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The most beautiful cities in the U.S. to visit right now

The best cities to visit in the U.S. brim with charm, breathtaking architecture and so much to do.

You could spend a lifetime traveling America and not see all that's worth seeing, which makes coming up with the list of best cities in the USA a tough task. Every region is home to its own trip-worthy urban destinations that boast  natural wonders ,   impressive architecture , and  incredibly diverse restaurants.

From coast to coast, we've rounded the cities that top our list of recommendations when plotting out your USA travel bucket list.  New York ,  Los Angeles  and San Francisco are obvious for a reason—they stand as American icons and offer endless must-see attractions. If you're looking for something even sexier, head to  Las Vegas  for gambling and pool parties, or  Miami  for rooftop vibes and beaches packed with some of the fittest people you've ever seen. To experience a taste of the South, there's bustling and historic  New Orleans , filled with a celebration of culture and music every day of the week. At the same time, cities like Nashville offer Southern charm, live music and hearty fare that will make you feel right at home.

Whether you crave nightly live music to keep you dancing, are an art lover looking to explore galleries and museums, or are more interested in eating your way through town, our handpicked selection of the best cities to visit in the USA has you covered.

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Most beautiful cities in the U.S.

1.  Portland, OR

Portland is known for many things: its eccentric culture, its incredibly creative restaurants (that have only gotten more exciting post-pandemic), its theater and arts scene, and its outdoor beauty top the list of reasons to visit. The best things to do in Portland  are long, but some of our favorite activities include eating and more eating. Visit one of the area's best restaurants , opt to experience the zillions of  food trucks , indulge in a gourmet doughnut or stop by a brewery or two . When you want to get moving, hop on a bike to tour the town, hike through one of the many parks or take a stroll through an art museum.

2.  Boston, MA

History and modernity are joined at the hip in Boston, one of America’s first big cities and still one of its best. It’s the place where federal architecture harkens back to the 1600s, juxtaposed with ultra-modern buildings by Frank Gehry, Walter Gropius and I.M. Pei. Speaking of architecture: be sure to see the Back Bay row houses, the usual Instagram fodder that is actually an eye-catching must-see. From chowder to lobster rolls, Boston also loves its seafood, so be sure to visit the city's best raw bars and lobster shacks while you're in town.

3.  San Francisco, CA

San Francisco, a beautiful city built on massive hills and surrounded by water, is a place that marches to the beat of its own drum. Novices are always shocked at how chilly it is here, so pack a heavy sweater at any time of year, and use it while doing the classic tourist activities: riding a cable car, taking a day tour to Alcatraz Island , walking across the Golden Gate Bridge or laughing at the chubby sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf . If you want to branch out and experience the city as a local would, we recommend visiting one of SF's hottest restaurants —from Michelin-starred establishments  to cheap eats —grabbing a drink on a rooftop bar or heading out for a hike in nature . 

4.  Seattle, WA

From its emerald parks to the endless views of Puget Sound, Seattle is the crowning jewel of the Pacific Northwest. You'll see it all from the top of the iconic Space Needle—a 360-degree rotating atrium with a glass floor—but don't stop there. Seattle is full of incredible restaurants and world-class museums like the Seattle Art Museum and the Museum of Pop Culture . It's also the home of famed glass artist Dale Chihuly's Garden and Glass . And while the grunge era that put the city on the map is long gone, there are still plenty of excellent music venues to check out including Neumos and the Showbox .

5.  Charleston, SC

Charleston is truly one of America’s great metropolises, steeped in the history of the nation while boasting a thoroughly modern attitude toward the arts, culture and cuisine—you just need one quick glance at our list of the best Charleston restaurants to see that. Since around 1670, the architecture—and particularly the churches on every corner—has been enough of a reason to head to South Carolina’s jewel, but recently the city has become a food and drink haven as well. Water views and hipsters abound at the Pavilion Bar ; City Market sells the city’s signature sweetgrass baskets; and dinner at  Husk is a transcendental experience.

6.  New Orleans, LA

After 300 years of existence, New Orleans is in the midst of a renaissance—except for the streets, which are the bumpiest you've ever encountered in a major metropolis. They love to dress up and party here, so put on a wig and mask, and hit the French Quarter and the Marigny for fabulous food at the best New Orleans restaurants . Grab a to-go cup filled with craft cocktails from one of the city’s best bars , and indulge in the live music for which New Orleans is famous. Then dig deeper by visiting the Bywater neighborhood, home to an intoxicating mix of art and funk with incredible murals on every block, and stop at Bacchanal Wine for a munch, a sip, and a song (or two). One thing to remember while here: always keep an eye on the iconic architecture that defines this one-in-a-million, music-loving city.

7.  Milwaukee, WI

You probably didn’t know that Milwaukee holds the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest , over three consecutive weekends in June and July. When the massive festival goes down, the pretty city by Lake Michigan goes more than a little crazy. With 12 stages, over 600 artists and more than half a million fans rolling through, they're taking advantage of the warm weather in a big way. During the rest of the year, think cheese curds, beer breweries, cornhole tournaments and Packers fanatics, juxtaposed with a gorgeous art museum and the annual Sculpture Milwaukee outdoor showcase all over town (summer/fall). It’s a vibrant, friendly city that Harley-Davidson calls home—don’t miss their massive museum here.

8.  Salt Lake City, UT

No matter where you are in Salt Lake City, the snowcapped Rocky Mountains are never out of sight. They tower over the uber-clean city, a stunning landscape fit for a painting. And while Salt Lake is well-known for its Mormon heritage, there's more to the scene here than meets the eye. Restaurants range from the fine-dining favorite Log Haven to a healthy variety of ethnic and international restaurants. And while alcohol isn't as readily available here as in some cities, it's much easier to find than you think, including at the White Horse  downtown. While there, don't forget to take in a little of the outdoors: hiking, swimming, and picnicking at the Great Salt Lake is a good place to start.

9.  Chicago, IL

Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, deep-dish pizza, and the Cubbies: just three of the wonderful things that put Chicago on the world’s radar. It’s a big city with a friendly vibe that’s got a whole street, Rush Street, devoted to drinking and dancing. You can party there until 4am, but save some strength for the festivals this city loves to put on, from  Taste of Chicago  in the summer and July's  Pitchfork Music Fest to the big daddy of them all, Lollapalooza . This oh-so-cold city hunkers down in the winter, unless the Bears are playing football, in which case shirtless guys will brave subzero temps to cheer on their boys at Soldier Field.

10.  Los Angeles, CA

Sun, sand, and movies (in which the city is often the star) make Los Angeles a place the world wants to see in real life. Start at the Hotel Erwin’s rooftop in Venice for an expansive view of the whole city, then explore everything from the ocean to the mountains as you crisscross L.A. County. Expect its famous traffic to slow you down as you head to Malibu for a surfing session; make a pit stop at the Getty Museum , then step in the stars’ footprints at TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood . Blow your shopping budget on Rodeo Drive , then head south to Anaheim to pilot the Millenium Falcon at Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge universe.

11.  Nashville, TN

Honky-tonks and museums might not seem to go together, but their marriage in Nashville is a strong one indeed. For some drinking and dancing, head straight for Broadway, where Legend’s Corner , Nudie’s , and Tootsie’s have been serving up country, blues, and whiskey forever. You can start early (10am) and go late into the night (3am) in Music City—if you’ve got the fortitude, of course. Is day drinking not your idea of vacation fun? Start with the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum  and move on to the museums devoted to Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash ; all are right downtown and terrific. See Historic RCA Studio B , where Elvis made countless records, and drive out to the Bluebird Cafe and the Grand Ole Opry . Don’t forget that this is a party town so feel free to visit with a group, rent a barcycle (which is exactly what it sounds like), and roam among the best Nashville bars , singing as you go.

12.  Washington, DC

One of America’s most beautiful cities, stately Washington, D.C. just keeps getting better. The National Mall is truly majestic, with the Capitol building glowing at one end, the Lincoln Memorial at the other, and various Smithsonian museums lining each side. See them all (take a look at our list of the best museums in D.C . for a start), but plan to spend extra time at the new(ish) National Museum of African American History & Culture . Beyond politics, monuments and museums, D.C. boats some cool, emerging neighborhoods like the Wharf (eat at Officina or Del Mar de Fabio Trabocchi ) and Southeast, where the Nationals play baseball and craft beer rules at Bluejacket nearby. Take a look at our guide to where to stay in Washington, D.C. if you’re planning a visit.

13.  St. Louis, MO

For a small-town vibe in a big city, St. Louis is the place to be. Settled by Europeans in 1764, this 'Gateway to the West' has long been the center of America. A few musts while in town: a visit to the famous (and giant) Gateway Arch , a walk through the National Blues Museum , and a stop at BB’s Jazz Blues and Soups . Clearly, blues and barbecue go hand-in-hand here, with classic BBQ joints like Pappy’s Smokehouse and Sugarfire that slow-cook with style. Locals are so serious about the cuisine that the Q in the Lou cookoff is fall's hottest ticket.

14.  Miami, FL

Things constantly sizzle in Miami, where Latin beats and eats swirl in an Art Deco dream. South Beach is the spot for sunning all day on the white sand and clubbing all night. For a really hot time, stop in at the World Erotic Art Museum . For true art lovers, Art Basel Miami in December offers up creative installations, parties and intellectualism. Your itinerary should also be packed full of trips to the city's  best restaurants  from classic Cuban mainstays to Michelin-starred Italian spots.

15.  New York City, NY

Needless to say: there is no place like New York City. An incredible melting pot of cultures, neighborhoods , languages and personal styles, a stroll down any street in Manhattan is always a fascinating experience. Classic old buildings exist shoulder-to-shoulder with new ultra-modern architecture like those in Hudson Yards , constantly morphing the city’s identity into exciting new molds. When in town, indulge in more than one Broadway show , visit all the museums , stroll around Central Park , eat the best bagels in NYC (and any drool-worthy haute cuisine you can manage), drink at a speakeasy , catch a Yankee game, and start wondering why you haven’t moved here yet.

16.  San Diego, CA

It’s not a myth: San Diego boasts the very best weather across America, with 70-degree Fahrenheit temperatures, low humidity, and sunny skies all year round. Add in the beautiful bay and beaches, a famous zoo and the endearing madness of Comic-Con International, and it’ll become impossible not to love this quintessential California city. Foodies adore the seafood and Mexican cuisine done to perfection here; gamblers flock to Pechanga and Viejas , the two posh Native American casinos nearby; and kids dream of Legoland . San Diego has something for everyone. 

17.  Las Vegas, NV

Ah, Vegas. The place that every foreigner cannot wait to visit when seeing America. More lightbulbs in one place than anywhere, more ways to gamble than your wallet can bear, the glitter, glitz, and jangling slot machines are the city’s signature perks. But Vegas is more than just casinos rising out of the desert. Head off the famed Strip to downtown’s fascinating Mob Museum and find out who built this decadent mecca in the first place. Eat at a world-class chef’s world-renowned restaurant ( Joël Robuchon , anyone?), drive supercars at 200mph with Exotics Racing and zip out to Red Rock Canyon for a mind-bending desert experience. Whatever you want, Vegas always has it.

18.  Orlando. FL

With theme parks like Universal Studios Florida, Legoland  and Walt Disney World , Orlando has been the place for families for generations. And now, with the arrival of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney World, there will be plenty of adults with no kids descending on Orlando as well. The city is ready, with an impressive range of restaurants anchored by DoveCote Brasserie and The Boheme  and an equally adult club scene that pays homage all sorts of tunes, from country and hip hip to rock and pop.

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Matador Original Series

Travelers Are Sharing Where People Visiting America for the First Time Should Go

A mericans tend to get excited about the opportunity to explore what the rest of the world has to offer. The truth is there’s also so much to do in their own backyard. It’s easy to forget how massive it is — there’s even a map that shows how 30 European countries all fit in the US’ landmass . So, for a foreigner interested in visiting the US, it might be challenging to choose the best places to travel in the US. These Reddit users have the answers.

If you like the city

Photo: IM_photo /Shutterstock

1. “If you like nightlife and gambling, Las Vegas. Oddly, Vegas is also big on shopping last time I went. They have a weird combo of gambling, shopping, family entertainment, and now sports there. And, of course, the original reason for Vegas existing: business conferences.” u/midnightFreddie

2.” Depending on the season & weather, Detroit is awesome. Amazing food, museums (including, but not limited to the DIA, Motown Museum, and Museum of African American History), festivals, outdoor skating rink, three professional sports teams, craft fairs, the river walk. . . oh! and dozens of different music venues of varying sizes and formality.

People shit on the city, but those are people who don’t go to the city.” – u/thisbuttonsucks

3.” I would fly to the east coast and do a road trip. You can see the most big cities and diverse landscapes IMO. You can drive from Boston to NYC to Philly to DC in like a week. Spend some time in southern states past DC if you have time.” – u/dancethrusunday

4. “Surprised no one has mentioned Chicago yet. Tons to do just like NYC and LA, but different culture. Food is amazing, many great steakhouses, deep-dish (or really any type) pizza, Italian beef, etc. Wonderful lakefront Seasonal dependent like Boston. Also, close enough to either take a train or drive to Milwaukee, which is an underrated city and gives a better insight into the Midwest culture. Cheese and beer seem to be central to Milwaukee.” — u/SST0617

5. “In DC you don’t even need much money beyond a decent hotel. Just touring the national mall, its monuments and the museums is enough to fill up days and almost everything is free. NYC is a bit trickier to plan and more expensive but once you find decent accommodations the possibilities are almost endless. Sure you are likely to encounter some shitty things like any big city but most places a tourist would go are pretty nice and safe.” — u/LennyFackler

If you like nature

Photo: haveseen /Shutterstock

6.” Get out of the California cities and see the land. Start with the coast or Yosemite/Muir Woods/Joshua Tree yet don’t stop there. Explore. The local mountain peak that overlooks my neighborhood is 2 1/2 times the altitude of Ben Nevis. But it’s the 39th tallest peak in California. From the state’s 9th tallest range. So many visitors to this state spend a week trapped in Los Angeles traffic while they miss out on everything from glacial valleys to sand dunes” – u/doublestitch

7. “I live in Missouri, which isn’t much of an international destination. However, if you wanted to see nature in a super relaxing setting, where you can see some wildlife, talk to some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, and take some beautiful photos, I’d 100% mention a camping/float trip in the Missouri/Arkansas Ozarks. There’s no “hustle and bustle” you find in big cities. There aren’t pushy souvenir vendors and TV famous stores or people to gawk at. No sushi or Michelin star restaurants. But you’ll find home cooking, nature, friendly people, damn good gas station chicken and pizza, river otters and deer, gorgeous, quiet sunrises, fresh spring water, and air that doesn’t have an odor. If canoes and tents sound like torture, you’d hate it and I’d tell you to go to NYC where the air smells like exhaust and body odor” – u/pedantic_dullard

8.” Well the classic (for a reason) answer is driving the 1/101 north. You can hit Ventura, Santa Barbara, SLO, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Cambria, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay, and get into SF in about 6.5 hours without stopping. All of those are on or near beautiful beaches and seaside cliffs with tons of shit to do around them. Big Bear is a few hours east and is beautiful. You can also get up into Mammoth Lakes. Not sure how far LA to Tahoe is. As far as parks go Sequoia National Forest and Yosemite are also absolutely unreal as well as Joshua Tree and Death Valley. Angeles National and Los Padres aren’t as popular but are also gorgeous. Tack on a little more time and there’s all of NorCal. Wine country is beautiful. Calistoga hot springs. Russian River. Eel River. Mendocino coast. Redwoods etc.” – u/BeastCoast

9.” Monument Valley Utah. For natural beauty, I think it’s one of the most uniquely beautiful areas we’ve got.” — u/ganchi_

10. “If you’re looking for a more rural or natural experience, areas like Montana, Colorado, or Maine could be a good fit.” — u/Organ_Stripe93

If you like culture

Photo: Orhan Cam /Shutterstock

11.” New England is beautiful in the summertime and in my opinion very underrated. The North East culture of cute seaside towns with boardwalks and candy shops and bicycle renting is great. You can explore the beaches but also some of the great parks— I found Acadia National Park in Maine to be breathtaking. Places like Martha’s Vineyard are also great to visit.” — u/AutumnAtronach

12. “New Orleans is the most important city to visit in America if you want a good and holistic perspective on American culture. New Orleans culture is truly what a ‘melting pot’ is. French, Spanish, English, African, and Native American culture combined into a city that is very much alive and has managed to make the best of a still recent tragedy. A Mecca for history, music, and art, both past and modern. It is honestly the heart of America.” – u/hyena_smile

13.” As many have said DC is great for history, really enjoyed the times I’ve been there. Boston is a really fun city, and again plenty of historical things to do, plus Cambridge is essentially next door and home to Harvard. Obviously probably less fun in the winter.” – u/SST0617

14. “Everyone is giving all the cool places to go – our big cities, our gambling dens, our parks, etc. – which is good and all, but if you’re someone who wants to bite into some lesser advertised Americana, I recommend the Great Lakes and Midwest areas. Lots of fun, kitschy and wholesome fun you can have if you appreciate that kind of thing. I’m a resident of Ohio, so I’ll give examples from my state: you should go to Cincinnati and check out their Art Deco buildings (especially the Union Terminal station), if you like architecture, and then go to Skyline Chili and have their chili-covered spaghetti (called an ‘[insert number]-way,’ depending on what you get on it; chili + spaghetti = 2-way, add cheese and it’s a 3-way, add onion or beans and it’s a 4-way, etc. – it is incredibly fun being able to ask a waiter/waitress for a 3-way and to be taken completely seriously). After that, drive out to our rural Adams County area and see Serpent Mound, an ancient burial site from some of the indigenous people in the area. There’s good wildflowers and off-the-beaten-path natural areas in this county, too, due to its history of glaciers striating the soil. From there, head to Amish country and stay at a bed-and-breakfast, and then hit some of the other sites around the state: the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Cedar Point amusement park, the town Botkins (just so you can say you were in a town called Botkins, which sounds like the name of a robot butler), the national Air Force Museum in Dayton, the home of the Wright Brothers, and so much more. You’ll find lots of hidden gems in our other midwestern and Great Lakes states, too. Look into some of the lesser-known “flyover” states and you’ll enjoy it.” –- u/Times_Hunger

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Ultimate USA Travel Bucket List: 125+ Best Places to Visit in USA

The United States is a large country so even those of us that live here have many bucket list places in the US that we have yet to visit.  Whether you live in the US and want to explore more of this amazing country or visiting the US for the first time and need help planning your trip, I’ve created this epic guide containing more than 125 incredible things to see and do in the United States which are perfect for any USA Travel Bucket List .

Some of these must see places I have already visited and recommend and the rest are places that look so beautiful or sound so interesting that I have added them to my personal America travel bucket list. So read on if you are looking for inspiration and ideas for your own US travel bucket list.

USA Travel Bucket List

Alaska Bucket List

• Explore Denali National Park .
• See Mendenhall Glacier , a 13-mile long glacier near Juneau.

Arizona Bucket List

• Take photos at Antelope Canyon. This sandstone slot canyon is made up of two sections (Upper and Lower) and is one of the most instagrammable places in the United States. Antelope Canyon is located on Navajo protected land and is only accessible via guided tours. Click here for more information about tours.

• See Horseshoe Bend , the beautiful natural horseshoe-shaped curve in the Colorado River.  This picture perfect view only requires an easy short 3/4 mile hike each way.

• Visit the Grand Canyon National Park . The famous Grand Canyon is at the top of most American bucket lists. There are many ways to visit the Grand Canyon including hiking, bike tours, mule rides, by helicopter or by small plane .
• Hike to the Wave. Getting a hiking permit is very difficult since only 20 people are allowed each day.  Find out more about how to get a permit and other logistics in this guide to Coyote Buttes North (home to the Wave) here .
• See White Pocket. This lesser known remote natural wonder is a great alternative if you cannot get a permit to the Wave. You need a 4 wheel drive high clearance vehicle or else it is best to book a tour.
• Visit the Arizona desert town of Sedona.
• Visit the city of Flagstaff, surrounded by mountains, desert and pine forests. It is a gateway to the San Francisco Peaks which is  home to Arizona’s tallest mountain (Humphreys Peak).
• Visit the Painted Desert , famous for its striking bands of colors.
• Visit the Petrified Forest National Park.

Arkansas Bucket List

• Hunt for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park . This state park is one of the only places in the world where the public can search for real diamonds – anything you find is yours to keep!

California Bucket List

• Explore San Francisco . Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge and visiting Alcatraz are at the top of my San Francisco bucket list. Read: 2 Days in San Francisco: The Perfect Itinerary (As Written By a Local!)

• Go wine tasting at Napa Valley and Sonoma in Northern California.
• Visit Los Angeles. There are a lot of bucket list things to do in and around LA including hiking to the Hollywood sign, shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Boulevard, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Read: 3 Days in Los Angeles: The Perfect Itinerary
• Have fun at Disneyland.
• Explore Joshua Tree National Park.

• Visit Palm Springs.
• Enjoy sunny San Diego.
• Explore Solvang, a charming historic Danish village.
• Explore Yosemite National Park.
• Visit The Sequoia & Kings Canyon national parks. These adjacent parks are home to the world’s largest trees.
• See giant California redwoods at Redwood National Park .
• Visit Lake Tahoe. Read:   2 Days in Lake Tahoe Summer Itinerary
• Explore Death Valley National Park.
• Take a Pacific Coast Highway road trip along the coast of California which is without a doubt one of the best road trips in the USA . In addition to San Francisco and Los Angeles, some of the best stops along the way include Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, San Simeon, Malibu, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.

Read: California Bucket List: 30 Best Places to Visit in California for more bucket list worthy places to visit in California

Colorado Bucket List

• Visit Denver .
• Explore Rocky Mountain National Park. You can visit on a day trip from Denver .
• Visit the Garden of the Gods , a free park full of red rock formations with great hiking.
• Drive to the top of Pikes Peak .
• See Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park . Several scenic drives in the park offer great views with relatively easy access.
• Visit the Maroon Bells, a reflective lake and two giant snow-striped mountaintops and most photographed place in Colorado.
• See the highest sand dunes in North America at Great Sand Dunes National Park .
• See Pueblo cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park .

Connecticut Bucket List

• Visit the charming town of Mystic .

Florida Bucket List

• Visit Miami. Highlights include Miami Beach, Wynwood Walls and the Little Havana neighborhood. One of the busiest time to visit other than spring break is during Art Basel in December.
• See wildlife at Everglades National Park, the largest designated sub-tropical wilderness reserve on the North American continent.
• Drive from Miami to the Florida Keys on the scenic Overseas Highway (one of the best American road trips ). Read: Weekend in Key West: The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary
• Have fun at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando.
• Swim with manatees in Crystal River. You can visit on a day trip from Orlando .
• Visit St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States.  Read: Weekend in St. Augustine: Perfect 2 or 3 Day Itinerary

Read: Florida Bucket List

Georgia Bucket List

• Visit Atlanta.  Read: 48 Hours in Atlanta: The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary
• Visit the beautiful historic city of Savannah.

Hawaii Bucket List

• Seeing the beautiful Na Pali Coast in Kauai is a must on any Hawaii bucket list. You cannot visit by car. The entire Kalalau Trail is 11 miles long but you can hike the first couple of miles in a day or half a day. If hiking is not your thing, you can also view the Napali coast from helicopter tour or boat tour.

• See the Waimea Canyon in Kauai, a large canyon known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. There are hiking trails but you can enjoy great views from two lookout points.

