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20 Must See Attractions in North America

North America is filled with must see attractions. Hundreds of locations draw millions of tourists to natural landmarks, historic sites and exciting places. Some are old, some are new. Some are geological wonders. Some are manmade structures. Here are our picks for the top 20 must see attractions in North America.

1. Niagara Falls

The Niagara Falls is an amazing natural wonder located on the border of the United States and Canada. The Falls are the must see attraction in North America. The geological wonder consists of three waterfalls.

The Horseshoe Falls border New York State and Ontario, Canada. The American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are in New York State. The Falls attract an average of 12 million visitors from all over the world each year, and there is much to do and see besides the amazing water falls.

There are tours, parks, restaurant, shopping, interactive exhibits, casinos and luxury hotels. Since 1900, daredevils have attempted to go over the Falls in enclosed barrels. Some were successful and some were not.

During the mid-twentieth century, the Falls became a popular honeymoon destination. The Niagara Falls are definitely a must see attraction inn North America.

2. Walt Disney World Parks

Walt Disney World is the most visited resort in the United States. Walt Disney and his brother Roy opened a theme park Disneyland in Anaheim, California in 1955 and wanted to open a supplemental park.

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom was created in Orlando, Florida and opened in October 1971. Epcot Center followed in 1982, Hollywood Studios opened in 1989, and Animal Kingdom followed in 1998.

The resort is often used as a corporate meeting destination, and 52 million people visit the parks each year. There are many resorts and different types of Amusement Parks. Walt Disney World is the most popular family trip destination.

The Magic Kingdom's iconic Cinderella's Castle, Space Mountain, and are fun for people of all ages. Epcot Center celebrates the countries of the world and science. Animal Kingdom provides rides and adventures in a safari atmosphere.

There are also two water parks associated with Disney World as well as golf courses, restaurants, shopping and more.

3. Times Square

New York City has many must see attractions including Central Park, Rockefeller Plaza, Radio City Music Hall, Fifth Avenue, Wall Street, Broadway and Ellis Island. Time Square, located in Midtown Manhattan at Broadway and Seventh Avenue, is the United States' most famous intersection.

It's home to commercial business, entertainment venues, hotels and restaurants. It's also the bub of the Times Square has been called "The Crossroads of the World", "The Center of the Universe" and "The heart of The Great White Way".

Over 50 million people, mostly tourists, cross the intersection each year. Originally called Longacre Square, it was renamed Times Square in 1904 when The New York Times moved its headquarters there. Since 1907, the iconic New Year's Eve celebration has been held in Times Square when the "ball is dropped" at midnight.

The annual celebration attracts over a million visitors every December 31 except when the event was during World War II. During the Great Depression, the area became seedy but was revived in the 1990's. "Good Morning America" is broadcast live at ABC's Times Square Studios.

Well known for its bright advertising signage, Times Squares is home to neon and LED lighting jumbotron.

4. National Mall

The capital of the United States, Washington DC, has multiple attractions, but visitors must be sure to check out the National Mall. The national park begins at Capitol Hill and stretches toward the Potomac River and is home to several memorials including the Washington Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and memorials honoring the wars that the United States have fought.

The National Mall is a gathering place for people witnessing the United States Presidential Inaugurations. The National Mall is also home to the Smithsonian Institute.

The Institute features several museums including the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The National Mall is also used as a place of peaceful protest.

5. Chichen Itza

The Mayan ruins Chichen Itza is located on the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. Chichen Itza means "at the mouth of the well of the Itza people". It was the Mayan's largest and most densely populated city between 750 AD and 900 AD and most likely a spiritual center.

The ruins of the city are managed by the federal government. The architectural ruins of Chichen Itza are some of the most visited in the world with more than 2 million tourists a year. Many of its stone buildings have been restored.

Preserved structures include El Castillo, the Great Ball Court, a skull platform, the Sacred Cenote, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Group of A Thousand Columns.

6. The Getty Center

Endowed by the Getty Trust, the Getty Center features the Getty Museum in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. In 1997, the $1.3 billion Center opened to the public. It's beautiful hill top architecture and gardens overlook the city of Los Angeles.

The J. Paul Getty Museum draws nearly 2 million visitors each year. The Getty Center includes the Getty Research Institute, the Getty Conservation Institute, the Getty Foundation and the J. Paul Getty Trust.

The buildings were designed by Richard Meier for beautiful views and safe from earthquakes and fires. One of the most visited museums in the United States, the J. Paul Getty Museum includes pre twentieth century European art and nineteenth and twentieth century American and European photographs.

7. The CN Tower

The skyline of Toronto, Canada is defined by The CN Tower. The 553.3 foot communications tower was completed in 1976. The tower was the worlds tallest free standing structure until 2009 when the Canton Tower was built in Burj Khalifa.

Built on the Canadian National railroad lines by the Canadian railway company, the CN Tower attracts more than 2 million visitors a year. Not only does the tower serve as a communications tower, but it also has an observation deck and a restaurant with amazing panoramic views of Toronto.

Since 1995 the CN Tower has been controlled by the Canada Lands Company. The same year, the American Society of Civil Engineers named the CN Tower one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World.

8. Pearl Harbor

The USS Arizona memorial is in Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It is the resting place of 1,102 bodies of United States Marines killed during the surprise attack by the Japanese on the morning of December 7, 1941.

The events of that morning would lead the United States into World War II. The United States Navy established the harbor as a base in 1899. The memorial was built in 1962 and is visited by more than 2 million people each year.

The memorial is built over the wreckage of the bombed ship, the USS Arizona. It is one of several United States memorials as part of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. Another important memorial to visit is the World Trade Center Memorial in New York City.

The Twin Towers were destroyed by terrorists who had hijacked jet passenger airplanes and flew them into the office skyscrapers on the morning of September 11, 2001. The memorial features two waterfalls honoring the thousands killed that morning. The waterfalls are built over the footprints of the Twin Towers.

9. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is an extensive United States park established in 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant. The expansive park covers nearly 3,500 miles in parts of Idaho, Wyoming and Montana.

Best known for its protected wildlife and geothermal features, Yellowstone National Park attracts millions of visitors every year. Yellowstone is well known for its geysers.

There are at least 1,280 known geysers. "Old Faithful" erupts regularly and is probably the most well known geyser in the world. Wildlife includes bears, wolves, elk and bison.

10. The Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail covers 2 and a half miles in Boston Massachusetts. The trail follows a path in the city that marks several sites that were important to the American Revolution.

Many of America's founding fathers lived in Boston and the city was home to many Revolutionary events. It was also home to many of the meetings where the American strategy for the war were held.

The Trail begins at Boston Common and winds through downtown through the North End and ends in Charlestown at the USS Constitution. The Trail is marked by red lines or red bricks. Sites along the trail include churches, graveyards and the naval frigate at the site of the "Boston Tea Party".

Other sites include the Old State House, the Old South Meeting House and Paul Revere's house. The Freedom Trail was conceived in 1951 by journalist William Schofield. Mayor Hynes made the idea a realty, and by 1953, more than 40,000 walked the trail annually.

The Freedom Trail remains a popular attraction. It is a great way to get a history lesson at your own pace.

11. Bourbon Street

In the heart of New Orleans and its oldest neighborhood, the French Quarter, Bourbon Street. The French Quarter of Louisiana is its most historic and carries the legacy of New Orleans' French heritage.

Bourbon Street has always had a risqué reputation as home of the city's red light district. In the 1940's and 1950's, the street was lined wit nightclubs with over 50 burlesque and striptease shows. In the 1960's and 1970's the street was cleaned up and made as a pedestrian plaza inviting tourists.

Many festivals are held in New Orleans' French Quarter and along Bourbon Street. The most popular is Mardi Gras. The street is still home to bars and strip clubs, but it is also home to fine dining, shopping, art exhibits and live Jazz music performances.

12. Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of North America's most amazing natural formation. It is a part of the Colorado River basin and has been formed over the last 70 million years. It is located in Arizona and stretches 277 miles with width up to 18 miles and a depth of more than a mile.

The river valley in the Colorado plateau is a site to behold. The is home to Native Americans and draws in 5 million tourists each year. It is a great place to sightsee, camp, hike, skydive and raft. Helicopter tours are regular.

The biological diversity of the Grand Canyon is vast and many species of animals inhabit the Canyon.

13. Capilano Suspension Bridge

The Capilano Suspension Bridge stretches 460 feet and rises 230 feet above the Capilano River in North Vancouver, British Columbia. The Canadian walking bridge draws over 800,000 tourists a year.

The bridge was built in 1989 by Scottish civil engineer George Grant Mackay who served as the park commissioner for Vancouver. The bridge was made of cedar planks and hemp ropes.

It was replaced with a wire cable bridge in 1903. Edward Mahon purchased the bridge in 1910 and sold it to "Mac" MacEachran in 1935 who invited native Americans to place totem poles in the park.

Ten years later "Mac" sold the bridge to Henri Aubeneau, and the bridge was completely rebuilt ten years after that. The site has been owned by Nancy Stibburd since 1983. Stibbard brought more tourists to the park and the bridge by adding different walkways across different areas of the canyon.

Guests of the Capilano Suspension Bridge can enjoy the beautiful park land high above the canyon floor.

14. The Alamo

No visit to San Antonio, Texas is complete without a visit to the Alamo. The Spanish Mission was the site of the Battle of the Alamo, an important point in the Texas American Revolution.

During the 13 day siege between February 23 and March 6, 1836, Mexican troops assaulted and killed all but two Texan defenders. The site became known as a battle site instead of a mission.

The Texas Legislature would purchase the land and buildings during the early twentieth century and the Alamo's chapel became a State Shrine. The Alamo is the most popular tourist destination in Texas. It inspired the quote "Remember the Alamo" and inspired several movies.

15. Denali National Park

Alaska's Denali National Park is one of North America's most beautiful attractions. It features Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America that rises 20,320 feet. There is also abundant wildlife living in the park.

Bus tours offer sights of grizzly bears, caribou, moose, wolves and Dall sheep. The park is filled with picturesque lakes, rivers and tundra landscape. It is home to the large Kahiltna Glacier. Wintertime activities include dog sledding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

The 6 million acre park is located in central Alaska.

16. Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler, Canada is a must during any visit to western Canada. The ski resort town grew in the early twentieth century and built itself up in a bid to be a location for the 1960 Olympics but lost the bid.

Just a two hour drive from Vancouver, Whistler Village and Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort are breathtaking. It is the largest ski resort in North America. Blackcomb Mountain opened in 1980.

The mountainous and forested area of Canada has always been a winter retreat, but it has become a summer retreat as well. The Village increased in popularity after becoming a venue in the 2010 Olympics. It is also a retreat for golfing, hiking, biking and other summertime activities.

17. Cedar Point

For roller coaster enthusiasts, Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio is a popular destination in North America. The amusement park on Lake Erie opened in 1870 and is the second oldest operating amusement park in the United States.

The park has over 75 rides including 16 roller coasters. It is the only park in the world with five coasters higher than 200 feet. Cedar Point has received awards including the Golden Ticket Award for "Best Amusement Park in the World" for 16 consecutive years.

Over 3.6 million visitors come the park each year. Cedar Point has several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The park has both indoor and outdoor water parks and a historic hotel, The Breakers with a boardwalk leading to the beaches of Lake Erie. Every October Cedar Point hosts Halloweekends with Halloween themed attractions.

18. The Las Vegas Strip

Just about everyone in the world has to make a trip to Las Vegas in their life time. The 4.2 mile strip along South Las Vegas Boulevard is home to the major resorts and casinos of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Up until 1959 casinos and hotels were based in downtown Las Vegas along Freemont Street with some resorts out of the city limits. After 1959 large resorts and casinos were built on what would become to be known as "The Strip".

Some of the largest resorts are located there. Las Vegas become a place for gambling, vacationing, seeing live shows, and getting married. Many of the original casinos and resorts have been taken down to be replaced by modern luxury hotels.

Caesars, Mirage, Treasure Island, Bellagio, Paris, New York New York, MGM and Luxor are just some of the massive and popular resorts and casinos on the Las Vegas strip.

19. The Golden Gate Bridge

When visiting the San Francisco - Oakland area of California, it would be impossible to miss the Golden Gate Bridge. The iconic "orange vermilion" also called "international orange", colored steel suspension bridge links San Francisco to Marin County.

The color was chosen to make the bridge appear in the notorious San Pacific Ocean fog that rolls into the city San Francisco Bay daily. Construction of the bridge began in 1933.

At the time of its opening in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge was the tallest and longest suspension bridge in the world. At 4,200 feet tall, the bridge is the tallest in the United States today.

The bridge is 1 mile along above the San Francisco Bay and is the most photographed bridge in the world. When visiting San Francisco, tourists have many attractions to see, but the bridge is certainly the most visible.

20. Mont Royal Park

It would be impossible to miss the massive Mont Royal Park on a trip to French Canadian city Montreal. The vast park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same designer who created the plans for New York City's Central Park.

The public park has walking paths, bike paths, lakes and lookouts. Mont Royal Park offers educational opportunities, music venues and spacious grounds to lay around. The park typically helps visitors to Montreal get their bearings as they sightsee the grand city.

You can also read:

• The 20 Worst States to Live in America
• The 20 Richest Neighborhoods in America
• The 20 Cheapest Small Towns in America
• The 10 Worst Roads in America

Written by  Garrett Parker

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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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See 30 amazing places in North America

Natural vistas, grand urban landscapes—explore breathtaking destinations from Canada to the Caribbean.

Home to nearly 600 million people, North America's immensity is matched only by its diversity. Simmering volcanoes, dazzling architecture, open prairie—each of these vistas and more make up the 9.5 million square miles cradled between Atlantic and Pacific, Arctic and Caribbean. Whether you're a visitor from abroad, or a continental citizen just looking to meet the neighbors, these astounding photos will make you look at North America in a new light.

Members of our Your Shot photography community took the pictures in this gallery. Join the community, and share a photo of somewhere that's meaningful to you—anywhere in the world—during the "Places We Love" assignment , running until May 22.

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North America Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth North America travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

As the third-largest continent in the world, it’s hard to boil North America down to just a few sentences. The cultures of each of the three major countries in North America — the United States, Canada and Mexico, are so unique and each country offers something different to travelers of all kinds.

With such vast geographic and natural diversity on the continent as well, there’s also much beauty to see wherever you go. From the Rocky Mountains of the U.S. and Canada to the beaches of Mexico, North America really does have something for everyone. And don’t forget the gorgeous Caribbean region and Central America!

In this guide, we’ve put together some tips to plan your ultimate North American adventure, whether you want to road trip through the United States, climb Canada’s highest peaks, or explore the ancient ruins in Mexico.

Check out each of our individual destination guides to learn more about the top countries, states, and cities to visit on the continent. We’ve also got you covered with safety information, budget hacks, visa questions, and more.

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to North America.

Note: This ultimate North America guide contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Quebec Travel Guide

Yucatan travel guide, north carolina travel guide, texas travel guide, washington travel guide, north america map.

Use this North America travel map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Canada Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Canada? The following guides can help you create the perfect travel itinerary!

Alberta Travel Guide

10 Offbeat Reasons Why Edmonton Should Be Your Next Trip

14 Amazing Hotels In Banff With Private Hot Tubs

British Columbia Travel Guide

10 Unique Experiences In Victoria BC (Beyond Butchart Gardens)

Organic Caviar Tasting On British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast

7 Can’t Miss Outdoor Experiences In Whistler

Traveler’s Guide To Vancouver On A Budget

Quirky Vancouver: A Visit To Granville Island

Canada’s National Gingerbread Competition Brings Sweet Offerings To British Columbia

Ontario Travel Guide

Plan an unforgettable trip to Ontario with the help of the following guides!

12 Best Places To Hike Near Toronto For Amazing Scenery

Tips For Exploring Montreal On A Budget

Solo Travel, Local Culture & Unique Things To Do In Montreal

Traveler’s Guide To Montreal

Mexico Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Mexico? The following guides can help you create the perfect travel itinerary!

Mexico Travel Advice

How To Start A New Life Abroad In Mexico

Is Mexico Safe? Intrepid Traveler Ally Jackson Fills Us In

14 Best Places To Travel Alone In Mexico

Baja California Sur Travel Guide

Hiking In Baja California Sur: 6 Epic Trails Not To Miss

Mexico City Travel Guide

Things To Do In Mexico City: Exploring Cuisine & Culture Beyond Avocados

Solo Travel In Mexico City: The Ultimate Guide

Puebla Travel Guide

12 Things You Didn’t Know About Puebla, Mexico

Puebla: A Safe Place To Explore Mexican Culture

Exploring Cantona In Puebla, The Largest Ancient City In Mexico

Puebla, Mexico: The World’s Only City To Make Talavera Ceramics

Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide

14 Puerto Vallarta Travel Tips For A Fun & Safe Trip (In-Depth Guide!)

Solo Travel In Puerto Vallarta: The Ultimate Guide

5 Active Ways To Explore Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula

Tulum Solo Travel Guide: How To Have An Amazing Trip On Your Own

3, 4 & 7 Day Cancun Itinerary (Best Things To Do!)

23 Best Things To Do In Holbox Island, Mexico (Sample Itinerary Included!)

6 Best Beaches In Holbox, Mexico (Stunning!)

15 Best Beach Clubs In Holbox Island, Mexico

Is Holbox Worth Visiting? What You Need To Know Before Booking

Best Time To Visit Holbox Island, Mexico

USA Travel Guide

Planning a trip to the USA? The following guides can help you create the perfect travel itinerary!

USA Travel Tips

22 Best Solo Road Trip Ideas In The USA

29 Best Places To Travel Alone In The United States

31 Tips For Driving Cross Country Alone

Arizona Travel Guide

Hiking & Mule Riding My Way Through Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park

Arizona Travel: Exploring Sedona By Jeep

Arizona Adventure: Hiking Piestewa Peak In Phoenix

California Travel Guide

San Francisco City Guide

5 Awesome Things To Do In San Francisco, California

Your Ultimate Guide To San Francisco Beyond The Guidebook

Los Angeles Travel Guide

How To Visit Los Angeles For Less Than $25 Per Day

Solo Trip To Los Angeles: Your Ultimate Guide (From A Local)

12 Stunning Waterfall Hikes In Los Angeles, California

Southern California Travel Guide

Going Hyperlocal In California’s Old Town Temecula

Weekend In Paso Robles: What To Do In Paso Robles With 3 Days (Epic!)

Exploring Palm Springs Beyond Big Brand Resorts, Gold Courses & Casinos

Solvang Itinerary: How To Have The Perfect Weekend In Solvang, California

23 Incredible Hotels With Private Hot Tubs In Room In San Diego

California Hiking Guides

Sierra Nevada Hiking: Climbing Mount Whitney In One Day

Hiking The Lakes Trail In Sequoia National Park (Epic!)

How One Woman Completed California’s 800-Mile El Camino Real

Hiking The Otherworldly Landscapes Of Joshua Tree National Park

How To Hike The James Irvine Trail To Fern Canyon For Amazing Spectacular

How To Hike The Hidden Valley Nature Trail Joshua Tree (Epic!)

How To Hike The Lost Horse Mine Trail In Joshua Tree National Park (Epic!)

How To Hike Sentinel Dome To Glacier Point In Yosemite National Park

How To Hike The Columbia Rock Trail In Yosemite National Park

How To Hike Vernal And Nevada Falls In Yosemite National Park (Mist Trail)

An Unforgettable Itinerary For Yosemite National Park (1, 2 & 3 Days)

One Day In Sequoia National Park: The Perfect Itinerary (Epic!)

Hiking In Pismo Beach CA: The Ultimate Guide

California Road Trip Guides

Driving Big Sur: Best Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary (Top Views + Stops!)

10 Day California Road Trip Itinerary: An Epic Los Angeles To Big Sur Road Trip

California Travel Tips

The following California travel advice can help you plan the perfect trip to The Golden State!

