Regions and States of the United States

New England

States: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Six small states in the northeast, bordering Canada. This is where the history of what would one day become the United States of America began. Beyond Boston, the major metropolis, lies a rugged land of mountains, lakes, and forests, sparsely populated overall and not heavily visited by foreign tourists.

• New England Guide

East Coast

States: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington DC.

This is the region of New York, Washington DC, and other major urban areas in this part of the country, also known as "The Mid-Atlantic", situated between New England and the first Southern states. A major tourist destination that isn’t limited to just NYC or cities...

• East Coast Guide

Florida

Sometimes very close to the Caribbean or Latin America, Florida maintains its tourist image with its beaches, seaside resorts, and theme parks. But it’s also home to wild nature, with forests and swamps (the famous Everglades) that shelter rich and diverse wildlife.

• Florida Guide

Southern United States

States: Alabama, Arkansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia.

Nicknamed "Dixie", this part of the country has a heritage and culture quite distinct from other U.S. regions. That doesn’t necessarily make it a top tourist destination, though.

• Southern United States Guide

Texas

The second-largest state in the Union (after Alaska) and the second-most populous (after California), Texas is also the only one to have been an independent republic for a time. Culturally and touristically, it sits at the crossroads of the South, Mexico, and the American West, giving the "Lone Star State"—as it calls itself—a unique and distinctive character.

• Texas Guide

Midwest and Great Plains

States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin (Midwest), plus North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma (Great Plains).

This is the vast region between the East and West of the United States. Flat and monotonous overall, it’s often seen as little more than a transit zone, though a few places (starting with Chicago) are worth stopping for.

• Midwest and Great Plains Guide

The American West

States: Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah (Southwest), Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming (Rockies).

The Southwest and the Rockies... this is the America of wide-open spaces, deserts, mountains, and forests. It’s home to some of the country’s most stunning natural parks and sites, making it a must-visit for any trip to the U.S.

• American West Guide

California

Part of the American West, California is nevertheless a world unto itself in many ways, including tourism. This state is a must-visit when exploring the States, offering a perfect blend of nature, adventure, culture, and relaxation that can satisfy every type of traveler...

• California Guide

Pacific Northwest

States: Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

Between California and Canada, facing the ocean, the "Pacific Northwest" is a wild land of mountains, forests, and rugged coastlines. A perfect place for nature lovers, though it can be demanding for those who want to explore it...

• Pacific Northwest Guide

Alaska

Undeniably, "The Last Frontier" (the state’s nickname) has little in common with the rest of the country. Beyond its unique history and culture, Alaska remains an incredible nature and adventure destination, one of a kind, sure to delight lovers of wide-open spaces and outdoor activities. Though it’s true that making the most of it requires effort or a certain budget.

• Alaska Guide

Hawaii

This small piece of American land in the heart of the Pacific offers a different vision of the United States, one that could almost make you forget which country you’re in. Nature—and especially volcanoes—has created stunning landscapes here, while the ocean has become the playground of surfers from around the world. For many, Hawaii remains synonymous with relaxation and vacationing in an idyllic setting...

• Hawaii Guide

The United States in 50 States

The 50 states that make up the United States (plus Washington D.C.), each with its two-letter code, the date and order of admission to the Union, the capital (often not the largest city), the population in millions (2015), and the area in square kilometers. The "tourist interest" (rated out of 4 stars) covers nature, culture, and beach relaxation, along with the VoyageForum guide where the state is covered in detail.

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