• Hike to the top at Diamond Head State Monument in Oahu for great views of Honolulu. The 1.5-2 hours round trip hike is not too challenging but go as early as possible in the morning because it gets hot!
• Visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Honolulu which marks the Japanese attack on the U.S. in World War II.
• Drive the Road to Hana in Maui.
• See a beautiful sunrise or sunset from the top of Haleakala Crater , a dormant volcano and the highest point in Maui. Unless you are visiting on a tour, you will need to make reservations in advance to access the park at sunset. Read: The Perfect Maui Itinerary: How to Spend 5 Days in Maui (As Written By a Local)

Idaho Bucket List

• See the beautiful Shoshone Falls (which are taller than Niagara Falls).
• Soak in one of the many Idaho hot springs .

Illinois Bucket List

• Explore Chicago . Maybe I’m biased because it is my hometown, but Chicago is one of the best cities to visit in the US. There are a lot of bucket list worthy things to do in Chicago : watch a baseball game at historic Wrigley Field, take a selfie in front of the Bean at Millennium Park, take in the amazing views from The Skydeck at Willis Tower and/or 360 CHICAGO, take an architecture cruise on the Chicago River and more! Read:  Best Things to Do in Chicago in the Summer and Most Instagrammable Places in Chicago
• Visit Starved Rock State Park (one of the most popular attractions in Illinois) and the nearby Matthiessen State Park . Both parks have great hikes, stunning sandstone cliffs, canyons and beautiful waterfalls. You can even visit on a day trip from Chicago .

Read: Best Things to Do & Places to Visit in Illinois for more bucket list worthy places to visit in Illinois

Indiana Bucket List

• Visit the the capital city of Indianapolis.

Iowa Bucket List

• See the covered bridges of Madison County .
• Visit the Iowa State Fair. The eleven day fair (August 12-22, 2021) has food, games, rides and competitions, livestock exhibitions, shows, concerts and more.
• Recreate the famous American Gothic painting in front of the original house in Eldon depicted in the painting. Visitors to the American Gothic House are provided with costumes to wear while the staff takes photos in front of the house.

Read :  Beautiful Sunflower Fields in Iowa That You Can Visit

Kansas Bucket List

• Eat BBQ at the famous Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que  in Kansas City.

Kentucky Bucket List

• Visit Louisville during the Kentucky Derby.
• Journey on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail .

Louisiana Bucket List

• Explore New Orleans.  Visit NOLA during Mardi Gras is a bucket list worthy experience.

Maine Bucket List

• Explore Acadia National Park, a great spot to see the fall foliage in New England.
• Visit Portland, a charming coastal city.

Maryland Bucket List

• Visit Baltimore. See the historic waterfront neighborhood of Fells Point and make sure to try Maryland’s famous crab cakes.

Massachusetts Bucket List

• Visit Boston. Some Boston must dos include walking the Freedom Trail, watching a game at Fenway Park and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
• Relax at Cape Cod.
• Learn about the history of the witch trials at Salem.
• Visit Martha’s Vineyard , a tiny island which is a popular summer vacation destination for wealthy East Coast residents.

Michigan Bucket List

• Explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore .
• Visit historic Mackinac Island. The entire Victorian-themed island is listed as a National Historic Landmark and is car-free so visitors can only explore by foot, bicycle or horse drawn carriage.

Read: Best Places to Visit in the Midwest

Minnesota Bucket List

• Visit Minneapolis-St Paul. Don’t miss the Minnehaha Regional Park (and the stunning Minnehaha Falls).
• Explore the beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior .

Mississippi Bucket List

• Explore the Mississippi Blues Trail, nearly 200 trail markers throughout the state including cotton fields, train depots, cemeteries, clubs and churches that tell stories of famous blues artists and significant sites. You can even download an app to help you follow the trail.

Missouri Bucket List

• Enjoy the view from the top of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
• Eat some of the best BBQ in the country and explore the underrated Kansas City. Read : Weekend in Kansas City: The Perfect Itinerary (According to a Local!)

Montana Bucket List

• Explore the beautiful Glacier National Park. One of highlights of the park is driving the famous Going-To-The-Sun Road .

Nebraska Bucket List

• Witness the Annual Sandhill Crane Migration in the spring.
• See Carhedge . This quirky man made attraction built from 38 vintage American cars covered in gray spray paint is a replica of England’s famous Stonehenge.
• Visit Toadstool Geologic Park (referred to as the “badlands of Nebraska”) to see unusual rock formations and fossils.

Read: 7 Cool Things to do in Nebraska

Nevada Bucket List

• Gamble, party, eat and have fun in Las Vegas. Read : Weekend in Las Vegas: The Perfect Itinerary (According to a Local!)
• Visit Hoover Dam, a concrete arch-gravity dam on the border between Arizona and Nevada.
• Photograph the Seven Magic Mountains , a temporary art exhibition located in the desert outside of Las Vegas, featuring thirty to thirty-five-foot high day glow totems comprised of painted, locally-sourced boulders.
• Explore the Valley of Fire State Park, full of red rock formations just an hour outside of Vegas. It is also home to the Fire Wave, a smaller version of the famous Wave in Utah/Arizona.

• Admire colorful rock formations at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area on several hiking trails or on a 13-mile scenic drive.

New Jersey Bucket List

• Go gambling in Atlantic City, one of the most popular cities in the Jersey Shore.
• Hang out at Liberty State Park and enjoy great views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

New Hampshire Bucket List

• Explore the stunning White Mountains, a mountain range with many hiking spots of all levels.
• Drive Kancamagus Highway , a 34.5 mile scenic drive along Route 112 and one of the best New England drives for fall foliage.

New Mexico Bucket List

• Visit Albuquerque during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta , the largest balloon festival in the world.
• Explore Santa Fe.
• Visit Taos.
• Visit White Sands National Monument .

New York Bucket List

• Explore New York City. Read : Weekend In New York City Itinerary
• See Niagara Falls from the US side.

North Carolina Bucket List

• Visit Asheville. One of the highlights is a visit to the historic Biltmore Estate , the largest house in the United States.
• Explore the Outer Banks islands.

North Dakota Bucket List

• Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park .

Read: 7 Reasons North Dakota Should Be On Your Bucket List

Ohio Bucket List

• Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame museum in Cleveland.
• Explore Hocking Hills State Park and view the beautiful sandstone formations and waterfalls.

Oregon Bucket List

• Visit Portland, a city that likes to keep it weird.
• Explore the Columbia River Gorge.  Don’t miss the beautiful Multnomah Falls just a 30 minute drive outside of Portland.

• See Crater Lake National Park .  The highlight is the vivid blue Crater Lake (America’s deepest lake).

Read: Bucket List Places to Visit in the West Coast

Pennsylvania Bucket List

• Visit Philadelphia. Visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Eastern State Penitentiary and have a Philly cheesesteak.

Rhode Island Bucket List

• Explore Newport, a beach town known for its lavish mansions from the Gilded Age.

South Carolina Bucket List

• Visit the charming city of Charleston.

South Dakota Bucket List

• Explore Badlands National Park known for its spires and pinnacles.
• See Mount Rushmore National Memorial . This sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore features the heads of four U.S. presidents.

Tennessee Bucket List

• Visit Nashville.
• Visit Memphis. Highlights include Graceland (home of Elvis Presley), Beale Street and the Duck March at the Peabody Hotel .
• Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America’s most visited national park and a UNESCO world heritage site which straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. The Appalachian Trail passes through the Great Smoky Mountains for more than 71 miles.
• Walk across Gatlinburg SkyBridge , the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the US for beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains.

Texas Bucket List

• Visit Austin. It is especially popular during South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference & Festivals . Read : Best Things to Do in Austin in One Day
• Visit San Antonio.  The Alamo and the River Walk are the top attractions.
• See the bluebonnets in bloom every spring in Texas Hill Country .
• Explore Big Bend National Park.
• Visit the small quirky town of Marfa .
• Stop at Cadillac Ranch , a public art installation of half-buried Cadillacs on Route 66.

Utah Bucket List

• Visit Salt Lake City.
• Explore Bryce Canyon National Park , known for crimson-colored hoodoos (spire-shaped rock formations).

• Explore Zion National Park .
• Explore Arches National Park , home to the highest density of natural arches anywhere in the world.

• Explore Canyonlands National Park .
• Visit Monument Valley .
• Explore Goblin Valley State Park.
• Take fun perspective pictures at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Vermont Bucket List

• Do a fall road trip in Vermont to see the beautiful fall foliage.
• Visit the picturesque town of Stowe .

Virginia Bucket List

• Visit Virginia Beach.
• Drive through Shenandoah National Park. Read :  Complete Guide to Shenandoah National Park

Washington State Bucket List

• Visit Seattle.
• Explore Mount Rainier National Park.
• Explore Olympic National Park.
• Explore North Cascades National Park .

Washington, D.C. Bucket List

• Exploring the capital of the United States of America is a must on any USA bucket list. Points of interest include Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and National Mall. The city is especially beautiful (but crowded) during the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring.

Read: Best Places to Visit in the East Coast

West Virginia Bucket List

• See the New River Gorge Bridge. If you are feeling adventurous, you can sign up for bridge walk guided tour where you cross the catwalk under the bridge.

Wisconsin Bucket List

• Visit Milwaukee.
• Relax in Lake Geneva , a lakeside resort city popular with wealthy Chicagoans that built large historic mansions.
• Explore beautiful Door County .
• Explore the Apostle Islands and the sea caves on Lake Superior.

Wyoming Bucket List

• Explore Yellowstone National Park . Full of mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, geysers and wildlife, it is America’s first national park and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include Grand Prismatic Spring (a large hot spring is known for its rainbow effect) and Old Faithful.

• Explore the Grand Tetons .

• Visit Devils Tower National Monument , a 870-foot stone monument and the center of many Indian religious ceremonies.

So there you have it – the ultimate USA travel bucket list .  If there is an experience or place I should include let me know in the comments below!

Need more travel inspiration? Check out some of my other travel bucket lists below:

• Europe Bucket List: 100+ Things to Do
• Australian Bucket List: Best Places to Visit in Australia
• Africa Bucket List: 50 Things to Do and Places to Visit
• South America Bucket List: 50+ Things to Do and Places to Visit
• Southeast Asia Bucket List: 100+ Things to Do in SE Asia
• Travel Goals: 100 Things to Do Before You Die
• 10 Hotels That Should Be on Your Bucket List!

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savvyglobetrotter

There are so many places in the USA that I have yet to visit. I love that you put together this list by state, it’s a very easy reference to have. It’s embarrassing that I have been to so many places around the world, but haven’t been to 2 of the 3 places in your Wisconsin list (it is the state I grew up in!).

I love ticking things off bucket lists. US is such a diverse country and going through the places you recommended I have realized I still have so much more to see in this amazing country. So far I checked some in California (L.A., Disneyland and a road trip along the Pacific Coast), Florida (Miami Beach, Florida Keys, Everglades), Louisiana (yes NOLA during Mardi Gras is madness, loved it!!), and New York City! You got me wanting to go again and check out so many other places!

This is a fabulous list! I don’t think we will be venturing too far out of North America and the Caribbean this year, so this post will be very helpful for planning some USA travels. Going to Chicago and Las Vegas later this year so will definitely refer back.

Absolutely shows how much there is in the US of A to explore. I love the national parks there and that all the states have something unique to offer. Love this list – and definitely will come back to it to check a few of those places.

This is such a great list! I don’t think you have missed out on anything at all. I didn’t even know many of these places and now I want to visit them.

Wow, this is an awesome list! So many great options and so fun to see the ones I’ve already seen, like Sedona and the Grand Canyon. There are so many more I want to visit, I’ll have to keep your list handy!

I love traveling and my life partner also loves traveling. Recently we got married and planning to visit all over USA. Your List will be more helpful for us and others also.

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More From Forbes

The 20 best places to travel in the u.s. in 2023, according to the experts.

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For the past three years, with borders closed around the globe, U.S. travel has provided Americans with much-needed solace—a tonic during a time of uncertainty and fear. We rediscovered national parks, we explored this country’s hidden shores and we found new appreciation for America’s wide open spaces.

Despite the fact that many international countries have reopened to travelers, domestic travel remains strong, according to the U.S. Travel Association —proving that there’s still a lot to discover close to home.

A view of Avila Beach, along the Central Coast of California, one of the best places to travel in ... [+] 2023.

So what are the best places to travel right now? Every year, I round up the best places to visit in America. Once again, I tapped into leading women travel experts and influencers to find out their favorite places to travel in the U.S. in 2023. I also opened my own little black book to reveal the destinations that are on my radar.

This year, the top choices for where to go span the country from coast to coast, ranging from seaside escapes to mountain hideaways to urban hot spots, with some surprises thrown in along the way. Compare these choices to 2022’s list of the best places to travel in America , and it’s clear that the U.S. is the travel gift that keeps on giving.

Road tripping in Phoenix, which is one of the best places to travel in the US in 2023.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of September 2023

Best 5% interest savings accounts of september 2023, where to go: phoenix, arizona.

Chosen By : Lucee Santini is a travel writer and lifestyle blogger who has contributed to Huffington Post , SheBuysTravels and Newsbreak and is the chief editor and writer for MomJunky.com. She shares her adventures and tips on Instagram @ momjunky.com and @familytraveldestinations.

Why : Phoenix made headlines recently as the host of Superbowl LVII, the kickoff location of Taylor Swift’s tour and the home of the MLB Spring Training. But there’s so much to experience in Greater Phoenix in 2023—one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S.—not to mention the natural beauty that made it a must-visit destination in the first place. “The Valley of the Sun is known for sunny weather all year around, beautiful hikes and scenic landscapes,” says Lucee Santini, who is a big fan of spots like the Desert Botanical Garden , a 144-acre oasis in the middle of the desert.

The city is in the midst of a $23 million redesign of South Mountain Park and Preserve—America’s biggest urban park—that will culminate with the park’s 100th anniversary in 2024. “Stay at WorldMark Phoenix - South Mountain Preserve ,” says Santini. “It’s the perfect home base to explore nearby trails and catch an amazing show or exhibition.”

Over the next year, Phoenix will see the opening of several major resorts, including Moxy Phoenix Downtown (set in a 1920’s Luhrs building), The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie (overlooking Camelback Mountain) and the $1 billion VAI (complete with white-sand beaches, a 52,000-square-foot party island and the Mattel Adventure Park).

Some iconic properties are also getting overhauled. The Wigwam , an historic resort with luxury casitas and suites in the West Valley, will undergo a comprehensive renovation in 2023. Look for two expansive swimming pools, bocce and tennis courts, as well as an enhanced golf club with 54 holes of championship golf including two courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Meanwhile, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa recently debuted an $80 million transformation and will soon be unveiling a reimagined AquaRidge Water Park, as well as a new Pan-Asian restaurant concept, Kembara.

The Phoenix metropolitan area’s food and wine scene is also exploding, with exciting entries like Chic Chef 77 (Arizona’s first Black-owned wine bar from celebrity chef Nik Fields) and Chilte (Mexican street food at the Grand Avenue Arts District’s new Egyptian Motor Hotel). The drinks scene is also making global headlines , thanks to trend-defining spots like Platform 18 and UnderTow , which have established a new brand of cocktail theater.

Talley Farms Vineyard in San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California.

Where to Go: Central Coast, California

Chosen By: Molly O’Brien is a freelance journalist.

Why: The Central Coast of California—stretching from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo—is undergoing a renaissance, with new and renovated hotels, expanded wine offerings and a burgeoning culinary scene, not to mention a unique vibe. “Something special just opens up inside of you when you're on the Central Coast,” says Molly O’Brien. “Perhaps it’s the warmth of the community that welcomes you, or the abundance of open space to explore, or maybe it’s the freshness of the ingredients used in the local dining and drinks scene—you can feel yourself almost instantly relax and let go of your stresses.”

In Santa Barbara—which is also known as America’s very own Riviera—the new tech-driven boutique hotel, Drift Santa Barbara , officially opened its doors in early 2023 in a restored 1920s building, offering contactless check-in, a third-wave coffee shop and eatery (Dawn) and a craft bar (Dusk) inspired by Mexican heritage. The Steward , a new Tribute Portfolio Marriott Hotel, is set to make its debut in May. Set on nearly five acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, this all-suite boutique hotel has a deep commitment to sustainability, from eliminating single-use plastics to using staff uniforms made of vegan materials.

The area’s art and food scene is also buzzing. The former Bellosguardo estate will open to the public for the first time later in 2023, while the Urban Wine Trail is welcoming numerous new tasting rooms, including La Lieff Wines and Frequency Wine Co. Among Santa Barbara's culinary newcomers are the Rosewood Miramar Beach's AMA restaurant (which serves authentic Japanese sushi in a beautiful setting) and Augie's tequila bar and restaurant (which features the largest selection of tequilas and mezcals on the West Coast, including local agave spirits).

There’s lots of other exciting news in 2023 throughout the Central Coast—from the latest American Viticultural Area , which is growing in size, to new restaurants like the Italian-inspired Cielo (opening in Atascadero) and Antigua Brewing Company (set to open in San Luis Obispo). The wine-tasting destination of Paso Robles now boasts a new Michelin star at Six Test Kitchen and the town will soon be home to two Nomada Hotel Group properties: the Farmhouse and River Lodge, offering easy access to the quaint downtown area. What’s old is also new: In the once forgotten frontier town of Pozo, the Nomada Hotel Group is transforming the iconic Pozo Saloon into a modern day travel escape with Airstreams, glamping tents, RV hookups for sprinter vans, outdoor soaking tubs and a distillery.

Exploring San Francisco.

Where to Go: San Francisco, California

Chosen By: Emily Carmichael is the managing editor of Fifty Grande .

Why: The City by the Bay is buzzing this year, thanks to an array of fresh concepts in hospitality, food, technology, green spaces and sustainability. “With all the Silicon Valley distress, people may be tired of hearing about SF at this point, but if there’s one thing they should pay attention to, it’s the city’s leadership in sustainability. It made our sustainability-slanted list of best destinations in 2023,” says Emily Carmichael.

Exciting openings include the Hearst Hotel from Auberge Resorts (which is transforming an iconic building into a lavish space that blends tradition and innovation) and the LINE Hotel San Francisco (a contemporary interpretation of the area’s historic architecture with a landscaped rooftop solarium that has panoramic city views).

Additionally, the recently opened Presidio Tunnel Tops , designed by James Corner Field Operations (the firm behind New York City’s High Line), is providing the city with an abundance of space to explore and relax among 14 acres of new national park land and panoramic views of the Bay.

The culinary scene is also red-hot. “It’s not hard to find really delicious food here that emphasizes sustainability or local sourcing like that of Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese or Lolo,” says Carmichael. “There’s also the Japanese Tea Garden and picnics in Dolores Park. San Francisco is just a great place to eat and be outdoors, fog be damned.”

Then there’s the influence of technology. Joining the growing NFT phenomenon is SHŌ , a two-story culinary and entertainment nightlife experience that will debut in downtown San Francisco in fall 2023. The concept will include a restaurant and rooftop Sky Lounge, as well as a private membership club with the purchase of an NFT.

Overlooking the heated outdoor pool at the Grand Hyatt Vail.

Where to Go: Vail, Colorado

Chosen By: Laura Begley Bloom is a travel expert and the author of this column.

Why: Sixty years ago, a group of visionaries decided to open a ski resort at Vail Mountain that would eventually revolutionize the industry and help make this former mining town a must-visit not only for the jet set but for nature lovers looking for year-round adventures. As the mountain hits its 60th anniversary, Vail has a lot to celebrate in 2023.

A big headliner is Camp Hale , President Biden’s first national monument. The groundbreaking new monument on the outskirts of town honors this area’s original dwellers, the Ute people, as well as the Army’s 10th Mountain Division, which helped liberate Europe in World War II and used to train here. Plus, there are 53,804 acres to explore with mountain biking, guided hiking, rock climbing, fly fishing and overnight excursions to the nearby 10 th Mountain Division Huts. (Delaware North recently announced the acquisition of Nova Guides, an outdoor recreation and adventure tour company based at Camp Hale.)

In other feel-good news, Vail Resorts has reached 100% renewable electricity not only in Vail itself, but across all of its North American ski resorts. It’s part of this trailblazing company’s Commitment to Zero effort to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030. Vail has also built two new lifts at Wildwood and paired up with the local 10th Mountain Whiskey distillery to create a pair of limited-edition bourbons in honor of the anniversary.

In a town where restaurants, lounges and hotels are always innovating, the hot dining reservation is the private gondola experience at Alpenrose , while Chasing Rabbits is shaking things up with its a unique entertainment venue that includes dining, an arthouse cinema, a cocktail-forward speakeasy and more.

Set at the base of Vail Mountain along the revered fly-fishing waters of Gore Creek, Grand Hyatt Vail is also pulling out all the stops for its own milestone 40th anniversary. New executive chef Pascal Coudouy is reimagining the alpine menu at the fine dining restaurant Gessner, while the Yoshimi pop-up restaurant has been so popular that it will soon be replaced with a new permanent sushi restaurant. And the hotel has introduced plenty of memorable moments, from an après ski Moët Yurt to Colorado’s first and only Moët & Chandon champagne vending machine. Even dogs get spoiled at the summertime Yappy Hour.

Skytop Mountain House in Bailey, Colorado

Where to Go: Bailey, Colorado

Chosen By: Kathryn O’Shea-Evans is a travel and design writer and co-author of the new book Lodge: An Indoorsy Tour of America’s National Parks (Gibbs Smith, April 2023), with a foreword by Ken Burns.

Why: “Colorado locals like me know the truth: Sometimes, you’ll get stuck in crazy-making, Los Angeles-worthy traffic on 1-70 for hours just trying to get into the mountains for a ski day or alpine hiking adventure,” says Kathryn O’Shea-Evans.

But O’Shea-Evans and her husband recently discovered a dreamy alternative far from the madding crowds: Bailey, Colorado. “It’s an easy one hour drive from downtown Denver on Highway 285 and chockablock with so many mountain thrills that it feels like you’re in an undiscovered corner of Europe,” says O’Shea-Evans.

To get into nature, O’Shea-Evans recommends Deer Creek Trail . “If you want to soak up a peaceful mountain forest and take a short, easy stroll along a rushing creek, this is the spot,” she says. Another favorite location: Wellington Lake . “Open year-round and a go-to for the region’s anglers, it’s stocked twice a year with fish like rainbow and palomino trout,” she says. To delve into regional history, McGraw Memorial Park is a must. “The 20-acre creekside park is home to a historic homestead from the 1870s, Keystone railroad bridge and Shawnee School,” says O’Shea-Evans.

Other top vacation spots include Aspen Peak Cellars , set on the banks of the South Platte River (“don’t miss the charcuterie board, fresh-baked baguette with Tuscan olive oil and authentic Swiss Cheese fondue”) and the PCCP Resale Boutique (“an entirely volunteer-run shop that’s a treasure trove of secondhand finds, all at amazing prices—whether you’re looking for wardrobe staples or fun kids toys”).

In fact, O’Shea-Evans loves Bailey so much that she and her husband bought a modern vacation house and turned it into a luxe short term rental, Skytop Mountain House . “It’s got a prime panorama over Bandit Peak and Rosalie Peak,” she says. “When we’re vacationing with our son up there, we always, always see wildlife—from elk to moose—and never experience a traffic jam. It’s Colorado the way it was meant to be…just don’t tell anybody about it.”

The clear waters of Florida's Henderson State Park.

Where: Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Chosen By: Kate Schweitzer is a Chicago-based freelance travel writer and mom of two. Follow her on Instagram @kateschweitzer .

