The United States features a cornucopia of cultures, ecosystems, and historical landmarks for your traveling pleasure.
With so much to do and see, deciding upon a destination presents a challenge. The subjective answer of “best place to visit” varies based on what you like. People who travel to see art may not enjoy Orlando’s thrills, while Foodies might not care about the vast network of natural parks.
Discover the best places to visit in the US based on what you like best!
The Number 1 Vacation Spot in the USA
Though the “best” is subjective, US News and World Report issues an annual ranking of the top-rated tourist destinations in the country.
In 2025, Glacier National Park topped the list.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park in Montana is one of the best places to visit if you want to be at one with nature. Located near the Canadian border and over two hours from Montana’s biggest cities (which aren’t that big), Glacier National Park is as secluded as you can get in the continental United States.
This park is a hiker’s and adventurers’ paradise. It features over 700 miles of hiking trails, abundant lakes, gorgeous alpine meadows, and spectacular mountain views, and consistently rates as one of the most beautiful places in America.
The Best Places to Visit in the USA
Glacier National Park deserves its spot as the number one place to visit in the United States, but many other cities, towns, locales, and monuments are worth seeing.
We broke it down into the best destinations for specific activities. Some locations fit in multiple places, but we only listed it once where it fits best.
The Best Cities in the US for Everything
America’s three most iconic cities offer a little something for nearly everyone. They burst with arts & culture, feature amazing food and world-class entertainment, and make history come alive.
If you want a vacation that has it all, plan a trip to one of these three cities.
New York City, NY
With over 66 million annual visitors, New York City is the top US tourist destination for foreign travelers.
It’s easy to see why. New York City has it all.
Art lovers need to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. While the MET is dedicated to famous painters throughout history and showcases work from the Renaissance through modern times, MoMA is dedicated to artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Foodies can explore the different boroughs, sampling the famous Brooklyn-style bagels and world-renowned New York-style Pizza. Those with a more refined pallet can head to Manhattan to sample dishes from the finest restaurants in the world.
Those looking to explore iconic landmarks and history should check out the Statute of Liberty and the stand atop the Empire State Building.
There is something for everyone in this must-visit US city.
Chicago, IL
The second city, Chicago, always lives in its big sibling’s shadow. New York may be more prominent and have a more significant tourist draw, but you would be missing out if you decided to skip the smaller, cleaner New York.
Chicago could easily sit atop the list of the best cities to visit for arts and culture. With 100 concert venues, event centers, playhouses, and museums, including the iconic Art Institute of Chicago, the Windy City is a leader in preserving and celebrating the arts.
It’s also widely celebrated as a foodie city, locked in a constant battle with New York over who can make the best pizza and hot dogs. But Chicago is also the home of the Italian beef sandwich and the Maxwell Street Polish, two fatty foods that are iconic in their own right, in addition to a vast array of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own flair. Greek Town, Little Mexico, Chinatown, and Little Italy all have local family-owned restaurants that embody the essence of the countries they are named after. You can find authentic foods from all over the world in Chicago’s neighborhoods.
Those interested in history should take an architecture tour along the Chicago River, an Al Capone walking tour, or explore the many museums and historical societies scattered throughout the city.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is the world’s entertainment capital, but there’s far more to do and see than Hollywood.
The thriving art city features museums like the Getty Center and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art Complex, where visitors can view many of the world’s most famous artworks. Contemporary art lovers can visit the Broad downtown, or wander around gallery row to see the newest works as they’re created.
LA is also a foodie city, boasting a wide range of cuisines from all over Asia. With neighborhoods like Koreatown, Little Tokyo, and Chinatown spread throughout the city, tourists can experience the different ethnic flavors all over LA.
Nature lovers will enjoy the deep-sea fishing, whale watching, and boating opportunities available off the coast, and thrill-seekers can opt to check out Universal Studios and Six Flags Magic Mountain to the North of the City or take their kids to Disney Land and Knotts Berry Farm in neighboring Anaheim for family-friendly thrills.
The Best Places to Visit in the USA for Arts & Culture
The United States is a massive country with hundreds of cities, each boasting its unique culture and atmosphere.
These three cities, in particular, are renowned for their flair, thriving arts communities, and cultural experiences.
