These 10 States Draw Most American Travelers—But One Surprise Jumped the Ranks

Nearly every American has traveled beyond their home state at some point, according to a new YouGov survey. In fact, 95% report visiting at least one other state, and on average, they’ve been to 16. Still, a handful of states capture the bulk of domestic travel, and the top five have stayed consistent over the last three years.

Yet below that stable surface, smaller shifts show where curiosity is creeping. Lesser-known destinations are inching upward while a few former staples fall behind. Here’s a clearer breakdown of where Americans are going—and where they’re not.

Top 10 Most-Visited States (Updated YouGov 2025 Data)

Based on national survey responses conducted April 18–21, 2025:

1. Florida – 65%
   Florida remains the most visited state in the country. Known for warm weather and accessible attractions, it broke records last year, with more than 90% of its tourists coming from within the U.S.
2. New York – 58%
   The combination of NYC’s tourism pull and upstate travel makes New York a consistent second.
3. Washington, D.C. – 54%
   Though not technically a state, D.C. holds its ground, especially among school and family trips.
4. Texas – 54%
   Texas ties with D.C. this year. Its geographic centrality and major cities keep it high on the list.
5. California – 53%
   Once a consistent number three, California’s slight dip still keeps it firmly in the top five.
6. Georgia – 49%
   With Atlanta’s airport as a common stopover, many Americans pass through or stay awhile.
7. Pennsylvania – 47%
   Historic cities and central proximity in the Northeast contribute to Pennsylvania’s high ranking.
8. Illinois – 46%
   Chicago alone drives the majority of Illinois’ visitor traffic.
9. Arizona – 45%
   Climbing steadily in recent years, Arizona benefits from a year-round travel calendar.
10. Nevada – 41%
    Anchored by Las Vegas, Nevada stays in the top 10 due to repeat visits and large conventions.

States That Americans Rarely Visit

At the other end of the spectrum, a handful of states have consistently low visitor rates. These numbers reflect either geographic isolation, limited accessibility, or low tourism infrastructure.

• Alaska – 12%
  Still the least visited state in the country. Despite its scenery and cruise traffic, its distance limits reach.
• North Dakota – 14%
  Remains second to last. Its low population and few national travel routes keep it off the map for many.
• New England Classics (Vermont – 18%, Maine – 19%, New Hampshire – 19%, Rhode Island – 19%)
  Although popular among East Coasters, its national reach is limited and landscapes may be repetitive.
• Montana – 19%
  Despite housing part of Yellowstone and wide-open national parks, many travelers skip over Montana, often flying into neighboring states or sticking to more direct routes.

Notably, Idaho and Nebraska, once in the bottom tier, have seen slight improvements and no longer sit in the five least visited.

States Gaining Momentum

While the top five haven’t changed, some states just outside the top tier are seeing consistent growth and may break through by the next survey:

• Colorado – 35%
  Outdoor tourism continues to boost travel numbers. Regional and national interest holds strong year-round.
• Massachusetts – 34%
  Boston remains a major draw, and statewide tourism marketing appears to be working.
• Utah – 27%
  National parks and road trip itineraries are putting Utah on more travel radars.
• Washington – 29%
  Seattle and nearby scenic drives keep the state trending slightly upward.
• South Carolina – 39%
  Beach destinations and growing Southern city tourism are boosting its numbers.

These states are gaining ground not through sweeping changes, but gradual expansion of domestic interest and improved accessibility from major hubs.

The Broader Trend

According to the YouGov results, the average American has visited 16 states, and only 5% say they’ve never left their current one. While travel still tends to cluster around major urban centers and coastal hubs, interest in inland and regional travel continues to grow.

States that were once skipped over are being added to road trips, long weekend itineraries, or secondary stops on business travel routes. Meanwhile, the least visited states will likely stay near the bottom unless infrastructure or exposure shifts significantly.

Cat Xu

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Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.

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