10 Best Places For Solo Female Travel In California

Colorado Travel Guide

Breckenridge Travel Guide

Taking Shots At The World’s Highest Whiskey Distillery In Breckenridge, Colorado

Photo Essay: Hiking To Upper Boulder Lake In Breckenridge, Colorado

Denver Travel Guide

How To Explore Innovative Eats & Art In Denver, Colorado

18 Fun Ways To Be A Kid Again In Denver, Colorado

This Is What Happens When You Visit Denver Solo

Quirky Colorado: Traveler’s Guide To Offbeat Denver

Hiking Mount Falcon Near Denver, Colorado

Grand County Travel Guide

Epic Adventures In Colorado’s Grand County

Conquering Colorado On A Downhill Mountain Biking Adventure In Winter Park

Vail Travel Guide

Colorado Summer: 16 Things To Do In Vail Beyond Skiing

These Photos Will Make You Want To Hike Vail Mountain Right Now

This Is What Happens When You Take A Paintbrush Hiking In Vail, Colorado

Ouray Travel Guide

Conquering My Fear Of Heights At Portland Creek Canyon Near Ouray

Ouray: Colorado’s Quirkiest Town

Other Colorado Places To Visit

5 Things To Do In Aspen, Col o rado (Beyond Skiing)

Hot Sulfur Springs: A Curative Day Trip From Denver

Tips For Visiting Colorado

11 Amazing Hotels In Colorado With Private Hot Tubs

Notes From A Solo Midwest Road Trip

Connecticut Travel Guide

How To Have A Fun Weekend In Norwalk, Connecticut

Florida Travel Guide

The Best Things To Do In Tampa Bay, Florida

How To Travel Solo Through Fort Lauderdale

Fun Things To Do In Pasco County, Florida

5 Unusual Sites In Orlando, Florida

Georgia Travel Guide

Atlanta Travel Guide

Eco-Friendly Atlanta: Green Places To Go, Stay & Eat

Exploring Black History In Atlanta’s Often Overlooked Sweet Auburn Neighborhood

Delicious Discoveries: Exploring Atlanta Through Sunday Brunch

Savannah Travel Guide

22 Things To Do In Savannah For An Amazing Trip

Falling In Love In (And With) Savannah, Georgia

Is Savannah The USA’s Most European City? The To-Go Beer Says “Yes”!

Hawaii Travel Guide

Big Island Travel Guide

Big Island Escape: 6 Ways To See A Different Side Of Hawaii

Island Adventures: An Epic Road Trip Across Hawaii’s Big Island

Conquering The King’s Trail On Hawaii’s Big Island

Sunsets, Sustainability & Adventure On Hawaii’s Big Island

The Adventurous Traveler’s Guide To Hawaii’s Big Island

3 Unique Hikes On Hawaii’s Big Island

Oahu Travel Guide

14 Local Things To Do In Oahu (Beyond Waikiki Beach)

A Short Guide To Backpacking Around Oahu

Hawaii Travel Tips

Quirky Hawaii: Would You Eat Donkey Balls?

An Inspiring Look Into Ancient Hawaii (Chant Included)

Solo Trip To Hawaii: The Ultimate Guide (From A Local!)

Maine Travel Guide

11 Best Hikes Near Grand Marais, MN Not To Be Missed

New Mexico Travel Guide

Albuquerque Travel Guide

A Guide To Albuquerque’s Fresh & Flavorful New Mexican Cuisine

Enjoy Fresh Food On A Working Farm In Albuquerque, New Mexico

Unique Green Chile Experiences In Albuquerque, New Mexico

Traveler’s Guide To Quirky Albuquerque

Bike-In-Coffee In Albuquerque, New Mexico

A Farm Stay Experience In Albuquerque, New Mexico

New Mexico Travel Tips

A Delicious Guide To New Mexican Cuisine

New York City Travel Guide

Manhattan Travel Guide

Fun Things To Do in SoHo, NYC

How To Enjoy An Epic Day In NYC’s West Village

How To Explore Times Square Like A Local

21 Fun Things To Do On The Upper West Side NYC

35 Best Things To Do On The Upper East Side NYC (From A Local)

13 Best Manhattan Skyline Tours For Amazing Views

Brookyln Travel Guide

The Ultimate Travel Guide To Downtown Brooklyn

12 Quirky & Fun Things To Do In Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Walking Over The Williamsburg Bridge From Manhattan To Brooklyn (Itinerary Includd!)

8 Delicious Restaurants In Cobble Hill, Brooklyn

Fun Things To Do In Bedstuy, Brooklyn

What To Eat & Drink In Red Hook, Brooklyn

21 Best Things To Do In Bushwick (From A Local)

17 Best Brooklyn Walking Tours (From A Local!)

Queens Travel Guide

17 Awesome Things To Do In Long Island City, Queens

20 Best Views Of The Manhattan Skyline From Queens

New York City Travel Tips

Best Views In NYC For Free

21 Fun & Cheap Things To Do In NYC

27 Of The Most Instagrammable Cafes In NYC

52 Most Instagrammable Places In NYC

21 Best Views In NYC At Night To Take in The Manhattan Skyline

61 Quirky & Delicious NYC Restaurants

73 Romantic Things To Do In NYC (Beyond The Empire State Building)

My Favorite Streets Of New York (Not Broadway)

31 Uniquely NYC Experiences That Shouldn’t Be Missed

41 Unique Ways To Explore NYC In Spring

5 Places To Go Hiking In Manhattan

A Fun Guide To Walking The Manhattan Bridge (Itinerary Included!)

Best Bottomless Brunch In NYC: 31 Must-Try Boozy Restaurants

41 Fun Things To Do By Yourself In NYC

64 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In NYC

41+ Best New York Souvenirs & Authentic NYC Gifts

17 Things To Do In NYC After Midnight

Why Is New York So Popular? 15 Reasons To Love NYC!

Ultimate Guide To Living In A Hotel In NYC

15 Best New York Architectural Tours By Walking, Boat & Helicopter

15 Best Limo Tours In New York City

New York State Travel Guide

Hudson Valley Travel Guide

How To Hike Anthony’s Nose In The Hudson Valley

Escaping NYC For The Shawangunk Wine Trail In New York State

Hiking Bull Hill In The Hudson Valley Of New York State

Long Island Travel Guide

17 Reasons Why You Should Visit Long Island

17 Best Places To Hike on Long Island

The Ultimate Guide To Long Island Wine Country

Other New York State Destinations

32 Best Hikes In Upstate New York

A Road Trip Itinerary From NYC To The 1000 Islands

Hiking Mount Marcy, New York’s Highest Peak

22 Fun Things To Do In The Catskills In Winter

10 Best Hikes Near Boone NC

Things To Do In Puerto Rico

Want to travel in the Caribbean ? Puerto Rico has so much to offer, like…

This Is What Happens When You Travel Puerto Rico Solo (Itinerary Included!)

Farm-To-Table Dining On The Water At The W Retreat & Spa Vieques Island

Top Booze Experiences In Puerto Rico

Charco Prieto Waterfall: Hiking To Puerto Rico’s Secret Waterfall

South Carolina Travel Guide

11 Ways To Explore Myrtle Beach (Beyond Mini Golf)

Austin Travel Guide

Exploring Austin Texas Beyond Barbecue

Houston Travel Guide

Meet The Woman Who Opened The First Black-Owned Hostel In The USA In Houston, Texas

San Antonio Travel Guide

Exploring San Antonio Texas Beyond The Alamo

Solo Travel In Texas

Planning a solo trip to Texas ? These guides can help!

Solo Female Travel In Texas: The Ultimate Guide

Here’s What Happens When You Explore Plano Texas Solo

Utah Travel Guide

15 Best Hikes In Utah Not To Be Missed (With Maps!)

Virginia Travel Guide

How To Have An Incredible Time Visiting Virginia’s Eastern Shore

5 Ecotourism Destinations In Richmond, Virginia

Virginia Beach Travel Tips For Exploring Beyond The Sand

21 Amazing Hotels In Seattle With Private Hot Tubs

Things To Do In Seattle Beyond The Space Needle

How To Get Fat & Drunk Like A Local In Seattle

3 Unforgettable Seattle Itineraries

Fun Water Experiences In Seattle

Best North America Tours

Explore local culture with a North America tour guide through these unique excursions:

Canada Tours:

• North Shore Day Trip from Vancouver: Capilano Suspension Bridge & Grouse Mountain from Vancouver
• Fundy Coast to Fundy Shore Tour from Saint John in New Brunswick
• Northern Lights and Huskies from Whitehorse
• Valley Wine Tour from Halifax, Nova Scotia
• Tundra Buggy Autumn Day Tours with Polar Bear viewing from Churchill
• Niagara Falls in One Day: Deluxe Sightseeing Tour of American and Canadian Sides from Ontario
• Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls Day Trip from Banff
• Victoria Whale Watch Tour with Views of Vancouver Island from Victoria

Click here for a full list of Canada travel tours!

Mexico Tours:

• Chiche Itza & Cenote Full-Day Tour from Cancun
• Rio Secreto Underground River Tour with Crystal Caves in Riviera Maya from Quintana Roo
• Sumidero Canyon, Chiapa de Corzo Magical Town from San Cristóbal de las Casas
• Flavors of Oaxaca: Cooking Class with No Set Menu and Local Market Tour from Oaxaca de Juárez
• Sian Ka’an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Adventure from Tulum
• Guadalupe Valley Wine Route Tour in Baja California from Ensenada
• Outdoor Adventure Zip Line and Speedboat Ride from Puerto Vallarta

Click here for a full list of Mexico travel tours!

• Las Vegas Helicopter Night Flight with Optional VIP Transportation (Las Vegas, Nevada)
• Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, History (Kailua-Kona, Hawaii)
• Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option (New Orleans, Louisiana)
• Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour (San Francisco, California)
• Statue of Liberty Monument, 9/11 Memorial, and Wall Street Tour (New York, NY)
• Chicago Architecture River Cruise (Chicago, Illinois)
• Salt Lake City Bike & Brew Tour (Salt Lake City, Utah)
• True Crime Stories Walking Tour (Des Moines, Iowa)
• Fountain Square Food Tour (Indianapolis, Indiana)
• 45-minute Helicopter Flight Over the Grand Canyon (Tusayan, Arizona)

Click here for a full list of USA travel tours!

Renting A Car In North America

Need a rental car for your North America trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Public Transportation In North America

Getting around North America by train, bus, or ferry?

Omio is a must! You can use this tool for all of your public transportation needs when traveling around the continent.

The site is straightforward and user-friendly — and you can pre-book your tickets in advance at a discount.

They even offer flight and car deals!

Hotels In North America

Click here to browse the best North America hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays?

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays and experiences!

It’s set to NYC, but you can easily change the location to your specific destination:

North America Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a North American tour. When visiting North America — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your North America travel itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

North America Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling around North America .

Q: What is the cheapest way to travel in North America?

The cheapest way to get around North America is probably by car. Car rentals in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are fairly affordable and will allow you the freedom to visit some off-the-beaten-path destinations.

North America is a huge continent and public transportation varies significantly from place to place. If you want to visit a lot of destinations in one trip, renting a car is often your best bet.

Q: What is the best road trip in North America?

There are tons of great road trips to take throughout North America but Route 66, that classic highway that stretches from Illinois to California, is probably the most iconic.

On this trip — which is one of the best solo road trip ideas in the USA — you can pass through eight U.S. states, see gorgeous natural sites like the deserts of the Southwest, and stop by fun roadside attractions like the Cadillac Ranch in Texas.

Have a little extra time and want to cross another country off your travel list? Drive down the California coast from Los Angeles (where the route ends) and dip into the Mexican state of Baja California, driving Big Sur and spending a weekend in Paso Robles along the way.

Q: What are the best things to do in North America?

If you’re visiting the U.S. for the first time, make sure you hit some of the country’s major cities like New York City , New Orleans, Las Vegas, San Francisco , and more. Visiting these cities will give you a taste of the true diversity of the country and the culture of each region. Moreover, these are some of the best places to travel solo in the USA .

In NYC, you can explore the many reasons New York is so popular . For instance, you can catch a Broadway show, visit iconic sites like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, check out some of the more local things to do , and feast on foods from all around the world — or even take a day trip to explore some of the best hiking trails in Upstate New York ! And if you’re going to New York alone , there is loads for solo travelers, too.

You can party it up in New Orleans, home of Mardi Gras, while learning about the Cajun culture that has endured on the Gulf Coast for centuries.

San Francisco will give you a taste of the West Coast, with a mix of great sites and fabulous natural wonders to explore. Moreover, a Big Sur road trip can be a scenic and adventurous experience to add to your California itinerary, or you can do a larger California road trip .

A visit to Canada is all about the great outdoors. Canada has tons of incredible national parks to explore, like the iconic Banff National Park in Alberta. This is one of the best places to see the Canadian Rockies in all their glory, hike through the hills, and do some rowing on crystal clear lakes. Bonus: There are a number of gorgeous Jacuzzi suites in Banff for relaxation after your adventures.

Additionally, there are some beautiful hiking trails near Toronto .

Canada is also a top destination for winter sports, boasting some of the best ski resorts in the world. Whistler in British Columbia is an incredible place to visit all year round, whether you’re into backcountry skiing or mountain biking.

Mexico is probably best known for its beaches but there’s so much culture and history to explore here as well.

You can get a bit of both on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula — one of the best places in Mexico to travel alone .

Here, you can relax on the beach and see some of the country’s top historic sites. The Yucatan is home to Chichen Itza, a Maya city with some of the best-preserved examples of pre-Columbian architecture still around toda.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site really gives you an idea of what daily life looked like for the ancient Mayas. Once you’re done exploring, relax at one of the famous beaches in cities like Tulum, Cancun, and Cozumel. If you have the time, spending 7 days in Cancun is highly recommended!

Q: How many days do you need for North America?

The length of your trip to North America definitely depends on your destination. If you’re looking to do a big trip visiting the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, plan for a long trip — like over a month if possible.

You’ll need lots of time to get from place to place; drives between destinations can take hours. You can also save some time and fly or take the train between cities if that’s available to you.

If you’re just planning on visiting one country at a time, plan for a week or two away.

Visit our individual country guides above to learn more!

Q: Is North America safe to travel?

This will vary depending on where you go. Each country and city has different crime levels and some types of crime are more common than others in different destinations.

In general, North America is fairly safe to visit. Most travelers do not run into any major issues in any of the major North American countries.

That said, petty crime like pickpocketing does happen, particularly in more popular tourist destinations, so knowing how to avoid pickpocketing is important.

Q: How long can a tourist stay in North America?

The length of time a tourist can stay in North America depends on the specific country being visited. It’s recommended to visit the following pages for more information:

Caribbean Travel Guide

Central America Travel Guide

United States Travel Guide

Q: Do I need a North America travel visa?

Visa requirements for visiting North America depend on the specific country being visited. It’s recommended to visit the following pages for more information:

Q: Where is North America?

North America is a continent in the northern hemisphere and is a northern subcontinent of the Americas.

It is bordered by the Arctic Ocean (north), the Atlantic Ocean (east), South America and the Caribbean Sea (southeast), and the Pacific Ocean (west and south).

Q: Are credit cards accepted in North America?

Credit cards — particularly Visa and Mastercard — are widely accepted around North America, though it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and in case of emergency, as well as in more rural areas.

What would you add to this North America travel guide?

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North America’s 50 most beautiful attractions

29 January 2021

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24 Best Places to Visit in the United States

Written by Lana Law Updated May 3, 2023

Author Lana Law has spent many years traveling to all corners of the United States.

With so much to see in this vast country, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to planning a trip in the United States. World-class cities , some known for history and others known for fun or glamour, give you a broad spectrum of places to choose from. The best places to visit in the United States may simply depend on your personal interests.

Along the Eastern Seaboard , New York and Washington, D.C. offer two uniquely different city experiences. Along the West Coast , San Francisco and Los Angeles are both hot spots for tourists. In the Southwest , Las Vegas brings the desert to life, and the Grand Canyon shows off one of nature's greatest creations.

Beyond the mainland are the beaches of Waikiki and the tropical Hawaiian Islands , as well as Alaska. These are just a few key locations, but wonderful destinations for any type of traveler can be found all over the country.

Discover more of America with our list of the best places to visit in the United States.

1. New York

2. san francisco, 3. the grand canyon, 5. las vegas, 7. washington, d.c., 9. los angeles, 10. new orleans, 11. utah's national parks, 12. orlando/kissimmee, 13. chicago, 14. phoenix, 15. savannah, 17. yosemite national park, 18. colorado's rocky mountains, 19. seattle, 20. north carolina's outer banks, 21. santa fe, 22. san antonio, 23. yellowstone national park.

New York City is like no other city in the world, and one that must be experienced to be fully appreciated.

For first-time visitors, walking the streets can be like walking through a movie set, with famous sites at every turn, from the Empire State Building , to Rockefeller Plaza , the Chrysler Building , Central Park , The High Line , Times Square , 5th Avenue , Broadway , and of course, the Statue of Liberty .

Sightsee by day, take in a Broadway show in the evening, work in time for shopping or a stroll, and relax and reminisce over a fantastic meal. This is New York. With too much to see and do in a day, a weekend, or even a week, this is a city worth visiting time and time again.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New York City

This charming and picturesque West Coast city is the perfect getaway destination for couples, singles, or families. Famous sites, charming streets, beautiful views, and outdoor dining are all part of what makes San Francisco such a great place to visit.

Take a cruise on San Francisco Bay, tour Alcatraz , drive over the Golden Gate Bridge , wander around Fisherman's Wharf , hop on an historic street car, or try a do-it-yourself walking tour to explore the city sites.

Summer or fall is a wonderful time to visit, but the climate here is mild and any time of year is pleasant.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Francisco
• Best Free Things to Do in San Francisco

The Grand Canyon is one of those must-see, bucket-list destinations that have been attracting visitors for generations. Gazing out over the canyon walls to an endless horizon and an unfathomable depth below is one of the highlights of any trip in the United States.

Visiting the Grand Canyon can easily be done on a day trip from Las Vegas or Phoenix , and from some smaller cities in the vicinity, including Sedona or Flagstaff . Another option is to incorporate a visit into a larger driving trip through Arizona and surrounding states. A train trip from Williams , AZ on the Grand Canyon Railway is another delightful way to experience the canyon.

The south rim of the Grand Canyon, which is the most popular and most visited section, is open all year, and visitors are welcome at any time of year. To avoid the crush of summer visitors, consider arriving in the spring or fall; the weather is good and the crowds smaller. The road to the north rim of the Grand Canyon is closed in winter due to snow.

• Top Attractions & Things to See at the Grand Canyon
• From Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon: Best Ways to Get There

Houston is the perfect city for a friends' getaway, a couples' retreat, or a family vacation. With direct flights from cities across the United States and Canada, you can easily fly in to see a sports game, wander through Houston's Museum District , lounge by a pool at one of the many luxury hotels, and spend your evenings enjoying incredible meals.

Houston has developed into a hot spot for dining in the United States and is now well known for extraordinary cuisine.

If you want a relaxed but outdoor urban experience, rent a bike and peddle your way through the miles of paved trails in the parks or on the downtown streets. Rent a kayak and paddle along Buffalo Bayou in Buffalo Bayou Park .

In less than an hour, you can be on the nearby beaches or exploring Galveston , and along the way, you can make a stop at Space Center Houston .

• Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Houston

This glittering city of lights in the desert holds a unique appeal, and one that has been attracting visitors for decades. Huge resort complexes, with all kinds of things to see and do at any time of year, have made this a destination that draws everyone, from want-to-be newlyweds who come here to say their vows, to families or singles who just want to hang out around a pool.

Entertainment options are extensive, with some of the music industry's top stars calling Las Vegas home and playing to packed audiences every night. Cirque du Soleil offers another unique experience, and of course, each resort has something to entertain guests, from dancing fountains to an erupting volcano.

When you've had your fill of the city, there is plenty to explore in the surrounding area , with the Grand Canyon , Hoover Dam , Death Valley National Park , and Valley of Fire State Park all within easy day-tripping distance. Las Vegas is ideal for a long weekend if you live in Los Angeles or Phoenix.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Las Vegas
• Top-Rated Hiking Trails near Las Vegas, NV

Waikiki is one of America's top beaching destinations, with all the comforts of North America on a beautiful tropical island in the Pacific Ocean.

Located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu , Waikiki is a suburb of Honolulu known for the beautiful golden sand beach that stretches along the oceanfront, backed by hotels and retail establishments.

Rent a surfboard and test your skills in the waves, hit the shops when you're done with the beach, and enjoy great dining options in the evening. This is the perfect destination for everyone, from families to couples or singles.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things To Do in Waikiki

Washington, D.C. is the US capitol and home to some of the most famous sites and national treasures in America, from the White House and the Capitol Building to the Smithsonian museums. This city should be on everyone's itinerary of the East Coast .

In the spring, the Cherry Blossom Festival is a beautiful time to visit, when the trees are in full bloom. Summer can be hot. You may want to hit one of the beaches near Washington for a bit of a cool off.

Fall is also a good time to visit, when the hot summer temperatures have cooled off enough to make walking around outside very comfortable and the rush of the busy summer season has passed. In winter, the crowds are definitely smaller, and the city is stunning after a fresh snowfall.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Washington, DC
• Top-Rated Day Trips from Washington, D.C.

The hot spot of southern Florida, Miami is more than just a great beaching destination. Wonderful beaches can be found all over Florida , but Miami offers an atmosphere like no other city in the state.

The Cuban vibe along Calle Ocho in Little Havana , the Art Deco District in Miami Beach that calls to mind the 1930s era, the endless parade of sports cars cruising along Ocean Drive in the evenings, and the summertime beach scene of South Beach , are just some of the unique aspects that make Miami one of the best cities in the US.

For a unique experience take a day trip from Miami to Everglades National Park to see alligators, turtles, and an array of birds in this one-of-a-kind wetlands area.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Miami

Southern California has a culture all of its own, and Los Angeles is the epicenter of this unique area. The city has always been associated with glamour, with the suburbs of Hollywood , Beverly Hills , and Bel Air dominating pop culture. Travelers will find all kinds of vacation possibilities in the Los Angeles area.

