attractions that will give visitors a great experience.

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Chimney Rock National Historic Site and Scotts Bluff National Monument.

With awe-inspiring views around every corner, these popular tourist destinations will capture your imagination for years.

For the thrill-seeker or the laidback explorer, go for these Nebraska tours.

4/ Delaware

Delaware is also one of the least visited states in the US, but that is full of amazing and one-of-a-kind experiences. This least talked about state has been making progress recently.

Delaware is also one of the least visited states in the US, but that is full of amazing and one-of-a-kind experiences.

This state has so much to offer visitors, from beaches and outdoor adventures to historical sites and cultural attractions.

It is the second smallest state in the US, with a population of almost one million people.

Although it may be small compared to some of its neighboring states, there are still plenty of reasons why you should consider visiting Delaware.

Reasons to Visit Delaware

The state offers remarkable shorelines for beach fanatics, making it a prime destination. You can relax on sandy shores or enjoy various water activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing.

Go with this guided kayaking tour in Delaware or enjoy the Delaware River , which is best known for the brave crossing made by George Washington. 

There are also plenty of hiking trails in the area if you prefer exploring on land. Delaware also boasts many cultural attractions like museums, galleries, and festivals like the famous Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival .

Delaware has something for everyone – from exciting activities to tranquil settings! So book these popular tours there and enjoy. 

Despite its smaller size, Vermont is a hidden American gem packed with extraordinary adventures – don’t let it be ignored in favor of more popular locations.

Vermont

This unpopular state in the USA has much to offer visitors, from breathtaking scenery and outdoor attractions to cultural and historic sites. You can get this canopy tour in Vermont to enjoy the lush green fields.

With just over 600,000 people, Vermont’s low population density means you won’t be fighting crowds at your destination.

Reasons to Visit Vermont

Vermont is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails and camping sites in the United States.

Despite its small size, you should consider visiting Vermont for many reasons. You can enjoy activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and camping – all while enjoying nature’s majestic beauty.

There are also many historic sites in the area, including Bennington Battle Monument , which stands an impressive 306 feet tall!

Get the most out of your Vermont tour with these popular activities.

Montana is an extraordinary state with a population of 1.12 million, making it the 44th most populous state in the US. It is known for its breathtaking beauty and natural landscapes, captivating visitors from all over the world.

Montana

It’s also one of the least-known states in the US, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of things to do here. One of my favorites is to visit Yellowstone via this boutique tour . 

Reasons to Visit Montana

Venturing out into the wilderness of Montana will take your breath away! This state has something for everyone, from hiking and mountain biking trails to fishing spots.

It is home to many breathtaking national parks, including Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park.

You can marvel at the incredible wildlife and witness some of the most stunning landscapes in North America.

The state is a family-friendly destination that offers something for everyone. Check out these top-rated tours in Montana to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Wyoming is a beautiful state in the western United States, known for its breathtaking mountain ranges, rolling plains, and diverse wildlife. It is an incredibly underrated travel destination that often gets overlooked due to its lack of population.

Wyoming

With just over 579,000 people living in the state. It’s one of the least visited states in the US. But there are tons of reasons to visit it. 

Reasons to visit Wyoming:

Wyoming offers some of the best outdoor activities in the country, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a unique natural experience.

I’d recommend visiting Yellowstone Lower Loop and enjoying the waterfalls and wildlife in Wyoming . 

This state has a wealth of hiking trails and camping sites that visitors can explore, as well as plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching.

In addition to its stunning natural beauty, the state also boasts an array of cultural attractions, such as art galleries, museums, and historic sites.

From outdoor adventures to cultural explorations, Wyoming will surely have something for everyone!

So don’t pass up this hidden gem of this unpopular state when you plan your next getaway. And book these top-rated tours there. 

8/ Rhode Island

Rhode Island may be small, but it packs a punch! Known as The Ocean State, this coastal destination is one of the least known states in the US, but it’s certainly worth exploring.

 Rhode Island

It is the smallest state in the US, covering just 1,214 square miles and an estimated population of around 1.1 million people.

Reasons to visit Rhode Island

Rhode Island is a paradise for beach lovers! From secluded coves and beaches to public boardwalks, visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Newport is one of the best seaside cities in Rhode Island in the US. You can witness one of its gorgeous Gilded Age mansions on this trolley tour. Or this neighborhood food tour in Newport is worth every penny. 

The state also has abundant historical sites, including mansions, castles, and lighthouses, waiting to be explored.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Rhode Island offers a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. With its many parks and natural reserves, visitors can take in the stunning beauty of nature while enjoying some fun activities.

Rhode Island is an ideal destination for those seeking an unforgettable experience, from the beaches to the mountains. So, plan your visit and don’t miss out on this little-known state with these tour packages. 

Alaska is the largest state in the US, but it still often goes ignored when people plan their trips. This stunningly beautiful state has a population of just over 732,673 people and offers some of the best outdoor activities in the country.

Alaska

Pardon me if you have visited Alaska, but it’s still one of the most forgotten states in the US. 

Alaska is a stunningly beautiful state full of natural wonders and opportunities for exploration. From its vast mountain ranges to its rugged coastline, Alaska offers abundant activities for all types of adventurers.

Reasons to Visit Alaska

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Alaska by exploring some of its top attractions, including Denali National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, and Wrangell-St Elias National Park.

Immerse yourself in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view and admire majestic whales and Mendenhall Glacier via this tour . Or book this Juneau city sightseeing tour to dive deep into the capital of Alaska. 

Seeking outdoor thrills or a captivating journey into another culture? Then Alaska is the ultimate destination for you.

Check out these best-seller Alaska tours right now. 

FAQs: Most Forgotten States in the US

Let me answer a few questions about the least-known states in the US.

What is the least-known state in America?

Missouri is the least visited and least known state in the US, according to the results from Sporcle’s “US States Quiz .” It’s the least talked about state and probably the most forgotten state by international and American tourists.

state with least tourism

I'm Abdol Rauf , and I share the most exciting places to visit , help plan your trip and enjoy a variety of accommodation options in the US and rest of the world.

Similar Posts

15 Most Romantic & Best Beaches in California for Couples

15 Most Romantic & Best Beaches in California for Couples

13 Best Family Beaches in California

13 Best Family Beaches in California

11 Best Beaches in San Diego for Couples

11 Best Beaches in San Diego for Couples

Places Like Tulum in Mexico, US, and Europe: 25 Alternatives

Places Like Tulum in Mexico, US, and Europe: 25 Alternatives

11 Safest States in the US to Raise a Family in 2023

11 Safest States in the US to Raise a Family in 2023

Top 13 Best Cities for Digital Nomads in the US

Top 13 Best Cities for Digital Nomads in the US

Přejít k obsahu | Přejít k hlavnímu menu | Přejít k vyhledávání

The five least-visited states in the US and why they deserve a bit more love

  • The five least-visited states in the US and why they deserve a bit more love
  • < Travel inspiration

Travel inspiration

By David Szmidt April 29, 2021

By David Szmidt | April 29, 2021

Last update: May 19, 2023

It’s a huge country, so let’s see what you might be missing

In 2018, the five least-visited states in the US had a combined 46.5 million visitors. To put that into context, in the same year, New York City alone welcomed over 65 million visitors, just over 13 million of whom were from outside of the US . To be fair, New York is one of the greatest cities on the planet, but today we’re looking at those states that are overlooked and why you should consider giving them more of your time.

Rugged and forested, there are plenty of skiing opportunities at places like Stowe, Manchester, and the creatively named Mount Snow

Rugged and forested, criss-crossed with hiking trails and with more than its fair share of plaid shirts and pick-up trucks, Vermont can also be quaint and homely through covered bridges, antique shops and maple syrup.

It’s an all-year-round kind of state, with skiing at places like Stowe, Manchester , and the creatively named Mount Snow in the winter, and summer spent by the lakes and swimming holes. Fall is when the foliage has its annual explosion of reds and golds, and spring is bracing and healthy.

Bennington County is the place to see the best of the aforementioned bridges, where every creek and stream seems to be crossed by a bit of wooden Victoriana. They include the 88-foot-long Silk Road Bridge which crosses the Walloomsac River and dates from 1840.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Birgit (@b_leu)

If you’re up for some hiking, camping or fishing, Vermont is a great destination for these as well, with 75% of the state covered by forest. Get into the woods for a day or two and live like a real explorer, trekking between settlements and startling the moose. Check out the beautiful Quechee Gorge , Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon”, and feel like it’s just you and nature in all the world.

When you’re done with the outdoors and deserve a treat, head to Burlington for a craft beer tour, stopping at local breweries and pubs across the bustling little city, or to the world-famous Ben & Jerry’s factory for a look around and an ice-cream made up of any flavors you like!

Montana is home to two national parks, Glacier and Yellowstone

Okay, let’s get the cliches out of the way first: Big Sky Country, wilderness, cowboys, etc. Yes, all true, and yes, all excellent reasons to visit. Montana is simply spectacular, one of the states that we reckon millions of people see photos of, say “I need to go there”, and never, ever do.

Don’t make that mistake. Montana is home to two national parks — Glacier to the north, Yellowstone to the south — and 55 state parks, 15 wilderness areas, and thousands more square miles of mountains and forest. Rafting and kayaking on the rushing rivers or fly-fishing on the vast calm of Flathead Lake, cycling, trekking, skiing, and dog-sledding in winter mean there’s an awful lot going on.

It’s a great place to explore the vastness of, well… life, both in terms of distance and time. The lack of any big cities (the largest, Billings, is only just over 100,000 people) means very little light pollution, so it’s one of the best places on the planet for stargazing. It’s also good for dinosaur hunting; okay, so you won’t see herds of velociraptors sweeping majestically across the plains, but the Montana Dinosaur Trail, with its 14 dinosaur-focused museums, state parks and field digs, is a great way to bring these incredible creatures back to life.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Explore Flathead Lake (@flatheadlakemontana)

You can go further into Montana’s more modern heritage by visiting the World Museum of Mining in Butte, climbing into a cage and heading underground for a glimpse into the brutal world of 19th-century mining. Virginia City is a living museum of frontier life, letting you pan for gold, ride a stagecoach, or hop on a steam train to live out your Wild West fantasies.

It’s also home to some of the friendliest people you’ll meet. Due to its expansive nature and its singular way of life, you’ll meet people from the first nations (Montana is home to seven reservations and 12 tribes), ranchers, independent traders, cafe and bar owners, writers, artists, archaeologists, guides, and scores more people who simply love the Montana way of life.

3. Delaware

Rehoboth Beach, with its boardwalk, will make you feel like you’re in 1952

What did Delaware, boy, what did Delaware? So goes the song, and, according to general consensus, the answer would seem not to be a “brand New Jersey”, but a coat of indifference, mild ridicule, and generally being overlooked. Just see Wayne Campbell’s awkwardly throwaway “Hi. I’m in… Delaware” line from Wayne’s World and you’ll get the idea.

It is easily overlooked, to be fair. By area the second-smallest of the 50 states (which is the smallest? Answer at the bottom of the article!), it sits on a sandy peninsula surrounded by much more widely trumpeted places such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

It’s odd to be so close to big cities and yet seemingly so far away. Virtually all of Delaware seems to be taken up with friendly beach-front communities. Rehoboth Beach, with its boardwalk, bandstand and amusement park seems like nothing has changed since about 1952, but it’s also one of the most progressive places in the region with a large number of LGBT -owned and operated businesses, as well as two LGBT-friendly beaches. The bandstand hosts bands at free concerts during the summer months, and it’s also one of the top dining destinations on the coast, with a selection of fantastic restaurants and bars.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by @leweslife

Down the coast, Bethany Beach, South Bethany and Fenwick Island are popularly known as “The Quiet Resorts” due to… well, being quieter, family-friendly sorts of places, but still home to top-class beaches with sailing and surfing on offer. Indeed, alcohol has only been sold in Bethany Beach since 1982, even today limiting the number of bars in the town and stopping sales at 11.30pm.

It’s this mixture of cosmopolitan culture to the north and Southern-style charm and traditionalism that makes Delaware such an interesting place. Hills, beaches, farms, the occasional city or colonial manor house, all come together to make the state a curiously interesting place to visit.

There are a number of historical sites to visit, such as the Devils Tower National Monument

Being directly south of Montana, Wyoming shares many of its wild natural charms, including the majority of Yellowstone National Park , with over two million acres covering the state’s northwestern corner. Many of the landmarks — including Old Faithful, Lower Falls, and the Grand Prismatic Spring — will be familiar to Americans through photos and paintings, but seeing them up close really is a fabulous experience.

Even if you’re not a massively outdoorsy type, Yellowstone has hotels and motels if you don’t fancy backwoods camping, and if you do, permits are easy to get before setting out on your adventure.

Again, similar to Montana, Wyoming has a Western heritage, but takes it even further with dude ranches offering travelers the chance to get involved in the day-to-day business of ranching, while also offering horseback trips and fishing expeditions along with the fence-fixin’ and cattle-drivin’.

Similar to Montana, Wyoming has a Western heritage

If you’d rather see someone else showing off their skills, well, it’s not called The Cowboy State for nothing. The town of Cody calls itself the Rodeo Capital of the World, and has a rodeo every night for three months in the summer. Otherwise Cheyenne Frontier Days in the last week of August will give you all the rootin’ (and almost certainly tootin’) you could possibly need.

To investigate the heritage of the First Nations further — a strong presence in this part of the US — there are a number of historical sites to visit, such as the Devils Tower National Monument and the Plains Indian Museum (also in Cody). However, to really get to know the cultures, head to the Wind River Reservation, home to the Arapaho, Crowheart, Ethete and Fort Washakie communities, who welcome visitors to respectfully learn about their storied histories, culture and beliefs.

Alaska is almost a different country

So finally we hit number one on our list, the least-visited US state of them all, and it’s probably no surprise that it’s Alaska. Way to the frozen north, with a capital that’s inaccessible by road, it’s almost a different country, and Alaskans are proud of that. In fact, in 2008 a road was proposed that would connect Juneau (for that is indeed the capital) to northern Alaska and the Canadian highway system, but was rejected. What would it improve? was the cry. Juneau itself, or outsiders’ perceptions of it?

“I want to keep Alaska the way it is,” said a Juneau native, speaking to the New York Times when the possibility of a road was mooted. “I’ll move down south if I want that kind of stuff.”

You can see why Alaskans would like the place to remain unique. It’s a land of superlatives: it’s the largest state, home to the highest mountain, the longest coastline, the most sunlight. It has a rich human history, being home to nearly half of the federally recognized tribes in the US, and the place where people first crossed to what is now America using the Bering land bridge.

Alaska is home to wolves, bears, moose, caribou, and more

Denali National Park is probably the place to begin, and it’s almost entirely untouched. There’s only one road in or out, and you’ll almost certainly have to join a park-approved tour. This means, however, your chances of spotting wildlife while not getting mauled are good, with wolves, bears, moose, caribou, and more calling the park home.

For other natural wonders, you can try glacier trekking; again, it’s something you’ll need a guide for as glaciers can catch out the unwary, as you’d expect from thousands of tons of constantly shifting ice. Something amazing that you can experience for free and unchaperoned, however, are the Northern Lights . Head north (unsurprisingly) between October and March for the most likely encounters.

Otherwise, get to know the people. It’s true that Alaska is very sparsely populated, but it still has places like Anchorage, a thriving city of 300,000 inhabitants with a varied nightlife scene, local cuisine that includes such local curiosities as reindeer sausage, 135 miles of cycling trails, and the wonderful Alyeska Aerial Tram that takes visitors on a scenic journey to a mountaintop for some of the finest views in the whole of the US .

(Quiz answer: smallest state? Rhode Island)

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Kiwi.com (@kiwicom247)

Did you enjoy this article? Find more on Kiwi.com Stories .

Alaska Delaware Montana North America United States Vermont Wyoming

Popular routes on Kiwi.com

  • Cheap flights from Dubai to London
  • Cheap flights from Vilnius to Tenerife
  • Cheap flights from Nairobi to Eldoret
  • Cheap flights from Tenerife to Vilnius
  • Cheap flights from London to Prague
  • Cheap flights from Barcelona to Tenerife
  • Cheap flights from London to Athens
  • Cheap flights from Cairo to Dubai
  • Cheap flights from Berlin to Istanbul
  • Cheap flights from Istanbul to Baku
  • Cheap flights from London to Warsaw
  • Cheap flights from London to Lisbon

50 interesting facts about the 50 US states

50 interesting facts about the 50 US states

Here are 50 facts that we bet you don’t know, one for every US state. Where is the self-styled center of the universe? Which state is overrun by chickens? Where can you celebrate a frozen Norwegian guy? And why oh why would you march 21 elephants over a bridge?

The 10 hardest marathons in the world

The 10 hardest marathons in the world

These 10 races are some of the toughest on the planet. Steep, hot, in thin air or other challenging conditions, these 26.2-mile runs show that not all marathons are created equal

7 Barbie-inspired pink places to visit

7 Barbie-inspired pink places to visit

Has the Barbie movie inspired you to visit some rosier places in the world? Check out these pink travel destinations: pretty cities, a pink-sand beach, and more

New EU travel rules for US citizens coming in 2024

New EU travel rules for US citizens coming in 2024

Entry to the European Union is changing for people from the United States starting next year. What are the new ETIAS rules, when do they come into force, and how will they affect you and where you can travel?

These are the airlines with the most legroom

These are the airlines with the most legroom

Here are the best airlines to choose if you want the most legroom in economy. We look at the US, Europe, Asia and beyond to find the airline to choose for flying in comfort

10 of the most amazing natural phenomena from around the world

10 of the most amazing natural phenomena from around the world

Check out this list of the most interesting and incredible things you can see in nature around the world. The best part about these 10 crazy natural wonders? You can see many of them for free!

state with least tourism

David Szmidt

David is a lead writer for Kiwi.com, as well as a football-watcher, music-listener and beer-appreciater. @UtterBlether

Los Angeles on a budget: 10 ways to save money when you visit

Los Angeles on a budget: 10 ways to save money when you visit

Take the stress out of travel: World Travel Hackers on insurance from Kiwi.com and AXA travel insurance

Take the stress out of travel: World Travel Hackers on insurance from Kiwi.com and AXA travel insurance

Bank holiday dates and destinations for 2024 (UK)

Bank holiday dates and destinations for 2024 (UK)

Passport Symphony

12 Least Visited States In The US And Reasons Why They Don’t Attract More Tourists

In the diverse landscape of American tourism, there are the blockbuster hits — the glittering cityscapes, the iconic national parks, the coastal wonders . Then there are the lesser-known gems, the indie films of travel, if you will. They don’t get the marquee lights or the blockbuster budgets. Instead, they quietly revel in their own authenticity, waiting for the discerning traveler to stumble upon their beauty. Much like the understated charm of a vinyl record in a world of streaming, the least visited states in the US have tales to tell, adventures to share, and a distinct allure for those who dare to diverge from the trodden path.

Exploring the Uncharted: Least Visited States

The United States is one of the most visited countries in the world but most people who visit or plan to visit this country, they associate it with cities like Los Angeles , New York , San Francisco , etc. but let’s not forget that the US consists of 50 states and many of them get barely if any international visitors.

Data Collection & Raning Criteria

For the purpose of ranking the least visited states in the US, we have used data from several different sources, including U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board , the World Tourism Organization , and independent research websites like Statista. We have gathered the numbers from different sources, made moving averages of the data, and adjusted it for seasonality, getting to this list of 12 least visited states in the US. 

So, let’s dig in and answer the question…

alaska least visited states in the us

We’re starting the list of least visited states in the US with Alaska. On average, Alaska welcomed approximately 2.26 million visitors per year. Of these, the majority were domestic travelers, with roughly 130,000 international visitors sprinkled into the mix. However, when compared to the bustling streets of New York or the star-studded boulevards of California , these numbers might seem a bit… frosty.

Why So Chilly  O n  T he Visitor Front?

Alaska might be the largest state in the U.S., but it’s not the most frequented, and there are a few reasons for that:

Distance & Accessibility:  For many, Alaska feels like that distant cousin who lives overseas. It’s not as easy to pop by for a weekend visit.

Climate Concerns:  Alaska’s chilly temperatures and long, dark winters aren’t everyone’s cup of tea (or should I say, mug of hot cocoa?).

Cost:  Venturing to Alaska can be pricier than other stateside destinations. Those looking for budget vacations might balk at the price tag.

Alaska Highlights

But for those who dare to venture, Alaska offers an array of unforgettable experiences that aren’t just about spotting polar bears (though that’s pretty cool, pun intended):

Northern Lights:   Nature’s very own psychedelic light show , the auroras offer a mesmerizing dance of colors in the sky.

Midnight Sun:  Fancy a game of midnight baseball? With nearly 24 hours of daylight during certain months, you can!

Glacier Tours:  Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of glaciers up close , either by boat or, for the more adventurous, by ice trekking.

Wildlife Galore:  From majestic whales breaching in the waters to bald eagles soaring overhead, Alaska is a wildlife lover’s dream .

Indigenous Culture:  Dive deep into the rich history and traditions of Alaska’s indigenous peoples at cultural centers and festivals.

Quirky Events:  Ever watched moose dropping or participated in an outhouse race? Alaska’s got you covered with some of the quirkiest local events.

deepest lakes in idaho

The bread and butter (or should I say, the potato and butter?) of Idaho’s tourism lies in its vast landscapes, from the peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains to the depths of the Hells Canyon but even despite this, it’s still one of the least visited states in the US. Approximately 6.2 million fellow Americans roam those rugged landscapes annually. On the other hand, Idaho sees a humble gathering of about 40,000 international visitors each year.

Potatoes  And… Privacy? Why Idaho’s Not  A Tourist Magnet

Quiet Competitor:  With neighbors like Montana’s Glacier National Park and Wyoming’s Yellowstone, Idaho’s wonders sometimes play second fiddle.

Marketing Mutedness:  Idaho’s not out there with a megaphone, shouting about its beauty. It’s more the type to subtly hint at its awesomeness and let the truly curious come and discover.

The Great Misconception:  Some think it’s all about agriculture. And while Idaho does sport the most delightful potatoes, it’s so much more than a one-crop wonder.

Idaho Highlgihts

Sun Valley:  A winter wonderland, it’s the Aspen for those in the know – without the Colorado price tag.

Shoshone Falls:  Sorry, Niagara Falls , you’ve got competition. Higher than its eastern counterpart, this natural beauty is an Instagrammer’s dream.

Coeur d’Alene:  This isn’t just a pretty name; it’s a lakeside paradise perfect for boat trips , picnics, and some top-notch R&R.

Boise’s Boomin’ Scene :  From a lively arts scene to some unexpectedly hip eateries and craft breweries, Boise’s kinda the cool kid that doesn’t need to brag.

The Scenic Byways:  Particularly the Sawtooth National Scenic Byway. Imagine a road trip with a backdrop painted by Bob Ross.

Historic Wallace:  A silver-mining town where every single building is on the National Historic Register. It’s like stepping onto the set of a wild west movie.

Wyoming least visited states in the us

Next up on this list of the least visited states in the US we have Wyoming. Wyoming attracts a cool 8-9 million U.S. adventurers and about 150,000 international travelers annually.

Reasons Wyoming’s Not Getting All the RSVPs:

Wide Open Spaces:  Wyoming has a population density so low, even the tumbleweeds need GPS to find each other. Some folks just aren’t ready for that much elbow room.

No Direct Routes to Fame:  Wyoming isn’t the poster child on most direct flights. It’s not typically a “passing through” state unless Old Faithful or Devil’s Tower is calling.