Why: Family-friendly Destin-Fort Walton Beach offers near-perfect weather year-round, a growing hotel scene, rich ecotourism that the destination is working hard to protect, plus “a fishing community so vibrant that the beach town has come to be known as ‘the world’s luckiest fishing village,’” says Kate Schweitzer.

Set on the Gulf of Mexico, Destin provides travelers with an array of immersive and educational activities such as artificial reefs for snorkeling and diving, educational beach walks to learn more about sea turtles and emerald green waters where dolphins roam freely in their natural habitat. To protect and restore the local sea life, the destination has introduced a range of projects including new sea turtle lighting initiatives, the continental United States’ first ever Fishing Aggregating Device and The Emerald Coast Open and Lionfish Removal & Awareness Day Festival to promote effectively removing the invasive species from the Gulf.

“Visitors can also foster their love of marine life with a visit to Destin’s Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center , which promotes the rehabilitation and release of stranded sea turtles,” says Schweitzer. “My kiddos loved the marine-biologist-led tour just as much as setting sail on a trimaran in search of dolphins.”

Destin is also home to a buzzing gulf-to-table seafood scene, including spots like Lulu’s (owned by Jimmy Buffett’s little sister Lucy), Rockin Tacos and Brotula's Seafood House . “In fact, do some good and order up whatever lionfish—an invasive species that prey on the area’s native fish population—is on the menu,” says Schweitzer. “Destin truly is a Florida hidden gem, and you’ll be so glad you discovered it.”

A waterfront view of St. Pete, Florida.

Where to Go: St. Pete, Florida

Chosen By: Terry Ward is a Florida-based travel writer whose work appears in CNN, National Geographic, Lonely Planet and the Washington Post, among many other outlets. Follow her along her journey on Twitter and Instagram at @TerryWardWriter.

Why: “St. Pete presents one of Florida’s best mixes of a cool and lively urban downtown with beautiful beaches right nearby,” says Terry Ward. “The town is known for its art scene—from the murals everywhere to Salvador Dali and Renaissance masterworks in museums—but it remains delightfully casual and approachable at every level, too.”

With 35 miles of uninterrupted coastline including some of Florida’s top-rated beaches and a booming arts and culture scene, it’s no surprise that St. Pete is popping on travelers’ radars. The Dalí Museum continues to offer unique and innovative exhibits that explore multi-sensory, immersive experiences for all types of travelers and is a must visit when in the destination.

Also appealing: “It’s an LGBTQ+ haven and home to the state’s largest Pride parade every year,” says Ward. “And the new St. Pete Pier has become a center for gathering all year round, whether at a pop-up roller rink, among the pelicans and anglers casting out line at its tip or while enjoying sprawling views of downtown and Tampa Bay from a rooftop Tiki bar washed with salty breezes.”

This year is bringing big changes in the hospitality scene, including major renovations to the iconic Vinoy Resort & Golf Club and hot new hotels popping up all around town. The EDGE District is welcoming its first lifestyle property, the Moxy Hotel by Marriott , while Mint House is set to open in the district in June 2023, offering apartment-style accommodations. Additionally, the AC Hotel St. Petersburg by Marriott opened earlier this year.

And when it comes to soaking in St. Pete’s annual 361 days of sunshine, it doesn’t always happen at the beach. This year the 75-mile Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail Loop is being completed with a 6.7-mile addition. The multi-use pathway stretches from Tarpon Springs to St. Pete with connections to coastal communities along the way, making it a great way to explore the area.

Exploring Savannah, Georgia.

Where to Go: Savannah, Georgia

Chosen By: Melissa Klurman is a travel expert and contributor at Reader’s Digest , The Points Guy and Travel Awaits .

Why: A charming southern escape, the “Hostess City” of Savannah is a favorite of travel writer Melissa Klurman for its rich history—the entire downtown is a National Historic Landmark; its 22 park squares, including the illustrious Forsyth Park of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil fame; and, of course, its numerous regional culinary delights.

Despite its many allures, Klurman says, Savannah’s live music scene has been a bit under the radar. “Savannah is seemingly always in the shadow of Nashville and Austin. That’s all about to change though,” says Klurman.

This year, the city got a new entertainment venue, Enmarket Arena, bringing big name acts to a 9,500 seat arena. That comes on the heels of the opening of the Plant Riverside District, an entertainment zone that debuted during the pandemic.

Even more enticing is the vibrant Savannah Music Festival , a 17-day celebration of stellar live jazz, blues, folk, global roots and classical music. It’s an easy-to-attend (and enjoy) concert series, says Klurman, who also notes that tickets start at wallet friendly prices of just $31. “You can dip into indoor and outdoor performances, ticketed big name draws like Buddy Guy, or smaller lunchtime events to get a flavor of this southern festival,” says Klurman. “It’s been a local favorite for more than 30 years, but I’m betting that with the new focus on Savannah as a truly notable music destination, that the Savannah Music Festival will be at the top of music lovers’ lists in the coming years.”

A rendering of the Longfellow Hotel, which will open this summer in Portland’s historic West End ... [+] neighborhood.

Where to Go: Portland, Maine

Chosen By: Born and raised in Maine, Vanessa Santarelli is the founder of Your Maine Concierge (the state’s first custom guided-experience company) and co-host of the Maine Life TV show .

Why: “One could visit Portland for a week and still only scratch the surface of all that Maine’s largest city has to offer,” says Vanessa Santarelli.

From fine dining to local seaside eats, Portland has more restaurants per capita than any other city in the country besides San Francisco. Earlier this year, Per Se and Eleven Madison Park alums opened Twelve to rave reviews. Some other notable spots include The Danforth (a restaurant and cocktail bar with sleek interiors by the Death & Co team), Tandem (a bakery and coffee shop in a former gas station), Crispy Gai (“a locals’ hot spot where bartender Arvid Brown’s twist on the classic daiquiri with Thai basil is not to be missed,” says Santarelli). Miyake also just reopened after having been closed for years due to Covid. “Chef Masa’s signature hamayaki dish alone will make you want to plan your return trip to Maine before the check gets to the table,” says Santarelli.

Looking for a quintessential Maine experience? “Pop across the bridge to South Portland for local oysters on the half shell, ceviche, smoked trout and salmon toast at SoPo Seafood Market and Raw Bar , paired with a local craft beer like Patina from Austin Street Brewery , on their way to a casual, yet breathtakingly scenic lunch of delicious Maine lobster rolls on the no-frills picnic tables at the Lobster Shack at Two Lights, watching the sailboats and fishing vessels cruise by,” says Santarelli. “After lunch, walk in the footsteps of famed painter Winslow Homer by scheduling a private studio tour with the Portland Museum of Art on the ocean cliffs in Scarborough that inspired many of his most admired works.”

This year will also bring exciting hotel news: Designed by the same folks that did the acclaimed Lake House on Canandaiga , Longfellow Hotel will open this summer in Portland’s historic West End neighborhood. The property will be the first independent, full-service hotel to open in Portland in 20 years, and is the namesake of famed Portland poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Owned and operated by two lifelong Maine brothers, the hotel reinterprets Maine’s wild, rugged beauty into a sophisticated, calming oasis in the heart of Portland.

Another new hot spot: The Washington Baths , a design-forward Scandinavian style public bath house. This year will also mark the 200th anniversary of the first steamship to Portland from Boston, which started regular passenger service between the two cities and helped transform Maine into “Vacationland.”

A Sand Dune Trail in Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Traverse City, Michigan

Chosen By: Erica Zazo is a freelance outdoor and travel writer based in Chicago. She often writes about lesser-known hiking trails and outdoor adventures across the Midwest.

Why: For an underrated destination to add to your 2023 bucket list, look no further than waterfront Traverse City, located on the Northwest side of Michigan. The destination is the perfect blend of small-town charm, mixed with elevated offerings in the cultural and culinary space, such as Modern Bird (from a husband and wife duo who trained in Michelin-level kitchens) and Dennos Museum Center (with the largest collection of Inuit art in the country).

“As a Michigan native, I can’t say enough about my love of Traverse City,” says Erica Zazo. “I’m a huge fan of going on outdoor adventures throughout the region, including kayaking and fly fishing on the Boardman River, biking through downtown, hiking on Old Mission Peninsula and boating in the Grand Traverse Bay.”

One of this lesser-known destination’s claims to fame is that it is the country’s Cherry Capital: Visitors can stroll through the cherry blossom trees in springtime and celebrate the region’s favorite crop at the National Cherry Festival in July. Traverse City is also home to a hidden wine gem: the Traverse Wine Coast . With its location on the 45th parallel, the region lines up with prestigious wine regions in Europe and has two unique areas climatically moderated by the massive waters of Lake Michigan: The Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsula .

This is also beer country. “I’m a big Michigan craft beer fan, and visiting Farm Club north of downtown Traverse City is one of my favorite places to drink local beer,” says Zazo. “They have an amazing food menu, impressive brews and an unbeatable view from their amazingly beautiful taproom that oozes with cozy modern cabin vibes.” For a bike-and-brew adventure, Zazo recommends a ride along the Leelanau Trail, a 17-mile paved bike path that passes right by Farm Club and stretches all the way to Suttons Bay.

Lastly, Traverse City is a destination for all seasons—whether it’s skiing and winter sports at Crystal Mountain Resort, leaf peeping in the fall, or exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in the spring and summer. For a great place to stay, the Alexandra Inn will debut this summer on a private beach along East Grand Traverse Bay. Each of the 32 guest rooms will have soaker tubs and glass-faced balconies with stunning water views.

Up-and-coming Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Where to Go: Mississippi

Why: The Magnolia State has everything a traveler could want in 2023, from a cutting-edge culinary scene to buzzing small towns to incredible natural beauty.

In Hattiesburg, take in over 50 pieces of art on the public art trail, tuck into the Hattiesburg Pocket Alley Pocket Museum (a 48×36-inch window display filled with a monthly rotating collection of objects) and thrift your heart out at the Lucky Rabbit , which even has glassblowing demonstrations.

Other hidden-gem towns include Waveland (the only community of the Gulf Coast that prohibits commercial buildings on its beachfront), Bay St. Louis (which has a quaint downtown filled with art galleries and antique shops) and Diamondhead (known for its golf scene and some of the best greens on the coast.

Mississippi has also carved out a signature culinary culture, with high-end dining by celebrity chefs to farm-to-table spots to no-frills establishments. In historic downtown Ocean Springs, Vestige offers a contemporary American menu paired with inspiration of the flavors and techniques of Japan, while at Elvie’s in Jackson, chef Hunter Evans channels his passion for food and hospitality learned in his grandmother Elvieretta’s New Orleans kitchen. The Delta is also known for tamales, and the easiest way to experience this beloved snack is by following the Hot Tamale Trail .

When it comes to nature, Quapaw Canoe Company runs daytrip and overnight wilderness customized expeditions on the Lower Mississippi River via its Back Waters, Bayous, Oxbows and Flood Plain. The Mississippi also offers great birding throughout its forests and sandy beaches, and the Mississippi Coastal Birding Trail helps guide visitors to identifying over 40 birding sites identified by local birders.

Mississippi’s lodging ranges from forest retreats to historic inns and everything in between. The Roost in Ocean Springs is a restored boutique hotel located within walking distance of the beach and the eclectic downtown. Set on 26 acres, the Monmouth Historic Inn in Natchez was originally built in 1818 and is now a National Historic Landmark.

Kansas City, Missouri's downtown skyline with Union Station.

Where to Go: Kansas City, Missouri

Chosen By: Anna Petrow is a Kansas City-based culinary, travel and lifestyle photographer and regular contributor to The New York Times, Travel + Leisure and Fathom .

Why: “Kansas City’s culture includes a unique blend of the creative and the culinary,” says Anna Petrow. “A city positioned in the heartland, our chefs and farmers were among the first in the country to quietly lead the farm to table movement.”

Now, Kansas City is having its moment, thanks in part to people who genuinely care about where their food comes from. “You see that care come to life in a creative way in everything from cocktails to chocolate handcrafted in KC,” says Petrow. “Christopher Elbow ’s confections have gained a place on the national stage, while local liquor brands like J. Rieger & Co. and Mean Mule have quickly won the hearts of Kansas Citians through both innovation and homage to the heritage of our city, which eschewed prohibition in favor of speakeasies and jazz, earning us the nickname ‘Paris of the Plains.’”

Another hallmark of this city is that it’s a place that values community over competition. “You see this all the time, from restaurants supporting each other’s new ventures, to coffee shops leading the charge for community initiatives,” says Petrow. One person who embodies this spirit: Jackie Nguyen, owner of Vietnamese coffee shop Cafe Cà Phê . “Her shop has become a home for artists, organizers and dreamers,” says Petrow. “Rarely a week goes by when they aren’t hosting a culture workshop or fundraiser for a fellow small business inventor—true advocacy.”

All of this feeds into the general spirit of support for the arts, including First Fridays in the Crossroads , open gallery nights, street art festivals that draw big crowds, open-air barbecue competitions in the summer and institutions like the beloved American Jazz Museum . “Great food and drink are never far behind,” says Petrow. Case in point? “KC’s most anticipated brewery, Black-founded and owned Vine Street Brewing , will be opening near the museum this year,” says Petrow. “So go ahead and book a flight to our new airport—your tastebuds will thank you.”

A nighttime view of Atlantic City's waterfront.

Where to Go: Atlantic City, New Jersey

Chosen By: Andrea Doyle , a journalist with Skift Meetings.

Why: “Atlantic City is set to have a banner 2023 and I will be a frequent visitor,” says Andrea Doyle. America’s Playground (as this beachside city is called) has seen significant reinvestment into the destination over the last several years, including multi-million dollar hotel renovations, game-changing restaurants and all-new attractions.

“There are so many new features coming online that I am excited to experience,” says Andrea Doyle. “I am looking forward to dining at Nobu , which is set to open this year, enjoying a show at Spiegelworld and checking out a few of the many top-name concerts featured this summer.”

When it arrives at Caesars in Atlantic City with a brand new production of “The Hook” in summer 2023, Spiegelworld is set to be the planet’s premier purveyor of submersive entertainment. Also bringing new life to the destination: the highly-anticipated $55 million rebrand and remodel of Borgata’s Water Club to MGM Tower. Adding to the excitement: Island Waterpark at Showboat Atlantic City , which will be the largest indoor waterpark in the country and will feature state-of-the-art surf machines creating life-size waves and the largest custom aqua forms in the world.

And of course, there are the tried-and-true favorites that continue to deliver. “On getaways with my girlfriends as well as my book club, we enjoy shopping, dining at prestigious restaurants, spa treatments at wellness centers like Exhale Spa + Bathhouse at Ocean and dancing the night away at Boogie Nights at Tropicana ,” says Doyle.

Niagara Falls on a summer day.

Where: Niagara Falls, New York

Chosen By: Michele Herrmann, Travel, Culinary and Lifestyle Freelance Writer and Content Creator

Why: Niagara Falls is a bucket-list destination for people from all over the world, thanks to iconic attractions such as the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds . Founded in 1885, Niagara Falls State Park has always been a point of interest for visitors to the Falls, and now a new $46 million Welcome Center opening later this spring will feature sustainable elements, hands-on exhibits and indigenous history to enrich the experience.

“The New York State side of Niagara Falls has really seen a lot of growth and revitalization,” says Michele Herrmann. “From establishments such as Wine on Third, to the new Visitor’s Center, there’s a lot going on. Other sites to visit include the Aquarium of Niagara and the Niagara Power Vista.”

Nature is the focal point of any visit to Niagara Falls USA, and the new Niagara Hiking Company offers guided day hikes into the Niagara Gorge, with scenic vantage points and narrated history of the area.

A short walk from Niagara Falls, visitors can stay at the Red Coach Inn , celebrating its 100 th anniversary in 2023. The historic hotel overlooks the spectacular Upper Rapids of the Niagara River. Also located within walking distance of Niagara Falls: the recently renovated voco The Cadence Hotel . Rooms have balconies where guests can kick up their feet and enjoy a glass of wine from one of the many local Niagara wineries .

Oklahoma City's Bricktown neighborhood at dusk.

Where to Go: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Chosen By: Kay Kingsman, travel writer and blogger at The Awkward Traveller .

Why: “Oklahoma City is not often at the top of dream destinations for travelers, but 2023 is the year that will change,” says Kay Kingsman. “Other cities around the country may get the colloquial title of ‘weird’ or ‘quirky,’ but Oklahoma City, also called OKC for short, flies under the radar for its unconventional attractions and locally curated art scene.”

The Bradford House boutique hotel in uptown is a new staple to OKC hospitality. “It offers guests unique guest rooms, delightful afternoon tea, jazz nights with regional musicians, and even weekly French classes,” says Kingsman. “It’ll be hard to leave your cozy hotel room, but once you do, check out two of the most unique museums you'll ever come across: the American Banjo Museum and the American Pigeon Museum . While both are seemingly random, visitors will learn how both pigeons and banjos were integral to the foundation of modern American culture.”

Be sure to round out your cultural enrichment with a trip to the newly opened First Americans Museum . “It explains the decolonized history of the Americas through the lens of the continent’s Indigenous peoples,” says Kingsman.

There are other amazing things to do in OKC beyond museums. “Have a psychedelic experience at Factory Obscura and dine at the award-winning Grey Sweater restaurant,” says Kingsman. “Oklahoma City is also a fantastic road trip stop, as it lies along Route 66, one of the strangest, but also most artistic, highways in the country.”

Whether you are just passing through or staying a while, be sure to also add on at least a day trip to the nearby city of Tulsa. “Tulsa is a destination all on its own, but if you only have time for one activity, be sure to join the eye-opening Greenwood Black Wall Street tour ,” says Kingsman. “Visitors will learn the seedy reality of how government entities systemically destroy and displace Black neighborhoods, and also the steps on what they can do to take action.”

The skyline of Portland, Oregon, with Mt. Hood in the distance.

Where to Go: Portland, Oregon

Why: “Like a phoenix from the ashes, Portland, Oregon is reemerging in 2023 with unprecedented growth in the food and beverage scene, both in quality and variety,” says Kay Kingsman.

Awarded “best foodie city of 2022” by WalletHub, Portland is leading the industry in innovative menus representing cuisines from every corner of the globe. “One especially exciting trait of Portland’s new trajectory is how many of the new and rising businesses are owned and operated by BIPOC and LGBTQA+ trailblazers, reinforcing that a visit to Portland can suit every traveler,” says Kingsman.

With so many great food options, it might be a little overwhelming for first-time visitors. Kingsman’s top recommendations: Matutitna or Masala Lab for breakfast, followed by Nong’s Khao Man Gai or Heavy Plays for lunch. “End the night with a bang at República or Kann , both James Beard-nominated restaurants,” says Kingsman. Or grab a bite at the establishments that made Portland a household name in the culinary world: food carts. “There are literally hundreds of food carts, and for the most part you can’t go wrong, but a few of my personal favorites are Balong , Erica’s Soul Food , Kim Jong Grillin and Speed-o Cappuccino ,” says Kingsman.

How to fill your time between meals? “Get active at a few of the new inclusive fitness studios like Flow in the City or join in for a community run hosted by Deadstock Coffee Roasters ,” says Kingsman. “You can also go at your own pace with a stroll through the Portland Japanese Garden , which added a new tea cafe, or explore the city on an urban hike and pop into a few locally owned small businesses for a little souvenir shopping—sales tax free.”

Exploring Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th-century Spanish fort in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Where to Go: Puerto Rico

Why: Powerfully rebounding from Hurricane Irma and Maria in 2017, Puerto Rico is sprinting full speed ahead into 2023—and beyond—with new avenues to enjoy while remaining loyal to its Boricuan identity. “One of the first things visitors may notice is the variety of lodging options that directly benefit the community, like the Dreamers Welcome , a new LGBTQIA-owned hospitality group co-founded by Puerto Rican artist and designer Roy Delgado,” says Kay Kingsman.

From surfing, to hiking, to just suntanning near the lagoons, Puerto Rico is a destination of natural beauty, with miles of beautiful coastlines and the only rainforest National Park in America. “For the nautically inclined, there are also multiple islands off the coast with soft white sand and crystal clear waters for snorkeling,” says Kingsman. “Or grab a kayak and waft through one (or all!) of the three bioluminescent bays.”

Other nature highlights include the reopening of the renowned Camuy Caves , known for its extensive network of natural lime caves and underground waterways waiting to be explored. And then there’s the state-of-the-art self-sustainable company Earthship PR , which offers educational tours and short-term rentals of its off-grid and sustainable homes built with recycled materials

Along with the island’s natural beauty, Puerto Rico’s cultural attractions are also a big draw. “Companies like Higuaca Adventours and Sojourn offer accessible Taino and Afro-Borinken heritage tours,” says Kingsman. Coupled with the worldwide explosion of Puerto Rican musicians such as Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, and Villano Antillano, the island is experiencing incredible growth in the art scene as well. “Be sure to check out community art collectives such as El Local en Santurce to get the latest pulse on the creative events in Puerto Rico,” says Kingsman.

There are also a number of new restaurants blooming across the island. “A food tour with Flavors of San Juan Food or Spoon is a must-do to get a taste of some of the best flavors Puerto Rico has to offer,” says Kingsman. “If tours aren’t your style, you can DIY your own culinary adventure by following recommendations by local Puerto Rican food influencer Come Con Juan .”

Nneya Richards in Rhode Island's South County.

Where to Go: South County, Rhode Island

Chosen By: Nneya Richards is a speaker and travel blogger at ’N A Perfect World , a curated intersection of travel, food, fashion and geopolitics inspired by the global-citizen lifestyle of the millennial. Richards aims to empower young people, especially those of color, to travel, as she believes it is through exploring the world that we will bridge cultural gaps and misunderstandings.

Why: “It’s just over three hours away from NYC on a fast, comfortable Amtrak ride. But shhh… don’t tell the New Yorkers,” says Nneya Richards. “During the summer season, getting to South County, Rhode Island is easier than getting to the Hamptons. And you’re going to want to head here all year round.”

South County, Rhode Island is on the list for 2023, thanks to all its secret diversions and some not-so secret celebrity fans. “You may know the town of Watch Hill from Taylor Swift’s Last Great American Dynasty, ” says Richards. “Or maybe it’s because Watch Hill is home to the oldest Flying Horse carousel in the country, dating back to 1754.”

Also going for South County: “There’s something for everyone,” says Richards. “There are laidback surf town vibes in places like Narragansett, and you’ll find the best seafood in the country at restaurants like Matunuck Oyster Bar , and cuisine that could easily be just at home in a hotspot in Mexico City at Dalia , a waterfront Mexican restaurant at Ocean House.”

There’s plenty of hotel news in South County, including The Cottage Collection (new accommodations from the acclaimed by Ocean House), The General Stanton Inn (an historic property in Charlestown that’s reopening in May) and Surf Shack Bed & Breakfast (a funky inn coming in late 2023 in Narragansett).

Other new exciting spots include Double Barrel Steak by David Burke , which recently debuted at The Preserve Sporting Club & Residences and Seaside Shadows ghost tours in Westerly (new since last fall). And coming in 2024: Charleston’s Ninigret Park will be home to new Troll works by the famed Danish artist Thomas Dambo.

Best of all: “It’s one of those pockets of peace that the rugged coastlines of the Atlantic can do so well,” says Richards. “And the sunrises and sunsets are just marvelous.”

The clear nighttime skies in Badlands National Park in South Dakota.

Where to Go: South Dakota

Why: Besides its six national parks, 63 state parks and recreation areas, iconic monuments and scenic byways, South Dakota has plenty of new reasons to add the state to your travel bucket list in 2023.

