Best Places to Visit in the USA for 2023-2024

Glaciers are the main draw of this Montana national park, but its more than 700 lakes, two mountain ranges and multiple waterfalls are equally impressive. Hiking is the most popular pastime for visitors thanks to the park's mix of easy trails like Rocky Point and challenging routes, such as Grinnell Glacier and the Highline Trail. But you should also allot time for driving the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road, which typically opens late June through October. Additionally, the area is a prime spot for kayaking, canoeing and fishing in summer, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Plus, wild animals like moose, bears and elk are frequently spotted here.

With idyllic beaches and verdant parks, Maui offers ample opportunities to relax. Here, you can admire the stunning scenery as you cruise along the Road to Hana, fly above the Hawaiian island on a helicopter tour or lounge across the black sands of Wai'anapanapa State Park. If you'd rather cool off than sunbathe, sign up for a snorkeling tour. And for an unforgettable experience, make a reservation to see the sunrise at Haleakala National Park, home to Maui's highest peak. Sampling Maui's seafood is also a must, but don't overlook other island delicacies like haupia, a creamy coconut custard.

To experience some of the most inspiring views America has to offer, plan a trip to Grand Canyon National Park. A bucket-list item for many travelers, this Arizona park is a superb spot to hike, offering scenic paths like the Bright Angel and North Kaibab trails. The Colorado River weaves its way through the 277-mile-long canyon, which also makes it a top destination for whitewater rafting. But for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, travelers can view this impressive natural wonder on a helicopter tour. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time in the Grand Canyon, you're sure to feel small against its towering rock formations and expansive vistas.

Oahu features a nice balance of urban and beach environments. And with pleasant weather year-round, there really is no wrong time to visit this Hawaiian paradise. Must-visit Waikiki Beach promises to please, but be forewarned: There's a good chance a barrage of tourists will greet you. For extra elbow room, head to more secluded options like Waimanalo Bay Beach Park and Kalama Park. Before leaving, carve out some time for visiting Honolulu naval sights like the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the Battleship Missouri Memorial.

America's first national park provides more than 900 miles of hiking trails, as well as plenty of attractions to excite nature lovers, from steaming geysers to bubbling hot springs. Plus, animal fans will appreciate a visit to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center to learn about local wildlife. If you'd rather look for wild critters inside the park – which occupies parts of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho – spend a few hours driving through the Hayden and Lamar valleys. Both areas are considered popular havens for Yellowstone National Park's resident bison, wolves and grizzly bears.

Awe-inspiring panoramas are available everywhere you turn in Utah's Zion National Park. For some of the best views, trek the Angels Landing trail, which is full of challenging switchbacks and thrilling heights. (Note: Permits are required to hike Angels Landing and are awarded through an online lottery system. If you’re planning to hike during peak season, you'll need to apply several months in advance.) Other popular options include the easy Pa'rus Trail and the more challenging Narrows, which takes hikers through the slimmest section of Zion Canyon and requires wading through waters that, depending on the time of year, can rise as high as your chest.

A vacation at Yosemite National Park in California is all about reconnecting with nature. Spend your visit checking out world-famous landmarks like Half Dome and Glacier Point or hiking Cathedral Lakes, the Mist Trail and other popular paths. You'll also want to spend time admiring Yosemite's numerous waterfalls, including towering Yosemite Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, and Horsetail Fall, which has a golden "firefall" effect at certain points in the winter. Definitely make time to see Mariposa Grove, which is home to more than 500 giant sequoia trees.

In Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming's snow-capped Teton Mountains rub elbows with the Snake River, Jackson and Jenny lakes, wildflower fields, swamps and more. Trekking to scenic vistas like Inspiration Point and Phelps Lake Overlook are common ways to take in the park's natural beauty, but if you're looking to exert less energy, explore the region by car or boat. Don't focus too much on the horizon, though, as moose, elk, bears and bison all call the park home and occasionally wander near visitors. Another plus for this park is its proximity to the rustic mountain town of Jackson Hole.

Olympic National Park is spread across nearly 1 million acres of land and it's full of adventure opportunities and natural beauty. Travelers can spend time hiking the various trails in the lush Hoh Rain Forest, the scenic Hurricane Ridge or around picturesque Lake Crescent, where boating and camping are also popular. Plus, thanks to little light pollution, Olympic National Park is one of the best spots in the U.S. for stargazing; time your visit for summer to take advantage of the park's free astronomy programs. This time of year also sees low precipitation and average daily temperatures in the mid-70s.

Nicknamed the Garden Island, Kaua'i relies on its immense natural beauty to stand out from other Hawaiian Islands. To drive this point home, Kaua'i limits the size of all of its buildings to no taller than a coconut palm so locals and travelers can enjoy excellent views from the island's pristine beaches. Visitors will also discover lush areas like Koke'e State Park and Wailua River State Park when they venture inland. Kaua'i's distance from the mainland and abundance of high-end hotels make it a pricey destination to visit, so book your flights and accommodations well in advance.

