When the world shut down in 2020, so many aspects of everyone’s lives were affected. From school, work or shopping, it seemed like we would never be able to go back to the way things were before. One of the things I was most concerned about was traveling.
Ever since I was little, travel has been a huge part of my life. I remember seeing snow for the first time while visiting my family in Cleveland, Ohio, and making long road trips across several states with my little brother crying the entire time. I have been so lucky to travel to so many incredible places throughout the world and within the United States. This past summer my family went to Alaska, my 49th state. This was such an incredible experience and has turned me into a self-proclaimed travel agent, so keep reading for my list of the top three states to travel to in 2023 (apologies in advance to anyone looking for a sign to go to Hawaii, I’m still waiting to get there too)!
3. Massachusetts
This may be one of the oldest states in the US, but it’s certainly one of the best to visit in the modern day! Massachusetts is a beautiful state with lots of New England charm.
Towns such as Cape Cod really capture the essence of the region and should be on the top of your bucket list. Not too far from the mainland is Martha’s Vineyard, a historic island with beautiful architecture, great shopping and some of the best food the US has to offer.
The big-ticket item of Massachusetts is its most prominent city: Boston. This city is in my top three cities in the US, and for good reason. It is packed with history and is home to so many historical landmarks from the early days of the United States. The streets are marked to indicate Paul Revere’s ride to warn revolutionaries about the British attack and there seems to be a new fact at every corner.
Even if you are not the biggest baseball fan, I highly encourage you to go to a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park. This is the most iconic baseball park in the country, and this is coming from a Tampa Bay Rays fan. The atmosphere around every game just can’t be topped and this is bound to be a highlight of anyone’s Massachusetts vacation.
2. Wyoming
Now this state may have a running joke saying it doesn’t exist, but that is far from the truth. Wyoming is a uniquely beautiful state with so many amazing natural wonders. Wyoming is home to two national parks, eight national forests and 12 state parks. My top three destinations within this gorgeous state are Yellowstone, Jackson Hole and Grand Teton.
Yellowstone National Park is in the northwest corner of the state and is an expansive environment, covering 3,471 square miles. There is wildlife everywhere you look, including various species of bear and lots of bison. I remember the surreal moment of being in a traffic standstill because there was a herd of bison crossing the street! From geysers to mountains, the landscape is more and more beautiful at every turn and something I hope everyone can experience.
The next place on my list is Jackson Hole. This town is in the west of the state and is straight out of a movie. It has that old-western feel and is occupied by some of the kindest people I have ever met. The town is suited for tourists without feeling tacky, which is hard to find nowadays and is very appreciated. This is also a ski town in the spring and winter with lots of great slopes surrounding it! In the summer and fall, there are lots to do, such as attending a rodeo or shopping in this charming and picturesque town.
My final must-visit spot in Wyoming is Grand Teton National Park. This is the most beautiful place I have ever been, and it’s going to take a lot to top it. Grand Teton is a massive mountain range located in western Wyoming just north of Jackson Hole. The snow-capped mountains are visible year-round and can even be seen from the neighboring state of Idaho. I would recommend entering the park and driving up close to the mountains to really grasp the sheer magnitude of the natural wonder in front of you. This is a one-of-a-kind location and one everyone should try to see in their lifetime.
1. Utah
I feel as though Utah is not spoken of enough, especially being as unique as it is. Utah is truly magnificent and is home to so many different environments that it is difficult to imagine them all in the same state. Want to go skiing in the spring? No problem! What about dune racing? Yep, you can do it in the same season! This state is truly one-of-a-kind and is home to five national parks, six national forests and 43 state parks.
As someone born and raised in Florida, skiing and snowboarding is a daunting adventure, but I had the time of my life doing it in Park City, Utah! This ski town is one of the most popular ones in the United States, and for good reason! It is highly accessible, being only an hour’s car ride outside of the state capital Salt Lake City and was a hosting location for the 2002 Winter Olympics. The slopes are easily navigable and never too crowded as there are so many different locations. I had only skied once before this trip, and I felt perfectly comfortable on the slopes and with the awesome people working there. Not quite ready to ski or snowboard? No worries, as there are a ton of other amazing activities like ice skating and snowmobiling!
The other location in Utah that I must include is Moab. This small town is in the eastern part of the state and has lots of charm, great restaurants and shopping, but this isn’t the main reason to visit. Just outside of Moab are two amazing national parks: Arches and Canyonlands.
Canyonlands is the largest national park in Utah with so much to see. There are vast canyons as far as the eye can see, made up of beautiful red rock. My family spent an entire day here in complete disbelief that this is a real place, not something out of Star Wars. There are hiking trails that aren’t too difficult for the average traveler and allow you to see so much more than just outside the car window.
Right next to Canyonlands is my favorite national park, Arches. Words really can’t describe how unique Arches truly is. I never really appreciated how amazing nature is until I visited this insanely magnificent park. The name certainly matches the description, as there are over 2,000 documented natural arches in the park. These arches come in many different sizes and every one of them makes you question how it is even possible for the earth to look like this. Like I said before, words can’t even describe how amazing the nature of this park is. The hiking trails are a bit more difficult, but if you can manage, do it. The best view I have ever had was after climbing a massive rock wall to look for miles over the park, taking in all the natural beauty it had to offer.
I have been fortunate enough to travel to so many amazing places in the United States. I absolutely love making memories along the way, and I hope others can do the same in their travel adventures in 2023. Happy traveling!
Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube and Pinterest!