The United States covers about 3.8 million square miles, so unless you have months for a road trip, you'll need to choose where to go. Year after year, a handful of states attract the most overseas visitors, thanks to their iconic cities, theme parks, and natural wonders. Based on US government data on overseas arrivals from the International Trade Administration, here are the top 5 US states to visit for international travelers, and what to do in each.
The Top 5 US States for International Visitors
In 2022, the latest full year in the original analysis, these were the most-visited states by overseas travelers (excluding visitors from Canada and Mexico):
- Florida: About 7.1 million overseas visitors.
- New York: About 7.1 million.
- California: About 4.5 million.
- Nevada: About 1.7 million.
- Texas: About 1.3 million.
The same states consistently top the rankings. See the latest figures on the International Trade Administration website.
1. Florida
Florida's warm winters, beaches, and theme parks make it a favorite with families and sun-seekers.
- Orlando: Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and the Kennedy Space Center less than an hour away.
- Miami: South Beach, Art Deco architecture, the murals of Wynwood, and Cuban food in Little Havana.
- The Florida Keys: A road trip across the Overseas Highway to Key West.
- The Everglades: Airboat rides, alligators, and wetlands.
- Beaches: About 825 miles of sandy coastline, from Clearwater and Siesta Key to Fort Lauderdale.
When to go: November to April for warm, dry weather. Summers are hot, humid, and stormy, and hurricane season runs from June to November.
2. New York
Almost every international visitor to New York State spends time in New York City, the most-visited US city for overseas travelers. See the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Times Square, catch a Broadway show, and explore world-class museums. Unlike most of the US, you don't need a car, thanks to the subway. Beyond the city, visit Niagara Falls, the Hudson Valley, and the Finger Lakes wine region.
Plan your visit with the best things to do in New York City and our 3-day New York itinerary.
3. California
California has it all: beaches, mountains, deserts, and two of America's most famous cities.
- Los Angeles: Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Disneyland in nearby Anaheim.
- San Francisco: The Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, and Alcatraz.
- National parks: Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and the giant sequoias.
- Road trips: The Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur, and Napa and Sonoma wine country.
When to go: Spring and fall are ideal. Summer is great for the mountains and the coast, but hot inland.
4. Nevada
Las Vegas is the big draw, with its casinos, world-class shows, celebrity chef restaurants, and neon-lit Strip. But Nevada has much more: hike the red rocks of Valley of Fire State Park and Red Rock Canyon, see the Hoover Dam, and visit Lake Tahoe and Reno in the north. Las Vegas is also a great base for trips to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park.
When to go: March to May and September to November. Summer temperatures in Las Vegas often exceed 105 °F (40 °C).
5. Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, from its cities to its barbecue. Visit the Alamo and the River Walk in San Antonio, Space Center Houston, the live music capital of Austin, and the cowboy heritage of Fort Worth. For nature, canoe the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park, explore underground caverns, or relax on the Gulf Coast beaches.
When to go: Spring for wildflowers and mild weather, or fall. Summers are very hot.
Tips for International Visitors to the USA
- Check entry requirements. Most visitors need an ESTA or a visa.
- Plan for distances. Combine neighboring states, or fly between regions.
- Get travel insurance. Medical care is very expensive.
- Budget for tips and sales tax, which are not included in most prices.
- Stay connected. An egoViet USA eSIM gets you online in every state. Compare options in our guide to SIM cards and eSIMs for USA travel, and learn how to avoid roaming charges.
For more planning help, see our USA travel guide and the Hawaii travel guide.
FAQs: Top US States for International Travelers
Which US state gets the most international visitors?
Florida and New York are usually the top two for overseas visitors, followed by California.
What is the most visited city in the US by international travelers?
New York City attracts the most overseas visitors of any US city.
Which US state is best for a first trip?
New York is great for city lovers, Florida for beaches and theme parks, and California for a mix of cities, coast, and national parks.
How many states can you visit in two weeks?
Two or three neighboring states is realistic, such as California, Nevada, and Arizona on a Southwest road trip.