Underestimated Underdog:  Wyoming’s rep is that of an empty expanse, but those in the know understand it’s packed with untouched beauty. Guess it’s the state’s little secret.

Wyoming Highlights

Yellowstone National Park:  There’s a reason it’s the first national park ever. With geysers, hot springs, and grizzlies, it’s a mosaic of Mother Nature’s finest work .

Grand Teton National Park :  Those mountains aren’t just for postcards. Hiking, climbing, or just some good ol’ gazing – the Tetons are grand by name and nature.

Cheyenne Frontier Days:  Rodeo, anyone? Dubbed the “Daddy of ’em All,” this annual event is a wild, rootin-tootin’ celebration of the American West.

Devil’s Tower:   Wyoming’s eerie, iconic landmark has been a sacred site for Native Americans and a climbing hotspot for daredevils. And if you’re thinking about mashed potatoes and aliens, you’ve watched “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” one too many times.

Buffalo Bill Center of the West:  Dive deep into the history of the Wild West. This isn’t just a museum; it’s five! A feast for history buffs and cowboy enthusiasts.

Hot Springs State Park:  No spa can rival nature’s own. Soak in therapeutic waters while enjoying the scenery.

Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our list of the world’s least visited countries .

white and green house near body of water during daytime

This small-but-mighty state may be the first to ratify the Constitution, but it’s often last on most travel bucket lists and as such, a natural fit for this list of least visited states in the US. Around 9 million domestic travelers and 60,000 foreigners dip their toes into Delaware waters or just stop by for a tax-free shopping spree.

Reasons Delaware Might Be Getting Ghosted:

Size Matters (Or Does It?):  Being the second-smallest state in the U.S., some folks might think there’s less to see. Little do they know, the fun’s just concentrated!

Overshadowed Neighbors:  With heavy hitters like New York, D.C., and Philly nearby, Delaware often plays the role of the understudy rather than the star.

Stealthy State:  Many only know of Delaware from their history books or business dealings. It’s high time we rectified that.

Delaware Highlights

Rehoboth Beach:  A sun-soaked haven that offers saltwater taffy, boardwalks, and festivals. It’s like the Hamptons without the Hampton prices.

Delaware Wine and Ale Trail:  Who needs Napa when you’ve got 20 craft beverage locations offering beer, wine, and spirits? Bottoms up!

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library:  Once owned by the du Pont family, this estate is a feast for the eyes with its sprawling gardens and American decorative arts.

Dover International Speedway:  A sanctuary for NASCAR fans. Hear the roar of the engines and feel the rush.

Delaware Seashore State Park:  A coastal paradise perfect for surfing, sunbathing, and seafood binging.

Hagley Museum and Library:  The birthplace of the DuPont Company. Experience the mix of industry, innovation, and elegance.

Fort Delaware State Park:  Time travel to the Civil War era and experience life as it was on Pea Patch Island.

Connecticut

Connecticut

The Nutmeg State, where people often mistakenly leave out one of the “c’s” and one of the “n’s”. It’s okay; spelling it right is like trying to remember all the Game of Thrones characters. With around 250,000 international visitors and 9-10 million domestic visitors annually, Connecticut is one of the least visited states in the US.

Connecticut: Under The Radar, But Why?

Overshadowed Elegance:  Nestled between the Big Apple and Boston, it’s a bit like being the incredibly talented middle sibling in a superstar family.

Low-Key Vibes:  Connecticut doesn’t scream; it whispers its elegance, like the soft notes of a cello in a string quartet.

“It’s Just a Commuter State”:  Some might mistakenly think of Connecticut merely as a throughway to flashier destinations. Their loss, right?

Connecticut Highlights

Yale University:  The Ivy League beauty located in New Haven, not just for the smarty pants. Its museums, architecture, and cultural offerings are a treat for all.

The Mystic Seaport:  The nation’s leading maritime museum . It’s all ships, history, and a touch of seafaring mystery.

The Mark Twain House & Museum:  Ever wanted to step into the world of Huck Finn or Tom Sawyer? Hartford’s got you covered.

Gillette Castle State Park:  A medieval fortress meets American ingenuity. Perfect for history buffs and want tobe knights.

Covered Bridges:  Connecticut boasts some of the most picturesque covered bridges, and each tells a story. Keep that Instagram handy!

Greenwich:  A delightful cocktail of upscale charm and coastal allure. Who needs the UK’s Greenwich when Connecticut’s version has so much finesse?

Montana least visited states in the us

Next on this list of least visited states in the US, we have Montana. On average, Montana is visited by 12-13 million visitors every year. When it comes to international amigos making their way to Montana, the numbers flutter around the 60,000 mark annually. It’s not a metropolis-like influx, but hey, more unspoiled nature for the rest of us!

The Low Down  O n  T he Low Foot Traffic

Geographical Peekaboo:  Tucked up and nestled against Canada, Montana doesn’t exactly wave a big flag on the map of the US. It’s like that mysterious, quiet person at a party that everyone’s curious about but not many approach.

Ad Campaign Under the Radar:  Unlike the flashy adverts of Cali beaches or the neon allure of Vegas , Montana’s marketing is like its nature: subtle and understated.

Isolation Sensation:  Some folks like a bustling city corner with a Starbucks at every turn. Montana offers something a bit… quieter.

Montana Highlights

Glacier National Park:  This isn’t just a park; it’s THE park . It’s where clouds come down to kiss the mountains and where you’ll regret wearing those not-so-comfy shoes. But oh, the views!

Yellowstone’s North Entrance:  Most people flock to Wyoming’s Yellowstone gates. But Montana’s Gardiner entrance? It’s the quieter cousin with just as much charm.

Missoula’s Hipster Vibes:  Craft breweries, art walks, and a pinch of that classic Montana ruggedness. It’s like Brooklyn had a baby with the Wild West.

Big Sky Resort:  Ever wondered where the term “Big Sky Country” comes from? Spend a day here, and you’ll get it. From winter snows to summer hikes, it’s a year-round marvel.

The Great Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame:  Yes, it’s real. And yes, you can learn the difference between a lasso and a lariat.

Bannack Ghost Town:  For a touch of eeriness sprinkled with history. Remember, if a ghost cowboy challenges you to a duel, it’s okay to decline.

Vermont

This list of the least visited states in the US couldn’t be complete without Vermont. An estimated 100,000 international explorers and 13-14 million US travelers don their best flannel and venture to Vermont annually.

Why Vermont Isn’t Isn’t a Mainstream Maven

Location, Location, Location:  Vermont isn’t precisely on the way to…well, anywhere. Unless you’re a die-hard leaf peeper or on a pilgrimage to Ben & Jerry’s, it’s a bit of a detour.

Hibernation Station:  Vermont winters can be colder than a snowman’s nose, causing some folks to tuck tail and head south.

Quiet Marketing:  Vermont doesn’t shout about its charm; it whispers it through the wind rustling its iconic fall foliage . It’s like the state is playing a perpetual game of “hard to get.”

Vermont Highlights

Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour:  Need we say more? Get your spoons ready and indulge in some frozen euphoria.

Lake Champlain:  This freshwater giant offers islands to explore, waters to sail, and tales of a mysterious lake monster!

Stowe:  Ski in the winter, hike in the summer. Plus, if you’re into craft beer, the renowned Alchemist Brewery calls Stowe home. Hello, Heady Topper!

Maple Open House Weekend:  March in Vermont means maple galore. Tap a tree, savor syrup, and pancake to your heart’s content.

Covered Bridges:  With over 100 of these picturesque beauties, you can literally and figuratively cross many bridges when you come to them.

Shelburne Museum:  Think of it as an eclectic treasure chest of American history, spread over 45 acres. Art, architecture, and Americana in one sweet spot.

South Dakota

south dakota

You might think that Mount Rushmore alone would be enough to remove South Dakota from the list of least visited states in the US but you’d be wrong. Approximately 15-16 million U.S. residents stretch their legs and satiate their wanderlust amidst South Dakota’s vastness annually. Every year, about 100,000 international travelers decide they need some good ol’ fashioned Americana in their lives and make their way to this treasure trove.

Why’s Everyone Passing  U p  O n South Dakota?

Hidden Gem Syndrome:  With heavy-hitters like California’s coast and Florida’s beaches , the quiet charm of the Midwest sometimes takes a backseat. And we kinda like it that way—more nature for us!

Expectation vs. Reality :  People might think South Dakota is just flat plains, but boy, are they in for a surprise!

Overshadowed Neighbors:  With neighbors like Wyoming’s Yellowstone and Colorado’s Rockies, South Dakota’s splendors can sometimes get eclipsed in the tourism pamphlets. It’s the Jan Brady of states—always hearing “Yellowstone, Yellowstone, Yellowstone!”

Perception of Remoteness:  For many coastal dwellers or urbanites, South Dakota might feel like it’s in a far-off land, akin to where the wild things are. Its central location can be perceived as “in the middle of nowhere,” rather than “the heart of everywhere.”

South Dakota Highlights

Mount Rushmore:  More than just a giant stone selfie of four U.S. presidents, it’s an homage to leadership and determination.

Badlands National Park:  It’s as if Mars and Earth had a baby. A surreal, rugged landscape that might just make you believe in aliens.

Custer State Park :  Want to play ‘Spot the Bison’? This is your playground. Plus, the scenic drives here? Chef’s kiss!

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally:  Rev your engines, because this is the Super Bowl of biker rallies. Leather jackets not included, but highly recommended.

Deadwood:  A town straight out of a Western, with a history filled with outlaws and gamblers. Don’t forget to tip your cowboy hat to Wild Bill Hickok.

Corn Palace:  Yep, you read that right. An entire palace. Made of corn. It’s quirky, corny (pun intended), and so worth the Instagram post.

nebraska

Next on our list of least visited states in the US, we have Nebraska. Roughly 19-20 million U.S wanderers choose to spend their vacation days basking in Nebraska’s understated allure annually. Nebraska might not be top-of-mind for international travelers, but around 30,000 global jet-setters do get wind of its charm and decide to stop by each year.

Nebraska: Overlooked  O r Just Over-Shadowed?

Big Fish, Bigger Pond:  Let’s face it; America is jam-packed with tourist-heavy states. With coastlines and mountains, sometimes the heartland just doesn’t get the love it deserves.

Quiet Achiever:  Nebraska’s not about the glitz and glam. It doesn’t flaunt. It’s like that student who aces the test without waving their grade around. Humble, we call it.

Overshadowed:  Next to Colorado’s Rockies and South Dakota’s Badlands and Mount Rushmore, Nebraska might seem a bit demure. But hey, everyone loves a surprise underdog story.

Nebraska Highlights

Omaha’s Old Market:  Cobbled streets and unique boutiques, it’s like stepping into a simpler time. Plus, a dining scene that will have you loosening your belt buckle.

Chimney Rock:  This iconic landmark guided pioneers westward. Still stands tall, guiding selfie-takers to the perfect shot.

Carhenge:  Think Stonehenge but with cars. It’s quirky, it’s kitschy, and it’s oh-so-Nebraska.

The Sandhills:  One of America’s most unique landscapes, these grass-covered dunes ripple on for miles. Nature’s own roller coaster.

Henry Doorly Zoo:  We’re talking world-class here. From desert domes to massive aquariums, it’s a whole globe-trot in one place.

Nebraska Star Party:  In the absence of city lights, the stars over the Snake River shine brighter than your grandma’s sequin collection.

North Dakota

north dakota

On average, North Dakota welcomed about 20 million visitors which may seem like a rather large number but it’s still one of the top 10 least visited states in the US. But hold your horses! This figure includes domestic visitors on leisure trips , business ventures, and even those just passing through. When it comes to international visitors, the number is a tad more modest—sitting somewhere around the 30,000 mark. It’s like comparing a bustling city to a quaint town: both have their charms, but one’s a smidge cozier.

Why  T he Cold Shoulder  F or North Dakota?

Why, you might ask, does North Dakota play second fiddle in the U.S. tourism orchestra?

Off the Beaten Path:  Unlike its attention-grabbing siblings (looking at you, Florida), North Dakota isn’t on many international travel radars. Its remote location and lack of shouty landmarks can make it an underdog.

Weather Woes:  With winters that can turn your nose hairs to icicles and summers that can fry an egg on the pavement, North Dakota’s climate isn’t always the most welcoming.

Marketing (or Lack Thereof):  North Dakota isn’t exactly throwing Super Bowl ads or flashy billboards our way. Many folks just don’t realize what they’re missing out on.

North Dakota Highglights

For those curious souls willing to sidestep the mainstream, North Dakota boasts:

Theodore Roosevelt National Park:  Named after ol’ Teddy himself, this park is a kaleidoscope of landscapes—badlands, forests, and prairies. Plus, the wildlife spotting? Top-notch.

Maah Daah Hey Trail:  A mouthful to say, but oh, what a sight to see! One of the longest single-track trails in America, it’s a dream for bikers, hikers, and nature lovers alike.

Fargo:  Not just a movie, folks. This quirky city offers an eclectic mix of arts, culture, and a dash of the unexpected. Ever seen a wood chipper turned into a monument? Now’s your chance!

Norwegian Heritage in Minot:  “Velkommen” to the Norsk Høstfest, North America’s largest Scandinavian festival. Enjoy folk music, lefse, and perhaps even an encounter with a Viking or two.

Legendary Sunsets:  The wide-open skies of North Dakota are the unsung heroes of sunset watching. Every evening offers a show that even Broadway would envy.

Mississippi

Mississippi

Around 23 million American wanderlusters and 150,000 globetrotters opt to explore Mississippi annually, placing it on the 11th spot of the list of least visited states in the US.

The Mystery  O f Mississippi’s Muted Popularity

Neighborly Shadows:  With iconic states like Louisiana and Tennessee flashing their jazzy and country vibes respectively, Mississippi often plays the role of the shy middle sibling.

Modest Marketing:  You won’t see Mississippi blowing its own trumpet (or should we say, playing its own guitar?) with huge ad campaigns. It’s more a whisper of an invitation, but those who heed the call are seldom disappointed.

Perception Predicaments:  Just like its southern siblings, Mississippi grapples with some outdated stereotypes . Time to update our software, folks!

Mississippi Highlights

The Mississippi Delta Blues:  Grab a front-row seat at one of the juke joints in Clarksdale. From B.B. King to Muddy Waters, the tunes here aren’t just music—they’re a soulful experience.

Natchez Trace Parkway:  A 444-mile scenic drive filled with history, hiking, and harmonious views. Instagrammers, ready your cameras!

Vicksburg National Military Park:  Civil War buff? Here’s your playground. Explore the battlegrounds, monuments, and trenches of a crucial conflict.

Gulf Islands National Seashore:  Golden sands, azure waters, and that elusive tranquility we’re all seeking—this is beach bumming with a touch of Southern grace.

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum:  A deeply moving and powerful narrative of the civil rights movement unfolds here. Bring tissues.

The Walter Anderson Museum of Art:  Celebrate the artistic spirit of the South, with a deep dive into the works of this iconic 20th-century American painter.

Rhode Island

rhode island

Last but not least, we wrap up this list of the least visited states in the US with Rhode Island. A cool 23 million Americans say “Let’s scoot over to the Ocean State” annually while 150,000 worldly wanderers trade in their globe-trotting shoes for Rhode Island’s coastal charm each year.

Why Rhode Island  Is One Of The Least Visited States In The US ?

Diminutive Dimensions:  Being the smallest state means there’s less territory to explore. Some tourists mistakenly think they can cover it during a pit stop.

Overshadowed by Siblings:  With bustling neighbors like New York and Massachusetts, Rhode Island can sometimes feel like the middle child of the Northeast.

Quiet Demeanor:  Unlike its flashy peers, Rhode Island isn’t known for its braggadocio. It’s more the classy, reserved type at the party.

Limited Airport Links:  T.F. Green Airport, while efficient, doesn’t have the extensive flight connections that larger hubs offer.

Rhode Island Highlights

Newport:  Think grandiose mansions that give Downton Abbey a run for its money, scenic cliff walks, and the iconic Newport Jazz Festival.

Providence :  This capital city has WaterFire—an art installation that sets the downtown river ablaze (in a good way)—and a culinary scene that’ll make your taste buds think they’ve gone to flavor heaven.

Block Island:  Just a ferry ride away, this island offers serene beaches, scenic bluffs, and the sort of tranquility you’d expect from a meditation retreat.

RISD Museum:  Art enthusiasts, this one’s for you. With over 100,000 artworks, this museum in Providence is a testament to creativity.

The Breakers Mansion:  Step back in time and get a taste of the Gilded Age. It’s opulence, darling!

Narragansett Bay:  Ideal for those who love sailing, fishing, or just lounging by the water with a seafood platter in hand.

How did you like this list of the least visited states in the US? Did you ever get the chance to visit any of these underrated destinations? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.

Like it? Pin it.

1

What's Hot

The least-visited states in america, and why you should go to each.

Everything worth caring about in food, drink, and travel

By: Matt Meltzer

2015-09-23-1443016834-9390493-Least_1.jpeg

Even the most travelled Americans have a few gaps in the "where I've been" map, especially when we're talking about missing states. It's a big country out there and clocking all 50 is a bucket list accomplishment. But which ones get passed over the most? We pulled data from each state's tourism board to determine the 12 with the fewest number of annual visitors, and then polled locals as to what we're missing out on by not spending more time there.

More: The Most Beautiful Place in Each State

2015-09-23-1443016888-8437715-Least_2.jpg

12. Arkansas Annual visitors: 25.8 million Why you should visit: Let's start with the obvious: the opportunity to make endless Monica Lewinsky/cigar jokes as you stand in a replica of the Oval Office at the Clinton Presidential Library. After that, you can visit Bill's boyhood home in Hope, or Johnny Cash's in Dyess. If Civil War reenactment is more your jam, Historic Helena on the Mississippi Delta was occupied by Union soldiers and was the site of an 1863 battle; it was also a safe haven for runaway slaves. Or, if you're more interested in civil rights than civil war (although they're obviously connected), Little Rock High School was home to the first public-school integration in 1957. But since Arkansas is the Natural State, the biggest reason to visit is the outdoors. Hot Springs National Park is one of the 20 most visited in the country and home to Bathhouse Row, where you can get your aromatherapy on in a natural hot spring. Past that, there's America's first national river, the Buffalo, where you can whitewater raft through limestone bluffs, as well as the caverns at Devil's Den and Blanchard Springs.

2015-09-23-1443016996-9657827-Least_3.jpeg

11. Alabama Annual visitors: 24.3 million Why you should visit: You gotta figure that the 14 annual home football games played at Auburn and Alabama keep the Iron State out of the bottom 10 in terms of visitors. But SEC football and crazed fans aside, there are plenty of other reasons to visit. Starting with the fact that you can drink in two states at once at the Flora-Bama bar near Orange Beach. Or participate in its famous annual mullet toss (fish, not hair). Or, if you're not into throwing fish and/or drinking on the beach, you can explore 35 miles of gorgeous coastline, most notably, Gulf Shores -- it's the prettiest place in the state and home to the annual Hangout Music Festival. In terms of history, there are landmark sites from the Civil Rights movement all across Alabama, including the Civil Rights Institute and the famous 16th St Baptist Church in Birmingham, and the National Voting Rights Museum in Selma. There's also baseball history -- the oldest stadium in America is Rickwood Field in Birmingham. Finally, any idea where the largest space museum in America is? Cape Canaveral, Houston, Washington, DC? Nope... it's in Huntsville! The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is the best attraction in the state and home to the famous space camp.

2015-09-23-1443017070-8268866-Least_4.jpg

10. North Dakota Annual visitors: 24 million Why you should visit: While most of the visitors to North Dakota these days are in the oil industry, 120 years ago the state had one very important guest: Theodore Roosevelt. And he loved his time on the badlands so much he: a) bought a ranch and moved there, and b) was inspired to grow our national park system by signing the Antiquities Act. Eventually, his property became part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Today, North Dakota has 63 national wildlife refuges and 13 state parks, and offers visitors the chance to see not only an albino buffalo, but the world's largest buffalo in general -- Dakota Thunder -- at the National Buffalo Museum in Jamestown. But buffalo aside, we know what you really want to talk about: college hockey. Perhaps the only sport in the state that's nationally relevant -- unless you consider fracking a sport -- the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux are among the top programs in the country. And they play in perhaps the most lavish arena in the college game. The marble-floored, leather-seated Ralph Engelstad Arena cost $104 million and might be the best atmosphere in the sport on a college level.

2015-09-23-1443017161-1090839-Least_5.jpeg

9. Mississippi Annual visitors: 22 million Why you should visit: Tupelo's Neon Pig Cafe's Smash burger straight-up won our Best Burger in America tournament. But if ground-beef tourism isn't your raison d'etre, there's still plenty to do in the Magnolia State. Let's start with Elvis' birthplace, it's also in Tupelo. From there, you can walk up to three different music trails -- through cotton fields, churches, train depots, and nightclubs -- to learn about the roots of blues and country music. And finally, Mississippi is also home to three of the five driving trails on the Americana Music Triangle, a 1,500-mile highway route through five states with historical stops related to pretty much a million types of music from the region, including blues, jazz, country, rock & roll, R&B/soul, gospel, Southern gospel, Cajun/zydeco, and bluegrass. When you can't talk about Buddy Guy anymore, there are also 26 miles of pristine water and white sand beaches in Mississippi, without anywhere near the number of tourists or tacky T-shirt shops you'd find in Florida. And, unlike the other beach towns on the Gulf, Biloxi and Gulfport have casinos. While you're there, hit the Beau Rivage for the best nightlife in the state, or head to the Walter Anderson Art Museum in nearby Ocean Springs.

2015-09-23-1443017237-8635032-Least_6.jpeg

8. Nebraska Annual visitors: 19.1 million Why you should visit: "Sure," you say. "The College World Series might be the best multi-day event in sports. But they use aluminum bats and my alma mater barely even had an intramural softball team." It's still worth hitting, without a doubt. But for reasons to visit Nebraska other than college baseball or Warren Buffett, allow us to suggest... Football. The redded-out Memorial Stadium in Lincoln has sold out every game since 1962 and, despite the program's recent struggles (see ya, Bo!), the fans remain some of the most intense and spirited in the sport. Also, unlike in most big-time stadiums, they're polite to visitors. If you'd prefer to participate in sports rather than watch them, Nebraska is one of the top destinations in the world for quail and pheasant hunters; the annual One Box Hunt in Broken Bow draws celebrities and top hunters every October and is considered one of the most revered hunts in the country. Finally, you can't exit Nebraska without a visit to Chimney Rock or Scotts Bluff National Monument. Both are tall million-years-old stone monuments created when prairie winds carved away the natural rock.

2015-09-23-1443017296-7333796-Least_7.jpeg

7. Rhode Island Annual visitors: 19.2 million Why you should visit: Quahog isn't real, before you read any further. So your dreams of visiting Spooner St will have to be put on hold until some theme park decides to erect its own version -- like Universal did with Springfield. Peter Griffin aside, you should still visit Rhode Island. Not only can you venture back to a day when the 1% did cooler things with their money than making it rain by taking the cliff walk through Newport's historic mansions, but during the summer you can ironically dress up like F. Scott Fitzgerald and tailgate at the weekly polo matches. Seriously. It's a scene. Rhode Island also boasts 40 miles of coastline (it's not called the Ocean State for nothing), and some of the warmest water in New England. If you're still hanging in Newport, Second Beach is your move for a day at the beach.

To round things out, you've got the Pawtucket Red Sox (or Pawsox) -- a fun minor-league alternative to Fenway -- 10 breweries and distilleries (remember, it's the smallest state), a burgeoning, underrated restaurant scene in Providence, and, oh yeah, Del's Frozen Lemonade. Do NOT leave without trying a Del's.