Hollywood is a must for movie lovers, families come to experience nearby Disneyland , and shoppers will definitely find what they're looking for in the Los Angeles area .

If you are looking for a little sand and surf, head to one of the many beaches around LA . For an interesting natural history experience, be sure to visit La Brea Tar Pits to see fossil remains of prehistoric animals that roamed this area 40,000 years ago.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles
• Best Free Things to Do in Los Angeles, CA

New Orleans is like no other southern city. The mix of cultures, with strong French and Spanish influences, is more reminiscent of the Caribbean than the United States. Cajun and Creole cuisine, jazz music, and the architecture of the French Quarter set this city apart.

Combined with an assortment of luxury resorts and hotels, New Orleans makes a perfect destination for a long weekend getaway .

The highlight of New Orleans' calendar year is Mardi Gras , when elaborate costumes and outrageous floats light up the streets, music can be heard everywhere, and the celebrations seem never-ending. However, if crowds are not your thing, you may want to avoid this time of year.

The best time to visit New Orleans is from December to May, but other seasons offer different benefits. June to November is hotter and prone to storms and hurricanes but is a good time to find deals.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New Orleans

Southern Utah is home to a landscape like no other, with canyons, arches, natural amphitheaters, and oddly beautiful rock formations. Fortunately, Utah's parks offer access to the state's most incredible scenery.

Zion National Park is one of the most outstanding, and particularly of interest for its hiking trails . Soaring cliff walls, waterfalls, and the river running through the valley, making this one of the most visited parks in the United States .

Arches National Park , near the town of Moab, is home to more than 2,000 sandstone arches, but is much more than the name suggests. Rock spires, petrified dunes, views to distant mountain peaks, and the numerous adventure opportunities in the area , make this a place you'll want to spend some time. It's also a top mountain biking destination in the United States .

Nearby, but completely different in character, is Canyonlands National Park . Some sections of this park are as enchanting as the Grand Canyon but not nearly as busy. Plan on at least a day to see two separate sections of the park, and more if you want to enjoy the hiking trails.

Bryce Canyon National Park offers a completely different scene, with a huge natural amphitheater providing the base for a forest of colorful rock pinnacles. The hiking trails in Bryce , which take you through this mystical landscape, are mostly easy to moderate and worth doing. And lastly, Capitol Reef National Park is a little out of the way but is worth a stop if you can work it into your itinerary.

• Top-Rated National and State Parks in Utah
• Best Campgrounds Near Capitol Reef National Park

Orlando, which for most tourists is synonymous with Kissimmee, is all about the theme parks; Walt Disney World Resort , Universal Studios , and SeaWorld are the big attractions . This is one of the best vacation spots in the US for families . Kids love it. But adults will also enjoy the parks, as well as the shopping, dining, golfing, and sunshine.

School holidays are the busiest time to visit. Christmas and summer holidays are particularly hectic. Fortunately, Orlando is primed for tourists, with all kinds of hotels and home rentals available in the area.

The city is located inland but within easy day-tripping distance of both coasts and the popular Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral on the Atlantic Coast

• Read More: Top-Rated Beaches near Orlando, FL

Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a great summer destination, with parks and a beautiful waterfront with amazing beaches . But its arts and cultural attractions, as well as fantastic shopping, make it a popular year-round destination.

The Magnificent Mile , along Michigan Avenue, is the city's most famous area, with high-end luxury stores and galleries, along with famous buildings and outstanding architecture. Some of the tourist highlights include Millennium Park , the Art Institute of Chicago , Navy Pier , and the views from the Willis Tower SkyDeck .

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions in Chicago

In the heart of the Southwestern US , Phoenix is a huge, sprawling city that attracts large numbers of northerners during the winter months, who come here to escape the cold weather. Phoenix is a great destination for golfing, shopping, relaxing, and generally having a good time.

The greater Phoenix area has some of the finest resorts in the state. They range from giant family-friendly complexes with beaches and waterslides to small, intimate operations where your every whim is indulged.

You may want to pack your golf clubs. The city and surroundings, which include Scottsdale , Mesa , and several other townships, are known in particular for their world-class golf resorts, some of the most important stops on the men's and women's PGA Tour.

If you have extra room in your suitcase, maybe squeeze in your hiking boots, too. Natural areas that showcase the desert landscape can be found within the city and nearby, providing easy access for hiking , and mountain biking. Summer temperatures can be extremely high, but October to April is very pleasant, especially if you want to spend time outdoors.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Phoenix
• Top-Rated Campground in the Phoenix Area

Savannah is the quintessential small southern city, with huge moss-covered trees in the beautiful parks, old southern mansions, and a lovely waterfront area with candy stores and other unique shops in historic buildings. The pace is slow, and the people are friendly.

It's easy to see that Savannah is a city where people live and enjoy life, rather than an area simply developed for tourism. The city center is small enough that you can walk everywhere. This is a city you can see in a day, but the kind of place where you will want to linger.

Nearby are some beautiful beaches at Tybee Island and Hilton Head Island , both of which can be reached by car in well under an hour.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Savannah

Located along the Eastern Seaboard, Boston is a city of history. The famous Freedom Trail leads past some of the city's most famous and historic sites, making sightseeing and navigating through the city extremely easy.

Picturesquely situated along the oceanfront, with ferries connecting the outer suburbs, Boston has a unique charm. Modern skyscrapers stand next to centuries-old buildings, and open public spaces , like Boston Common , give the city a quaint, small-town feel. The city also has a strong arts and cultural scene, and is home to the famous Boston Pops Orchestra .

Boston's winters are legendary. Nor'easters roar ashore every now and again, dumping copious quantities of snow. However, that doesn't stop these hardy residents from enjoying life. The list of things to do in winter is long, and this is still a great time of year for a visit.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Boston
• Top-Rated Beaches in the Boston Area

While the Grand Canyon is on most international travelers' itineraries, Yosemite is a national treasure that should not be missed. Yosemite Valley is home to some of America's most famous landscapes and iconic natural attractions, from the dramatic waterfalls to the soaring cliff walls of El Capitan and Half Dome .

The captivating photographs of Ansel Adams , the climbing community that has flocked here for decades, and the generations of families who have been coming to the park to enjoy the campgrounds , hike the spectacular trails , and soak up the scenery have all contributed to the park's history.

But long before this, the Miwok people inhabited the area. You can learn more about this at the Yosemite Museum and Indian Village of the Ahwahnee in the park.

Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

The dramatic peaks of the Rocky Mountains can be appreciated in many areas of North America, but in Colorado, the climate and small mountain towns make this one of the best places to visit the Rockies. Waterfalls and snow-capped peaks, more than 50 of which reach a height of 14,000 feet or more, make this a beautiful area for sightseeing and appreciating mountain life.

In summer, hiking , mountain biking , and rafting are popular pastimes. Inn winter, the mountains become a playground for skiers and boarders. The ski resorts in Colorado are some of the best in North America.

Some of the best places to visit are the towns of Vail, Aspen , Telluride , and Durango . Scenic drives, like the San Juan Scenic Byway and the Million Dollar Highway , which leaves from Durango, will take you through breathtaking mountain scenery and old mining towns like Silverton and Ouray . Or, hop on the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad for a relaxing day trip through the Rockies.

On the edge of the Rocky Mountains in the southwest corner of Colorado, a little over an hour from Durango, is Mesa Verde National Park . This fantastic park is home to incredible Native American cliff dwellings, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Colorado, USA

In the northwest corner of the US is the lovely coastal city of Seattle. Surrounded by water and snow-capped mountains, the city is reminiscent of Vancouver, Canada, with an active, outdoor oriented population and countless things to see and do .

Key sights in the city include the impossible-to-miss Space Needle , the lively Pike Place Market , and the waterfront. Within easy day-tripping distance of the city are beautiful beaches , the Hoh Rain Forest , and mountain landscapes, all waiting to be explored.

Although the winter months see more rain than summer, the city has a mild climate and is a nice place to visit at any time of year. You'll find no shortage of things to do in Seattle in winter .

• Best Museums in Seattle
• Top-Rated Hikes near Seattle, WA

North Carolina's Outer Banks are all about beaches. Miles and miles of spectacular beaches on narrow sand islands have been drawing people from across the United States since the 1830s.

Stretching for over 100 miles, these barrier islands have been the go-to place for families every summer for generations whether at campgrounds or wonderful resorts.

Off the beach, historical cities well worth visiting include Nags Head, Kitty Hawk (home to the Wright Brothers Memorial), Duck, Waves, and the towns on Hatteras Island. The Outer Banks are also home to some of America's most famous lighthouses, many of which are open for tours to the top.

Another popular pursuit is deep sea fishing . Many records have been broken by anglers in this offshore hot spot.

Read More: Best Coastal Towns in North Carolina

A melting pot of Spanish, Native American, Mexican, and Anglo-Americans, Santa Fe has a unique vibe that, once experienced, tends to draw one back time and time again. This historical city's pleasant streets, lined by Spanish colonial churches, adobe homes, and towering trees, just beg to be photographed.

Be sure to visit the Plaza, the beating heart of all that's going on in town. Cute cafés, many with patios, line the square and make a perfect perch to do a bit of people watching. After you've had your fill of that, wander into any one of the eclectic and unusual shops nearby.

Santa Fe is ideally positioned close to the mountains, where you'll find some of the best skiing in New Mexico at resorts including Taos, Pajarito, and Siapu.

Read More: Best Places to Visit in New Mexico

Although Dallas and Houston spring to mind first for many people when they think of Texas , those in the know, will always tell you that San Antonio is their favorite. The reasons for this are many: beautiful Spanish colonial churches and missions, the wonderful Riverwalk area, and, of course, The Alamo.

The city is relatively compact and easy to navigate. For a city of its size, it also has a number of excellent resorts and high-end hotels just waiting for you to check-in and be pampered. The city isn't all about history; it's also the home of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), and as a result is a hotbed of foodie delights. Be sure to wander over to the Pearl district to find some of the best places; your taste buds will thank you!

Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in San Antonio

The thermal wonderland known as Yellowstone National Park has been drawing visitors since 1872. Bubbling mud pots, colorful boiling-hot water pools, and erupting geysers are sights that continue to amaze thousands of people every day.

Some of the must-sees when visiting the park include Old Faithful, whose eruptions blast scalding water up to 184 feet in the air; the Morning Glory Pool in the Upper Geyser Basin area; and the Minerva Terrace.

The park isn't all about thermal sights — the Lamar Valley is a wonderful area for hiking and seeing wildlife, including the park's signature bison herds.

Read More: Best Campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park

Off on its own in the far northwest, above Canada, lies one of the most fascinating states in the union. Snow-capped peaks, glaciers, wild rivers, and wide open spaces are all things that define Alaska .

A frontier attitude still prevails, and can be experienced in places like Anchorage , Fairbanks, and Juneau . This state is one of the most popular places to take a cruise along the Inside Passage where towering mountains reach right down to sea. Or, snuggle up to a roaring fireplace with your special someone at a luxury resort.

Pick your activity or sport; Alaska is a place for doing things outdoors, whether it's camping, mountaineering, canoeing, or fishing. In winter, head for Alaska's ski resorts or maybe catch a glimpse of the northern lights .

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Best Places to Visit in Winter: If you want to experience winter in all its glory, have a read through our article on the Best Winter Vacations in the United States . This isn't about beaches and warm weather getaways, it's for people thinking about snowmobiling, dog sledding, skiing, and drinking hot chocolate in a cozy cottage. And if you're looking to save a little money, see our list of the Best Cheap Ski Holidays in North America .

Getaways for Couples & Families: Trying to come up with somewhere for you and your partner to take a quick trip? See our list of Best Vacation Spots in the US for Couples to find a romantic destination for two. If you're looking for a destination where you can take the kids and have a good time, you'll enjoy our article on the Top Family Vacations in the US .

More on New York

The Best Places to Go in North America & the Caribbean in 2024

By CNT Editors

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2024 —find more travel inspiration here .

The reasons why we travel are as varied and divergent as the places we choose to visit. One day, we’re seeking natural landscapes that leave us breathless and adventures that push our boundaries; the next, we’re craving the slickest hotels and buzziest nightlife. In a region as vast as North America, boasting everything from undulating plains to mossy rainforests and towering peaks, the biggest question is: How does one choose?

Certainly, there’s the draw of what’s fresh. In Detroit , for instance, the much-anticipated Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park project will be a game changer for the city’s western riverfront come summer 2024; a short drive away, the iconic Bonstelle Theater will get reimagined as an event and bar space, ready for any reason to celebrate. In Riviera Nayarit, along Mexico ’s Central Pacific Coast, ritzy new hotels from the likes of Rosewood and St. Regis are adding a sheen of luxury to its laid-back surf beaches .

Equally, there’s novelty in the rebirth of old favorites. In Tucson, long a draw for foodies and backcountry adventurers, the culturally rich neighborhood of Barrio Viejo will receive a National Historic Landmark designation in 2024, anchored by the soon-to-be-restored Teatro Carmen and a flurry of upcoming restaurants and cafés. And over in Mobile, Alabama, a new Amtrak route will link the port city with its sibling-rival New Orleans , just in time for a year-long spotlight on its African American history and a new Civil Rights and Cultural Heritage District.

But perhaps there’s nothing as filled with anticipation as the opportunity to forge a connection with untrammeled land—like in Nunavik, Quebec ’s northernmost region, where, in the year ahead, ​​Inuit-led adventures in the uninhabited Gyrfalcon Islands in Ungava Bay will offer priceless access to a bonanza of wildlife .

All that and so much more await in our list of the Best Places to Go in North America & the Caribbean in 2024: the vibrant, pristine, and restorative destinations that celebrate this continent in all of its diversity. We hope you use it to plot your travels—and stumble upon entirely unique ways to enjoy them once you arrive. — Arati Menon

For the Best Places to Go in Central and South America, head here .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Barrio Viejo, Tucson, Arizona

Go for : a historic melting pot galvanized by delicious dining and cultural programming

Teatro Carmen, a historic performing-arts venue and important community gathering spot, will soon unveil a new look.

One-of-a-kind, hand-glazed tiles at the studio of local artist Carly Quinn—a must-visit when exploring Tucson's Barrio Viejo.

Sitting in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, on the ancestral lands of the Tohono O'odham and Pascua Yaqui tribes, Tucson has always drawn travelers looking for outdoor adventure. And now, they will have a whole new reason to visit: a revitalized downtown. In particular, Barrio Viejo, which has a significant mix of cultural influences, will receive a National Historic Landmark designation in 2024. Originally home to Mexican and Chinese immigrants, among others, the neighborhood boasts one of the largest concentrations of stylistically unchanged 1880s adobe buildings in the US, some of which have been converted into all-day cafés and restaurants. The new designation will likely light the fuse on even more restaurant and gallery openings.

Barrio Viejo is also where Tucson's oldest performing arts venue, the 300-seat Teatro Carmen , is currently being restored, with plans to reopen for live performances, film screenings, dining, and outdoor programming on its 8,000-square-foot patio. When in Barrio Viejo, shop for hand-glazed tiles at Carly Quinn Designs , sip a mesquite cold brew at Exo Roast Co. , or learn about agave spirits at Crisol Bar , all within walking distance from the cool new Leo Kent Hotel that opened in summer 2023.

A 20-minute walk away from Barrio Viejo, the Tucson Museum of Art marks its 100th anniversary in 2024 with an exhibition titled Time Travelers: Foundations, Transformations, and Expansions at the Centennial, which offers new interpretations of significant artworks collected by the museum over the past century, followed by the Arizona Biennial in October, which spotlights some of the most exciting new artists across the state—and all of that will be topped off by a celebratory centennial block party. — Amber Gibson

Big Sky, Montana

Go for : a new version of luxury in a beloved mountain resort

As Big Sky Resort readies itself for its 50th anniversary, a growing downtown and burgeoning five-star experiences bring new energy to the much-loved winter escape.

In 1973, Montana’s Big Sky Resort opened 44 miles south of Bozeman with 4 lifts and around 20 trails. Now, the resort is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary with more than 300 runs and 38 state-of-the-art lifts (and weekly après-ski dance parties all season long)—the resort already boasts the most technologically advanced lift network in North America. The centerpiece of this celebration will be the new Lone Peak Tram debuting this winter and traversing the iconic 11,166-foot summit at 22 miles per hour, with views of Montana , Idaho , Wyoming , and Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks waiting at the top.

In addition, over the last few years, nearly every hotel and restaurant at Mountain Village has undergone renovations, and Big Sky’s growing downtown provides plenty of watering holes and restaurants. Newer hotels like Montage Big Sky and the upcoming One&Only Moonlight Basin , scheduled for the winter of 2024-25, bring a five-star experience to the mountain—how much that impacts the delightfully rugged personality of the destination in a bigger way remains to be seen. Looking ahead, though, Big Sky Resort has also committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, with active work underway toward that goal: 100 percent of the resort’s electrical use has been carbon-free since 2021, and in summer 2023 the resort switched entirely to renewable diesel.

Development has also moved beyond Big Sky: About 70 miles away, Under Canvas Paradise Valley , near the north entrance to Yellowstone, debuted in July 2023. A tip: Combine a ski trip with a winter visit to Yellowstone and be rewarded with zero crowds. — Devorah Lev-Tov

Detroit, Michigan

Go for : a transformed waterfront, stylish downtown, and fresh digs

Detroit is creating its own blueprint for urban renewal—a revitalized waterfront, stylish hotels, and exciting new public spaces await.

The Motor City is making a comeback. In 2024, Detroit will welcome a host of new hotels, green spaces, and cultural attractions—not to mention the NFL Draft, expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors.

The highly anticipated Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park project, which the state likens to Chicago’s Millennium Park , will introduce new ways to play along Detroit’s western riverfront. Walking trails, a water garden, expansive playgrounds, and a sports center are among the park’s many features. Its goal—to give more Detroiters access to the outdoors—could be realized as soon as summer 2024.

Fresh digs like an AC Hotel, opening in midtown in 2024, put travelers in the heart of Detroit’s developments. The century-old Bonstelle Theater next door is getting its own facelift: the green-domed icon will reopen as an event and bar space alongside the AC Hotel (both the hotel and event space are expected to debut in time for the draft). Downtown’s Courtyard by Marriott in the Millennium Center will complete a $9.5 million renovation by 2024. And Corktown, Detroit’s oldest and arguably trendiest neighborhood, unveiled the hip new Godfrey Detroit, Curio Collection by Hilton in August 2023.

Other 2024 milestones catalyzing Detroit’s rebound: the completion of the $1.5 billion Hudson’s Site , a stylish downtown retail, residential, and dining hangout with a to-be-announced hotel; and the opening of the Ford-backed Michigan Central , a historic train depot turned innovation center featuring restaurants, retail, maker hubs, and public art. – Stephanie Vermillion

Go for : showstopping nature, secluded villas, and immersive wellness

New villas at six-star Secret Bay come with expansive views over the mountain peaks of Dominica and the Caribbean Sea.

Dominica's three lush national parks are rife with native birds like the blue-faced Amazon, not to mention show-stopping scenery.

Dominica doesn’t have to do much to impress. One look out of your plane as it approaches the eastern Caribbean country, with its blanket of lush rainforests and towering mountains, and you’ll understand why it’s called the Nature Island. With three national parks perfect for hiking, bird-watching, and swimming in crystal clear lakes—as well as black sand beaches and natural hot springs—there’s little that an outdoor enthusiast can’t do here.

In 2024, Dominica will make it even easier to enjoy its show-stopping landscape, as it builds towards a more sustainable future—the island’s first geothermal plant will be commissioned in 2025, and will dramatically reduce its dependence on fossil fuel energy. In the first half of 2024, Dominica will become home to the world’s longest cable car system, with a 4.1-mile long route transporting riders from Roseau Valley to the top of Boiling Lake in just 20 minutes for extensive island views. It follows the 2022 opening of the Waitukubuli Sea Trail, a 37-mile marine route that takes hikers through a vibrant coastline to the western side of the island.

On the hotel front, six-star, all-villa Relais & Châteaux Secret Bay recently unveiled eight new villas, an energy-efficient funicular that zips guests through lush rainforests, and a chef’s table experience set in the resort’s organic gardens. The waterfront Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort has also completed an $18 million renovation, adding 60 new rooms, an art gallery, and a retail space—a rooftop wellness garden and immersive experiences that include hiking and shore-diving will be ready for guests next year. — Kristin Braswell

Go for : new direct flights, luxe resorts, and a spicy carnival celebration

All-new direct flights will mean Grenada will get all the attention it deserves—perfectly timed for the luxury hotels and resorts that are on their way.

While it may have traditionally been overlooked in favor of, say, St. Barts or Turks and Caicos , Grenada has more than proven itself a worthy contender—especially for travelers based on the East Coast. Starting in November 2023, JetBlue is making it easier to get there, with the launch of a direct service from Boston to join existing nonstops out of JFK. Air Canada also recently ramped up service and now has up to four flights per week between Toronto and Grenada.