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is a mecca of culture. The city is the home of the largest Mardi Gras parade in the United States, a yearly Jazz Festival, street performers, and a wide array of museums dedicated to niche cultural phenomena, including a Voodoo Museum.
The city is also renowned for its food, which can be considered a cultural experience in New Orleans more than any other city on the list. A mix between Cajun and Creole, New Orleans cuisine combines the best of Southern, French, and Native cooking into a tantalizing culinary experience.
Seattle, WA
The birthplace of grunge, Seattle is renowned as a music city. However, it also hosts a wide array of museums and other cultural icons. The pop culture museum downtown is an excellent reminder of pop culture’s influence on our daily lives, while the gum wall showcases the gritty side of culture.
Visitors can also explore niche museums, like the Chihuly Garden and Glass which showcases gorgeous works by the famous glass maker, and a museum dedicated to aviation.
Seattle also has a glass museum filled with gorgeous and colorful glass sculptures and a museum dedicated to aviation. When you’re downtown, you must book an underground tour highlighting the city’s cultural history dating back to the time of Western expansion.
Savannah, GA
Home to one of the most prestigious arts and design colleges in the county, it’s no wonder Savannah, GA, would find its home as an arts and culture icon. Although a small town, it has over 20 museums, a thriving music scene, and a wide array of themed bars.
It’s also a wonderful example of Southern charm and culture. The city’s gorgeous squares harken back to a time before cars took over, and the wide variety of restaurants showcase the best of homestyle Southern cuisine.
The Best Foodie Cities in the United States
Speaking of food, there are a few cities you absolutely must visit if you are looking for a unique culinary experience.
Although you can find delicious cuisines throughout the US, these cities are renowned for their food culture.
Portland, OR
The hipster city is quickly gaining national attention as one of the best places to visit in the US, particularly for food.
Portland is home to over 100 craft breweries, a wide variety of food trucks and carts, and the idea that locally sourced sustainable food is far better than overpriced five-star restaurants (Though Portland has a few of those as well).
Portland restaurants perfected the idea of doing one or two things exceptionally well and with price consciousness in mind.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco has long been hailed the king of food for the United States. With its authentic local sourdoughs and one of the best Chinatowns in the country, the food culture is as diverse as they come.
The famed Fisherman’s Wharf abounds with fantastic seafood restaurants featuring freshly caught fish. When you’re tired of seafood, head to the Mission District for a sample of restaurants showcasing the different ethnic flavors of the city.
A bonus of visiting San Francisco is the wine culture. Only a few hours from Napa Valley, the country’s wine capital (and an up-and-coming food city in its own right), San Francisco is a great place to sample wines from the surrounding valleys.
Nashville, TN
Nashville offers the best of Southern cuisine paired with fantastic barbeque and a local flair. Traditionally known for its music scene, Nashville has been a tourist destination for years. But recently, the city has expanded from Music City USA into a top foodie destination.
Nashville’s hot chicken and biscuits made such a splash that it’s now an offering at various chicken franchises throughout the country. But Nashville also boasts scores of local eateries and Michelin-star restaurants.
The Most Iconic Landmarks in the USA
The United States features a wide range of iconic landmarks. Many of the cities featured elsewhere on this list have their share, like the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Space Needle in Seattle, and Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
But the locations below are most famous because of their landmarks, and worth seeing if you want to explore the coolest sights in American history.
Washington Mall
Washington DC features the most iconic monuments of US political History. The city is home to Capital Hill, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Memorial Wall, all of which are found at the Washington Mall.
While in DC, be sure to check out the Smithsonian Museum complex which features a massive collection of everything from natural history to aviation.
The Alamo
Remember the Alamo? This iconic fort in the heart of downtown San Antonio is often celebrated as a symbol of American exceptionalism.
The Battle of the Alamo, fought in Texas’s war from Independence against Mexico, showcased the courage and perseverance of Texans. A group of only 200 volunteer fighters stood firm against a Mexican force thousand strong for 13 days.
Although the Texans ultimately lost the battle, the fight became a battle cry. The perseverance of the soldiers who perished became a symbol of Texas’, and ultimately America’s, stand against oppression.
