Traveling To All 50 States: Everything You Need To Know
Hello readers! Today’s post will cover the exciting topic of visiting all fifty states, as I’ve done exactly this.
I kicked off my challenge of visiting all fifty in 2012, intending to step foot in all of them by the age of thirty.
Visiting All 50 States: My Guidelines
I came up with the idea of visiting all fifty states before thirty on my own. At the time, I had not yet read my first travel blog or book.
For a visit to count, I needed to at least step foot or be in transit through it for hours. A layover at an airport without leaving didn’t count!
Now that you know how this slightly crazy idea of visiting all fifty states came about, some of you might be wondering, “Mischa, how did you pay and plan for this?”
Let me break it down:
First, my job in childcare allows me all holidays off. Second, I take a few extra days off around a holiday to maximize my travel time. Third, I stay in hostels or motels to cut costs.
I also use public transportation, redeem train or airline miles, use cash-back credit cards with generous signup bonuses, and strictly limit spending on going out when I’m not traveling.
Traveling To All 50: The States Themselves
Now that you have some background on my domestic travels, I will list the states in the order in which I’ve visited them.
The front of Union Station, Washington, DC’s main train station
1. Washington, DC
Although not a state, Washington, DC is where I’m from. From walks around the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial to taking the Metrorail through every station, I’ve seen it all!
If you want to engage in fun, lesser-known activities, I suggest taking a stroll through City Center DC. City Center DC is the name of a three-block stretch of luxury apartment buildings near Gallery Place Chinatown that has shops, cafes, restaurants, fountains, decorations that change with the seasons, and a large screen that displays digital art.
I also suggest walking along the U Street corridor, H Street corridor, NoMa, Union Market, Dupont Circle, Tenley Circle, Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, Friendship Heights, the Wharf, Navy Yard, and Eastern Market. They are mostly trendy neighborhoods filled with bars, restaurants, cafes, and street art.
2. Maryland
As Maryland is the first state I’ve lived in, I’ve seen a fair deal. From Silver Spring, just outside of Washington, DC to childhood trips to the Town of North Beach along the Chesapeake Bay.
Silver Spring almost feels like an extension of Washington, DC, whereas North Beach is a small charming beach town.
No visit to North Beach Is complete without trying crab cakes! We used to go to Mango’s Bar and Grill, which has since closed, but there are plenty of other restaurants that serve them.
Maryland has two nicknames, the Old Line State and Free State.
3. Virginia
The Mother of All States is the second state I’ve lived in. I’ve seen a good deal there, but mostly in Northern Virginia.
As close as Arlington, Virginia is to Washington, DC, it has a different feel. One well-known landmark is the Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place of over three hundred thousand veterans of every American conflict.
Arlington feels like a mix of urban and suburban.
A view of Downtown Philadelphia from a bus along the Schuylkill River
4. Pennsylvania
The Keystone State is one of the first few states that I’ve seen because my Grandparents live there.
Philadelphia should be on your list of places to visit because the city is filled with history, as well as a foodie’s paradise. Think Philly cheesesteaks and pizza! One amazing place where you can get both is Angelo’s Pizzeria in Little Italy.
5. Florida
The Sunshine State is one of the first few states that I’ve been to because we used to take family trips there.
We went to Miami most of the time. We’ve also been to Naples, as well as the Everglades, where I tried an alligator burger. If you’re wondering what an alligator burger tastes like, it tastes similar to chicken!
I’ve also been to Jacksonville, which is the largest city in the forty-eight Continental United States in terms of area. Only Alaska has cities that cover more square mileage.
A view of Downtown San Diego across the bay from Shelter Island
6. California
I’ve been to the Golden State many times, from San Diego in the South to San Francisco in the North. From vibrant cities to deserts, beaches, and redwood forests, California has it all.
Views of Manhattan from the One World Trade Center in New York City
7. New York
I’ve only been to New York City thus far, but it should be on your bucket list!
The Empire State has much to offer outside of New York City as well, including Niagara Falls, which straddles the border between the United States and Canada.
8. North Carolina
Although I haven’t seen much of the Old North State, we’ve passed through many times on family trips to Florida. Sometimes we would spend a night in a motel on the way.
If I were to revisit North Carolina, I’d go to Asheville, a city in the Northwestern part of the state’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The city is known for its vibrant arts scene and craft beer, as well as its historic architecture, including the dome-topped Basilica of Saint Lawrence.
9. South Carolina
We’ve passed through the Palmetto State many times on family trips to Florida.
If I were to revisit South Carolina I’d go to Charleston, a city known for its picturesque architecture, rich history, and colorful streets.
Rainbow Row, a street and beloved landmark in Charleston’s historic district has been painted in various pastel colors for about three centuries.