Several new hotels and resorts are also on their way. Six Senses has picked Grenada for its first resort in the Caribbean: La Sagesse is set to open in early 2024 and will spread out over 38 acres of land with unparalleled access to the ocean and a range of adventures, from shipwreck dives to waterfall trails. Also in January 2024, Beach House by Silversands will open its doors to a mix of 28 beachfront and cliffside villas and suites ( Silversands Resort opened on the island in 2018 and boasts a 100-meter infinity pool, said to be the longest in the Caribbean). Further out, IHG has broken ground on a 150-room, 30-private-suite resort that will sit next to Six Senses and is projected to open in 2025.

August is a popular time to visit: Spicemas, Grenada’s Carnival and the island’s largest cultural event, shimmies in during this time and brings with it weeks of parades, food, dancing, and performances. This year, JetBlue added a second daily flight from JFK during the days of the festival to accommodate the diaspora and the growing number of travelers heading to the Spice Island. Things are only going to get busier in 2024. — Madison Flager

Mobile, Alabama

Go for : an all-year celebration of the city’s African American history

Remembering the Avenue , an exhibition that enlists the local community to map the past and future for historic Davis Avenue, will run through 2024.

Clotilda: The Exhibition at the new Africatown Heritage House is part of a wave of significant new cultural programming in Mobile, Alabama.

Not since 2005, when Hurricane Katrina battered the Gulf Coast and damaged much of the railway infrastructure, have passenger trains rolled through Mobile, Alabama. That changes in 2024, when Amtrak officially unveils its Gulf Coast service, connecting the southern port city to New Orleans , Louisiana, with a string of charming Mississippi towns in between.

The long-awaited service is particularly well-timed for the flurry of recently unveiled and soon-to-come cultural moments in Mobile. July 2023 marked the opening of Clotilda: The Exhibition , a landmark show telling the story of the last ship carrying enslaved people (which arrived in to the US in 1860, 52 years after international slave trade was outlawed) through the lens of its survivors, as well as the story of the community they created, called Africatown. It’s one of a host of new sites aimed at honoring and interpreting the city’s African American history. Also among them, the Isom Clemon Civil Rights Memorial Park is planned for early spring 2024, with several public artworks, including one honoring the late labor leader and Civil Rights pioneer for which the pocket park is named. Located along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, it will be a gateway to the currently in-development Civil Rights and Cultural Heritage District. On the same stretch, in 2023 the new Historic Avenue Cultural Center unveiled Remembering the Avenue , an exhibition in conjunction with the Alabama Contemporary Art Center that chronicles the history of Black Main Street through the lens of its community—and will run through 2024.

Mobile’s hotel landscape will get an update too. Though The Admiral originally opened its doors in 1940, the 156-room boutique hotel will unveil a top-to-bottom refresh in early 2024, with a new restaurant and reimagined communal spaces and rooms, including a jewel-toned palette inspired by the city’s Mardi Gras heritage. Speaking of, the country’s oldest Mardi Gras celebrates its 321st anniversary in 2024, floating through town—and tossing signature MoonPies along the way—and culminating in Fat Tuesday on February 13. — Regan Stephens

Nayarit, Mexico

Go for : design-forward stays amid breathtaking landscapes—and prime surf conditions

NICO is a new micro-hospitality concept in Sayulita designed to offer ocean and jungle views in every direction.

The stylish interiors of just five suites at NICO echo the laidback design found in the surrounding area of Riviera Nayarit.

From the manicured hills of Punta Mita to the laid-back surf beaches near Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit is poised to be one of the most enticing areas to visit in 2024. Extending for nearly 200 miles along Mexico's Central Pacific Coast, the region is full of natural wonders, from breathtaking cliffside perches to a dense jungle canopy where jaguars and sea turtles flourish. And while Riviera Nayarit was once known for its sleepy fishing villages and off-grid surf breaks, it’s now synonymous with luxury thanks to newcomers such as Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita , which opened at the end of 2022, and bespoke boutique properties like NICO , a new five-suite, micro-hospitality concept in Sayulita that opened in 2023.

Development shows no sign of slowing in the year ahead. Fresh off a multimillion dollar renovation is W Punta de Mita , which is also scheduled to debut the restaurant Rubra , by celebrated Mexican chef Daniela Soto-Innes, sometime this winter. The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort is also set to put the finishing touches on an ambitious refresh, spearheaded by Guadalajara-based designer Bibiana Huber, which includes a refresh of the resort’s 120 guest rooms, suites, and villas, as well as its restaurants and Remède Spa.

Further north, the Rosewood Mandarina is slated to welcome guests by the end of 2024. The property joins the 600-acre One&Only Mandarina development as Rosewood’s fourth property in Mexico. The resort will be situated amid lagoons, rivers, volcanoes, abundant vegetation, and almost 200 miles of beach along the Pacific Ocean. Beyond 2024, the region will welcome the Montage Punta Mita and Pendry Punta Mita , as well as an Edition which plans to offer 120 guest rooms, a sophisticated spa, and a robust culinary program overlooking the Pacific Ocean between the towns of Sayulita and San Pancho. — Michaela Trimble

Northwest Territories, Canada

Go for : unmatched stargazing through an Indigenous lens

The Northwest Territories, with its clear skies and flat lands, is made for sky-gazing vacations—in 2024, a rare solar maximum will bring further delight.

In the Northwest Territories , traditions have roots as ancient as the land itself. The region is inhabited by 33 Indigenous communities, each possessing a unique tapestry of history, culture, and sacred sites—and all awaiting exploration. Embark on an unforgettable journey with  Narwal Northern Adventures , where guests set out on a twilight voyage up the Yellowknife River in a 29-foot canoe, as the aurora illuminates the sky above. Alternatively, opt for the wildlife experience offered by  Beaufort Sea Adventures , kayaking alongside bearded seals while immersing yourself in the rich culture of the Inuvialuit people along the shores. For those craving an adventure on solid ground, join  Weber Arctic  who operates in the greater area, for a wildlife safari that promises spotting Canada’s “Big Five:” polar bear, caribou, moose, musk ox, and wood bison.

While the Northwest Territories has long captivated the hearts of Northern Lights enthusiasts thanks to its perfect combination of clear nights and flat landscape, in 2024 it promises to further delight with a rare solar maximum. This celestial phenomenon occurs over a period of 11 years, and 2024 marks the zenith of solar activity observable from Earth, making it the perfect time for a sky-gazing vacation . Embark on an aurora journey through an Indigenous lens with North Star Adventures , B. Dene Adventures , or Aurora Village to explore their spiritual connection with the skies—some Indigenous peoples believe the lights are spirits of ancestors—and see the jeweled hues dance across the sky, which they do, on average 240 nights of the year. — Megan Honan

Quebec, Canada

Go for : off-the-beaten-track nature and cultural immersion

Come summer, Inuit-owned Ungava Polar Eco-Tours will explore unpopulated islands like Gyrfalcon Islands in Ungava Bay.

From musk ox sightings to some of the highest tidal elevations, Quebec's northernmost regions offer unparalleled natural immersion.

The largest of Canada’s 10 provinces, Quebec offers a vast stage for wide-ranging Indigenous-led experiences, from sipping beer at a Mohawk-run brewery near the US border to polar bear–watching with Inuit guides in the far north. Nunavik, Quebec’s northernmost region and homeland of the Inuit, has long been off most travelers’ radars, but new experiences offer immersion into both nature and culture.

Starting in summer 2024, Inuit-owned Ungava Polar Eco-Tours will offer five-day adventures to the uninhabited Gyrfalcon Islands in Ungava Bay. There, visitors will be able to spot wildlife from polar bears to musk ox and caribou, as well as experience some of the highest tidal elevations in the world. Even more wildlife-viewing experiences will become available in the summer when the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation opens the Putep 't-awt observation site, providing a one-of-a-kind land-based location to view a beluga whale nursery on the St. Lawrence River.

Visitors to the Quebec City region can look forward to refreshed experiences in the Huron-Wendat community of Wendake, where, in summer 2023, the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations opened 24 new and renovated suites, and Sagamité restaurant in Old Wendake reopened after a nearly five-year closure and with plans to add a microbrewery and pub in 2024. While you’re in Quebec, definitely don’t miss the Contemporary Native Art Biennial , which will be held across Montreal throughout the year. — Karin Gardiner

Go for : Indigenous design spotlights, a brand new museum, and the 100th anniversary of a beloved cultural event

Old Man Gloom meets his fiery end at the Burning of the Zozobra, Santa Fe's beloved annual cultural event that turns 100 in 2024.

Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed film Oppenheimer may have sparked new interest in Santa Fe , the closest town of note to Los Alamos, but the New Mexican capital has held its own for centuries. One of the oldest cities in the country, it’s known for its adobe-style architecture, storied arts institutions (including the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum ), and vibrant mix of Native American, Mexican, and Spanish cultures.

Fresh art and cultural programming with an emphasis on Indigenous efforts makes 2024 a banner year to visit. From May 2 to 5, the Southwestern Association for American Indian Arts will launch the inaugural Santa Fe Indigenous Fashion Week to showcase Indigenous designers, artists, and runway models. Indigenous Art Fair Contemporary , a gallery show spotlighting present-day Native American art, is slated to roll out August 15 to 18 as well, timed to the renowned Santa Fe Indian Market; and a two-block walk away, FaraHNHeight , a Native American–, First Nations–, and Indigenous-forward gallery, is new on the scene and well worth a visit. Travelers visiting before the end of April can catch “Shadow and Light,” the debut exhibition at Vladem Contemporary , the first major museum building to open in The City Different in more than a decade. (Part of the New Mexico Museum of Art , the 38,000-square-foot space is the latest anchor to join the Santa Fe Railyard arts district.)

Furthermore, 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the Burning of the Zozobra , a beloved cultural tradition that brings to mock-trial a 50-foot effigy known as Old Man Gloom. The marionette, which is stuffed with paper “glooms” such as old love letters, speeding tickets, and divorce summons, is dramatically set ablaze after dark—a moment of catharsis that encourages locals and visitors alike to release their worries and start anew. — Ashlea Halpern

Upstate New York

Go for : bucolic lodging, winter adventures, and exceptional stargazing

Exceptional new lodgings like Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection make the Hudson Valley a top draw for travelers from further afield.

Sought out year-round for its vibrant small towns, nature preserves, culinary hot spots—and its proximity to New York City —the region is humming with new opportunities for travelers to surrender themselves to its legendary landscapes in 2024.

In the Hudson Valley , New York State Parks will celebrate the centennial of the founding of the statewide park and historic-site system. Community events and special performances are on the calendar, plus discounts on park admission fees and new opportunities to volunteer. Also in 2024, the much-loved Storm King Art Center debuts new hospitality pavilions, a conservation and fabrication facility, and ADA-accessible pathways. And in the summer, the 160-acre Klocke Estates will open its doors, with artisanal brandy and stunning views of the Catskills.

When it comes to exceptional lodgings, the Hudson Valley has seen a wave of hospitality projects since 2020. From Inness , the chic all-in-one getaway in Accord, to Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection, a bucolic escape in the shadow of the iconic Shawangunk Mountains, the region has gone from being a New Yorker-favorite to a top draw for travelers from further afield. And there are fresh digs to look forward to in the year ahead. The Front Boutique Hotel in Port Jervis is opening in May with a 120-seat restaurant and easy access to 50 miles of trails; and in the spring, famed wellness haven The Ranch opens its first East Coast property.

About three hours away by car, the Adirondacks ' towering peaks replace the Hudson river valleys. Its majestic forests, farmlands, mountains, and meadows make up a fifth of the state, and the region will be in the path of totality of April’s solar eclipse. Go stargazing at the Adirondack Sky Center , or use the website of the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism for self-guided viewing. You can also walk, bike, snowshoe, or snowmobile along the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail , which will be completed over the course of 2025. And on Whiteface Mountain, one of the five Adirondack High Peaks, a detachable quad lift launching just in time for ski season allows you to access more slopes than ever before. For a peaceful getaway, stay at the Lodge at Schroon Lake , which reopened in June 2023 after an extensive $21 million renovation, or NewVida Preserve , a new members club meets traveler’s oasis on 2,000 acres with 360-degree mountaintop views. — Robin Catalano

Washington D.C.

Go for : a transformed dining scene led by culinary heavy hitters

The Square, an ambitious food hall, is aiming to flip the script on DC's dining scene.

Oysters, crab cakes, and cocktails are on the menu at Cashion’s Rendezvous in The Square.

The year of 2023 was a blockbuster for the culinary landscape of Washington, DC . In February, The Bazaar by José Andrés debuted at the Waldorf Astoria , with a menu of American classics intended as an homage to the capital’s history. In July, Chef Makoto Okuwa’s fast-casual Japanese food hall, Love, Makoto , unveiled its sprawling space in the East End, near Chinatown, with a sushi bar, a yakiniku, and a sake-and-snack-dishing izakaya. The same month, Death & Co . brought its meticulously crafted libations to the city, aptly located in the spot that had been home to now shuttered local favorite Columbia Room. Stephen Starr’s latest, El Presidente , opened its doors in September, as did The Square , a 25,000 square-foot food hall that dishes out tacos, oysters, gumbo, and everything in between, and is helmed by restaurant veterans Richie Brandenburg and Rubén Garcia.

The hits keep rolling in. This winter, Keith McNally & Stephen Starr will bring New York City hot spot Pastis to the city’s vibrant Union Market neighborhood, which will also become home to McNally’s Minetta Tavern this winter. Next year, Palestinian chef Michael Rafidi of Michelin-starred Albi fame will be opening La’ Shukran, a restaurant and rooftop bar, in Union Market. Another outpost of his casual eatery Yellow will follow. And über-buzzy chef Kwame Onwuachi , who currently helms Tatiana (one of New York City’s most impossible-to-get tables), will partner with Salamander Hotels & Resorts on a new dining concept at its waterfront property , expected to begin service in the spring. Whatever follows, and plenty will, is only likely to punch up DC’s reputation as an exciting culinary destination—with ambition to match. — Rima Suqi

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The Georgian

North America Travel Guide

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30 of the Best Cities in North America to Visit

North America is such a diverse continent, and there’s so much to see and do. What to explore first? We started with chasing waterfalls in North America , now we’re exploring the best cities in North America to visit. I’ve asked my fellow travel bloggers what their favorite cities in North America are, and they came up with a lot of beautiful cities worth your time. All these cities in Canada, the US, Mexico and Cuba deserve to be on your itinerary when you visit these countries. Cities are also perfect stops on road trips , and North America is the ultimate place for road trips.

Best Cities in North America

First we turn our attention to Canada, then Mexico, Cuba and at last the US.

Ottawa, Ontario

Contributed by Cosette from KarsTravels.

The capital of Canada is a beautiful city. Which is in the North of Ontario, on the border with Québec. It’s at the beginning of a Toronto to Halifax Road Trip .

In the city center visit Parliament Hill, the Parliament’s library, Liberty Bell and the Notre-Dame Basilica. From the end of June till end of August you can witness the changing of the guards at Parliament Hill. The Notre-Dame is the oldest church in Ottawa, it was built in 1847. Each year in May the Tulip Festival is celebrated, since 1953. Tulips are all over the city for 2 weeks. Take a self-guided Ottawa walking tour to see all the beautiful things Ottawa has to offer.

Make your way to the Rideau Canal and the Rideau Falls. The Rideau Canal is 202 meters long, from lake Ontario to the Ottawa River. Admire the 8 locks from Plaza Bridge still mended by hand, it’s a sight to see. In January and February there’s an 8 kilometer long ice skating rink on the canal. The Rideau Falls are a bit closer to the Ottawa River than the locks and beautiful to see.

Toronto, Ontario

One of the best cities in North America is Toronto.  It is a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with so much to see and do there. 

Let’s start with the CN Tower, which is the tallest free-standing structure in the western hemisphere.  It can be seen from miles around and no trip to Toronto is complete without visiting the Lookout Level.  From there you get breath-taking 360-degree views of the city and beyond.

You can eat in the revolving restaurant and if you want the ultimate experience then test your nerves on the Edge Walk. You’re securely attached to the tower but get to lean right over the edge!  It’s worth it just for the photos alone, and the memory of doing something really unique and exhilarating.

Right next door to the CN Tower is Ripley’s Aquarium, home to some amazing sea creatures.  You can walk through a tunnel with sharks, rays and other fish swimming all around you.  It’s an amazing immersive experience and one of the top attractions in Toronto.

If you’re feeling peckish then take a walk to St Lawrence Market where you can choose from a vast array of fresh produce including meat, fruit, vegetables and sweet treats.

Summers can be incredibly warm, and winters biting cold.  There’s a network of underground tunnels in the downtown district with shops and restaurants, which link to the subway system.

If you’re a fan of street art then check out Graffiti Alley which is between the Fashion District and Chinatown.  It covers two or three blocks and features some great murals by some top international artists. Toronto is the perfect base for a memorable adventure, just a short hop from New York and close enough to Niagara to visit on a day trip.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Contributed by Sarah from In Search of Sarah.

A visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake is like taking a trip back in time, with its Victorian-era architecture, flower-filled, tree-lined streets, horse drawn carriages, and bursts with small-town charm. 

Just 90 minutes from Toronto and only 20 from Niagara Falls and sitting at the mouth of the Niagara River, you’ll be trading high-rises and casinos for adorable BnBs, boutique shops, award-winning restaurants, and of course, wineries!

With close to 30 wineries right in Niagara-on-the-Lake, there’s no shortage of activities to partake in to enjoy them, whether it’s wine and cellar tours, food and wine pairings, bike tours, picnics in the vineyards, weddings, and much more! You can easily spend an entire weekend touring these diverse wineries, during any season!

Of course, there is an abundance of activities aside from wineries to enjoy in this lovely town. With numerous waterfront parks, historic places of interest (including haunted Fort George ), art galleries, coffee shops, gelaterias and a performing arts theatre to enjoy, walking down these streets will soothe your soul. You can even go for High Tea at the famous Prince of Wales Hotel and relax at one of the many spas afterwards. 

Tip: Come and enjoy Niagara-on-the-Lake during the fall or winter, where you’ll be able to enjoy all this beautiful place has to offer without the crowds. 

Vancouver, British Columbia

Contributed by Cecily from Groovy Mashed Potatoes.

Vancouver is a buzzing city on Canada’s west coast known for its stunning nature, fun outdoor activities and burgeoning food scene. What makes the cosmopolitan city so unique is its access to the wilderness. It’s surrounded by the North Shore Mountains and Pacific Ocean, making it one of Canada’s most beautiful cities. There are so many fun things to add to your  Vancouver itinerary . If it’s a sunny day, have a picnic at one of the city’s picturesque beaches. For quiet beaches, visit Jericho Beach or Locarno Beach. For lively beaches check out Kits Beach or English Bay. In the afternoon take a bike ride around the seawall of Stanley Park, Canada’s most famous park. It’s larger than Central Park in NYC. You will have scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, Siwash Rock and West Vancouver along the way. If it’s a rainy day, go boutique shopping in the historic Gastown neighbourhood or visit Granville Island, known for its markets, shops and breweries. For dinner, eat Pacific-Northwest cuisine at Blue Water or Botanist, both known for their seafood specialties. Afterwards, finish off your evening with cocktails at Reflections, a rooftop lounge located in the roaring 20s luxury hotel, Hotel Georgia.

Edmonton, Alberta

Contributed by Nick from Fun World Facts.

Edmonton, the provincial capital of Alberta, is a surprisingly rewarding destination in Western Canada, especially for visitors with kids. You may be surprised to see a suggestion for a mall here, but West Edmonton Mall is like no other.

Once the largest in the world, WEM houses a long list of awesome attractions: the largest indoor amusement park and waterpark in Canada, an ice skating palace, a lake with a replica of Christopher Columbus’ Santa Maria ship, an IMAX theatre, go-karts, mini golf, a whole lot of shops, a Chinatown, a European boulevard, and a New Orleans street with bars & restaurants. Last but not least, you can spend the night in the attached Fantasyland Hotel. The hotel’s quirkily themed rooms include an awesome Space Room that is really out of this world!

Just in case you don’t want to spend your entire holiday at the mall, Edmonton has some great outdoorsy sights as well. The city boasts the largest urban green space in North America, the Edmonton River Valley (according to this list of  facts about Edmonton , it is larger than all of Manhattan in New York!) Just outside of Edmonton, Elk Island National Park offers the chance to see plains bison, an animal that once almost went extinct; you’re practically guaranteed to see them.  

One final reason to visit Edmonton, particularly in summer, is to take in a few festivals that the city is famous for. These include the Edmonton International Fringe Festival (the largest one in the world after Edinburgh!), Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Heritage Days, and Cariwest, a Caribbean festival and parade.

Montréal, Québec

Contributed by Mia from Walk a While with Me.

While North America is filled with incredible cities, one of the best Canadian cities to visit is undoubtedly Montreal.

