Are you looking for ideas for your upcoming vacation? Consider this list of the Best Places to Visit in the USA for travel inspiration for the forthcoming year.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the following locations are the most stunning in America, based on editor input, reader votes, and expert judgments on attractions, restaurants, hotels, and more.
Over the last several years, there has been an increase in tourists looking for a getaway amid the tranquillity of nature.
These tourists are investigating well-known national parks, picturesque beaches, and tiny mountain communities.
According to Christine Smith, travel editor of U.S. News, the trend has continued this year.
Find out if your favourite U.S. vacation spot made a list, then check off new destinations as soon as possible.
Jump to:
- 1 1. Grand Canyon, Arizona
- 2 2. Yosemite, California
- 3 3. Yellowstone, Wyoming
- 4 4. Maui, Hawaii
- 5 5. Glacier National Park, Montana
- 6 6. New York, New York
- 7 7. San Francisco, California
- 8 8. New Orleans, Louisiana
- 9 9. Zion National Park, Utah
- 10 10. Honolulu, Oahu
- 11 11. Kauai, Hawaii
- 12 12. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
- 13 13. Washington, D.C.
- 14 14. Lake Tahoe, California, and Nevada
- 15 15. Moab, Utah
- 16 16. Bar Harbor, Maine
- 17 17. San Diego, California
- 18 18. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- 19 19. Boston, Massachusetts
- 20 20. Chicago, Illinois
- 21 21. Big Sur, California
- 22 22. Aspen, Colorado
- 23 23. Sedona, Arizona
- 24 24. Seattle, Washington
- 25 25. Miami, Florida
1. Grand Canyon, Arizona
When you stand on the rim and gaze out over the canyon, which the Colorado River carved out over millions of years, you will be astounded by nature’s strength. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long.
Several activities are available for thrill-seekers, such as overnight hiking excursions to the canyon floor.
According to Christine Smith of U.S. News, this all-encompassing location “offers magnificent scenery and plenty of options to go hiking and whitewater rafting” as well.
This park will undoubtedly rank at the top of many best-of lists for generations to come.
2. Yosemite, California
Yosemite is a large park with an approximate 1,200-square-mile area, but most tourists stay in an 8-square-mile section that includes Half Dome, El Capitan, Glacier Point, and enough hiking routes to keep them busy for several days.
Rock formations Half Dome and El Capitan, which have heights of 8,839 and 7,569 feet, respectively, are highly prized by experienced climbers because of their treacherous terrain and breathtaking vistas from the top.
If you’re not a pro but want to hone your abilities, take a climbing class or join a guided trip led by an expert local outfitter.
Although Yosemite is a great park with many visitors, if you go in May or September, you could enjoy some peace.
3. Yellowstone, Wyoming
The headwaters of the Yellowstone River were “hereby reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy, or sale…and dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people,” according to the protection act signed by Ulysses S. Grant in 1872, the year our first national park was created.
Even after over 150 years, the park provides millions of people with advantages each year.
And yet, though its geysers are unquestionably its most well-known feature, it has a lot more to offer.
You can choose from more than 900 hiking trails, go for a picturesque drive, and watch for animals, including bison, grizzlies, elk, wolves, lynx, and badgers.
Yellowstone’s rocky peaks, rainbow hot springs, lush woods, and crystal-clear lakes will likely excite you, so be sure to pack your camera or Plein-air painting supplies.
The park spans 2.2 million acres, so although it is primarily in Wyoming, it also extends into Montana and Idaho in certain places.
4. Maui, Hawaii
Maui, the third destination in Hawaii (yes, the state is that fantastic), promises the ideal balance of infrastructure and off-the-beaten-path adventure.
It doesn’t get any better for outdoor activity, whether swimming past plodding marine turtles, playing golf alongside the lake, or hiking through lava tubes and waterfalls.
You’ve come to the correct location if you want fresh seafood and fruit since Maui’s eateries specialize in light fare prepared with regional ingredients.
The resort scene is also unmatched, particularly around Wailea and Kaanapali Beach.
