Which Is the Most “All-American” State?

We've attached a score to each state by collecting and analyzing state-specific data on:

• Number of landmarks
• Number of national park sites
• Number of fast-food restaurants
• Number of sports venues
• Number of RV dealerships and parks
• Percentage of homeownership (the percentage of homes that were occupied by the owner in each state, not the percentage of adults who own their own property)

We even used a logarithmic scale to normalize the land area of each state, allowing us to rank each variable by the states’ relative sizes—and not punish larger states or misrepresent smaller ones. A weighted average was then applied to these findings to calculate an “All-American” score out of 10*.

One thing’s for sure: Whether travelers want to experience an NFL home game or hit the open road, there’s a US state that will fit the bill.

• Number of historic landmarks: 169
• Number of national park sites: 19
• Number of fast-food restaurants: 9,850
• Number of sports venues: 36
• Number of RV dealerships and parks: 312
• Percentage of homeownership: 69.891%

The Keystone State takes the top spot with an impressive “All-American” score of 9.05. With plenty of historic landmarks and national park sites (such as the William Brinton 1704 House), plus 229 miles (369 kilometers) of the Appalachian Trail, Pennsylvania is a haven for history enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Additionally, its 36 sports venues and 9,850 fast-food restaurants provide entertainment options for a wide range of interests and tastes.

• Number of historic landmarks: 147
• Number of national park sites: 28
• Number of fast-food restaurants: 32,424
• Number of sports venues: 72
• Number of RV dealerships and parks: 625
• Percentage of homeownership: 54.618%

California shines with a grand score of 8.98 out of 10. Whether you’re an RV enthusiast or a food lover, the Golden State has you covered with 625 RV dealerships and parks and a staggering 32,424 fast-food restaurants.

If you’re looking to do a historic tour of California, you have 147 landmarks to keep you busy. Head over to Alcatraz Island or the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to start.

• Number of historic landmarks: 47
• Number of national park sites: 11
• Number of fast-food restaurants: 16,334
• Number of sports venues: 57
• Number of RV dealerships and parks: 616
• Percentage of homeownership: 65.991%

Trailing just behind the Golden State is the Sunshine State, which secures an “All-American” score of 8.81 out of 10. The state’s 11 national park sites, including the Everglades National Park, give outdoor enthusiasts the chance to connect with nature and explore some of the country’s most unique landscapes.

Not just a place for nature lovers either, Florida has the fourth-highest number of fast-food establishments out of all 50 states.

• Number of historic landmarks: 275
• Number of national park sites: 24
• Number of fast-food restaurants: 17,276
• Number of sports venues: 46
• Number of RV dealerships and parks: 286
• Percentage of homeownership: 52.518%

New York has the greatest number of historic landmarks out of all states—a whopping 275, including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Additionally, the state’s 17,276 fast-food restaurants—which include world-famous pizza joints—celebrate the American love of quick and delicious meals.

For sports enthusiasts, New York offers a thrilling lineup of 46 sports venues, with legendary arenas like Madison Square Garden and Yankee Stadium hosting a wide range of sporting events, from basketball and baseball to hockey and more.

• Number of historic landmarks: 43
• Number of national park sites: 5
• Number of fast-food restaurants: 6,510
• Number of sports venues: 34
• Number of RV dealerships and parks: 323
• Percentage of homeownership: 73.645%

Ranked in fifth place as one of the most “All-American” states, Michigan earns a noteworthy score of 8.64 out of 10. This Midwestern gem offers 43 historic landmarks, such as the Henry Ford Museum and Motown Museum. While it may have fewer national park sites than other locations, the state’s natural wonders like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Isle Royale National Park showcase its natural beauty.

Notably, Michigan holds the second-place ranking for homeownership out of all 50 states at 73.6 percent—meaning the American Dream of owning your own home might be a little more obtainable here, even in the face of rising housing costs across the country.

• Number of historic landmarks: 123
• Number of national park sites: 22
• Number of fast-food restaurants: 7,119
• Number of sports venues: 30
• Number of RV dealerships and parks: 154
• Percentage of homeownership: 67.718%

Virginia, standing strong as the sixth most “All-American” state, proudly displays an impressive score of 8.63 out of 10. For sports enthusiasts, Virginia provides 30 sports venues—including renowned college football stadiums like the University of Virginia’s Scott Stadium and Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium.

And if you need proof of how important Virginia’s nature is to residents and visitors, just check out the state’s place in the top 10 for the average annual number of visitors to national park sites (more than 1,025,402 per park).

