Have you ever wondered where the best vacation states in the US are? I think it is an important question because at the end of the day, you go to certain places because you are looking for something specific to do.

When thinking about the most popular state for a vacation-not saying the others aren’t great of course. There are two that come to my mind in seconds and California. We can start with either one, so let’s start with Florida.

Florida has beaches, theme parks, and “sunshine weather” all throughout the year, especially in the summer. With the help of beautiful weather, you can go to Disney World, and Key West, and those are just some of the great wonders of Florida. According to Riverbanks News, “Florida is the most fun state in 2024, leading the country when it comes to the number of restaurants, amusement parks, arcades and music festivals per capita.” 

But, it isn’t just the weather and popular spots that are visited, there are also restaurants and music festivals. Florida even goes above and beyond by doing live concerts in a restaurant so you can experience both! According to visitFLORIDA. “The Aquamen underwater burlesque show has mermen strutting their stuff to a DJ in an adults-only performance on select nights. Sip crafted cocktails and enjoy happy hour specials with your fave gal pals, then catch a photo op with the Aquaman of your dreams.”

 So all in all, Florida really has everything you’re looking for when it comes to taking a vacation.

The next state that is neck and neck with Florida is California. As I stated at the beginning, before we talk about why people even bother to go to California to take a vacation, we need to talk about why it even comes close to Florida because not many states do. There are many reasons why, but a few of them are the weather, beaches, and amazing places to go to like DisneyLand. But even though there are some similarities between them, we can’t forget that there are so many things that make it its own unique vacation state.

For starters, California has many wonderful beaches that are perfect if you like water sports like surfing, swimming, and volleyball. According to Celebrity Cruises, “Whether you’re looking to play beach volleyball, try some watersports, indulge in a good book, or jump in the Pacific for an invigorating swim, Mission Beach has it all.”

There are also famous landmarks you can visit like the Golden Gate Bridge and Hollywood, which can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I mean, wouldn’t it be cool to be able to tell people that you got to meet a famous actor or actress? According to Celebrity Cruises, “ From famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hollywood sign to the Golden State’s rich outdoor opportunities, this eclectic state makes for a well-rounded vacation.”

The third most popular vacation state in the US is one that brings in a lot of tourism – Nevada. Nevada has a lot of clubs, casinos and hotels. But the main thing that brings people here is Las Vegas, which is something some people dream about going to. I mean, why wouldn’t you want to? You can go to Theme Parks, tours, and mountains. Other than Las Vegas, you can also go rock climbing in Nevada. According to NEWS4, “Nevada has more mountain ranges than any other state in the U.S. Las Vegas has more hotel rooms than any other city on Earth. 15 of the top 25 largest hotels in the world reside in Las Vegas.”

Do you like rodeos? If you do, Texas is the place for you. In Texas, you can do line dancing, go to a barbecue, or even learn a little fascinating history on your vacation. Some could even say that you would become a cowboy or cowgirl for a few weeks! More fun things to do in Texas are going to national/state parks and islands. One of the most popular towns within the state is Houston. Houston offers lots of different historical museums and barbecue destinations. It even offers zoos and many children’s museums. According to Travel U.S. News, “ Houston offers travelers a finger-licking good time.” Wow, Texas really is a great vacation state for people of all ages.

The last, but definitely not the least, is New York. For starters, New York is a big city that many people live in so it has many endless treasures to offer. For example, you can go horseback riding along the Long Island Shoreline, if you even like horseback riding in general, you can visit Niagra Falls, or tour one of the many villages. But that’s not all New York offers, you can go to museums/cultural institutions.  There are even outdoor adventures for parents and kids to do together. According to Central News Travelers,” Chinatown is one of the neighborhoods that makes lower Manhattan vibrant and unforgettable. After surfacing from the steps of the Canal Street subway station onto the sidewalk, meandering past thick crowds, neon light shops, and vendors peddling fake designer bags, you’ll find yourself in the narrow streets of Chinatown.” Even though New York is last, it definitely doesn’t disappoint.

All five of these states, no matter the order, offer a little something for people who are looking for a vacation. From going to a rodeo to even Disneyland, there will be something that you and your family & friends can enjoy!