In the legendary Badlands, the Oglala Lakota Living History Village is a new entry point to the beautiful landscape and the past and present culture of Lakota Country. Another new adventure in the heart of Lakota Country: a Buffalo Road Vacation at the legendary Farlee Ranch on the Cheyenne River Reservation, which provides visitors with an understanding of the life of Native Americans. This year also marks the 75 th year anniversary of the Crazy Horse monument—which is still being constructed and honors the Lakota leader who bravely defended the Lakota people’s way of life.

In Custer State Park, the new Bison Center brings an all-bison experience to the park’s scenic drive through the southern prairie, educating future generations on the importance of these majestic animals through dynamic interpretive displays. For a new way to see the Black Hills, the Custer-based Overland America specializes in off-road adventures in Jeep and Overland Trailer rentals.

Another South Dakota must-see for landscapes, tribal history and rich culture: the Native American Scenic Byway , which takes travelers through the lands of the Yankton, Crow Creek, Lower Brule, Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Sioux Tribes.

South Dakota’s culinary scene might also surprise you, especially in Sioux Falls, which is home to spots like The Treasury (an imaginative cocktail lounge located through the bank vault doors of the area’s newest boutique hotel, Hotel on Phillips), Remedy Brewing Company (a newly opened family and dog-friendly brewery) and the trailblazing Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean (led by 2023 James Beard Award-nominated chef Sanaa Abourezk).

The entrance to the Woodstock Inn & Resort in Woodstock, Vermont.

Where to Go: Woodstock, Vermont

Chosen By: Amanda Gabriele is a writer, editor, world traveler and martini enthusiast. She’s currently a senior editor at InsideHook and her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Eater, Gear Patrol, Thrillist, Matador and more. She lives in Brooklyn, New York but is constantly looking for her next adventure, which you can follow on Instagram @amandameatballs .

Why: Woodstock, Vermont has been making headlines for reasons big and small. The town was recently named to American Express Travel’s 2023 Trending Destinations list , based its popularity with cardholders. And the destination garnered attention when it reopened its iconic Suicide Six ski area—one of the oldest in the country— with a new name, Saskadena Six Ski Area , and new amenities. The change was recognized both for its long overdue nod to the Abenaki people’s ancestral lands, as well as the importance of mental health awareness.

The town’s simple appeals add to its allure. “I can’t think of a more idyllic place than Woodstock, Vermont—it makes for a perfect getaway in any season,” says Amanda Gabriele. “It has all the outdoor activities (hiking, skiing, fishing) and a lovely main street with great shops (don’t miss F.H. Gillingham and Sons, Woody’s Mercantile and Yankee Bookshop).”

For such a small town, Woodstock also has a buzzing hospitality scene. “I’m always in search of the perfect cocktail bar, and I could live inside Au Comptoir with its cozy interior and delicious drinks,” says Gabriele. On the mountain, Perley’s Pourhouse at Saskadena Six offers a selection of Vermont craft beer on tap, an outdoor wood-burning fireplace and fire pits.

The town is also home to the iconic Woodstock Inn & Resort . “It’s dog-friendly, which is a huge plus,” says Gabriele. “and there are comfy sitting areas (and an awesome game room!) scattered around the property that are perfect for a nightcap and chatting up new friends. Its two restaurants— Red Rooster and Richardson’s Tavern —are excellent and many of the dishes are made using fresh produce from the inn’s own garden.”

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USA Bucket List: 50 Best Places to Visit in the US

From snowcapped mountains to tropical beaches, from some of the world’s most iconic cities to some of its most incredible deserts, from the east coast to the west, one thing is incredibly certain: there is absolutely no shortage of awe-inspiring, utterly diverse, and incredibly beautiful places to visit in the USA.

Our home country boasts one of the most incredible national park systems on the planet, along with a huge variety of cities, small towns, and other gorgeous places that ensure that a lifetime would not be long enough to see all of the best travel destinations in the USA.

… But that won’t stop us from trying to enjoy as many of the most amazing vacations in the United States as we can.

We teamed up with several other travel bloggers to put together this giant USA bucket list, and definitely added a few new spots to our personal list of places to see in the US in the process!

From coast to coast, city to countryside, here are the best places to visit in the USA.

Table of Contents

Best Cities to Visit in the USA

National parks + other beautiful places for a us vacation, beaches + islands for your usa bucket list, other beautiful places in the usa to visit.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

New York, New York

From Disha of Disha Discovers

New York is one of the most iconic and beautiful cities in the United States and even the world.

It truly is a city that everyone should visit at least once in their lives even if it’s just for a quick weekend in NYC !

The tall buildings are mesmerizing and awe-inspiring, it’s home to some of the most exquisite museums and galleries in the world, and New York City is brimming with so much to explore and see.

Plus, NYC is a foodie’s heaven with cuisines from all over the world.

… And, these are only a few of the many reasons to visit this magnificent city.

Some bucket-list-worthy things to do in New York City are to watch a play on Broadway, see the Statue of Liberty, hang out in Time Square, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, and take a stroll around Central Park.

A few museums to visit are the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Guggenheim, and the American Museum of Natural History.

Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, 5th Avenue, Empire State Building, and Chelsea Market are must-sees as well.

Whatever you decide to do in New York City , you’re in for a real treat!

This city will leave you feeling inspired and you’ll want to book another trip to come back!

Miami, Florida

From Veronika of Travel Geekery

Vibrant and colorful Miami is, without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in the US.

The downtown area merges into wonderfully diverse neighborhoods from Little Havana to Coral Gables.

However, most visitors to the vibrant yet laid-back city head to its beaches located on a long stretch of a barrier island.

South Beach especially is where the glamor’s at, topped by stylish Ocean Drive, which is lined with elegant Art Deco houses including Versace’s mansion, trendy restaurants, and nightclubs… the scene is pretty lively there.

The beach itself features uniquely colored watchtowers spread around nice light sand. The waves are mostly mild. Pelicans like it here too and often float on the water near people.

Watching a sunrise on the beach belongs to one of the best experiences one can have in the area.

Miami City and its beaches can easily be visited  even without a car .

The public transport network and the ample ride/bike-sharing services make it an easy destination for any type of traveler.

San Diego, California

From Maria of San Diego Explorer

San Diego is the perfect California beach city and a must on any USA bucket list.

Also known as America’s Finest City, San Diego has a lot to offer, whether you are looking for a beach getaway at one of the many beach resorts in San Diego , a fun time in the city, or a mix of both.

Here are some of the best things to do in San Diego!

In Downtown San Diego, there is something for everyone: from eating delicious Italian fare in Little Italy to visiting the Midway Museum to strolling through Seaport Village, and having a fun night out in the Gaslamp Quarter.

If you love the outdoors and animals, visit Balboa Park and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.  

And then, there are the beaches: San Diego has some of the best beaches in Southern California.

Some of the most popular ones are Mission Beach, Coronado, and the beaches in La Jolla.

You can relax on the sand, take surfing lessons, or ride your bike along the boardwalk for a fun day on the beach.  

San Diego has so much to offer and is simply a fun city, no matter what you are in the mood for. 

Austin, Texas

The Live Music Capital of the World and capital of the state of Texas is located in the heart of Texas Hill Country and offers a fantastic combination of excellent nightlife, plenty of outdoor activities and day trip opportunities, and truly phenomenal food.

Don’t leave without having at least one giant meal each worth of TexMex and barbecue!

While in Austin, be sure to visit trendy South Congress Avenue, watch the bats fly out from under the South Congress Bridge (if you’re visiting at the right time of year, that is), see a show, and go for a hike (or if it’s too hot, hit the lake!).

Want to get out of town?

Austin is within an easy day trip of natural swimming holes, Texas’ wine country, and adorable small towns.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Good food, good music, and good times: of all the best places to visit in the USA, NOLA definitely ranks toward the top of the list for places to go to simply have an amazing time.

There’s far more to New Orleans than Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street, and beignets, though.

With a dark and complex history heavily impacted by slavery and a constantly evolving modern culture, New Orleans deserves more than just partying during your visit–though there’s plenty of time for that, too.

While in New Orleans, be sure to listen to some jazz, learn a bit about the city’s history, visit the famous Jackson Square, head to the Garden District, check out the beautiful oak trees in City Park, and–this is very important–eat your heart out.

NOLA is indisputably home to some of the best food in the country–so good, in fact, that the food alone would be a good enough reason to add New Orleans to your USA bucket list.

For those interested in New Orleans’ spooky legends, a ghost tour through the French Quarter at night is also worth adding to your to-do list!

Washington, DC

From Jordan of The Solo Life

One of the best travel destinations in the United States is the nation’s capital, Washington, DC.

With everything from museums to monuments to the White House and Capitol Building, DC has something for everyone .

In addition, DC’s public transportation and numerous free attractions make it a surprising destination for the budget-friendly traveler.

Kid-friendly options include the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum.

Art lovers will enjoy the National Gallery of Art or the Hirshhorn Museum for modern and contemporary art.

History buffs should check out the Library of Congress and the National Archives Museum.

Besides museums, the National Mall and Tidal Basin are must-visit locations to see the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial, among others.

The best times to visit DC include early summer before it gets too hot or in the fall once summer break is over.

Although extremely crowded due to the Cherry Blossoms, springtime is also a gorgeous time to visit.

No matter what time of year, Washington, DC is one of the best destinations to visit in the US.

San Francisco, California

The city of hills, ocean views, and the famous Golden Gate Bridge is at the top of many people’s lists of bucket lists for the United States.

And, with an endless list of things to do that cater to all interests, why not?

Be sure to pay a visit to the touristed highlights that most interest you–Fisherman’s Wharf (and its adorable sea lions!), Alcatraz, walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, visiting the Painted Ladies (of Full House fame), and checking out Lombard Street.

Once you cross those highlights off your list, though, make time for a few less-obvious attractions, like San Francisco’s Japanese Garden, the Land’s End Labyrinth, and Fort Point.

And, of course, you can’t forget to go for a walk in the woods while visiting San Francisco!

Visiting the Muir Woods is an unforgettable experience worthy of your time on any weekend trip to the area.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia has been one of the coolest US cities to visit for centuries, and–like Boston–it features strong ties to the American Revolution.

This is where the Declaration of Independence and the Consitution were signed, touring Independence Hall and visiting the nearby Liberty Bell are among the best things to do in Philadelphia today as a result!

You can’t miss Philly’s food scene when visiting, either–from whoopie pies to Philly cheesesteaks, the city has a (literal) flavor all its own.

Start–but don’t finish–exploring Philadelphia’s food scene at the historic Reading Terminal Market.

Be sure to also make time to visit some of Philadelphia’s incredible museums during your visit, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Museum of the American Revolution (we loved this one), and touring the dark but fascinating Eastern State Penitentiary.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is also home to another essential stop in this iconic East Coast City: the Rocky Steps.

And, if you’re willing to work up a sweat, definitely consider running up them yourself during your classic American vacation in Philadelphia!

Chicago, Illinois

From Wendy of The Nomadic Vegan

Chicago is the third-largest city in the US, and also one of the most ethnically diverse.

Its skyline reflecting off the waters of Lake Michigan is a sight to behold.

No matter what your interests are, whether it’s music, shopping, culture, art, or dining, you could spend months exploring all that Chicago has to offer.

On a shorter USA vacation, though, you can still see quite a few of the best sights in Chicago!

The city’s top museums include the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Don’t forget to check out the many outdoor sculptures and other public works of art around the Loop, either.

A walk along the Magnificent Mile will take you past upscale department stores and through Millennium Park, home of the famous sculpture known as The Bean.

A visit to Bronzeville, also known as “the Black Metropolis”, is a must to learn about the city’s rich African-American history.

Architecture buffs will be interested to know that this is where Frank Lloyd Wright established the Prairie School architectural style. You can find some of his earliest buildings here in Chicago.

You’ll work up an appetite walking the streets of this massive city. This is a good thing, because the restaurant scene here is amazing!

You can find pretty much any cuisine you could imagine, from stylish Japanese to homestyle soul food, and there are even lots of vegetarian and  vegan restaurants in Chicago .

Houston, Texas

From Thanh of The Traveling Asian

Houston, Texas is one of the coolest places to visit in the United States, and while an unexpected vacation option, certainly one that will impress.

After all, it is the 4th largest city in the USA and is often ranked as the most diverse city in the country!

Because of this size, you can expect there to be all kinds of things for you to see and do here in this city.

One of the most iconic places you must visit in the city is Space Center Houston.

There you can learn about NASA and space travel as well as take a tour around the famous mission control center. If you love space, then this place is for you.

Houston is also home to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo which is the biggest rodeo of its kind in the country.

There, you’ll be able to eat some delicious rodeo foods, pet some livestock, learn about animals, play at the amusement park, and even watch a concert by famous celebrities.

But aside from the attractions, Houston is known for its food. Since it is the most diverse city in the country, you can find just about everything available here in this city.

For instance, you can find Tex-Mex, Chinese, Ethiopian, Greek, and many other ethnic cuisines available all around the area.

So if you love food and all things fun, then Houston is definitely the place for you.

Las Vegas, Nevada

From Kimberley of Two Travelling Toques

If you’re looking for a cool place to visit in the USA, you can’t get much cooler than Las Vegas .

This well-known city has been depicted in numerous movies such as The Hangover and Ocean’s Thirteen as party central.

And if that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll definitely find it in Vegas.

Long known as both the wedding capital for a quick place to get married, or the perfect spot to hold a bachelor or bachelorette party, either way, it’s the spot to bring your friends, let loose, and have fun!

Gambling has been a big draw to Las Vegas since the early 1930s, and there is no shortage of showy and extravagant casinos to choose from.

Nightlife also takes center stage here.

From world-class musicians to top-notch magical acts, to dependable artists like Wayne Newton who have had a residency here for years. 

During the day, you can grab a fancy drink and chill by the pool. Or hit up one of the pool parties and listen to the headlining DJ.

Either way, be sure to bring lots of money for the high-end shops, ever-flowing drinks, and dazzling casinos looking to draw you in. 

Savannah, Georgia

Without a doubt, the small but stunning city of Savannah, Georgia is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the USA.

Featuring absolutely stunning architecture, 22 of its original 24 town squares, endless oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, and some of the best food in the country, spending a few days in Savannah is bound to be a delight.

While you’re there, be sure to meander down beautiful Jones Street, check out Forsyth Park, hear some of the city’s most enduring legends on a ghost tour, enjoy views from River Street, and take in some of Savannah’s complex history at its various house museums and houses of worship.

Don’t forget to set aside plenty of time to eat!

While there are dozens of incredible  restaurants in Savannah , favorites include The Olde Pink House and The Grey for special occasions, The Collins Quarter for their legendary lavender mocha latte, and Leopold’s Ice Cream for a scoop of their famous Tutti Frutti ice cream.

Have enough time for a quick  day trip ?

Tybee Island –also known as “Savannah’s Beach”–is less than a 30-minute drive away, and while you certainly won’t want to swim in the summer, strolling along the sand and climbing the lighthouse are a treat.

Los Angeles, California

From Trijit of Budget Travel Buff

Looking for the coolest place to visit in the United States?

Visit Los Angeles; a unique combination of the entertainment industry, gorgeous beaches, great food, and vibrant nightlife.

It is certainly not the cheapest place in California , but for the right travelers, LA is definitely worth the price tag.

Los Angeles is a large city full of tourist attractions that won’t let you stay idle.

If you are a beach lover, LA won’t disappoint you with its stunning beaches that include Malibu, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, Venice Beach, Hermosa Beach, and so on.

There are several fantastic museums in LA. LACMA is the most popular one for its diverse art collections and special exhibits.

Some other renowned museums are the Grammy Museum, Natural History Museum, and Museum of Broken Relationships.

While visiting LA, you will notice entertainment at every corner of the city. You can see a concert or enjoy a ride at the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park.

If you rent a car in Los Angeles, go for a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway that carves through the mountains of Malibu.

Los Angeles has some of the best restaurants in the US.

Once you are done with LA sightseeing, have lunch at any of these food spots – Diakokuya for ramen, Langer’s for a pastrami sandwich, Guisados for tacos, or pizza at Mozza.

Seattle, Washington

Set right on the water with the dramatic backdrop of Mount Rainier, it’s no wonder that busy and beautiful Seattle is one of the best USA travel destinations.

When visiting Seattle, be sure to eat your way through Pike Place Market, head to the top of the Space Needle, visit the famous Chihuly Museum, and check out the fun and interesting Museum of Pop Culture.

Looking for interesting neighborhoods?

Head to Fremont, where the self-proclaimed unofficial motto is “des libertas quirkas”, aka “the freedom to be quirky”.

Hoping to spend some time outside?

Nestled in the heart of the magnificent Pacific Northwest, endless waterfalls, trails, and mountains–even Mount Rainier itself–are located within day-tripping distance from Seattle.

Charleston, South Carolina

Located just a couple of hours north of Savannah, Charleston shares a lot of similarities with its neighbor to the south.

Fantastic Lowcountry food, Spanish moss dripping from the trees, beautiful architecture, and lots of history to uncover are wonderful to appreciate in both Charleston and Savannah –but Charleston absolutely has its own distinct personality as well.

On your Charleston vacation, be sure to visit the beautiful and photogenic Rainbow Row, check out the tea-making process at the Charleston Tea Garden, visit the gorgeous and interesting Angel Oak Tree, stroll through Waterfront Park and Battery Park, and check out City Market.

If you’d like to do some shopping while in Charleston, King Street is the place to go.

Those interested in US military history will no doubt want to visit Patriots Point to tour the former US naval ships docked there and Fort Sumter for its history (and views).

Beach lovers, don’t miss the chance to check out nearby Folly Beach and/or Sullivan’s Island!

Orlando, Florida

As the theme park capital of the world, Orlando is one of the most popular places to visit in the USA for both domestic and international visitors, mostly on behalf of one iconic mouse.

As home to Walt Disney World , Orlando is a must-see USA bucket list item for many families across the world, and with four amazing Disney parks packed with rides, experiences, and intense amounts of nostalgia, it’s no wonder why.

Disney isn’t the only theme park game in town, though!

Universal Studios Orlando, home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, is also a fantastic theme park to visit, and big roller coaster fans may even want to take a day trip to Tampa Bay to experience Busch Gardens.

Though the parks are a big draw for people visiting Orlando with kids and kids at heart alike, theme parks aren’t the only places to visit in and around Orlando.

The Kennedy Space Center, plenty of beaches, and even cool swimming holes like Wekiva Springs are within day-trip distance of Orlando.

Portland, Oregon

Much like Austin, Portland proudly embraces its weirdness, celebrating the eclectic and bizarre in all possible ways–and that makes it endlessly fun to visit!

Bookworms like me will immediately head to Powell’s City of Books–I still think it’s the biggest bookstore I’ve ever visited–while foodies will want to head directly to the local ice cream obsession, Salt & Straw. 

Voodoo Doughnuts, now with a few locations nationally, also originated here and remains popular with tourists (though depending on who you ask, not locals–for what it’s worth, we’d rate the doughnuts 7/10).

During your weekend trip to Portland, make time to visit the Japanese Garden and the International Rose Garden, especially if you visit when everything is in bloom.

Plenty of incredible parts of the Columbia River Gorge, including famous Multnomah Falls, are also within easy reach of Portland and deserve to feature on your USA bucket list!

Nashville, Tennessee

From Apryl of Southern Traveling Gal

No doubt about it, there’s something about Nashville, that casts a long-lasting spell on travelers.

For travelers visiting Nashville, it’s not unheard of to plan a return trip as soon as the current one is over!

Only in “The Music City” is it possible to catch the latest exhibit at the Frist Art Museum, see a replica of the Parthenon and enjoy live music at venues along the Honky Tonk Highway.

For first-timers, touring country music icons like the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame is a must-do.

Don’t overlook artist-specific museums such as the Johnny Cash Museum and Glen Campbell Museum that provides a closer look at these music giants, either.

Much of Nashville’s allure lies within its distinctive neighborhoods, like the Gulch, filled with shops and restaurants.

It isn’t unusual to spot a long line or two here, typically featuring either people waiting in line to take a photo with the “What Lifts You” mural or getting into Biscuit Love.

Save some room for some barbecue from Peg Leg Porker!

12thSouth offers locally-owned boutiques, stores, and eateries. Also found here is Draper James, the flagship store of Reese Witherspoon’s clothing line.

Be sure to take home some cookies from Christie’s Cookie Company and snap a photo with the “I Believe in Nashville” mural.

Across the Cumberland River is the eclectic East Nashville. Don’t miss out on the mini doughnuts at Donut Distillery.

Depending on time, consider visiting Cheekwood Estates and Gardens, a 55-acre botanical garden, as part of your Nashville getaway.

Of course, no trip to Nashville is complete without hot chicken from Prince’s Hot Chicken or biscuits from Loveless Cafe, located near the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Boston, Massachusetts

From Linn of Brainy Backpackers

Boston is such a cool city to visit in the USA, rich in history, architecture, and food.

Along the waterfront, you can walk the 43-mile-long Harbor Walk.

But there is so much more to add to see during your trip to Boston, like the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile-long path taking you to 16 significant places in American history.

It is well marked and technically be walked in as little as 90 minutes, though you can download the app and visit each place which will take at least a whole day to complete.

Boston is home to the oldest public park in the United States, Boston Common, which is situated next to Boston Public Garden.

You can wander the parks and enjoy a ride in the Boston Public Garden’s historic paddleboats.

Nearby, you’ll find the Boston Public Library at Copley Square, which is an incredibly beautiful Renaissance Revival structure from 1895 that you should visit.

You’ll also find the beautiful neighborhood of Beacon Hill nearby, as well as the trendy neighborhood of Back Bay.

For the best views of the city during your Boston itinerary , visit the Skywalk Observatory.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

From Melissa of Parenthood and Passports

Yellowstone National Park is the oldest national park in the United States and one of the best places to visit in the entire country.

Known for its geothermal activity, more than half of the earth’s geysers are located in the national park which straddles the borders of Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. 

Old Faithful is one of the most popular things to see in Yellowstone National Park .

The active and predictable geyser erupts approximately 20 times each day.

Visitors to the park gather around to watch the geyser blast hot water and steam into the sky.

Although quite impressive, Old Faithful is just one of many must-see geothermal features found in the park.

One of the largest hot springs in the world, the Grand Prismatic Spring, is another popular attraction in Yellowstone.

Visitors can get an up-close view of the spring or take a short hike for a stunning overview of Grand Prismatic’s vibrant colors.  

Beyond all of its geothermal features, Yellowstone National Park also boasts beautiful waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, rivers, and more than 200 species of animals.

Bison, deer, moose, wolves, and even bears live in the park.

Because of all the wildlife in Yellowstone, visitors are strongly encouraged to use caution when hiking or camping and to carry bear spray to protect themselves in the event of an encounter.

Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho

From Allison of She Dreams of Alpine

Idaho is often overlooked when it comes to cool places to visit in the US, but the tiny town of Stanley serves as the gateway to an abundance of outdoor adventures in the stunning Sawtooth Mountain range and along the swift Salmon River.

Although it has a population of less than 100, Stanley is easily accessible in a 3-hour drive from the main airport in Boise or about a 1-hour drive if you’re coming from Sun Valley.

The best way to explore the Sawtooth Mountains is on one of the many hiking trails.

The hike to Alice Lake is a perfect introduction to the area, and you can either do a 12-mile day hike or backpack the longer Alice/Toxaway Loop over the course of a few days.

Whichever option you choose, you’ll discover gorgeous views of Alice Lake framed by the “Dragon’s Back” peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains, including Idaho’s own “El Capitan.”

For fun on the water, you can go fishing along the Salmon River or swim in Redfish Lake.