Which states are the 6 least-visited? And why should you absolutely visit them? Find out in the full story, at Thrillist.com!

More from Thrillist:

The Most Scenic Drive in All 50 States

You're Pronouncing These 19 Places Completely Wrong

Like Thrillist on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Thrillist

Also on HuffPost:

state with least tourism

Travel Zen: National Parks

From our partner, huffpost shopping’s best finds, more in life.

state with least tourism

Tripbeam - taking new places

The 5 Least Visited States in America, and Why You Should Go There

  • Posted on September, 25, 2015

The 5 Least Visited States in America, and Why You Should Go There

New York, LA, Washington- The names pop up in our heads when discussing a trip to America. But America has a lot more to offer and a lot of many places to go to.

Here is our list of 5 American States that are not overflowing with tourists:

Alabama

Know where the largest museum in America is? Yes, it is here. Know what it feels like to be at two places at a single moment? Well, here at the Flora-Bama Bar, you can.

And you can also relish your time exploring 35 miles long coastline too. There are historical sites like the Civil Rights Institute and the St Baptist Church too up for exploration. So, score the best  flight deals   now !

2.Mississippi

Mississippi

Not that you wouldn’t have heard of the name, but despite this, the place seldom makes it to the list of must-visit tourist destinations.

However, you should consider making a trip to this place to savor the flavors of country music.

The white beaches and azure waters match the beauty of Floridan beaches, however, not even half the crowd as at that place.

There are casinos and nightclubs too. It is a happening place which has strangely not come into the limelight so far.

3. Rhode Island

Rhode Island

A 40 miles long coastline has given this place the name of Ocean State. Historic mansions in Newport, the scintillating Second Beach, and amazing breweries in Providence.

These are good reasons to count to plan a trip to this American State. And yes, when you book the USA deals ,  find out Del and try out their Del’s Frozen Lemonade before you make your leave.

4.North Dakota

North Dakota

Heard the name:  Theodore Roosevelt ? He was one of the most frequent visitors of the State. That isn’t much of an inspiration for you to plan to go to North Dakota, but there is some perfect motivation for that.

North Dakota boasts of 13 State Parks that gives the visitors a chance to witness an astonishing range of wildlife.

Travel at best fares  and visit the Dakota Thunder, which is known to be the most giant buffalo in the world. The State is also known for college hockey.

Vermont

Known as the Green Mountain State, has the only opera you can go to in entire America at the Haskell Free Library and Opera House.

The key reason why you should be visiting this State is for the maple savories. You will not taste a better maple creamy anywhere else on the globe.

Catch the  flight to US  to the small state that boasts of too many breweries to visit, but if you are an adventure person, you can’t miss out on skiing. The natives are experts.

speical-deal

null

Which states have Americans visited, and which are their favorites?

Taylor Orth

Some people have a bucket list that includes visiting all 50 states; others are content to stay where they are. A recent YouGov poll explores how many and which states Americans have visited, as well as which states they designate as their favorite and least favorite. From among the 50 states and Washington D.C., Americans on average have been to 17. While one in 10 Americans (11%) say they've never left the state they live in, fewer than 2% say they've visited at least 50 of the 51 states and D.C.

Which states are Americans most likely to have visited? Given that we're counting where people live now, and that more populous states generally have more people, places, and businesses to visit, it makes sense that the top five most visited states are also the most populated. However, these states' ranking by population isn't the same as their ranking by how many have visited them. The top two most visited states, Florida and New York, are surpassed in terms of population by the next two on the list (California and Texas), suggesting that they may be more popular tourist or business destinations than places to live.

The top five most visited states are:

  • Florida (visited by 61% of Americans)
  • New York (55%)
  • California (54%)
  • Texas (52%)
  • Pennsylvania (48%)

The least visited states, on the other hand, are not necessarily those with the fewest residents. What they do share in common is being in the Western or Midwestern parts of the country. Alaska, the third least populated state, tops the list, having only been visited by 13% of Americans. Alaska is followed by North Dakota, Idaho, Montana, and Nebraska. Washington D.C., which if counted as a state would rank as the third least populated, is among the most visited destinations, with 49% of Americans saying they've been to the nation's capital.

The five states visited by the smallest share of Americans are:

  • Alaska (visited by 13% of Americans)
  • North Dakota (15%)
  • Idaho (19%)
  • Montana (19%)
  • Nebraska (19%)

The survey also asked people to choose their favorite and least favorite state from among those they've been to. Only the 80% of Americans who had been to at least two states were asked this question, and Washington, D.C., wasn't included in this assessment of favorite states. While the four most populous states all are included among the five favorite states and the five least favorite states, their order in each list does vary. Each top-five list included one state that wasn't among the most populous states. Hawaii landed a spot in the five favorites despite being one of the states visited by the smallest share of Americans; fewer than 1% named it their least favorite. New Jersey was one of the five least favorites while just 1% named it their favorite state.

Top five favorite states among those who have visited:

  • Florida (9% of Americans who have been to at least two of the states named it as their favorite state they had been to)
  • California (8%)
  • Hawaii (7%)
  • New York (5%)

The states most likely to rank as a person's least favorite are:

  • California (7% of Americans who have been to at least two of the states named it as their least favorite state they had been to)
  • Florida (5%)
  • New Jersey (3%)

state with least tourism

— Carl Bialik and Linley Sanders contributed to this article

Methodology: This U.S. News survey was conducted by YouGov using a nationally representative sample of 1,000 U.S. adult citizens interviewed online between July 25 - 27, 2022. This sample was weighted according to gender, age, race, and education based on the 2018 American Community Survey, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, as well as news interest and 2020 Presidential votes (or non-votes). Respondents were selected from YouGov’s opt-in panel to be representative of all U.S. citizens. The margin of error is approximately 3% for the entire sample.

Image: Adobe Stock ( Konstantin Yuganov )

Explore more data & articles

state with least tourism

How do Americans feel about walking, driving, and other ways they get around?

state with least tourism

Adults under 30 are more likely than older Americans to have a current U.S. passport

state with least tourism

You can ride your skateboard on the sidewalk, but keep your bike on the street, say Americans

state with least tourism

Americans have a less favorable view of walking than driving

state with least tourism

How safe do U.S. adults believe public transportation in cities is from crime?

state with least tourism

The best national parks to visit in the United States, according to Americans who have visited them

state with least tourism

Americans hold the National Park Service in high esteem

state with least tourism

The best places to visit in the United States, according to Americans who have visited them

state with least tourism

Limits on Gasoline Cars | YouGov Poll: September 7 - 11, 2022

state with least tourism

Effortless booking

Maximize online conversions with the most intuitive checkout online.

Expand revenue with our powerful Automated E-commerce tools.

Upgrade your website to industry’s best. Fresh websites. Fresh revenue.

Amplify visibility and expand earnings with integrated OTAs and local partners.

Streamline check-ins, limit risk, and amplify customer data with built-in digital waivers.

Transform data into insights. X-ray reporting gives you customer and business intelligence.

Manage high-volume walk-up customers effortlessly with POS, ticketing, and gated entry.

Automate management of staff schedules, assignments, and staff communications

Control your business precisely the way you want with endless yet easy configurability.

Allocate equipment used in various products. Prevent overbookings and maximize profits.

Grow with Xola in our constantly expanding universe of integrations and apps.

Harness customer data to drive marketing campaigns and generate repeat business.

Transform your guests into passionate brand advocates. Perfect your products & services.

Manage your business with the most powerful mobile suite in the industry.

Perfect the guest experience by giving your staff the industry’s most intuitive software.

Efficiently manage guest flow, minimize wait times, and ensure maximum satisfaction.

Ticketing & Entry

Revolutionize your guest experience: Effortless check-ins, interactive displays, secure payments.

Boost revenue with automated rave reviews, actionable insights, and loyal customer engagement.

Efficient ticketing, digital waivers, and fast check-ins enhance on-site operations and guest satisfaction.

Explore Xola Universe: 80+ apps, limitless integrations, endless growth opportunities.

Simplify check-in and boost your marketing efforts with our integrated automated digital waivers.

With SOC 2 Type II and CCPA compliance Xola exceeds industry security standards and insures your data protection.

Access real-time insights for business growth with our powerful reporting.

Remarkable and hassle-free guest experiences with waitlist and virtual queuing.

A comprehensive guide to AI data security for tours and attractions

A comprehensive guide to AI data security for tours and attractions

  • Xola University
  • Business Operations

US tourism top states stats round-up post

Carla Vianna

The most notable trend is travelers’ desire to spend more time outdoors. They’re helping revive the tourism industry in states like Utah and Arizona, where state and national parks are plentiful. Meanwhile, Florida’s booming theme park industry and accessible beaches are driving an exceptional recovery for the state.

This is good news for tour and attraction operators. The uptick in visitors to your state will translate to more bookings and revenue for your travel business.

If you’re not sure how your state is faring, here are all the U.S. tourism statistics by state that you need to know.

What US states spend the most on tourism? 

Historically, Hawaii, Florida, and California were the top three states that spent the most on tourism. Texas, Michigan, and New York were also among the top spenders.

Over the past five years, state tourism funding has increased by 20% across the board. States spend, on average, $22 million on tourism initiatives to attract tourists and generate visitor spending.

Most states took a major step back in tourism spending during the pandemic, but now, they’re jumping back into the marketing game.   Twenty-nine states ramped up their tourism budgets during the 2021-2022 fiscal year, including Colorado, Florida, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.

Hawaii and Florida were among the top spenders: In 2022, Hawaii secured a $60 million tourism budget, while Florida had over $80 million to work with, including $30 million in federal stimulus money. 

How much of Florida’s economy is tourism-driven?

Nationwide, travel and tourism are major drivers of economic activity. The tourism industry is responsible for 2.9% of the U.S. GDP.

That number is even higher in Florida, where tourism represents 10% of the state’s overall GDP. The industry supports nearly 13% of the state’s jobs.

In 2019, Florida welcomed 131 million out-of-state visitors, 10% of which were international. In total, visitors spent $98.8 billion and helped generate $27.6 billion in federal, state, and local taxes.

The total economic impact amounted to $96.5 billion in 2019.

How much of Hawaii’s economy is tourism-driven? 

Hawaii is also heavily reliant on tourism. The travel industry represents about a quarter of the state’s economy.

Over 10 million tourists traveled to Hawaii in 2019, which is over seven times the state’s population. Visitors spent $17.8 billion and contributed over $2 billion in tax revenue.

What are the top 20 US states with the most tourists?  

New York, California, and Ohio are among the most popular states in the U.S. In 2021, many states experienced a strong rebound in visitors as domestic travelers started to venture out of their home states.

These were the top-visited states in 2021; numbers are shown for the year 2021 unless otherwise noted.

  • 265.5 million visitors (2019)
  • $73.6 billion in visitor spending (2019)
  • $117.6 billion in economic impact (2019)
  • 219 million visitors
  • $47 billion in visitor spending
  • 213.5 million visitors
  • $100 billion in visitor spending
  • 211 million visitors (2019)
  • $46 billion in visitor spending (2019)
  • $4.8 billion in state and local taxes (2019)
  • 159.6 million visitors
  • $34.4 billion in visitor spending
  • $4.2 billion in state and local tax revenues
  • 126 million visitors (2019)
  • $24.2 billion in domestic and international travel spending in 2021
  • $1.9 billion in state and local tax revenue
  • 122 million visitors
  • $96.5 billion in revenue (2019)
  • $27.6 billion in taxes (2019)
  • 110 million visitors
  • $43 billion in visitor spending (2019)
  • $2.5 billion in state tax revenue (2019)
  • 102 million visitors
  • 20.9 billion in total economic impact
  • $1.4 billion in state and local taxes
  • 96.6 million visitors
  • $37.3 billion in visitor spending
  • $4.6 billion in state and local taxes
  • 84.2 million visitors
  • $21.9 billion in visitor spending
  • $1.5 billion in state and local tax revenue
  • 72.5 million visitors (2018)
  • $83 billion in visitor spending (2019)
  • $7.8 billion in state and local taxes (2019)
  • 56 million visitors
  • $60.6 billion contribution to the economy just in Southern Nevada
  • Over $36 billion in visitor spending in Southern Nevada
  • 49.3 million total visitor volume
  • 13.6 billion in visitor spending
  • $1.7 billion in state and local taxes
  • 44 million visitors (2019)
  • $25.2 billion in visitor spending
  • $1.8 billion in state and local taxes
  • 45 million visitors
  • $28.9 billion in visitor spending 
  • $2.3 billion in state and local taxes
  • 41 million visitors
  • $1.1 billion in local, state, and federal taxes
  • 40.9 million visitors
  • $23.6 billion in visitor spending
  • $3.4 billion in tax revenue
  • 28.2 million visitors
  • Nearly $20 billion in visitor spending
  • $1.1 billion in state and local taxes
  • 21 million visitors (2019)
  • 15.8 million people visited Utah’s parks in 2021
  • $1.6 billion in visitor spending at Utah’s parks

Top 10 fastest-growing US states for tourism 

Theme parks, casinos, and parks are fueling a strong tourism rebound in these 10 states.

The state is quickly catching up to pre-pandemic visitation numbers and even setting new records. In 2021, Florida welcomed nearly 118 million domestic visitors, the highest level in state history. This was great news for the hotel industry, which is already generating revenue at pre-pandemic levels. The state’s total hotel revenue hit a record in 2021 at $17.3 billion, a 2% increase from 2019.

2. Tennessee

Tennessee’s tourism industry is already setting post-pandemic records. In 2021, visitors spent a record $24 billion traveling through the state. That breaks down to $66 million daily, a 44% increase from the year prior.

3. Virginia

The shift toward outdoor and adventure travel has increased park attendance across the U.S. In Virginia, nearly 8 million people visited the region’s 41 state parks in 2021, a 15% increase from 2019.

4. Arkansas

Similarly, the tourism growth seen in Arkansas is driven by its parks. The state welcomed just over 41 million visitors in 2021, surpassing the 36.3 million that came in 2019. Hot Springs National Park had over 2 million recreational visits in 2021, topping the previous visitation record set in 1970. 

Utah’s strong rebound can be attributed to the popularity of the “Might Five,” which is the nickname given to Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Parks. The five parks welcomed 11.2 million recreation visits in 2021, and all but Bryce Canyon National Park had a record-breaking year. 

Wyoming had a big tourism year in 2021. Visitors spent $4 billion, which helped generate $243 million in tax revenue — a 50% increase from 2020. Yellowstone National Park welcomed a record number of visitors (nearly 5 million).

Tourism in Maine has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. In fact, tourism was up 25% in the first five months of 2022 compared to the same period in 2019. Meanwhile, visitor spending was up 18% in May of this year over May 2019. In 2021, over 15.6 million visitors flocked to the state, an increase of 29% from 2020.

Montana’s state parks welcomed a record-setting number of visitors in 2020. That trend continued into the following year when visitors spent $5.15 billion while traveling through the state, a billion dollars more than they spent in 2019.

In 2021, Arizona outpaced the national rate in terms of visitor spending and overnight stays. The state recovered 87% of its overnight visitation and 92% of its visitor spending rate from pre-pandemic times. Overnight visitors spent $23.6 billion across the state in 2021.

Las Vegas is fueling a strong tourism rebound in Nevada. This past February was the best in history for Vegas, with $1.1 billion of casino winnings recorded. Meanwhile, monthly passenger traffic at Harry Reid International Airport more than doubled in February compared to a year ago.

What are the top 10 least-visited states in the US? 

Alaska,  Nebraska, and Vermont are among the least visited states in the U.S.

Yet even these states are growing in popularity as domestic travel returns in full force. Visitors flocked to the Alaskan outdoors this summer, boosting demand for hotels and car rentals. Meanwhile, Nebraska’s lodging tax revenue hit an all-time record this year. And as autumn rolls around, Vermont is gearing up to welcome hordes of leaf-peeping tourists .

These are the top 10 least visited states in the U.S. — at least for now:

  • Alaska: 2.26 million  
  • West Virginia: 3.96 million
  • Nebraska: 6.5 million
  • Wyoming: 8.1 million (Despite being one of the least visited states, record visitation at Yellowstone National Park in 2021 have propelled Wyoming’s tourism industry forward.)
  • Delaware: 9.2 million
  • Montana: 12.5 million (Montana’s state parks welcomed a record number of visitors in 2020, putting the state’s natural beauty on the map.)
  • New Hampshire: 12.8 million
  • Vermont: 13 million
  • South Dakota: 14.5 million
  • Maine: 15.6 million (Despite being one of the least-visited states, tourism was up 25% in the first five months of this year compared to the same period in 2019.)

Whether you run a business in one of the most- or least-visited states in the country, your busy season is about to get a whole lot busier. As tourism continues to rebound in 2022, is your travel company ready to welcome the influx of visitors?

Writer Carla Vianna

Related Articles

As the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in travel becomes more prevalent, a new challenge arises: data security. Yet the

How to craft a brilliant tour itinerary that your guests will rave about

How to craft a brilliant tour itinerary that your guests will rave about

The best tour itineraries go beyond basic logistics and give guests a true sense of what to expect from their

How to use the LAST method to provide great customer service for tour guests

How to use the LAST method to provide great customer service for tour guests

When it comes to customer service, there’s no one-size-fits-all kind of solution. Outstanding customer service is tailored to the specific

Simplemost | make the most out of life

  • Acts of Kindness
  • Viral Stories
  • New Food Flavors
  • Celebrities
  • Movies & TV
  • Cleaning & Organization
  • DIY & Improvement

Survey Finds America’s Most And Least Favorite States To Visit On Vacation

No. 1 probably won't surprise you, but No. 6 might! What do you think of this list?

state with least tourism

  • Augusta Statz
  • July 28, 2017

When it comes to choosing a vacation destination, it’s easy to start dreaming of far-flung tropical beaches and ancient towns nestled in the European countryside.

But we Americans are lucky to live in a country with an abundance of travel options within our borders. From the beaches of Hawaii to the mountains of Colorado, we’ve got options—great ones. It’s just that, well, not each and every state in our great United States holds quite as much pull as the next.

Colorado, for example, is one of Americans’ top five states to visit on vacation. But neighboring Utah, with equally stunning vistas and mountain activities, ranks further down the list at No. 31. Keep reading to find out where your favorite state ranks.

Methodology

The Simplemost/Don’t Waste Your Money 2017 Travel Survey was an audience survey of nearly 8,000 respondents collected between June 13 and July 7, 2017 via Simplemost and our sister site, Don’t Waste Your Money. We sought to find out more about where people like to travel, with whom they prefer to travel, how they like to get to there, the ways they save money on vacation and more.

We asked people to tell us their favorite states to travel to for vacation. Each respondent was able to choose his or her top five. The results? An interesting look at Americans’ most and least favorite U.S. states to visit for vacation.

Keep reading to find your state—ranked here from least to most favorite—and to see the full map.

Note: The list starts at No. 49 because there were two instances of states receiving the same number of votes and therefore tying for a position, plus the survey included Washington D.C.

49. Nebraska

Prairies, sandhills and views of rock formations are just some of what you’ll find in the Cornhusker State, which comes in last on the list (hey, some state had to be last). The cities you may find yourself visiting are Lincoln, a university town buzzing with student life, and Omaha, where you’ll find the Durham Museum.

48. Delaware

Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware River and Delaware Bay, there’s plenty of seafood, fish and water views to enjoy while you’re in Delaware. Clearly the beautiful beach scene has stayed under the radar, however, as Delaware comes in second to last on the list.

Delaware Bay photo

Rolling hills and corn fields make up most of the scenery in The Hawkeye State, which is third to last on the list.

46. North Dakota

Known as the state of Great Plains, that’s exactly what this place has to offer. Scenic views abound!

With miles of plains all around, this middle-of-America state is great if peace and quiet is what you seek. If you want to squeeze in some museum tours during your trip, there’s always The Museum of World Treasures in Wichita for you to visit.

Kansas photo

44. Connecticut & Rhode Island (TIE)

This state of Connecticut offers coastal cities with a small town feel, and Rhode Island has incredible coastal views as well. Between them, the two states are home to Yale and Brown University. Coincidentally, these tiny neighboring states tied for No. 44 on the list.

43. Mississippi

No. 43 on the list, the Magnolia State has shores along the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, plus plenty of history and Southern cooking to enjoy.

42. Oklahoma

Botanical gardens and zoos are just some of the activities you might find yourself participating in when you book a ticket to the Sooner State. Sports fans—you’ll enjoy basketball games courtesy of the Oklahoma City Thunder, too.

Boise sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains and the Boise River, providing opportunities for great photos and even better fishing. And those are just a couple of reasons to pay this state a visit.

40. New Hampshire

Forests, lakes and winter sports are the main attractions New Hampshire has to offer. Keep your eyes peeled for moose and black bears along the Appalachian Trail when you pay a visit.

New Hampshire photo

39. Arkansas

With its mountain views, hot springs and caves, there’s plenty of exploring to do in the great state of Arkansas, yet it ranked No. 39 on the list.

arkansas photo

38. West Virginia

This state is full of living history museums, marks the spot for a famous Civil War-era raid and is sure to keep history- and nature-lovers very busy.

37. Indiana

As this  TV commercial for Indiana theme park Indiana Beach asserted several years back “there’s more than corn in Indiana!” Indianapolis has many noteworthy attractions including the Indianapolis 500, monuments and museums, and more, plus there are a number of lake destinations that are a draw to vacationers as well.

36. New Jersey

New Jersey takes up a large amount of the eastern coastline and is easily accessed from New York. So, whether you’d like to spend your time on the shore or in a big city, there’s a way to make it happen in New Jersey, which comes in No. 36 on the list.

35. Maryland

Waterways and coastlines make this state a nautical dream come true. If you love being near the water, a visit to No. 35 Maryland is for you.

Maryland photo

34. South Dakota

State parks and Mt. Rushmore offer sites you just won’t see anywhere else, so a visit here will likely scratch a couple of things off of your travel bucket list.

mt rushmore photo

33. Vermont

The Green Mountain State offers hiking, skiing and plenty of maple syrup.

32. Minnesota

From the “Twin Cities” of Minneapolis and St. Paul to the great outdoors, Minnesota has much to offer—just perhaps not in the dead of winter.

31. Missouri

From the Gateway Arch to the Mississippi River, there are plenty of special, history-laden spots to visit in this Midwestern state.

The Great Salt Lake and beautiful mountainous landscape are major draws for this state, despite it landing on the second half on the list.

Utah photo

29. New Mexico

Despite the pull of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the Spanish colonial architecture throughout, this state’s not quite as popular as neighboring Arizona (No. 9 on the list). But if you’re looking for under-the-radar, New Mexico just may be your place.

28. Montana

Wide open spaces, unbeatable landscapes and some great spots to ski all add to the pull of Big Sky Country as a vacation destination.

27. Wyoming

Skiing, hiking trails and the views from Yellowstone National Park are all a draw for the Equality State, which ranks just past the halfway point of the list.

26. Alabama

Martin Luther King’s church and the Rosa Parks Museum are located in the state, so if you’re looking to honor the activists, you’ll swing by this southern state. Be sure to stay for a meal or two while you’re there or take a visit to the coast.

25. Pennsylvania & Wisconsin (TIE)

Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the famed Philly Cheesesteak are just a few of the reasons to make a pit stop in Pennsylvania, meanwhile breweries, museums and lake access make Wisconsin a great spot for all types of tourists. These two states tied for the No. 25 spot.

24. Kentucky

Farmland, lakes and the famed Kentucky Derby are a few of the reasons people choose the Bluegrass State as a getaway.

