50 places to vacation in the US that must be on your bucket list
Love the beach? The desert? The mountains? Don't sweat it — we have you covered!
Key Largo — Florida
Best for Oceanic Exploration
There are plenty of beach destinations to choose from in Florida, but Key Largo is the place for people looking to leave the sand and enjoy everything the ocean has to offer. With offerings like the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, visitors are encouraged to throw on a mask and have an adventure below the surface.
Where to Stay: Playa Largo Resort & Spa
PHOTO: Jean-Paul Van Der Heijden / EyeEm
New Hope — Pennsylvania
Best for Shopping Small
If your ideal escape involves spending a day popping in and out of shops along Main street, head to New Hope. The town has a ton of charming independently-owned businesses and art galleries, so save some space in your luggage for some souvenirs. After you've picked up some gifts for yourself, grab a seat and a drink at The Pour House at The New Hope Winery or Great Barn Brewery.
Where to Stay: River House at Odette's
PHOTO: aimintang
Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
Best for Views
It's no wonder why the Grand Canyon has been topping bucket lists for travel junkies and families alike for so many years. Whether you're after a challenging hike or have more interest in some zen stargazing, there are several access points with varying levels of hiking intensity, so you (and every member of your travel group) can get the best views.
Where to Stay: South Rim, Phantom Ranch
Los Angeles — California
Best for Laid-Back Luxury
Spend your days hanging loose on Venice Beach and your nights indulging in swanky nightlife spots on Hollywood Boulevard. From visiting Runyon Canyon or shopping on Rodeo Drive to finding your favorite actor's hand prints pressed into the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame, there are a variety of daytime activities to keep you busy.
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel at Beverly Hills, Omni Los Angeles
Las Vegas — Nevada
Best for Nightlife
What happens in Vegas … well, you know the saying. Sure, you can get as naughty as you want in Sin City, but you just might be too busy seeing shows, such as Cirque du Soleil's O, dining in trendy restaurants, shopping in luxury arcades, gambling in casinos, and dancing in swanky clubs to do any permanent damage.
Where to Stay: Bellagio Las Vegas, Paris Las Vegas
Santa Fe — New Mexico
Best for Art Aficionados
Pull a Georgia O'Keeffe and lose yourself in Santa Fe's otherworldly landscapes. Check out local artists' work in the many galleries along Canyon Road, and see O'Keeffe's famous animal skull paintings at her eponymous museum — then ponder all of this artistic magnificence over margaritas and a big bowl of guac and chips.
Where to Stay: La Fonda on the Plaza, Inn and Spa at Loretto
Nantucket — Massachusetts
Best for the Laid-Back Island Life
As soon as you step off the ferry, you'll start to decompress on this postcard-perfect island off the coast of Cape Cod. It ticks all the island getaway boxes: gorgeous beaches, sweet gray-shingled cottages, and historic lighthouses. Nantucket also has a super cool Whaling Museum, and plenty of places for a lobster roll.
Where to Stay: 21 Broad, The Nantucket Hotel
Sedona — Arizona
Best for Desert Scenery
You'll never get over marveling at the beauty of the Red Rocks of Sedona — they're that awe-inspiring. Get up-close and personal with these rust-hued mesas and buttes via Jeep tour, then head to one of Sedona's vortexes to soak up some positive vibes. (Using healing crystals and getting an aura photo is optional.)
Where to Stay: Hilton Sedona Resort at Red Rock, L'Auberge de Sedona
Chicago — Illinois
Best for a Big City Getaway
Sure, it could always be New York — but don't dismiss the Second City. Incredible architecture (the skyscraper was born here), world-class museums (Did you know the famed American Gothic painting is in the Art Institute of Chicago?), deep-dish pizza, and the Cubbies make Chi-Town one of the best places to visit in the USA.
Where to Stay: Ace Hotel Chicago, Hilton Chicago
PHOTO: Getty Images
Big Sur — California
Best for a Scenic Drive
If you've seen HBO’s "Big Little Lies," you've no doubt been blown away by the gorgeous cliff-hugging backdrops, especially around Bixby Bridge, the iconic 280-foot-high span on the Pacific Coast Highway. This jaw-dropping stretch from Carmel to the boho hangout of Big Sur is surely one of the world's greatest scenic drives.
Where to Stay: Portola Hotel & Spa, Comfort Inn Carmel-by-the-Sea
Kansas City — Missouri
Best for Barbecue
Kansas City is world-famous for its finger-lickin'-good barbecue, and a few standouts include Gates Bar-B-Q, featuring mouthwatering beef brisket, Q39, from national barbecue champ Rob Magee, and, just across the state line in Kansas, Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, with ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken on the menu.
Where to Stay: Hotel Phillips Kansas City, Ambassador Hotel Kansas City
PHOTO: Q39
Jackson — Wyoming
Best for Outdoor Adventures
This rugged destination in the Teton Mountains is all about being in the great outdoors. Summer brings hiking, horseback riding, and river rafting; come wintertime, there's world-class skiing at one of the country's top ski resorts. Plus, there are plenty of authentic Western-style bars where you just might mingle with real cowboys.
Where to Stay: The Wort Hotel, Hotel Terra Jackson Hole
Natchez — Mississippi
Best for Touring Antebellum Homes
The city of Natchez, a former trading post on the Mississippi River, is known for its many antebellum mansions, including Brandon Hall Plantation, now functioning as a charming inn with canopied beds, antique furnishings, and landscaped grounds. Other historic homes worth a visit include Longwood, Dunleith, and Auburn.
Where to Stay: Natchez Grand Hotel, Brandon Hall Plantation
PHOTO: Brandon Hall Plantation
Washington, D.C.
Best for Free Museums
Can we talk about D.C. without getting political? Sure we can, especially when there's so much to say about its free Smithsonian museums.
See Dorothy's ruby slippers at the National Museum of American History, a space shuttle at the National Air & Space Museum, and Nat Turner's Bible at the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
Where to Stay: Kimpton Hotel Palomar, Marriott Marquis Washington, DC
Napa Valley — California
Best for Wine Lovers
There's a lot to love about Napa Valley. It's just an hour's drive from San Francisco, there are hundreds of world-class wineries to stop in for a tasting (A pinot noir on the deck overlooking vast vineyards? Yes, please!), and there are plenty of gourmet restaurants, including Thomas Keller's famed French Laundry.