• Number of historic landmarks: 76
• Number of national park sites: 8
• Number of fast-food restaurants: 10,252
• Number of sports venues: 52
• Number of RV dealerships and parks: 259
• Percentage of homeownership: 67.264%

Ranked seventh among the most “All-American” states, Ohio achieves a score of 8.60 out of 10. With 76 historic landmarks, such as the National Museum of the US Air Force and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, any history (or music) buff will have plenty to do.

The Buckeye State’s presence in the top 10 for both the number of campgrounds and of RV dealerships and RV parks underscores its commitment to the classic American tradition of road-tripping and exploring the great outdoors.

• Number of historic landmarks: 49
• Number of national park sites: 14
• Number of fast-food restaurants: 21,363
• Number of sports venues: 116
• Number of RV dealerships and parks: 794
• Percentage of homeownership: 63.109%

In eighth place, the Lone Star State of Texas proudly stands with an “All-American” score of 8.39 out of 10. While it may have a more modest count of 49 historic landmarks, Texas makes up for it with 794 RV dealerships and parks.

If you’re looking to grab a quick bite to eat while out on the road in Texas, you’re in luck. There are 21,363 fast-food restaurants throughout the state, serving up beloved American fare in a flash.

• Number of historic landmarks: 39
• Number of national park sites: 10
• Number of fast-food restaurants: 8,268
• Number of sports venues: 42
• Number of RV dealerships and parks: 240
• Percentage of homeownership: 66.255%

The Tar Heel (or Old North) state comes in ninth place with 8.32 out of 10. While North Carolina may not have the highest number of national park sites out of the top 10 most “All-American” states, it does have the highest average number of annual visitors per park out of the whole country with 2,048,695.

The category where North Carolina falls slightly? Homeownership percentage. It currently stands in 33rd place out of all 50 states, with a rate of 66.255 percent.

• Number of historic landmarks: 43
• Number of national park sites: 3
• Number of fast-food restaurants: 5,216
• Number of sports venues: 28
• Number of RV dealerships and parks: 163
• Percentage of homeownership: 71.073%

Rounding out the top 10 is Indiana, with an “All-American” score of 8.24. Boasting good numbers across the board, the state’s standout score is the number of historic landmarks nestled within the state: There are 43 landmarks that have been officially recognized by the United States government, like the Indiana War Memorial and the iconic Broad Ripple Park Carousel in the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

As much as our top 10 list of “All-American” states covers a wide array of destinations, it’s often easier for travelers to stick to one section of the country at a time. For that reason, we’ve created separate rankings for each region of the United States: the Northeast, the West, the Midwest, and the South.

Pulling from the same methodology as the overall list, these break-out rankings should be even more helpful for people putting together their travel itineraries. (Bonus points for road trips!)

First up: the Northeast. In the top spot is—of course—Pennsylvania with 9.05, followed by New York with 8.69 out of 10.

The third most “All-American” state in the Northeast is Massachusetts. Where this state really stands out is in the number of historical landmarks. With 191 sites in total, the Bay State comes in second when looking at the number of landmarks per area once normalized*.

New Jersey and Maine, in fourth and fifth places respectively with scores of 7.50 and 6.59, also bring plenty of “All-American” assets to the Northeast. New Jersey’s highest-scoring category is the number of fast-food restaurants, with 7,128 throughout the state; while Maine’s is the number of annual visitors to national park sites, with 1,016,244 per location.

With it being the second-most “All-American” state in the whole country, California claiming the top spot in the expansive and diverse landscape of the American West should come as no surprise.

Following closely is Arizona, boasting an “All-American” score of 7.93 out of 10. The Grand Canyon State, home to awe-inspiring wonders like Saguaro Lake and the Grand Canyon itself, beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts to explore its diverse terrain.

Washington, Utah, and Colorado round out the top five most “All-American” states in the West. While Washington shines when it comes to the number of national park sites, Utah and Colorado excel more with the annual number of visitors per location, on average.

Michigan secures the top position in this region with an “All-American” score of 8.64 out of 10. The 34 sports venues and commitment to the great American road trip—evident in its 323 RV dealerships and parks—make Michigan a dynamic hub for both sports enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

Ohio, not far behind with a score of 8.60, adds its own charm to the Midwest. With a substantial 10,252 fast-food restaurants, Ohio satisfies any tourist’s search for quick meals.

Indiana, securing the third spot with a score of 8.24, captures the “All-American” spirit with 43 historic landmarks, showcasing its role in the nation’s history. With 28 sports venues and a burgeoning number of RV dealerships and parks, Indiana offers an authentic American experience.

Missouri and Illinois follow closely, with scores of 7.75 and 7.72 respectively. While Missouri got its best result in the number of sports venues (27 in total), Illinois performed best with its high number of landmarks (89 in total).