Though the Alamo is an icon, San Antonio is swiftly growing to become a top tourist destination. The serene river walk, historic missions, and growing foodie culture make it one of the best places to visit in the US.
Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore National Monument is an enormous carving of four of the United States’ most iconic presidents onto the side of a mountain about 30 minutes outside of Rapid City, SD. The sculpture features the likeness of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.
To say the sculpture is enormous is an understatement. The head of Washington alone stands 60 feet tall, and his mouth is 18 feet wide.
Viewers can get a great look at the monument from the Lincoln Borglum Visitors Center, and those who want to get closer can take the trail to the base—climbing the mountain and getting closer than the trailhead is prohibited.
The Best Natural Wonders in the United States
The United States has a wide range of natural phenomena sure to spark wonder in visitors of all ages.
Here are the best natural wonders to see in the United States.
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon constantly ranks as the top place to visit in the United States, but was beaten out by Glacier in 2025. The epic natural land formation is over a mile deep, runs along over 270 miles of the Colorado River, and is over 18 miles wide at its widest points. The gorgeous land formations, unique hiking experiences, and vast array of wilderness make it a top tourist destination.
There’s far more to do at the Grand Canyon than just look. Ambitious hikers may want to hike the mile down and back up, while less experienced travelers can make the journey on horseback. Adventurers can try rafting in the Colorado River at the bottom, and those who don’t want to hike can take a train ride down to see the spectacular views.
The Northern Lights
The United States is such a vast country that it includes both tropical beaches and places for viewing the northern lights. Fairbanks, Alaska, is the Northernmost major city in the country and a great place to visit if you want to see the aurora borealis.
Aurora season in Fairbanks runs from late August to late April, so there is ample time in the year to plan your visit.
To get the best view of the lights, book a tour away from the city.
Mammoth Caves
Mammoth Cave is the longest known cave system in the world. Located about 90 miles south of Louisville, KY, the cave network is the most iconic attraction in Kentucky and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors can choose between a plethora of tour options. There is an accessible tour with an elevator entrance, numerous tours showcasing the vast history of the caves, and tours meant to showcase the gorgeous geological formations found inside.
Old Faithful
A staple of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Old Faithful is a geyser that faithfully erupts on an almost regular schedule. Old Faithful generally erupts around 20 times per day, spewing hot water from the springs beneath as high as 180 feet in the air.
The water erupting from Old Faithful is dangerously hot, and the hot springs around it can be treacherous. Be sure to stay on the boardwalk and not wander too close to the springs during your visit.
Yellowstone is secluded – the closest city to the North gate is Bozeman, MT, about an hour and a half away, and the closest city to the Southern area is Jackson WY, a similar drive from the other direction.
The Best National Parks in the United States
Yellowstone National Park is the oldest national park in the country and one of the best.
However, It’s more famous for its geyser than the rest of its formations.
These three parks are the best for hiking, scenery, and becoming one with nature.
Yosemite National Park
California has more national parks than any other state, but it’s easy to see why Yosemite would be the best to visit. Located in central California, the park boasts over 4 million visitors per year.
Yosemite, nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, showcases the area’s serene beauty. With iconic mountains such as El Capitan and Half Dome, Yosemite is a climber’s paradise. It also features a variety of trails, waterfalls, and valley views which will astonish visitors of all ages.
Zion National Park
Utah is a small state filled with national parks. It has the third-most in the country and is far smaller than the two states that best it. Utah is home to Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Zion, all of which could easily seize the crown of “best.”
However, we picked Zion because it was the first national park established in Utah, and it boasts the most visitors.
The park features a scenic drive which makes the views accessible for visitors of all ages. Experienced hikers may want to traverse the Narrows, an aptly named narrow column of water between two giant sandstone mountains that prepared visitors can wade through to experience the narrowest portion of the river. This trek can be treacherous in high waters, so it’s essential to check the visitor’s center for river conditions before embarking on this adventure.
Great Smokey Mountain National Park
Great Smokey Mountain National Park welcomes over 13 million guests each year, making it the most popular national park in the country.
The park, located just outside Tennessee’s favorite tourist town Gatlinburg, features an abundance of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating. Visitors can explore the old-growth forests of the historic Appalachian Mountains by foot or by train.