Kentucky derby photo

23. Louisiana

Considering the culture, food and music scene of New Orleans alone, you might be surprised that the Bayou State didn’t land higher on the list.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Lake Erie are just a few of the draws for tourists to the Buckeye State.

21. Virginia

This state stretches from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay and has a lot of stops in between—Monticello and Charlottesville Plantation, just to name a couple—all of which landed Virginia at No. 21 on the list.

20. Massachusetts

With beach towns dotting the coast and plenty of colonial history, a stay in the Bay State will be full of must-see attractions.

Massachusetts photo

19. Illinois

Between the “Windy City” of Chicago and the draw of Lake Michigan, the Land of Lincoln ranked 19 on the list.

Mountain ranges, rivers, lakes and the artsy city of Portland make this state a major draw for tourists.

Lighthouses, rocky beaches and plenty of fresh lobster is enough to make this a go-to summer destination, and its No. 17 spot on the list is enough to prove it.

maine photo

16. District of Columbia (D.C.)

From the U.S. Capitol to the White House, you’ll find many landmarks of our great nation at every turn in D.C. History buffs likely helped the District land its No. 16 spot on the list!

15. Washington

This Pacific Northwest state has everything from lush forests and great coffee, so whether you’re looking for a relaxing trip or an adrenaline-rushing adventure, the state of Washington will deliver.

Washington state photo

14. Georgia

The big city of Atlanta, the Atlantic Ocean and a whole lot of history—this state has a lot to offer as far as vacations go.

You may go for the music scene, but you’ll stay for the food. It’s where Tex-Mex was invented, after all.

12. Michigan

Ah, the state of Great Lakes. If you like the idea of boating or relaxing on a float, with nature as your backdrop, you’re going to want to chose Michigan as a vacation spot.

The frigid temperatures may have been what knocked this state out of the top 10 list, but as far as the views are concerned—including glaciers, forests and adorable mountain towns—they’re absolutely unbeatable.

The promise of unbeatable entertainment in Las Vegas likely had a little something to do with this state’s top 10 slot.

Las Vegas photo

If the Grand Canyon and the dry, warm weather wasn’t enough of a draw, the offerings of Tucson, Phoenix, Scottsdale and smaller towns like Sedona landed Arizona ninth on the list.

8. South Carolina

The Palmetto State offers hospitality, history and good ol’ cooking, so it’s no wonder it’s among the top 10 most-loved states for a getaway.

7. North Carolina

North Carolina’s known for its coast as well as the Appalachian Mountain Range, so no matter what type of gorgeous view you’re into—you’ll find it here.

6. Tennessee

Whether it’s the draw of the Smoky Mountains, the whiskey or the Nashville vibe, Tennessee ranks as the sixth favorite state for a vacation.

5. Colorado

Mountains, lakes, rivers and a laid-back culture landed Colorado as the No. 5 favorite vacation spot.

Colorado rocky mountains photo

4. New York

The pull of the Big Apple plus all the other offerings of the Empire State can’t be denied. New York ranked fourth on the list of favorite states for vacation.

A set of tropical islands that is also a U.S. state? No wonder Hawaii’s third on the list of most favorite states to visit on vacation!

2. California

With everything from redwoods to Hollywood, beaches, mountains and wine country, California is the No. 2 favorite state to visit on vacation.

The Sunshine State topped the list as the No. 1 vacation destination. From Disney World to beaches to the cultural offerings of cities like Miami, it’s easy to understand why.

Florida photo

Here’s the map overview of how your state ranks:

state with least tourism

Related posts

The first-ever Eggo House of Pancakes.

Eggo debuts literal House of Pancakes that you can stay in

On the streets of an tourist destination in the city, a Black woman helps a lost white male

The top 10 cities to visit in the world, according to a new report

A Christmas market in France's Alsace region

12 magical Christmas destinations to add to your holiday bucket list

Cruise ship vacation woman enjoying travel vacation at sea

TikToker explains PTO hack to get 50 days off work in 2024

About the author.

state with least tourism

From our partners

Vivid Maps Logo

The Most Visited States In The United States

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Every U.S. state has many and various tourist attractions . However, specific U.S. states have become more popular traveler destinations. The following ten states are the most visited in the United States: California, Florida, Nevada, Texas, New York, Virginia, South Carolina, Arizona, Georgia, Hawaii. These U.S. states are some of their particular attractions, and their features are accented below.

Map of the most visited states in the U.S.

1. California

California is the country’s most populated state and is a significant agricultural state, providing about 99% of some crops. 

About 50% of the state’s area is government-owned and committed to the conservation of nature. Millions of travelers crowd to California to visit the national monuments, historical places, parks, and beaches. California’s most popular tourist destinations are Disneyland, which is visited by almost 15 million people annually. Other popular attractions in the state are:

  • Yosemite National park.
  • Death Valley.
  • Disneyland.
  • The Golden Gate Bridge.
  • The Hollywood sign.

Disney World is the most-visited theme park globally, so it isn’t unexpected that Florida would stand so high. There’s so much else to view in Florida, including great beach cities along the Mexican Gulf and Atlantic shores. Florida is scattered with traveler attractions and historical places, recreational facilities, and excellent picturesque spots for travelers to visit.

Nevada is the place to one of the most visiting and entertaining centers globally, Las Vegas. In the city are located gambling and entertainment spots as well as the outstanding clubs in the U.S. Other famous attraction places include Lake Tahoe, Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire State Park.

Texas is the second-largest after Alaska state in the U.S. This state is genuinely distinct in all ways, shapes, and forms. Texas’s landscape varies from sands to stunning shores to mountain areas to dense woods.

5. New York

We are pretty astonished to observe New York come in as the 5th most visited state in the U.S., given how well-known its famous traveler attraction sites are. The most visited attractions of the world’s financial capital are the Empire State Building, Times Square, the National Monument of the Statue of Liberty, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

6. Virginia

From its gorgeous rolling hills to its vibrant colonial past, Virginia has much to offer everyone passing through. Virginia stretched from the Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian Mounts. Whether you are a beach person or mount person, Virginia is your best choice.

Famous vacationist attractions include Busch Gardens, Luray Caverns, the Shenandoah National Park, Shenandoah Valley, and different historical monuments, including preserved colonies.

7. South Carolina

South Carolina is a U.S. state of forests, beaches, and beautiful parks and gardens. If you want a pleasant, quiet holiday, think of visiting the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Joe Riley Waterfront ParkSkywheel Myrtle Beach, Broadway at the Beach, the Congaree, and Brookgreen Gardens.

Arizona waterfalls are at #8 in our listing of the most visited U.S states. One of the most famous tourist attraction scenes worldwide – Grand Canyon National Park, located in Arizona. Millions of tourists make their route to the state to tour this incredible natural formation. Other astonishing places such as Petrified Forest National Park, Antelope Canyon, Saguaro National Park, Monument Valley, and Petrified Forest bring millions of travelers worldwide.

Visitors to Georgia adore many tourist attractions, including Lookout Mountain, Atlanta Botanical and Rock City Gardens, Carter Presidential Library, National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Moreover, Georgia is perceived as a peach state and is essential for being the prime raiser of pecans, peanuts, and Vidalia onions.

Hawaii is a unique U.S. state located in the tropics. The state is called by many a paradise on Earth because of the picturesque landscapes, lush rainforests, waterfalls, and world-class hotels dispersed throughout the islands. Besides the forests and beaches you can visit, a dormant volcano, and an iconic landmark, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Waimea Canyon State, and Na Pali Coast State Park.

The Most Visited U.S. States

The least visited u.s. states.

Now that we know which U.S. states do the most visiting, it is interesting to find out which states did the least traveling. Whether they don’t have any promoted attractions or they favor spending their money on other tasks, or don’t have as much access to huge airports, these are the states who travel the least in America. Coming in at #51 is West Virginia, which is followed on the list by Vermont, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and rounding out the below five is Rhode Island. At #46, we have Kansas, then Arkansas at #44, preceded by Maine, North Dakota, and Connecticut.

Want to learn more about unique landmarks and various tourist attractions in every U.S. state? Then have a look at the following books:

  • National Geographic Road Atlas
  • Fodor’s Best Road Trips in the USA

Related maps:

Corn Maze

How about the most visited states by their size or population? This basically reads as a list of states ordered by how many people live in them.

db

Not even close Austin

California (Population: 39,613,493) Texas (Population: 29,730,311) Florida (Population: 21,944,577) New York (Population: 19,299,981) Pennsylvania (Population: 12,804,123) Illinois (Population: 12,569,321) Ohio (Population: 11714618

Georgia (Population: 10,830,007) North Carolina (Population: 10,701,022) Michigan (Population: 9,992,427

the First to Comment

Isn’t Michigan’s population 10 million?

Justin Johnson

This is completely incorrect information. This is a list based on population not on how many people travel there every year. Sorry but Maine is in the top ten for destination hot spots for vacationers. To be honest I wish it was closer to 44.

not even close Justin

California (Population: 39,613,493) Texas (Population: 29,730,311) Florida (Population: 21,944,577) New York (Population: 19,299,981) Pennsylvania (Population: 12,804,123) Illinois (Population: 12,569,321) Ohio (Population: 11,714,618) Georgia (Population: 10,830,007) North Carolina (Population: 10,701,022) Michigan (Population: 9,992,427

Lmfao clearly you’ve never been here during flat lander season.

Dave

so basically you read the first part about California, just the first paragraph, and called it a day?

Drew

Source or methodology please?

prair

thats crazy

balls?

man thas crazy. va is small. i live there id know lmaoo

sells

9 mil is small to you? also lots of tourism

U.S. States, Ranked from Least to Most Fun

Couple having fun on bicycles

Fun in America is not equally distributed. While some states have a wide variety of entertainment options for every type of person, others lack much more than fields and Walmart parking lots. 

So, who's having the most fun? We've ranked every U.S. state from worst to best in terms of having an amazing time and trips you'll never forget.

Where should you go to have a good time? Read on!

50. Delaware

Delaware park

It's not Delaware's size as the second smallest state in the U.S. that makes it less fun than others. The First State has the second-fewest number of movie theaters and the most boring nightlife. (Yawn!)

It also has some of the fewest restaurants, golf courses and performing arts theaters in the country, and its residents spend less than most states on recreation services.

Where to have fun: Delaware has 28 miles of dune-backed coastline with quaint Victorian beach towns providing family-friendly fun. The city of Wilmington, inland, also features a riverfront park district with ample dining and shopping. For partying, Rehoboth Beach is the best choice in the state.

49. Mississippi

Mississippi river

Farther south, Mississippi lands near the bottom due to its lack of movie theaters and performing arts theaters. You also shouldn't expect much regarding the variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments.

While the state has natural beauty, it hasn't known how to make it more easily accessible to travelers.

Where to have fun: Attempt to make some coin while enjoying yourself at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, learn a bit about the Civil War at Vicksburg National Military Park and take a dip in the warm coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

48. Indiana

Indianapolis river

Midwestern states get a bad rap on people's fun-o-meter. Indiana's flat land is ideal for farming but horrible for most other activities. It also lacks much access to national parks, housing a paltry three National Park Service sites .

Where to Have Fun: Indianapolis is one of the state's best features, serving as home to the world's largest racing circuit; the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, considered the best kids' museum in the country; and 11 professional sports teams, including the NFL's Colts and the NBA's Pacers.

Iowa chickens

Iowa has the second-most golf courses and country clubs per capita than any other state and more movie theaters than most. But golf and movies aren't enough to earn Iowa a coveted "fun" status.

What it really needs are more amusement parks, restaurants, theaters and attractions (other than the "Field of Dreams" baseball field, that is).

Where to have fun: There are some unusual sites in Iowa, like the Captain James T. Kirk Future Birthplace, Villisca Axe Murder House and Day the Music Died Memorial, which uses thick black glasses to mark the site of the plane crash that took the life of Buddy Holly (along with the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens). 

46. Arkansas

Arkansas rafting

Arkansas is one of the worst states for nightlife, lacking bars, music festivals, casinos and performing arts theaters. The state's bars also have shockingly early last call and closing times. 

Don't expect much to do here.

Where to have fun: Considering that a schoolteacher found a 2.12-carat diamond in July 2019 at the finders-keepers Crater of Diamonds State Park , we think there is a wealth of reasons to visit Arkansas.

45. Nebraska

Nebraska dancers

Nebraska has a very low ranking for entertainment and recreation, with relatively scant marinas (duh!), arcades, movie theaters, restaurants and golf courses.

Heck, even Nebraskans don't tend to boast about Nebraska. In late 2018, the state unveiled its new tourism tagline: "Honestly, it's not for everyone." 

Where to have fun: The tagline is actually a joke, playing off the stereotypes people have of Nebraska being boring. There are several cool and quirky places to visit if you ever make it to the state, including Scotts Bluff National Monument, Chimney Rock National Historic Site and Carhenge, a modern-day Stonehenge made of old cars.

44. Oklahoma

Oklahoma rodeo

Oklahoma is not exactly known for its entertainment, recreation and nightlife. It's got a little bit of a lot of things. But not a whole lot of any particular thing. 

Where to have fun: You can explore some interesting attractions in Oklahoma, including a psychedelic arts center known as The Womb in Oklahoma City, an abandoned circus camp called Gandini's Circle in Edmond, and the world's only museum dedicated to action figures in Pauls Valley.

43. Connecticut

Connecticut fishing

One of the states with the worst access to national parks, Connecticut is considered to be one of the 10 least fun states in America. The state's relative scarcity of scenic byways, subpar beach quality, and minimal investment in parks and recreation earn it a low spot on this list.

Where to have fun: Foxwoods Resort and Casino and Mohegan Sun, both of which offer concerts from top-charting performers, are among the exciting gaming establishments.

42. North Dakota

North Dakota mountain biking

Remote North Dakota is mainly a wide expanse of undeveloped land, which could be the reason it offers the fewest restaurants per capita. Fargo, its largest city, only has 126,748 residents.

But North Dakota has one of the highest state and local spending on parks and recreation. So if you don't mind skipping city nightlife, you'll find cool things to do in nature.

Where to have fun: State and national parks are the big draw here. If you ever make it to the state, check out Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park and Fort Mandan, which offers an interpretive history of explorers Lewis & Clark.

Ohio water park

Ohio, where grassy knolls abound, is home to several golf courses and amusement parks.

It does well in terms of nightlife, especially good in Columbus and Cincinnati. (Really!)

Where to have fun: You can enjoy fun and games at Cedar Point and Kings Island amusement parks, or at outdoor parks like Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hocking Hills State Park.

40. New Hampshire

New Hampshire historic train

New Hampshire doesn't invest much in parks and recreation, which is sad when you consider how much of it is wooded for outdoor fun. Perhaps spending isn't needed when the residents can simply go out the door and enjoy nature, but having a more organized experience would be nice.

While outdoor fun may be plentiful, the state's nightlife leaves much to be desired, making New Hampshire's score low enough to land it among the 10 most boring states.

Where to have fun: New Hampshire offers great ski trails, especially near Mount Washington. That peak is also a summer play area, as is Franconia Notch State Park and the large Lake Winni (Lake Winnipesaukee) and its 258 islands.

Kansas desert

Dorothy may have wanted nothing more than to return to Kansas in "The Wizard of Oz," but this Midwestern state doesn't offer much in terms of fun. There's nothing particularly dismal about it but also nothing specific to write home about...except for its BBQ, which locals swear is better in the Kansas Side of Kansas City.

Where to have fun: While the Kansas side of Kansas City is less jam-packed with attractions than the Missouri side, it has its own charms, including the Providence Medical Center Amphitheater (or Sandstone as most locals know it), a rollicking outdoor music venue. Elsewhere, Lawrence is a happening college town, and the Flint Hills are ideal for outdoor exploration. 

38. Alabama

Alabama surfing

Neighboring Mississippi, Alabama fares only slightly better. The state offers fewer performing arts theaters than most states, and its cities have relatively few entertainment venues.

Where to have fun: Alabama's Gulf Shores is considered an American Riviera for its 60 miles of beaches so soft the sand squeaks when you walk on it, "singing" as you take in the surrounding emerald-green gulf waters. It's also home to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, where all ages can get a taste of space and weightlessness — how fun is that?!

37. South Dakota

Badlands National Park

South Dakota touts better attractions and nightlife than its neighboring rival, North Dakota, landing it a few spots above a state it's too often confused with. 

Still, South Dakota has fewer restaurants per capita than most, and, with a lack of lakes and seas, fewer water activities. 

Where to have fun: One of the states with the best access to national parks, South Dakota is home to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park and Wind Cave National Park, as well as Custer State Park.

36. West Virginia

West Virginia skiing

West Virginia has one of the lowest variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments. It also is one of the states with the fewest performing arts theaters, fitness centers and nightlife venues.

At least you'll be able to head out to nature for rafting, hiking and skiing adventures.

Where to have fun: West Virginia is home to part of the Appalachian mountain range. It also features an adventure-lover's-dream whitewater river-rafting trip along the New River Gorge National Park, and houses the historic and stately Greenbrier Hotel, which has welcomed guests since 1778. 

35. Rhode Island

Rhode Island fishing

Rhode Island may be the smallest state and among the states with the fewest movie theaters per capita, but it does provide plenty of access to the water

Where to have fun: The state touts 384 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay, even though it's only 37 miles wide and 48 miles long. The town of Newport is even considered the world capital of sailing.

34. Maryland

Maryland jetskiing

Known as a sailing hotspot, Maryland has a surprising amount of marinas and nearly 3,200 miles of coastline to enjoy (when you follow the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's measurements).

And while this is worthy of note, alas, the nightlife is quite average, keeping Maryland from a higher spot on the fun chart.

Where to have fun:  Baltimore's wealth of attractions includes the National Aquarium, Fort McHenry National Monument, and the Inner Harbor restaurants and shops. And while the state as a whole doesn't offer much nightlife, the city's Fells Point is an excellent place for a pub crawl.

Idaho water skiing

Idaho landed in a relatively low position for having fewer performing arts theaters than the majority of states. But what the state lacks in indoor fun, it makes up for in outdoor adventures. It has part of Yellowstone National Park and boasts many ski facilities that aren't as crowded.

Where to have fun:  Getting outside is big in this northwestern state, where you can hike along the Oregon Trail, at Shoshone Falls Park or at Craters of the Moon National Park.

32. Minnesota

Minnesota water skiing

Minnesota also has one of the country's highest concentrations of performing arts theaters per capita. It also borders Lake Superior and Canada, making for interesting nature excursions.

Where to have fun: There is so much more than the state's famous Mall of America, much of it outdoor fun. Enjoy the trails at Voyageurs National Park, the waterfalls in Minnehaha Park and on-the-water thrills at Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wildnerness.

31. Vermont

Vermont cross country skiing

Often snow-covered during its long winter months, Vermont has great skiing facilities and is one of the states with the highest variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments. 

Alas, that wasn't enough to move Vermont higher on the list, as it fares poorly in terms of attractions, amusement parks, arcades, nightlife accessibility and affordability.

Where to Have Fun: Those ski resorts in Vermont make the state the top spot for skiers on the East Coast, with places like Killington, Stowe, Okemo and Sugarbush providing some of the highest verticals and best powder east of the Mississippi River.

30. Kentucky

Kentucky amusement park

Kentucky is famous for horse races and having the world's largest baseball bat. It's also one of the states with the most skiing facilities per capita.

The Bourbon Trail and a legacy of blues also earn it a middle-ground spot. Plus, nature is simply gorgeous here. However, the state can't compensate for its lack of theater and entertainment options.

Where to have fun: Besides checking out Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory and visiting Churchill Downs, Mammoth Cave National Park features awe-inspiring caverns to explore.

29. Wyoming

Wyoming fishing

Wyoming has the second-best access to national parks, placing it higher on this list. But that's about it.

For instance, its nightlife really is a downer. Wyoming is missing out on access to bars, music festivals, casinos, theaters and nightlife options. Moreover, it lacks in dining as well. 

Where to have fun:  Like its neighboring states, Wyoming draws adventure-seeking crowds. Visit Grand Teton National Park, Devils Tower National Monument and even Yellowstone, which crosses into Wyoming and provides natural entertainment in the form of Old Faithful's geyser-spewing moments.

28. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania jungle gym

Pennsylvania is a large state that offers two awesome cities at either end for theater, restaurants and nightlife, then sprinkles in history, outdoor fun and amusements everywhere in between.

From Pittsburgh on the west to Philadelphia on the east, city-lovers will find lively bars and restaurants, museums dedicated to art and history, and festivals to fill weekend days. When hitting the rural roads, you'll stumble upon the Appalachian Mountains and the Poconos, where you can see how life was lived during a simpler era in Amish Country.

Where to have fun:   Visit the home of chocolate, Hershey, to learn about the man behind the name, and to sample all of his candies. Then take a spin on a roller coaster or two at Hersheypark.

27. Missouri

Missouri kayaking

The Show-Me State has a decent amount of things to show you in terms of fun, especially within the confines of St. Louis and Kansas City. 

The state is also home to Branson, where Silver Dollar City and the Ozarks are a huge draw for American visitors — this is why it's ranked higher than most people would have expected. 

Where to have fun: Enjoy professional sporting events in Missouri, home of the MLB's St. Louis Cardinals, NHL's St. Louis Blues and NFL's Kansas City Chiefs, which it shares with Kansas. You'll also find attractions galore in the Missouri part of Kansas City, including the National World War I Monument and Museum and Harry S Truman National Historic Site for history buffs, Worlds of Fun amusement park and Sea Life Kansas City aquarium for kids, and tons of great museums like the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the American Jazz Museum and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. 

26. Montana

Montana horses

Remotely tucked away near the Dakotas and serving mostly as cattle land, Montana isn't considered very fun. Its dearth of movie theaters, amusement parks, golf courses and theaters really does it in.

Then again, Montana has ski facilities and access to gorgeous national parks. Plus, it's filled with dude ranches where you can engage in fun activities like star gazing, horseback riding, hiking, fishing and more.

Where to have fun: Montana certainly has parks and ski resorts in spades, such as Big Sky Resort for skiing and hiking and Glacier National Park. And, if you're looking for one of the most picturesque drives in the country, you'll find it here along Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Alaska skiing

Alaska is another state where the wealth of daylight entertainment far exceeds the nightlife. It has fewer restaurants, movie theaters and variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments than most of the country. But it also has the best access to national parks, according to the research.

This mix of good and bad lands it in the middle of the list for fun.

Where to have fun: The national parks, of course! ( Eight of them , to be precise)Denali, Glacier Bay, Kenai Fjords? All yours for the exploring. 

Maine cycling

Maine has an impressive number of skiing facilities and a long coastline. Plus, it has a decent variety of arts establishments. So why does it land so low on the list of fun states? 

The great outdoors is Maine's most appealing attribute, with nightlife failing miserably. 

Where to have fun: Maine is home to one of the most scenic national parks in the country: Acadia, which is nestled on just a fraction of the state's 3,478 coastline miles. (That's more than California, by the way!)

23. Wisconsin

Wisconsin amusement park

You might be surprised to see Wisconsin rank better than other Midwest states, but thank its unexpectedly fun nightlife. Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay? They know how to have a good time when the sun goes down.

The state has more country clubs and golf courses per capita than most. On the flip side, it has poor access to national parks.

Where to have fun: Wisconsin Dells is the "waterpark capital of the world." Slip and slide your way around at Noah's Ark Waterpark, one of the largest you'll ever see.

Utah white water rafting

Utah is one of the worst states in the nation for having a fun night out. But during the day? There is a plethora of activities to keep you smiling, including national and state parks. There are also ski resort towns like Park City.