Want to avoid the crowds in this popular paradise? Travel editors at U.S. News advise going in April, May, September, or November since you’ll get better discounts and encounter fewer other visitors.
5. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park, surrounded by hundreds of lakes, waterfalls, and mountains, offers a deep intake of pure air.
With more than a million acres to explore, the grandeur of the wildness in this park is amazing.
If you enjoy hiking, you should try the Trail of the Cedars or Grinnell Glacier. You could spot beavers, grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, lynx, elk, and hundreds of different species of birds, so have your camera close by.
Own a car? Make time for two hours to travel the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road, which passes some of the park’s most breathtaking sites.
6. New York, New York
In New York, where the activity never ends, and you won’t ever want it to, you will never feel more alive.
You can catch a Broadway performance starring a famous person, hang out with creative people in Greenwich Village, act as a tourist in Times Square at night, and work out inside the enormous Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is 2.2 million square feet in size.
The Far Line, an elevated park high above the city, and Hudson Yards, a true mega mega-mall along the Hudson River, are the city’s more recent attractions. Both are always on the leading edge
7. San Francisco, California
Since the arrival of industry giants like Twitter, Google, and Uber, the City by the Bay’s tech culture has defined the city. But be clear: It continues to be much more than a posh tech mecca.
Chinatown, Japantown, and North Beach (the city’s Little Italy) are just a few of the diverse ethnic areas that make San Francisco a real melting pot.
Due to the intriguing tales it has to tell about inmates and their escapes, Alcatraz Island continues to be a tourist trap that is well worth visiting for history.
Of course, there is also the Golden Gate Bridge, which you can see from the Presidio and stroll across to see the city’s skyline.
Additionally, the culinary scene in this city is first-rate; in addition to having a vibrant food truck culture, it boasts 75 Michelin stars, more than any other American city outside of New York. Consequently, we reach No. 6 on the list.
8. New Orleans, Louisiana
Did someone say coffee and beignets? Etouffee de crevette? Jambalaya? Po-boy sandwiches? Say no more.
New Orleans’ cuisine is some of the most unique and delectable in the world, with Creole food dominating.
Additionally, it has some truly amazing live music, including jazz, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll.
Even if you can’t travel during Mardi Gras, you may still witness the renowned Bourbon Street in action, with revelers celebrating well into the night.
Some of the buildings in the French Quarter date back to the 18th century, and the area is rich in history.
9. Zion National Park, Utah
Since it is so varied, it’s difficult to imagine Zion’s landscape is all contained within one national park. This roughly 150,000-acre natural beauty includes forests, canyons, and desert vistas.
Angel’s Landing and The Narrows, two well-known red sandstone locations, are on the park’s eastern edge.
Particularly close to Kolob Arch, the second-longest arch in the world, and along The Subway, a difficult, permit-only trail that leads you through a small tunnel, the less-travelled west side is perfect for trekking.
Make your reservation as soon as possible if you intend to camp in Zion because spots tend to fill quickly.
10. Honolulu, Oahu
According to U.S. News, you don’t have to decide between a city trip and a beach holiday because Honolulu offers a bit of both.
Partygoers go to the city’s Waikiki Beach to spend days lounging on the sand and nights sipping mai tais.
Although there is a lot of congestion here, according to U.S. News, it is less so between mid-April and early June and between September and mid-December.
To avoid the throng, you may also travel to tranquil Lanikai Beach in Kailua, which is approximately a 40-minute drive away.
For a taste of history, visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial, where Japan surrendered to end World War II, and Iolani Palace, the only former royal residence on American territory.
11. Kauai, Hawaii
Want to get away from the daily grind? Take a vacation to Kauai, sometimes known as Garden Island.
There are just two main roadways on Hawaii’s oldest island, which also has some of the most breathtaking views in the world.
Because the island prohibits all structures from being taller than a coconut tree, you won’t see any skyscrapers there, but breathtaking natural beauty is abundant.