Where to Stay: Marriott Napa Valley Hotel & Spa, The Westin Verasa Napa
Indianapolis — Indiana
Best for the Whole Family
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is one of the best kids' museums in the USA — just try to get them to stop talking about the massive dinosaur "attacking" the building's facade. Indy also has a great zoo and an IMAX theater, and each May, the Indy 500 takes place. Plus, there's a growing farm-to-table foodie scene.
Where to Stay: Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites, Conrad Indianapolis
Austin – Texas
Best for Fests
As if tasty barbecue and Tex-Mex food weren't enough of a draw, Austin hosts several major festivals throughout the year that are worth planning a trip for. Both South by Southwest (in March) and Austin City Limits (in October) make the city an ideal getaway for people who enjoy having a jam-packed itinerary when they travel.
If you can't make it those months, there are still plenty of ways to occupy your time while you're in town.
Where to Stay: Hotel Van Zandt, The Line Hotel
Hawaii
Best for Exotic Beaches
You can't mention the best places to visit in the USA and not show the Aloha State some love, especially its beaches. From the black sand of Punaluu, to the green (yes, green!) sand of Papakolea Beach (both on the Big Island), to the great snorkeling at Maui's Makua Beach, Hawaii lives up to its billing.
Where to Stay: Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons: Diego Delso
Minneapolis — Minnesota
Best for Midwestern Museums
Minneapolis is full of fab museums, including the Walker Art Center, featuring works from Jasper Johns and Chuck Close, and the recently renovated Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, known for its famous "Spoonbridge and Cherry" sculpture. The Frank Gehry-designed Weisman Art Museum and the Mill City Museum are others to keep in mind, too.
Where to Stay: Hewing Hotel, The Westin Minneapolis
PHOTO: Walker Art Center
New York City — New York
Best for Theater Lovers
Even if you can't get tickets to "Hamilton," you won't be lacking for choice when it comes to top-notch theater in NYC. Catch Broadway shows like Tony Award winners Dear Evan Hansen and "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," and there are plenty of off-Broadway and off-off Broadway shows, plus, warm weather brings the Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park.
Where to Stay: Soho Grand Hotel, W New York - Times Square
PHOTO: Getty Images
Finger Lakes — New York
Best East Coast Wine Region
This upstate New York wine-making region is home to more than 100 wineries, many clustered around Seneca and Cayuga lakes. Take a tour and have a tasting (the region is known for its rieslings) at scenic wineries like Chateau LaFayette Reneau and Long Point, then overnight it in pretty little lakeside towns like Aurora and Watkins Glen.
Where to Stay: Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, The Inns of Aurora
PHOTO: Chateau LaFayette Reneau
Manchester — Vermont
Best for Fall Foliage
Some of New England's most spectacular fall foliage can be found in Manchester in the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains. Drive alone Route 7A, part of the Shires of Vermont Byway, where you'll pass maple and oak trees bursting with autumnal color. Afterward, treat yourself to a traditional pot roast at the cozy Ye Olde Tavern.
Where to Stay: Kimpton Taconic Hotel, Wilburton Inn
St. Michaels — Maryland
Best for Nautical Charm
This upscale coastal town on Maryland's eastern shore (two hours from D.C.) is all about seaside pleasures. Take a sunset sail along the Miles River on an antique sailboat, dine on Maryland blue crabs at a waterfront restaurant, and snap a photo beside the Hooper Straight Lighthouse at the 18-acre Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
Where to Stay: Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond
PHOTO: Getty Images
Birmingham — Alabama
Best Southern Foodie Town
Believe it or not, Birmingham is a full-on foodie destination. Longtime favorites like Highlands Bar and Grill and the Hot and Hot Fish Club, which pioneered the city's farm-to-table movement, are still going strong, and joining them are Fish Club's sister spot OvenBird, serving small plates, and the 2-year-old Pizitz Food Hall.
Where to Stay: Aloft Birmingham Soho Square, Redmont Hotel
PHOTO: Pizitz Food Hall
Livingston — Montana
Best Western Town
Livingston, 20 miles east of Bozeman, embodies the spirit of the Old West. Spend your days hiking, fly-fishing, and horseback riding amid Big Sky Country. Stay at the historic Murray Hotel, once frequented by Buffalo Bill and Calamity Jane, and dig in to a wood-fired oven pizza at Gil's Goods.
Where to Stay: Yellowstone Pioneer Lodge, The Murray Hotel
PHOTO: Visit Livingston
Phoenix/Scottsdale — Arizona
Best for Avid Golfers
Phoenix and Scottsdale are known for their world-class golf courses, including two Jay Morrish-designed courses beside stunning rock formations at the Boulders resort and the Adobe and Links courses at the historic Biltmore.
The Sonoran desert heat can get intense, so after your round, be sure to take a refreshing dip in the pool!
Where to Stay: Boulders Resort & Spa, Arizona Biltmore
PHOTO: Boulders Resort & Spa
Aspen — Colorado
Best Ski Resort
Aspen is a super glamorous ski resort where you dress to impress for a day skiing down Aspen Mountain (better known as Ajax). When the lifts close, it's time for après-ski at the J-Bar in the historic Hotel Jerome or Cloud 9 in The Little Nell. You'll also find pampering spas, designer shops, and plenty of places to sip Champagne.
Where to Stay: The St. Regis Aspen Resort, Hotel Jerome
PHOTO: Getty Images
Disney World — Florida
Best for Kids
If left up to the kids, they'd choose Disney for every vacation, and we get it. From classic theme parks like Magic Kingdom and Epcot (with its Frozen ride), to the newer attractions, like Toy Story Land and Pandora — The World of Avatar (not to mention parades, fireworks, rollercoasters, themed hotels, and meals with Mickey), Disney truly has it all.
Where to Stay: Disney's Pop Century Resort, B Resort & Spa
PHOTO: Disney
New Orleans — Louisiana
Best for Cajun/Creole Cuisine
While you can definitely get your drink on in New Orleans (Bourbon Street, anyone?), the Big Easy is ground zero for Cajun and Creole specialties, especially in the French Quarter at places like Arnaud's and Muriel's. Expect dishes like turtle soup, seafood gumbo, jambalaya, trout amandine, and blackened redfish.