Florida leads the way as the most “All-American” state in the South, securing a score of 8.81 out of 10. With 47 historic landmarks and 11 national park sites, Florida seamlessly blends history with the beauty of its natural landscapes.

Virginia follows closely, securing the second position with an “All-American” score of 8.63. If you’re after a place where you can spend your time getting lost in history, then this is a great choice, with 123 landmarks in total.

Texas, in third place with a score of 8.39, embodies the “All-American” spirit on a grand scale. The state takes the lead with 116 sports venues, showcasing its love for sports; and it boasts 21,363 fast-food restaurants for entertainment and quick meals.

North Carolina and Tennessee, securing the fourth and fifth positions with scores of 8.32 and 8.06 respectively, complete this quintet of Southern charm. North Carolina’s highest average annual number of visitors to national park sites per park shows its natural allure, while Tennessee’s abundance of RV dealerships (73) and RV parks and campgrounds (128) reflect the American love of adventure.

By looking at the prevalence of landmarks throughout the US, we’re able to gain an intriguing glimpse into the cultural and historical richness in each of the 50 states, as well as find the states with the highest density of these significant sights.

New York tops the list with an impressive 275 historic landmarks, emphasizing its remarkable concentration of historical and cultural sites—the Empire State truly is a treasure trove for any history enthusiasts looking to explore America’s past.

Massachusetts claims second place with 191 landmarks, showcasing the state's commitment to preserving its historical legacy. Among this number are iconic sights like Boston’s Freedom Trail and Plymouth Rock.

Maryland, Connecticut, and Ohio also make the top 10, with notable figures ranging from 64 to 77 landmarks. While not as densely packed with landmarks as New York or Massachusetts, these locations still offer plenty of experiences—be sure to check out some Charles W. Morgan Whaleship tours (Connecticut) and Star-Spangled Banner Flag House excursions (Maryland).

The United States is renowned for its natural diversity and beauty. To take this into account, we found the number of national park sites and normalized the land area of each state by using a logarithmic scale to find which states have the highest density.

California leads the pack with 28 national park sites. This high density of sites proves that residents and visitors in the Golden State have plenty of opportunities to experience the beauty of protected natural areas.

New York secures the second spot with 24 national park sites, followed by the Southern state of Virginia in third place with 22 sites, and Maryland in fourth with 18 sites.

States like Alaska, Washington, and New Mexico, each with noteworthy figures of 23 and 15 national park sites, show just how diverse the natural beauty is across different regions.

America changed the restaurant business forever with the invention of fast food—and by looking at the number of these types of restaurants in each state, we can get a snapshot of the fast-paced culinary scene in the US. To pull this data, we looked at the number of limited-service restaurants (LSR)—a category made up primarily of fast-food establishments, as defined by the NAICS—across the country.

California is, yet again, in the leading position with a staggering figure of 32,424 fast-food establishments within its borders. This densely populated state’s high concentration of fast-food outlets is a good indication of the fast-paced lifestyle of its residents.

Texas is hot on California’s heels with 21,363 fast-food restaurants, suggesting that Texans have a great deal of options when it comes to grabbing a quick meal on the go. New York (17,276 in total) and Florida (16,334 in total) also make the top five, meaning there’s really no excuse not to grab an NY slice or Publix sub during your next trip.

Georgia, Illinois, and New Jersey feature further down in the top 10. Offering a variety of fast-food options to residents and visitors, these states have figures ranging from 7,128 to 9,294 restaurants.

Sports are deeply embedded into American life. The US leads the way with football, basketball, baseball, and hockey—as well as a growing soccer scene—as evidenced by the hundreds of stadiums and arenas found across the country. Viator uncovered just how many sports venues were in each state to gain an insight into this sporting landscape.

Texas secures gold for the most sports venues per normalized land area. With an impressive figure of 116 sports venues, visitors and residents have easy accessibility to sporting events and facilities.

In second place is California, with 72 venues in total. Whether you’re catching a Lakers game at the Crypto.com Arena, witnessing the intensity of an NFL match, or attending a high-octane NASCAR race, fans are guaranteed a memorable experience at any of California’s sports venues.

Louisiana, Alabama, and Illinois also make the top 10 (ranging from 38 to 34 venues), offering substantial access to sports events.

Whether they’re helping people explore national parks or embark on cross-country road trips, RV dealerships play a crucial role in supporting the RV lifestyle and encouraging a sense of adventure on the open road.

RVs—and adventures in them—are quintessentially American. But which state is the leader in RV sales and trips?