Over 2000 miles of streams flow through the mountains, providing ample opportunity to discover one of the park’s many gorgeous waterfalls.
The Best Cities in the US for Thrills and Entertainment
Are you looking for roller coasters, theme parks, and entertainment? Here are the best places to visit in the United States for theme park lovers of all ages!
Orlando, FL
Orland Fl is the theme park capital of the world. Disney World ranks as the most popular, with Orlando home to four different Disney parks including the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and two water parks.
However, Disney features a host of other theme parks, like Universal Studios Theme Park Florida, Legoland, Seaworld, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, and Madame Tousades. It also boasts a variety of shows and specialty attractions.
San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA, features loads of fun theme parks.
Although the city features SeaWorld and Legoland, the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Safari Park rank as the top attractions.
Visitors can get up close and personal with some of the most impressive species of Africa, and view them in a a perfect replica of their natural environment. You can even hand-feed giraffes!
Roller coaster lovers will enjoy Belmont Park, a small retro theme park near the beach featuring the giant dipper, a wooden roller coaster dating to 1925.
For more thrills, try surfing at Ocean Beach, deep-sea fishing out of Mission Bay, or trying to catch a glimpse of the Navy Seals near Coronado Island.
Branson, MO
If you want a touristy schtick without the cost of big-name theme parks, you need to check out Branson, MO. Branson is a great budget-friendly family vacation destination featuring theme parks, adventure parks, aquariums, and a plethora of entertainment.
Branson is also home to a museum dedicated to the Titanic, a gorgeous cave complex, and a scenic railway, so there is something for the entire family to enjoy.
Similar small US cities filled with entertaining tourist attractions include Gatlinburg, TN, and the Wisconsin Dells, WI.
The Places in the US with the Most History
The United States is not that old as a country. You won’t find medieval castles or Roman ruins here. However, there are a few places in the country renowned for their history. Most are dedicated to the history of the United States, but visitors often forget that ancient peoples lived here long before the European settlers came.
The Canyons of the Ancients
The Canyons of the Ancients in the American Southwest is the best place to visit if you are interested in Native American history. Start with Mesa Verde National Monument in southwestern Colorado, where you can explore ancient cave dwellings, then move on to the Anazi Heritage Center in Cortez, CO. Here, you will learn the history of the ancients and get a map of the most important sites.
The Canyons of the Ancients aren’t well excavated, in part to preserve the artifacts. Though there are a variety of trails you can hike to see some of the ancient towers, the best place to go is Hovenweep National Monument, which hosts one of the largest still intact towers and offers a variety of hiking opportunities from the accessible to the difficult.
Philadelphia, PA
If you’re looking for early American history, Philadelphia needs to be at the top of your list. Home to the very first constitutional congress, Philadelphia is where the founding fathers met to write and sign both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution.
The exploration of history in the city doesn’t end with the founding fathers. Philadelphia is also home to Eastern State Penitentiary, an old prison-turned-museum, one of Edgar Allan Poe’s homes, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, where some of America’s earliest and most influential artists are displayed. The wide variety of historical sites to visit makes Philadelphia the best place to visit in Pennsylvania.
Jamestown, VA
For United States history before the Revolution, Jamestown is the place to see. Widely accepted as the homeplace of the first European settlers to the continent, Jamestown embraces its historical past and offers a wide variety of learning experiences for visitors of all ages.
Settled in 1607, the Jamestown colony predates the Mayflower by nearly 15 years. Its sordid history includes John Smith’s arrest for mutiny, rampant disease, and various skirmishes with the nearby Powhatan tribe, which called the area home.
The Best Nightlife Cities in the US
If you want to party, these US cities have you covered. From fabulous bar scenes to various shows, these are the best places to visit in the US if you are looking for incredible nightlife.
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, NV calls itself the entertainment capital of the world. Filled with casinos, bars, lounges, and shows, Vegas is the place to go if you want to experience the best nightlife in the country, and since there are no laws on when bars can be open, you can party well into the next morning.
Not only is Vegas filled with bars, clubs, and lounges, but it also has a variety of musical shows and Cirque Du Soleil offerings. Visitors can watch acrobats soar to famous music while sipping their favorite cocktails, party at the pool in the scorching summer heat, or hit up any of the numerous themed bars on the strip.