10. Georgia
We’ve passed through the Peach State on family trips to Florida, including a stopover in Savannah, a historic city worth seeing.
I’ve also been to Atlanta once to explore the city.
11. Delaware
We’ve passed through the First State, Delaware’s official nickname many times on our way to Pennsylvania to see my Grandparents.
I’ve stopped there once to explore Wilmington on a day trip. It’s worth a visit to explore Little Italy, a charming neighborhood with a rich history.
Although much of Wilmington felt unsafe, Little Italy along Union Street and Downtown along Market Street felt safe. They are both vibrant neighborhoods full of shops and restaurants.
12. Ohio
When I moved to Michigan with my Mother years ago, we had to drive through the Buckeye State. I’ve also spent a night at a motel in Ohio once when my Father drove me to Michigan to drop me off.
If I were to revisit Ohio, I’d go to Columbus and visit places like the Scioto Mile, a string of parks on both sides of the Scioto River. There you can find a huge interactive fountain and trails.
I would also visit the Columbus Museum of Art, which includes American and European paintings and a sculpture garden.
13. Michigan
I’ve lived in Michigan for a year. I’ve seen bits of cities like Lansing, Detroit, and Ann Arbor on the outskirts of Detroit.
I’ve also visited Lake Michigan, which is one reason Michigan is nicknamed the Great Lakes State.
If I were to revisit Michigan, I’d go to Mackinac Island and try the world-famous Mackinac fudge, straight from the source!
14. Indiana
Although my Stepfather’s parents live in the Hoosier State, I haven’t seen much of it besides the city where they live.
If I were to revisit Indiana, I’d visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, which is among the oldest and largest art museums in the United States.
The museum traces its roots to the Art Association of Indianapolis, which was founded in 1883.
15. New Jersey
I’ve been to New Jersey a few times to visit a relative who lived in Princeton.
The Garden State is home to well-known beach towns, such as Ocean City. There is also Atlantic City, a resort city that is known for its casinos, iconic boardwalk, and beaches.
16. Connecticut
Although I’ve only been through the Constitution State by train, I’d love to go back eventually and try pizza in New Haven, which is supposedly some of the best in the country.
17. Rhode Island
I’ve been to the Ocean State once, which is the smallest in terms of area. I went to Providence, the largest city in the state.
Providence is an old city by US standards, founded in 1636 by rebel preacher Roger Williams, who was forced to flee Massachusetts due to religious persecution. The city is known for its thriving arts scene among other things.
18. New Hampshire
I went to Manchester, which is the largest city in New Hampshire, as well as the largest city North of Boston.
Did you know that New Hampshire is nicknamed the Granite State, for its granite formations and quarries?
19. Vermont
I’ve been to the Green Mountain State once. I took a train to Burlington, which is Vermont’s biggest city, surrounded by mountains and nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain.
Although more like a small town, it’s worth a visit. No visit to Burlington is complete without a walk through the pedestrian-only Church Street Market, which has over one hundred shops and restaurants, as well as year-round events!
20. Maine
Known as the Pine Tree State, I once took a bus trip to Portland.
Although Portland is Maine’s largest city, it’s relatively small, but it should be on your bucket list if you fancy craft beer, lobster, historical architecture, lighthouses, and a vibrant arts scene. I suggest trying a lobster sandwich at Three Dollar Deweys, a historic alehouse in the Old Port District.
21. West Virginia
I’ve been to the Mountain State a few times. I’ve been to Shepherdstown with my family to visit an old friend who lived there, I’ve been through Harpers Ferry during some of my train trips across the country, and I’ve once taken a trip to Morgantown in a Cessna that seats six people!
Morgantown is worth a visit if you like college towns. West Virginia University keeps the city vibrant with arts, outdoor activities, and sports. Don’t forget to try out the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT), which is almost like a tiny skytrain system and a fun way to get around town!
22. Tennessee
I’ve taken a trip to the Volunteer State once by bus. I went to Knoxville, one of the less touristy cities, in comparison to Memphis and Nashville.
If visiting Knoxville, going to the top of the Sunsphere Tower is a must if you enjoy looking at city skylines from various observation decks. I also recommend going to French Market Creperie if you enjoy bakeries. If you like street art, make sure to wander through Strong Alley.
23. Kentucky
I once took a trip to the Bluegrass State from Washington, DC by bus. I went to Lexington and tried a local bourbon called Woodford Reserve.
Kentucky is well-known for its bourbon production.
If I go again, I’d like to see the Kentucky Derby in Lexington and visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, which is a “must” for baseball fans!
24. Massachusetts
I’ve been to the Bay State a couple of times on short spontaneous trips.
I’ve only been to Boston, which is a city rich in history. In addition to being the birthplace of the American Revolution, Boston is home to famous universities, as well as the oldest municipally-funded lending library in the country.