California is crowned number one with a figure of 268 RV dealerships across the state. It is closely followed by Florida, which sits in second place with 232 dealerships. This high density of RV dealerships reflects Florida’s popularity as a hub for RV enthusiasts and anyone looking for adventure in the warm weather of the Sunshine State.

States in the West make an impressive showing in this top 10, with Arizona, Oregon, and Washington all claiming spots—these states have 110, 105, and 85 total dealerships respectively.

We’ve covered which states are the best to visit if you’re in the market for an RV, but what about if you want to spend a few days out on the open road? To help your planning in that department, we’ve found the states with the most RV parks across the whole of America.

Texas stands out as the leader in this category with 551 RV parks, with another Southern state—Florida—following behind with 384 parks and campgrounds.

Although it didn’t quite maintain the top spot it claimed in other rankings, California comes in a respectable third place with 357 RV parks, showing that the Golden State provides ample opportunities for RV travelers to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors.

Ohio, Wisconsin, and Arizona round out the top 10, with figures ranging from 183 to 172 RV parks and campgrounds, all readily available for the adventurers among us.

Being able to live in your own home is considered a bedrock of the “American Dream,” so it’s important to look at the homeownership rates across the US when putting together this report. We calculated these figures by finding the percentage of homes occupied by owners, as opposed to occupied by renters. (To clarify, these stats do not represent the percentage of residents who own a home.)

Topping the list is West Virginia, with a homeownership rate of 76.3 percent. This high rate could be attributed to a variety of factors, including a lower cost of living, which can encourage residents to invest in homeownership.

Following closely behind is Michigan, with a homeownership rate of 73.7 percent. Delaware, New Hampshire, and Maine also make the top five, each with homeownership rates exceeding 73 percent and showcasing the appeal of homeownership across different regions of the country.

The presence of states like Mississippi and Alabama in the top 10, with homeownership rates of 72.4 percent and 71.6 percent respectively, indicates the relative attainability of homeownership in the South.

1. Viator sought to find which US state is the most “All-American” by analyzing a range of factors that epitomize the essence of “Americanness.”

2. The homeownership rate per state was analyzed from US Census Bureau data. For a representative picture of homeownership, the average homeownership rate (in %) was calculated for 2012 to 2022 for each US state.

   a. Homeownership rate is calculated by the US Census Bureau by dividing the number of owner-occupied housing units by the number of occupied housing units or households. It is the % of homes occupied by the owner (not the % of adults that own their own home).

3. The number of national park sites per state was sourced from the National Park Service. To account for the different land area of each state, the number of national parks per 100 square miles was calculated, using land area sourced from state boundaries given by the census bureau. In addition, the number of units and the number of visitors to national parks in the state was also taken**.

   a. To account for the different number of national park sites, the total number of visitors per state was divided by the number of parks to give an estimated average number of visitors per park per state.

4. Heritage and Culture is a big focus of American pride. To take this into account, the number of National Historical Landmarks was analyzed per state.

   a. The number of landmarks per 100 square miles was then calculated for each state.

5. To analyze which state boasts the most sporting venues, the number of stadiums (football, soccer, baseball) was sourced, as were indoor arenas (basketball and hockey).

   a. In addition to professional sports, college sports are widely attended and followed—hence these sports venues were also included.

   b. The total number of major sporting venues per 100 square miles was calculated for each state.

   c. To supplement the number of venues, the average capacity per state was calculated.

6. The number of fast-food restaurants*** and the number of employees per US state was obtained from 2022 from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of establishments per square mile and the number of employees per 100,000 people was calculated.

7. The number of RV dealerships and their employee base was sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, along with the number of RV sites and campgrounds and their employee base for each state for 2022.

8. An “All-American” score was calculated from a sum of equally weighted percent ranks across the above variables to find the most “All-American” states.

Note: Many of the variables researched are analyzed in terms of land area of each state in order to more fairly compare the metric between states. However, given the vast size differences per state, the size was normalized by using a logarithmic scale (natural log) for the area. Each metric was then divided by this normalized area, to give a metric per area value to compare between states.

** Number of visitors for Delaware was not available. In order to not exclude it from the ranking, the average number of visitors per national park site in the US was taken instead.

*** The data is obtained for Limited-Service Restaurants, which as defined by the NAICS primarily consist of fast-food restaurants.

• Homeownership rate per state: US Census Bureau
• National parks per state: National Park Service
• Land area per state: US Census Bureau
• Number of National Historic Landmarks by state: National Park Service
• Number of US stadiums: Wikipedia
• Number of indoor arenas: Wikipedia
• Fast-food restaurants per state: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
• RV dealers: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
• RV sites and campgrounds: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Population of US states in 2023: World Population Review