Where to have fun: Utah is home to the Mighty 5 : Arches, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Canyonlands National Parks — some of the best and most beautiful parks in the country.

21. South Carolina

South Carolina golfing

Similar to its northern neighbor, which ranks even higher on this list, South Carolina is considered to be a fun and affordable state to visit. Beaches with amusement parks, national parks and gardens, sprawling plantations and up-and-coming cities are all part of the fun here.

Where to have fun:  Myrtle Beach is one of the biggest vacation destinations in the country, especially for families. Head over to enjoy the tallest Ferris wheel in the U.S.

20. Georgia

Georgia lazy river tubing

Georgia is another middle-ground state in terms of fun.

As home to the capital of the South, Atlanta, and the charmingly graceful city of Savannah, plus many spots in between hoping to show you a good time, don't discount Georgia just because it's not too high on this list.

Where to have fun:  The Georgia Aquarium is the world's largest, while the World of Coca-Cola is perfect for sampling unique soda from around the planet. Both are near Centennial Olympic Park in happening Atlanta.

19. Michigan

Michigan lazy river tubing

Michigan is home to many golf courses and country clubs per capita. You'll also find a good mix of things to do here, from eating at top-notch restaurants, to connecting with your inner kid at arcades, to catching flicks at movie theaters, to enjoying world-class skiing.  

Where to have fun:  Michigan is also home to national parks galore, many of which are along the Great Lakes. Try Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Isle Royale National Park. 

Texas horses

Texas is an extra-big state with extra-big attractions. It has it all: beaches, hills, cities, science, history and lots to see and do. It also has some of the country's best food scenes. 

But the state lacks shine in its offerings. Its nightlife is ok, even in big cities, its beaches aren't  that  nice and its national parks are somewhat difficult to access. That said, no one can complain about the state's amazing cuisine.

Where to have fun:   You can remember The Alamo in San Antonio, as well as cruise down a river while dining along the city's River Walk. In Houston, visit the Space Center, then head down the coast to Galveston and South Padre Island for beaches and sun.

17. New Jersey

New Jersey beaches

The Garden State's shore is a hot spot in the summer, but it isn't actually that long and doesn't feature as much soft, clean sand as other ocean-bordering states. This is also one of the states with the lowest variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments — why bother when you can cross a river and enjoy all New York City to the north or Philadelphia to the south have to offer instead?

Where to have fun:  New York may claim the Statue of Liberty as its own , but Jersey's Liberty State Park overlooking the statue and the Manhattan skyline offers the best views. Plus, when summer does visit for its brief three-month stint, the Jersey Shore's boardwalk-lined beaches are a blast.

16. New Mexico

New Mexico hot air balloons

It doesn't matter that New Mexico has few golf courses and no access to the sea. The state makes up for it with a good mix of  art, entertainment, amusement, restaurants and more.

And it's one of the best states for accessing national parks to boot.

Where to have fun:   There are great national parks in this southwestern state, including Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands National Parks , and Chaco Culture National Historic Site.

Oregon kite flying

The Pacific Northwest was an insider's secret for generations, but no more. Now everyone has discovered just how beautiful and laidback the area is, with loads of things to do outside, from Crater Lake National Park to mountains and waterfalls for exploring, hiking and skiing.

Plus, Oregon also has Portland, which provides it with nightlife, world-class dining and an impressive microbrewery scene.

Where to have fun:   Visit the city of Portland and wander through the Japanese Garden and International Rose Test Garden to find your zen.

14. North Carolina

North Carolina beaches

In North Carolina, you'll find beaches and mountains and cute cities with restaurants, museums, nightlife and attractions — all at lower costs than the majority of states.

Having fun for free is certainly better than paying for it!

Where to have fun: The Outer Banks' beaches make up a national dune-filled seashore on the east coast, while the Blue Ridge Mountains promise beautiful scenery in the western part of the state. Stop in Asheville to visit the Biltmore, the largest privately owned home in the country.

13. Virginia

Virginia rock climbing

You're not likely to tie one on and dance the night away in Virginia, but you might do it in Washington, D.C., which is right next to the state's northern border.

The state also has many other underrated forms of entertainment, including plenty of hiking trails, historic cities and vineyards. Yes, this is one of America's wine-producing regions.

Where to have fun:  We love Virginia for its history — it seems everywhere you turn you can find something that forged a place on America's timeline, including George Washington's Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, as well as the Arlington National Cemetery. You can also enjoy Shenandoah National Park and take the scenic route along Skyline Drive.

12. Illinois

Illinois pub

With more restaurants and performing arts theaters than most states, Illinois is one of the best states for nightlife. There is plenty to keep you busy in the heartland of America, specifically in Chicago, the largest city in the Midwest.

Although the state doesn't have great access to national parks, it makes up for it with its Lake Michigan coastline.

Where to have fun: Outside of the music venues in Chicago and East St. Louis, Illinois is home to the famed Route 66 starting point. Notable Americans like Abraham Lincoln, Ernest Hemingway and Frank Lloyd Wright lived here. You can visit all of their former homes.

11. Massachusetts

Massachusetts wind surfing

Massachusetts has more performing arts theaters than most other states, many of which can be found in Boston and the Berkshires for end-to-end state entertainment. Besides this, Boston boasts some of the most respected art museums on the planet, as well as numerous historical sites and plenty of places to enjoy nightlife.

You also have access to the coast, where you can enjoy the beach, go on whale-watching tours and do other interesting activities.

Where to have fun: From the Berkshires to the Cape, Massachusetts offers fun in all forms: hiking in the woods, sunning on the beach, sailing off the coast and exploring historic sites, just for example.

10. Tennessee

Tennessee pedal tavern

One of the states with the highest variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments, Tennessee is also great for nightlife.

Memphis and Nashville are both hot cities for getting out and getting down, with a variety of live-music venues and clubs on tap.

Where to have fun: Check out the country music scene in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium and Country Music Hall of Fame, or learn more about blues and rock in Memphis along Beale Street and at Graceland and Sun Studio.

Arizona Grand Canyon

Arizona is filled with amazing national parks and has lots of fun resorts and golf courses to lounge the day away. Plus, hot-air balloon rides are a daily occurrence in several cities, including artsy Sedona.

Where to have fun: This is the state where you'll find the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley — three amazing southwestern backdrops that draw visitors from around the world.

8. Washington

Washington state hiking

Washington has been consistently growing as a travel destination now that people have uncovered how truly hip it is. The state brought on the local breweries trend that has spread across the country, and Seattle's cool vibe includes tons of restaurants, theaters and entertainment.

If that wasn't enough, Washington's national parks, including Olympic and Mount Rainier, are just a stone's throw from Seattle, and the nearby San Juan Islands provide a boating paradise.

Where to have fun:   While in Seattle, see the city from atop the iconic Space Needle, visit the landmark Pike Place Market and step into pop-culture history at the Museum of Pop Culture.

7. Colorado

Colorado skiing

Colorado is known to be an outdoor-lover's dream state, with locals touting its hiking, biking and ski trails and practically perfect year-round weather.

Sure enough, the state lands in the top 10, as recreation is a top priority for locals. If you want to do something that's not in nature, head to Denver, where you'll get plenty of nightlife, theatrical shows, concerts and good dining.

Where to Have Fun: It's all about the outdoors here : Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Garden of the Gods — even concerts are enjoyed outside at Red Rocks Canyon.

Nevada casinos

Was there any doubt that Nevada was going to land within the top 10?

Nevada features some of the most varied arts, entertainment and recreation establishments in the nation, including abundant outdoor recreation in the desert, where even guests of Vegas can enjoy the red rocks, Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon, just over the border in Arizona.

Where to have fun: There is nowhere else like the casinos of Las Vegas — sample the glitz and glamour of the Bellagio and Venetian along The Strip , and don't forget to take in a performance from one of the many A-list stars hosting residencies in town. 

5. Louisiana

Louisiana Mardi Gras

When you throw one of the biggest parties in the world, you're bound to be considered one of the most fun states in America. That's certainly the case for Louisiana, where foot-tall Hurricanes are the drink of choice along beloved Bourbon Street, whether its Mardi Gras or not.

It's not only about the drinks in Louisiana, of course. Airboat tours in the swampland, discovering the history of voodoo and sampling amazing food are in the cards as well. Plus, Cajun food is good enough to warrant a foodie-centric state tour.

Where to have fun: New Orleans, of course! Home to the French Quarter, Jackson Square and nightclubs filled with lively jazz music, this city has excitement down.

4. New York

New York city friends

Of course, New York made the top five. Tied for having the most restaurants, most movie theaters, most performing arts theaters and most fitness centers, the question should really be "What doesn't New York have?"

Nightlife, of course, isn't the answer. The state has one of the highest rankings for nightlife, as well, and we're betting New York City heavily affected that rating — theaters, bars and clubs promise fun that spills well into the night. All in all, it's easy to love New York. If it didn't land as number one, it's because most of its entertainment is concentrated in a single city.

Where to have fun: New York City isn't the only hotspot in the state. Visit Niagara Falls near Buffalo, ski an Olympic slope in Lake Placid and go leaf-peeping in the fall in the Catskills.

Florida roller coasters

We really shouldn't have to explain why Florida came out in the top three: The state boasts more than 1,200 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean with beaches galore. It is also home to Disney World and scores of amusement parks like Busch Gardens and Universal Studios.

Florida also has an incredible array of restaurants. That's because this state is home to cities filled with Caribbean and Latin flair, especially in Miami, where all-night dance clubs and hip international-cuisine-filled restaurants attract throngs of visitors. And to top it all off, it has three gorgeous national parks, plus dozens of crystal-clear springs where you can cool off in the summer.

Where to have fun: If you really have to ask, let's add to the mix places like the Kennedy Space Center, the Florida Keys and Everglades National Park.

Hawaii snorkeling

Outside of Honolulu, Hawaii lacks bars, clubs and entertainment venues.

Then again, why would you want to waste time in these when you could explore crystal-clear oceans, rainforests with waterfalls and golden-sand beaches?

This is a state where you can actually see lava flow straight into the ocean, and where you can learn about a millenary native culture that has been kept alive despite colonization. If you ever get bored in Hawaii, know that it's you, not the state.

Where to have fun:  Surfing, kayaking, SUPing, snorkeling, boating — anything to enjoy the warm Pacific Ocean waters is a must-do. On land, visit national parks like Haleakala or Hawaii Volcanoes.

1. California

California surfing

The state that bests them all has to have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to fun and flair — and California sure does. Hugging the Pacific Ocean are 840 miles of coastline with surf-friendly beaches. The state also introduced the world to Disneyland well before Florida's "World" came along. And while it doesn't have Miami, it does have world-class cities in the form of Los Angeles and San Francisco, along with Hollywood and all that entails.

The state is also food heaven, with incredible Asian and Latin American fusion dishes being invented seemingly every day. Plus, there is skiing in Lake Tahoe and so many ways to enjoy the outdoors, from Yosemite and Death Valley to Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. California definitely earned its blue ribbon.

Where to have fun:   Something else California does best: vineyards. Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Santa Barbara produce some of the world's finest wines. 

A Detailed Look At How Americans Travel Within The US

New York may have Niagara Falls and the Statue of Liberty, but it's not the most popular state for tourism. 

That title goes to California, which is home to such iconic tourist attractions as the Golden Gate Bridge, Hollywood, and Disneyland.

HotelsCombined, a hotel booking site, produced an infographic that shows the most popular US states to travel to. They analyzed more than 87,000 hotel bookings that originated in the US to determine which states are the most popular tourism destinations.

After California, Florida (No. 2), Nevada (No. 3), Texas (No. 4), and New York (No. 5) dominated over this list. Hawaii came in at No. 10 and Colorado took No. 16. But very few people want to travel to West Virginia, which came in dead last. 

The site also logged which destinations people from each state are interested in visiting most. New Yorkers book the most hotel rooms in Florida, Texans like to travel to California, and Californians like to travel to Nevada.  Ironically, people in Alaska want to visit Hawaii the most—probably for the warm climate change—but no state wants to visit Alaska.

The full infographic is below.

state with least tourism

  • Main content

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Industry-specific and extensively researched technical data (partially from exclusive partnerships). A paid subscription is required for full access.

Most visited states in the U.S. 2022

What is the most visited national park in the u.s., how many domestic leisure trips do americans take, most visited states by adults in the united states as of september 2022.

  • Immediate access to 1m+ statistics
  • Incl. source references
  • Download as PNG, PDF, XLS, PPT

Additional Information

Show sources information Show publisher information Use Ask Statista Research Service

September 2022

United States

July 25 to 27, 2022

1,000 respondents

18 years and older

Online interview

* The District of Columbia, otherwise referred to as Washington, D.C., is neither its own state nor within another state. The source has nevertheless included Washington, D.C. in its list. The source also counted home states as states visited by respondents.

Other statistics on the topic Travel and tourism in the U.S.

  • Domestic travel spending in the U.S. 2019-2022

Amount of states visited by U.S. citizens 2022

Leisure Travel

Thanksgiving holiday travelers in the U.S. 2013-2023, by transport method

Parks & Outdoors

Most visited national parks in the U.S. 2022

To download this statistic in XLS format you need a Statista Account

To download this statistic in PNG format you need a Statista Account

To download this statistic in PDF format you need a Statista Account

To download this statistic in PPT format you need a Statista Account

As a Premium user you get access to the detailed source references and background information about this statistic.

As a Premium user you get access to background information and details about the release of this statistic.

As soon as this statistic is updated, you will immediately be notified via e-mail.

… to incorporate the statistic into your presentation at any time.

You need at least a Starter Account to use this feature.

  • Immediate access to statistics, forecasts & reports
  • Usage and publication rights
  • Download in various formats

You only have access to basic statistics. This statistic is not included in your account.

  • Instant access  to 1m statistics
  • Download  in XLS, PDF & PNG format
  • Detailed  references

Business Solutions including all features.

Other statistics that may interest you

  • Expenditure of domestic and international summer travelers in Norway 2019
  • Expenditure of domestic winter travelers in Norway 2016, by segment
  • China Tourism Group Duty Free's gross profit 2012-2022
  • Number of employees at China Tourism Group Duty Free 2012-2022
  • Annual revenue of China Tourism Group Duty Free 2012-2022
  • Total employment in tourism sector Australia FY 2022, by state
  • Monthly change in income received from tourism in Morocco 2020
  • Type of maps used for car travel in the U.S. as of May 2014
  • Type of traveler likely to upgrade rental cars in the U.S. as of May 2014
  • Cheapest cities for a staycation in the U.S. 2020
  • Most popular domestic destinations for U.S. travelers 2015
  • Treatment of rental cars by U.S. travelers as of May 2014
  • Travel & Tourism market - Revenue forecast in the United States 2020 - 2028
  • Revenue forecast for the Hotels market by category in the United States in 2028
  • User forecast in selected countries in the Cruises market in 2023
  • User forecast in selected countries in the Hotels market in 2023
  • User forecast in selected countries in the Vacation Rentals market in 2023
  • User forecast in selected countries in the Reisen & Tourismus market in 2023
  • International tourist arrivals in Europe 2006-2023
  • Countries with the highest outbound tourism expenditure worldwide 2019-2022
  • Foreign exchange earnings from tourism in India 2000-2022
  • Revenue share from tourism in India 2013-2021, by segment
  • Change in number of visitors from Mexico to the U.S. 2018-2024
  • Revenue of Trip.com 2012-2022, by product
  • Overnight stays of domestic and international visitors in Norway 2019
  • French residents: number of monthly business trips in 2017, by destination
  • Economic contribution of tourism in England (UK) 2013
  • Traveler concerns about losing a mobile device while traveling worldwide 2014
  • Preferred holiday destinations in the United Kingdom (UK) 2015
  • Share of business travel trip bookings in the Middle East by executor 2018
  • Share of business travel trip searches in the Middle East by mode 2018
  • Share of business travel trip bookings in the Middle East by mode 2018
  • Volume of monthly domestic holiday trips in Great Britain 2016-2019
  • Ecotourism market size worldwide 2022-2028
  • Number of travel agents in the United States 2015-2022
  • Number of tour and travel guides in the U.S. 2015-2022
  • Capacity of TUI AG hotels and resorts 2008-2023, by brand
  • Occupancy rate of TUI AG hotels and resorts 2008-2023, by brand
  • Accommodation type preferred by Europeans for summer vacations 2023
  • Direct travel spending in the U.S. 2019-2022, by traveler type
  • Number of Memorial Day travelers in the U.S. 2019-2023, by transportation
  • Number of Memorial Day travelers in the U.S. 2006-2022

Other statistics that may interest you Statistics on

About the industry

  • Premium Statistic Expenditure of domestic and international summer travelers in Norway 2019
  • Premium Statistic Expenditure of domestic winter travelers in Norway 2016, by segment
  • Premium Statistic China Tourism Group Duty Free's gross profit 2012-2022
  • Premium Statistic Number of employees at China Tourism Group Duty Free 2012-2022
  • Premium Statistic Annual revenue of China Tourism Group Duty Free 2012-2022
  • Premium Statistic Total employment in tourism sector Australia FY 2022, by state
  • Basic Statistic Monthly change in income received from tourism in Morocco 2020
  • Basic Statistic Type of maps used for car travel in the U.S. as of May 2014
  • Basic Statistic Type of traveler likely to upgrade rental cars in the U.S. as of May 2014

About the region

  • Premium Statistic Cheapest cities for a staycation in the U.S. 2020
  • Premium Statistic Most popular domestic destinations for U.S. travelers 2015
  • Basic Statistic Treatment of rental cars by U.S. travelers as of May 2014
  • Premium Statistic Travel & Tourism market - Revenue forecast in the United States 2020 - 2028
  • Premium Statistic Revenue forecast for the Hotels market by category in the United States in 2028
  • Premium Statistic User forecast in selected countries in the Cruises market in 2023
  • Premium Statistic User forecast in selected countries in the Hotels market in 2023
  • Premium Statistic User forecast in selected countries in the Vacation Rentals market in 2023
  • Premium Statistic User forecast in selected countries in the Reisen & Tourismus market in 2023

Selected statistics

  • Premium Statistic International tourist arrivals in Europe 2006-2023
  • Premium Statistic Countries with the highest outbound tourism expenditure worldwide 2019-2022
  • Basic Statistic Foreign exchange earnings from tourism in India 2000-2022
  • Basic Statistic Revenue share from tourism in India 2013-2021, by segment
  • Premium Statistic Change in number of visitors from Mexico to the U.S. 2018-2024

Other regions

  • Premium Statistic Revenue of Trip.com 2012-2022, by product
  • Premium Statistic Overnight stays of domestic and international visitors in Norway 2019
  • Premium Statistic French residents: number of monthly business trips in 2017, by destination
  • Basic Statistic Economic contribution of tourism in England (UK) 2013
  • Basic Statistic Traveler concerns about losing a mobile device while traveling worldwide 2014
  • Basic Statistic Preferred holiday destinations in the United Kingdom (UK) 2015
  • Premium Statistic Share of business travel trip bookings in the Middle East by executor 2018
  • Premium Statistic Share of business travel trip searches in the Middle East by mode 2018
  • Premium Statistic Share of business travel trip bookings in the Middle East by mode 2018
  • Premium Statistic Volume of monthly domestic holiday trips in Great Britain 2016-2019

Related statistics

  • Premium Statistic Ecotourism market size worldwide 2022-2028
  • Premium Statistic Number of travel agents in the United States 2015-2022
  • Premium Statistic Number of tour and travel guides in the U.S. 2015-2022
  • Premium Statistic Capacity of TUI AG hotels and resorts 2008-2023, by brand
  • Premium Statistic Occupancy rate of TUI AG hotels and resorts 2008-2023, by brand
  • Premium Statistic Domestic travel spending in the U.S. 2019-2022
  • Basic Statistic Accommodation type preferred by Europeans for summer vacations 2023
  • Premium Statistic Direct travel spending in the U.S. 2019-2022, by traveler type
  • Basic Statistic Number of Memorial Day travelers in the U.S. 2019-2023, by transportation
  • Basic Statistic Number of Memorial Day travelers in the U.S. 2006-2022

Further related statistics

  • Basic Statistic Importance of BRICS countries to UK tourism businesses 2011
  • Premium Statistic Number of Royal Caribbean Cruises passenger cruise days worldwide 2007-2023
  • Premium Statistic Number of Royal Caribbean Cruises available passenger cruise days worldwide 2007-2023
  • Premium Statistic Number of cruises and voyages in Asia 2013-2019
  • Basic Statistic Quarterly average daily rate of hotels in San Diego 2016-2017
  • Basic Statistic Quarterly average daily rate of hotels in Brussels 2010-2017
  • Basic Statistic Quarterly average daily rate in hotels in Washington D.C. 2016-2017
  • Basic Statistic Quarterly average daily rate of hotels in Atlanta 2016-2017
  • Basic Statistic Quarterly average daily rate of hotels in Houston 2016-2017
  • Basic Statistic Quarterly average daily rate of hotels in Indianapolis 2016-2017

Further Content: You might find this interesting as well

  • Importance of BRICS countries to UK tourism businesses 2011
  • Number of Royal Caribbean Cruises passenger cruise days worldwide 2007-2023
  • Number of Royal Caribbean Cruises available passenger cruise days worldwide 2007-2023
  • Number of cruises and voyages in Asia 2013-2019
  • Quarterly average daily rate of hotels in San Diego 2016-2017
  • Quarterly average daily rate of hotels in Brussels 2010-2017
  • Quarterly average daily rate in hotels in Washington D.C. 2016-2017
  • Quarterly average daily rate of hotels in Atlanta 2016-2017
  • Quarterly average daily rate of hotels in Houston 2016-2017
  • Quarterly average daily rate of hotels in Indianapolis 2016-2017

ncesc-geographic-faq

What state has least tourism?

geographic-faq

What state has the least tourism?

Based on the data, Alaska is the state with the least tourism. Only 13 percent of respondents said they had visited Alaska, making it the least-visited state.

What country has the least tourism?

The least-visited countries in the world, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, include Tuvalu, Marshall Islands, Niue, Kiribati, Micronesia, Montserrat, Solomon Islands, and Sao Tome and Principe.

What state makes the most money from tourism?

California takes the lead in tourism revenue, raking in a staggering $139 billion in 2022.

What US city has the most tourists?

New York City is indisputably the most visited city in the US, with an estimated 10 million visitors every year.

What is the most visited city in the US by foreigners?

New York City is the most visited city in the US by foreign travelers. It’s also the most populated city in North America.

What are the 9 least visited states in the US?

The 9 least visited states in the US are Alaska, Delaware, Vermont, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota, Mississippi, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.

Which country has the most tourists?

France has topped the chart as the most visited country in the world for over 30 years. It attracts tourists with its breathtaking natural sites, diverse cities, and rich cultural heritage.

Can tourism make a country rich?

Tourism has several benefits for host destinations. It boosts the revenue of the economy, creates jobs, develops infrastructure, and promotes cultural exchange between foreigners and citizens.

Which city has the highest income from tourism?

Paris takes the crown as the world’s most powerful city destination with a Travel & Tourism sector worth almost $36 billion USD in 2022, in terms of direct GDP contribution.

What is the least populated state in the United States?

Wyoming is the least populated state in the United States, with only 576,851 residents.

What state has the most people?

California is the most populous US state, with a diverse population composition including various ethnicities.

What is the least visited city in the world?

The least visited cities in the world include Lichinga, Mozambique; Banja Luka, Bosnia-Herzegovina; Liepaja, Latvia; Solo, Indonesia; Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar; Karak, Jordan; Rotorua, New Zealand; and Concepción, Chile.

What is the most underrated country in the world?