Thanks to its location in eastern Utah, Moab makes it easy for travelers to visit not just one, but two national parks – Arches and Canyonlands. When you're not marveling at the parks' otherworldly red rock formations, explore downtown Moab, which features a charming array of cafes, shops and food trucks, or sign up for a rafting trip on the Colorado River. Mountain biking, Jeep tours and even cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are all fun things to do while in Moab. Plus, since the town sees less than 10 inches of rainfall each year, it's the ideal backdrop for outdoor adventure.

Known for its stunning clear water, North America's largest alpine lake beckons to active travelers year-round. Skiers and snowboarders arrive in droves during the winter to hit the slopes at Lake Tahoe's numerous resorts. Meanwhile, a summertime visit is ideal for hikes, scenic drives and lake activities like kayaking and boating. There are also many local golf courses for those looking to work on their game. For a vacation with a twist, trek one of the California and Nevada region's beer trails or book a hot air balloon tour to see the scenic area from above.

Known for its diverse cultural scene, the Big Apple boasts so many things to do that it puts most of its U.S. peers to shame. Whether you choose to spend the day perusing The Metropolitan Museum of Art's exhibits, catching a show on Broadway or trying the city's famous pizza, chances are you'll never find yourself feeling bored here. Consider a walking tour to experience different neighborhoods or a food tour to get acquainted with all the delicious cuisine. When you need some respite from the city's busy nightlife and soaring skyscrapers, retreat to scenic Central Park or the artsy High Line.

The best way to get a glimpse of San Francisco is to explore the city on foot or by cable car. From eclectic neighborhoods like the Mission District to Haight-Ashbury to the Castro, you'll find various boutiques, bars and eateries serving nearly every kind of cuisine. Soak in skyline views from a picnic blanket in Mission Dolores Park, watch sea lions at Pier 39, visit the oldest public Japanese garden in the country at Golden Gate Park or take a boat ride to Alcatraz Island for a history lesson. Just come prepared for the steep hills by wearing a comfortable pair of walking shoes.

The nation's capital has a lot going for it. Fill your days with visits to iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Plus, the city's plethora of Smithsonian museums gives you plenty to do on rainy or hot days. When the weather cooperates, explore some of D.C.'s green spaces, such as the U.S. National Arboretum and Rock Creek Park. A stroll along the Georgetown waterfront is also a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. And don't forget to check out the city's lively restaurant and bar scene in areas like Adams Morgan and the U Street and H Street corridors.

Home to the southernmost point in the continental U.S., Key West offers everything one would expect of an island in the Florida Keys. Popular activities include lounging on the beach and deep-sea fishing, as well as snorkeling, kayaking and sailing. Key West offers more than just a pretty coastline, though. Travelers interested in history will find no shortage of interesting parks (including Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park), homes (like Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum) and cemeteries (such as the Historic Key West Cemetery) here. Plus, Key West's lively Duval Street features an eclectic collection of people, restaurants and bars.

Sandwiched between the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay on the Florida Panhandle, Destin's sugary white sands and emerald-green waters make it one of the country's top vacation destinations. Post up at one of the city's picturesque beaches – Henderson Beach State Park and Shores at Crystal Beach Park are two traveler favorites – to spend the afternoon swimming, snorkeling or sunbathing. Other can't-miss activities include casting a line from The Island Pier (this is the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" after all), teeing off on one of Destin's premier golf courses and strolling the Destin Harbor Boardwalk.

Considered the gateway to Acadia National Park, this laid-back town on Maine's Mount Desert Island provides a great home base for exploring the park. Along with its cozy bed-and-breakfast accommodations, Bar Harbor boasts delicious waterfront dining and locally owned shops showcasing unique Maine souvenirs. When you're not trekking through the national park, join a boat tour – the waters surrounding Mount Desert Island are a popular feeding ground for whales in summer – or stroll along the scenic Shore Path.

San Diego's Southern California charm appeals to many different kinds of vacationers. The city, located 120 miles south of Los Angeles, boasts a variety of activities ranging from hiking in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, which sits just north of the city, to surfing at Mission and Pacific beaches. Foodies won't want to miss the city's central Gaslamp Quarter, which features a variety of bars and restaurants serving fresh seafood, authentic Mexican cuisine, craft beer and more. Other must-do's include wandering around museum-filled Balboa Park, taking a quick ferry ride to Coronado Island and watching the sun set in La Jolla.

Jackson Hole's isolated location in western Wyoming attracts outdoorsy types in droves. Bordered by Grand Teton National Park and national forests, Jackson Hole boasts an assortment of ski slopes and hiking trails, as well as areas for fly-fishing, mountain biking, white-water rafting, paragliding and more. For a more leisurely activity during the warmer months, head to Jackson Town Square, which offers shops, art galleries, bars and top-notch restaurants, plus Wild West-themed reenactments on select summer evenings.