One of the most historically significant cities in Canada, it features charming architecture in Old Montreal, lively nightlife in downtown Montreal, and stunning views from Mount Royal. Needless to say, there are a lot of incredible things to do in Montreal!

Montreal is located between Ottawa and Quebec City, and sits on the Saint Lawrence River. A city with a vast history (in Canadian standards), Montreal was founded in 1642 and acted as a fur-trading center.

Today, you can admire Montreal’s history at the Notre-Dame Basilica, Old Port of Montreal, and Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal. With all of this gothic-inspired architecture, Montreal is a great way to experience some of Europe in North America!

But that’s not all there is to add to your itinerary. On top of everything listed before, you can also explore the Jean Talon Market, go museum-hopping, or take a self-guided Montreal walking tour. 

Overall, Montreal isn’t a city you should miss when visiting North America!

Québec City, Québec

The most European looking city in Canada should be on anyone’s itinerary, since it’s such a quaint city. It’s the capital of the province of Québec.

Old Québec is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s walkable and safe,  and best explored on foot. Stroll in the cobblestone streets in the only fortified city north of Mexico. It’s the perfect place to soak yourself in the French Canadian culture. The fortified walls are 400 years old, walk on them and visit the four gates. Old Québec has charming little streets and local shops. Don’t miss out on Rue du Petit-Champlain. This pedestrian street is charming with its fine bistros, art galleries, local shops and enchanting ambiance.

Admire the most photographed hotel in the world and Québec City’s most famous landmark: Château Frontenac. Visit the Citadelle de Québec. A British fortress, the largest in North America, on the famous Cap Diamant. There’s a military museum inside.

Close to Québec City are the Montmorency Falls, which are 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls.

Mexico City

Contributed by Shelley from Travel Mexico Solo.

As the largest city in North America, and one of the biggest in the world, those who love the excitement of a big city will love  Mexico City . There are so many amazing things to do you could spend a week or a month exploring and never run out of sites to see. If you love history, Mexico City has that. Within the city, there’s the Templo Mayor, which is an Aztec temple that’s actually buried underground — though it has been excavated, so you can visit. If you love ruins, the Teotihuacan Ruins, located about an hour outside of the city, are some of the best prehispanic ruins in Mexico. 

For lovers of museums, Mexico City has about 150 of them to choose from! In fact, it is one of the Top 10 cities for having the most museums. For art, there’s the Frida Kahlo Museum (AKA Casa Azul), and for history buffs, the Mexico City Anthropology Museum is world class.

Beyond all this — there’s also lots and lots of tacos! If you’re not someone who likes tacos, you still have plenty of options for amazing food in Mexico City, like tortas (sandwiches), tamales, chilaquiles, and churros.

Tulum, Quintana Roo

Contributed by Shelley from Travel To Merida.

Tulum is one of the  best Yucatan beaches  in Mexico. Located right on the Caribbean Sea, Tulum has become one of the top Mexico travel destinations in the last decade or so — and for good reason!

There are so many things to do in the Mexican beach town of Tulum. While it is well known as a party town, and it certainly does have that side, there’s also plenty to do during the day.

For visitors who want to see Mayan ruins, the Tulum Ruins are located right in town on the beach in the Tulum Archaeological Zone. There’s also the Coba Ruins and Ek-Balam Ruins, both located about an hour from town. Besides its beautiful white-sand beaches and blue waters in the Caribbean Sea, Tulum has other amazing places to swim and soak up the sun. Located throughout the Yucatan Peninsula and Tulum, there are the cenotes, which are natural pools in the jungle, that make a nice alternative to the beach. There’s also Sian Ka’an, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which is best explored by boat. On the water, you’ll likely see dolphins, as well as turtles, and many types of birds. Located within the biosphere, there’s also the off the beaten path Muyil Mayan Ruins. In short, Tulum has something for everyone — and you won’t want to miss this unique Mexico beach town.

San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas

Contributed by Zoe from Zoe Goes Places.

San Cristobal de las Casas is a beautiful city in the mountains, located in Mexico’s southern state of Chiapas. The city is the playground of many outdoor types, with some of Mexico’s best natural attractions right on the doorstep of San Cristobal. On the outskirts of the city, there are a few eco-parks – such as El Arcotete and Grutas de Rancho Nuevo – with hiking trails, zip lines and caves to explore. The entrance to these parks is cheap and they’re easily reached by public transport. But, just outside of the city is where the real magic begins!

To the west of San Cristobal is the stunning Sumidero Canyon. This 8-mile long and up to 1000-metres deep canyon is surrounded by dense greenery. And, the canyon itself is home to a host of wildlife including a large group of crocodiles that are regularly seen on the river banks. Plus, to truly top off your visit, there are also 3 viewpoints along the top of the canyon’s walls to give you a bird’s eye view of this incredible landscape!

However, the top attraction near San Cristobal has got to be the  Cascadas El Chiflon waterfall park . With 5 main waterfalls along a 1200-metre stretch of river, as well as zip lines and a swimming area, there is plenty to do on a day trip to the park. But, the creme de la creme of El Chiflon has to be Cascada Velo de Novia, a 120-metre high waterfall, which has its own viewing platform for a simply spectacular experience. You can’t afford to miss out!

Cancún, Quintana Roo

Contributed by Venaugh from Venaugh.

I’m sure we’ve all heard how beautiful the beaches in Mexico are and I thought it was just a hype but after having visited Cancun, I have fallen in love! The view from the hotel was all that I needed to happily sit and enjoy the tranquility.

On top of this, there are lots of activities around to do, albeit a bit of a drive away. Cancun is in the southeast of Mexico on the Yucatan peninsula and easily  one of the best cities in Mexico . There are some gorgeous islands off the mainland where you can take day trips to, such as Cozumel and Isla Holbox. During July to September there is also the whale shark migration where you can swim with the sharks which was an absolutely incredible experience, not to mention, no risk of being eaten since they only eat small fish, shrimp, and plankton. About an hour and a half away are the gorgeous cenotes which are breath taking. Cancun is definitely worth all the hype.

Havana, La Habana

Contributed by Carley from Home to Havana.

Unlike any other city in North America, Cuba’s capital city of Havana is a Spanish colonial gem filled with history and beauty more than enough to land a spot on any traveler’s bucket list. Plus, just a short ride away from some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, Havana has something to offer for every kind of traveler.

While Cuba used to be off limits to travelers from the United States, new regulations make it much easier to visit independently. However, make sure you don’t head to Cuba without booking  travel insurance for Cuba  first – it’s a requirement for all travelers, and can be difficult to find an insurance policy to cover you, especially if you’re from the United States or Canada.

Visitors will want to spend their time exploring the beautiful and historic neighborhood of Old Havana, filled with historic buildings from colonial times up through the early 20 th  century, and of course, the classic American cars that fill the streets. The sites most worth a visit surround the four historic plazas in Old Havana: Plaza Vieja, Plaza de San Francisco, Plaza de Armas, Plaza de la Catedral. Visitors can easily make a self-guided walking tour of Old Havana around and between these four plazas to see much of the beauty and history that Havana has to offer.   

San Diego, California

A sunny city in the South of California near the border with Mexico. It’s an important harbor and navy city in the USA. It was the end of our California Road Trip .

Famous sites to visit in San Diego are SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo and Balbao Park. SeaWorld is a theme park combined with an aquarium. San Diego Zoo is one of the largest in the world. In Balbao Park you’ll find the San Diego Zoo, but also several museums.

If you’re a history fan than don’t skip Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, San Diego Mormon Battalion Historic Site and the USS Midway Museum. In the Old Town former Mexican times come to life. The USS Midway Museum is a maritime museum on the Midway, an aircraft carrier, that was used for years. It’s at the Navy Pier. The historic site is situated in Old San Diego and tells all about the Mormon Battalion that joined the American army.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Contributed by Alex from Wander With Alex.

Virginia Beach is in  Coastal Virginia  along the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. Did you know that Virginia Beach holds the Guinness World Record for the longest pleasure beach in the world coming in at 35 miles?! But Virginia Beach isn’t just for beach lovers. From hiking and camping to adventure parks and art districts, Virginia Beach is a must-visit for solo travelers or the whole family.

If you’re visiting Virginia Beach for a beach vacation, you’ll want to come between May and September. You can spend the day on the sand, bike the boardwalk, fish off the pier, head over to the Atlantic Fun Park, or snap an Instagram worthy photo with King Neptune! You can take a charter boat out for a little fishing or dolphin watching too.

If you’re an art lover, you must check out the ViBE Creative District. This art district features paintings by local artists which can be found on buildings, curbs, and parking meters. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is another fabulous option and has free admission!

First Landing State Park is Virginia’s most visited state park. Head over to 64 th  street and go kayaking on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay.

When you’re done playing on the water, take the kids over to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center and learn about the area’s marine life. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the Adventure Park and go ziplining!

Of course you must have seafood! Native to the Chesapeake Bay, our blue crabs are plentiful and make for amazing soft shell crab sandwiches which can be found at many restaurants when in season. Local restaurants you’ll want to visit include Waterman’s Surfside Grill, Rudee’s Restaurant and Cabana Bar, and Chic’s Oyster Bar!

New Orleans, Louisiana

Contributed by Mary from Bucket List Places.

They say America is a melting pot, but the biggest melting pot in the USA is New Orleans, a bucket list place defined by the many cultures who influenced its history. This unique city is a must-visit for its Cajun-Creole food, jazz music, beautiful bayou environments, and historical sites of significance.

New Orleans is beautiful any time of year, but the city is known for the incredible Mardi Gras celebrations which transform the French Quarter into a giant parade, costume party, and bar crawl all rolled into one. Even outside of the Mardi Gras celebrations in February or March, Bourbon Street in the French Quarter is often bustling with activity, live music, and tourists.

For a bit more tranquility, head to 1,300 acre City Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. Besides the slew of recreational activities, you can ogle oak trees which are over 800 years old, seek out over 280 bird species, and even visit the New Orleans Botanical Garden and New Orleans Museum of Art.

To learn more about New Orleans’ storied past and ecological intrigue, you can join a ghost tour or swamp tour – keep your eyes peeled for gators!

Even getting to the Big Easy is easy; the cheapest bus ticket from Baton Rouge is only $7.99, which leaves plenty of money for extra beignets at breakfast. When heading to North America, you simply cannot miss the chance to dance to jazz music and taste the gumbo which are so quintessentially New Orleans.

Denver, Colorado

Contributed by Meg from Fox in the Forest.

With over 300 days of sunshine a year, an excellent foodie scene, and lively art and music vibes all over the place, the Mile High City is one of the most amazing destinations in North America to visit. Like any big city, Denver’s neighborhoods each have a flavor of their own, so you’re guaranteed to feel right at home here regardless of your interests. For edgy vibes, head to South Broadway, for shopping & fabulous brunch spots, Lower Highlands will do just the trick, and for all things street art and warehouses, River North is your go-to!

Aside from its cultural and gastronomical offerings, another aspect that makes Denver such an incredible place to be is the fact that it’s the perfect base to explore some of the most  beautiful places in Colorado  A visit here means combining metropolitan vibes with nature escapades so incredibly easy that you’ll be able to get the best of both worlds in one go. Rocky Mountain National Park is just a stone’s throw away, and outdoorsy day trips to go hiking, climbing, skiing, and pretty much any outdoor adventure are right around the corner, which makes getting away from the bustle and hustle of the city and right into the heart of nature absolute breeze. 

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Contributed by Donna from Explore the Road with Donnamarie .

I have lived in Ft. Lauderdale for almost thirty years, and I believe it is a must see travel destination. Why? There are miles upon miles of sandy beaches that you can enjoy all year round. If you enjoy an active lifestyle, there are plenty of activities available such as snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, fishing, and surfing. There are numerous nature preserves where you can go paddleboarding and kayaking while spotting local flora and fauna. For a walk on the wild side, head to the Florida Everglades for an airboat ride through the slowest river in the world. Here you may spot gators, panthers, and other local creatures.

When you are ready for some culture, head downtown to see street art and go to the theater. For nightlife, there are numerous clubs on the strip or hit the shops on Las Olas. If you visit during hockey season, catch a Panther’s game. 

Ft. Lauderdale is also a great central location if you are staying for a while. We are located in between Miami and West Palm Beach. Both are easy day trips. Take a day trip north to the Japanese Gardens and to visit the home of railroad magnate Henry Flagler. Head south to Miami to be immersed in cultures from South and Central America. Experience the famous South Beach and see Vizcaya, an Italian mansion with beautiful gardens. 

The possibilities are endless. There is a lifetime of things to do and see.

Washington DC, District of Columbia

Contributed by Candice from CS Ginger.

Washington DC is one of the best cities in North America to visit because of its rich historical sites and ties to current events in the United States. The capital city of the United States is full of historical museums, landmarks as well fun downtown areas.

Most people visit Washington DC to visit the National Mall. It is the most visited national park in the United States and is home to many famous landmarks like the Jefferson Memorial, Washington Memorial, and Tidal Basin. Some of the best things to do on the National Mall in Washington DC are to tour the US Capitol Building, see the Declaration of Independence and Constitution in the National Archives, and walk through the Holocaust Museum.

Even though the National Mall is what the capital city is known for, there are lots of fun  things to do in Washington DC besides the National Mall . Ambar is a Balkan Cuisine restaurant that has one of the best brunches in town. Arlington National Cemetery is another historically significant area of town where you can watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Another fun part of town to explore is the Fish Market and the DC Wharf.

Another nice area to explore in Washington DC is Georgetown. It is one of DCs oldest neighborhoods. The Waterfront Park is a fun place to explore on electric scooters and be sure to visit one of the famous cupcake shops in town. 

New York City, New York

Contributed by Lenore from The Nitty Gritty Travel OT .

When talking about the greatest cities in North America to visit, New York City should be at the top of your list. I mean honestly, who hasn’t heard of the iconic NYC?! If you haven’t, you’re seriously living under a rock (just kidding). One of the many things that makes New York City so great is the culture. You can visit any block and have a plethora of food options varying from Caribbean, European, and Asian to name a few.

In addition to culture, as far as activities, there is something for everyone. Not sure of what to do once you arrive? How about visiting the museum, opera, bar, lounge, or a seasonal activity like ice skating at Rockefeller Center during Christmas or free movies in the park in the Summer? The city has you covered and the best part is you don’t need a car. Most places are easily accessible by train or bus and if you’re feeling adventurous how about walking to your destination (as someone who’s born and raised in NYC I can assure you I do this all the time). 

Do you know many famous movies and TV shows have taken place in NYC? If you’re lucky, you might even stumble upon a filming location for a show like “Law & Order”. If this doesn’t convince you to visit, I don’t know what will. I promise you, you will fall in love. I know I am and always return no matter where I go. Hope you enjoyed my thoughts on why you should visit NYC and will pay us a visit in the future! 

Seattle, Washington

Contributed by Nikki from She Saves She Travels.

If you’re looking for the best cities in North America to visit, then Seattle, Washington must be on your list! This vibrant city in the Pacific Northwest has something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re staying for a week or have just  a day in Seattle , there’s a lot to see and do!

The iconic downtown scene cannot be missed! You absolutely need to see the famous Seattle Space Needle, world-known Pike Place Market and if you’re up for adventure, the Seattle Great Wheel. The Chihuly Garden and Glass is stunning and the best views in the city are at Kerry Park. On a clear day, you’ll even see Mount Rainier!

With a robust restaurant scene, you simply cannot go hungry in a city like Seattle. There’s a plethora of locally sourced seafood, so try the fish, crab, lobster, shrimp and more. 

If you have plenty of time to explore, the best day trips from Seattle include Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, Snoqualmie Falls, Whidbey Island and North Cascades National Park.

Chicago, Illinois

Contributed by Adriane from Put on Your Party Pants .

Chicago is an amazing city, full of beautiful architecture, culture, and things for families to enjoy together.  

It is home to two zoos, Brookfield and Lincoln Park. You can visit several iconic museums, including the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum, and Kohl Children’s Museum. It also is home to the Shedd Aquarium, housed in a massive complex overlooking Lake Michigan. The Art Institute of Chicago features miniature rooms to appeal specifically to children.

Navy Pier is a gorgeous area overlooking the water with lots of restaurants, shops, and a ferris wheel.  The Chicago Children’s Museum is located inside.

Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park are public parks with great play areas for kids.

For a great view of the city and surrounding areas, visit Skydeck Chicago in Willis Tower, the second tallest building in the country. For a bit of a thrill, check out Tilt in the John Hancock building. There, you can lean against the glass while it tips downward.

Savannah, Georgia

Contributed by Sydney from A World in Reach.

Savannah, Georgia is a beautiful coastal city with a lot to offer. There are a ton of things to see and do in Savannah, putting the Southern city among the best cities to visit for a weekend trip in the United States .

When spending a few days in Savannah, plan your itinerary around exploring the beautiful Historic District. Covering over 5 square kilometers, the Savannah Historic District is one of the largest in the US. It’s dotted with 22 unique historic squares, each one commemorating important people or historic events. You’ll also find gorgeous homes, churches, and plenty of trees draped in Spanish Moss. At the southern end of the historic district is Forsyth Park, home to the beautiful (and frequently photographed) Forsyth Fountain.

Savannah is said to be one of the most haunted cities in the United States, and the locals have taken advantage of that claim by offering ghost tours of some of the city’s most haunted sights. Opt for a spooky bar crawl or hop in a hearse for a drive around some of the city’s scariest sights – exploring Savannah’s haunted history is one of the best things about visiting the city!

Traditional southern cuisine is abundant in Savannah. There are countless restaurants serving up staples like fried chicken, collard greens, seafood boils, and more. For a romantic dinner, make a reservation at The Olde Pink House, one of the city’s most famous restaurants. Don’t miss having a drink in the cellar tavern before your meal!

San Francisco, California

Contributed by Sarah from Tiny Trailblazers.

Despite the wealth pouring in from Silicon Valley to the south, San Francisco has clung to its gritty, bohemian identity. It’s still a place for dreamers, artists and hustlers, with something for everybody.

I recommend exploring the city on foot. Trams crisscross the seven square miles, so there is always the option of hopping on a street car to spare tired feet. Start the day with a museum: San Francisco has the Exploratorium and the California Academy of Science for interactive exhibitions, or head to the Museum of Modern Art or the De Young for art. My favorite is the Asian Museum of Art, which blends technology and art to create stunning immersive experiences.

Next, pick a neighborhood to soak up some San Francisco vibes. Haight-Ashbury, right next to Golden Gate Park, retains its hippie credentials. If you miss independent record and bookstores, this is the perfect place to spend a few hours browsing for treasures. 

If you prefer hipster to hippie, head to Hayes Valley, where you will find boutiques and cafes centered around a sunny square, perfect for people watching. Grab a fresh juice and pastry from La Boulangerie or indulge in what is possibly the best ice cream in the world at Smitten.

You can’t visit San Francisco without riding the famous cable cars. It is one of the only places in the world where you can ride a national historic landmark. The Powell-Hyde line will take you to Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can warm up with a classic clam chowder sourdough bowl.

As the sun sets, head to Chrissy Field or Baker Beach for a Insta-perfect picture of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. And give yourself a high-five for a day well spent in San Francisco with kids .

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Contributed by Jan from Leisurely Drives .

Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love and Pennsylvania’s largest city, is the ideal city for history lovers, especially American history.

The historical center with the Independent Hall is a must-visit to live the times when George Washington was nominated as the chief of the army and Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General. The Liberty center bell is another impressive place to visit and immerse in the history.

The historic district, lined by narrow cobblestone streets, trees and well-preserved ancient houses including the Elfreth’s alley is worth walking around. Museums of all kinds – especially arts and architecture are abound in this city.

Reading Terminal is the old but bustling farmer’s market in the center of Philadelphia – very popular with the residents. Fresh vegetables, seafood and meat and ready-to-eat yummy foods are displayed with enthusiasm here.

The city is also known for its street art and graffiti all over the city. Some of the art is truly 3-dimensional painted by talented artists.

The most popular specialty food of this city is the  Philly Cheesesteak  – a sandwich made with thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelized onion and provolone cheese.

Philadelphia is a must-visit city for every visitor to North America.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Contributed by Lisa from Planning Away.

One of the best cities in North America is Salt Lake City.  Salt Lake City is known to have the “best snow on earth”.  There is a reason the 2002 Olympics were held in this great city.  Winter time in Salt Lake is incredible.

Salt Lake City is located in a valley surrounded by mountains.  This means that you can easily drive to a ski resort in less than an hour.  If you love to ski, planning a  Salt Lake City ski trip  will not disappoint.  The best skiing in Salt Lake City is Alta Ski Resort.  It is located at the highest elevation which makes for great skiing.  Snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snow tubing are also popular things to do in winter. 

If you visit during the summer, some of the best activities to do are hiking and biking.  Downtown Salt Lake City is also a nice area to visit.  Temple Square offers free tours which includes one of the largest genealogical (Family Search Center) libraries in the world.  There are many museums and great places to eat throughout the Salt Lake Valley.

