There’s something special about exploring your own country. The more I travel, the more I realize how beautifully diverse the U.S. is—every state has its own pace, vibe, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
So far, I’ve been to 20 out of the 50 states, and while I still have so many on my bucket list (I’m looking at you, Arizona), each place I’ve visited has left a mark on me in some way. Here’s what traveling across these states has taught me:
No Two Coasts are the Same
East Coast summers in Cape May, New Jersey will always hold a piece of my heart. I spent so many childhood days there—beach towels and boardwalks, small-town charm, and ocean air. It’s a nostalgic kind of magic I’ll never forget. But then there’s the West Coast—California, with its bold landscapes, dreamy flower fields, and golden light that makes everything feel cinematic. Two coasts, two different kinds of beauty.
When I was younger, summers were spent with three generations of family in Cape Cod, particularly in Wellfleet. The drive in was my favorite—there’s something about the winding roads, the fresh air, and the anticipation that felt magical. Though I’ll admit, watching The Poseidon Adventure on the big screen at the drive-in wasn’t quite as enchanting… it’s actually the reason it took me until two years ago to finally go on a cruise! 😅
As a late teen and early 20s, I spent countless days and nights in Cape May, NJ. Sometimes working, but mostly making memories with my close friends and family. Those summers shaped who I am today—every moment spent by the sea, laughing and living in the moment, left an indelible mark on my heart.
Florida Might Have My Whole Heart
As much as I love California, Florida might actually top the list. It holds an emotional weight for me—in the most beautiful way. We took big family vacations to Disney with my mom, after my husband and I had our two children. Honestly, I think my mom might have loved it even more than we did. She was all in on the magic—homemade thank you cards for castmembers, parade spots, all the snacks. Those moments with her, especially seeing her experience it all again through the eyes of her grandkids, are memories I’ll hold onto forever.
Even beyond Disney, Florida just feels good to me. I’ve fallen for so many parts of the state: the laid-back vibe in Jacksonville Beach, the coastal buzz of Daytona Beach Shores, the sunshine-filled charm of Tampa and its amazing gulf sunsets, and now, the bold, electric energy of Miami. I love the cities of Florida. Each one has its own rhythm, personality, and something new to discover. It’s a place where my heart always feels both nostalgic and excited for what’s next.
Small Towns Have the Biggest Charm
The more I travel, the more I fall in love with the in-between places—the little towns you stumble into on a road trip, where the coffee shop feels like home and everyone waves when they pass. They remind me to slow down and soak in the details. You don’t always need a major city to feel like you’re somewhere.
The Seasons Really Do Shape the Experience
Fall in New England? Unreal. Road-tripping through Vermont and Massachusetts during peak leaf season made me feel like I was inside a painting. Meanwhile, places like Florida and Hawaii remind me that sunshine and warmth are more than just weather—they’re a whole lifestyle.
Nature is the Ultimate Storyteller
From the coastlines to the mountains, every place has a story to tell through its landscape. California, hands down, has been my favorite so far—where else can you drive from ocean cliffs to desert blooms to redwood forests in a single day? It’s wild in the best way.
Travel Reminds You There is Always More to See
Even with 20 states behind me, I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface. Arizona is at the top of my list—something about the vastness of the Grand Canyon feels both grounding and awe-inspiring. But honestly? I want to see it all. I want to keep driving, keep wandering, and keep discovering how much beauty there is out there.