Big, sprawling cities, vast national parks, and white sandy beaches: the USA really does have it all. Whatever you’re looking for in a holiday, the US can offer it, which is why it’s such a top travel destination for travelers all around the world.
With each state unique in its culture, food, and attractions, you’ll enjoy a different experience in each one. With that in mind, we wanted to see which states were the most popular to visit, so we analyzed search data for flights across 72 countries to find out which states are the most popular. Read on, and see if you’ve visited any of these…
1. New York
Featuring in the top five across 69 countries, New York has comfortably made it into first place as the world’s most visited state. In fact, it ranked first in 21 countries, including the UK, Netherlands, and Norway in Europe; in addition to Canada, South Africa, and Mexico. It also came second in 40 countries, including Japan, Brazil, Australia, and Germany.
Most people visiting New York will head straight to New York City, to see some of the most famous sights in the world, including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Central Park. However, there’s so much more to see outside of NYC – for example, Adirondack Park, which is home to more than 10,000 lakes, and Niagara Falls, with the American side often less touristy than the Canadian side.
Surprisingly to some, New York is also one of the best baby-friendly vacation destinations in the US.
2. Pennsylvania
Featuring in 61 countries’ top five, Pennsylvania is officially the second most popular state. It’s topped the list in 28 countries, including Germany, France, Sweden, and Israel, and second in 16 countries, including the UAE, Qatar, South Africa, and the UK.
With Philadelphia and Pittsburgh the two largest cities in the state, it’s estimated 36.2 million people visited Philadelphia in 2021, with its biggest attractions including the Liberty Bell, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and of course, digging into a Philly cheese steak.
Outside of its cities, Pennsylvania’s well-known for its Amish community, and if you head to downtown Lancaster, you can purchase their produce at one of the food markets.
3. Hawaii
With 52 countries featuring it in their top five, Hawaii comes in a respectable third position. It’s come top in seven countries, including China, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, and second in the Philippines and Ghana.
With its beautiful beaches and breath-taking scenery, there’s no other state quite like Hawaii, and it’s particularly popular with honeymooners.
Enjoy snorkeling, surfing, and swimming at some of the best beaches in the world, including the famous Waikiki Beach on Oahu, or spend the day hiking at Hawai’I Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll get to see craters, crystals, and even rainforest.
4. Michigan
10 countries’ most visited state is Michigan – interestingly, all of which are located in south and central America, including Colombia, Argentina, Costa Rica, and Honduras. Mexico, Belgium, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica all voted it second, and with Michigan being rated third, fourth, and fifth in 33 countries, it’s made its way into fourth place.
With Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing some of the bigger cities in Michigan, tourists often fly into these cities. However, it’s Michigan’s countryside that makes it so popular. For example, you could catch a ferry and step back in time at Mackinac Island, or visit the Isle Royale National Park, where you can discover an abundance of wildlife, not to mention the wide variety of streams, lakes, and forest.
5. Florida
Rounding up our top five most visited states is Florida, with it featuring in the top five in 35 countries. It’s come top in Libya and Uruguay, and second in China and Canada, and its main draw is Orlando, which is home to several theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld.
However, Miami is also a great place for tourists, with its long stretches of sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and easy access to the Everglades, where you can spot a ton of wildlife, including alligators, panthers, and even black bears.
Which other states have been visited the most?
Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, and California all made it into the top 10. Alabama has placed top five in 29 countries, with it the most visited state in Ethiopia, and third in eight countries, including Latvia, Estonia, and Chile.
Arkansas makes it into the top five in 17 countries, and Connecticut in 12 countries; and if you’re visiting Connecticut, make sure you catch a polo match at Greenwich Polo Club, and tuck into a world-famous lobster role.
Georgia makes it into ninth place, with Atlanta the busiest airport in the world, and the city home to numerous attractions, including Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca-Cola.
California – one of the USA’s most naturally beautiful states – rounds off the top 10, and is the third most visited state for Libyans, the fourth most visited for Australians, New Zealanders, and Filipinos, and the fifth most visited in three countries: Uruguay, India, and Malaysia. A trip to California features something for everyone: not only can you visit the big cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, but you can visit sandy beaches, and spend a few days at Yosemite National Park, which is home to Yosemite Falls (one of the tallest waterfalls in the world), and Glacier Point, which stands tall at over 7,000 feet.
There are nine other states that have also made it into the top five across the world. Alaska is featured in four countries: Indonesia, Ethiopia, Mexico, and Germany. Arizona and Iowa have both made it into the top five in two countries, North Carolina, New Jersey, and Idaho in two, and Ohio, Texas, and Louisiana in one (Finland, Bangladesh, and Nicaragua, respectively).
Want to take more of this beautiful country in? How about driving across America on one of the most scenic drives in the United States – we’ve documented them for you.
If you’ve read this and are now itching to discover more of the beautiful USA, then you’re not alone! Whether you’re ready for a slice of the action in the big apple, or want to climb volcanoes in Hawaii, wherever you fly to, you’ll need to book your airport parking – we have parking at airports throughout the country, including Atlanta, Chicago, and San Francisco.
And, if you’ve got an early flight out or a late one back, we’ve got you covered too – just book one of our hotel and parking packages to save some extra cash, which you can put towards your spending money.