Where to Stay: The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, Ace Hotel New Orleans
PHOTO: Arnaud's French 75
Palm Springs — California
Best for Architecture Buffs
Though many know that this laid-back town has sprawling resorts with glam pools is an idyllic desert getaway, you may not know that Palm Springs has the largest concentration of mid-century modern buildings in the country.
Sign up for an architecture tour to see gorgeous homes designed by the likes of Richard Neutra and Donald Wexler.
Where to Stay: Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel, The Riviera Palm Springs
PHOTO: Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel
Cape Cod — Massachusetts
Best for Lighthouses
Cape Cod is the quintessential New England summer playground, with gray-shingled cottages, dune-lined beaches, whale-watching tours, and plenty of historic lighthouses along this arm-shaped peninsula, including Provincetown's Race Point Light and Eastham's Nauset Light, the inspiration for the Cape Cod Potato Chips logo.
Where to Stay: Harbor Hotel Provincetown, Chatham Bars Inn
PHOTO: Chatham Bars Inn
Alaska
Best for Glacier Viewing
Alaska is famous for glaciers and fjords — not to mention Mount Denali, North America's highest peak. While you can take a road trip to see its top sights, a cruise is a great option, as it allows you to see a lot in a short amount of time.
Highlights include sailing the Inside Passage, where you'll view spectacular glaciers and cascading waterfalls, and visiting scenic ports like Ketchikan and Skagway.
Best Cruises: Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line
PHOTO: Princess Cruises
Columbia River Gorge — Oregon
Best for Pacific Northwest Scenery
Immerse yourself in stunning Pacific Northwest scenery in the Columbia River Gorge, an hour's drive from Portland. The area is known for its majestic waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls.
After a day of hiking or biking, unwind in the town of Hood River with a craft beer at Full Sail Brewing Company, overlooking the gorge.
Where to Stay: Best Western Plus Hood River Inn, Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa
PHOTO: Getty Images
Denver — Colorado
Best for Craft Beer Aficionados
With so many breweries in the Mile-High City, it's hard to choose, but here are some favorites. The Denver Beer Co., with a large beer garden (and food trucks!), is always a good time, Great Divide Brewing Co. is fun for a few pale ales before a Rockies game, and Bierstadt Lagerhaus is all about German brews in a traditional beer-hall setting.
Where to Stay: Hotel Teatro, The ART, a Hotel
PHOTO: Great Divide Brewing Co.
Mount Rushmore — South Dakota
Best for Visiting an Iconic Attraction
If you've never seen Mount Rushmore, the massive sculpture of four presidents carved into the rock face at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota's Black Hills, make this the year. Base yourself in Rapid City and take day trips to the Crazy Horse Memorial and the Wild West town of Deadwood, where Wild Bill Hickok was killed.
Where to Stay: Hotel Alex Johnson, Holiday Inn Express & Suite Mt. Rushmore
PHOTO: Getty Images
Lancaster — Pennsylvania
Best for Visiting Amish Country
Lancaster, 2 hours west of Philadelphia, not only has a burgeoning arts scene, but it's the gateway to Amish country. Drive along Route 340, passing rolling hills, to communities like Bird-in-Hand, where you'll see Amish farms, quilt shops, roadside fruit stands manned by bonneted teens, and yes, plenty of horse-and-buggies.
Where to Stay: Cork Factory Hotel, Lancaster Arts Hotel
PHOTO: Getty Images
Lake Tahoe — California
Best Lake Getaway
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more spectacular setting than Lake Tahoe, the 22-mile-long crystalline lake in the Sierra Nevada (straddling the border of California and Nevada). Take sightseeing cruises, tee-off on scenic golf courses, go hiking and biking in the mountains, and in the evening, try your luck in one of Tahoe's casinos.
Where to Stay: Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort
PHOTO: Getty Images
Savannah — Georgia
Best Historic District
A trolley tour is a fun way to see Savannah's historic district, which includes shop-lined River Street that runs parallel to the Savannah River (you can take a replica steamboat cruise from here), beautiful Madison Square, with its centuries-old live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, and the historic Owens-Thomas House.
Where to Stay: The Kimpton Brice Hotel, Ballastone Inn
Louisville — Kentucky
Best for Bourbon Lovers
Bourbon fans should put the Kentucky Bourbon Trail at the top of their bucket lists. The trail consists of 10 distilleries, each offering tours and tastings of the Bluegrass State's signature spirit. Angel's Envy is right in the center of Louisville, while world-famous brands like Maker's Mark and Jim Beam are a quick drive from downtown.
Where to Stay: The Brown Hotel, 21c Museum Hotel Louisville
PHOTO: Angel's Envy
Newport — Rhode Island
Best for Gilded Age Glamour
It's all about Gilded Age glamour in the coastal town of Newport on Narragansett Bay. Tour the opulent oceanfront mansions, including Rosecliff, The Elms, and The Breakers, considered the grandest of all of Newport's "summer cottages." Afterward, dine on fresh seafood on Bowen's Wharf overlooking the yacht-filled harbor.
Where to Stay: Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina, The Francis Malbone House
Portland — Maine
Best Small-City Foodie Scene
New Englanders have long known that Portland has a first-rate foodie scene. After checking out the Winslow Homer collection in the I.M. Pei-designed Portland Museum of Art, have a gourmet sandwich and fries at hotspots like Duckfat. In the evening, indulge in fresh Maine oysters at Eventide and crudo at Central Provisions.
Where to Stay: The Press Hotel
PHOTO: Duckfat
Asheville — North Carolina
Best City With a Bohemian Vibe
Asheville, in western North Carolina, marches to its own New Age beat. You'll find a mix of farmers, hippies, musicians, and artists, drawn not only by the stunning panoramas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but the city's cultural offerings, including the Biltmore, the 250-room Vanderbilt mansion-turned-museum. This boho city also has a nationally known craft-beer scene you'll want to enjoy.
Where to Stay: The Windsor, Grand Bohemian Asheville
PHOTO: Biltmore
St. Augustine — Florida
Best for Historic Florida
St. Augustine, on Florida's northeast coast, is said to be the oldest city in the United States. Originally settled in 1565 by the Spanish, you'll still find Spanish colonial buildings, the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos, and cobbled, shop-lined streets. Plus, St. Augustine Beach is a 10-mile beauty where you can park right on the sand.