Kyrgyzstan is considered one of the most underrated countries in the world. It offers stunning natural landscapes and is an ideal destination for adventure travelers.

What is the least visited place in Europe?

San Marino, a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Italy, is considered the least visited place in Europe.

Why is the USA so popular for tourists?

The USA is a popular tourist destination due to its vast range of attractions such as theme parks, iconic landmarks, entertainment options, and adventure sports. It offers something for every type of traveler.

Does the US depend on tourism?

Tourism plays a significant role in the US economy, contributing over two trillion US dollars to the country’s GDP in 2022. It attracts millions of visitors worldwide and provides employment opportunities.

Is tourism good or bad for a country?

Tourism has its pros and cons. On the positive side, it stimulates economic growth, creates jobs, promotes cultural exchange, and boosts a local economy. However, it can also lead to environmental degradation and cultural commodification if not managed properly.

Does tourism benefit the poor?

Tourism can provide economic benefits to impoverished communities, particularly in developing and least developed countries. It offers opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and economic stability.

Does tourism help the poor?

Pro-poor tourism initiatives can be powerful tools for poverty alleviation. It benefits women, youth, migrant workers, and rural populations in developing countries by providing income-generating opportunities and improving living standards.

Who is the father of tourism?

Thomas Cook, an English innovator and the founder of Thomas Cook and Son, is often referred to as the father of modern tourism. He created the concept of conducted tours and revolutionized the travel industry.

What’s the most popular tourist destination in the world?

France holds the title as the most popular tourist destination in the world. It attracts millions of tourists with its rich history, cultural heritage, iconic landmarks, and diverse attractions.

Who are the best tourists in the world?

According to a survey among hoteliers in Europe, Japanese tourists are considered the best tourists due to their politeness and tidiness. They received the highest votes, followed by Americans and the Swiss.

About The Author

Linda lloyd, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The 10 Safest States in America

Northeastern states stand out for having low rates of violent and property crime.

state with least tourism

(Brianna Soukup | Portland Press Herald

Crime in the U.S.

The violent crime rate in America rose by 4.6% between 2019 and 2020, reaching the highest level since 2010, according to data from the FBI , though it still sat well below historic highs of the 1990s. Meanwhile, property crime has continued a decline, seeing an 8.1% drop between 2019 and 2020.

As part of the 2023 Best States rankings , U.S. News factors in both the violent crime rate and property crime rate in each state to determine the best states for public safety in the U.S.

The rates vary broadly between states. Maine saw the lowest rate of violent crime in the FBI’s data (109 per 100,000 in 2020), while Alaska saw the highest (838 per 100,000). Massachusetts saw the lowest rate of property crime in the U.S. (1,053 per 100,000), while Louisiana saw the highest (2,884 per 100,000).

The public safety rankings inform the best states for crime and corrections rankings and the overall Best States rankings .

These are the 10 safest states in the U.S., according to the Best States analysis. You can learn more about how states are assessed in our methodology .

A man climbing the route Inconceivable below the Teton Range shrouded in fog, Black Tail Butte, Jackson, Wyoming.

(Kennan Harvey | Getty Images)

10. Wyoming

Violent crime rate: 234 per 100,000 residents

Property crime rate: 1,611 per 100,000 residents

Overall Best States ranking : 26

Learn more about Wyoming .

WATERBURY, CT - MAY 24: Participants in the Waterbury Memorial Day Parade practice their flutes before marching on May 24, 2015 in Waterbury, Connecticut. Across America towns and cities will be celebrating veterans of the United States Armed Forces and the sacrifices they have made. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in America and has been celebrated since the end of the Civil War.  (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

(Spencer Platt | Getty Images)

9. Connecticut

Violent crime rate: 182 per 100,000 residents

Property crime rate: 1,565 per 100,000 residents

Overall Best States ranking : 16

Learn more about Connecticut .

GREAT FALLS, VA - JANUARY 16: Visitors congregate at an overlook of Great Falls Park in Great Falls, VA, on January 16, 2021. (Photo by Craig Hudson for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

(Craig Hudson | The Washington Post

8. Virginia

Violent crime rate: 209 per 100,000 residents

Property crime rate: 1,456 per 100,000 residents

Overall Best States ranking : 13

Learn more about Virginia .

A couple stand on a sandbar at low tide at Grays Beach, in Yarmouth, MA on Sep. 13, 2019

(John Tlumack | Boston Globe

7. Massachusetts

Violent crime rate: 309 per 100,000 residents

Property crime rate: 1,053 per 100,000 residents

Overall Best States ranking : 11

Learn more about Massachusetts .

Sailing in the harbor in Newport Rhode Island

(Getty Images) |

6. Rhode Island

Violent crime rate: 231 per 100,000 residents

Property crime rate: 1,245 per 100,000 residents

Overall Best States ranking : 32

Learn more about Rhode Island .

state with least tourism

(Anna Gorin | Getty Images)

Violent crime rate: 243 per 100,000 residents

Property crime rate: 1,112 per 100,000 residents

Overall Best States ranking : 3

Learn more about Idaho .

QUECHEE, VT - JANUARY 16: Icicles hang from a store at the Quechee Gorge Village on Rt. 4 in Quechee, VT on Jan. 16, 2019. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

(John Tlumacki | Boston Globe

Violent crime rate: 173 per 100,000 residents

Property crime rate: 1,217 per 100,000 residents

Overall Best States ranking : 9

Learn more about Vermont .

A driver moves his "push taxi" along the boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on November 8, 2014. For decades, Atlantic City was a popular vacation destination, with casinos, sandy beaches and the boardwalk running along the Atlantic Ocean. But New Jersey  has fallen on hard times as four of its once-bustling gambling casinos have closed. Trump Plaza, built in 1984, formally closed its doors on September 16. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad        (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

(Jewel Samad | AFP

3. New Jersey

Violent crime rate: 195 per 100,000 residents

Property crime rate: 1,158 per 100,000 residents

Overall Best States ranking : 19

Learn more about New Jersey .

The Middle Bridge and the piscataqua Bridge loom over the piscataqua River in Portsmouth, NH.  The rowhouses of Market Street are visible in the foreground as seen from the balcony at 100 Market Street.

(Philip Case Cohen | Getty Images)

2. New Hampshire

Violent crime rate: 146 per 100,000 residents

Property crime rate: 1,099 per 100,000 residents

Overall Best States ranking : 6

Learn more about New Hampshire .

A new day dawns as the season comes to a close for lobsterman Norman Haynes, 69, loading traps onto a trailer, Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, in Falmouth, Maine. A glut of early season lobsters resulted in low prices for the fishermen, making it was one of the most disappointing seasons on record. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

(Robert F. Bukaty | AP)

Violent crime rate: 109 per 100,000 residents

Property crime rate: 1,156 per 100,000 residents

Overall Best States ranking : 28

Learn more about Maine .

These Are the 10 Safest States in the U.S.:

  • New Hampshire
  • Rhode Island
  • Massachusetts
  • Connecticut

state with least tourism

Learn More About Best States

Didn't see your state? Check out the overall rankings , and use the Best States Data Explorer to see how your state stacks up against others in areas like health care , infrastructure , crime and corrections and natural environment .

More From U.S. News

state with least tourism

The 10 Best States in America

state with least tourism

Best States for Health Care

state with least tourism

10 Best States for Education

Related articles, best states.

state with least tourism

Health News Bulletin

Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on health and COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report.

You May Also Like

Why utah is the best state.

Elliott Davis Jr. May 2, 2023

state with least tourism

Southwest Plans to Reduce Capacity, Reevaluate 2024 Financial Outlook on Delivery Delays From Boeing

Associated Press March 12, 2024

state with least tourism

Letter Carrier Robberies Continue as the US Postal Service, Union and Lawmakers Seek Solutions

state with least tourism

Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego Begins TV Ads as the Arizona US Senate Race Takes Shape Without Sinema

state with least tourism

Biden and Trump Could Clinch Nominations in Tuesday's Contests, Ushering in General Election

state with least tourism

Oregon Governor Wants Tolling Plan on 2 Portland-Area Freeways Scrapped

Associated Press March 11, 2024

state with least tourism

Brooklyn Preacher Known for Flashy Lifestyle Found Guilty of Wire Fraud and Attempted Extortion

state with least tourism

Nominee to Maryland Elections Board Questioned After Predecessor Resigned Amid Capitol Riot Charges

state with least tourism

Kentucky House Passes Bill Meant to Crack Down on Electronic Cigarette Sales to Minors

state with least tourism

Looking for hidden gems? These were the 20 least visited Oregon state parks in 2023

  • Updated: Mar. 07, 2024, 11:57 a.m. |
  • Published: Mar. 07, 2024, 11:46 a.m.

J.S. Burres State Park

Dirt trails at J.S. Burres State Park lead through the sagebrush alongside the John Day River in north-central Oregon. The park site is across the river from Cottonwood Canyon State Park. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

  • Jamie Hale | The Oregonian/OregonLive

Oregon state parks are still busy, but while millions of people visit popular spots like Silver Falls and Fort Stevens, there are still some places that see far, far fewer visitors.

The least visited state parks in Oregon are likely ones you’ve never heard of – unless you’ve been following previous years’ lists – found along remote desert highways or small pockets of the coast. Hidden among them are several natural treasures well worth the extra travel time, including spectacular waterfalls and magical desert landscapes.

A combined 533,554 people visited the 20 least visited park sites in 2023, according to data released by the Oregon Parks and Recreation and Department – less than a third of the number of people who visited Harris Beach State Park, the single most popular Oregon state park site last year.

From Northeast Oregon to the southwest corner of the state, here are the least popular, barely visited and most obscure Oregon state parks.

Munson Creek Falls

Munson Creek Falls is a 319-foot waterfall found at a state park site in Oregon's Coast Range. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

20. Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site

Visitors: 45,408

Location: Oregon coast

One-year change: -19%

Known for: A 319-foot waterfall found at the end of a short hike, just off the Oregon coast. Read more in this Oregon Coast Range waterfall roundup .

J.S. Burres State Park

19. J.S. Burres State Park

Visitors: 41,512

Location: Central Oregon

One-year change: -13%

Known for: Sagebrush and towering basalt cliffs along the John Day River, just across the water from Cottonwood Canyon State Park.

Cottonwood Canyon

The Pinnacles Trail leads along the John Day River through Cottonwood Canyon State Park in north-central Oregon. Fresh sagebrush, rocky cliffs and golden brown steppe dominate the rugged landscape. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

18. Cottonwood Canyon State Park

Visitors: 41,168

One-year change: -1%

Known for: High desert scenery and camping beside the John Day River in north-central Oregon.

Overlooked attractions on Oregon 18

A walkway passes through the open meadows of Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area in Grand Ronde. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

17. Fort Yamhill State Heritage Site

Visitors: 37,512

Location: Coast Range

One-year change: -49%

Known for: Historic buildings and a quiet hike through a former fort site at the Grand Ronde Community.

Fall Creek State Recreation Area

A lakeside dock at Fall Creek State Recreation Area. Oregon State Parks

16. Fall Creek State Recreation Area

Visitors: 35,172

Location: Willamette Valley

One-year change: -69%

Known for: A haven for boaters on Fall Creek Lake east of Eugene.

Clay Myers State Natural Area

Low tide at the estuary found at Clay Myers State Natural Area on the north Oregon coast. Oregon State Parks

15. Clay Myers State Natural Area at Whalen Island

Visitors: 32,190

Location: Oregon Coast

One-year change: -36%

Known for: Pristine coastal estuary habitat that’s great for wildlife watching on the north coast.

Fort Rock

FORT ROCK: This desert crater is part volcanic wonder, part archeological mystery. (Jamie Hale/Staff)

14. Fort Rock State Natural Area

Visitors: 31,824

One-year change: -35%

Known for: A fascinating volcanic attraction with historical significance in a beautiful high desert setting.

A grassy park and trees

Chandler State Wayside in southern Oregon. Oregon State Parks

13. Chandler State Wayside

Visitors: 26,436

Location: Southern Oregon

One-year change: -7%

Known for: A wooded area just off U.S. 395 with access to fishing along Crooked Creek.

Picnic tables in the snow at an empty park

Booth State Scenic Corridor in southern Oregon. Oregon State Parks

12. Booth State Scenic Corridor

Visitors: 25,660

One-year change: +15%

Known for: A roadside forest of ponderosa pine and quaking aspen trees that are beautiful in the fall.

Goose Lake

The sun sets over Goose Lake, a 147-square-mile lake that straddles the border of Oregon and California near the southern Oregon town of Lakeview. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

11. Goose Lake State Recreation Area

Visitors: 23,894

One-year change: -10%

Known for: A large, seasonal lake that’s home to large numbers of migrating waterfowl in spring and early summer.

Geisel Monument State Heritage Site

Gravesites at the Geisel Monument State Heritage Site on the southern Oregon coast. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

10. Geisel Monument State Heritage Site

Visitors: 23,558

One-year change: +29%

Known for: A historical gravesite and monument on the south Oregon coast.

Silver Falls State Park

A short trail leads to the base of Silver Falls. Golden and Silver Falls is a state park site in the coastal forest of southwest Oregon, home to two beautiful waterfalls and three miles of trails. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

9. Golden & Silver Falls State Natural Area

Visitors: 21,710

Known for: Two stunning waterfalls in a remote forest setting off the southern Oregon coast.

The view from a kayak on a clear body of water

Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site in central Oregon. Oregon State Parks

8. Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site

Visitors: 20,774

One-year change: -16%

Known for: A quiet, secluded spot for fishing, canoeing and walking among a forest of quaking aspen at the headwaters of the Wood River.

Unity Lake

People gather on the boat dock at Unity Lake State Recreation Area in Eastern Oregon. Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian

7. Unity Lake State Recreation Site

Visitors: 20,710

Location: Northeast Oregon

One-year change: -38%

Known for: A green and beautiful place for boating, fishing and picnicking in the otherwise arid high desert.

A historic gold dredge in a small pond of water

The historic Sumpter Valley Gold Dredge is a fascinating Old West attraction in the tiny town of Sumpter in eastern Oregon. The dredge was used in the early 20th century to mine large amounts of earth for gold. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

6. Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Site

Visitors: 20,404

One-year change: -51%

Known for: Tours of a historic gold dredge in eastern Oregon.

A dirt road and trees

Bates State Park southwest of Baker City. Oregon State Parks

5. Bates State Park

Visitors: 19,272

Known for: Hiking trails and a primitive campground at the former site of a thriving lumber mill.

Red Bridge State Wayside

Campers at Red Bridge State Wayside, in the Blue Mountains outside of La Grande. Oregon State Parks

4. Red Bridge State Wayside

Visitors: 17,680

One-year change: -9%

Known for: A forested park and quiet campground along the Grande Ronde River in the Blue Mountains.

La Grande, Oregon

Catherine Creek State Park southeast of La Grande. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

3. Catherine Creek State Park

Visitors: 17,376

One-year change: -46%

Known for: A tranquil setting along the crystal-clear waters of Catherine Creek, with a small, primitive campground.

Empty picnic tables and trees in a grassy park

Battle Mountain Forest State Scenic Corridor, east of La Grande. Oregon State Parks

2. Battle Mountain Forest State Scenic Corridor

Visitors: 16,924

One-year change: +14%

Known for: A forest of ponderosa pine, larch, Douglas fir and spruce that is protected as habitat for wildlife on the side of the highway.

A stream flowing through a snowy landscape

Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor in central Oregon. Oregon State Parks

1. Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor

Visitors: 14,370

One-year change: -2%

Known for: A seasonal campground and day-use area in a quiet forest replete with wildlife.

Oregon State Parks

  • Get free parking at Oregon, Washington parks on day after Thanksgiving
  • Tumalo State Park is one of central Oregon’s best little state park getaways
  • 2 Oregon coast parks will see major closures through spring 2024
  • Trail closures coming to L.L. Stub Stewart State Park through end of 2024

-- Jamie Hale covers travel and the outdoors and co-hosts the Peak Northwest podcast . Reach him at 503-294-4077, [email protected] or @HaleJamesB .

Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com .

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Protect Your Trip »

The 50 best tourist attractions in the u.s..

See which American landmarks are worthy of your bucket list.

USA landmarks

(Getty Images) |

From national parks to iconic symbols of freedom and democracy, these popular and highly regarded U.S. tourist attractions cannot be missed.

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Huntsville, Alabama

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

Denali National Park and Preserve: Alaska

USA landmarks

Grand Canyon National Park: Arizona

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

Hot Springs National Park: Arkansas

Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Golden Gate Bridge: San Francisco, California

USA landmarks

Pikes Peak: Cascade, Colorado

Top things to do in Connecticut

(Courtesy of Mystic Aquarium) |

Mystic Aquarium: Mystic, Connecticut

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum: Fenwick Island, Delaware

USA landmarks

(Courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort) |

Walt Disney World Resort: Orlando, Florida

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

(Courtesy of Coca Cola) |

World of Coca-Cola: Atlanta, Georgia

USA landmarks

Road to Hana: Hana, Maui, Hawaii

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

(Courtesy of Idaho Tourism) |

Kirkham Hot Springs: Lowman, Idaho

USA landmarks

Chicago River: Chicago, Illinois

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Indianapolis, Indiana

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

The Field of Dreams: Dyersville, Iowa

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

(Courtesy of Oz Museum) |

Oz Museum: Wamego, Kansas

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

Kentucky Horse Park: Lexington, Kentucky

Visitors and locals are all over in the French Quarter's  streets of New Orleans.

French Quarter: New Orleans, Louisiana

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

Acadia National Park: Bar Harbor, Maine

Top attraction in every U.S. state

National Aquarium: Baltimore, Maryland

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

Freedom Trail: Boston, Massachusetts

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

Mackinac Island: Michigan

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

(Courtesy of Mall of America) |

Mall of America: Bloomington, Minnesota

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

(Courtesy of Elvis Presley Birthplace) |

Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum: Tupelo, Mississippi

USA landmarks

Gateway Arch: St. Louis, Missouri

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

Glacier National Park: West Glacier, Montana

Top attractions in every U.S. state

Chimney Rock National Historic Site: Bayard, Nebraska

USA landmarks

Las Vegas Strip: Las Vegas, Nevada

Top attractions in every U.S. state

Mount Washington Cog Railway: Mount Washington, New Hampshire

Top attractions in every U.S. state

Cape May: New Jersey

Top attractions in every U.S. state

White Sands National Park: Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico

USA landmarks

Statue of Liberty: New York City, New York

USA landmarks

Wright Brothers National Memorial: Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

Top attractions in every U.S. state

Theodore Roosevelt National Park: North Dakota

Top attractions in every U.S. state

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Cleveland, Ohio

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

(Courtesy of First Americans Museum) |

First Americans Museum: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Top attractions in every U.S. state

Mount Hood: Oregon

USA landmarks

Liberty Bell: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Top attractions in every U.S. state

The Breakers: Newport, Rhode Island

USA landmarks

Fort Sumter National Monument: Charleston, South Carolina

USA landmarks

Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Keystone, South Dakota

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

(Courtesy of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum) |

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Nashville, Tennessee

USA landmarks

The Alamo: San Antonio, Texas

USA landmarks

Zion National Park: Utah

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

(Courtesy of Smugglers' Notch Resort) |

Smugglers' Notch Resort: Jeffersonville, Vermont

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

Colonial Williamsburg: Williamsburg, Virginia

USA landmarks

Space Needle: Seattle, Washington

USA landmarks

White House and the National Mall: Washington, D.C.

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Top tourist attraction in every U.S. state

Lambeau Field: Green Bay, Wisconsin

USA landmarks

Yellowstone National Park: Wyoming

Top attraction in every U.S. state

You might also be interested in:

  • The Best National Parks in the U.S.
  • The Best Hiking Trail in Every State
  • Vacation Ideas for Every Type of Traveler
  • The World's Best Tourist Attractions
  • The Most Famous Landmarks in the World

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best whale watching tours in maui.

Lyn Mettler March 11, 2024

state with least tourism

The Best Luggage Sets

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood and Amanda Norcross March 11, 2024

state with least tourism

19 Best Ireland Tours

John Rodwan March 8, 2024

state with least tourism

The Top Family Resorts in the Bahamas

Sharael Kolberg March 8, 2024

state with least tourism

The Top Everglades Airboat & Swamp Tours

Holly Johnson and Ann Henson March 7, 2024

state with least tourism

Top Luxury Alaska Cruises

Gwen Pratesi March 7, 2024

state with least tourism

The Best Spas in Las Vegas

Reannon Muth March 7, 2024

state with least tourism

The Best Beach Tents

Amanda Norcross March 6, 2024

state with least tourism

Top New Orleans Ghost and Vampire Tours

Kim Foley MacKinnon March 6, 2024

state with least tourism

The Best Sedona Jeep Tours

Holly Johnson and Marisa Méndez March 5, 2024

state with least tourism

state with least tourism

I've been to all 50 states. These 8 are the most underrated.

Posted: October 30, 2023 | Last updated: November 1, 2023

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I've <a href="https://www.insider.com/states-with-best-national-parks-from-someone-who-visited-all-50-2022">been to all 50 states</a> — underrated ones often have hidden gems and lesser-known attractions.</li><li>Explore South Carolina beyond Charleston and New York beyond Manhattan. </li><li>Idaho, Wisconsin, and West Virginia have a lot to offer. </li></ul><p>In 2021, I reached my goal of <a href="https://www.insider.com/states-best-outdoors-for-trip-from-writer-been-to-all-2023-5">visiting all 50 states</a>.</p><p>For me, "visiting" a state meant spending at least a day or two there to get to know it a bit. In most cases, I spent at least three days in each state or multiple weeks, working from my laptop during the day and exploring at night and on weekends.</p><p>Here are the <a href="https://www.insider.com/overlooked-states-you-should-visit-from-someone-who-visited-all-50-2022">states I think are the most underrated</a> and why I recommend checking them out.</p><div class="read-original">Read the original article on <a href="https://www.insider.com/most-underrated-states-must-visit-from-woman-visited-all-50">Insider</a></div>

  • I've been to all 50 states — underrated ones often have hidden gems and lesser-known attractions.
  • Explore South Carolina beyond Charleston and New York beyond Manhattan. 
  • Idaho, Wisconsin, and West Virginia have a lot to offer. 

In 2021, I reached my goal of visiting all 50 states .

For me, "visiting" a state meant spending at least a day or two there to get to know it a bit. In most cases, I spent at least three days in each state or multiple weeks, working from my laptop during the day and exploring at night and on weekends.

Here are the states I think are the most underrated and why I recommend checking them out.

<p>I've been to Idaho twice and spent a total of about three weeks crisscrossing the state to go hiking, biking, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. I also explored its hidden hot springs.</p><p>Big City Boise blew me away with excellent food (including the best falafel I've ever had in the US at <a href="http://www.tarbushkitchenidaho.com/">Tarbush Kitchen</a>) and unique museums and historical sites (like the Old Idaho Penitentiary).</p><p>It also has loads of cycling trails and even rafting and tubing along the Boise River, which runs through downtown.</p>

I love Idaho so much that their tourism board should hire me as their official spokesperson.

I've been to Idaho twice and spent a total of about three weeks crisscrossing the state to go hiking, biking, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. I also explored its hidden hot springs.

Big City Boise blew me away with excellent food (including the best falafel I've ever had in the US at Tarbush Kitchen ) and unique museums and historical sites (like the Old Idaho Penitentiary).

It also has loads of cycling trails and even rafting and tubing along the Boise River, which runs through downtown.

