From New York to Nowhere: The Top 5 Most and Least Visited States
With so many states to explore, some Americans are eager to visit them all, while others prefer sticking to familiar places.
Data company YouGov compiled a list of the states Americans have visited the most and the least.
Find out if your favorite and least favorite states made the cut. New Yorkers, you have reason to be proud!
Top Destinations
YouGov ran a poll of 1,000 Americans to determine which states they love traveling to. They report the margin of error being approximately 3% for the entire diverse sample they chose.
These were their findings.
1: Florida
Say what you will about Florida, but it’s undeniably a desired vacation place. A whopping 61% of the Americans polled have visited the Sunshine State.
Disney World, white sand beaches, and a warm climate make Florida a hotspot for people seeking a getaway.
2: New York
Arguably the most quintessentially American state in the country, it’s no secret why New York is the second-most visited state.
The Big Apple’s bustling landscape is a famous setting for movies and TV shows, while Upstate New York offers outdoor enthusiasts countless hiking and snowmobile trails.
Fifty-five percent of poll participants reported having visited New York.
3: California
Life revolves around sunshine and good vibes in the Golden State, making California one of the most popular destinations for Americans.
With nine national parks, the Hollywood sign, and diverse landscapes, 54% of Americans have visited California.
4: Texas
Over half of Americans have traveled into the heart of Texas.
With major cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston, 52% of US residents have flocked to the state to see historic landmarks, experience unique southern charm, and take business trips.
5: Pennsylvania
From delicious cheesesteaks to defining landmarks of early American history, the Keystone State is popular among American visitors.
According to YouGov’s survey, 48% of Americans have been to Pennsylvania.
Least Visited States
And now, for the flip side. The US has a handful of states that don’t appear to be on many Americans’ bucket lists.
These are the top five least visited states.
1: Alaska
Given its remote location, it’s perhaps unsurprising that Alaska is the least visited state by Americans. Only 13% of participants in YouGov’s poll report having visited there.
But Americans who make the effort to travel to The Last Frontier will experience glorious nature and rich cultures.
2: North Dakota
Although North Dakota isn’t the first state on many Americans’ bucket lists, it has redeeming natural qualities.
Fifteen percent of Americans have visited the Flickertail State, experiencing enchanting landscapes and small-town charm that many fellow citizens are missing out on.
3: Idaho
Quick: Name something about Idaho. If you said potatoes, you’re not alone. But this seldom-visited state has more than meets the eye.
Need a reason to join the 19% of Americans who’ve visited? Idaho is home to the most soakable hot springs (aka “usable”) in the country.
4: Montana
With breathtaking Rocky Mountain and foothill views, Montana is a naturally beautiful state great for nature lovers.
Despite this, it joins Idaho with only 19% of Americans having visited it.
5: Nebraska
Like Idaho and Montana, only 19% of Americans have made their way to Nebraska.
This Midwestern state is home to vast stretches of farmland and is the birthplace of Kool-Aid.
Glaring Differences
A common thread among the least visited states is that they’re in Western or Midwestern parts of the country.
In contrast, all of the most visited states are along the coast.
Picking Favorites
In addition to gathering which states Americans have been to, YouGov’s poll asked participants to choose their favorite and least favorite states among those they’ve visited.
Four out of five of the most commonly visited US states garnered rave reviews from many, but they weren’t without naysayers who reported those states being their least favorite.
Love or Hate
Despite Hawaii being one of the states fewer Americans have visited, it landed in the top five for favorite destinations.
Even more impressive?
Fewer than 1% of people named Hawaii their least favorite state. On the other side of the country, only 1% of people called New Jersey their favorite state.
Walking on Sunshine
Aligning with its status as the “most visited” state by Americans, Florida was also the #1 favorite among those who’ve visited.
Following closely behind Florida were California, Hawaii, New York, and Texas.
Travel vs Armchair Travel
According to YouGov’s findings, Americans have been to an average of 17 states. Washington D.C. was also included in that number.
In contrast, less than 2% of Americans report having traveled to all 50 states and Washington D.C., and 11% have never crossed their home state’s border.
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