Where to Stay: The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens, Casa Monica Resort & Spa
PHOTO: Getty Images
Detroit — Michigan
Best Comeback City
The Motor City is revving back to life with new infrastructure projects, stylish boutique hotels in renovated historic buildings, including the new Shinola Hotel, craft breweries, and buzzy restaurants, such as The Apparatus Room, serving New American cuisine, and Prime + Proper steakhouse.
Where to Stay: Shinola Hotel, Detroit Foundation Hotel
PHOTO: Detroit Foundation Hotel
Seattle — Washington
Best for Seafood Lovers
From wild salmon and Olympia oysters to Penn Cove mussels and Dungeness crabs, Seattle is heaven for seafood lovers. A visit to Pike Place Market to watch the fishmongers toss the day's catch to each other is a must (you can have lunch there, too). Dine-in classic spots like Ivar's Acres of Clams on Pier 54, or check out the Walrus & the Carpenter, a trendy oyster bar in Ballard.
Where to Stay: Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Thompson Seattle
PHOTO: Walrus & the Carpenter
San Antonio — Texas
Best for Texan History
San Antonio, which recently turned 300, is chock-full of history. Learn all about The Alamo, the 18th-century mission where Texas pioneers, including Davy Crockett, fought Mexican troops, as well as the city's other historic missions. Plus, you can't leave town without taking a walk — or a scenic boat ride — along the famed River Walk.
Where to Stay: Hotel Havana, Hotel Contessa
Charleston — South Carolina
Best for Southern Charm
Charleston teems with antebellum mansions, horse-drawn carriages, and historic plantations, like nearby Middleton Place, but it also has boutique hotels, craft breweries, and culinary hot spots like Husk and Zero Restaurant & Bar, which are helmed by chefs adding creative spins to traditional Southern dishes.
Where to Stay: French Quarter Inn, The Spectator Hotel
PHOTO: Getty Images
Nashville — Tennessee
Best for Live Music
They don't call it Music City for nothing. Nashville is one of the country's premier spots for music, and we're not just talking country music (though there's plenty of that, too!). Check out the honky-tonks along Broadway to hear anything from rockabilly to blues, then visit country music shrines like The Grand Ole Opry.
Where to Stay: Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown, Thompson Nashville
PHOTO: Robert's Western World
Cape May — New Jersey
Best for Victorian Charm
Located at the tip of the Garden State is the charming town of Cape May. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976, this Jersey Shore jewel is famous for its Victorian homes (many of which now house romantic inns and bed and breakfasts), its gas lamp-lined streets, and horse-drawn carriages. The beach is pretty sweet, too.
Where to Stay: Congress Hall
PHOTO: Getty Images
Utah National Parks — Utah
Best for National Parks
Utah has five, count 'em, five national parks — each more spectacular than the next. Zion is known for its towering red rocks, while Arches has thousands of natural arches, including the famous Delicate Arch, featured on the Beehive State's license plate. The other three parks are Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Bryce Canyon.
Where to Stay: La Quinta Inn & Suites, Springdale, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab
PHOTO: Getty Images
Key Largo — Florida
Best for Oceanic Exploration
There are plenty of beach destinations to choose from in Florida, but Key Largo is the place for people looking to leave the sand and enjoy everything the ocean has to offer. With offerings like the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, visitors are encouraged to throw on a mask and have an adventure below the surface.
Where to Stay: Playa Largo Resort & Spa
PHOTO: Jean-Paul Van Der Heijden / EyeEm
New Hope — Pennsylvania
Best for Shopping Small
If your ideal escape involves spending a day popping in and out of shops along Main street, head to New Hope. The town has a ton of charming independently-owned businesses and art galleries, so save some space in your luggage for some souvenirs. After you've picked up some gifts for yourself, grab a seat and a drink at The Pour House at The New Hope Winery or Great Barn Brewery.
Where to Stay: River House at Odette's
PHOTO: aimintang
Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
Best for Views
It's no wonder why the Grand Canyon has been topping bucket lists for travel junkies and families alike for so many years. Whether you're after a challenging hike or have more interest in some zen stargazing, there are several access points with varying levels of hiking intensity, so you (and every member of your travel group) can get the best views.
Where to Stay: South Rim, Phantom Ranch
Los Angeles — California
Best for Laid-Back Luxury
Spend your days hanging loose on Venice Beach and your nights indulging in swanky nightlife spots on Hollywood Boulevard. From visiting Runyon Canyon or shopping on Rodeo Drive to finding your favorite actor's hand prints pressed into the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame, there are a variety of daytime activities to keep you busy.
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel at Beverly Hills, Omni Los Angeles
Las Vegas — Nevada
Best for Nightlife
What happens in Vegas … well, you know the saying. Sure, you can get as naughty as you want in Sin City, but you just might be too busy seeing shows, such as Cirque du Soleil's O, dining in trendy restaurants, shopping in luxury arcades, gambling in casinos, and dancing in swanky clubs to do any permanent damage.
Where to Stay: Bellagio Las Vegas, Paris Las Vegas
Santa Fe — New Mexico
Best for Art Aficionados
Pull a Georgia O'Keeffe and lose yourself in Santa Fe's otherworldly landscapes. Check out local artists' work in the many galleries along Canyon Road, and see O'Keeffe's famous animal skull paintings at her eponymous museum — then ponder all of this artistic magnificence over margaritas and a big bowl of guac and chips.
Where to Stay: La Fonda on the Plaza, Inn and Spa at Loretto
Nantucket — Massachusetts
Best for the Laid-Back Island Life
As soon as you step off the ferry, you'll start to decompress on this postcard-perfect island off the coast of Cape Cod. It ticks all the island getaway boxes: gorgeous beaches, sweet gray-shingled cottages, and historic lighthouses. Nantucket also has a super cool Whaling Museum, and plenty of places for a lobster roll.
Where to Stay: 21 Broad, The Nantucket Hotel
Sedona — Arizona
Best for Desert Scenery
You'll never get over marveling at the beauty of the Red Rocks of Sedona — they're that awe-inspiring. Get up-close and personal with these rust-hued mesas and buttes via Jeep tour, then head to one of Sedona's vortexes to soak up some positive vibes. (Using healing crystals and getting an aura photo is optional.)