When you need some rejuvenation after your adventures, you can reward yourself with great food and drinks at the Stanley Supper Club and take a dip in the hot springs at the Mountain Village Resort.

Once you head home, you’ll surely find yourself raving to your friends about this hidden gem of a mountain town – unless you want to keep the Sawtooth Mountains and Stanley a secret for yourself!

Oregon Coast

From Kay of The Awkward Traveller

The Oregon Coast is one of the most underrated travel destinations in the USA, but for those who love moody, dramatic scenery, it is the best place to be.

Although the actual coast isn’t very long (338 or so miles, about a 7.5-hour drive without stopping), it makes for a great weekend or longer trip with added stops.

Starting at the north end, about 2 hours outside of Portland, the city of Astoria will serve as your jumping-off point with picturesque bridges and locations from The Goonies.

Heading south, take a pitstop at the cheese capital of the state  –  Tillamook , Oregon.

Visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory and gorge yourself on all things dairy before continuing on to stunning Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area.

The highlight of the coast will be Yachats, Oregon, with incredible farm-to-table restaurants that are dedicated to sourcing local sustainable fish, meat, and produce providers.

On the southern end of the coast, you can find sand dunes in Florence, and natural rock arches among the cliffs in Brookings.

If your tolerance for rain is low, summer will be the best season to visit weather-wise, while winter and spring will have smaller crowds and lower prices.

Acadia National Park, Maine

From Ale of Sea Salt & Fog

Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in the eastern United States, perfectly showcasing the beauty of the Maine coast.

Acadia has miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as easy coastal access for kayaking and sailing. 

When visiting, plan to spend at least  2 days in Acadia National Park  so you can make the most of your time there.

One of the best things to do includes watching the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, where you’ll get stunning views of the islands that dot the coast.

Drive Park Loop Road to enjoy some of the park’s most famous attractions, including Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond (don’t forget to stop for popovers at Jordan Pond House!).

For hiking, choose a paved Carriage Road to take you down to one of the many picturesque ponds and lakes in the park.

Plan your visit in the fall to see the famous New England fall foliage in full display, or in the summer to enjoy long, sunny days perfect for hiking.

If you love the outdoors, add Acadia to your list of places to visit in the US – you won’t be disappointed.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

From Monica of This Rare Earth

Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California is an incredible destination in the United States. 

This desert ecosystem became a national park as recently as 1994, and it’s easy to see why it was chosen!

The Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert meet in the middle of Joshua Tree National Park, which means that you will see two very different landscapes depending on which half of the park you are in.  

The Mojave Desert is home to the famous Joshua Tree – a tall and spindly yucca – as well as giant boulders popular with climbers and hikers. 

The majority of the park’s hiking trails are found in this region.

However,  while planning your Joshua Tree National Park itinerary , it would be a mistake to skip the Colorado Desert at the southern end of the park.  

The Colorado Desert is hotter, lower in elevation, and flatter, but holds gorgeous landscapes full of cacti and, at the right time of year, wildflowers. 

 In the summer months, avoid strenuous hikes or leave early in the morning as temperatures can reach over 100 degrees.

Joshua Tree National Park is a designated Dark Sky Park, perfect for stargazing and well outside the bright light of the city.  

Joshua Tree is roughly 2.5 hours outside of Los Angeles.

From Chris of Called to Wander

Alaska is known as the Last Frontier, evoking adventure for those looking to travel to a truly unique place.

Because the state is massive, at over twice the size of Texas, you could spend as much or as little time exploring it as you have.

Many people take cruises through the Inside Passage and make stops in places like Ketchikan, Haines, and Seward.

Others fly into the main cities of Anchorage or Fairbanks and then rent vehicles and head off on their own adventures.

By far the best way to make the most of an Alaska vacation (though it requires a steep time commitment) is by driving to Alaska and spending as much time as you’d like wandering from one place to the next.

You can drive to the Arctic Ocean along the Dalton Highway, view North America’s largest mountain (Mt. Denali), or observe wildlife like caribou, grizzly bear, and moose.

Or, catch a flight out to a handful of the most remote national parks, or drive up to and hike out to massive, ancient glaciers.

If you enjoy fishing, go after halibut in Homer or salmon in the famous Russian River.

Regardless of what kind of travel you prefer, Alaska offers adventure for everyone and should definitely be on your travel bucket list!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

From Dan of Cabin Critic

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most popular national park in the US, hosting over 10 million annual visitors, and it definitely belongs on your bucket list for the USA.

Located in Tennessee and North Carolina, the park has diverse animal life, plants, and natural attractions. There are tons to do and see. 

If you are feeling adventurous you can go zoom down zip lines, go white water rafting, or go mountain biking. 

For a more relaxed trip, you can go on hikes, see beautiful waterfalls, or simply go for a scenic drive.

Cades Cove, for example, is a broad valley surrounded by mountains you can drive through that is well known for providing the best opportunities for seeing wildlife like white-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, and more.

When you aren’t enjoying the outdoors there are numerous mountain towns to enjoy like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Asheville .

Stay in  one of the cabins with a view  of the mountainsides and check out the local attractions like Dollywood in Pigeon Forge or the Biltmore Estate in Asheville . 

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

From Michele of Adventures Abound

Just a 2-hour drive from both Portland and Seattle rest the foothills of the towering volcano Mount Rainier.

Known to the Indigenous since time immemorial, Mount Tahoma is covered in unimaginable beauty and can be enjoyed year-round. 

Visit in the summertime for hiking through meadows strewn with wildflowers of every color, and in the fall for ripening berries and a better chance to catch the trails and lakes free of ice and snowmelt on a variety of great day hikes just outside of Seattle .

To extend your visit overnight, pitch a tent in an established campground, stay in a rustic lodge in the national park, or backpack along the Wonderland trail that circumvents the park.

Not feeling up to a lengthy hike?

Just driving through Mount Rainier National Park will afford endless views of waterfalls, glaciers, lakes, and even the chance to spot wildlife. 

For those thrill-seekers looking for a more challenging adventure, apply for a permit to climb more than 8,000 feet to the summit, but be aware this is only for experienced mountaineers.

Mount Rainier National Park can also be enjoyed in the winter when the park sees an average of 55 feet of snowfall or more.

Head to the Crystal Mountain gondola to catch a great view of the peak while skiing and snowboarding down the slopes, or pick one of many great locations to snowshoe and backcountry ski along the mountain.

Whatever the choice for season and activity, Mount Rainier National Park is sure to be full of memories and adventure in one of the most beautiful destinations in the United States.

Arches National Park, Utah

Home to over 2,000 naturally-occurring sandstone arches, Arches National Park in Utah is one of the most uniquely beautiful places in the USA.

Whether you’re hiking to the incredible Delicate Arch (so iconic that it’s featured on Utah’s license plates), wandering through the Devil’s Garden, or taking one of the shorter hikes to visit some of the most impressive arches in the park, there’s no shortage of things to do.

Even one day in Arches National Park is well worth your time, but more would certainly be better.

Arches National Park is also home to internationally-recognized dark skies and some of the best stargazing in the United States–in order to see the best of the park, be sure to visit at least once after dark!

And, while Arches National Park is easily one of the best places to vacation in the US in its own right, the nearby town of Moab also makes an excellent launching pad to visit Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park.

Olympic National Park, Washington

From Sophie and Adam of We Dream of Travel

Not only does Olympic National Park cover nearly a million acres, but it is also the most biodiverse of all the US national parks.

It has it all, from glaciated mountains to breathtaking coastlines, crashing waterfalls, ancient rainforests, enchanting hot springs, and plentiful wildlife.

With such a treasure trove of natural landscapes, Olympic National Park is easily one of the best places to visit in the US.

Mountain lovers should budget plenty of time to hike the trails of Hurricane Ridge.

Here you will discover stunning views above the clouds, as well as an abundance of wildlife.

A great way to explore the park is on foot, particularly as much of the park is roadless. There are numerous multi-day hikes to choose from and it’s popular with backpackers.

The 17.4 miles Hoh River Trail is one of the most impressive, taking you through a flourishing rainforest to the base of Mount Olympus.

For coastal visitors, Second Beach is one of the best Olympic Park photography  locations and a perfect spot for sunset. 

However, with 73 miles of wild coastline, there’s plenty to explore!

There are endless options for the waterfall, forest, and nature lovers too.

In Sol Duc forest you can watch crystal water plunge into the lush greenery.

Or, you can choose to explore the vibrant green mosses of the Hoh Rainforest.  

No matter which part of Olympic National Park you visit, you will not be disappointed.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Stretching over a mile deep, the Grand Canyon in northwest Arizona is one of the largest–and most impressive–canyons on the planet, and one of the most popular places to visit in the USA!

Come to Grand Canyon National Park to admire views from the rim, hike into the canyon , watch the sunrise and sunset, and perhaps even hike all the way down to the Colorado River.

If you do want to hike to the river, though, be warned: doing so is a 2-day commitment!

Anyone taking a southwest road trip in the USA should consider adding a visit to the majestic Grand Canyon to their list: it’s truly a sight that you’ll never forget.

Death Valley National Park, California

From Michelle of The Wandering Queen

One of the best places to visit in California is Death Valley National Park .

This park is filled with bright white salt flats, mountains splashed with pastel colors, and eerie rocks that move on their own.

This park is such a strange yet unique environment which makes it perfect for avid photographers.

One of the best things to do is to watch the sunrise at Zabriskie Point. The views are glorious as the sun slowly sets on the unique colorful mountains.

Afterward, make sure to hike the Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch, and Badlands Loop Hike. The trailhead is right next to Zabriskie Point.

Another popular activity is visiting Badwater Basin. The basin stands at 282 feet below sea level and is filled with white salt.

This is a great spot to take pictures of the salt in contrast with the tall, dark mountains in the distance.

Nearby the salt flats, you can visit the devil’s golf course where spikey salt formations cover the ground.

The next outstanding area to visit is the Artists Drive. The mountain is sprinkled with pastel colors like yellow, pink, purple, and green.

It truly is a spectacular thing to see!

Rocky Mountain National Park

From Jyoti of Story At Every Corner

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most gorgeous parks in the US.

It’s also easily reachable from Denver, Colorado, which has many flights from across the country, making it fairly simple to access and one of the most popular places to vacation in America!

The best place to stay is in Estes Park , a quaint little tourist town in the mountains.

There are many small towns all around the park and many choices for all price points. 

The easiest way to visit RMNP park is by car.

You can then enjoy the park by making stops at each vista point and taking hikes from there.

Most stops have short and long hikes; easy and challenging hikes.

There is a hike for everyone, but there is also spectacular scenery right at the vista points, even without a hike.

Keep in mind that the popularity of Rocky Mountain National Park means that certain places, like Bear Lake Road, must be accessed via reservation.

The most popular road that goes across the park is the scenic Trail Ridge Road.

If you don’t have time to visit anything else, I recommend driving Trail Ridge Road from Estes Park to the town of Grand Lake.

Other major attractions include Sprague Lake and Bear Lake, to the south of the trail ridge road.

They offer absolutely stunning views and many wildlife viewing opportunities along with the drives. 

There is so much to do around Denver that RMNP can be part of a week-long itinerary visiting Colorado  or a trip just for RMNP. 

Set in the Sierra Nevada Mountains along the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is easily one of the most beautiful places in the US.

With crystal-clear water and plenty of activities in and out of the water, from hiking to SUP to swimming, there is no shortage of ways to appreciate the otherworldly beauty of Lake Tahoe .

To enjoy the views of the lake itself, summer is definitely the best time to visit–but winter has its charms, too, including plenty of skiing and incredible views of the lake framed by bright white snow.

From romantic couples’ retreats to fun getaways to Lake Tahoe with kids , all kinds of travelers will find something to love about Lake Tahoe.

Havasu Falls, Arizona

Located on Havasupai tribal lands not far from the Grand Canyon, Havasu Falls is simultaneously one of the most famous waterfalls in the USA and one of the hardest to access.

In order to visit Havasu Falls, you’ll need to secure an extremely competitive permit (they sell out months in advance) and complete a 10-mile hike in each direction.

You’ll also need to spend the night nearby, as it’s one of the permit requirements set out by the Havasupai people.

If you manage to swing both the logistics and the hike, though, the rewards are pretty spectacular.

Zion National Park, Utah

Home to some of what are quite possibly the best hikes in the country, Utah’s most-visited national park is absolutely one of the best places to see in the US.

Test your fear of heights (if you have one, that is) by hiking the incredible Angel’s Landing, and be rewarded with stunning views of Zion Canyon.

Venture deep into the Virgin River by hiking The Narrows , a hike that takes place literally in the river!

Seek out incredible views along Observation Point, the Canyon Overlook Trail , and the Watchman Trail.

Try to score a permit to hike the Subway, but if you can’t get one, don’t worry: there’s more to see in Zion National Park than you can cover in one vacation.

No matter how you spend your days at Zion National Park, there’s no doubt that you’ll be experiencing something worthy of a bucket list!

Texas Bluebonnet Trail

California’s magnificent wildflowers may be a bit better known outside of the country, but Texas’ phenomenal spread of bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes that decorate the countryside each spring absolutely belong on anyone’s USA bucket list.

Whether you choose to visit the official Texas Bluebonnet Trail near Ennis (not far from Dallas) or head to the Texas Hill Country , there is no shortage of places to admire bluebonnets in Texas.

Though the blooming times can of course vary a bit depending on the weather, late March and early April are generally the best times to experience the beauty of Texas’ bluebonnets.

Upper Peninsula, Michigan

From Emily of Em’s on the Road

If you’re looking for unforgettable outdoor experiences without the price tag of popular destinations out west, then the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is the place for you.

One reason the Upper Peninsula (or U.P.) is really unique is that it is an ideal place for adventure seekers all year long. 

In the warmer months, the U.P is a great beach destination in the Midwest thanks to its location with beachfront on Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron.

In the fall, pack your hiking boots and tackle rocky hiking trails for colorful views you’d never expect in the Midwest.

With an unobstructed panoramic view of Lake Superior, the hike up  Sugar Loaf mountain in Marquette, Michigan  is one of the most popular in the region.

Thanks to some serious snowfall, there’s so much to do in the U.P. in the winter months.

There are cross-country ski trails, snowmobiling trails, downhill skiing, dog sledding, ice climbing, and more. 

Redwood National Forest

From Dhara of Roadtripping California

Most visitors to the Golden State put   California’s national parks at the top of their itineraries because they are just so spectacular.

Redwood National and State Parks, in the northern part of the state, offer you the chance to stroll among giant redwoods, some of the tallest and oldest trees on the planet.

A group of five parks, Redwood National and State Parks feature not just the towering redwoods, but also epic coastal views, beautiful prairies filled with wildflowers in season, and the chance to see birds and wildlife.

Enjoy some of the scenic drives in the parks: Howland Hill Drive, Coastal Drive, and the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway are all great choices.

Do some of the trails through the redwood groves to see the giant trees up close: the Big Tree Wayside Walk, the Stout Memorial Grove Trail, and Lady Bird Johnson Grove are all super scenic and relatively easy walks.

Gaze up at the trees, and enjoy the ferns and rhododendrons in the understory.

You can also go biking in the parks, and camp if you plan to stay for a few days.

Redwood National and State Parks are about 5.5 hours north of San Francisco by road, and you can visit all year, although you will have the best weather in the summer.

Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

From Jase of Roaming Vegans

A little-known gem in the north of Wisconsin is the Apostle Islands.

This island archipelago on Lake Superior looks like it belongs in Southeast Asia – not on the shoreline of a humble midwestern town.

However, its tucked-away location makes it all the more special for visitors.

While the lake freezes in winter, the islands come to life in summer with many activities like  sea kayaking , island hopping, and cliff jumping.

There is even an island home to one of the largest concentrations of bears in the Midwest–yes, bears!

The largest and most populated island is Madeline Island which makes for a great base to explore the nearby smaller islands.

Maui, Hawaii

From Jessica of I’m Jess Traveling

Famed for her elegant beaches,  world-class resorts , and next-level surf, Maui attracts visitors from all over the world. 

It’s no surprise that Maui was named Condé Nast Traveler’s best island in the U.S. for 23 consecutive years. 

There are countless things to see and do in Maui depending on your travel style. 

For outdoor enthusiasts, hike through a majestic bamboo forest ending at a 400-foot waterfall.  

Ocean lovers can test their skills at surfing or set sail on a sunset cruise.

There won’t be a shortage of exotic beaches to explore, no matter what your travel style is.

The adventure seekers have their pick among plunging the popular Road to Hana or watching the sunrise above the clouds at 10,000 feet inside Haleakala National Park. 

Whatever your draw, sunsets, beaches, luxury, or adventure, Maui has it all. 

Not only is Maui one of the best USA travel destinations but it’s one of the best places to take a tropical vacation in the world. 

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

For adorable beach towns, sandy beaches, and some of the best seafood you’ve ever eaten in your life, head to the classic New England summer getaway of Cape Cod.

While you’re in Cape Cod (or as New Englanders say, “on the Cape”), hit one of the beautiful trails, visit a lighthouse or two, stick your toes in the sand, and eat lots and lots of lobster.

While Cape Cod’s swimming season is much shorter than popular beach destinations elsewhere in the country, it’s still well worth visiting.

Just be sure to plan ahead, because rental houses for summer on the Cape tend to book up before winter even wraps up!

Nā Pali Coast, Kauai

Towering cliffs covered in dense jungle, dramatic waterfalls, small valleys, and views of the Pacific Ocean far below: welcome to the Nā Pali   Coast.

Without a doubt, the Nā Pali   Coast on Kauai is one of the most beautiful travel destinations in the US.

Stretching 17 miles along the northwest portion of Kauai, the Nā Pali   Coast is best admired from air–usually via a helicopter tour–or from a boat on the sea.

Whichever option you choose, there’s no doubt that what is arguably the most beautiful corner of The Garden Island is bound to impress.

Florida Keys

For a taste of the Caribbean without leaving the USA, head to the Florida Keys!

Not only is the overseas drive from Miami to Key West one of the most scenic road trips in the USA, but the Keys themselves are also fantastic, home to beautiful beaches, colorful architecture, great food, and plenty of things to do.

While you’re there, be sure to hit the water via snorkeling or scuba diving, go for a swim, enjoy the famous Duval Street, tour the Ernest Hemingway House, and eat several slices of the region’s famous Key Lime pie!

Big Island, Hawaii

From Patricia of Travel Fam Life

The biggest of the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii (also known as the Big Island) is a cool place to visit.

That starts with the weather: you’ll experience a lot of sunshine temperatures ranging from 85°- 90° in the summer months and 79°- 83 in the winter months, making it the perfect place to escape year-round. 

Hawaii is going to impress anyone that decides to visit.

The food is phenomenal and the choices are vast with plenty of history and cultural backgrounds.

The array of activities ranges from land to sea, from memorable ancient sites to beautiful folklore traditions. 

Some of the best things to do when taking a vacation to the Big Island include:

Zip Lining over waterfalls is an activity that can be very exhilarating if you are an adrenaline junkie.

This can also be enjoyed as a family activity, some companies allow kids as young as 5 years old to participate.

Volcano National Park is a breathtaking experience with its majestic hikes, thrilling ride down to the Chain of Craters, and some spectacular scenery and photo opportunities.

Papakolea or Green Sand Beach is one of 4 green sand beaches in the world.

The hike to this remote beach is very worthwhile, and the backdrop of the Hawaiian blue ocean that keeps you company makes the whole experience priceless.

And the list goes on, you can check it out here .

Outer Banks, North Carolina

With sandy beaches framed by sand dunes and rolling waves, the Outer Banks of North Carolina may not boast the bright water of the Florida Keys or the tropical beauty of Hawaii, but they are stunning all the same, and absolutely one of the best places to visit in the USA.

Come for the small beach towns, the history of the Wright Brothers taking their first flight here, the southern food, the historic forts, and the beautiful lighthouses. 

Come for the sunken pirate ships, for the wild horses that live on some of the islands, for the great places to swim, and for the great day trip opportunities.

If you’re looking for a classic, all-American vacation, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina that make up the magnificent Outer Banks.

Oahu, Hawaii

From Sydney of A World in Reach

While visitors sometimes think of Oahu as just being a stopping point before visiting Hawaii’s other islands, the island has so much to offer than overcrowded beaches and tourist attractions.

Oahu is home to delicious food, beautiful scenery, and captivating history and is one of the best travel destinations in the United States.

Most visitors to Oahu will base themselves in Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital and largest city.

Guidebooks often recommend spending little time in Honolulu; however, this city is a melting pot of culture and is home to some of the best food on the island.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional Hawaiian meal or some of the best Asian food in the United States, you can easily find a delicious meal in Honolulu.

Start your visit to Oahu off by exploring Honolulu, seeing the sights, and eating all of the delicious food.

Spend a day at Waikiki Beach – it might be touristy, but it’s still worth a visit.

Plan a visit to Pearl Harbor, where you can learn more about one of the darkest days in US History, and spend a morning hiking Diamond Head, one of the best hikes on Oahu .

Spend the rest of your time on the island exploring the North Shore, visiting the famous Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, and indulging in shave ice from Matsumoto.

Visit the beaches along the North Shore, where you might see some surfers catching waves, and hike through a botanical garden to a beautiful waterfall at Waimea Valley.

Napa Valley, California

Northern California’s wine country is definitely among the most beautiful–and for wine lovers, tastiest, places to visit in the USA.

With beautiful small towns, great boutiques, and rolling hills filled with vineyards that almost feel like being in Tuscany, both Napa Valley and Sonoma County have plenty to offer those looking for a laid-back, wine-filled getaway.

Door County, Wisconsin

From Paulina of Paulina on the Road

Wisconsin often isn’t the first US state that people think of visiting, but from beautiful beaches to quirky attractions like House on the Rock , it has plenty to offer.

One of the most beautiful USA landmarks, Door Country, Wisconsin welcomes you on board with 300 miles of stretched shoreline and an awestruck sunset over the water, you could not leave without a witness. 

It allows your soul to breathe and relax. Wisconsin lets you explore aesthetic art galleries, and thousands of miles of stretched orchards, cherish the local brews and wines, paddle along the beautiful lakes, and devour the cheery pies.

Moreover, Green Bay, the capital of the region, is an underrated city that eventually captivates its visitors.

Though it’s a small city, the vibrant culture offers amazing  things to do in Green Bay .

Green Bay entertains visitors with prominent wineries. They produce their wines right up there which adds up to be a vital part of their culture. The landscape and heritage inspire the artists.

Walleye fishermen have the best water. It’s clean and portrays immense beauty. The botanical gardens and zoological parks play their role in charming travelers. 

Green Bay is an enchanting place that charms visitors with its intriguing features. 

Route 66 isn’t technically just one place, but as one of the most iconic travel destinations in the United States, I couldn’t bear to leave it off this USA bucket list!

Stretching from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, Route 66 is America’s best-known road trip and the perfect place to find not-quite-forgotten slices of Americana, from quirky roadside attractions like Cadillac Ranch and the Catoosa Whale to beloved diners and 50s-era-inspired motels.

Route 66 passes through nine states in total (Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California), and is a fantastic way to experience some of the best of what traveling in the US has to offer, all in one large trip.

Big cities, small towns, incredibly diverse landscapes, and beloved national parks are all featured heavily on Route 66.

Though it’s not technically on the route, even the Grand Canyon is accessible as an incredible side journey when road-tripping Route 66.

Whether you want to find a quirky campsite in Oklahoma or go hiking in Arizona, there’s no doubt that Route 66 is a classic US travel destination.

Big Sur, California

From Lauren of Ready, Set, PTO

Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places in the US and should definitely be on your bucket list.