Salt Lake is a great place to visit!  

Phoenix, Arizona

Contributed by Sam from My Flying Leap.

No list of the best cities in North America to visit would be complete without including Phoenix. The “Valley of the Sun” is not only the fifth-largest city in the US but also a top tourist spot.

Phoenix is great any time of the year, but when it really shines is during the winter months. When much of the rest of the country is blanketed in snow, Phoenix has incredible warm temperatures. Imagine sitting outdoors at restaurants or going swimming outside in December—you can in Phoenix!

Learn to fall in love with the subtle beauty of the desert by visiting the Desert Botanical Garden. You’ll find a lot of fun events throughout the year and during the holidays. Head to the Musical Instrument Museum for a fascinating perspective on music from around the world. 

Check out Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s unique summer home, or the Heard Museum for a celebration of location southwestern US Native American Art. Hike the many mountains in and around the city for some incredible views or lounge in the many resort spas all over town. 

Phoenix is also a foodies’ paradise. There are incredible restaurants with lots of different kinds of cuisine. Many have large windows that open to the outside to enjoy the incredible temperatures for much of the year.

Whether you come here to explore, play, or relax, you’ll find it all. There’s so much to do in Phoenix , and it’s a city not to miss!

St. Augustine, Florida

Contributed by David from DavidnBrace.

If you’re looking for a historic getaway in the US that still offers subtropical weather and white sand beaches, then there is no other place to look than St. Augustine Florida . The oldest city in America has an incredible line up of sights, activities and dining to suit any family’s expectations. Downtown St Augustine is built around the historic district. With hundreds of shops, dozens of art galleries, candy makers and coffee spots your family can spend more than a whole day just exploring downtown. We always make sure to spend at least a day wondering the historic roads and popping into shops or dinners. One of our kids’ favorite downtown activities is the Whetstone Chocolate Factory where you can get a peek inside the factory and learn how the chocolatiers hand make artisanal chocolates. If the fine white sand beaches aren’t the main draw for St Augustine, the amazing history is. The area was originally occupied by the Timucuan people who flourished and eventually led Ponce De Leon to the fabled Fountain of Youth, which you can still visit and even drink from! The very first church built in America also lies at the fountain of youth site. For our kids though, the most hauntingly awesome part of St Augustine’s history was taking the Dead Walk Ghost Tour. The tour walks you through some of the most haunted places in the city, including where the pirates were hung, the oldest hospital in the US and a few places of brutal murders. During the tour you get to play with K2 meters which show increases in EMF and the kids loved ‘ghost hunting’ with them.

Salem, Massachusetts

Contributed by Bernadette from Book Retreats .

A New England town that is synonymous with witches is Salem, Massachusetts because of the witch trials that occurred there in 1692. Around 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft and since then the town has been the topic of books, films, and folk tales. 

There is plenty to see, visit, and try in Salem any time of the year but the prime time to go is during October when the town ties in its history with Halloween. Each day has numerous events which lead to October 31st and almost everyone walks around in costumes. 

The town is quintessential Northeast with wood and stone buildings, the most famous of which is the House of Seven Gables. It is the oldest wooden mansion of New England and the setting of the book by Nathaniel Hawthorne. For those that like to see the changing of the leaves, you will see it everywhere you go and have photos filled with Fall colors. And, of course, a walking tour after the sun sets is a great way to learn about the history of the town, see historical sites, and hear all kinds of stories from locals. 

Salem is 45 minutes away from Boston and can be easily accessed by train. If you do happen to visit in October, book reservations well in advance and try to book a hotel in town because traffic can be really bad. It is small enough that you can walk and see everything witch-related by foot.

Portland, Maine

Contributed by Kelly from Girl with the Passport.

Without a doubt Portland, Maine is easily one of the best cities in North America to visit. Not only is this gorgeous coastal city a short bus ride away from the international airport, but it has a fun and funky vibe about it that is unlike any other place in the US. Plus, even though it’s a major city, it still has a warm and welcoming, small town feel that is best exuded by the friendly people who live here. It was also recently named one of the safest cities in the US. 

However, the real highlight of any visit is enjoying some of the  best things to do in Portland, Maine . And no trip to Maine would ever be complete without admiring some of the state’s awe-inspiring lighthouses. So, start your visit off with a trip to the state’s most famous lighthouse, Portland Head Light. Afterward, head back into Portland proper and check out Bug Light and Spring Point Ledge Light too!

Once you’ve had your fill of lighthouses, explore the cobblestone streets and historic buildings of the Old Port area. While you’re here, be sure to take a scenic walk along the Eastern Promenade before hopping on a ferry to nearby Peaks Island or grabbing some fresh duck fat fries from Duckfat Friteshack. 

If you’re still hungry, be sure to snag a delicious lobster roll from The Highroller Lobster Co. before inhaling a decadent sea salt chocolate donut from Holy Donut. Next, go on an impromptu craft beer crawl since this city is loaded with independent breweries that serve up some of the best beers in the nation, like the ever awesome Urban Farm Fermentory. 

Las Vegas, Nevada

This crazy city is a world on its own and should not be missed. Whether you like gambling or not, it should be on your itinerary on a South western road trip.

Primarily famous for the casinos and extravagant hotels. In the middle of the Mohave desert is the largest gambling paradise of the USA. The center of the city consists of the Strip, which is one long street. Here you’ll find the famous hotels with casinos such as the MGM Grand, the Bellagio, the Mirage and the Luxor Hotel. To name only a few.

Walk up and down the whole Strip, walk inside the hotels and admire the grandiosity, enjoy the free shows, such as the fountains at the Bellagio. Next to that there are several shows of famous stars and groups in Las Vegas all year long. It calls itself the greatest arena on earth.

It’s also one of the best cities to visit in the USA !

Those are our 30 Best Cities in North America to visit

This concludes our list of cities in North America that deserve a place in your bucket list. Next up we’ll be exploring the Best Cities of Europe to Visit !

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15 comments.

What a great guide! I can’t wait to return to North America to visit some of them…

Sarah McDonald

Great list! I can’t wait to explore some of these cities now the world has started to open back up.

Lenore | The Nitty Gritty Travel OT

These are all such great suggestions! I’ve been to a few mentioned on the list, and learned so much more about destinations I haven’t visited yet. Can’t wait to explore more.

ANUKRATI DOSI

Edmonton looks so nice. Is it worth spending 2 days there?

Elena Pappalardo

What a great round-up post. I’ve been to a few of the gems on this list, but I definitely need to catch up! Ontario looks especially beautiful.

You’ve picked some really nice Canadian cities to add to your list! I haven’t been to any in Mexico yet, but I’ve been to a couple in the states – so many more to see though!

Rachel - Rays of Adventure

This is a great list! I’ve been to lots of the USA cities, I really enjoyed Washington DC and New York. I haven’t been to Canada yet, I’d love to check out some of the cities on your list in Canada. Thanks for sharing!

So many great cities to visit – where to start?

Rob + Ann @TravelLatte

What a great collection of cities! Happy to say that we’ve been to all of the US cities, and a good number of the rest, but disappointed that none of our Texas cities are on the list! We have had Niagara on our list for way too long; I think that will be next for us!

Great list! I love how varied this continent can be – it is really reflected in the huge diversity in this list of cities. Plus you included my favourite, Vanxouver. 😉

simplyjolayne

I grew up in Canada, and there is still so much of that country that I need to visit. Hoping to get to the Eastern Islands next year.

So many great suggestions! Lots I still haven’t been to but want to, like Vancouver. And as a DC girl, I can confirm it belongs on this list 🙂

So many to choose from! If I had to pick a favourite form those I’ve seen so far it might have to be the minstral fill streets of Havana, but I’ve got my work cut out researching those I have yet to have the pleasure of meeting. I might have to start with Mexico City.

I live in Washington DC. I recommend visitors book a walking tour of a historic neighborhood on their day off arrival so they can learn about a local’s favorites for restaurants and museums to visit. I love writing about my city!

Your travel stories are always so captivating. I find myself daydreaming about my own adventures after reading your posts.

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Get off the beaten path at these 10 incredible places in North America

Oct 25, 2022 • 17 min read

Waterton Lakes National Park, in Alberta, Canada, is a microcosm of the larger Rocky Mountain parks to the north without the crowds © phototropic / Getty

It's not just you, the world's most touristy places are more crowded than ever.

The number of people traveling internationally has grown steadily since the 1950s with a great spike in the last year as travel interests peak in a post-pandemic era. Intense airline competition, falling fares and increases in disposable incomes are just some of the key reasons why travel has boomed in the past few decades: pre-pandemic, the United Nations World Tourism Organization recorded around 1.5 billion annual international tourist arrivals globally. But where do 1.5 billion people go?

The problem is, not all destinations are created equal in the eyes of tourists. In recent years we have cultivated homogenous travel desires whereby, often, we’re all striving towards the same experiences. We collectively dream of seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris (check), the Grand Canyon (check) or the Hong Kong skyline from Victoria Peak (check).

Traveling beyond the classic honeypot destinations is a terrific way to spread your money to corners of the globe where local people desperately need it. Seek out the places where tourists are few and far between and your visit has the potential to make a real difference to people’s lives, creating incomes and opportunities that can empower entire communities.

Get inspired to travel off the beaten path with these 10 select highlights from Lonely Planet's new  Offbeat  book; certain to feed your wanderlust. 

Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada

Move over Banff and Glacier National Park  — this Rocky Mountain bolthole has it all

In the Rocky Mountains between the big-ticket national parks of Glacier in the US and Banff in Canada, Waterton Lakes enjoys less celebrity and less traffic than its esteemed neighbors. Yet this spectacular pocket of the Rockies has international pedigree. Inaugurated in 1895 as one of the world’s first national parks, it has since been recognized by Unesco as a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. To add to its uniqueness, Waterton was conjoined with Glacier in 1932 to form America’s first International Peace Park, symbolizing the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

With its small town and handsome heritage hotel surrounded by chiseled mountains and a long navigable lake, Waterton is, in many ways, a microcosm of the larger Rocky Mountain parks to the north. But with all its sights stuffed into a compact 505 sq km (195 sq miles), its wilderness is refreshingly accessible. A rugged trail network emanates directly from Waterton’s town and more than 800 wildflower species dot its brawny backcountry, along with bears, cougars and ungulates.

Getting there:  Waterton lies in Alberta's southwestern corner, 270km (168 miles) south of Calgary . The one-road entrance into the park is in its northeastern corner, along Hwy 5. Car rental is available at Calgary International Airport. Alternatively, buses from Calgary and Fort Macleod will get you as far as Pincher Creek from where you can get a taxi the final 56km (35 miles) to Waterton town.

When to go:  Jun-Sep; July and August offer the best weather and the most recreational opportunities, but also draw over half the annual visitors. Late spring is good for migratory birds and waterfalls. Early fall brings golden foliage, quiet trails and slightly cheaper accommodations.

Pro tip:  Bring binoculars, a star chart and a warm blanket. Waterton Lakes is a Dark Sky Park with low light pollution, making it a wonderful place for stargazing. Head to Cameron Bay near the townsite on a cloudless summer night.

Canada's best national parks

Monte Albán, Mexico

In the Oaxaca clouds lies a pre-Columbian city to rival Chichén Itzá

Though it bears a strong resemblance to Chichén Itzá, Mexico’s hilltop complex of Monte Albán pre-dates its Yucatán cousin by 750 years and receives just a fifth of the visitors. Set high above Oaxaca City , it was built by the Zapotecs around 500 BCE but eventually faded into slow obscurity until Leopoldo Batres began excavations in 1902, discovering a trove of important gold and striking pyramids. Alongside Chichén Itzá and the pre-Aztec Teotihuacan ruins outside Mexico City , Monte Albán is one of the most important pre-Columbian archaeological treasures of Mesoamerica.

The site’s strategic hilltop location puts it level with the clouds above Oaxaca’s Central Valleys, and as visitors stroll the grounds they can ponder the astronomical observations made from the site centuries ago. The Zapotec god of rain, Cocijo, was the main deity worshipped here, perhaps because the 400m (1312ft) elevation gives the perfect vantage on any storm clouds moving in. Come on a weekday and it can feel like a place where time has collapsed, far from the busy city below.

Getting there:  Monte Albán is only 10km (6 miles) from Oaxaca International Airport, with direct flights from airports including Mexico City and Houston’s IAH. If you’re not pressed for time, it’s also easy to visit Oaxaca traveling by road from Mexico City.

When to go:  Oct–Nov; October marks the start of the dry season, with ideal temperatures and clear skies. Time your trip right (in the lead-up to November 1-2), and you can view the local Day of the Dead altars in Oaxaca City during your stay.

Pro tip: Bring your own water – vendors may not be on hand and Monte Albán can be exposed to the sun (hats and sunscreen are a good idea as well).

Weird and wonderful hotels in Mexico for a unique vacation

Ontario’s Black History Sites, Canada

The Underground Railroad led many formerly enslaved people to Canada.

In the 1800s, the network of safe houses across the US known as the Underground Railroad sheltered formerly enslaved people escaping to freedom. At least 30,000 of the Black Americans who followed this route settled in Canada , the majority in southwestern Ontario. Several sites across this region, west of Toronto and east of Detroit , enable visitors to learn more about the lives that these new Canadians established and the experiences of their descendants. While many locations across the US educate visitors about slavery and the struggles for civil rights, fewer travelers are aware of the way history played out in Canada.

The Ontario communities with key Black settlements include Windsor, Sandwich, Amherstburg, Dresden, Buxton and Chatham. The latter became a hub of intellectual life for Black Canadians known as ‘Black Mecca.’ The region’s attractions immerse visitors in railroad history, as you walk through 19th-century cabins and schoolrooms, examine shackles used on the enslaved or listen to (virtual) dogs barking as if you, too, were fleeing to freedom.

Getting there:  Toronto Pearson International Airport is the main Canadian air gateway to Southwestern Ontario, but Detroit Metro Airport, across the border in the US, is also convenient. Via Rail trains travel between Toronto and Windsor, which makes a good starting point for explorations. Once you reach the region, public transit between communities is limited, so it’s easiest to explore by car.

When to go:  May-early Oct; Summer has the warmest temperatures and everything is open; September and October are good months to visit if you want to combine your trip with autumn leaf-peeping and crisp days.

Pro tip:  The Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation’s website is a helpful resource for planning travel to the region.

16 hiking trails that showcase the very best of Canada

The Lost Sierra, California, USA

Where old gold-mining communities are reviving trails for adventurers.

Speeding downhill, your shoulders skimming the trunks of giant trees and the wheels of your bike bouncing over rocks and roots, it’s impossible to take your eyes off the trail ahead. But pull over occasionally to appreciate your surroundings among ponderosa pines or red fir trees, blue jays hopping from branch to branch, the only sound a river churning with snowmelt below. And there won’t be another soul in sight.

This is because you’re in the Lost Sierra , a triangle of 2591m (8500ft) peaks and glacial lakes roughly between the towns of Quincy, Graeagle and Downieville, a four-hour drive northeast from San Francisco . The closest comparison in California’s northern Sierra Nevada is Lake Tahoe nearby, but the Lost Sierra has none of that region’s visitor traffic. You don’t need to ride a bike to discover the Lost Sierra, either. The region is threaded with trails pioneered by gold miners 170 years ago but newly restored for hikers, horse riders and off-road motorcyclists by local groups determined to put the Lost Sierra back on the map.

Getting there:  The closest airports are Reno-Tahoe, Sacramento, Oakland and San Francisco (the latter two most used by international visitors). From the west, Hwy 49 is the main (and twisty) route. From the north and east, you’ll likely use Hwy 89 or 70. There’s no practical way to explore the Lost Sierra without a vehicle of your own.

When to go:  May-Oct; Higher trails may still be snow-bound in early June, although lower elevations are open all year. Ever-shorter winters bring snow, perfect for snowmobiles and snowshoeing. Fishing season is from April to November. Fire season gets longer each year.

Pro tip:  There are no reasonable public transport options — you’ll need to have your own wheels or rent a vehicle. There are few gas stations here and even fewer electric vehicle charging points, so top up when you can.

Why you should drive California's scenic Highway 395

Utuado, Puerto Rico

Taíno culture and river adventures in the mountains of Puerto Rico.

Tourists flock to Puerto Rico’s beaches but the island’s cultural heartbeat lies folded into the mountains of Utuado. Once home to the Taíno, the Indigenous people who inhabited much of the Caribbean before European contact, this lush area is a place for nature adventures and unique rentals. While only 1.5 hours from San Juan , tourists who base themselves here will find an emphasis on wellness and scenic tropical views reminiscent of Bali’s Ubud.

Utuado is one of the least populated areas of Puerto Rico. Peace and quiet reign – instead of the sounds of pumping nightlife, guests are serenaded by the dusk-induced song of coquís, small native tree frogs. Utuado feels secluded and mystical, providing a portal back in time through impeccably preserved petroglyphs at Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Caribbean. To get there requires navigating winding, narrow roads but those who make the effort are rewarded with a connection to Puerto Rico’s ancestral pulse.

Getting there: Most visitors to Utuado fly into San Juan International Airport (SJU) but Rafael Hernandez Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla is another viable option. Both are less than 2 hours from Utuado, easily accessed by rental car. There is no public transportation to the area and shared car services can be hard to find.

When to go: Mid-Dec—Mar; Avoid hurricane season (June to November) and visit when the weather is cool and dry. This will allow for hiking and nature exploration with less chance of downpours, and maximize the odds of sunshine.

Pro tip:  Special dietary requirements can be hard to cater for in Utuado because of its remoteness. If you need particular foods, consider bringing your own supplies – you can stock up at a supermarket like Freshmart in the metro area.

East End Puerto Rico, the perfect San Juan alternative

Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA

Blissful isolation keeps this Texan park from being overrun.

The mountains meet the desert in Big Bend , a vast national park tucked into a remote corner of west Texas. Set with steep-walled canyons, craggy peaks and a verdant river corridor carving through the scrubland, this expansive wilderness offers a wide range of adventures. You can spend your days hiking rugged trails, paddling along smooth rivers and soaking in natural hot springs, followed by an evening of stargazing in one of the world’s largest Dark Sky Parks. Big Bend is also an avian paradise, with over 450 bird species — the most of any national park in the US.

Make no mistake: Big Bend is remote. It’s more than three hours from the nearest airport, and by road, it’s a long way from anywhere (it's at least an eight-hour drive from Dallas and Houston). Its isolation, however, has saved it from overdevelopment. The national park receives less than 10% of the visitors the Grand Canyon receives, and multiday excursions — like rafting on the Rio Grande — don’t require booking many months in advance.

Getting there:  A car is essential to reach Big Bend. The nearest airports are in Midland, three hours north, and El Paso, five hours west. Rental cars are available at either airport. Main park roads are accessible to normal vehicles, but if you want to go deeper (and pitch a tent at remote backcountry road sites), you’ll need a 4WD.

When to go:  Oct-Apr; Outside of the blazing summer months, you’ll find cooler temperatures as well as wildflowers in the spring (March through April). Winter is mild, though light snow is a possibility, and park trails are empty.

Pro tip:  The Chisos Basin is a key gateway, with a visitor center, campground and trailheads (including access to Emory Peak). The Chisos Mountains Lodge, the park’s only non-camping accommodation, is also here.

The 6 most unmissable road trips in Texas

Buffalo, New York, USA  

New York City's little brother is a model of revival and resilience.

Thanks to its location on Lake Erie, Buffalo boomed in the early 1900s. Industries like steel manufacturing and car production thrived, and it was a major hub for transporting agricultural products from the Midwest. With power on tap from nearby Niagara Falls , it was the first American city to have electric streetlights. Talented architects were commissioned to design buildings and landscape the city’s parks, including Louis Sullivan, HH Richardson and Frederick Law Olmsted. Industrial collapse across the rust belt in the late 20th century left Buffalo a shadow of its former self, but in the last decade, revival has been in the air.

New York State’s second-largest city has been restoring its architectural gems, turning them into classy hotels and restaurants and incorporating them into public spaces. View impressive early career works by Frank Lloyd Wright, sip your way through a burgeoning craft beer scene and check out the redeveloped waterfront districts. This is a city that can hold its own against New York and Chicago, but which receives a fraction of their visitor numbers.

Getting there:  Amtrak trains run to Buffalo’s downtown Exchange Street Station from New York City (8hr 30min), Niagara Falls (1r), Albany (5hr) and Toronto (4hr 30min). All services also stop at Buffalo-Depew Station, 13km (8 miles) east of the city center, which links in with trains from Chicago (10hr 30min). Alternatively, fly to Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

When to go:  May–Aug; Summertime is the city's high season, but the weather can't be beat: average highs are in the mid to upper 20s°C (upper 70s°F to low 80s°F).

Pro tip: In downtown Buffalo, Metro Rail trains are free to ride for the stops between the Theater District and Harborcenter along Main St.

New York's best road trips

Sunshine Coast Trail, Canada

An epic adventure traveling hut-to-hut across British Columbia.