Austin, TX
Austin, Texas, thrives on live music. Boasting over 250 venues, there’s a show for everyone in Austin’s bustling nightlife scene.
In addition to music venues, Austin features various nightclubs, lounges, comedy clubs, and breweries. Austin is also a growing foodie city, so you’ll find plenty of restaurants and food trucks around to help you soak up the booze.
Miami, FL
Miami, FL, often tops the list of best nightlife destinations in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. The warm days turn into hot nights on the beach, and there are many ways to let off steam.
Enjoy Salsa dancing in Little Havana, relax at a posh rooftop bar near South Beach, or hit one of the nation’s best nightclubs in Miami Beach. Be wary, though – Miami beaches’ nightlife is as expensive as it is extravagant, and you may spend far more than you bargained for.
The Best Places in the US for Beach Vacations
With over 95,000 miles of coastline, it’s no surprise that the US boasts fantastic beaches. Although most of the coastline can be found in rocky, cold, Northern waters, there are plenty of options for sunny beach vacations.
Honolulu, HI
Alex Krassel via Shutterstock.com.
Discover the best beaches in the US on the island state Hawaii. As part of the Pacific archipelago, this network of tropical Islands has over 700 miles of combined coastline.
Each island has its unique flavor. You can visit the black sand beaches of the big island, the romantic beach resorts on Maui, or the pristine waters of Kauai, but the best place for tourists is Waikiki Beach on Oahu.
The start of Honolulu, Waikiki Beach offers tourists paradise. You can surf, snorkel, visit Pearl Harbor, or party at a real-life luau. The warm, gentle waters and soft sand make it a perfect beach for swimming or enjoying the sun.
Florida Keys, FL
If you want beach parties, warm waters, and epic scenery, head down to the Florida Keys. This archipelago features over 1000 islands, though most are small and inhabited. The 40+ islands connected by bridge all make wonderful options for a beach vacation.
Each of the hundred-plus beaches in the Keys has unique flavor. Check out Dry Tortuga National Park to see pristine beaches and for the chance to spy sea turtles in their natural habitats, or head to the beaches at Key West to party it up with the vibrant beach nightlife.
South Padre Island, TX
South Padre Island is a gorgeous beach getaway on Texas’s Gulf Coast, right near the border with Mexico. A bridge connects the island to the Texas mainland, and tons of fun things to do on the island itself.
South Padre Island is an excellent place for water sports such as parasailing and jet skiing, and also a fantastic spot to get up close and personal with gulf wildlife such as dolphins. It has beautiful beaches, warm waters, and the biggest outdoor sandcastle in the US.
Runners up to the Best Places to Visit in the United States
With so much to do and see in the United States, and so many incredible cities to visit, it’s impossible to capture it all. Our list showcased the best of the best, but three other cities deserve an honorable mention.
Boston, MA
Boston burst with culture and history. As the site of the Boston Tea Party, the city is often considered the birthplace of the American Revolution, so it’s a must-see for history buffs.
Boston also has a thriving arts community. Home to the Boston Symphony, the Boston Ballet, and the oldest ballpark in the nation, there’s a cultural relic for everyone in this city.
Denver, CO
Gateway to the Rocky Mountains, Denver, Colorado has it all. It’s close to nature, boasts a hopping nightlife scene, and is well on its way to becoming a foodie city.
Denver also has a growing arts community. Its art museum has a massive collection of 19th-century art, including many works by Van Gogh, and the city has a thriving arts district which hosts monthly art walks.
Charleston, SC
A charming city in the south, Charleston, SC is a must-see for anyone interested in Southern culture and history. Visitors can embark upon walking food tours, carriage tours, and sightseeing tours.
History buffs will enjoy a visit to Fort Sumpter, the site of the Civil War’s first battle, and learning about the city’s history during the Antebellum period.
The Best Places to Visit in the United States
The United States is a huge country offering a wide array of activities for tourists and locals alike.
Different areas of the US provide different flavors, which combine to cement America’s place as a vast melting pot and a perfect place for people from all around the world to visit.
Plan your trip to one of the best US cities today!
This post originally appeared on Savoteur.