Cruising along the winding Pacific Coast Highway with sweeping views of the Pacific is a magical experience.

This rugged area is located in Central California, about 5 hours north of Los Angeles.

If you aren’t able to find available lodging within Big Sur, check out nearby towns of Carmel and Monterey for more options, or try car camping with an epic view!

There are plenty of amazing  things to do in Big Sur .

I definitely recommend checking out the iconic Bixby Bridge (as seen in HBO’s Big Little Lies), admiring McWay Falls, hiking in Andrew Molera State Park, and Limekiln State Park, having a drink with a view at Nepenthe and watching the sunset at Pfeiffer Beach!

There’s not much cell service in Big Sur, so be prepared for an off-the-grid weekend of relaxation and gorgeous views.

Page, Arizona

The small town of Page, Arizona may seem like no more than a small town worthy of a brief stop on a road trip at first blush–but this small, unassuming town is home to some of the most incredible sights in the entire southwest, and it definitely belongs on your USA bucket list!

Page is where you can find the famous Antelope Canyon, as well as Horseshoe Bend , the Instagram darling of the Colorado River (for very good reason).

Just outside of Page, you can also find the remarkable Glen Canyon Dam, one of the largest dams in the US, as well as Lake Powell–but to see the best of Lake Powell, you’ll actually need to cross into Utah!

That’s not hard to do, though: Page is located right next to the Arizona/Utah border.

With such an outsized list of fun attractions, there’s no doubt that Page is one of the coolest places to vacation in the USA.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

3 thoughts on “USA Bucket List: 50 Best Places to Visit in the US”

Great info. I know its great because I have been to most of the beaches you mention!

Thank you – will also look at your Italian small towns to see which ones we should visit and maybe retire to.

Thank you so much, Laura!

Retiring to Italy–sounds like quite the dream! 🙂

Absolutely amazing article, just loved it.

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Solo Vacations: The 29 Best Places to Travel Alone in the U.S.

These destinations make traveling solo easy — and extra fun.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Stephanie Granada is a writer and editor focusing on travel, beauty, home, and health. Her bylines have appeared in Sunset , Outside , Southern Living , Woman's Day , Brit + Co. , National Geographic Traveler , and others.

Traveling alone is all about freedom and independence — freedom to go where you want, when you want, and independence in your ability to visit new places and meet new people without the crutch of a travel companion. It's not for everyone, but those willing to venture off on their own are rewarded with a compromise-free vacation and unforgettable experiences. Exciting things just seem to happen when you're traveling solo.

But where to go? If you're just testing the waters of solo travel, you might want to stay close to home, which is where these U.S. destinations come in handy. Whether you dream of a spa vacation with plenty of time to relax and reset, a trip packed with activities, or a soul-searching expedition, these U.S. destinations cater to the solo traveler, thanks to their ease of transportation and large selection of things to do.

Ready to book your next solo trip? Read on for the best places to travel alone in the U.S.

Naples, Florida

If you have your heart set on a beach vacation, consider Naples, a relatively small community in southwest Florida. There are plenty of ways a solo beach traveler can occupy themselves in Naples. You can check out the beach at Naples Pier, go kayaking in the mangroves , or hit the links at one of the area's 90+ golf courses. If you're looking for an activity that will leave a big grin on your face, book a dolphin watching cruise from Marco Island , just 30 minutes south of Naples. Plus, the city was ranked number one in a recent list of safest places to live the U.S. , thanks to its low crime rates.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston may be a big city, but it can often feel like a small town. Thanks to its walkability, you'll be able to explore the city's historic center on foot and can take the T, the local subway system, across the Charles River to Cambridge. In Boston, you'll find a wellspring of history and culture in museums like the fun Boston Tea Party Museum and the impressive Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum , the site of one of the world's most famous art heists.

Boulder, Colorado

Those looking for quiet solo travel in the U.S. can spend their days exploring the mountains and hills surrounding Boulder. Eldorado Canyon State Park is just 20 minutes south of downtown, the approximately two-mile trail up Flagstaff Mountain is just 15 minutes to the west, and the iconic Flatirons (red sandstone formations) are less than 10 minutes away by car. And If you're feeling social, head to Pearl Street Mall , a bustling pedestrian-only street with some of the city's best restaurants, shops, and bars.

Portland, Oregon

Not everyone feels comfortable eating out at a restaurant alone, especially when traveling solo, but Portland makes mealtime a nonissue, thanks to its bustling food cart scene. There are many food cart parks scattered about the city where you can go and peruse a diverse offering of cuisine, from pizza to Senegalese, and enjoy your meal in a atmospheric and fun shared space. Food aside, Portland's reliable transportation, great parks, and community vibe make this city an easy choice for people traveling alone. Between the good meals, you can also enjoy the tranquility of the Japanese Garden or browse the shelves at the famous Powell's Books .

Asheville, North Carolina

Pierre Leclerc Photography/Getty Images

If your perfect vacation includes hiking and biking during the day and gulping down beers with new friends at night, there's arguably no better place than Asheville, a city situated in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. Bikers will want to tackle the Blue Ridge Parkway , while hikers can head to the Craggy Pinnacle Trail (an approximately one-mile hike with serious views) or climb Mount Pisgah (2.6 miles round-trip). After a day in the mountains, reward yourself with a beer on the pup-friendly patio at Wicked Weed Brewing .

Sedona, Arizona

Traveling solo may be the only time you're able to truly check out from the grind and relax. That's why spa destinations like Sedona are so perfect for solo travelers. In addition to beautiful scenery, Sedona is packed with spas and wellness offerings. For a full resort experience, book a stay at the Amara Resort and Spa , or test out a few of the city's plentiful day spas: A Spa for You and Sedona's New Day Spa are long-standing favorites.

Charleston, South Carolina

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Art lovers will find themselves in their element in this colorful coastal city in South Carolina. The small city of Charleston is home to over 35 fine art galleries and hosts an Art Walk on the first Friday of every month. If you're hoping to make some art yourself, the French Quarter is sure to inspire, while the city's warm southern hospitality will make you feel right at home. If the temperature is right, you can even take a trip out to Isle of Palms to enjoy some quality time on the beach.

Nashville, Tennessee

If your idea of a dream solo trip is getting out and meeting new people, book a ticket to Nashville and let the city of music connect you to others. The Basement​​ , a live music venue known for its cozy vibes and spacious patio, is a must, as is 3rd and Lindsley . Just don't leave the city without trying the spicy fried chicken at Hattie B's . A trip to Nashville is also a chance to try out one of its best hotels like the classic Hermitage Hotel.

Portland, Maine

This may be the second Portland on the list, but this one has a coastal advantage. From the seaside city you can hop on a ferry or boat charter, or eat your way through the city's best lobster rolls at Luke's Lobster . When you're not out enjoying the water or stuffing your face with deliciously fresh seafood, you can meander in and out of the shops and boutiques at the historic Old Port.

San Francisco, California

When you're traveling solo, public transportation is key (no one wants to foot the bill for a weekend full of Uber rides). That's where cities like San Francisco shine. Between Muni buses, trains, streetcars, and cable cars, you can get to every corner of the city without hopping in a cab. Surrounded by beautiful bay views and offering easy access to experience a Redwood forest in Muir Woods , there are plenty of things to do in and around San Francisco.

Bayfield, Wisconsin

Located on the shores of Lake Superior, and home to quaint B&Bs and beautiful Victorian homes, Bayfield is a warm and welcoming coastal destination and one of the loveliest small towns in the U.S. Solo travelers can roam the intimate downtown or head to the nearby Apostle Islands National Lakeshore , best known for its series of caves that freeze during the winter months.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Just off California's iconic Highway 1 is Carmel-by-the-Sea, a small beach city on the Monterey Peninsula that will capture your heart the moment you see it. Traveling solo is no problem here, as the city offers plenty to do — surfing, sea animals, and a village-style center that feels like it belongs in a storybook. However, solo travelers may feel most at ease exploring the many art galleries like the Carmel Art Association and Bennett Sculpture .

Boise, Idaho

Boise is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors. Solo travelers will find riverside walking and biking trails that run right through town, skiing (in the winter) and hiking (in the summer) at the city's Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area , and easy access to mountain towns like McCall and ski areas like the rapidly growing Tamarack Resort .

Savannah, Georgia

 Marje/ Getty Images

Savannah's welcoming nature makes solo travel a breeze. If you're feeling social, join a haunted pub crawl through town or book an architectural tour . And if you're looking for a quiet escape, rent a bike and explore the history-rich city on two wheels. The best time to visit Savannah is in the fall and winter, when the temperatures are cooler and you can embrace the spooky spirit during Halloween when the city goes all out with on-theme activities .

Hot Springs, Arkansas

As you might guess, Hot Springs, Arkansas, is known for its natural hot springs, which have drawn visitors since the early 1900s. For solo travelers, there's nothing like a serene soak in the natural thermal waters found on the historic Bathhouse Row, followed by a refreshing drink of spring water and a lazy hike through the dense woods at Hot Springs National Park . In addition to the gorgeous scenery of the park, you can also discover it's unique history as a wellness destination .

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole may be home to a world-renowned ski area , mouthwatering cuisine, and high-end galleries, but you'll still find Old West-style bars where cowboys throw back PBRs (check out the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar ). It's the perfect place to throw on a Stetson and dress the part for a night or two. The town itself offers plenty to do when you're not drinking or skiing, like rodeo nights at the Jackson Hole Rodeo and incredible pastries at the James Beard-recognized Persephone Bakery .

Seattle, Washington

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

If you want access to nature without sacrificing big-city amenities, Seattle offers an ideal balance. Spend a couple of days checking out Pike Place Market (don't miss a cup of mac n' cheese from Beecher's ), going to the top of the Space Needle , and visiting the Museum of Pop Culture before hopping aboard a ferry and getting away from it all. From the heart of Seattle, you can take a boat across Elliott Bay to Bainbridge Island and onto Olympic National Park , home to both glacier-capped mountains and 70 miles of wild coastline.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

It's been said that one can hardly be called an architect if they haven't designed something in Minneapolis — the city showcases work from Jean Nouvel, Herzog & de Meuron, César Pelli, and Frank Gehry, among others. The city's love of design is also noticeable in the hotel scene, where sophistication meets Midwestern hospitality. So, while it's perfectly acceptable to wander through the city looking up, you don't want to miss a cruise on one of the famous bike paths, which wind past lakes that are perfect for a dip in the summertime.

Salt Lake City, Utah

It may be Utah's largest city, but Salt Lake City doesn't feel like a giant metropolis. Maybe it's the fact that it's surrounded by mountains or the open expanse of the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island State Park to the west. Either way, this friendly city has everything a solo traveler could want — great food (check out Feldman's Deli ), plenty of sun-drenched days, and easy access to both the mountains and water. Among the many things to do in town, you will also have your pick of exciting day trips to nearby state parks, or you can use the city as a launchpad to explore Utah's stunning geology at national parks like Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon .

Fort Collins, Colorado

dlewis33/E+/Getty Images

If you're a beer lover, head to Fort Collins, a Colorado town with plenty of heart and really good beer. Start your tour of the city in the taproom of New Belgium Brewing (the company behind Fat Tire) and follow it with a pint at a few lesser-known breweries — we recommend Zwei Brewing Co. , Maxline Brewing , and Black Bottle Brewery . By the end of the day, you'll have your own beer-loving posse to explore the city with. Solo travelers will love the atmosphere of the downtown area, which is so charming it was the inspiration for Walt Disney when designing Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland.

Austin, Texas

The quickest way to bond with a stranger? Shared musical taste. Austin has plenty of opportunities to bump into fellow music lovers. Stay on or near South Congress Avenue, where trendy properties like the Hotel Magdalena provide the ideal base for visiting the street's iconic venues. Other ‘hoods you can easily get to include East Austin, booming with hipster bars and food trucks; South Lamar with its great shops; and Rainey Street, beloved among college students. Visit March through November to see the bats flying under the Ann W. Richards bridge — it's one of the best things to do in Austin , as is indulging in the city's incredible food.

Islamorada, Florida

Of all the towns in the Florida Keys , Islamorada has the homiest feel. Locals are happy to regale you with tales of family squabbles and fishing exploits at any of the seaside watering holes. For an elevated dining experience, snag a barstool at Chef Michael’s and order the whole lionfish. It's a big but manageable dish, made from an invasive species that Floridians pride themselves on removing from local waters and serving as a tasty dinner instead. When you're done, rest your head at one of the cozy cottages at Moorings Village.

Louisville, Kentucky

Kentucky is known for its hospitality and Louisville for its bourbon , meaning solo travelers can find good friends and good drinks while exploring this Southern city. NuLu is the most happening neighborhood, but Old Louisville is the place to hunker down if you’re a sucker for history and architecture. Downtown offers new hotels and inventive restaurants, while Butchertown and Germantown pair up-and-coming bars and businesses with impressive vintage architecture.

Marfa, Texas

Artists in search of a solitary life have been drawn to Marfa for decades. Today, the population hovers just under 2,000, but there’s enough art, food, and quirk for a city many times that size. El Cosmico offers outstanding glamping and communal spaces, while art houses like the Chinati Foundation keep visitors entertained. Though it's more than three hours from the closest airport, this flatland village offers progressive galleries, mystifying desert skies, and a sparse beauty that makes it one of the best small towns in Texas .

New York, New York

New York City might be full of crowds, but it’s also a welcoming hub for parties of one. There are sleek hotels with bars that draw worldly travelers and locals, some of the best art and shopping in the world, and more food and drink options than you can fit into a month-long trip. If you need help deciding what to do on your visit, take a look at our three-day weekend guide .

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

New Hampshire is one of the safest states in the country — and solo travelers wanting to enjoy that security will find a great home base in Portsmouth. This waterfront town is one of the state's most pedestrian-friendly communities, and with a colonial heritage that dates back to the 1600s, it's fantastic for history buffs. Portsmouth knows its food, as is perhaps best showcased in the dozen oyster farms active offshore in the Great Bay. Sample their best bivalves at The Franklin, an upscale seafood joint run by James Beard-nominated chef Matt Louis.

San Diego, California

San Diego combines the laid-back vibes of SoCal with the multicultural energy of a city located right on the Mexican border. From mild weather and great surfing to vibrant West Coast sunsets, it has lots to offer, making it a great place to spend a few days. Opportunities for hiking and watersports abound, while coastal areas like La Jolla and Del Mar offer a bevy of chic hotels where a solo traveler can catch some oceanside R&R.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Solo travelers in search of spiritual healing should look no further than Santa Fe . Book a night at Ten Thousand Waves, an upscale lodge inspired by Japanese hot spring resorts and decked out with secluded soaking tubs. Downtown, you’ll find historical landmarks, handmade tchotchkes, and restaurants serving delectable Southwestern food. Beyond the adobe architecture and unique attractions, the best thing you can do in Santa Fe is meet its colorful characters.

Washington, D.C.

Museums are best explored alone, and in Washington, D.C. , you have more than 20 to choose from—many of which are free. The District also has a hot food scene, and as a solo diner, you'll have the best shot at getting into the most highly coveted spots. To get far away from D.C.’s political crowds, head to a hip residential neighborhood like Shaw, where you can imbibe at Maxwell Park Wine Bar or catch a show at the Howard Theatre.

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18 Best Travel Locations In The U.S. That Feel Just Like Europe

The architecture and picturesque landscapes alone will take your breath away..

• Aly Walansky

Written on Oct 11, 2020

The spread of coronavirus has led to a pause in travel for much of the world , and as America continues to see spikes in the virus , almost all travel to destinations around the world, including Europe, are on hold for those with an American passport.

Of course, six months into this global pandemic, people are itching to get out of their homes and on the road. But during a time when Europe is not a possibility, how do we balance our need for picturesque settings and classic architecture with the laws of the land and staying safe ?

18 Best Places to Visit in the USA

RELATED:  7 Reasons People Who Travel A Lot Are More Likely To Be Successful

We can easily find something that has the same feel of Europe, but within the borders of the U.S. There are quite a few American cities that look a lot like Europe, believe it or not.

1. Boston, Massachusetts instead of Italy or England

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Boston.com (@boston) on Oct 1, 2020 at 5:41am PDT

The North End of Boston is the Italian neighborhood of the city, with cobblestone streets that smell like garlic and bread. The North End is home to more than 70 restaurants, most of which are Italian.

During the pandemic, Boston has allowed North End restaurants to set up patios on the street to give it an even more Italian feel. Quattro, Mare Oyster Bar, Aqua Pazza, Bricco, Trattoria il Panino, Assaggio Bricco Salumeria, and Panetteria and Dolci are some of the best!

Boston is also a great spot to visit if you are harkening for a trip to England. Fans of Outlander will even remember that it’s where Claire and Frank decided to move when they wanted a fresh start. 

Boston, in general, is a very "British City" because of its architecture, history, location, and rituals. Places like Beacon Hill and Newbury Street feel like they were taken right out of England and placed in the U.S.

“There are so many old streets that are lined with ancient brick buildings that just radiate the energy of England. The city has really celebrated its history and it has added so much into making this city one of the best in the country,” says Danielle Hu, founder of The Wanderlover . “Another reason why Boston feels a lot like England: it rains a lot!”

Where to stay:  Loews Boston Hotel  or  Boston Harbor Hotel

2. Solvang, California instead of Denmark

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Solvang, California (@solvangusa) on Sep 24, 2020 at 3:30pm PDT

Along the Central Coast, Solvang is a super-cute Danish village complete with gingerbread architecture, twirling windmills, and very friendly people. Tasting rooms, hip boutiques, and farm-to-fork restaurants, like Root 246, now liven a mix of bakeries, chocolatiers, and souvenir shops.

Founded in 1911 by Danish Americans from the Midwest, Solvang (Danish for “sunny fields”) also boasts an outstanding theater program, with performances in a 700-seat outdoor theater.

Solvang is one of California's true gems, a completely Danish city nestled in the warm Santa Ynez Valley somewhere between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.

“You'd never expect such a sight — full of Danish architecture, huge spinning windmills, and the cutest European architecture — smack dab in the middle of California, but you really have to see it to believe it,” comments Kimmie Conner, travel blogger and photographer at Adventures & Sunsets . “Solvang is full of Danish pastry shops, distinctly European pubs with European beer, and small shopping villages that feel like you teleported to the Danish countryside.”

Where to stay :  Hotel Corque  or  The Landsby

3. Napa, California instead of Tuscany, Italy

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Napa Valley (@visitnapavalley) on Sep 19, 2020 at 10:13am PDT

Located in Northern California, Napa Valley has long been considered a bucket list spot for wine connoisseurs .

With its acres of vineyards and beautiful golden sunsets, Napa will make travelers feel like they are in Italy’s own wine country of Tuscany. Napa is even home to the Castello Di Amorosa , a 13th-century style castle that looks as if it was plucked out of the Italian countryside.

Reminiscent of the rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany, Napa Valley offers incredible scenery and plenty of sunshine for those who wish to have a European experience. Similar to the Italian wine country, there are plenty of spots for wine lovers to enjoy, including vineyards and tasting rooms.

Food lovers will be transported to the food culture of Italy thanks to Napa’s award-winning restaurants. Active visitors can also take advantage of Napa’s bike riding, just as it's done in the countryside of Tuscany. 

Where to stay :  Archer Hotel Napa  or  Andaz Napa

4. Lake Arrowhead, California instead of Interlaken, Switzerland

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Becca Watkins (@becca.watkins) on Oct 6, 2020 at 2:28pm PDT

This is a sweet and quaint chalet-style village, deep in a forest overlooking an alpine lake. No, it isn't Geneva, Switzerland — it's Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernardino National Forest.

Nestled in the mountains of San Bernardino county, Lake Arrowhead bears a resemblance to the Swiss mountain and lake town of Interlaken. In fact, the  official site says, "Lake Arrowhead Village is nestled in the beauty of the woods, having the charm of Swiss chalets, while offering a variety of modern amenities."

During the winter time, this town will make you feel as though you’re skiing in the Swiss Alps or relaxing in Lake Brienz in the summertime. 

Where to stay :  Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa  or  Saddleback Inn

5. Tarpon Springs, Florida instead of Greece

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by @tarponspringsflorida on Jul 31, 2016 at 8:33pm PDT

Skip the international flight and be transported to Greece in the historic riverfront town of Tarpon Springs.

Tarpon Springs is in Pinellas County, Florida, and despite being in the sunshine state (as Florida is known), it actually looks like a Greek island, complete with blue and white architecture, street names, even the boats in the harbor.

With the largest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the U.S., Tarpon Springs has been preserved by generations of Greeks. Authentic Greek restaurants, including Mama's Greek Cuisine, Hellas and Mykonos, smell too good to resist. Stop in for grilled octopus, dolmades or a gyro.

It’s not just the food that has remained authentic; the destination hosts events rich in tradition of the Greek Orthodox faith including the Epiphany Celebration. In addition, visitors to the Historic District can stroll along brick streets while browsing in art galleries, antiques stores, and specialty shops housed in buildings dating back to the late 1800s.

Where to stay :  Hampton Inn Tarpon Springs  or  Tarpon Shores Inn

6. Frankenmuth, Michigan instead of Bavaria

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Michigan's Little Bavaria (@frankenmuth) on Sep 21, 2020 at 12:02pm PDT

Frankenmuth is known as Michigan's “Little Bavaria,” but there's nothing little about the Bavarian similarities!

In Michigan’s Little Bavaria, you can't miss the expertly decorated Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland. There, expect to be greeted "when driving into town from the South, or the world’s largest Christmas store with more than 50,000 gifts, trims, and décor," said Kathy Dehoney-Evitts, president of Louisville-based  Dehoney Travel . There's even a Silent Night Memorial Chapel.

The Frankenmuth Brewery offers a beer sampling flight before you head over to Bronner's Christmas Lane, featuring more than 100,000 lights along this half-mile that glow when the sun goes down.

Where to stay :  Bavarian Inn Lodge  or  Drury Inn and Suites

RELATED:  4 Best U.S. Vacation Destinations For Couples To Explore In 2020

7. Fredericksburg, Texas instead of Germany

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Fredericksburg Texas (@fredericksburgtexas) on May 25, 2020 at 3:29pm PDT

Behind the elegant shops and fine dining, you can feel the authentic German soul and see reminders of German heritage in the historic buildings along Main Street, the German cuisine at local restaurants, and the welcoming spirit of Bavarian people that maintains its Bavarian-American ambiance. 

There's an exciting German history story behind Fredericksburg, Texas, which actually dates back to its founding in 1846. It was named after Prince Frederick of Prussia.

Fredericksburg is also notable as the home of Texas German, a dialect of the German language specific to Texas. How cool is that?

Where to stay :  Inn on Barons Creek  or  Hoffman Haus

8. Olympic National Park, Washington instead of Switzerland

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Lyes K (@lyesk) on Dec 14, 2017 at 11:12am PST

Switzerland has picture-post card summer scenery of woods and low hills reflected in blue lakes. But the Olympic National park, in the Northeast region of the state of Washington, offers the same snow capped mountain, shimmering lakes, forests and pastoral farms.

Lake Crescent Lodge, on the shores of Lake Crescent and nestled among giant fir and hemlock trees, with views of surrounding snow covered mountains, is reminiscence of the simple elegance hotels of Switzerland. This charming 100-year-old hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features historic architecture: big sun porches and stone fireplaces.

The Olympic National Park offers trails (like Switzerland) through lush valleys and trails lined with 500-year-old trees and abundant wildlife. From Lake Crescent Lodge, guests can hike up Storm King Mountain or visit the nearby Hurricane Ridge. Nearby Hurricane Ridge (summit elevation is 5,240 feet) has a number of hiking trails, from ridge top traverses to steep trails, that descend to subalpine lakes and valleys.