Wander through the rain forest while listening to bird cries, relax on a sandy beach, or snap a photo in front of a waterfall.
The Napali Coast, notably shown in “Jurassic Park,” and the vibrant Waimea Canyon stand out among the attractions.
12. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Wyoming might not immediately come to mind when considering vacation spots, but it ought to.
Grand Teton, one of America’s top national parks, is located in Wyoming and is renowned for its rugged, snow-capped peaks, stunning wildflowers, and crystal-clear lakes.
Look out for the hundreds of different bird species, bison, antelope, moose, black bears, and other animals that live across the park’s 500 square miles of land.
Kayaking, canoeing, and fly fishing are excellent on the Snake River, which empties into Jackson Lake in Grand Teton from adjacent Yellowstone.
The Teton Range, the youngest range in the Rocky Mountains at 40 miles long, is the park’s namesake and most notable feature, yet we haven’t even mentioned it.
13. Washington, D.C.
Everyone should travel to our country’s capital at least once in their lives. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Washington, D.C., is a popular tourist destination.
If you enjoy exploring new places on foot, a trip to Washington, D.C., will be ideal. You can stroll along the National Mall, stopping to admire national landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol Building as you go (the newly opened and mighty National Museum of African American History and Culture is a must).
Plan a long vacation because there is much to see here, not to mention the city’s great culinary culture, farmers’ markets, and various neighbourhoods.
14. Lake Tahoe, California, and Nevada
“As it lay there with the shadows of the mountains vividly shot upon its motionless surface, I felt it must certainly be the finest sight the whole earth gives,” Mark Twain wrote 1871 of this alpine lake surrounded by granite peaks.
Not everyone has the lyrical ability to describe the lake, yet everyone can enjoy its beauty.
Many people see the lake as a wintertime getaway, and in the winter, it offers world-class opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides.
But it’s just as alluring in the spring, summer, and fall when it’s a great place for paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, and gondola rides.
Additionally, the lake’s location near the Nevada-California border allows legal gambling in flashy casino resorts in addition to its natural beauty.
15. Moab, Utah
Thanks to Moab, you can visit Arches and Canyonlands, two national parks, up close and personal.
Summer tourists will also enjoy Jeep excursions, mountain biking, and rafting down the Colorado River.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are well-liked wintertime pastimes. It should come as no surprise that this year-round location made the top 15.
16. Bar Harbor, Maine
Are you looking for a little New England small-town charm and adventure in a national park? Bar Harbor is the location.
It is regarded as the entrance to Acadia National Park and everything it offers, but as you return to the town, you can depend on snug B&Bs and waterfront cuisine to cap off an exciting trip.
Don’t forget to take a boat excursion in the summer to see the numerous whales in these seas.
17. San Diego, California
San Diego offers more than just beaches and sunshine; these are two excellent reasons to travel to this coastal California city.
When you’ve had enough of the area’s 70 miles of shoreline, visit the renowned San Diego Zoo or take in a performance at the La Jolla Playhouse on the University of California, San Diego campus.
Alternately, head to Balboa Park, which has enough museums to last a vacation, covering everything from natural history to autos to aircraft.
You won’t be hungry while seeing everything this city offers, thanks to fresh fish tacos and the renowned California burrito, also loaded with French fries.
18. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
In Jackson Hole, a rough-meets-posh mountain hamlet with a cowboy Western feel, antler decorations are seen everywhere.
Take a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge, where hundreds of elk spend the winter while skiing or snowboarding at Snow King Mountain Resort or Jackson Hole Mountain Resort throughout the winter.
Then, have a cup of hot chocolate, a favourite at neighbourhood eateries and cafés.
Take a stagecoach tour of downtown in the summer and explore the neighbourhood hotspots, which include a fantastic selection of taprooms and brewpubs.
Jackson Hole is also a fantastic base for visiting Yellowstone, which is approximately an hour distant, as well as Grand Teton National Park, which is only a few minutes away (Both are listed later on this list)
19. Boston, Massachusetts
History is about us in this city where Puritans founded colonies in the 1600s. Paul Revere rode out to warn of the approaching British forces, and the Sons of Liberty dumped tea into the harbour to protest exorbitant taxes.