The Boston Common is also the oldest public park in the nation. One of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods, Beacon Hill, has some of the finest examples of Federal-style brick row houses in the country and Charles Street is a great place to start exploring them.
25. Alabama
I’ve passed through the Yellowhammer State once as I was in transit from Washington, DC to the West Coast.
If I were to revisit Alabama, I would visit the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, which is one of the most popular attractions in the state and one of the biggest museums of its kind.
26. Louisiana
I’ve been to the Bayou State once as I was in transit across the country.
I had an overnight stopover in New Orleans and I went to a restaurant called Borgne, which has apparently closed down since my visit, to try gumbo. Gumbo, a hearty stew made with various meats and fish, as well as vegetables, is the most traditional dish in New Orleans.
I found it intriguing to see the Norfolk Southern Lake Pontchartrain Bridge that goes over Lake Pontchartrain between New Orleans and Slidell. It is the longest rail bridge in the United States and runs parallel to the Maestri Bridge.
27. Mississippi
I once transited through the Magnolia State on a cross-country trip from Washington.
Mississippi is the birthplace of Elvis Presley and there is a museum dedicated to him in Tupelo, which is also listed on the Mississippi Blues Trail.
There is Vicksburg National Military Park, which is arguably Mississippi’s most renowned historical attraction and jam-packed with history as far as the Civil War.
28. Texas
I’ve been to the Lone Star State a few times. I’ve spent a few days in Austin and Houston, landed in El Paso where I got picked up to go to New Mexico, and I’ve transited through Texas countless times.
Texas is the biggest state in the lower forty-eight. The lower forty-eight refers to the forty-eight Continental United States, which excludes Alaska and Hawaii, as they aren’t attached to the mainland. Only Alaska is larger than Texas by area, not population.
Major cities like Dallas have the Paved Katy Trail and Dallas Cowboys, as well as the Reunion Tower.
Houston is the 9th largest city by area and 4th by population in the country. Houston also has a space center for anyone interested in aeronautics.
The Texas State Capitol in Austin is the largest Capitol building in the United States, but not the tallest. The Louisiana State Capitol holds that title! Austin is home to Sixth Street, sometimes called “Dirty Sixth,” which is famously filled with bars and live music.
The Alamo in San Antonio is one of the most famous historic sites in the United States and you also have the Tower of the Americas.
Those are a few of the many things Texas has!
29. New Mexico
I’ve been to the Land of Enchantment a couple of times. I went to Silver City, a small town that is not far from El Paso, Texas. I’ve also been to Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
If you want to see an authentic and unique city, make sure not to miss Santa Fe if you are in Albuquerque. It’s an easy day trip.
Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the United States, dating back to the early 1600s. It was the country’s first UNESCO-designated Creative City, the food and arts scene are thriving, and Santa Fe has more low-rise adobe brick buildings than any other city in the United States. There is also the Margarita Trail, a one-of-a-kind experience that allows you to taste the fifty-best margaritas in the world.
Albuquerque is well-known for its International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place in the first two weeks of October. It is also known for Historic Route 66 and Old Town Albuquerque.
30. Arizona
I once went to Arizona to visit a family friend on the outskirts of Phoenix. We drove to Phoenix from Silver City, a small town in New Mexico, so we passed through a lot of villages and deserts in Arizona along the way.
Although I didn’t get to see the Grand Canyon, it’s a major bucket list site that I’m sure you’ve heard of many times, which is why Arizona is nicknamed the Grand Canyon State!
31. Nevada
I transited through the Silver State once on a cross-country trip.
There is Las Vegas for anyone who wants to try their hand at gambling. There is also the Hoover Dam, constructed between 1930 and 1936, which is the highest concrete gravity-arch dam in the United States.
32. Utah
The Beehive State is another state that I’ve transited through on multiple cross-country train trips.
A few sites of interest are Park City, a former coal mining epicenter, and a playground for the affluent or outdoorsy type.
There is also Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dinosaur National Monument, and Monument Valley.
33. Colorado
When I visited the Centennial State, I went to Denver. While I was there, I took a day trip to Golden, where you can get great views of Denver from Lookout Mountain. The summit of the mountain is famous as the gravesite of William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody.
Colorado also has Rocky Mountain National Park, which is one of the most visited attractions in the state. If you’re a foodie and feeling a little brave, make sure to try Rocky Mountain Oysters!
34. Kansas
I’ve been through the Sunflower State on a cross-country train trip.
Did you know that Smith County is the geographical center of the forty-eight contiguous states?
For the foodies, Kansas City has its unique version of a taco called “Kansas City Tacos” where they use parmesan cheese instead of cheddar. I would love to try them!
Kansas is also home to the Museum of World Treasures.