Where to stay : Lake Crescent Lodge

9. Leavenworth, Washington instead of Germany

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Debbie Kaczynski (@debbail) on Oct 8, 2020 at 11:47am PDT

It's the perfect place to visit if you were hoping to head to Europe. You'll get the same feel as a trip to Bavaria, but instead of the Bavarian Alps, you'll have the opportunity to hike the Cascades.

Instead of frosting in a German beer hall, you can do it in one of the many beer halls in Leavenworth. If you keep your eyes closed before you fully wake, you'll be serenaded by the daily morning alp horn greeting. It'll feel just like a trip to Germany without leaving the U.S.

With a population of only 2010 people, the city of Leavenworth was built in the traditional Bavarian-style, inspired by the German countryside vibe.

“It wasn’t always like this. It used to be yet another American town until the town leaders decided to attract more crowds and redesign some of the places downtown in the 1960s,” reveals Torben Lonne, profressional travel blogger and founder of  DiveIn .

"Today, Leavenworth has a unique charm that makes you feel as if you are in Germany, especially during Oktoberfest, one of the biggest celebrations in Europe. The town is full of authentic German restaurants that serve different types of beer and old-fashioned German würste.”

Where to stay :  Bavarian Lodge  or  Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort

10. Irish Hills in San Luis Obispo, California instead of Northern Ireland

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Richardson Properties (@richardsonproperties) on Apr 22, 2020 at 9:14am PDT

The Irish Hills are a low mountain range along the outer California Coast Ranges in western San Luis Obispo County, California.

The beautiful rolling, green Irish Hills in San Luis Obispo get their name from their resemblance to the hills of Northern Ireland. It's are home to a variety of trails including Froom Creek Trail, which is an old mining road, and Morro View Trail, which looks out onto Morro Bay.  

There are so many trails here that this would also be a great location for lovers of adventure and wellness.

Where to stay :  San Luis Creek Lodge  or  Madonna Inn

11. Holland, Michigan instead of the Netherlands

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Discover Holland (@discoverholland) on Sep 28, 2020 at 4:03pm PDT

If you want to feel like you have traveled outside the U.S.  without even needing a passport then a visit to Holland, Michigan is a must. 

“As someone who loves visiting the Netherlands, I was surprised to see its likeness to the beautiful Dutch countryside,” comments Bianca Malata, a travel writer. “Influenced by the Dutch heritage and culture, the small town is extremely picturesque and will certainly surprise many with its unique charm and atmosphere.”

The Windmill Island Gardens and the Nelis’ Dutch Village are among the most popular sights across the city.  Of course, one of the best times to visit Holland is in Spring because you can witness the six million tulips being planted yearly for the tulip time festival!

Where to stay :  CityFlatsHotel Holland  or  Teerman Lofts

12. New Orleans, Louisiana instead of France

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Visit New Orleans (@visitneworleans) on Jul 14, 2020 at 1:43pm PDT

New Orleans, Louisiana is one of the best cities in the United States to visit. “This city was first founded by the French,” says Phillip Weiss , a travel blogger focused on digital nomad lifestyle. Because of this, much of the old architecture is built with French stylings. The French culture has also made an impact on the foods and attractions in the city.

Even if you aren’t jazzed about France, you can still benefit from visiting New Orleans. Adds Weiss, “After the French founded the city, it was turned over to the Spanish. Like with the French influence, much of the architecture and food in the city has a bit of Spanish flair.”

So, by visiting New Orleans, you can actually experience both French and Spanish culture, without having to go overseas.

Where to stay :  The Higgins Hotel New Orleans  or  Royal Sonesta New Orleans

13. Pensacola, Florida instead of Spain

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Pensacola, Florida (@visitpensacola) on Oct 5, 2020 at 7:52am PDT

This U.S. destination feels like a trip to Europe (without the jetlag). With architecture spanning from Spanish Colonial buildings to Creole townhouses, walking through Pensacola feels like stepping into old-time Spain and France.

Add in the powdery-white sand beaches and emerald waters that Pensacola is renowned for, and the city will give you the sense that you've been transported to a Meditteranean island. 

Pensacola is known as the City of Five Flags because of its history. The city has been claimed by/or a part of five nations, including: Great Britain, France, Spain, the Confederacy and the U.S. Today, these five civilizations have created a city rich in more than 450 years of culture and heritage. 

Where to stay :  Hampton Inn Pensacola Airport  or  Red Roof Inn Pensacola

RELATED:  100 Vacation Quotes That Prove Everyone Deserves A Few Days Off

14. Santa Fe, New Mexico instead of Spain

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Visit Santa Fe (@cityofsantafe) on Aug 19, 2020 at 4:13pm PDT

Spanish explorers and then Spanish colonial settlers were traveling to and establishing “La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asis” (or what is known as modern day Santa Fe, New Mexico) back in 1610. This Spanish/European influence meshed with local Native American culture to become one of the most unique cities in the U.S. that has retained a strong sense of place and is one of a kind destination.

A trip to Santa Fe to take in this blend of Spanish influence will deliver for the culturally curious who are not currently able to use their passports to travel to Spain. Visit sites that reveal the history of the Spanish colonial times in the Southwest, United States, starting in the historic Santa Fe Plaza area, where you can still see how Santa Fe was laid out around a central Plaza similar to cities in Spain. 

You can visit the Palace of the Governors building, which is known as the oldest, continuously operating government building in the U.S., and was the official location of the Spanish government in 1600 and 1700s.

One block away, don't miss the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Asis, a major anchor of the plaza area and iconic Catholic site. Nearby, find the “Oldest Church” in the U.S., the San Miguel Mission, which is also a true Adobe structure.

Where to stay :  La Fonda on the Plaza  or  Old Santa Fe Inn

15. Temecula Valley, California instead of Tuscany, Italy

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Temecula Valley Winegrowers (@temeculawines) on Sep 27, 2020 at 6:50am PDT

Are you in Italy or are you in southern California? It may be kind of hard to tell when you visit this beautiful region.

Dine al fresco with scenic views of surrounding mountains and expansive vineyards, spectacular sunsets, horseback riding on vineyard trails, hot air ballooning over vineyards and citrus groves, hiking trails, horse drawn carriage rides to wineries, and overnight accommodations among the vines at inns, villas, casitas, cabanas, resorts and hotels.

Temecula is a romantic place to escape , relax, and feel a million miles away. Yet, it's in the center of southern California, just 60 minutes north of San Diego, Palm Springs, and Orange County, and 90 minutes from Los Angeles. 

Where to stay :  South Coast Winery Resort and Spa  or  Carter Estate Winery

16. Santa Barbara, California instead of Barcelona

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Visit Santa Barbara (@visitsantabarbara) on Sep 22, 2020 at 10:33am PDT

Santa Barbara's climates and beaches mirror Barcelona, but there's so many more similarities to be seen for those craving a Spanish getaway while staying stateside.

Spanish Colonial influence can be seen around every corner in Santa Barbara. Spanish settlers gave the city its distinct architectural style in the form of Old Mission Santa Barbara and what is now the Country Courthouse, a style that was carried forward by local visionaries after a massive earthquake destroyed much of the area’s infrastructure in 1925.

Today, Santa Barbara relives Latin heritage during Old Spanish Fiesta Days. Santa Barbara is chock-full of vivid art installations, historic landmarks and incredible architecture. The town’s Spanish heritage shines through the white-washed Adobe buildings, red tile roofs, and hacienda-style design.

Where to stay :  Hotel Californian  or  Santa Barbara Inn

17. Alexandria, Virginia instead of Paris

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Exploring Alexandria Virginia (@explorealx) on Sep 8, 2020 at 7:01am PDT

Take a stroll on a brick-lined streets and find chef-driven restaurants, cobblestone alleyways, surprising architectural details, independently owned boutiques and galleries, and the Old Town Farmers’ Market outside on Saturdays.

The gaslit lamps and narrow streets are enough to make you feel like you could be in Paris. Alexandria is packed with vibrant and diverse architectural styles and gardens reminiscent of Paris.

Just like the Seine River Cruise, visitors can find a varied collection of cruises on the Potomac River, connecting to Washington, D.C. to the north, Mount Vernon to the south, and everywhere in between.

With  Potomac Riverboat Company , you can cruise to see the monuments, visit the National Mall, catch a baseball game, see the Cherry Blossoms in the springtime, and more!

Where to stay :  Kimpton Lorien  or  Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria

18. Cape Cod, Massachusetts instead of England

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Visit Cape Cod (@visitcapecod) on Apr 3, 2020 at 12:45pm PDT

Centuries ago, pilgrims from England made their way to the then-colonies via the Cape Cod area, meaning there was a lot of English influence to be found then, and now.

Frequently compared to England's southwestern peninsula, Cape Cod's coastal dunes and artsy community offers an ideal European getaway without leaving the U.S. With local shops, art galleries and plenty of food and beverage options, Cape Cod is a must-see.

For accommodations, consider the Aiden by Best Western at Cape Point, situated minutes away from famed beaches, Cape Cod parks and golf courses, and a ferry trip away from Martha's Vineyard.

Where to stay :  Aiden by Best Western  or  Sea Street Inn

RELATED:  7 Ways Traveling Actually Makes You Healthier, Says Science

Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer who focuses on health, wellness, and relationships. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her .

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• Travel News

The World's Most Beautiful Cities You Can Visit Again and Again

The winners from a recent viral r/travel thread aren't as obvious as you'd think..

Published on 4/23/2024 at 4:52 PM

While individual preferences might differ, every avid traveler’s bucket list shares one common aspect—namely, that of visiting the highest number of destinations they can. Some travelers might prefer the outdoors, while others might be more city-oriented—regardless of their particular preferences, discovering the world is always the goal.

Some places, though, happen to be so gorgeous, captivating, and majestic that no matter your bucket list goals, you always want to come back to them, because there's somehow always something more to appreciate on repeat visits.

If you’d like to know what destinations these are for future travel inspiration, you’re in luck. On Reddit , one user recently asked the r/Travel community precisely that, and they struck up a viral conversation revealing some of travelers' top picks for visually stunning destinations that remaining stunning no matter how many times you've seen them.

"What is the most aesthetically beautiful city that never loses its appeal no matter how many times you visit?" the Redditor in question asked. "Looking for a city that’s a popular choice or low-key choice that you travelers have completely loved for its beauty from landscape to architecture, etc."

The absolute winner and stunner of the contest probably isn't one of the first major cities that come to mind. Forget all about Paris, New York City, and Tokyo, and think much smaller. According to the thread's top-rated response, Czech Republic’s capital city of Prague and Italy’s Florence take the cake for being the most gorgeous cities to visit again and again.

"I was supposed to study abroad in Florence and then the pandemic happened," responded another user to the comment. "I went last year and the whole time I was thinking 'I would have loved to live here for four months.'" Other ones, instead, echoed the love for Prague, which is known for its stunning architecture flaunting a slew of different styles, from Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque.

The silver medal went to Edinburgh , the capital of Scotland . "I found Edinburgh to be old stone buildings covered in what looks like black mildew," noted one user. "It was beautiful." Its surroundings (and the rest of the country) aren’t bad either, as other comments point out. If you're ever in Edinburgh, don't miss out on the castle and its rich history—it will definitely make you want to return.

Rounding up the top three was a lesser-known city located in Portugal. Reportedly, Sintra is the place to go if you want to feel like you’re living in an alternate dreamy reality. "Something about those castles that just look so fairytale[-like]," reads one comment signing Sintra's praises. "And bonus if it's rainy and misty. [It] truly feels like I've stepped into a storybook."

The thread also makes mention of other beautiful cities that are perfect for repeat visits, including Kyoto, Japan; Heidelberg, Germany; and Mexico City, Mexico, among others. To read more about them and find your next trip inspiration, you can check out the Reddit thread .

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Protect Your Trip »

The 18 best places to see the northern lights.

Check the aurora borealis off your bucket list.

The Best Places for the Northern Lights

Getty Images

The northern lights, known as the aurora borealis, are a spectacular natural light show visible at certain times of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. They occur when electrically charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere, creating vibrant streaks of blue, green, pink and violet dancing across the night sky. 2024 and 2025 are an excellent time to catch the northern lights: Solar activity will be at a peak, making for a more impressive experience, if you're in the right place.

The best places to see the aurora borealis have little light pollution, clear skies and no precipitation. The lights are only visible at northern latitudes when it's dark outside, so the months from September to April are best for seeing the aurora. There's also a Southern Hemisphere counterpart, the aurora australis; there are fewer easy spots from which to view this phenomenon, but if you're lucky, it can be equally brilliant.

For more information on the northern lights, scroll down to the FAQ section at the bottom of this page. Read on to discover the top destinations where you can see the kaleidoscopic northern and southern lights.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks is by far one of the best places in the world to view the northern lights, as it's located directly under the auroral oval. This ring-shaped zone sits around the Earth's geomagnetic North Pole and is generally associated with the most vibrant aurora sightings. Visitors can expect to see the lights on an average of four out of five clear nights during aurora season, which lasts from late August to late April.

You can book a northern lights tour to see the aurora from the springs and tubs at Chena Hot Springs Resort. This excursion includes round-trip transportation to the resort from town, a soak in the hot springs, a visit to the Fairbanks Aurora Ice Museum and an aurora viewing tour; dinner and drinks centered around Alaska produce are an option extra with hot drinks supplied.

There's more to Fairbanks than just the northern lights: If you visit in late summer, consider family-friendly activities like a ride on the Riverboat Discovery or gold panning. For a festive holiday experience in the winter, head around 15 miles out of Fairbanks to visit the Santa Claus House in the city of North Pole. Travelers can also see ice sculptures in February and March at the impressive World Ice Art Championships or take a dog-sledding or snowmobiling tour .

Where to stay: For excellent chances of aurora viewing, book a private igloo at Borealis Basecamp, a top glamping resort located on 100 remote acres of boreal forest about 25 miles from Fairbanks. With activities like dog-sledding on top of aurora viewing, past visitors regularly describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Tromsø, Norway

Located about 220 miles above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is one of several top spots to view the northern lights in Norway. At the darkest point of the aurora season – which runs from September to early April – the sun doesn't rise in this northern part of the country, although there is twilight during the day. With this level of darkness, there are more opportunities to see the aurora.

Tromsø itself is a small but lively city, so there's plenty to see and do when you're not looking up at the sky, including a visit to the beautiful Arctic Cathedral. In late January to early February, the city hosts the Northern Lights Festival, a 10-day music and performing arts event featuring a variety of musical genres.

Aurora chasers can view the lights on their own while in town, but to get a better view, it's recommended to head away from the city lights. Arctic Circle Tours is one company offering guided trips, with small groups for a more personal vibe. Alternatively, adventure-seekers can embark on an exhilarating husky trekking expedition in the Arctic wilderness.

Where to stay: For accommodations with harbor views, look no further than the Scandic Ishavshotel – guests love it for its convenient central location in the city, as well as its plus-sized breakfast buffet with plenty of choices.

Luosto and Rovaniemi (Lapland), Finland

Lapland is located within the Arctic Circle in the northernmost part of Finland. The northern lights are most visible here between the end of August and April – and approximately 200 times a year – so there are many opportunities for aurora spotting. Finnish Lapland is also known as home to the Sámi people (the only recognized Indigenous group in the European Union region), some 200,000 reindeer and Santa Claus – who can be visited in the town of Rovaniemi, the region's largest city and a great base for your aurora expedition.

Consider venturing roughly 70 miles north of Rovaniemi to the resort town of Luosto, set among the picturesque and hilly landscape of Pyhä-Luosto National Park. Here, you can also spend a magical evening outdoors under star-filled skies during a reindeer-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered forests. Jaakkola Reindeer Farm offers a reindeer sleigh tour to spot the aurora once weekly; it includes a stop to warm up at a bonfire camp with snacks, hot beverages and local fireside stories.

Where to stay: For a bucket list experience, watch the impressive light show from a glass igloo at Santa's Hotel Aurora & Igloos in Luosto. Past visitors love the cozy atmosphere here, boosted by amenities like saunas and log fireplaces. If you're sticking to Rovaniemi, the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel is a stunning choice, with designer cabins perched among the snow-covered taiga forest.

Orkney, Scotland

This group of captivating (and mostly uninhabited) islands, located about 10 miles off Scotland's remote northern coast, is one of the best places to see the northern nights in the U.K. Fall and winter are the best seasons to witness the aurora, also known in local Shetland dialect as the "Mirrie Dancers," with fall bringing the highest proportion of clear nights. A few places to see the spectacular light show include along the coast at Birsay or the Broch of Gurness, an archaeological ruin on a sweeping and dramatic coastline.

In addition to the aurora, Orkney is home to breathtaking coastal landscapes and more sheep than you can count (try some local lamb, if you can). Travelers can also visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with several monuments dating back 5,000 years.

Where to stay: During your visit, plan to stay in the historic town of Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands: The no-fuss Ayre Hotel offers harbor views, and past visitors compliment the hearty meals in the hotel restaurant. Spot the aurora close to town at Inganess Bay and Wideford Hill.

Yellowknife, Canada

Yellowknife, the capital of Canada 's Northwest Territories, dubs itself the "Aurora Capital of the World." Thanks to its position in the middle of the auroral oval, the city puts on one of the world's most awe-inspiring light shows. The period from mid-November to the beginning of April is the recommended time to spot the aurora, but it's also possible to see the aurora during more hospitable weather from late summer to early fall as the lights are visible up to 240 days a year.

Located on the northern shore of Great Slave Lake, Yellowknife boasts winter sports such as ice fishing and cross-country skiing. If you visit in March, plan to attend the monthlong Snowkings' Winter Festival, which features events and activities like a snow-carving competition, a snow castle, live music and more.

For a unique experience, book a tour through Aurora Village to view the lights. The property will pick you up from your hotel and take you to its site, where you can stay warm in a tent while sipping hot beverages. The Aboriginal-owned Aurora Village also offers activities such as dog-sledding or snowshoeing excursions.

Where to stay: Warm up in the fireside lounge at The Explorer Hotel in Yellowknife. Previous visitors note the warm and helpful staff as a strength here.

Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

The optimal time for seeing the illuminated skies in the northern part of Sweden, known as Swedish Lapland, is between early September and late March. The small Swedish village of Jukkasjärvi sits around 125 miles above the Arctic Circle on the Torne River and is an ideal locale for aurora viewing. You'll fly to the nearby Kiruna Airport to get here. With the village's origins dating back to the 17th century, you can still find some of the original homesteads, including an old timber cottage. Today the village boasts 800 residents – and more than 1,000 dogs.

Where to stay: If you're up for a chilly overnight adventure, reserve accommodations at the world's first permanent ice hotel, the aptly named Icehotel 365. Each of its artist-designed suites is sculpted from ice with a unique theme and maintains temperatures around minus 5 degrees Celsius (about 23 degrees Fahrenheit). The rooms also feature beds with reindeer hides and thermal sleeping bags so you can bundle up during the night. While you're at the property, take advantage of the guided "Northern Lights Safari on Snowmobile" or embark on the "Moose Safari on Horseback" atop an Icelandic horse.

Reykjavik, Iceland

October through March is the best time to chase the aurora borealis in Iceland . There are numerous natural parks and attractions throughout the country where you can view the show during the long and dark winter, but the capital city of Reykjavik also offers many options for accommodations, restaurants, tours and other activities for your visit. For optimum aurora viewing in the city away from the light pollution, head to Öskjuhlið. This wooded and hilly area in Reykjavik sits at 200 feet above sea level and has walkways and paths where you can see the nighttime show.

Atop this hill sits Perlan, which houses the only planetarium in the country and a museum featuring exhibits about Iceland. Perlan is also home to the world's first indoor ice cave and glacier exploratorium. During your visit, don't miss the panoramic views of the city from the building's fourth-floor observation deck. From this vantage point, you'll be able to see the Snæfellsjökull glacier; Keilir, a volcanic mountain; and Esja, the mountain of Reykjavik.

Where to stay: While in Reykjavik, splurge on an overnight tour with Buubble Tours. This experience includes breathtaking sightseeing spots and a night spent under the magical northern skies in a transparent bubble at the 5 Million Star Hotel. For longer stays, consider the eco-friendly Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel, with sweeping views of the city – guests love it for its cozy yet chic Scandinavian design.

Southern Iceland

While Reykjavik is a great aurora-viewing spot if you like having amenities close by, consider getting out into Iceland's stunning, otherworldly countryside for a unique backdrop for the northern lights. One unique place to see them is the black sand beach at Reynisfjara (but watch out for the dangerous waves here). Alternatively, head to Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon and seal habitat, where the aurora's reflections in the icy water are truly beautiful.

There's no shortage of tours that will stop by these locations and more for possible aurora sightings. Consider a 10- or 13-day tour around the country with Fun Travel, or a four-day option from Arctic Adventures. If you want to do things at your own place, it's also possible to self-drive – just know that road conditions can be icy, particularly in the depths of winter (although Icelandic roads are generally well-maintained).

Where to stay: Hotel Rangá is a formidable option for aurora-spotting. It offers a variety of special amenities, such as aurora wake-up calls, a lookout deck and snowsuits to keep you warm if you're outside viewing the lights. Past visitors praise Rangá for being a comfortable yet luxurious place to relax, be it in the outdoor hot tubs or the cozy and sociable bar.

Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

Greenland may not be the most accessible place to travel for viewing the northern lights, with limited flight options (mostly via Iceland), but those who make it here will be thrilled they did. The tundra of Kalaallit Nunaat – the Greenlandic name for the country – is one of the best places on the globe to see the aurora from September to early April.

For the more adventurous aurora seekers, head to the top of the Greenland Ice Cap for spectacular views of the lights. This impressive glacier covers 80% of the country and is accessible via the tiny town of Kangerlussuaq. Located on a fjord right along the Arctic Circle, the town, often described as a gateway to Greenland, was a former U.S. Air Force base and is now home to Greenland's main airport. The town is known for having clear skies on some 300 nights per year, so chances of a sighting are particularly good here.

Tour company Guide to Greenland offers various tours, from two-hour aurora-viewing trips to a tough but rewarding multi-night dog-sledding expedition across the ice. For a less strenuous experience, companies like Nordic Saga Tours offer cruises through the Arctic landscapes around Kangerlussuaq.

Viking cruise along Norway's coast

Courtesy of Viking

Embrace the winter and set sail for the Arctic Circle to experience the aurora in northern Norway. The 13-day "In Search of the Northern Lights" cruise itinerary with Viking departs from London for the North Sea with stops in ports of call that are top aurora-viewing locales, including Tromsø, Alta and Narvik, plus a stop in Amsterdam en route. The cruise ends in Bergen, Norway.

While on land, take in the natural beauty of the snow-blanketed landscapes and book bucket list excursions like a night spent in an igloo or a reindeer sledding adventure. You can also chase the lights into the wilderness by snowmobile, take a dog sled ride under the stars or view them from a Sámi tent atop the mountain Pæska in Alta. This Viking Ocean Cruises itinerary is offered with departure dates from mid-January to mid-March.

Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan

Regarded as one of the top spots in the U.S. to see the aurora outside Alaska, Headlands International Dark Sky Park sits at the top of Michigan 's lower peninsula, less than 5 miles from Mackinaw City. While the northern lights are less common here due to the relatively southern location, the best time to catch a glimpse of this phenomenon is typically during the spring and fall – and appearances can usually be predicted a couple of days in advance. The park even maintains an online Clear Sky Chart so you can check the weather forecast before you go.

There are also other stargazing opportunities throughout the year at Headlands. During the summer months the Milky Way is visible across the sky, and late summer evenings entertain visitors with meteor showers.