Canada’s longest backcountry hut-to-hut hiking route travels through the forests and mountains of coastal British Columbia  in the region known as the Sunshine Coast. Yes, it can be sunny as you traverse this 180km (112 mile) route above the Pacific Ocean, particularly during the summer months, but you’re trekking in a temperate coastal rainforest, too. You’ll cross mossy bridges, shade yourself among old-growth firs and cedars, and—if you’re lucky—spot bald eagles soaring above the treetops as you hike.

There are 14 rustic huts in total – all free to use. Versatility is part of the beauty of this trail: those who don’t want to tackle the entire route, which takes most experienced hikers 10 to 12 days, can day-hike sections, plan a shorter multiple-day backpacking trip, or organize an inn-to-inn adventure that combines hiking with craft beer tasting, canoeing and small-town exploring. Midway up the coast, the town of Powell River is a good base for tackling the trail in smaller segments.

Getting there: Vancouver is the international gateway. BC Ferries operates car ferry services from Horseshoe Bay, northwest of downtown Vancouver, to Langdale at the Sunshine Coast’s southern end. From Langdale, it’s an 80km (50 mile) drive north to Earls Cove, where you catch a second ferry to Saltery Bay, on the Upper Sunshine Coast, where the Sunshine Coast Trail begins.

When to go:  Jun-Sep; The driest months on the Sunshine Coast are during the summer and early fall; October to April are particularly rainy throughout coastal British Columbia. Snow can linger into May at higher elevations.

Pro tip:  Black bears live on the Sunshine Coast. Make noise as you hike to avoid surprising them and secure your food out of reach overnight.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

The blue-collar brewski city with enough guts to rival nearby Chicago.

Milwaukee gets overlooked, standing as it does in Chicago’s shadow, and that’s a shame. Because like its big-city sibling, Milwaukee also flaunts a top-tier art museum, buzzing beer scene and beaches aplenty set against a Lake Michigan backdrop, but with only half the number of visitors partaking in the bounty. Those who make the trip 145km (90 miles) north are rewarded with a city that’s more relaxed, compact and inexpensive. Plus Milwaukee has several peculiar attractions you won’t find anywhere else, like the Bobblehead Museum, where more than 6500 dolls’ noggins bounce, and the American Geographical Society Library, filled with old maps, globes and Captain Cook’s hand-drawn charts.

Milwaukee developed its singular personality early on. Germans settled the city in the 1840s and many started breweries. By the 1880s Pabst, Schlitz, Blatz, Miller and 80 other breweries made suds here, and Milwaukee became known as the ‘nation’s watering hole.’ These days, Miller and a slew of microbreweries carry on the legacy.

Getting there:  Getting to Milwaukee is a cinch, thanks to frequent train and bus services from Chicago right into downtown’s core. Milwaukee’s mid-sized airport has direct flights to 40 US cities. International flights typically go through Chicago.

When to go:  Apr–May & Sep–Nov; Summer (June through August) is warm and festival laden, though it’s also the busiest time to visit. Spring and fall have fair weather and plenty of outdoor action, but with fewer crowds.

Pro tip:  Stay over on a Friday evening so you can experience the traditional fish fry, a communal meal of beer-battered cod and coleslaw, when locals gather and mark the workweek’s end.

10 must-do things on your trip to Milwaukee 

Waterpocket Fold, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, USA

Utah’s Grand Canyon has bags of drama but none of the tourists.

If you’re fantasizing about the kind of big deserts, red-rock mesas, searing blue skies and blazing-fire sunsets that only America’s wild, wild west can deliver, you’ve probably got the Grand Canyon in mind. It’s astonishing, no question, but it has also succumbed to the Unesco touch – popular trails, viewpoints and campgrounds get swamped in peak summer. Whereas a giant 563km (350 mile) leap north brings you to the delightfully under-the-radar Capitol Reef National Park , which receives just a trickle of the visitors, yet has an equally staggering geological marvel up its sleeve.

Out on its lonesome in Utah’s red rock country, Capitol Reef is remote enough to remain peaceful even during peak season. The park is a geologist’s dream, centering on the Waterpocket Fold, a near-160km (100 mile) wrinkle on the earth formed by the same forces that lifted the Colorado Plateau 65 million years ago. As the land buckled, it gave rise to a rocky spine of canyons, bridges, white-tipped domes, rust-red cliffs, fossils and skinny slot canyons, whittled into form over many millennia.

Getting there: You’re going to need your own wheels – and make it a 4WD if you plan on exploring the park’s remotest reaches. The closest international airport is Salt Lake City , 370km (230 miles) north. Alternatively, fly to Las Vegas , 547km (340 miles) southwest.

When to go:  Mar–early Oct; Spring brings mild days perfect for hiking and orchards in full bloom; fall is just as glorious (bring layers for chilly nights in both seasons). Days are hot and arid in summer.

Pro tip:  Book months ahead if you want to camp as demand is high, especially at the well-equipped Fruita Campground (open March to October). Otherwise, you’ll find a sprinkling of rustic lodges and rental cabins in Torrey.

The 8 best road trips in Utah

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20 Best Destinations in North America

North America is a continent filled with a lot of tourist places. The Rocky Mountains, the coastal beauties or the lush green landscape – all in one continent is North America for you. Historical sites form a prominent part of the tourist attractions. Nature and man-made beauties blend and give the world a vibrant life.

Table of Contents

Wailea, Hawaii, The United States of America

Cambria, california, the united states of america, manitoba, canada, quebec city, canada, chichen itza, mexico, samana, dominican republic, tulum, mexico, old havana, cuba, page, arizona, the united states of america, lafayette, louisiana, the united states of america, cabo rojo, puerto rico, old montreal, canada, canyonlands national park, the united states of america, haida gwaii, canada, banff and lake louise, canada, hilo, hawaii, the united states of america, kitts and nevis, the caribbean, tao ski valley, new mexico, the united states of america, yukon, canada, vincent and grenadines, caribbean, here is the list of 20 best tourist destinations in north america:.

1500 acres of complete beaches and resorts, privacy filled elite island in Hawaii is the Wailea. The blue water view from the shore and the sun at the top glaciating the water is a gift of nature, and this is readily available for anyone who visits. This place has the ‘Wailea Beach’, the Polo Beach where people indulge in snorkeling.

If you are a morning jogger or a walker, you can visit the Ulua Beach Park. The visit to the natural reserve is worth the time and the visit to La Perouse Bay also a tribute to your visit list. Come here and stay pampered in the hands of Mother Nature.

A village in the seaside, notably a very calm place filled with magnificence. The coastal walk on the shore is one activity that can give you peace and relaxation. Rocky hills and beaches are pure attractions from heaven. Along watching the blue waters, the sight of sea life, like seals, starfishes, crabs and much more will add the cherry to the cake.

Hearst Castle and the Cambria Historical Museum must not slip out from your visit list. With the hills filled with Monterey Pine forest gives this place a unique look.

A paradise of fabulous wildlife, Manitoba must be on your visit list for this year. The place is populated with Polar Bears and other animals which you will be able to see only here. The excellent landscape of mountains, lakes, streams, and forests is a tribute to the beauty of this place.

The saltwater coastline of Manitoba is on the borders and interiors of this place is adorned with many freshwater lakes. The sea life, as well as the lake water life, is immense, and you could get to see many of them o your trip to Manitoba.

The capital of Quebec is by far a modern outlook of historical sites. This city notably has European Architecture with the event of European possession of this place hundreds of years before. The parks in Quebec City has a special mention and that too with Battlefields park, where you can find a lot of arms and ammunition used in the earlier years.

A noteworthy place to be visited for its beauty, culture, landscapes, and history.An ultimate destination of peace and relaxation.

Heard of the Mayans, and here is a place constructed by them. Chichen Itza has multicultural architectural styles. This place must have had people living in from diverse cultural base, and it is evident from the fact that the artifacts shows different cultures in different periods. This archeological site is the UNESCO world heritage site.

The Chacmools will give you a welcome as they are temple guardian figures, of course, it is in midst of ruins, but easy to spot and wonder. El Castillo, a four-sided simple pyramid is named for its simplicity. The temple of the warriors is a magnificent architecture in the making and it is a treat tow watch. The hall of thousand columns is a mammoth structure and many wonders like these still exist and it is all from the past.

Lush greeneries, high mountains, and beach sand, this is how we can describe Samana, an interesting place to visit. It is indeed relaxing to be here for the quiet atmosphere and only the sounds of waves shall whisper.

If you are an adventure lover than attempt a trek to El Limon Waterfall. If you are more concerned on the 2-kilometer walk, you can opt for a horseback ride. Ziplining and the tree houses will add fun to your trip. Adding to it, you can watch the lush tropical forests from such a height is breathtaking. Yoga retreat centers will offer you the solace of your lifetime.

Again, the Mayans are here. The Port city of Mayans, Tulum is a place of beach waters and white sand. It is a laid-back city and known for dense jungles. The visit to the cenotes will be refreshing as you could see crystal clear water. In fact, there are many Cenotes in Mexico and the most beautiful ones are in Tulum.

Scuba diving in the sinkholes is an activity truly for an adventure seeker. The ruins of the Tulum are an educative version of remembering the early inhabitants of the place, the Mayans. It is also clear that this place was a religious center for the Mayans. If you wish to sleep in a small hut in the jungle, it is an ecstatic one and you will get to do it here.

A place to see the historic sites, classical cars, forts, and museums – Old Havana is a heaven of architectural gems too. It is always recommended to explore the city by walk to experience the most out of the trip.

Cathedral of the Virgin Mary invites you with its 1700s architecture marvel. Five-century old social gathering area in the form of Plaza de Armas, a nice hang out for anyone. Plaza Vieja gives you the energy of the city and most people gather here most part of the day. Very old forts and wonderful historical sites marks your trip to be an enjoyable one.

A fabulous desert city should be on your visit list. Nature’s gift can be seen right from the horseshoe bend. You may wonder how this Colorado river creates such a magnificent structure on its own. Now when we talk about a river, we must also talk about the rocks as it had formed its natural arch type gateway and you can find it in the Rainbow bridge national monument.

A popular place Antelope Canyon is a wonderful place to visit here. The Vermillion cliffs national park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and the Lake Powel, mother nature has not forgotten even single dust from making it excellent.

The feel of visiting a whole new world is created while you visit Lafayette. The crystal clear water and the lush green trees and its colors getting reflected from the water – relaxing moments are tons here.

The National historical parks, the museums also form a part of your visit. If you are a craft lover, you have your options open in Lafayette. The exploration of folklife can begin with Vermilionville.

Mangroves, Coral reefs, and beaches, Cabo Rojo cannot be defined with only these, as there are millions to be explored while you visit here. The best scenic beach locations are the trademark excellence of Cabo Rojo.

Cabo Rojo Wildlife refuge has got many to offer you if you want to spend some time other than the beach. A variety of activities are lineup for you and guess what, it is not much crowded. The Los Morillo’s lighthouse is inside this refuge. One of nature’s marvels in the form of a natural arch formed by the rocks is the best by Mother Nature here.

A yesteryear city in modern times, Old Montreal wears an old model attire to the structure of it. Energetic Plazas with narrow streets welcome you graciously. Museums, Clock tower are the most famous here and everyone knows about it.

Pop up spaces are created for the people here and it is a fun-filled place where lot of people gather for a drink and dine. Notre Dame Basilica are for the religious people, of course, a very old one, built in the 1600s. Old Montreal Food tour shall complete your trip with tummy filled relaxation.

An amazing scenic park where you can spend quality time in many activities. Be it the 4-wheel drive exploration or a biking, you will have an amazing time viewing the beauty of the park. Camping is the perfect activity in this place and climbing rocks is for the adventure lovers. High lengths of hiking are a preferable activity as well.

The desert land and a river are a never see combination in the world, this national park is a known for its rock towers.

UNESCO world heritage site houses Wildlife rich national parks, wonderful islands and heritage sites. The cultural center offers a great deal of history and culture of the place. Haida historical sites will display the architectural marvels which are thousands of years old. If you are fun lover, then the north beach must be the right place where you can do multiple activities.

Be it the Whale watching or museum visiting, this place has almost everything for every type of a traveler.

Crystal Turquoise water with adjacent mountains covered with lush green shrubs and trees will take you to a wonderland thought. Yes, Lake Louise is a replica of an imaginary wonderland. Hikes with glaciers, never heard of it. You can experience it here. The huge glacier formations are a flamboyant watch to the visitors.

Hiking along the shores are a best in the world here, where only nature is with you. A husky group shall help you move around the snow-covered areas, and much more.

To begin this tour, first, it is the Akaka falls, a good hike will take you there to enjoy the world-famous waterfalls. The coconut island the next is for relaxing, it has good beaches and nice ambiance for a relaxing vacation. The drive along the Hamuka coast has got a lot of things to see, right from canyons to waterfalls.

To learn the culture then it is the Imiloa Astronomy Center. The Kaumana caves and Rainbow falls are nature’s natural works of art.

This twin-island welcomes people to live-in picture-perfect landscapes and relaxation guaranteed. St. Kitts is quite opposite to Nevis, as the latter is more of a nature-built lifestyle, whereas St. Kitts is an extrovert.

The ‘Gibraltar of West indies’ – Brimstone Hill Fortress must be in your visit list. Climb to the top and view all other islands in one stretch and the scenic beauty is to be experienced not read. Oualie and Pinney’s Beach are the best in Nevis to have an adventure mixed relaxed lifestyle. Cockleshell Bay is a place where you can view the Nevis from this island. The Golf Club and the scenic railway will all form a part of your memorable trip here.

The climatic condition of this place makes it a good place to visit the entire year. The native American culture is strongly protected here. Taos has the best snow for skiing, and it is famous for its smoothness. Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO world heritage site offers a history of over 1000 years.

A not much-explored place by many, it is an enchanting place to refresh and relive.

This place is a very adventurous and mountainous region. Very unusual wildlife is protected at Yukon Wildlife Preserve. They treat the sick wild animals, retreat them and send them to the wild. Miles Canyon is a gold rush place once, Yukon keeps the natural beauty intact here.

Emerald Lake, Watson Lakes are the prime spots in Yukon and spend a lot of leisure time here to get the worth of living.

This mainland and a mix of many islands offers you variety of landscapes. This wonderful place is a pack of adventure, classical and peaceful destination. Be it the nature parks or the Beaches, you will have your life filled with joy. Snorkeling and Kayaking are major activities here.

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Places To Visit In Northern America

Best Time: September - November & March - May Read More

Budget: Very Expensive

Here are the top 24 destinations to visit in Northern America

1. washington.

1 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

The Capital of United States, Washington, DC is a legatee of neoclassic beauty. A city which is not only famous for its museums and monuments, but also for the cultural style it embosses with its nightlife, performing art venues and trendy shops.

2. US Virgin Islands

2 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

The US Virgin Islands or USVI, are a group of islands in the Caribbean. The islands are geographically part of the Virgin Islands archipelago and are located in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles. The USVI consist of the main islands of Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas, and many oth...

3. Charleston

3 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

Cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and centuries-old mansions- Charleston owns all the props for a classic vintage picture. This port city's beauty shuffles different shades throughout the year, making Charleston a destination with a unique mesmerizing allure every time you visit here.

4. Yellowstone National Park

4 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

Located across 3 states, the Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular National Parks in North America and also the world. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is known mostly for it's several thousand geothermal features, stunning views and the vast array of flora and fauna which are found her...

5. Baltimore

5 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

Maryland's Largest City Baltimore is the 30th most populous city in the US which is also the largest independent city. Earlier crowned as a city with high crime rates, Baltimore has now emerged as a city rich in history and culture. Lying just 40 miles away from Washington, there's a lot t...

6. Quebec City

6 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

One of the more prominent francophonie areas worldwide, Qu_bec is rich and vibrant, in every sense. Culture, art, adventure, religion, natural beauty and luxury are all found in abundance in Qu_bec, and makes it one of the most versatile areas around the world, fit for any tourist.

7. Honolulu

7 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

Hawaii's capital, Honolulu, is the most vibrant city of Oahu, with most of the population of the state living here. The city is a hub of historic landmarks, popular shopping centres, arts and cultures scenes. It's also a major hub for international business and military defence. Famou...

8 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

Thriving in the arts and culture department, Dallas is the new hipster hub with its many arts districts and museums. The city has a bitter brush-in with history by being the city where John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963 and the site is memorialized at the Dealey Plaza with the exact ...

9 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

Polynesian heritage mixed with the modern American lifestyle is what makes Maui a beautiful Hawaiian island.  Maui, the second-largest of the Hawaiian islands is a popular tourist destination, mostly among North Americans. Its called the 'Valley Isle' as it sits between the east and the west vo...

10. Orlando

10 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

Orlando welcomes more than 52 million visitors every year and that's enough to define its popularity all over the world. The star of Orlando is the famous Walt Disney World, which is situated 18 miles south in Lake Buena Vista. The County seat of Orange County, Orlando is known as 'the Theme Pa...

11. Montreal

11 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

Montreal is the second largest city in Canada. A city rich in culture and history, Montreal never fails to impress its visitors. Beautiful architecture, festive spirit, interesting museums and delicious cuisine- you're sure to fall in love with this city full of life.

12. San Diego

12 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

Home to serene white-sand beaches, San Diego is popularly called 'America's Finest City'. San Diego is the second-largest city in California, while it ranks no. 8 in the list of the largest cities in the United States. With incredible weather conditions throughout the year and over 60 beaches, the s...

13. Las Vegas

13 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

Las Vegas - a place that brings neon signboards, iconic hotels and the legendary casinos to our minds. For the ultimate, no-limits entertainment trip, there is hardly any place in the world that comes close to Vegas. The city's bright skyline, the super luxury hotels and resorts, the world-famous ca...

14. Vancouver

14 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

Surrounded by mountains and beautiful scenery, Vancouver is a city known for its natural beauty and diversity. A city of many mixtures, contrasts and cultures, Vancouver is a must visit for any tourist.

15. Seattle

15 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

Seattle is the largest city in both the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest region of North America. The city has thousands of acres worth of green spaces and parks, making the city a perfect mix of a concrete jungle and beautiful greenery. Seattle is the third-largest port in North Americ...

16. New York City

16 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

An iconic global centre that has inspired the world with its brilliant architecture, movies, and art. Also known as the Big Apple, New York is well-known for its magnificent skyscrapers, Broadway shows and beautiful landmarks, making it the perfect destination for travellers from all over.

17 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

Boston is the largest city in Massachusetts, the testifier of the American Revolution and an international hub for education. Boston takes pride in its rich history and is counted as one of the oldest cities in America. Popularly known as "Beantown", the name that's originated from Boston baked...

18. San Francisco

18 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

San Francisco is one of the most important cities on the West Coast and all of the United States. It has been a major tourist destination since the 1960s, thanks to its wide array of attractions, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge fantastic views of the San Francisco Bay and brilliant summer weather...

19 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

Miami is a seaport city famous for its beaches and nightlife. This vibrant town is also referred to as the 'Cruise Capital of the World' with cruise ships from all over docking at Port Miami. Many large companies and corporate houses have its headquarters in Miami making&nbs...

20. Victoria

20 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

Victoria is one of the biggest attractions of Canada, for its mild climate, natural beauty and history, which is accessible throughout the year. Picturesquely present in the craggy regions of Canada, Victoria is the best place for the ones in search of history, relaxation, and beautiful scenery.

21. Toronto

21 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

Toronto, the capital of Ontario, is the most populous city of Canada and the fifth largest city in North America, is the financial capital of the county and one of the most mutli culturally diverse cities of the word. Located on shore of the beautiful Lake Ontario, the city is know for its skyscrape...

22. Chicago

22 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

Third largest city in the United States, Chicago is a metropolitan situated in the state Illinois. Beautified with the outlining freshwater Lake Michigan, the Windy City is known for its diverse and lively neighbourhoods.

23. Puerto Rico

23 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

Puerto Rico is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting places with the beautiful Caribbean beaches, the amazing island landscapes, the underwater experiences, and the rich Caribbean culture. Though Puerto Rico is technically a territory of the United States, the atmosphere of the Caribbean is ab...

24. Los Angeles

24 out of 24 Places To Visit in Northern America

Los Angeles is the hub of all activities on the famous West Coast of the United States. It is the second-largest city in the country, and one of the US's prime tourist cities. Home to the world-famous Hollywood entertainment industry, Los Angeles has become a huge tourist destination. It is a great ...

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The 9 Most Fun Adventure Lodges in North America

Every great adventure needs a staging area. Here they are, from simple and affordable to dreamy and luxe, in unbelievable locations, with endless terrain to explore and a warm bed to return to at night.

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Base camp might be my favorite two words in the English language. Base camp is where you stage the next excursion, or refuel with a bowl of stew, or a beer. You rest and recover there. If you’re lucky, you can slip into a hot tub or cold spring, because base camps don’t always have to be a tent or in the back of your truck. Sometimes, base camp can be a lodge with soft sheets and a chef.