<p>As an outdoorsy person, I headed to Hot Springs National Park (which has a great bathhouse-turned-brewpub nearby) and biked along the paved paths and gravel roads that blanket the state.</p><p>The highlight of my trip was the Buffalo National River International Dark Sky Park. I hiked, kayaked, and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/darkest-skies-by-state-watch-space-events-stargazing">stared at the stars</a> in some of the darkest skies I've ever seen.</p><p>Little Rock was also loads of fun, and I can't wait to go back. </p><p>My top picks were the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site and the <a href="https://essepursemuseum.com/">ESSE Purse Museum</a>, which tells the story of women's rights, struggles, and accomplishments through the lens of purses and their contents.</p>

Arkansas really surprised me, and I'm grateful that I got to spend a full week there.

As an outdoorsy person, I headed to Hot Springs National Park (which has a great bathhouse-turned-brewpub nearby) and biked along the paved paths and gravel roads that blanket the state.

The highlight of my trip was the Buffalo National River International Dark Sky Park. I hiked, kayaked, and stared at the stars in some of the darkest skies I've ever seen.

Little Rock was also loads of fun, and I can't wait to go back.

My top picks were the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site and the ESSE Purse Museum , which tells the story of women's rights, struggles, and accomplishments through the lens of purses and their contents.

<p>Door County was named the best destination for fall foliage in 2019 by <a href="https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-destination-for-fall-foliage-2019/">USA Today</a>, and one of the 10 best places to see fall foliage without the crowds by <a href="https://www.tripstodiscover.com/best-places-to-see-fall-foliage-without-the-crowds/">Trips to Discover</a>.</p>

Wisconsin actually has a bit of everything.

It may known as the Dairy State (and you definitely should load up on cheese there), but Wisconsin is actually a divine destination for food, drink, culture, and the outdoors.

Milwaukee hosts dozens of huge music and cultural festivals yearly, many at the waterfront Henri Maier Festival Park (aka the Summerfest grounds).

The Milwaukee Art Museum has an impressive collection, though many people visit to take a picture outside with its world-famous "wings" that open and close.

Wisconsin's capital city, Madison, is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, and it has amazing international food as well.

To really experience Wisconsin, though, head to the northern part of the state that's blanketed with forests, lakes, beaches, tiny towns, and campgrounds that are especially picturesque in the fall .

<p>I've lived in New York City for 18 years. It's amazing, but I also know <a href="https://www.insider.com/places-to-visit-in-new-york-travel-ideas-2019-2">how great the rest of New York state is</a>.</p><p>North of NYC, the Adirondacks is home to the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park, which has some of the <a href="https://www.insider.com/states-best-outdoors-for-trip-from-writer-been-to-all-2023-5">best hiking</a>, camping, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in the state.</p><p>Western New York is where you'll find gems like Letchworth State Park (known as the "Grand Canyon of the East") and Niagara Falls State Park.</p><p>It's also where you'll find the National Women's Hall of Fame, the Susan B. Anthony House, and the Harriet Tubman Home.</p>

New York City is definitely not underrated, but the broader state definitely seems to be.

I've lived in New York City for 18 years. It's amazing, but I also know how great the rest of New York state is .

North of NYC, the Adirondacks is home to the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park, which has some of the best hiking , camping, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in the state.

Western New York is where you'll find gems like Letchworth State Park (known as the "Grand Canyon of the East") and Niagara Falls State Park.

It's also where you'll find the National Women's Hall of Fame, the Susan B. Anthony House, and the Harriet Tubman Home.

<p>Sure, Minnesota gets very cold in the winter, but that just means it's a <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-states-to-visit-in-winter-season-us">great state for snowboarding</a>, snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowmobiling.</p><p>The state's also home to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/maps.htm">Voyageurs National Park</a>, which has 100 miles of snowmobiling trails to ride in winter. Come summer, this water-based park is best explored by boat or kayak, and there's also good hiking.</p><p>Minnesota's North Shore, which borders Lake Superior, is a super scenic drive with eight state parks within a two-hour stretch.</p><p>Minneapolis is an excellent city for biking, so be sure to rent some wheels and ride the 7-mile Midtown Greenway, which is basically a mini highway for bicycles.</p><p>You can also learn about history at the Mill City Museum and the Somali Museum.</p><p>For food, try halls like Eat Street Crossing, The Market at Malcolm Yards, and the Midtown Global Market, where you'll find everything from Malaysian and Moroccan to Mexican and Hmong.</p>

Minnesota is great, even when its temperatures drop in the winter.

Sure, Minnesota gets very cold in the winter, but that just means it's a great state for snowboarding , snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowmobiling.

The state's also home to Voyageurs National Park , which has 100 miles of snowmobiling trails to ride in winter. Come summer, this water-based park is best explored by boat or kayak, and there's also good hiking.

Minnesota's North Shore, which borders Lake Superior, is a super scenic drive with eight state parks within a two-hour stretch.

Minneapolis is an excellent city for biking, so be sure to rent some wheels and ride the 7-mile Midtown Greenway, which is basically a mini highway for bicycles.

You can also learn about history at the Mill City Museum and the Somali Museum.

For food, try halls like Eat Street Crossing, The Market at Malcolm Yards, and the Midtown Global Market, where you'll find everything from Malaysian and Moroccan to Mexican and Hmong.

<p>South Carolina's largest city, <a href="https://www.insider.com/charleston-south-carolina-things-to-never-do-tourist-mistakes-2022-8">Charleston</a>, is worth a visit, but you're not doing the state justice if that's the only place you go.</p><p>After educating yourself about the city's central role in the transatlantic slave trade at one of the many museums and trying some famous barbecue, get out and see the rest of the state.</p><p>I suggest visiting Table Rock State Park, which is nestled along the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains.</p><p>Or check out <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cong/index.htm">Congaree National Park</a>, one of the least-visited national parks in the US. It's unique with its towering cypress trees jutting out of swamps that are best explored by canoe.</p>

There's a lot more to South Carolina than Charleston.

South Carolina's largest city, Charleston , is worth a visit, but you're not doing the state justice if that's the only place you go.

After educating yourself about the city's central role in the transatlantic slave trade at one of the many museums and trying some famous barbecue, get out and see the rest of the state.

I suggest visiting Table Rock State Park, which is nestled along the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Or check out Congaree National Park , one of the least-visited national parks in the US. It's unique with its towering cypress trees jutting out of swamps that are best explored by canoe.

<p>West Virginia has built loads of tourism around its former coal towns.</p><p>There's a lot to do, whether you want to fly down the river in an airboat or whip through the woods on an ATV tour while learning about the area's famous Hatfield-McCoy feud.</p><p>I also suggest checking out New River Gorge National Park. I've enjoyed hiking through it and rafting along the nearby Gauley River and its many Class-V rapids.</p><p>Still, I think Monongahela National Forest is my favorite part of the state. I spent a few days hiking and camping here during my first trip to West Virginia, which was especially gorgeous in the fall.</p>

West Virginia has come a long way from the days when it was known for little more than mining.

West Virginia has built loads of tourism around its former coal towns.

There's a lot to do, whether you want to fly down the river in an airboat or whip through the woods on an ATV tour while learning about the area's famous Hatfield-McCoy feud.

I also suggest checking out New River Gorge National Park. I've enjoyed hiking through it and rafting along the nearby Gauley River and its many Class-V rapids.

Still, I think Monongahela National Forest is my favorite part of the state. I spent a few days hiking and camping here during my first trip to West Virginia, which was especially gorgeous in the fall.

<p>Sure, while in Indianapolis, tour the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. However, consider staying overnight at an old hotel and eating in a massive food hall built inside a former Coca-Cola bottling plant.</p><p>While at it, join a Venetian-style canal boat tour and be serenaded through the canals downtown.</p><p>Indianapolis has excellent museums, like the enormous <a href="https://www.childrensmuseum.org/">Children's Museum of Indianapolis</a> (the largest in the country), the Indiana Historical Society, the Eiteljorg Museum, and the Newfields Art and Nature Center.</p><p>Because the city and its museums are so accessible (and Indianapolis has an excellent <a href="https://www.visitindy.com/travel-tools/accessibility-guide/">accessibility guide</a>), my family has taken several multi-generational vacations here that included my mother, who has advanced Parkinson's disease.</p><p>Elsewhere in Indiana, expect to find unique attractions like the painting studio of "Joy of Painting" icon Bob Ross.</p>

Indiana has much more than racing.

Sure, while in Indianapolis, tour the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. However, consider staying overnight at an old hotel and eating in a massive food hall built inside a former Coca-Cola bottling plant.

While at it, join a Venetian-style canal boat tour and be serenaded through the canals downtown.

Indianapolis has excellent museums, like the enormous Children's Museum of Indianapolis (the largest in the country), the Indiana Historical Society, the Eiteljorg Museum, and the Newfields Art and Nature Center.

Because the city and its museums are so accessible (and Indianapolis has an excellent accessibility guide ), my family has taken several multi-generational vacations here that included my mother, who has advanced Parkinson's disease.

Elsewhere in Indiana, expect to find unique attractions like the painting studio of "Joy of Painting" icon Bob Ross.

More for You

Donald Trump

E. Jean Carroll's Lawyer Forces Donald Trump to Change His Bond

Alabama Sen. Katie Britt endorses Trump ahead of GOP debate

Britt backlash stokes GOP fears about losing women voters

The Best Reactions to the Oscars

The Best Reactions to the Oscars

holden armenta

Liberal sports blog that smeared 9-year-old Kansas City Chiefs fan lays off entire staff after being sold

iStock-171257124.jpg

Flight documents show MH370 was ‘buried in an ocean trench by pilot’, says Boeing expert

Milan Jew quits PD over 'genocide' use for Gaza

Milan Jew quits PD over 'genocide' use for Gaza

A key witness in Trump's classified documents case went public — and it could complicate Jack Smith's case

A key witness in Trump's classified-documents case went public — and it could complicate Jack Smith's case

MAGA Republican confronted by pro-Biden Christian

Christian Confronts MAGA Republican: 'I'm Voting for Joe Biden'

Esteemed economist Nouriel Roubini

‘Dr. Doom’ economist warns Trump re-election is ‘greatest threat’ to face global markets right now

FILE - Pope Francis waves during the Angelus noon prayer from the window of his studio overlooking St.Peter's Square, at the Vatican, on March 10, 2024. The clergy sexual abuse scandal is slowly gathering steam in Italy with increasing media coverage, criminal convictions and the launch Monday, Marcg 11, 2024, of an investigative podcast dedicated to a case that tangentially involved Pope Francis. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Italy abuse case highlights how scandal slowly beginning to come to light in pope's backyard

Patrick T. Fallon / AFP

John Mulaney overexplaining the Field of Dreams plot while at the Oscars was a perfect bit

Mark Cuban looks for these 2 qualities when hiring new employees: ‘If they fail on either one, you’re going to be in trouble’

Mark Cuban looks for 2 qualities in employees: ‘If they fail on either one, you’re going to be in trouble’

Trump and co-defendants should post bond for full $464 million judgment, NYAG says

Trump and co-defendants should post bond for full $464 million judgment, NYAG says

Axelrod: DeSantis ‘in most jeopardy’ on GOP debate stage

Axelrod rips Trump for mocking Biden’s stutter

A young couple sitting on couch after a fight.

Narcissists are everywhere, but you should never tell someone they are one. Here's why.

Teacher, 40, details the early signs that led to colon cancer diagnosis: 'I was scared'

Teacher, 40, details the early signs that led to colon cancer diagnosis: 'I was scared'

Republican Fani Willis Collusion

Republicans Vow to Uncover Fani Willis Collusion

Lack of Trade Partners for Bears After Kirk Cousins Signing

Lack of Trade Partners for Bears After Kirk Cousins Signing

Six of the best moments from the Oscars

Six of the best moments from the Oscars

Donald Trump

Donald Trump stumbles onto the third rail: Social Security reform

Sustainable tourism

Related sdgs, promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable ....

state with least tourism

Description

Publications.

Tourism is one of the world's fastest growing industries and an important source of foreign exchange and employment, while being closely linked to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of many countries, especially developing countries. Maritime or ocean-related tourism, as well as coastal tourism, are for example vital sectors of the economy in small island developing States (SIDS) and coastal least developed countries (LDCs) (see also: The Potential of the Blue Economy report as well as the Community of Ocean Action on sustainable blue economy).

The World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities".

Based on General assembly resolution 70/193, 2017 was declared as the  International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

In the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development SDG target 8.9, aims to “by 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”. The importance of sustainable tourism is also highlighted in SDG target 12.b. which aims to “develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”.

Tourism is also identified as one of the tools to “by 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries” as comprised in SDG target 14.7.

In the Rio+20 outcome document The Future We want, sustainable tourism is defined by paragraph 130 as a significant contributor “to the three dimensions of sustainable development” thanks to its close linkages to other sectors and its ability to create decent jobs and generate trade opportunities. Therefore, Member States recognize “the need to support sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building that promote environmental awareness, conserve and protect the environment, respect wildlife, flora, biodiversity, ecosystems and cultural diversity, and improve the welfare and livelihoods of local communities by supporting their local economies and the human and natural environment as a whole. ” In paragraph 130, Member States also “call for enhanced support for sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building in developing countries in order to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development”.

In paragraph 131, Member States “encourage the promotion of investment in sustainable tourism, including eco-tourism and cultural tourism, which may include creating small- and medium-sized enterprises and facilitating access to finance, including through microcredit initiatives for the poor, indigenous peoples and local communities in areas with high eco-tourism potential”. In this regard, Member States also “underline the importance of establishing, where necessary, appropriate guidelines and regulations in accordance with national priorities and legislation for promoting and supporting sustainable tourism”.

In 2002, the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg called for the promotion of sustainable tourism development, including non-consumptive and eco-tourism, in Chapter IV, paragraph 43 of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.

At the Johannesburg Summit, the launch of the “Sustainable Tourism – Eliminating Poverty (ST-EP) initiative was announced. The initiative was inaugurated by the World Tourism Organization, in collaboration with UNCTAD, in order to develop sustainable tourism as a force for poverty alleviation.

The UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) last reviewed the issue of sustainable tourism in 2001, when it was acting as the Preparatory Committee for the Johannesburg Summit.

The importance of sustainable tourism was also mentioned in Agenda 21.

For more information and documents on this topic,  please visit this link

UNWTO Annual Report 2015

2015 was a landmark year for the global community. In September, the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a universal agenda for planet and people. Among the 17 SDGs and 169 associated targets, tourism is explicitly featured in Goa...

UNWTO Annual Report 2016

In December 2015, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. This is a unique opportunity to devote a year to activities that promote the transformational power of tourism to help us reach a better future. This important cele...

Emerging Issues for Small Island Developing States

The 2012 UNEP Foresight Process on Emerging Global Environmental Issues primarily identified emerging environmental issues and possible solutions on a global scale and perspective. In 2013, UNEP carried out a similar exercise to identify priority emerging environmental issues that are of concern to ...

Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

This Agenda is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. It also seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom, We recognize that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for su...

Towards Measuring the Economic Value of Wildlife Watching Tourism in Africa

Set against the backdrop of the ongoing poaching crisis driven by a dramatic increase in the illicit trade in wildlife products, this briefing paper intends to support the ongoing efforts of African governments and the broader international community in the fight against poaching. Specifically, this...

Status and Trends of Caribbean Coral Reefs: 1970-2012

Previous Caribbean assessments lumped data together into a single database regardless of geographic location, reef environment, depth, oceanographic conditions, etc. Data from shallow lagoons and back reef environments were combined with data from deep fore-reef environments and atolls. Geographic c...

15 Years of the UNWTO World Tourism Network on Child Protection: A Compilation of Good Practices

Although it is widely recognized that tourism is not the cause of child exploitation, it can aggravate the problem when parts of its infrastructure, such as transport networks and accommodation facilities, are exploited by child abusers for nefarious ends. Additionally, many other factors that contr...

Natural Resources Forum: Special Issue Tourism

The journal considers papers on all topics relevant to sustainable development. In addition, it dedicates series, issues and special sections to specific themes that are relevant to the current discussions of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)....

Thailand: Supporting Sustainable Development in Thailand: A Geographic Clusters Approach

Market forces and government policies, including the Tenth National Development Plan (2007-2012), are moving Thailand toward a more geographically specialized economy. There is a growing consensus that Thailand’s comparative and competitive advantages lie in amenity services that have high reliance...

Road Map on Building a Green Economy for Sustainable Development in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Grenada

This publication is the product of an international study led by the Division for Sustainable Development (DSD) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) in cooperation with the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and the Ministry of Environment, Foreig...

Natural Resources Forum, a United Nations Sustainable Development Journal (NRF)

&nbsp; Natural Resources Forum, a United Nations Sustainable Development Journal,&nbsp;seeks to address gaps in current knowledge&nbsp;and stimulate relevant policy discussions, leading to the implementation of&nbsp;the sustainable development agenda&nbsp;and the achievement of&nbsp;the Sustainable...

UN Ocean Conference 2025

Our Ocean, Our Future, Our Responsibility “The ocean is fundamental to life on our planet and to our future. The ocean is an important source of the planet’s biodiversity and plays a vital role in the climate system and water cycle. The ocean provides a range of ecosystem services, supplies us with

UN Ocean Conference 2022

The UN Ocean Conference 2022, co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Portugal, came at a critical time as the world was strengthening its efforts to mobilize, create and drive solutions to realize the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

58th Session of the Commission for Social Development – CSocD58

22nd general assembly of the united nations world tourism organization, world tourism day 2017 official celebration.

This year’s World Tourism Day, held on 27 September, will be focused on Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development. Celebrated in line with the 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the Day will be dedicated to exploring the contribution of tourism to the Sustainable Deve

World Tourism Day 2016 Official Celebration

Accessible Tourism for all is about the creation of environments that can cater for the needs of all of us, whether we are traveling or staying at home. May that be due to a disability, even temporary, families with small children, or the ageing population, at some point in our lives, sooner or late

4th Global Summit on City Tourism

The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the Regional Council for Tourism of Marrakesh with support of the Government of Morroco are organizing the 4th Global Summit on City Tourism in Marrakesh, Morroco (9-10 December 2015). International experts in city tourism, representatives of city DMOs, of

2nd Euro-Asian Mountain Resorts Conference

The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and Ulsan Metropolitan City with support of the Government of the Republic of Korea are organizing the 2nd Euro-Asian Mountain Resorts Conference, in Ulsan, Republic of Korea (14 - 16 October 2015). Under the title “Paving the Way for a Bright Future for Mounta

21st General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization

Unwto regional conference enhancing brand africa - fostering tourism development.

Tourism is one of the Africa’s most promising sectors in terms of development, and represents a major opportunity to foster inclusive development, increase the region’s participation in the global economy and generate revenues for investment in other activities, including environmental preservation.

  • January 2017 International Year of Tourism In the context of the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the International Year aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behavior towards a more sustainable tourism sector that can contribute to the SDGs.
  • January 2015 Targets 8.9, 12 b,14.7 The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development commits Member States, through Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.9 to “devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”. The importance of sustainable tourism, as a driver for jobs creation and the promotion of local culture and products, is also highlighted in Sustainable Development Goal target 12.b. Tourism is also identified as one of the tools to “increase [by 2030] the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries”, through Sustainable Development Goals Target 14.7.
  • January 2012 Future We Want (Para 130-131) Sustainable tourism is defined as a significant contributor “to the three dimensions of sustainable development” thanks to its close linkages to other sectors and its ability to create decent jobs and generate trade opportunities. Therefore, Member States recognize “the need to support sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building that promote environmental awareness, conserve and protect the environment, respect wildlife, flora, biodiversity, ecosystems and cultural diversity, and improve the welfare and livelihoods of local communities” as well as to “encourage the promotion of investment in sustainable tourism, including eco-tourism and cultural tourism, which may include creating small and medium sized enterprises and facilitating access to finance, including through microcredit initiatives for the poor, indigenous peoples and local communities in areas with high eco-tourism potential”.
  • January 2009 Roadmap for Recovery UNWTO announced in March 2009 the elaboration of a Roadmap for Recovery to be finalized by UNWTO’s General Assembly, based on seven action points. The Roadmap includes a set of 15 recommendations based on three interlocking action areas: resilience, stimulus, green economy aimed at supporting the tourism sector and the global economy.
  • January 2008 Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria The Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria represent the minimum requirements any tourism business should observe in order to ensure preservation and respect of the natural and cultural resources and make sure at the same time that tourism potential as tool for poverty alleviation is enforced. The Criteria are 41 and distributed into four different categories: 1) sustainability management, 2) social and economic 3) cultural 4) environmental.
  • January 2003 WTO becomes a UN specialized body By Resolution 453 (XV), the Assembly agreed on the transformation of the WTO into a United Nations specialized body. Such transformation was later ratified by the United Nations General Assembly with the adoption of Resolution A/RES/58/232.
  • January 2003 1st Int. Conf. on Climate Change and Tourism The conference was organized in order to gather tourism authorities, organizations, businesses and scientists to discuss on the impact that climate change can have on the tourist sector. The event took place from 9 till 11 April 2003 in Djerba, Tunisia.
  • January 2002 World Ecotourism Summit Held in May 2002, in Quebec City, Canada, the Summit represented the most important event in the framework of the International Year of Ecosystem. The Summit identified as main themes: ecotourism policy and planning, regulation of ecotourism, product development, marketing and promotion of ecotourism and monitoring costs and benefits of ecotourism.
  • January 1985 Tourism Bill of Rights and Tourist Code At the World Tourism Organization Sixth Assembly held in Sofia in 1985, the Tourism Bill of Rights and Tourist Code were adopted, setting out the rights and duties of tourists and host populations and formulating policies and action for implementation by states and the tourist industry.
  • January 1982 Acapulco Document Adopted in 1982, the Acapulco Document acknowledges the new dimension and role of tourism as a positive instrument towards the improvement of the quality of life for all peoples, as well as a significant force for peace and international understanding. The Acapulco Document also urges Member States to elaborate their policies, plans and programmes on tourism, in accordance with their national priorities and within the framework of the programme of work of the World Tourism Organization.

Biden kicks off a flurry of events to capitalize on State of the Union

The president is traveling to at least four states in a week and unleashing a barrage of ads.

WALLINGFORD, Pa. — President Biden took a post-State of the Union victory lap on Friday, bringing his fiery message to this battleground state where he sharpened his attacks against former president Donald Trump , this time by name.

After declining to mention Trump directly in his Thursday address to Congress, referring to him only as “my predecessor,” Biden dispensed with presidential deference and frequently named Trump as he unleashed his torrent of attacks on his Republican opponent.

“Our freedoms really are on the ballot this November,” Biden said. “Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans are trying to take away our freedoms. That’s not an exaggeration. We will let not let him.”

Biden’s appearance in Pennsylvania — where he was greeted with chants of “four more years” — kicked off a tour of battleground states as he seeks to capitalize on the momentum of his State of the Union address, with upcoming stops in Georgia, New Hampshire, Wisconsin and Michigan. On Saturday, both Biden and Trump plan to hold campaign events in Georgia as they begin to go after each other with a new ferocity.

“If you’re tired, you probably watched my address last night,” Biden said to the crowd at a middle school in this Philadelphia suburb. “I got my usual warm reception from Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.”

Biden delivers fiery State of the Union

During Thursday’s address, Biden sparred in real time with Greene and other Republicans as they heckled him on immigration, tax cuts and foreign policy. On Friday, he reiterated those differences with Republicans, emphasizing his efforts to protect and expand reproductive rights, defend democracy at home and abroad and lower health care costs.

First lady Jill Biden introduced her husband, lauding his performance at the Capitol. “He isn’t just the right person for this job,” she added. “He is the only person for this job.”