But make no mistake, Boston is a thoroughly contemporary city with a distinct culture.
Eat New England clam chowder and oyster shooters, cheer with some of the most passionate sports fans at a Boston Red Sox game and stroll cobblestone streets past prestigious brownstones.
Visit the Paul Revere House and the Museum of Fine Arts – Boston for some arts and culture, and don’t forget to take in some fresh air in one of Boston’s urban parks, like the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway.
20. Chicago, Illinois
If you enjoy pizza, hot dogs, or Italian beef sandwiches, make Chicago your destination for your upcoming weekend trip.
You won’t be dissatisfied since this food-obsessed city takes these well-known regional delicacies exceptionally seriously.
The Windy City’s many different districts, including Pilsen (home to a strong Mexican scene), Logan Square (formerly scrappy, now hipster), Chinatown (among the best in the U.S.), and Lincoln Park, are well worth exploring (an arts and culture hub).
The third-largest city in the nation offers a wide variety of shops and some outstanding skyscrapers, including the John Hancock Center and Willis Tower, two of the world’s tallest structures.
21. Big Sur, California
Visit this unique village in the centre of the California coastline by taking a trip along the renowned Highway 1. Hikers should check out the coastline paths, which give Instagram-worthy vistas of the Pacific Ocean around every corner.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park must be visited. This location is unique because McWay Falls plunges 80 feet into the ocean and 300-foot redwoods.
Oh, and don’t miss the Big Sur River Inn, where you may have a microbrew while relaxing in Adirondack chairs on the Big Sur River. This is a unique opportunity.
22. Aspen, Colorado
Skiing is the draw, but stay for the fine dining, designer shops, and art galleries.
Are you not a fan of winter sports? With its abundance of hiking and bike routes, Aspen is also a delight to visit in the summer.
Also, don’t forget how beautiful it is in the fall, especially at locations like the Maroon Bells, where mountains may be seen reflected in a “clear blue mountain lake” (to quote a poetic lyric penned by John Denver, who called Aspen home for nearly 30 years).
You might not want to leave your room when you come with upscale properties like Viceroy Snowmass, Hotel Jerome, and The Little Nell, but trust us, you should go out and experience this booming mountain town.
23. Sedona, Arizona
Welcome to the low-humidity region with its diverse red-rock formations and abundant outdoor activities.
In Sedona, in central Arizona just south of Flagstaff, you may go hiking, mountain biking, or swimming.
Additionally, many spas help you unwind, and the desert landscape is quite stunning (you’ll see Instagram-worthy views in nearly every direction).
If you enjoy watching movies, you’ll be pleased to learn that “3:10 to Yuma” and “Midnight Run” were filmed here.
24. Seattle, Washington
While U.S. News notes that Seattle receives less yearly precipitation than New York or Boston, this city frequently gets a poor name for being overcast or wet all the time.
Perhaps Seattle residents make it seem like it rains constantly to preserve their beautiful city to themselves.
After all, the city is home to various communities, world-class arts and culture, and outdoor leisure.
Thanks to its craft beer culture, food markets, and well-known coffee shops (Starbucks, anyone?), it’s also a favourite choice for foodies.
Seattle is surrounded by Puget Sound, Lake Washington, and the Olympic Mountains, so there are breathtaking vistas almost wherever you turn.
25. Miami, Florida
You’ll never get bored in Miami since there is a wide variety of things to do and see.
There are plenty of beaches, historical structures, delectable restaurants, art museums, and nightlife.
Naturally, the weather in the Magic City is also fantastic, with typical highs between 74 and 88 degrees (according to U.S. News, it’s the ideal spot to come in January when most of the country is covered in snow and ice).
Numerous cultures have influenced the city, but Cuban culture has had the biggest impact. The city features a Little Havana enclave where you must sample the Cuban sandwich.
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