Where to stay: If you're visiting between late April and the end of October, splurge on a stay at Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island, where the aurora should also be visible. Guests describe this iconic property situated along the shoreline of Lake Huron as positively charming, thanks to its historic nature and manicured grounds. The resort also offers a host of outdoor activities from bike rentals to swimming.

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Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Martha Shuff | Courtesy of Voyageurs National Park

Located on the international border between Minnesota and Ontario, Voyageurs National Park is an approximately 218,000-acre labyrinth of boreal forests, lakes and streams. Voyageurs is Minnesota's only national park; it's also unique in that the park's interior is accessible only by boat, unless you visit by snowmobile in winter. As a certified International Dark Sky Park , Voyageurs provides opportunities to view the Milky Way on clear evenings, especially in the summer. Year-round aurora viewing is also possible on evenings with clear dark skies, but chances are better during the winter, when it's dark for longer.

For a guided stargazing tour – including the Milky Way, the constellations and (if you're lucky) the northern lights – book with Voyageurs Outfitters. If you're on your own, park officials note that almost any campsite is a good spot for northern lights viewing and stargazing. You can also check out the boat launch areas around Ash River, Kabetogama Lake and the Rainy Lake Visitor Center for top-notch views.

Where to stay: Those who prefer to sleep in a warm, cozy bed instead of camping under the stars can make reservations at the Cantilever Distillery + Hotel, a boutique Trademark Collection by Wyndham property in the nearby town of Ranier, Minnesota. Visitors report that there's a lot to like here, from the industrial-chic rooms to friendly staff to top-notch cocktails in the active distillery on the premises.

Abisko National Park, Sweden

Given its Arctic location, Sweden is one of the prime spots for aurora viewing in the Northern Hemisphere, with Swedish Lapland at the top of the list. The fall and winter months (from September to March) offer the best opportunities to witness the spectacle, as there is more darkness than light during the days.

If you're up for the Arctic adventure, December is an ideal month to visit Abisko National Park, which some regard as one of the best places on Earth to see the lights dance across the sky. The park's mountainous terrain and clear dark skies offer dramatic front-row seats for viewing the northern lights. The Aurora Sky Station is one of the best vantage points to see the aurora in the park. Join one of the expert presentations to learn about the science behind this fascinating phenomenon.

If you'd prefer to chase the lights with a curated tour, professional photographers and aurora-chasing guides at Visit Abisko lead three- to four-hour tours throughout the fall and winter. If you can, try to join the tours in fall, as this time of year offers a unique opportunity to view the lights both in the sky and reflected in the lakes and rivers, which you won't see in the winter months.

Where to stay: For cozy Nordic vibes, stay at Abisko Mountain Lodge, which also offers activities like ice climbing and snowmobile tours in winter. Guests love the excellent restaurant here, which offers Swedish specialties ranging from salmon to moose.

Nellim, Finland

Courtesy of Wilderness Hotels

Located a stone's throw from the Russian border in Finnish Lapland, this remote Arctic destination is a top-rated locale to view the northern lights due to the lack of light pollution. You'll be seriously out of the way of any built-up areas, as there's not even a paved road into Nellim. The best time to visit is between December and early April. This village is a great place to hunker down in a lodge and relax while enjoying a slice of life in the Finnish wilderness.

Where to stay: The Nellim Wilderness Hotel offers a perfect base with year-round activities, including aurora-chasing tours by car, snowmobile or on snowshoes. You can even take a sleigh ride through the snow to a campsite on Lake Inari to spot the aurora in pristine nature.

Beyond standard rooms, the Wilderness Hotel also offers glass-roofed cabins, as well as classic log cabins and bubble-shaped accommodations for two where guests can watch the dancing lights through the glass roof above your warm, cozy bed. When you're not chasing the lights, enjoy other Arctic activities like a husky safari, ice fishing, snowmobiling or a day in the snow meeting the local reindeer.

Saariselkä and Kakslauttanen, Finland

These two towns are around 150 miles above the Arctic Circle, with a prime location under the auroral oval, allowing as many as 200 opportunities per year to see the northern lights (weather permitting, of course). This area in Finnish Lapland is known for its stunning scenery, Sámi culture, cross-country and downhill skiing, and Urho Kekkonen National Park – one of Finland's largest.

Ski enthusiasts can roll two trips into one by hitting the slopes by day in Saariselkä and aurora spotting by night at Finland's northernmost ski resort. March into early April is the best time to view the aurora, as the Finnish Meteorological Institute notes that the weather is usually clearer at this time of year. But it's possible to see the northern lights at any time during the season from late August to early or mid-April.

Where to stay: Seven miles south of Saariselkä sits the village of Kakslauttanen, where you can book two- or four-person Glass Igloos at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. The new Kelo-Glass Igloos, which sleep up to six, mix the comforts of a log chalet with the visibility of the glass roof; enjoy a private sauna, a fireplace and more. There's also an impressive selection of year-round tours and activities at this resort, including northern lights excursions on snowmobiles or by horse-drawn carriage.

Stewart Island, New Zealand

Courtesy of RealNZ

Although they may be isolated, some far-south destinations offer the chance to see the aurora australis – or southern lights. While you might be able to see them year-round in some locations (just as with the northern lights), certain months are better for aurora viewing in the Southern Hemisphere. Stewart Island is regarded as one of the top spots to see the brilliant display in New Zealand , with 85% of the island encompassed by Rakiura National Park, so there are few people and virtually no light pollution. You can reach Stewart Island by flying in from Invercargill or taking a ferry from Bluff.

New Zealand's winter months – June to August – are the best time to see the southern lights; spring and fall are also not bad times to spot them. The brighter summer months, between December and February, make it more difficult to spot the aurora, but there's still a chance you'll catch a glimpse between midnight and 4 a.m.

Where to stay: Consider reserving a room with at Stewart Island Lodge, an intimate bed-and-breakfast. This beautiful property is just minutes by foot from the village of Oban, and the property will pick you up at the ferry terminal for your stay. Past visitors rave about the spectacular views of Halfmoon Bay and the Foveaux Strait from both the rooms and lodge terrace.

Tasmania sits approximately 150 miles south of mainland Australia. This mountainous island is one of relatively few places on the planet where it's theoretically possible to see the aurora 365 days a year due to its latitude, which allows for full darkness even on summer nights. The capital city of Hobart is the easiest point of entry: It's home to Tasmania's largest airport and serves as a convenient base. The city's burgeoning food and cultural scenes will also give you plenty to see and do.

From here you'll be able to reach several great viewing locations with unobstructed and open views of the sea along the southern and southeast coastlines, like Goat Bluff and Tinderbox Bay. When you're not staring at the night sky, splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter flight with Tasmanian Air Tours. Depending on your whims, your private pilot can whisk you away to soar over the sea cliffs; stop at a local winery to sample local vintages; or head south to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Port Arthur , Tasmania 's historic and most notorious prison.

Where to stay: Reserve accommodations at The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart. The historic luxury property is situated along the lively waterfront area with harbor views. Past guests admired the historic building housing the hotel and loved the heritage rooms featuring gas fireplaces for those cold Tasmanian nights.

Expedition cruise to Antarctica

If you're one of the lucky few people on the planet to travel to the southernmost continent on Earth, it may be pricey, but you'll have an adventure of a lifetime in Antarctica, especially if the aurora illuminates the sky. The southern lights are most visible in the winter months (between March and October), but due to weather conditions, only researchers brave the Antarctic winter – and they mostly stay indoors.

However, all hope is not lost if you seek to view the aurora australis in Antarctica. Late-season expedition cruises to this continent offered in March also bring the opportunity to view the southern lights and enjoy the end of Antarctica's fleeting summer. As the days shorten in length, you may encounter light snow across the extreme landscape and ice starting to form on the water's surface.

When it comes to wildlife viewing, humpback whale sightings are abundant, and you'll still see penguin colonies – including king and gentoo penguins. You can also keep your eyes peeled for elephant seals, leopard seals, wandering albatross and other species of birds. When night falls on clear evenings, look for the light show in the southern sky. Companies that offer March voyages include Swoop Antarctica, Atlas Ocean Voyages, Silversea Cruises , Aurora Expeditions and Hurtigruten Expeditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

There's no one location that's widely accepted as the best place to see the northern lights. However, the strongest light displays are within what's called the "auroral oval": a rough circle around the Earth's magnetic northern pole that tends to occur around 60 to 70 degrees of latitude. The oval's exact size expands and contracts (some more southerly destinations can fall under it when the aurora is particularly strong), but there are certain locations that generally fall within the oval most of the time.

These places include:

• Central and northern Alaska
• Large areas of Yukon, the Northwest Territories and northern Quebec in Canada
• Southern Greenland
• Far northern Norway, Sweden and Finland

Within these areas, it could be argued that Iceland is the best place to see the aurora as it experiences much milder temperatures than some other areas within the oval. But this is subjective, and some travelers may prefer a location like Yellowknife in Canada for a full-on, very cold Arctic experience.

The northern lights are only visible when it's dark out. Since many of the best places to see them are so far north that they experience near-constant daylight in the summer, you'll generally want to schedule a trip between late August and early April. However, within this time period, there's some debate about the best time to catch the lights. For example, the aurora tends to be more active around the September and March equinoxes due to stronger solar winds – but on the other hand, your chances of seeing them may be higher in the depths of winter, since there's longer nights and therefore a longer window in which they might appear.

In more southern locations like Minnesota, it may be possible to see the light show in the summer months, but it's still advisable to go at a time when the nights are longer. It can also be worth trying to schedule your northern lights trip when there's a new moon: While the aurora can shine through moonlight, it may be harder to see if there's a full moon.

Of course, cloudy weather can block the aurora even if you go at the right time of year. So, it may be wise to research the local weather patterns at your chosen destination to find out if there's a month where you can expect clearer skies. In many cases, though, there's a little luck involved.

These two countries can offer excellent views of the northern lights, since both are directly under the typical auroral oval. Yet there are some differences to be aware of.

In Norway, you'll need to head to the north of the country to catch the aurora: While they have been sighted in Oslo , the capital and largest city, it's too far south to be a reliable vantage point. Cities like Tromsø are popular spots, but direct flights there are only possible from some European cities, so North Americans will have to take connecting flights. On the other hand, Iceland is generally easier to reach, with direct flights to its capital, Reykjavik, from a large number of U.S. destinations (particularly from the East Coast) with no further connection required.

Since clear skies are key for seeing the northern lights, weather is another factor to consider. In November, December and March, Reykjavik has statistically slightly more frequent clear skies, while in January and February, Tromsø is a little better, but the difference isn't big: Both places have clear skies only around 25 to 30% of the time in these months. Reykjavik has slightly warmer weather, though, so between that and the ease of access, it has a slight edge over Norway for seeing the northern lights.

Alaska and Iceland are known for stellar aurora light shows, so deciding between them may depend on which destination you find more convenient and more to your tastes. In Alaska , the city of Fairbanks is considered a great spot to catch the northern lights. (They can still be seen elsewhere in the state – for example, in Anchorage, although they're not so common in more southern locations like Juneau). The advantage of Fairbanks is that you won't need a passport , yet there aren't many direct flights from the lower 48 states. Despite being an international destination, Iceland may be more accessible (particularly from the eastern U.S.), thanks to fairly regular flights to Reykjavik from numerous American cities.

Fairbanks does offer statistically better weather for aurora viewing: It has clear skies more often than Reykjavik, particularly in March when the Alaska city experiences them around 45% of the time (compared to about 25% for Reykjavik). But you'll have to be able to tolerate the cold. While temperatures in Reykjavik hover around freezing in midwinter, Fairbanks is a veritable deep freeze, with average highs around 5 degrees Fahrenheit down to lows colder than minus 5 in December.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Timothy Forster , as a Canadian who has traveled from coast to coast in that sprawling country, knows all about travel in the cold northern reaches of the world. Forster used his extensive traveling background along with research expertise to curate this article.

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Panthers owner David Tepper pays visit to bar with sign teasing his NFL draft strategy

A Charlotte restaurant used its street-side marquee to send a message to Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper.

Then, hours before the start of the 2024 NFL draft , Tepper came into the restaurant to talk with employees about it.

Video footage obtained by WBTV in Charlotte shows Tepper walking into Dilworth Neighborhood Grille on Thursday and speaking with a pair of employees at the front door. Tepper is seen removing the hat of one of the employees, which appears to have a Philadelphia Eagles logo on it, then soon shaking the employee's hand and exiting.

The restaurant's sign read: "PLEASE LET THE COACH & GM PICK THIS YEAR."

Dilworth Neighborhood Grille owner Matt Wohlfarth told The Charlotte Observer that he had left for the day by the time Tepper stopped by but soon heard about it from his employees, who described the encounter to him as cordial.

NFL DRAFT HUB: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis.

"(It's) really nice we have an owner who wants to win," Wohlfarth told the newspaper . "It’s just, you got to stay in your lane. This is not really an attack on anyone or anything. This is me expressing frustration because, believe it or not, I actually lose more of my income when the Panthers lose than he does."

Tepper, a global hedge fund manager, purchased the Panthers for $2.2 billion in May 2018. In the six seasons since, the team has undergone three coaching changes and recorded an overall record of 31-68, including a 2-15 record last year.

Wohlfarth told The Charlotte Observer that Thursday's visit was not Tepper's first to the restaurant , which is located about two miles from Carolina's practice facility. Earlier this year, Wohlfarth said, he changed the marquee to read: "MEDDLING OWNERS NEVER WIN. RUN FROM JERRY JONES."

"And (Tepper) was sort of pissed off about that one," Wohlfarth told the newspaper.

Tepper's franchise selected South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette with the No. 32 overall pick in this year's NFL draft.

Contact Tom Schad at [email protected] or on social media @Tom_Schad.

Congress approved a TikTok ban. Why it could still be years before it takes effect.

TikTok’s fate in the U.S. has never been more in doubt after Congress approved a bill that gives its parent company two options: sell it to an approved buyer or see it banned.

President Joe Biden signed the legislation into law on Wednesday. 

But it could take years for the TikTok ban to actually go into effect, since its Chinese-owned parent company, ByteDance, is likely to challenge the statute in court. 

And even if it survives a legal challenge, no one is quite sure what would happen next. 

How soon could a potential ban take effect?

It would probably be several years from now.

According to the statute’s language, ByteDance would have nine months to divest and find an American buyer for TikTok once the bill is signed into law. 

On top of that, the president can push back the deadline by an additional 90 days. 

That means, without a sale, the soonest TikTok could shut down in the U.S. would be more than one year from now.  

But it’s more complicated than that. 

If ByteDance sues to block the implementation of the statute — which it has said it would do — the bill will be taken up by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, according to Isaac Boltansky, director of policy for the financial services firm BTIG.

Boltansky said ByteDance would file a suit no later than this fall. And while the case is under judicial review, the “clock” on any ban is effectively paused, he said. 

Once the D.C. court issues its ruling, whichever side loses is likely to request a review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

That would forestall the ban by another year — meaning nothing would go into effect until 2026, Boltansky said.

TikTok will argue that the ban is unconstitutional and that it’s also taken steps to protect American users’ data. The app has already launched an aggressive lobbying campaign, featuring a number of small-business owners and influencers who say it's their lifeblood.

“We have got to make enough noise so that they don’t take away our voice,” TikTok user @dadlifejason, who has 13.8 million followers, says in a TikTok ad shared on social media.

What about finding a buyer?

The bill stipulates that TikTok can continue to operate in the U.S. if ByteDance sells the app to a U.S.-approved firm. 

While large U.S. tech companies would love to get their hands on the platform, Boltansky said that Biden administration regulators — not to mention GOP critics of Big Tech firms — have no interest in expanding the power, reach or influence of such companies.  

Some other outside groups might emerge. At least one led by Steve Mnuchin, who was Treasury secretary in the Trump administration, has already sought to make a bid, telling CNBC in March that he was putting together an investor group . The Wall Street Journal has also reported that former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick was looking for potential buyer partners. While ByteDance, which owns other companies, is worth hundreds of billions of dollars, TikTok would fetch less than that, experts say — especially if it is sold without its powerful recommendation algorithm.  

But Boltansky believes ByteDance is unlikely to agree to any kind of sale. The Chinese government has said as much, arguing that it regards the algorithm as a national security asset. And without that, TikTok becomes much less appealing to potential buyers.    

So is TikTok in the U.S. going away?

It might — but the ultimate impact may be limited. The fact is, most TikTok users already have a presence on other platforms, so the impact on their livelihoods to the extent that they operate businesses on TikTok could be limited.

According to a survey from the financial services group Wedbush, approximately 60% of TikTok user respondents said they’d simply migrate to Instagram (or Facebook) in the event of a sale, while 19% said they’d go to YouTube. 

Analysts with financial services company Bernstein arrived at similar estimates. In a note to clients, they forecast that Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, would take over as much as 60% of TikTok’s U.S. ad revenue, with YouTube gaining 25%. Snapchat would also benefit, they said. 

Why did lawmakers feel they needed to take this drastic step?

Boltansky said many political pundits remain surprised that the bill got over the finish line. But a wave of anxiety about both Chinese influence and the impact of social media on youth converged to get it passed.

“This has been noteworthy,” Boltansky said. “Everyone is so conditioned to D.C. doing nothing or the bare minimum to keep the lights on.”

As tensions with Beijing have grown, congressional lawmakers, along with top law enforcement officials, have warned that TikTok is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and is a national security threat to the United States.

“It screams out with national security concerns,” FBI Director Christopher Wray testified on Capitol Hill last year

U.S. officials fear that the Chinese government is using TikTok to access data from, and spy on, its American users, spreading disinformation and conspiracy theories.

It felt like a TikTok ban was moving slowly, then quickly. What happened?

The House passed its standalone TikTok bill on a big bipartisan vote in March. But the Senate appeared in no hurry to take up the measure as Commerce Chair Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., drafted her own legislation.

That all changed when Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., working with the White House, rolled out his $95 billion foreign aid supplemental plan last week that included billions of dollars for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. 

Included in that sweeping aid package: the House’s TikTok bill, with some minor changes. Johnson pushed the package through his chamber, then sent the House on a recess, forcing the Senate to take it or leave it.

Rather than further delay the critical, long-stalled military and humanitarian aid, the Democratic-controlled Senate is moving to quickly pass the package — including the TikTok bill and other Johnson priorities.

Rob Wile is a breaking business news reporter for NBC News Digital.

Scott Wong is a senior congressional reporter for NBC News.

Apple sinks to 3rd place in China as iPhone sales slide

• Apple's China headache is getting worse.
• A slide in iPhone sales has left Apple in third place in China, per Counterpoint Research estimates.
• It's the iPhone's worst performance in China since 2020 amid rising competition from local rivals.

Apple's struggles in China just keep getting worse.

It's sunk from first to third place in the Chinese smartphone market after iPhone sales tumbled 19% in the first three months of the year, according to estimates from Counterpoint Research .

The sales slump marks the iPhone's worst performance in China since 2020 and underlines increasingly tough competition from local rivals.

Chinese-based rivals Vivo and Honor outpaced Apple's sales in the first quarter of the year, per Counterpoint data. Apple finished the quarter with a 15.7% share of the market, down from 19.7% in the same period last year and barely ahead of Huawei's 15.5%, per the research outfit.

In stark contrast with Apple's slide, Huawei sales soared by almost 70% compared with the first three months of 2023.

Counterpoint research analyst Ivan Lam said in a note that Huawei's surge had directly affected iPhone sales in China. Apple had also been hit by fewer consumers replacing their smartphones, he added.

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Huawei's rise has given Apple CEO Tim Cook a new headache, given he's already dealing with disappointing iPhone 15 sales and government bans in China. Cook went to China in March to visit Apple's newest store in Shanghai and attend the high-profile China Development Forum in Beijing.

Huawei recently released a new series of smartphones called the Pura 70 that has an advanced camera system similar to the trio of lenses on the iPhone Pro range .

The new phones, which start at $760, provide Huawei with a new opportunity to win over Chinese customers from Apple. Last year the company launched the Mate 60 Pro series that was aimed at iPhone 15 buyers.

Despite the stiff competition, Lam said iPhone sales could still reverse their downward slide.

"We are seeing slow but steady improvement from week to week, so momentum could be shifting," he said. "For the second quarter, the possibility of new color options combined with aggressive sales initiatives could bring the brand back into positive territory."

The 19% decline is slightly better than the 24% slide that Counterpoint had estimated for the first six weeks of the year.

The Chinese smartphone market is crucial for Apple as it's second only to the US, and is ahead of Europe.

Apple has been fighting on multiple fronts this year. In March, the European Commission fined the company about 1.8 billion euros ($1.95 billion). In the US, Apple is battling an antitrust lawsuit from the Department of Justice .

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider, made outside normal working hours.

Watch: Apple's antitrust lawsuit is just one of its major battles

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True Cheating Stories 2024 - Best of Reddit Stories 2024 I cheated on my husband and lost everything REAL VOICE Cheating Wives Stories is a place where people can come to hear stories of wives or girlfriends cheating. Plus some good revenge on Cheat Wives and Girlfriends. These stories also serve to let people currently going through the heartbreak a place to come and know they ARE NOT ALONE. Marriage Is A Bad Investment! #infidelity #cheating #relationships #cheatingstories #Reddit #AskReddit #RedditStories #RSLASH All types of Reddit content from mainly funny askreddit top posts and funny Reddit stories to Reddit AITA and Reddit relationships videos. We also post the following types of Reddit r/ videos: Reddit cheating stories, surviving infidelity, Reddit relationship advice, Reddit update, r/aita, r/entitledparents, r/relationships, Reddit relationship advice update, r/askreddit, reddit story, storytime with reddit, funny reddit stories, reddit cheating, reddit cheating stories, justnomil reddit, r/aita update, justnoso reddit, aita, reddit husband, justnoso reddit, r/ Relationship_Advice, r/justnomil, rslash Best of r/AskReddit Questions - Best Reddit Posts 2024 - Reddit Stories Compilation Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-cheating-stories-2024-best-of-reddit-nsfw-cheating-stories-2023--5689182/support.

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Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines

The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing “junk” fees before booking. Here’s what passengers can expect.

By Christine Chung

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.

The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.

Airlines for America , a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.

Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.

There’s now one definition for a “significant” delay.

Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier . Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Passengers will get prompt refunds for cancellations or significant changes for flights and delayed bags, for any reason.

When things go wrong, getting compensation from an airline has often required establishing a cumbersome paper trail or spending untold hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in the original form of payment, whether by cash, credit card or airline miles. Refunds are due within seven days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for other payments.

Passengers with other flight disruptions, such as being downgraded to a lower service class, are also entitled to refunds.

The list of significant changes for which passengers can get their money back also includes: departure or arrival from an airport different from the one booked; connections at different airports or flights on planes that are less accessible to a person with a disability; an increase in the number of scheduled connections. Also, passengers who pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection that are then unavailable will be refunded any fees.

Airlines must give travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers unable to fly because of government restrictions or a doctor’s orders.

The vouchers or credits will be transferable and can be used for at least five years after the date they were issued.

Fees for checked baggage and modifying a reservation must be disclosed upfront.

Airlines and ticket agents are now required to display any extra fees for things like checking bags or seat selection clearly and individually before a ticket purchase. They will also need to outline the airline’s policies on baggage, cancellations and changing flights before a customer purchases a ticket.

The rules, which apply to all flights on domestic airlines and flights to and from the United States operated by foreign airlines, have varying start dates.

For example, automatic refunds must be instituted by the airlines within six months. But carriers have a year before they’re required to issue travel vouchers and credits for passengers advised by a medical professional not to fly.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .