The United
States is unlike anywhere else in the world, and it’s packed with
experiences that can thrill, inspire and satisfy every kind of traveler. Want a
heart-pounding adventure? Hike the Grand Canyon or catch some waves on the
Pacific Coast. Craving culture or food? Explore buzzing cities, iconic museums,
music scenes and regional eats that range from Michelin star dining to
deliciously fried comfort food.
It’s no wonder the
U.S. is one of the world’s
top travel destinations, and that it draws tens of millions of
international visitors every year. And let’s not forget Americans themselves.
After all, domestic travel in the U.S. is huge, from road trips along Route 66
to weekend getaways in the so-called “flyover states.” Whether it’s
your first visit or your hundredth, there’s always something new to discover in
the United States of America.
Best Destinations
in the United States
The United States
of America is packed with destinations that appeal to every type of traveler,
from bustling cities to serene natural landscapes. If sprawling cities are your
vibe, New
York City is a must-see thanks to its world-famous skyline, Broadway shows
and endless dining and shopping options. Los
Angeles, California,
is another large city that offers a mix of glamour, beaches and entertainment,
while Chicago,
Illinois, impresses with its architecture, deep dish pizza and its own
vibrant music scene.
If you’re a nature
lover, the U.S. has some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. The Grand
Canyon in Arizona, Yellowstone
National Park in Wyoming and Yosemite
National Park in California showcase stunning vistas and outdoor adventure
opportunities. Meanwhile, the Pacific Northwest offers lush forests, rugged
coastlines and charming towns galore.
The Southeast
United States is equally rich with history and culture. New
Orleans’ lively music scene and Creole cuisine are unforgettable, while Charleston,
South Carolina and Savannah,
Georgia charm visitors with cobblestone streets and antebellum
architecture. Florida’s beaches and theme parks also draw millions of travelers
seeking sun and fun each year.
No matter your
interests, the United States offers an endless array of destinations that make
it one of the most diverse and exciting countries to explore. Every region has
its own flavor, and there’s always something new to see.
Aerial view of Manhattan in New York City. (Photo Credit: Tierney/Adobe)
Best Attractions
in the United States
The United States
is home to countless attractions that draw visitors from around the world. In
New York City, the Statue of Liberty, Times
Square and Central Park are iconic landmarks that offer a mix of history,
culture and energy. In the Golden State of California, the Golden
Gate Bridge in San
Francisco and the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles are must-sees for
first-time visitors.
Nature lovers will
find awe-inspiring attractions in national parks like Yellowstone, the Grand
Canyon, and Yosemite, where dramatic landscapes, waterfalls and wildlife create
unforgettable experiences. Florida’s Walt
Disney World Resort and Universal Studios appeal to families seeking theme
park thrills, while Las
Vegas, Nevada, offers world-class entertainment, dining and a truly 24/7
party scene.
Historic sites
also abound throughout the U.S., from the Freedom
Trail of Boston, Massachusetts, to Washington,
D.C.’s monuments and Smithsonian museums. Whether you’re chasing adventure,
culture or family fun, the United States offers attractions that cater to every
possible interest.
Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo Credit: f11photo / Adobe Stock)
Must-See 2026
Events in the United States
From blockbuster
festivals to historic celebrations, 2026 is shaping up to be a can’t‑miss year
for events across the U.S. Sports fans won’t want to miss Super
Bowl LX on February 8th in Santa Clara, California, which features a major
halftime show that’ll be talked about for months.And that’s just the start—huge gatherings like SXSW in Austin (a mash‑up of
music, tech and film) and the Ultra Music Festival in Miami deliver
unforgettable experiences in March.
Music lovers will
also flock to Coachella,
one of the world’s most celebrated music and arts festivals, as it takes over
Indio, California across two weekends in April.
The new year also
marks the 250th
anniversary of American independence (known as America250), with
celebrations, exhibitions and special events planned nationwide. Washington,
D.C. and other cities will host festivals, fan zones and cultural activities
tied to this milestone year.Whether you’re into culture, sports or music, 2026 offers a lineup of
events worth planning around.
DJ playing at Coachella. (Photo via Eric Ward / Wikimedia Commons)
Best Places for
Families in the United States
Family travel in
the U.S. is full of options for every interest and age. Orlando,
Florida remains a classic option for family getaways, with Walt Disney
World Resort, Universal Studios and SeaWorld providing endless entertainment.
Meanwhile, San
Diego, California combines sunny beaches, the San Diego Zoo, Legoland and a
range of interactive museums perfect for kids.
For nature-loving
families, Yellowstone National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains offer hiking,
wildlife spotting and camping adventures. Washington,
D.C., is also an ideal for families with children due to its kid-friendly
museums, monuments and educational experiences.
On the East Coast,
Boston, Massachusetts, offers a mix of history and hands-on learning along the
Freedom Trail and at the New England Aquarium. Families can also head to
Chicago, Illinois for museums like the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium.
Orlando, Florida. (Photo Credit: Kevin Ruck / Adobe Stock)
Best Places for
Couples in the United States
Couples seeking
romance have countless options across the United States, and the best choice
will depend on their interests. For example, Napa
Valley, California offers world-class wineries and cozy vineyard stays.
