We want to hear from you! Chime in and let us know which state you think deserves to be called, “The Most Spirited State in America.” Our top 10 list below comprises the most-searched-for states on TravelChannel.com, but don’t let that stop you from suggesting a state that might not be listed. Just choose a state and type it in the comment section at the bottom of our list. Feel free to tell us why you chose a particular state as your favorite and why you think its locals have the most spirit. We created the list, now you make the call!
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People who live in the Golden State have a lot to brag about, including Redwood National Park, Disneyland, SeaWorld San Diego, the General Sherman Tree, Venice Beach, Big Sur, Death Valley, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park. In addition to having some of the best beaches in the US, California is known for its world-class cities, including LA, San Francisco and San Diego. And we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills. So now we’re curious to know: Do you think Cali has the most state spirit?
The Sunshine State has something for everyone. College students party in Daytona Beach and Panama City Beach. Families enjoy the magic of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. And Miami has easily become an adult playground where locals and tourists visit Lincoln Road for high-end shopping, party at some of the best bars on Ocean Drive and let the clear-blue water lap at their feet on sandy South Beach. With all these awesome attributes, why wouldn’t you choose Florida as the state with the most spirit?
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the cowboy hats, the hair, the oil industry and even the state’s well-renowned fair, The Big Tex. The Lone Star State is home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, Austin’s hot music scene, Houston Space Center, the Alamo, SeaWorld of Texas, delicious BBQ, South Padre Island and Big Bend National Park. Texas is the birthplace of several political figures, including 2 past US presidents, and the state’s incredible history has been an integral part of America’s rich history. But does America’s largest state have the biggest spirit? You be the judge.
The ultimate compliment to any state is when rapper Jay-Z and singer Alicia Keys pay homage to one of the world’s biggest tourist attractions, New York City. Aside from the Big Apple, New York State has many other popular attractions, including Niagara Falls, Lake Placid, Watkins Glen State Park and the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Speaking of sports, the Empire State is a mecca for loyal sports fans who root for their favorite teams, like the Yankees, Giants, Jets, Rangers, Islanders, Jets and Knicks.
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lancaster, Allentown, Reading and the Poconos are a few reasons why tourists flock to Pennsylvania for vacation. Other notable spots for the Keystone State to brag about include the chocolate wonderland of Hersheypark, as well as Dorney Park, Lake Erie, King of Prussia Shopping Mall, Philly’s historic district, the Philly cheesesteak sandwich, Gettysburg National Military Park and Eastern State Penitentiary. We could go on, but we’ve given locals in Pennsylvania ample reasons why they should root for their home state.
Although it usually gets socked with some nasty winter weather, Illinois still attracts tens of millions of tourists each year. What tourist attractions give the Prairie State its biggest bragging rights? We recommend taking the Blues by Night Tour in Chicago. Also be sure to take the family to Six Flags America or Raging Rivers WaterPark, go boating on Lake Shelbyville, watch a race at the Gateway International Raceway or visit the Super Museum, which features a collection of Superman memorabilia. And a trip to Illinois isn’t complete without exploring Chicago, aka the Windy City. Don’t blow their hopes away. Show Illinois some love if you think the Land of Lincoln has the most state spirit!
Yup, Ohio made our list. Some people may not realize it, but the Buckeye State has a lot to keep travelers busy, including Cedar Point amusement park, Cleveland Museum of Art, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, PlayhouseSquare, River Downs Racetrack, Pro Football Hall of Fame, Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Franklin Park Conservatory, Paramount’s Kings Island and much more. With all these cool places to visit, Ohio has to be the state with the most spirit, right?
Does Washington have the wow factor and the most state spirit? One thing we do know is that the Evergreen State’s natural beauty is off the charts and a prime destination for outdoors enthusiasts. Visit majestic Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. We also recommend Seattle’s Pike Place Market and Space Needle, Spokane’s Riverfront Park, and for a scenic road trip, take a drive on Mount Baker Highway or the North Cascades Scenic Highway. Do you think?
The CNN Center, the Atlanta Falcons, Savannah’s city squares, the World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, Stone Mountain Park, Pebble Hill Plantation, Amicalola Falls, Jekyll Island, Fox Theater, Sea Island Golf Club and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site are all reasons why locals are proud of the Peach State. Locals here have more pride than you can shake a stick at. Does Georgia get your vote?
Think other states have more spirit? Fuhgeddaboudit! Although the Jersey Shore has been its claim to fame, there’s so much more to the Garden State. Get the full Jersey experience and visit hot tourist destinations like Cape May, Ocean City, Atlantic City, Cowtown Rodeo, Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari, Wildwoods, the New Jersey Motorsports Park, Adventure Aquarium and Liberty State Park. C’mon Jerseyites, show your neighbor north who’s really got the most state spirit!