Few American cities are home to cultures as unique as the Big Easy's. Offering a blend of influences from the Caribbean, West Africa, Europe and other locales, New Orleans has a distinct personality. Music lovers flock here to immerse themselves in the city's rich jazz, blues and rock 'n' roll scenes, and history buffs enjoy attractions like The National WWII Museum and the New Orleans African American Museum. Meanwhile, foodies can feast on gumbo, beignets and po'boys in between sightseeing. After filling up on tasty fare, check out Bourbon Street's nightlife or sign up for an evening ghost tour.

Seattle may be known for its consistently soggy weather, but this city in the Pacific Northwest has plenty to offer travel buffs. First things first, grab a coffee. (Seattle is the undisputed epicenter of this popular caffeinated beverage and is home to Starbucks' world headquarters.) Then, spend some time mingling with locals and tourists at Pike Place Market before heading over to Discovery Park to walk the trails and admire West Point Lighthouse. Or, get a dose of Seattle's art scene while perusing the exhibits at the Seattle Art Museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.

Home to jaw-dropping red rock formations, ancient cliff dwellings and supposed energy vortexes, this beautiful Arizona town features a multitude of postcard-worthy landmarks accessible by various hiking trails. Many of Sedona's trails also permit mountain biking, while the area's famed red rocks attract climbing enthusiasts. After an active day outside, travelers can dine at one of Sedona's exquisite restaurants before retreating to one of the town's award-winning spas or wellness centers, where they can tap into Sedona's spiritual side during a treatment, yoga session or healing ritual.

This small town in Colorado draws visitors year-round. During the winter, powder hounds can ski or snowboard down the surrounding Rocky Mountains before enjoying Telluride's superb après-ski scene. Meanwhile, the summer months offer numerous opportunities for taking in gorgeous vistas from hiking trails and scenic thoroughfares like the San Juan Skyway. Once you've worked up an appetite, sit down for upscale or rustic mountain fare at one of Telluride's dozens of restaurants. What's more, a complimentary gondola service offers seasonal access to the European-style Mountain Village, so travelers can explore both charming destinations during their trip.  

For outdoor adventures galore, set your sights on Colorado Springs. Straddling the Colorado Rockies and the Great Plains, this enchanting city about 70 miles south of Denver is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Admire the dramatic red rock formations at the Garden of the Gods, ride The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit of Pikes Peak or head to nearby Manitou Springs to drink from the area's eight natural mineral springs. Just remember to save time for a self-guided tour of the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum.

Although this California coastline isn't made for swimming, Big Sur is the place to go for Instagram-worthy photos. Some of the best views of the jagged rocks and turquoise water can be found at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Pfeiffer Beach, but those looking to relax can head to the shore at Garrapata State Park. Meanwhile, hikers can explore the trails that crisscross Andrew Molera State Park, which spans nearly 4,800 acres. Travelers who are just passing through Big Sur will want to pull over by historic Bixby Bridge to snap a quick picture of the dramatic scenery.

Sin City astounds travelers with its smorgasbord of offerings. Whether you choose to spend your trip testing your luck at its casinos, enjoying the highly regarded buffets or relaxing at extravagant spas and pools, Las Vegas offers something for everyone. The city's chic nightclubs attract throngs of partygoers, and you'd be remiss to leave without catching one of the city's world-class shows, which range from concerts to magic acts to acrobatics. Though you'll find the bulk of Las Vegas' can't-miss attractions on the Strip, travelers hoping to avoid the area's thick tourist crowds can venture outside the city to go hiking or sightsee via helicopter.

Known as the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, appeals to nature lovers and adventure travelers. Families can take in the spectacular scenery while hiking, horseback riding or white-water rafting, and thrill-chasers will love Anakeesta theme park's alpine rollercoaster. For a different perspective, view the Smokies from the Gatlinburg Space Needle, the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway or one of the many elevated platforms at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. When you've had your fill of the mountains, head downtown for boutique shopping at The Village, turtle feedings at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, moonshine tastings and more.

The capital of Massachusetts offers activities for all types of travelers. The 2 ½-mile-long Freedom Trail, which connects Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument, offers a terrific overview of the city's rich history, while Fenway Park is a must-see attraction for baseball fans. What's more, Boston is home to numerous pubs, food markets and shopping thoroughfares, as well as top-notch universities known for their charming architecture, picturesque green spaces and wicked smart students. Meanwhile, art aficionados can browse the collections at the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

The Windy City's architecture, cuisine and museums make this Midwestern locale an excellent option for travelers with varying interests. Be sure to enjoy all of the food this city has to offer, including Chicago-style hot dogs (sans ketchup), Italian beef sandwiches and deep-dish pizza. Then, snap some pictures in front of Millennium Park's iconic "The Bean" sculpture, check out the Art Institute of Chicago's top-notch exhibits or hop aboard an architecture river cruise. If you plan on visiting in winter, pack your warmest attire and head to Maggie Daley Park to go ice skating, while warmer months are ideal for biking along the Lakefront Trail.