Complementing his ramped-up travel schedule, Biden’s campaign announced Friday it was launching a $30 million ad campaign in swing states. The president faces enormous pressure to establish a consistent polling lead over Trump before the summer, given the anxiety of many of his supporters about his recent showings in head-to-head polls.

Democrats and Biden’s allies celebrated his feisty performance Thursday night, and aides said they hoped the speech would put to rest the simmering questions about his age and vigor.

“Last night was a perfect encapsulation of what this election is going to be about, and it is not going to be a contrast in age, it is going to be a contrast in the age of the candidate’s ideas,” Biden campaign communications director Michael Tyler said Friday. “Donald Trump — yes, while he is four years younger, his ideas are old as hell.” Biden is 81 and Trump is 77.

Biden's performance was a relief for nervous Democrats

Voters at Biden’s event in Pennsylvania applauded the president’s performance at the State of the Union, even though many conceded they only caught clips of it.

“I was too nervous to watch his speech, so I read about it in the morning and was pleased to see he did a good job,” said Julie Vrooman, 71, of Swarthmore, Pa. “I was worried he would stumble, he would look old and elderly.”

Vrooman, a retiree who said she is active in Democratic politics, said she voted for Biden in 2020 and would do so again, despite some concerns about the president’s age. “I just worry about him having the stamina needed,” she said. “I trust his judgment.”

Democrats and Republicans continued to spar Friday over whose behavior on Thursday night violated the decorum of the State of the Union. After the speech, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Republican lawmakers had yelled out during the address because Biden came to the House chamber and delivered what was essentially a campaign speech.

“People got very emotional tonight because it was an overly partisan speech and it was filled, full of information that is just objectively not true,” Johnson told reporters. “And so you saw the visceral reaction, I think, from people in the chamber, and I suspect that a lot of people at home were feeling that same frustration.”

On Friday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) rejected that characterization, noting that Greene came to the speech wearing a “Make America Great Again” cap, signaling her intent to harangue Biden as she did at last year’s State of the Union.

“That was an embarrassment last night, a complete embarrassment,” Jeffries said of the Republicans’ catcalls. “Marjorie Taylor Greene, who’s basically running the House Republican Conference, shows up in campaign paraphernalia. And then these people want to lecture Joe Biden because he delivered a strong and forceful speech that made them uncomfortable because he exposed their lies and shamelessness.”

Biden’s uncharacteristically heavy travel schedule in coming days will be accompanied by several campaign announcements on office openings, volunteer opportunities and coalition groups meant to activate Biden supporters in targeted swing states. The $30 million ad campaign will run on television, radio, streaming services and other digital networks, including outlets focused on Black, Hispanic and Asian American audiences, officials said.

The ad buy follows an advertising campaign of more than $25 million that ran over the last five months of 2023, as the Biden campaign flexes its significant financial advantage over Trump’s effort.

The Biden campaign also plans to hire at least 350 staffers in battleground states over the next month, adding to the more than 100 already employed, and to open 100 physical offices in key states.

“We are not building to win a poll at the end of March,” said Rob Flaherty, a deputy campaign manager for Biden. “We are building to win in November.”

Still, the flurry of activity comes as the president faces pressure to show anxious Democrats that he can run an energetic, compelling campaign. Among his flashiest events will be a March 28 fundraiser with former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, moderated by comedian Stephen Colbert. The Biden campaign plans to deploy a small army of surrogates to help out, including first lady Jill Biden, who traveled to Wisconsin last weekend.

Vice President Harris is also stepping up her campaign travel, visiting every battleground state in coming weeks. She traveled to Phoenix on Friday for an official visit before heading to Las Vegas on Saturday for a campaign stop, with a particular focus on reaching Latino voters — a critical constituency for the president that has shown signs of drifting away from him.

Cabinet officials and senior White House officials will also fan out across the country, and a White House official said they would highlight the “clear contrast between competing visions for the country,” even as they appear in their official capacity as administration officials.

Among the trips: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will visit Arizona for the National Farmers Union Annual Conference, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will go to Philadelphia to highlight bridge repairs funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law, and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm will travel throughout Ohio, Wisconsin and Michigan to discuss Biden’s efforts to lower costs and create jobs.

The Biden campaign has telegraphed a desire to use the end of the Republican primary contest — former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley dropped out last Wednesday — to reset the race. Biden was trailing Trump in the February average of polls, with a significant share of even the president’s own supporters expressing concern over his age and ability to manage the job of president.

Attacking Trump as a threat to democracy will be a central part of Biden’s message in coming weeks, as it was on Thursday night. “This is the key juncture where we are in the general election, where there is a clear choice for the American people,” said Biden campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon.

The campaign announced Friday that its top three hours of fundraising occurred Thursday night between 9 p.m. and midnight on the East Coast, around the time of Biden’s televised address. Each hour in that span raised more than the one before, Flaherty said.

The Biden campaign is focused on eight states that it believes will decide the election. They include three Great Lakes states (Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin); two Sun Belt states (Nevada, Arizona); two Southern states (Georgia, North Carolina); and New Hampshire. Future Forward, a super PAC supporting Biden, has also made ad reservations in the Omaha media market, where a single electoral college vote will be up for grabs.

Biden still faces potentially significant political hurdles. While he easily won the Michigan Democratic primary last week, more than 100,000 people in the state voted “uncommitted” largely to protest his handling of the Israel-Gaza war .

Scherer reported from Washington.

Election 2024

Get the latest news on the 2024 election from our reporters on the campaign trail and in Washington.

Who is running? A rematch between Trump and Biden is all but certain after Dean Phillips and Nikki Haley ended their presidential campaigns .

Republican delegate count: GOP candidates for president compete to earn enough delegates to secure their party’s nomination. We’re tracking the 2024 Republican delegate count .

Key issues: Compare where the candidates stand on such issues as abortion, climate and the economy.

Key dates and events: From January to June, voters in all states and U.S. territories will pick their party’s nominee for president ahead of the summer conventions. Here are key dates and events on the 2024 election calendar .

  • Latest 2024 election news: Biden heading to N.H. in latest trip to battleground state Just now Latest 2024 election news: Biden heading to N.H. in latest trip to battleground state Just now
  • Where will Nikki Haley’s supporters go now that she’s dropped out? March 6, 2024 Where will Nikki Haley’s supporters go now that she’s dropped out? March 6, 2024
  • The biggest moments from Biden’s 2024 State of the Union address March 7, 2024 The biggest moments from Biden’s 2024 State of the Union address March 7, 2024

state with least tourism

  • Manage Account
  • Election Results
  • Solar Eclipse
  • Bleeding Out
  • Things to Do
  • Public Notices
  • Help Center

business Airlines

Turbulence aboard flight hospitalizes 10, injures dozens of others

The boeing dreamliner suddenly nosedived, sending some passengers crashing into the ceiling, according to one passenger aboard..

Ambulances leave Auckland International Airport in New Zealand as they shuttle injured...

By Wire Services

10:29 AM on Mar 11, 2024 CDT

Ten passengers and crew on a Latam Airlines Group SA flight were hospitalized Monday after the plane encountered unexpected turbulence en route from Sydney to Auckland.

Flight LA800, a 787 Dreamliner from Boeing Co., experienced a “technical event during the flight which caused a strong movement,” the carrier said in a statement. While no one was seriously injured, seven passengers and three members of the cabin crew were taken to hospital after the flight landed in Auckland, Latam said.

The airline didn’t specify the nature of the technical event. “We are working to gather more information about the flight and will provide any support needed by our customer,” Boeing said in a statement.

At least 50 people were injured on the 787-9 aircraft, the New Zealand Herald reported earlier, citing an unidentified airline spokesperson. The flight landed at 4:26 p.m. local time, Latam said.

Stay prepared. Receive the latest airlines news, delivered straight to your inbox.

By signing up you agree to our  Terms of Service  and  Privacy Policy

Emergency services teams and ambulances responded to a request for medical support from a Latam flight, Auckland Airport said. Ambulance crews treated 24 patients on the scene, Hato Hone St John ambulance service said on its website.

The airline also said it scheduled a replacement flight Tuesday for the onward journey to Santiago, Chile.

The Dreamliner is an advanced twin-engine model made in large parts of lightweight composite materials. It’s a bigger model than the 737 Max plane that’s been in the public discourse following a Jan. 5 accident on one of those models.

A passenger on board told Radio New Zealand that the flight was going smoothly until about two-thirds of the way into the roughly three-hour journey to New Zealand, when the plane “just dropped.”

The passenger, Brian Jokat, told the outlet that several passengers were thrown up to the ceiling of the plane, with some breaking parts of the cabin on impact and others injuring themselves when they hit the floor.

“Then people just started screaming. I felt the plane take a nosedive – it felt like it was at the top of a roller coaster, and then it flattened out again,” Jokat said. The entire incident lasted only “split seconds,” he said.

Another passenger, Priscilla Waller-Subritzky, told the New Zealand Herald that the plane lost altitude and that “a number of passengers and crew were thrown into the roof of the plane.” She said “the crew were injured so couldn’t help” the passengers who were hurt.

Wire Services

Wire Services

Top Business Stories

‘boeing needs to become a better company,’ says southwest airlines ceo, american airlines remains confident in its operation, while feeling industry pressures, boeing whistleblower found dead, as pressure mounts over safety concerns, southwest airlines to cut flight capacity this year as boeing woes grow, $220 million open-air music venue on the way to mckinney.

Respiratory Virus Guidance

Each year, respiratory viruses are responsible for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. In addition to the virus that causes COVID-19, there are many other types of respiratory viruses, including flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The good news is there are actions you can take to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses.

CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance

This guidance provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.

Preventing Respiratory Viruses

  • Immunizations for Respiratory Viruses
  • Hygiene and Respiratory Virus Prevention
  • Taking Steps for Cleaner Air for Respiratory Virus Prevention
  • Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick
  • Masks and Respiratory Virus Prevention
  • Physical Distancing and Respiratory Viruses
  • Testing and Respiratory Viruses

RVG summary graphic

Download and share this infographic that summarizes key strategies in the guidance.

Special Considerations

In addition to CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance, there are several special considerations for people with certain risk factors for severe illness.

Risk Factors for Severe Illness from Respiratory Viruses

  • Older Adults
  • Young Children
  • People with Weakened Immune Systems
  • People with Disabilities
  • Pregnant People

Treatment as Prevention

Treatment is a core prevention strategy to lower risk from respiratory viruses.

Treatment of Respiratory Viruses

About the Guidance

  • Background for the Guidance
  • Frequently Asked Questions

CDC offers separate, specific guidance for healthcare settings ( COVID-19 , flu , and  general infection prevention and control ).  Federal civil rights laws  may require reasonable modifications or reasonable accommodations in various circumstances. Nothing in this guidance is intended to detract from or supersede those laws.

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
  • Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
  • You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
  • CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

GSA Logo

  • Explore sell to government
  • Ways you can sell to government
  • How to access contract opportunities
  • Conduct market research
  • Register your business
  • Certify as a small business
  • Become a schedule holder
  • Market your business
  • Research active solicitations
  • Respond to a solicitation
  • What to expect during the award process
  • Comply with contractual requirements
  • Handle contract modifications
  • Monitor past performance evaluations
  • Explore real estate
  • 3D-4D building information modeling
  • Art in architecture | Fine arts
  • Computer-aided design standards
  • Commissioning
  • Design excellence
  • Engineering
  • Project management information system
  • Spatial data management
  • Facilities operations
  • Smart buildings
  • Tenant services
  • Utility services
  • Water quality management
  • Explore historic buildings
  • Heritage tourism
  • Historic preservation policy, tools and resources
  • Historic building stewardship
  • Videos, pictures, posters and more
  • NEPA implementation
  • Courthouse program
  • Land ports of entry
  • Prospectus library
  • Regional buildings
  • Renting property
  • Visiting public buildings
  • Real property disposal
  • Reimbursable services (RWA)
  • Rental policy and procedures
  • Site selection and relocation
  • For businesses seeking opportunities
  • For federal customers
  • For workers in federal buildings
  • Explore policy and regulations
  • Acquisition management policy
  • Aviation management policy
  • Information technology policy
  • Real property management policy
  • Relocation management policy
  • Travel management policy
  • Vehicle management policy
  • Federal acquisition regulations
  • Federal management regulations
  • Federal travel regulations
  • GSA acquisition manual
  • Managing the federal rulemaking process
  • Explore small business
  • Explore business models
  • Research the federal market
  • Forecast of contracting opportunities
  • Events and contacts
  • Explore travel
  • Per diem rates
  • Transportation (airfare rates, POV rates, etc.)
  • State tax exemption
  • Travel charge card
  • Conferences and meetings
  • E-gov travel service (ETS)
  • Travel category schedule
  • Federal travel regulation
  • Travel policy
  • Explore technology
  • Cloud computing services
  • Cybersecurity products and services
  • Data center services
  • Hardware products and services
  • Professional IT services
  • Software products and services
  • Telecommunications and network services
  • Work with small businesses
  • Governmentwide acquisition contracts
  • MAS information technology
  • Software purchase agreements
  • Cybersecurity
  • Digital strategy
  • Emerging citizen technology
  • Federal identity, credentials, and access management
  • Mobile government
  • Technology modernization fund
  • Explore about us
  • Annual reports
  • Mission and strategic goals
  • Role in presidential transitions
  • Get an internship
  • Launch your career
  • Elevate your professional career
  • Discover special hiring paths
  • Events and training
  • Agency blog
  • Congressional testimony
  • GSA does that podcast
  • News releases
  • Leadership directory
  • Staff directory
  • Office of the administrator
  • Federal Acquisition Service
  • Public Buildings Service
  • Staff offices
  • Board of Contract Appeals
  • Office of Inspector General
  • Region 1 | New England
  • Region 2 | Northeast and Caribbean
  • Region 3 | Mid-Atlantic
  • Region 4 | Southeast Sunbelt
  • Region 5 | Great Lakes
  • Region 6 | Heartland
  • Region 7 | Greater Southwest
  • Region 8 | Rocky Mountain
  • Region 9 | Pacific Rim
  • Region 10 | Northwest/Arctic
  • Region 11 | National Capital Region
  • Per Diem Lookup

Privately owned vehicle (POV) mileage reimbursement rates

GSA has adjusted all POV mileage reimbursement rates effective January 1, 2024.

Airplane nautical miles (NMs) should be converted into statute miles (SMs) or regular miles when submitting a voucher using the formula (1 NM equals 1.15077945 SMs).

For calculating the mileage difference between airports, please visit the U.S. Department of Transportation's Inter-Airport Distance website.

QUESTIONS: For all travel policy questions, email [email protected]

The shortcut to this page is gsa.gov/mileage.

Have travel policy questions? Use our ' Have a Question? ' site

PER DIEM LOOK-UP

1 choose a location.

Error, The Per Diem API is not responding. Please try again later.

No results could be found for the location you've entered.

Rates for Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories and Possessions are set by the Department of Defense .

Rates for foreign countries are set by the State Department .

2 Choose a date

Rates are available between 10/1/2021 and 09/30/2024.

The End Date of your trip can not occur before the Start Date.

Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations, unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where lodging is obtained.

Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries."

Per diem localities with county definitions shall include "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties (unless otherwise listed separately)."

When a military installation or Government - related facility(whether or not specifically named) is located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and / or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.

IMAGES

  1. The Most and Least Well-Traveled States in America

    state with least tourism

  2. What is the Economic Impact of Tourism in the U.S.?

    state with least tourism

  3. Survey Finds America's Most And Least Favorite States To Visit On Vacation

    state with least tourism

  4. The United States Map Of Each State's Least Favorite State

    state with least tourism

  5. Why America’s Least-Visited States Deserve a Spot on Your Bucket List

    state with least tourism

  6. How Many States Has the Average American Visited?

    state with least tourism

COMMENTS

  1. 20 Least-Visited States (and Why They're Worth Your Time)

    So, before you write off the majority of the Midwest, the South and parts of the last American frontier, check out this list of the 20 least-visited states, and take note as to why they're absolutely worth a visit. 20. Arkansas. Visitors: 41 million . Known as the Natural State, most visitors to Arkansas are taking their adventures outdoors.

  2. The 10 Least Visited States in the US

    According to numbers from state tourism authorities compiled by tour operator company Xola, these are the 10 least visited states in the country. In some cases the relatively lower traveler numbers are surprising compared to the state's reputation (at least until you consider the lengths that need to be taken to get there).

  3. Least-Visited States In America That Deserve a Spot on Your ...

    Here are the roads—and states—less traveled and why they should be next on your list. Sean Pavone/Shutterstock. 20. New Hampshire. Annual visitors: 12.8 million. Travel survey interest: 7.9% ...

  4. 9 Unpopular, Least Known, Least Visited States in the US

    4/ Delaware. Delaware is also one of the least visited states in the US, but that is full of amazing and one-of-a-kind experiences. This least talked about state has been making progress recently. This state has so much to offer visitors, from beaches and outdoor adventures to historical sites and cultural attractions.

  5. The five least-visited states in the US and why they deserve a bit more

    It's a huge country, so let's see what you might be missing. In 2018, the five least-visited states in the US had a combined 46.5 million visitors. To put that into context, in the same year, New York City alone welcomed over 65 million visitors, just over 13 million of whom were from outside of the US. To be fair, New York is one of the ...

  6. 12 Least Visited States In The US- Underrated Destinations

    This small-but-mighty state may be the first to ratify the Constitution, but it's often last on most travel bucket lists and as such, a natural fit for this list of least visited states in the US. Around 9 million domestic travelers and 60,000 foreigners dip their toes into Delaware waters or just stop by for a tax-free shopping spree.

  7. The Least-Visited States In America, And Why You Should Go ...

    10. North Dakota Annual visitors: 24 million Why you should visit: While most of the visitors to North Dakota these days are in the oil industry, 120 years ago the state had one very important guest: Theodore Roosevelt. And he loved his time on the badlands so much he: a) bought a ranch and moved there, and b) was inspired to grow our national park system by signing the Antiquities Act.

  8. The 5 Least Visited States in America, and Why You Should Go There

    5. Vermont. Known as the Green Mountain State, has the only opera you can go to in entire America at the Haskell Free Library and Opera House. The key reason why you should be visiting this State is for the maple savories. You will not taste a better maple creamy anywhere else on the globe. Catch the flight to US to the small state that boasts ...

  9. Which states have Americans visited, and which are their ...

    The five states visited by the smallest share of Americans are: Alaska (visited by 13% of Americans) North Dakota (15%) Idaho (19%) Montana (19%) Nebraska (19%) The survey also asked people to choose their favorite and least favorite state from among those they've been to.

  10. US tourism top states stats round-up post

    These are the top 10 least visited states in the U.S. — at least for now: Alaska: 2.26 million ; West Virginia: 3.96 million; Nebraska: 6.5 million; Wyoming: 8.1 million (Despite being one of the least visited states, record visitation at Yellowstone National Park in 2021 have propelled Wyoming's tourism industry forward.) Delaware: 9.2 million

  11. Visit the Most and Least-Traveled States in America

    10 Mississippi, America's least well-traveled state. Tourism is big business in Mississippi. In 2019, nearly 25 million people visited the Magnolia State, spending just under $7 billion. But for those who live in Mississippi, there's no place like home, and that earned them the title of least-traveled state in America.

  12. The Least Popular States to Visit in the U.S. (and Why You Should

    The skiing. Skiing accounts for a large portion of Vermont's tourism in any given year, and when you go to visit, you'll see why. Vermont is littered with beautiful mountains up and down the ...

  13. The States That Take The Least Vacation In The U.S.

    • The State That Travels The Least: South Dakota uses a national low of 4.3 vacation days to travel, or 26% of their time off. Not surprisingly, South Dakotans also report lower levels of ...

  14. Survey Finds America's Most And Least Favorite States To ...

    California. With everything from redwoods to Hollywood, beaches, mountains and wine country, California is the No. 2 favorite state to visit on vacation. 1. Florida. The Sunshine State topped the ...

  15. The Most Visited States In The United States

    The Least Visited U.S. States. Now that we know which U.S. states do the most visiting, it is interesting to find out which states did the least traveling. ... these are the states who travel the least in America. Coming in at #51 is West Virginia, which is followed on the list by Vermont, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and rounding out the below ...

  16. U.S. States, Ranked from Least to Most Fun

    In late 2018, the state unveiled its new tourism tagline: "Honestly, it's not for everyone." Where to have fun: The tagline is actually a joke, playing off the stereotypes people have of Nebraska being boring. ... Connecticut is considered to be one of the 10 least fun states in America. The state's relative scarcity of scenic byways, subpar ...

  17. The Most Popular US States for Tourism

    After California, Florida (No. 2), Nevada (No. 3), Texas (No. 4), and New York (No. 5) dominated over this list. Hawaii came in at No. 10 and Colorado took No. 16. But very few people want to ...

  18. Most visited states US 2022

    Most visited states in the U.S. 2022. Published by Statista Research Department , Nov 27, 2023. When surveyed in 2022, it was found that Florida and New York were the two most visited states by ...

  19. What state has least tourism?

    What state has the least tourism? Based on the data, Alaska is the state with the least tourism. Only 13 percent of respondents said they had visited Alaska, making it the least-visited state. What country has the least tourism? The least-visited countries in the world, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, include Tuvalu, …

  20. 10 Safest States in America

    Maine saw the lowest rate of violent crime in the FBI's data (109 per 100,000 in 2020), while Alaska saw the highest (838 per 100,000). Massachusetts saw the lowest rate of property crime in the ...

  21. Looking for hidden gems? These were the 20 least visited Oregon state

    A combined 533,554 people visited the 20 least visited park sites in 2023, according to data released by the Oregon Parks and Recreation and Department - less than a third of the number of ...

  22. The 50 Best Tourist Attractions in the U.S.

    White House and the National Mall: Washington, D.C. Built in 1800, the home of America's commander in chief is a top U.S. tourist attraction, as is the neighboring National Mall. While you can ...

  23. 25 States With Highest Tourism Revenue in the US

    The state also has many historic places, including the Ringwood Manor and Batsto Village. New Jersey has secured the ninth place on our list of 25 states with highest tourism revenue in the US. 7 ...

  24. I've been to all 50 states. These 8 are the most underrated.

    The state's also home to Voyageurs National Park, which has 100 miles of snowmobiling trails to ride in winter. Come summer, this water-based park is best explored by boat or kayak, and there's ...

  25. Sustainable tourism

    Tourism is also identified as one of the tools to "by 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries" as comprised in SDG target 14.7. In the Rio+20 outcome document The Future We want, sustainable tourism is defined by paragraph 130 as a significant contributor "to the three ...

  26. Biden hits the campaign trail after State of the Union address

    The president will travel to at least four states in a week, with stops in Pennsylvania, Georgia, New Hampshire and Michigan.

  27. Turbulence aboard flight hospitalizes 10, injures dozens of others

    At least 50 people were injured on the 787-9 aircraft, the New Zealand Herald reported earlier, citing an unidentified airline spokesperson. The flight landed at 4:26 p.m. local time, Latam said.

  28. White House officials to embark on post-State of the Union travel blitz

    Biden administration officials are kicking off a two-week travel blitz next week to sell President Biden's accomplishments and draw a contrast with former President Trump, the likely GOP nominee.

  29. Respiratory Virus Guidance

    Each year, respiratory viruses are responsible for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. In addition to the virus that causes COVID-19, there are many other types of respiratory viruses, including flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

  30. Privately owned vehicle (POV) mileage reimbursement rates

    An official website of the United States government. Here's how you know. ... Per diem rates look-up Allowances for lodging, meal and incidental costs while on official government travel. Mileage reimbursement rates Reimbursement rates for the use of your own vehicle while on official government travel. Technology