I’ve gathered a handful of my personal favorite adventure lodges and picked a few more destination hotels and chalets on my bucket list. Some of them are high-end and  worthy of a splurge, while others are downright affordable. All of them are chosen specifically for their locations and adventures they offer, putting visitors within reach of dramatic landscapes while providing gear, know-how, and sometimes in-house guides. Because occasionally it’s nice not to have to plan everything yourself.

The Gravel House Hotel, Patagonia, Arizona

You may not have heard of Patagonia, Arizona, a tiny town of 800-ish sitting at the base of the Patagonia Mountains, near the Mexico border. Much of the surrounding land is protected by the Coronado National Forest, which houses a chunk of the 700-mile Arizona Trail, while a lifetime of gravel rides begin and end in the two-block downtown.

The Gravel House is a collection of homes and a small hotel with nine rooms and a communal kitchen, all in the heart of town. The hotel is owned by cycling guide and chef Zander Ault, who you can hire to whip up regional delicacies like green chile stew and carne asada tacos. He and his team can also lead you on day rides through plains of shimmering grass flanked by the 7,000-foot Patagonias, which were capped with snow when I was there last spring. I loved the riding, which had me pedaling firm gravel through narrow canyons to historic ruins and across broad grasslands to the Mexican border before returning to town for a cold beer.

The Adventure: You can hike or mountain bike a slice of the Arizona Trail, but the gravel is the magic here. I’ve stayed at The Gravel House, spending three days exploring the lonely roads of the area, and want to return to it and the landscape. Elevation gain is moderate, so you can cover a lot of ground exploring canyons and prairies that butt up against the border with Mexico, just 18 miles away. Check out the 30-mile Alto Ghost Town ride, which climbs to the ruins of a mining camp from 1933.

Logistics: Rooms start at $135 per night, with chef services and guiding extra. Guided day rides start at $295 per person and include high-end Pivot bike rentals.

Sol Mountain Lodge, Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada

At 3.855 million square miles, Canada is a big place—among the world’s countries, only Russia is bigger—so no lodge can put you within striking distance of everything that our neighbors to the north offer. But Sol Mountain Lodge , south of one of Canada’s great destination towns, Revelstoke, brings you into the thick of the Monashee Mountains, which are blanketed with powder in winter and host hundreds of miles of trails in summer. Sol Mountain provides backcountry skiers access to the Monashees’ alpine bowls and steep chutes during chilly months (the lodge is owned and operated by certified members of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides), and the rest of the year mountain bikers and hikers can explore the high alpine singletrack.

The lodge is off-grid, with all of the power generated on-site by micro-hydro electricity, but sustainable doesn’t mean uncomfortable.The place has private rooms, a gear room, full kitchen, and a bar stocked with local craft beers. There’s also a small library with books and games as well as guitars, a box drum, and a mandolin, if you’re musically inclined. There’s even a wood-fired sauna.

The Adventure : The lodge shares a border with Monashee Provincial Park, and the owner/operators have built a trail system that extends from the lodge into the park, with permits to lead ski, biking, and hiking trips throughout. Mountain bikers are going to want to ride loads of trails , but the five-mile Infinity and Beyond Loop is a must. The purpose-built trail has it all—ridgetop views of the Provincial Park and the Gold Range Mountains, lots of rock features, and a thrilling downhill back to the lodge. All rides end with a dip in Sol Lake, on Sol Lodge’s property, where the owners will stash a six pack by shore to keep it cold for you.

Logistics: In winter, you have to fly into the lodge (helicopter rides from Kelowna International Airport are included in the cost of a winter trip); stays require a five- or six-night trip (from $3250 Canadian per person) and include guides. But in the summer, you can make the 55-kilometer (34-mile) drive from Revelstoke on 4WD forest roads. Summer rates are per day, and catered trips (all meals included), start at $350 per person per night, two-night minimum.

Paradise Lodge, the Rogue River, Oregon

Once on site, you can enjoy hiking trails that start on the property, swimming holes, and paddling the class IV Rogue. The lodge sits on Paradise Bar, a long, unusually calm stretch of the Rogue that’s perfect for fishing for steelhead trout or salmon. In-house chefs create family-style meals served in a low-key dining room, while an expansive deck overlooks the river. There’s a disc-golf course, too.

The Adventure: Trails start on the grounds, following the Rogue River and exploring the smaller Paradise Creek. There’s an easy quarter-mile hike to Paradise Falls and back to get started, but you’re here for the Rogue. The classic adventure is a multi-day, 32-mile trip through the Rogue Canyon. Rogue River Outfitters runs a trip where guests camp riverside on the first night and spend the second in the lodge. The run is a mix of class III-IV drops and swimming holes, culminating with the class IV Blossom Bar, just a half-mile upstream from the lodge (trips from $1,225 per person, including lodging).

Logistics: Hike-in options start at $215 a night per person, including breakfast, dinner, and a sack lunch. You can also raft into the lodge for $205 per person per night, but must make your own arrangements, through local outfitters including Rogue River Outfitters and Noah’s Rafting . To raft the Rogue on your own, you need permits from the BLM for any dates between May 15 to October 15. Most commercial trips run in July and August.

Gunflint Lodge, Grand Marais, Minnesota

Tucked onto the southern shore of Gunflint Lake, near the Canadian border, Gunflint Lodge has been hosting adventurers since 1925. The property sits on the edge of the million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness , allowing boaters to explore the myriad paddle trails by day and come home to hot meals and a sauna by night.

The lodge consists of 25 private cabins spread across the shore of Gunflint Lake, with a main lodge and dining area, two floating docks, and a shop for the in-house outfitters. Most of the cabins have stone fireplaces, saunas, and hot tubs. The night sky is vibrant with stars, as this is one of the largest Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the world, and the lodge is far enough north that you may even experience the northern lights . Hiking trails on the property lead to the top of cliffs with epic views of Gunflint Lake and the surrounding Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The resort guides offer daily trips into the Boundary Waters on foot and canoe. In the winter, it’s all about ice fishing and cross-country skiing. Come summer, you’re hunting for smallmouth bass in Gunflint Lake and canoeing into the Boundary Waters on day trips.

The Adventure: Retrace the path of early fur traders by paddling a piece of the Voyageurs Route across Gunflint Lake through a narrow inlet into Magnetic Lake, crossing into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness proper. This mixed route of lake and river paddling, with a few short portages, has you tracing the edge of the United States as you travel north, seeing waterfalls, historic chalets, and maybe a moose from the hull of your boat. Guided trips for lodge guests are $125 per person.

Logistics: Gunflint Lodge is a six-hour drive north from Minneapolis. You can book a cabin (from $300 a night, two-night minimum) only, or an all-inclusive package that includes the cabin, all your meals, access to canoes, and one guided adventure per day (from $1279 per person for four nights).

Red Mountain Alpine Lodge, Red Mountain Pass, Colorado

Want a taste of the Alps right here in the U.S.? Book a couple of nights in Red Mountain Alpine Lodge , a luxurious A-Frame “hut” perched at 11,000 feet on Red Mountain Pass in the San Juan Mountains above Ouray, with gorgeous high-alpine hikes and backcountry skiing right out the door. A few winters ago, I spent some days skiing the terrain outside the lodge, and was just about as impressed with the digs inside the lodge as the powder.

The lodge has three private rooms and 10 semi-private loft spaces above the expansive living room, which is warmed by a wood-burning stove set in front of floor-to-ceiling windows. A shot ski hangs above the dining room for apres shenanigans. Adventures abound, from endless jeep roads to the via ferrata in Telluride in warmer months. But it’s mainly about backcountry skiing in the winter and high-alpine trekking in the summer.

The Adventure: The skiing is epic, but I want to hit Red Mountain Alpine Lodge in the summer. The hut is a key component to the Million Dollar Trek , a guided five-day hike that traverses the 10,000- to 13,000-foot-tall San Juans, hitting alpine lakes and with nights spent in three different huts along the way. Or you could just base at Red Alpine and do your own day hikes. The above-treeline, off-trail routes are endless and the lodge staff can point you in the direction of Red Mountain #3, a 12,877-foot peak with 360-degree views of the Red Group. Or you could bring a gravel bike and knock out the 8.1-mile Red Mountain Loop , which hits 12,000-foot peaks and backcountry waterfalls along a high-alpine dirt road.

Logistics : Loft spaces start at $289 per person, which includes breakfast, trail lunch, and dinner. Guided adventures are add ons, but the lodge is owned by San Juan Mountain Guides , so the process is seamless.

Mulberry Gap, Ellijay, Georgia

Sitting 90 minutes north of Atlanta, in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Mulberry Gap was designed with mountain bikers in mind, giving front-door access to more than 150 miles of single track through the mountains of North Georgia. This rustic lodge offers a collection of cabins, from basic rooms with access to communal showers, to plush multi-bedroom buildings with private baths. There is also a communal barn with games and, last time I was there, a tricycle for silly races, plus a family-style restaurant, a small gear-and-beer shop, hot tubs, and an onsite pump track and jump line.

I’ve spent a few weekends riding bikes with Mulberry as my basecamp, and love the juxtaposition of a full day on hard, steep singletrack and a return to a smoked brisket in the restaurant, a cold beer and a hot tub. It hits just right.

The Adventure : Mulberry Gap sits next to the Pinhoti Trail, a long-distance mountain-bike trail that spans the length of Georgia. And there’s twice as much gravel if that’s what you’re into. If you’re only going to experience one ride, let it be the 18.4-mile Bearhoti loop , which combines a piece of the Pinhoti Trail with Bear Creek. It’s a mix of gravel and single track, with lots of loose rock descents, waterfalls, creek crossings, and a little bit of flow.

Logistics : Cabins start at $140 a night, midweek; prices vary for size. Weekends are minimum two-night stays. Meals are extra, as are shuttles (from $12 per person).

Johnstone Wilderness Lodge, Seward, Alaska

Johnstone Bay is wild. The inlet sits on the southeast coast of the Kenai Peninsula, 30 miles south of Seward with the Church Mountains rising steeply from the edge of the water. This collection of gray, rocky beaches, steep green mountains, and blue/white glaciers and icefields is only accessible by air (you’ll have to get dropped off by helicopter or float plane) or sea. Johnstone Adventure Lodge has three chalets that sit in the middle of all that action, with walk-out beach access, surf breaks galore (yes, Alaska has surfing, and it can be really good), and the massive Excelsior Glacier waiting for you to explore. The lodge itself is a collection of three chalets built by hand over three years. All are surrounded by dense forest and face the beach, where bonfires are the nightly entertainment.

The Adventure: Jordan Pond, owner of the lodge, fell in love with Johnstone Bay because of the surfing, and if you’re hardy enough to handle the cold water, he can deliver you to the goods: a beach break along three miles of isolated beach. Swells can produce big, heavy waves. It’s also a deep bay, so you’ll occasionally see humpback whales hanging out beyond the breakers. Pond will also guide you in a Zodiac, navigating icebergs to Excelsior Glacier, which covers a broad valley as it flows from the Sargent Icefield down to the edge of the water.

Logistics: You can book packages for summer (June 1 to October 30) starting at $1,575 per person (three-night minimum), which includes three meals a day plus snacks, use of kayaks, and guiding for the various adventures surrounding the lodge, from surfing to hiking and kayaking. You’ll have to arrange a helicopter drop from the Seward airport (prices depend on number of people and weight of gear). Boating to the place is possible, but helicopter access is much easier.

Field Station, Moab, Utah

You hardly need another reason to visit the historic desert town of Moab, but Field Station definitely sweetens the deal. The new hotel, which opened in April, 2023 , sits at the bases of both Arches and Canyonlands national parks, which are full of sandstone rock formations and classic desert hikes, offering a mix of accommodations from van-life sites to spacious hotel rooms that sleep up to eight, all centered around communal spaces, such as a pool and hot tub, beer garden, and cafe.

Field Station’s a one-stop shop for exploring the surrounding landscape, with on-site equipment rentals and professional guiding partners, Bighorn Mountain Biking and Moab Cliffs and Canyons , on hand to lead you on mountain biking, canyoneering, and climbing trips. The place often offers pop-up skills tutorials where you can learn things such as survivalist skills or how to patch a flat tire, and live music around the fire pits. I want to go here: Moab is great, but it would be even better with a pool.

The Adventure: The problem with Field Station (and Moab in general) is choosing how to spend your time. Do you hike in Arches? Mountain bike on the area’s famous slickrock single track, which has been attracting fat-tire enthusiasts for decades? Climb desert towers and cliffs? Or raft the Colorado River? We say call in sick and extend your stay to do it all. But if you have to choose just one caper, sign up for a guided tour of the Moab Brand Trails , which has 30 miles of dusty, sandstone-heavy single track with optional big descents and rock drops.

Logistics: Room rates start at $127. Van-life sites start at $29 and include access to all of the hotel’s amenities, including showers.

Surfhouse, Encinitas, California

California has no shortage of hotels with quick access to celebrated surf breaks, but Surfhouse makes your SoCal surf trip effortless with a combo of proximity and amenities. The eight-room motel is located in Encinitas, just a block from the beach and within a quick drive of dozens of world-class waves, including the iconic Swamis. Each room is crafted to represent a different local break. Small touches like an outdoor shower and in-house surf rentals go a long way, and the services include staff pros that can give lessons or even guide you through the local goods, helping you avoid any trouble (like upsetting crusty local surfers). You can even hire a photographer to hop in the water with you to document your trip.

The Adventure : If you’re a beginner surfer, book a lesson with a Surfhouse pro and learn at a friendly beach break like Moonlight State Beach. If you have some experience, hire a Surfhouse guide (rates vary depending on break and number of surfers) who can tailor the experience to your skill level, putting you on the right wave that’s not only ideal for your ability, but is all-but-guaranteed to avoid the crowds. Or just pedal one of the hotel’s complimentary beach cruisers and roll from taco stand to beach to taco stand.

Logistics: Rooms start at $260 per night. Guides and lessons are extra. Surfhouse also has a rental van decked out with all of the amenities you need for the ultimate SoCal surf road trip (from $250 a day).

Graham Averill is Outside Magazine’s national-parks columnist. He’s always loved the idea of a basecamp, but as he’s gotten older, he likes them to have swimming pools, saunas, and cocktail bars. Has he gotten soft? He prefers the term “wise.”

For more by this author:

The 9 Best Gateway Towns to U.S. National Parks

The 8 Most Adventurous States in America. Number 1 Is …

And the 11 Least Visited National Parks Are…

• Boundary Waters Canoe Area
• British Columbia

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25 Best Places to Visit in North Carolina — Including a Scenic Parkway, Buzzy Cities, and the Most-visited National Park

Here are the top places to visit on your next trip to the Tar Heel State.

From energetic cities and beautiful beaches to mist-covered hills and museums that mark important moments in history, the Tar Heel State has something to lure every type of traveler. Here are some of the best places to visit in North Carolina so you can start planning your next trip to this East Coast destination packed with must-see spots.

Related: 12 Best Small Towns in North Carolina  

North Carolina’s capital city is home to some of the state’s biggest cultural institutions as well as a lot of its nightlife. Check out some live music at one of the city’s major venues, like the Red Hat Amphitheater, or catch a local band in a much smaller venue like Lorraine's Coffee House and Music.

Chapel Hill

This charming college town, located in the Research Triangle, is considered one of the best college towns in the country due to its vibrant food and nightlife scenes. In addition to the UNC, Chapel Hill campus, the town is also home to a wide variety of other educational facilities, such as museums, a botanical garden, and even a planetarium.

The largest city in the state, Charlotte truly has something for everyone. It’s both a major destination for sports as the home of the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets and a great launching place for outdoor adventures, with Lake Norman and Lake Wylie located a short drive from the heart of the city.

Outer Banks

Get a taste of island living on this barrier island chain off the coast of North Carolina. Visit the Outer Banks to spend some time on the beach, explore a host of water sports, or take a tour around the area’s lighthouses and other historic sites. 

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city of Asheville is known for its quirky, artistic vibe with mountain views. The city has several arts districts filled with historic architecture, galleries, and even working artists’ studios to peruse. Plus, it’s the perfect home base if you plan to explore the Biltmore or Pisgah National Forest — but more on those below.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Winding its way through the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a favorite of photographers and nature lovers alike. Visitors can take a quick day’s drive to explore the unique flora and fauna of the area or make it a multi-day road trip.

This living history museum in the city of Winston-Salem helps to educate visitors on what the area was like in the 18th and 19th centuries. The site includes several museums, reenactments, and extensive historical gardens.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Officially the most popular destination in North Carolina — and the most-visited national park in the United States — this gorgeous park features miles of hiking trails through forests, over hills, and past stunning waterfalls. Visitors can also hike a section of the famous Appalachian Trail here.

Home to Duke University, one of the country’s premier research institutions, the city of Durham is a center for technology and innovation in the state. There’s also an up-and-coming foodie scene here where you can find everything from classic Carolina barbecue to authentic Ethiopian food.

Wilmington Riverwalk

Take a scenic mile-long stroll along the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington. This wooden walkway offers beautiful views of both the water and the historic downtown with access to some of the area’s most popular sites for visitors.

International Civil Rights Center & Museum in Greensboro

Located inside the F.W. Woolworth, where four Black students staged a sit-in to protest segregated lunch counter laws, the International Civil Rights Center & Museum explores the history of the Civil Rights Movement through interactive exhibits.  

The Biltmore Estate

One of the most beautiful and iconic homes in the country, the Biltmore Estate was built in 1895 by the Vanderbilt family.  Today the castle-like estate is open to visitors who can stroll 8,000 acres of grounds, tour the luxurious architecture of the home, or visit nearby Antler Hill Village for dining, shopping, additional exhibits, and even a winery.

Related: 8 Best Places to Live in North Carolina

Winkler Bakery

In 1807, a Swiss-born baker named Christian Winkler bought a bakery from the local Moravian Church, which had built the bakery in 1799. Winkler’s Bakery remained in the family until 1926 and remains the oldest continually operating bakery in the U.S. to this day. Try the decadent sugar cake and the super-thin Moravian sugar cookies.

Wild Horses on Shackleford Banks

Located in the Cape Lookout National Seashore, Shackleford Banks is one of the only places on the East Coast where wild horses still roam. How the horses got to this remote island — accessible only by boat — centuries ago is still a mystery.

Chimney Rock State Park

This park is home to some of the most beautiful views in western North Carolina, and it’s been recognized for its unique geological features and wide diversity of plants since its founding. It’s been the filming location for several famous movies as well, including “Last of the Mohicans.”

“Unto These Hills” Outdoor Drama

This outdoor theater show put on by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians tells their story. Performed in the 2,100-seat Mountainside Theatre, the show is a great kick-off to visit the rest of Cherokee and learn more about the Indigenous people who call this state home.

Pisgah National Forest

America’s first forestry school was founded here in 1896. The Cradle of Forestry in America historic site is open to visitors interested in learning more about the history of forest conservation in the U.S. 

Linville Falls

A moderate hike will bring you to one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the state. This multi-tiered cascade is located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway and offers several different vantage points to view each tier of the falls depending on how adventurous a hiker you are.

Merchants Millpond State Park

Showcasing the sheer diversity of ecosystems in the state of North Carolina, a visit to Merchants Millpond State Park will make you feel like you’re in the bayous found further south. This unique ecosystem combines hardwood forests with swampland, allowing visitors to both hike and paddle around the enchanting landscape.

High Point Furniture Shopping

North Carolina has been a hub of furniture making since the 1890s. Today visitors come from around the country to purchase top-quality furniture at discount prices. Individual furniture craftsmen, as well as larger factories and outlet stores, can be found in and around the High Point area.

Wright Brothers National Memorial

Did you know you can visit the location where flight was born? In 1903 at this spot, Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved the first powered flight. Today visitors can view the monument to this accomplishment and explore the reconstructed camp buildings and interactive exhibitions at the visitor’s center.

Levine Museum of the New South

For more than 30 years, this Charlotte museum has been telling the whole story of the history of the South. Dedicated to creating a space that “deepens understanding, fosters empathy, and inspires action toward a better future,” the Levine Museum is fostering a more diverse vision for both the state and the world, according to its website .  

Grandfather Mountain

Though it takes a little prior planning (reservations must be made in advance), there’s actually quite a bit to do at this park — in addition to enjoying the stunning scenery.  Grandfather Mountain is home to the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, a Hugh Morton photo gallery, and even a special wildlife habitat enclosure where visitors can get up close to some of the animals that live in the area.

North Carolina Museum of History

Home to more than 350,000 historical artifacts, this museum in downtown Raleigh is the place to go to learn more about the history and heritage of the state. In addition to rotating exhibits that cover everything from North Carolina’s pirate history to 1920s soda shop décor, the museum also hosts a wide variety of hands-on events for visitors.

Sarah P. Duke Gardens

Hidden on the Duke University campus is a stunning 55-acre garden with more than five miles of trails that’s open to visitors from around the world. Founded in 1935 thanks to the support of Sarah P. Duke, widow of one of the university’s founders, the gardens feature four distinct sections with flora from around the world.

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