Where to Stay: Hilton Sedona Resort at Red Rock, L'Auberge de Sedona
Chicago — Illinois
Best for a Big City Getaway
Sure, it could always be New York — but don't dismiss the Second City. Incredible architecture (the skyscraper was born here), world-class museums (Did you know the famed American Gothic painting is in the Art Institute of Chicago?), deep-dish pizza, and the Cubbies make Chi-Town one of the best places to visit in the USA.
Where to Stay: Ace Hotel Chicago, Hilton Chicago
PHOTO: Getty Images
Big Sur — California
Best for a Scenic Drive
If you've seen HBO’s "Big Little Lies," you've no doubt been blown away by the gorgeous cliff-hugging backdrops, especially around Bixby Bridge, the iconic 280-foot-high span on the Pacific Coast Highway. This jaw-dropping stretch from Carmel to the boho hangout of Big Sur is surely one of the world's greatest scenic drives.
Where to Stay: Portola Hotel & Spa, Comfort Inn Carmel-by-the-Sea
Kansas City — Missouri
Best for Barbecue
Kansas City is world-famous for its finger-lickin'-good barbecue, and a few standouts include Gates Bar-B-Q, featuring mouthwatering beef brisket, Q39, from national barbecue champ Rob Magee, and, just across the state line in Kansas, Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, with ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken on the menu.
Where to Stay: Hotel Phillips Kansas City, Ambassador Hotel Kansas City
PHOTO: Q39
Jackson — Wyoming
Best for Outdoor Adventures
This rugged destination in the Teton Mountains is all about being in the great outdoors. Summer brings hiking, horseback riding, and river rafting; come wintertime, there's world-class skiing at one of the country's top ski resorts. Plus, there are plenty of authentic Western-style bars where you just might mingle with real cowboys.
Where to Stay: The Wort Hotel, Hotel Terra Jackson Hole
Natchez — Mississippi
Best for Touring Antebellum Homes
The city of Natchez, a former trading post on the Mississippi River, is known for its many antebellum mansions, including Brandon Hall Plantation, now functioning as a charming inn with canopied beds, antique furnishings, and landscaped grounds. Other historic homes worth a visit include Longwood, Dunleith, and Auburn.
Where to Stay: Natchez Grand Hotel, Brandon Hall Plantation
PHOTO: Brandon Hall Plantation
Washington, D.C.
Best for Free Museums
Can we talk about D.C. without getting political? Sure we can, especially when there's so much to say about its free Smithsonian museums.
See Dorothy's ruby slippers at the National Museum of American History, a space shuttle at the National Air & Space Museum, and Nat Turner's Bible at the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
Where to Stay: Kimpton Hotel Palomar, Marriott Marquis Washington, DC
Napa Valley — California
Best for Wine Lovers
There's a lot to love about Napa Valley. It's just an hour's drive from San Francisco, there are hundreds of world-class wineries to stop in for a tasting (A pinot noir on the deck overlooking vast vineyards? Yes, please!), and there are plenty of gourmet restaurants, including Thomas Keller's famed French Laundry.
Where to Stay: Marriott Napa Valley Hotel & Spa, The Westin Verasa Napa
Indianapolis — Indiana
Best for the Whole Family
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is one of the best kids' museums in the USA — just try to get them to stop talking about the massive dinosaur "attacking" the building's facade. Indy also has a great zoo and an IMAX theater, and each May, the Indy 500 takes place. Plus, there's a growing farm-to-table foodie scene.
Where to Stay: Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites, Conrad Indianapolis
Austin – Texas
Best for Fests
As if tasty barbecue and Tex-Mex food weren't enough of a draw, Austin hosts several major festivals throughout the year that are worth planning a trip for. Both South by Southwest (in March) and Austin City Limits (in October) make the city an ideal getaway for people who enjoy having a jam-packed itinerary when they travel.
If you can't make it those months, there are still plenty of ways to occupy your time while you're in town.
Where to Stay: Hotel Van Zandt, The Line Hotel
Hawaii
Best for Exotic Beaches
You can't mention the best places to visit in the USA and not show the Aloha State some love, especially its beaches. From the black sand of Punaluu, to the green (yes, green!) sand of Papakolea Beach (both on the Big Island), to the great snorkeling at Maui's Makua Beach, Hawaii lives up to its billing.
Where to Stay: Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons: Diego Delso
Minneapolis — Minnesota
Best for Midwestern Museums
Minneapolis is full of fab museums, including the Walker Art Center, featuring works from Jasper Johns and Chuck Close, and the recently renovated Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, known for its famous "Spoonbridge and Cherry" sculpture. The Frank Gehry-designed Weisman Art Museum and the Mill City Museum are others to keep in mind, too.
Where to Stay: Hewing Hotel, The Westin Minneapolis
PHOTO: Walker Art Center
New York City — New York
Best for Theater Lovers
Even if you can't get tickets to "Hamilton," you won't be lacking for choice when it comes to top-notch theater in NYC. Catch Broadway shows like Tony Award winners Dear Evan Hansen and "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," and there are plenty of off-Broadway and off-off Broadway shows, plus, warm weather brings the Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park.
Where to Stay: Soho Grand Hotel, W New York - Times Square
PHOTO: Getty Images
Finger Lakes — New York
Best East Coast Wine Region
This upstate New York wine-making region is home to more than 100 wineries, many clustered around Seneca and Cayuga lakes. Take a tour and have a tasting (the region is known for its rieslings) at scenic wineries like Chateau LaFayette Reneau and Long Point, then overnight it in pretty little lakeside towns like Aurora and Watkins Glen.
Where to Stay: Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, The Inns of Aurora
PHOTO: Chateau LaFayette Reneau
Manchester — Vermont
Best for Fall Foliage
Some of New England's most spectacular fall foliage can be found in Manchester in the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains. Drive alone Route 7A, part of the Shires of Vermont Byway, where you'll pass maple and oak trees bursting with autumnal color. Afterward, treat yourself to a traditional pot roast at the cozy Ye Olde Tavern.