Meanwhile, Charleston, South Carolina enchants visitors with cobblestone
streets, historic homes and romantic waterfront dining options galore.
Sedona,
Arizona, provides stunning red rock landscapes ideal for hiking, stargazing
and relaxing together. Maui,
Hawaii, offers luxury resorts, tropical beaches and scenic drives like the
Road to Hana.
Savannah, Georgia,
with its moss-draped squares and historic charm, is perfect for leisurely
strolls and intimate dining. For a winter escape, Aspen,
Colorado offers skiing and romantic mountain lodges. And even urban couples
can find magic in New York City, from Broadway shows to rooftop dinners
overlooking the sparkling skyline.
Winery in Napa Valley, California. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Andy)
Best Places for
Group Travel in the United States
Traveling with
friends or extended family can be unforgettable when you choose the right
destination for your group. Las Vegas, Nevada, is ideal for nightlife, shows,
and entertainment whereas New Orleans, Louisiana offers live music, a vibrant
food culture and a festive atmosphere that’s perfect for group fun.
Outdoor groups can
head to the state of Colorado
for skiing, rafting and hiking adventures. Nashville,
Tennessee, draws music-loving groups with its live performances, bars and
Southern hospitality.
For beach-loving
groups, Myrtle
Beach, South Carolina and Miami,
Florida provide sun, sand and water sports activities galore. Of course,
the United States is also an excellent spot to depart for a cruise somewhere
warm, but only after vacationing in popular cruise port destinations like Fort
Lauderdale, Florida and Galveston,
Texas.
Aerial view of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. (Photo Credit: Visit Myrtle Beach)
Best Places for
Solo Travel in the United States
Solo travelers can
find adventure, culture and personal growth across the country, including in
some destinations you may not expect. For example, Portland,
Oregon is perfect for artsy cafés, bike-friendly streets and welcoming
locals, and Austin, Texas, draws solo visitors with live music, food trucks and
festivals.
Asheville,
North Carolina, offers mountain scenery, wellness retreats and a vibrant
art scene solo travelers can’t help but explore. For history enthusiasts, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, is a compact city packed with museums and historic
landmarks.
Solo adventurers
can also enjoy Seattle,
Washington, with its coffee culture, waterfront views and outdoor
excursions nearby.
Seattle, Washington (Photo Credit: kanonsky/Adobe Stock)
Best Foodie
Destinations in the United States
The United States
is also a treasure trove for food lovers, and some of the best culinary
experiences are found in smaller, unexpected destinations. For example, Portland,
Maine, is a seafood paradise, known for fresh lobster rolls and clam
chowder served right on the coast. Asheville, North Carolina offers a vibrant
farm-to-table scene and local craft breweries, perfect for sampling creative
Southern cuisine. Santa
Fe, New Mexico, is another unique destination that delights with flavorful
Southwestern dishes, spicy chilies and traditional adobe-style restaurants.
Even small towns
like Burlington, Vermont,
and Traverse
City, Michigan, are foodie hotspots, with farm-to-table restaurants,
artisanal cheeses and local wine and cider.
Of course, larger
cities in the U.S. still dominate when it comes to foodie destinations. New
Orleans, Louisiana is famous for Creole and Cajun cuisine, po’boys and
beignets, while Austin, Texas, is a barbecue and Tex-Mex haven. Charleston,
South Carolina offers both historic charm and innovative Southern cooking, from
shrimp and grits to fresh seafood.
Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Photo Credit: SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe)
Best Places for
Adventure Travel in the United States
Due to its breadth
of landscapes, the United States is a playground for thrill-seekers and outdoor
enthusiasts alike. The state of Alaska offers glacier trekking, kayaking and
wildlife encounters, while Utah is home to Zion
National Park, Bryce
Canyon National Park, and Arches
National Park, all of which are perfect for hiking, climbing and exploring
desert landscapes.
The string of
islands that make up Hawaii offer activities like surfing, hiking and
snorkeling in tropical waters. Meanwhile, Colorado is the perfect spot for
skiing, mountain biking and rafting adventures. The states of Wyoming
and Montana also offer remote wilderness experiences in Yellowstone and
Glacier National Parks.
For coastal
adventure, California’s
Big Sur and Oregon’s Pacific Coast offer hiking, tide-pooling and dramatic
scenery. Arizona also invites thrill-seekers to hike the Grand Canyon or
explore Sedona’s red rock formations. No matter your passion, there’s an
adventure waiting somewhere in the U.S.
Wild bison grazing at Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/donyanedomam)
The Bottom Line
When it comes to
travel, the United States really has something for everyone. From bustling
cities and charming historic towns to breathtaking national parks and scenic
coastlines, there’s no shortage of places to explore.
Foodies and
thrill-seekers will find endless opportunities to indulge their passions, from
tasting local specialties to chasing heart-pounding adventures. With its mix of
culture, history, natural beauty and entertainment, the U.S. is a place where
every trip can feel completely your own.
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