Are We Not There Yet?
Not every state can be a showstopper—and according to tourists, some are more “meh” than memorable. Maybe it’s the endless cornfields, the suspiciously quiet downtowns, or the fact that the most exciting attraction is a mildly historic clock tower.
In this ranking of America’s most boring states, we dive into the places that leave visitors underwhelmed and wondering what else is nearby.
Using data from tourism boards, travel polls, and annual visitor counts, we’ve ranked all 50 states from most to least boring—using annual visitor numbers as the benchmark but also taking into account nightlife scores and the number of notable attractions.
Some might surprise you.
1. Alaska
Breathtaking nature and wildlife draw adventurers, but its remoteness keeps overall numbers lower.
- Annual Visitors: 2,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 5.5/10
- Major Attractions: 180 notable attractions
Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons
2. Vermont
Mountain towns and maple syrup make it a cozy retreat for quiet travelers.
- Annual Visitors: 3,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 3.3/10
- Major Attractions: 65 notable attractions
Nathan Siemers, Wikimedia Commons
3. North Dakota
Wide open prairies and small towns make it a peaceful place—but not a top pick for entertainment.
- Annual Visitors: 4,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 2.9/10
- Major Attractions: 75 notable attractions
Tuey from Flickr, Wikimedia Commons
4. Idaho
Loved by outdoor enthusiasts for its mountains and rivers, but limited appeal beyond that crowd.
- Annual Visitors: 4,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 3.3/10
- Major Attractions: 100 notable attractions
5. Nebraska
Great for quirky roadside stops and local charm, but not a magnet for out-of-state visitors.
- Annual Visitors: 5,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 3.2/10
- Major Attractions: 90 notable attractions
Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, Wikimedia Commons
6. West Virginia
Outdoor beauty for whitewater rafting and hiking, but limited city tourism.
- Annual Visitors: 5,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 2.8/10
- Major Attractions: 90 notable attractions
ForestWander, Wikimedia Commons
7. Rhode Island
Small but quaint, its beach towns and seafood scene make it an underrated summer getaway.
- Annual Visitors: 5,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 3.5/10
- Major Attractions: 97 notable attractions
Kenneth C. Zirkel, Wikimedia Commons
8. New Hampshire
Beautiful in fall and known for scenic drives, but it’s low-energy for year-round tourism.
- Annual Visitors: 5,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 3.0/10
- Major Attractions: 84 notable attractions
John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons
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9. Delaware
Pleasant beaches and tax-free shopping draw some visitors, but it's still a low-profile destination.
- Annual Visitors: 6,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 3.5/10
- Major Attractions: 70 notable attractions
Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons
10. South Dakota
Famous for Mount Rushmore, but low traffic outside the main landmarks.
- Annual Visitors: 6,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 2.4/10
- Major Attractions: 110 notable attractions
Hasselblad500CM, Wikimedia Commons
11. Kansas
Flat and quiet, Kansas lacks major cities or iconic destinations, making it a drive-through state for many.
- Annual Visitors: 6,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 2.8/10
- Major Attractions: 85 notable attractions
Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons
12. Mississippi
Despite a rich musical and cultural legacy, it remains off the radar for many mainstream tourists.
- Annual Visitors: 7,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 3.4/10
- Major Attractions: 118 notable attractions
NatalieMaynor from Jackson, Mississippi, United States., Wikimedia Commons
13. Connecticut
A quiet New England escape with history and coastlines, but often skipped for flashier neighbors.
- Annual Visitors: 7,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 4.1/10
- Major Attractions: 95 notable attractions
14. Arkansas
Outdoor-focused and relaxed, Arkansas offers nature over neon, which limits tourist interest.
- Annual Visitors: 8,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 3.8/10
- Major Attractions: 110 notable attractions
Cliff from I now live in Arlington, VA (Outside Washington DC), USA, Wikimedia Commons
15. Alabama
Known for college football and history, Alabama has charm but few major tourist magnets.
- Annual Visitors: 9,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 4.6/10
- Major Attractions: 120 notable attractions
James Willamor, Wikimedia Commons
16. Iowa
A relaxed state known more for agriculture and state fairs than big attractions.
- Annual Visitors: 9,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 3.1/10
- Major Attractions: 115 notable attractions
Tim Kiser (w:User:Malepheasant), Wikimedia Commons
17. Maine
Lighthouses, lobster, and charming coastlines make it a hit with summer travelers.
- Annual Visitors: 10,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 3.0/10
- Major Attractions: 128 notable attractions
18. Montana
Big sky country offers serene parks and solitude. Loved by nature lovers, but often skipped by the average traveler.
- Annual Visitors: 10,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 4.2/10
- Major Attractions: 160 notable attractions
David Broad, Wikimedia Commons
19. Indiana
Home to the Indy 500 and basketball history, but otherwise considered mellow by most tourists.
- Annual Visitors: 10,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 4.3/10
- Major Attractions: 140 notable attractions
Daniel Schwen, Wikimedia Commons
20. Maryland
Combines colonial history, modern cities, and Chesapeake Bay charm into a mid-tier destination.
- Annual Visitors: 11,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 5.5/10
- Major Attractions: 149 notable attractions
21. Oklahoma
Known for Route 66 and rodeo culture—regional appeal more than a broad tourist destination.
- Annual Visitors: 11,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 4.0/10
- Major Attractions: 130 notable attractions
22. Wisconsin
Known for cheese, lakes, and breweries—popular with Midwest travelers.
- Annual Visitors: 12,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 4.7/10
- Major Attractions: 175 notable attractions
23. Kentucky
Famous for bourbon and the Derby, but struggles to attract tourists year-round.
- Annual Visitors: 13,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 5.0/10
- Major Attractions: 165 notable attractions
24. Arizona
Home to the Grand Canyon and desert beauty, Arizona attracts millions but offers limited nightlife.
- Annual Visitors: 13,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 6.1/10
- Major Attractions: 240 notable attractions
25. Utah
National parks and Salt Lake City bring scenic tourism with a quieter nightlife.
- Annual Visitors: 14,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 4.8/10
- Major Attractions: 200 notable attractions
26. Oregon
Portland adds flair and food, while Crater Lake and coastlines appeal to nature-seeking travelers.
- Annual Visitors: 15,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 6.8/10
- Major Attractions: 231 notable attractions
27. Michigan
Detroit’s revival and lakeside destinations make Michigan an appealing, if understated, option.
- Annual Visitors: 16,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 6.0/10
- Major Attractions: 202 notable attractions
28. South Carolina
Charleston and Myrtle Beach lead the charge for a laid-back, family-friendly experience.
- Annual Visitors: 17,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 6.1/10
- Major Attractions: 212 notable attractions
29. Minnesota
Best known for the Mall of America and natural beauty, Minnesota is popular among families and outdoorsy travelers.
- Annual Visitors: 17,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 5.6/10
- Major Attractions: 189 notable attractions
Farragutful, Wikimedia Commons
30. Washington
Seattle and its tech culture boost tourism, with natural wonders in every direction.
- Annual Visitors: 17,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 6.9/10
- Major Attractions: 254 notable attractions
Seattle Municipal Archives from Seattle, WA, Wikimedia Commons
31. Missouri
A mix of music history in Branson, barbecue, and Midwestern hospitality—but limited global pull.
- Annual Visitors: 18,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 6.1/10
- Major Attractions: 205 notable attractions
32. New Mexico
A high desert state with artistic cities like Santa Fe, though still low-profile nationally.
- Annual Visitors: 18,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 5.5/10
- Major Attractions: 210 notable attractions
33. Ohio
A mix of sports, music, and Midwestern culture. Columbus and Cleveland anchor most tourism.
- Annual Visitors: 19,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 6.2/10
- Major Attractions: 225 notable attractions
34. North Carolina
Diverse landscapes from beaches to mountains make it an appealing multi-purpose destination.
- Annual Visitors: 21,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 6.0/10
- Major Attractions: 248 notable attractions
Precisionviews, Wikimedia Commons
35. Louisiana
New Orleans alone elevates this state with its festivals, food, and unforgettable nightlife.
- Annual Visitors: 22,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 9.6/10
- Major Attractions: 290 notable attractions
36. Virginia
Combines historical attractions, beach towns, and modern cities like Richmond and NOVA.
- Annual Visitors: 22,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 5.8/10
- Major Attractions: 289 notable attractions
Bruce Emmerling, Wikimedia Commons
37. Tennessee
Music capitals like Nashville and Memphis keep the state lively and cultural.
- Annual Visitors: 24,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 8.2/10
- Major Attractions: 310 notable attractions
38. Massachusetts
Steeped in history with Boston, Cape Cod, and world-class education hubs—popular but concentrated.
- Annual Visitors: 25,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 7.4/10
- Major Attractions: 311 notable attractions
Phillip Capper from Wellington, New Zealand, Wikimedia Commons
39. Georgia
Atlanta brings energy and culture, while scenic towns offer southern hospitality.
- Annual Visitors: 25,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 8.1/10
- Major Attractions: 290 notable attractions
Paul Brennan, Wikimedia Commons
40. Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Amish Country offer a rich variety of historic and quirky appeal.
- Annual Visitors: 26,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 6.5/10
- Major Attractions: 290 notable attractions
41. Hawaii
A tropical paradise known for beaches, volcanoes, and Polynesian culture—consistently a tourist favorite.
- Annual Visitors: 27,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 8.7/10
- Major Attractions: 325 notable attractions
Manzo Paris, Wikimedia Commons
42. Colorado
Popular with skiers and hikers, Colorado balances natural beauty with lively cities like Denver.
- Annual Visitors: 28,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 7.9/10
- Major Attractions: 320 notable attractions
43. New Jersey
Often overshadowed by NYC, but offers beaches, nightlife, and a solid local tourism scene.
- Annual Visitors: 29,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 7.1/10
- Major Attractions: 492 notable attractions
David Merrett, Wikimedia Commons
44. Wyoming
Yellowstone and the Tetons make Wyoming a top destination for rugged adventure lovers.
- Annual Visitors: 31,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 8.6/10
- Major Attractions: 345 notable attractions
Brocken Inaglory, Wikimedia Commons
45. Nevada
Las Vegas draws millions with casinos and shows. Outside the city, much of the state is quiet desert.
- Annual Visitors: 31,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 9.6/10
- Major Attractions: 320 notable attractions
Color~commonswiki, Wikimedia Commons
46. Texas
Big cities, wide deserts, BBQ, and live music scenes. Texas has scale and style.
- Annual Visitors: 34,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 7.8/10
- Major Attractions: 345 notable attractions
User eflon on Flickr, Wikimedia Commons
47. Illinois
Chicago drives the tourism scene with world-class museums, music, and food.
- Annual Visitors: 38,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 8.4/10
- Major Attractions: 390 notable attractions
File:Chicago River ferry.jpg: John Picken
derivative work: Georgfotoart, Wikimedia Commons
48. Florida
Theme parks, beaches, and nightlife make Florida a perennial tourism favorite for all ages.
- Annual Visitors: 39,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 9.5/10
- Major Attractions: 500 notable attractions
Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons
49. New York
The empire state of tourism—New York City alone is a global magnet for food, art, and nightlife.
- Annual Visitors: 40,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 9.8/10
- Major Attractions: 550 notable attractions
William Warby, Wikimedia Commons
50. California
A tourism powerhouse with beaches, Hollywood, national parks, and non-stop attractions.
- Annual Visitors: 42,000,000 visitors/year
- Nightlife Score: 9.8/10
- Major Attractions: 600 notable attractions
Basil D Soufi, Wikimedia Commons
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