Where to Stay: Kimpton Taconic Hotel, Wilburton Inn
St. Michaels — Maryland
Best for Nautical Charm
This upscale coastal town on Maryland's eastern shore (two hours from D.C.) is all about seaside pleasures. Take a sunset sail along the Miles River on an antique sailboat, dine on Maryland blue crabs at a waterfront restaurant, and snap a photo beside the Hooper Straight Lighthouse at the 18-acre Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
Where to Stay: Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond
PHOTO: Getty Images
Birmingham — Alabama
Best Southern Foodie Town
Believe it or not, Birmingham is a full-on foodie destination. Longtime favorites like Highlands Bar and Grill and the Hot and Hot Fish Club, which pioneered the city's farm-to-table movement, are still going strong, and joining them are Fish Club's sister spot OvenBird, serving small plates, and the 2-year-old Pizitz Food Hall.
Where to Stay: Aloft Birmingham Soho Square, Redmont Hotel
PHOTO: Pizitz Food Hall
Livingston — Montana
Best Western Town
Livingston, 20 miles east of Bozeman, embodies the spirit of the Old West. Spend your days hiking, fly-fishing, and horseback riding amid Big Sky Country. Stay at the historic Murray Hotel, once frequented by Buffalo Bill and Calamity Jane, and dig in to a wood-fired oven pizza at Gil's Goods.
Where to Stay: Yellowstone Pioneer Lodge, The Murray Hotel
PHOTO: Visit Livingston
Phoenix/Scottsdale — Arizona
Best for Avid Golfers
Phoenix and Scottsdale are known for their world-class golf courses, including two Jay Morrish-designed courses beside stunning rock formations at the Boulders resort and the Adobe and Links courses at the historic Biltmore.
The Sonoran desert heat can get intense, so after your round, be sure to take a refreshing dip in the pool!
Where to Stay: Boulders Resort & Spa, Arizona Biltmore
PHOTO: Boulders Resort & Spa
Aspen — Colorado
Best Ski Resort
Aspen is a super glamorous ski resort where you dress to impress for a day skiing down Aspen Mountain (better known as Ajax). When the lifts close, it's time for après-ski at the J-Bar in the historic Hotel Jerome or Cloud 9 in The Little Nell. You'll also find pampering spas, designer shops, and plenty of places to sip Champagne.
Where to Stay: The St. Regis Aspen Resort, Hotel Jerome
PHOTO: Getty Images
Disney World — Florida
Best for Kids
If left up to the kids, they'd choose Disney for every vacation, and we get it. From classic theme parks like Magic Kingdom and Epcot (with its Frozen ride), to the newer attractions, like Toy Story Land and Pandora — The World of Avatar (not to mention parades, fireworks, rollercoasters, themed hotels, and meals with Mickey), Disney truly has it all.
Where to Stay: Disney's Pop Century Resort, B Resort & Spa
PHOTO: Disney
New Orleans — Louisiana
Best for Cajun/Creole Cuisine
While you can definitely get your drink on in New Orleans (Bourbon Street, anyone?), the Big Easy is ground zero for Cajun and Creole specialties, especially in the French Quarter at places like Arnaud's and Muriel's. Expect dishes like turtle soup, seafood gumbo, jambalaya, trout amandine, and blackened redfish.
Where to Stay: The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, Ace Hotel New Orleans
PHOTO: Arnaud's French 75
Palm Springs — California
Best for Architecture Buffs
Though many know that this laid-back town has sprawling resorts with glam pools is an idyllic desert getaway, you may not know that Palm Springs has the largest concentration of mid-century modern buildings in the country.
Sign up for an architecture tour to see gorgeous homes designed by the likes of Richard Neutra and Donald Wexler.
Where to Stay: Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel, The Riviera Palm Springs
PHOTO: Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel
Cape Cod — Massachusetts
Best for Lighthouses
Cape Cod is the quintessential New England summer playground, with gray-shingled cottages, dune-lined beaches, whale-watching tours, and plenty of historic lighthouses along this arm-shaped peninsula, including Provincetown's Race Point Light and Eastham's Nauset Light, the inspiration for the Cape Cod Potato Chips logo.
Where to Stay: Harbor Hotel Provincetown, Chatham Bars Inn
PHOTO: Chatham Bars Inn
Alaska
Best for Glacier Viewing
Alaska is famous for glaciers and fjords — not to mention Mount Denali, North America's highest peak. While you can take a road trip to see its top sights, a cruise is a great option, as it allows you to see a lot in a short amount of time.
Highlights include sailing the Inside Passage, where you'll view spectacular glaciers and cascading waterfalls, and visiting scenic ports like Ketchikan and Skagway.
Best Cruises: Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line
PHOTO: Princess Cruises
Columbia River Gorge — Oregon
Best for Pacific Northwest Scenery
Immerse yourself in stunning Pacific Northwest scenery in the Columbia River Gorge, an hour's drive from Portland. The area is known for its majestic waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls.
After a day of hiking or biking, unwind in the town of Hood River with a craft beer at Full Sail Brewing Company, overlooking the gorge.
Where to Stay: Best Western Plus Hood River Inn, Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa
PHOTO: Getty Images
Denver — Colorado
Best for Craft Beer Aficionados
With so many breweries in the Mile-High City, it's hard to choose, but here are some favorites. The Denver Beer Co., with a large beer garden (and food trucks!), is always a good time, Great Divide Brewing Co. is fun for a few pale ales before a Rockies game, and Bierstadt Lagerhaus is all about German brews in a traditional beer-hall setting.
Where to Stay: Hotel Teatro, The ART, a Hotel
PHOTO: Great Divide Brewing Co.
Mount Rushmore — South Dakota
Best for Visiting an Iconic Attraction
If you've never seen Mount Rushmore, the massive sculpture of four presidents carved into the rock face at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota's Black Hills, make this the year. Base yourself in Rapid City and take day trips to the Crazy Horse Memorial and the Wild West town of Deadwood, where Wild Bill Hickok was killed.
Where to Stay: Hotel Alex Johnson, Holiday Inn Express & Suite Mt. Rushmore
PHOTO: Getty Images
Lancaster — Pennsylvania
Best for Visiting Amish Country
Lancaster, 2 hours west of Philadelphia, not only has a burgeoning arts scene, but it's the gateway to Amish country. Drive along Route 340, passing rolling hills, to communities like Bird-in-Hand, where you'll see Amish farms, quilt shops, roadside fruit stands manned by bonneted teens, and yes, plenty of horse-and-buggies.
Where to Stay: Cork Factory Hotel, Lancaster Arts Hotel
PHOTO: Getty Images
Lake Tahoe — California
Best Lake Getaway
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more spectacular setting than Lake Tahoe, the 22-mile-long crystalline lake in the Sierra Nevada (straddling the border of California and Nevada). Take sightseeing cruises, tee-off on scenic golf courses, go hiking and biking in the mountains, and in the evening, try your luck in one of Tahoe's casinos.
Where to Stay: Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort
PHOTO: Getty Images
Savannah — Georgia
Best Historic District
A trolley tour is a fun way to see Savannah's historic district, which includes shop-lined River Street that runs parallel to the Savannah River (you can take a replica steamboat cruise from here), beautiful Madison Square, with its centuries-old live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, and the historic Owens-Thomas House.
Where to Stay: The Kimpton Brice Hotel, Ballastone Inn
Louisville — Kentucky
Best for Bourbon Lovers
Bourbon fans should put the Kentucky Bourbon Trail at the top of their bucket lists. The trail consists of 10 distilleries, each offering tours and tastings of the Bluegrass State's signature spirit. Angel's Envy is right in the center of Louisville, while world-famous brands like Maker's Mark and Jim Beam are a quick drive from downtown.
Where to Stay: The Brown Hotel, 21c Museum Hotel Louisville
PHOTO: Angel's Envy
Newport — Rhode Island
Best for Gilded Age Glamour
It's all about Gilded Age glamour in the coastal town of Newport on Narragansett Bay. Tour the opulent oceanfront mansions, including Rosecliff, The Elms, and The Breakers, considered the grandest of all of Newport's "summer cottages." Afterward, dine on fresh seafood on Bowen's Wharf overlooking the yacht-filled harbor.
Where to Stay: Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina, The Francis Malbone House
Portland — Maine
Best Small-City Foodie Scene
New Englanders have long known that Portland has a first-rate foodie scene. After checking out the Winslow Homer collection in the I.M. Pei-designed Portland Museum of Art, have a gourmet sandwich and fries at hotspots like Duckfat. In the evening, indulge in fresh Maine oysters at Eventide and crudo at Central Provisions.
Where to Stay: The Press Hotel
PHOTO: Duckfat
Asheville — North Carolina
Best City With a Bohemian Vibe
Asheville, in western North Carolina, marches to its own New Age beat. You'll find a mix of farmers, hippies, musicians, and artists, drawn not only by the stunning panoramas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but the city's cultural offerings, including the Biltmore, the 250-room Vanderbilt mansion-turned-museum. This boho city also has a nationally known craft-beer scene you'll want to enjoy.
Where to Stay: The Windsor, Grand Bohemian Asheville
PHOTO: Biltmore
St. Augustine — Florida
Best for Historic Florida
St. Augustine, on Florida's northeast coast, is said to be the oldest city in the United States. Originally settled in 1565 by the Spanish, you'll still find Spanish colonial buildings, the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos, and cobbled, shop-lined streets. Plus, St. Augustine Beach is a 10-mile beauty where you can park right on the sand.
Where to Stay: The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens, Casa Monica Resort & Spa
PHOTO: Getty Images
Detroit — Michigan
Best Comeback City
The Motor City is revving back to life with new infrastructure projects, stylish boutique hotels in renovated historic buildings, including the new Shinola Hotel, craft breweries, and buzzy restaurants, such as The Apparatus Room, serving New American cuisine, and Prime + Proper steakhouse.
Where to Stay: Shinola Hotel, Detroit Foundation Hotel
PHOTO: Detroit Foundation Hotel
Seattle — Washington
Best for Seafood Lovers
From wild salmon and Olympia oysters to Penn Cove mussels and Dungeness crabs, Seattle is heaven for seafood lovers. A visit to Pike Place Market to watch the fishmongers toss the day's catch to each other is a must (you can have lunch there, too). Dine-in classic spots like Ivar's Acres of Clams on Pier 54, or check out the Walrus & the Carpenter, a trendy oyster bar in Ballard.
Where to Stay: Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Thompson Seattle
PHOTO: Walrus & the Carpenter
San Antonio — Texas
Best for Texan History
San Antonio, which recently turned 300, is chock-full of history. Learn all about The Alamo, the 18th-century mission where Texas pioneers, including Davy Crockett, fought Mexican troops, as well as the city's other historic missions. Plus, you can't leave town without taking a walk — or a scenic boat ride — along the famed River Walk.
Where to Stay: Hotel Havana, Hotel Contessa
Charleston — South Carolina
Best for Southern Charm
Charleston teems with antebellum mansions, horse-drawn carriages, and historic plantations, like nearby Middleton Place, but it also has boutique hotels, craft breweries, and culinary hot spots like Husk and Zero Restaurant & Bar, which are helmed by chefs adding creative spins to traditional Southern dishes.
Where to Stay: French Quarter Inn, The Spectator Hotel
PHOTO: Getty Images
Nashville — Tennessee
Best for Live Music
They don't call it Music City for nothing. Nashville is one of the country's premier spots for music, and we're not just talking country music (though there's plenty of that, too!). Check out the honky-tonks along Broadway to hear anything from rockabilly to blues, then visit country music shrines like The Grand Ole Opry.
Where to Stay: Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown, Thompson Nashville
PHOTO: Robert's Western World
Cape May — New Jersey
Best for Victorian Charm
Located at the tip of the Garden State is the charming town of Cape May. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976, this Jersey Shore jewel is famous for its Victorian homes (many of which now house romantic inns and bed and breakfasts), its gas lamp-lined streets, and horse-drawn carriages. The beach is pretty sweet, too.
Where to Stay: Congress Hall
PHOTO: Getty Images
Utah National Parks — Utah
Best for National Parks
Utah has five, count 'em, five national parks — each more spectacular than the next. Zion is known for its towering red rocks, while Arches has thousands of natural arches, including the famous Delicate Arch, featured on the Beehive State's license plate. The other three parks are Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Bryce Canyon.
Where to Stay: La Quinta Inn & Suites, Springdale, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab
PHOTO: Getty Images
Key Largo — Florida
Best for Oceanic Exploration
There are plenty of beach destinations to choose from in Florida, but Key Largo is the place for people looking to leave the sand and enjoy everything the ocean has to offer. With offerings like the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, visitors are encouraged to throw on a mask and have an adventure below the surface.
Where to Stay: Playa Largo Resort & Spa
PHOTO: Jean-Paul Van Der Heijden / EyeEm
New Hope — Pennsylvania
Best for Shopping Small
If your ideal escape involves spending a day popping in and out of shops along Main street, head to New Hope. The town has a ton of charming independently-owned businesses and art galleries, so save some space in your luggage for some souvenirs. After you've picked up some gifts for yourself, grab a seat and a drink at The Pour House at The New Hope Winery or Great Barn Brewery.
Where to Stay: River House at Odette's
PHOTO: aimintang
Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
Best for Views
It's no wonder why the Grand Canyon has been topping bucket lists for travel junkies and families alike for so many years. Whether you're after a challenging hike or have more interest in some zen stargazing, there are several access points with varying levels of hiking intensity, so you (and every member of your travel group) can get the best views.
Where to Stay: South Rim, Phantom Ranch
Los Angeles — California
Best for Laid-Back Luxury
Spend your days hanging loose on Venice Beach and your nights indulging in swanky nightlife spots on Hollywood Boulevard. From visiting Runyon Canyon or shopping on Rodeo Drive to finding your favorite actor's hand prints pressed into the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame, there are a variety of daytime activities to keep you busy.
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel at Beverly Hills, Omni Los Angeles
Las Vegas — Nevada
Best for Nightlife
What happens in Vegas … well, you know the saying. Sure, you can get as naughty as you want in Sin City, but you just might be too busy seeing shows, such as Cirque du Soleil's O, dining in trendy restaurants, shopping in luxury arcades, gambling in casinos, and dancing in swanky clubs to do any permanent damage.
Where to Stay: Bellagio Las Vegas, Paris Las Vegas
Santa Fe — New Mexico
Best for Art Aficionados
Pull a Georgia O'Keeffe and lose yourself in Santa Fe's otherworldly landscapes. Check out local artists' work in the many galleries along Canyon Road, and see O'Keeffe's famous animal skull paintings at her eponymous museum — then ponder all of this artistic magnificence over margaritas and a big bowl of guac and chips.
Where to Stay: La Fonda on the Plaza, Inn and Spa at Loretto
Nantucket — Massachusetts
Best for the Laid-Back Island Life
As soon as you step off the ferry, you'll start to decompress on this postcard-perfect island off the coast of Cape Cod. It ticks all the island getaway boxes: gorgeous beaches, sweet gray-shingled cottages, and historic lighthouses. Nantucket also has a super cool Whaling Museum, and plenty of places for a lobster roll.
Where to Stay: 21 Broad, The Nantucket Hotel
Sedona — Arizona
Best for Desert Scenery
You'll never get over marveling at the beauty of the Red Rocks of Sedona — they're that awe-inspiring. Get up-close and personal with these rust-hued mesas and buttes via Jeep tour, then head to one of Sedona's vortexes to soak up some positive vibes. (Using healing crystals and getting an aura photo is optional.)
Where to Stay: Hilton Sedona Resort at Red Rock, L'Auberge de Sedona
Chicago — Illinois
Best for a Big City Getaway
Sure, it could always be New York — but don't dismiss the Second City. Incredible architecture (the skyscraper was born here), world-class museums (Did you know the famed American Gothic painting is in the Art Institute of Chicago?), deep-dish pizza, and the Cubbies make Chi-Town one of the best places to visit in the USA.
Where to Stay: Ace Hotel Chicago, Hilton Chicago
PHOTO: Getty Images
Big Sur — California
Best for a Scenic Drive
If you've seen HBO’s "Big Little Lies," you've no doubt been blown away by the gorgeous cliff-hugging backdrops, especially around Bixby Bridge, the iconic 280-foot-high span on the Pacific Coast Highway. This jaw-dropping stretch from Carmel to the boho hangout of Big Sur is surely one of the world's greatest scenic drives.
Where to Stay: Portola Hotel & Spa, Comfort Inn Carmel-by-the-Sea
Kansas City — Missouri
Best for Barbecue
Kansas City is world-famous for its finger-lickin'-good barbecue, and a few standouts include Gates Bar-B-Q, featuring mouthwatering beef brisket, Q39, from national barbecue champ Rob Magee, and, just across the state line in Kansas, Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, with ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken on the menu.
Where to Stay: Hotel Phillips Kansas City, Ambassador Hotel Kansas City
PHOTO: Q39
Jackson — Wyoming
Best for Outdoor Adventures
This rugged destination in the Teton Mountains is all about being in the great outdoors. Summer brings hiking, horseback riding, and river rafting; come wintertime, there's world-class skiing at one of the country's top ski resorts. Plus, there are plenty of authentic Western-style bars where you just might mingle with real cowboys.
Where to Stay: The Wort Hotel, Hotel Terra Jackson Hole
Natchez — Mississippi
Best for Touring Antebellum Homes
The city of Natchez, a former trading post on the Mississippi River, is known for its many antebellum mansions, including Brandon Hall Plantation, now functioning as a charming inn with canopied beds, antique furnishings, and landscaped grounds. Other historic homes worth a visit include Longwood, Dunleith, and Auburn.
Where to Stay: Natchez Grand Hotel, Brandon Hall Plantation
PHOTO: Brandon Hall Plantation
Washington, D.C.
Best for Free Museums
Can we talk about D.C. without getting political? Sure we can, especially when there's so much to say about its free Smithsonian museums.
See Dorothy's ruby slippers at the National Museum of American History, a space shuttle at the National Air & Space Museum, and Nat Turner's Bible at the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
Where to Stay: Kimpton Hotel Palomar, Marriott Marquis Washington, DC
Napa Valley — California
Best for Wine Lovers
There's a lot to love about Napa Valley. It's just an hour's drive from San Francisco, there are hundreds of world-class wineries to stop in for a tasting (A pinot noir on the deck overlooking vast vineyards? Yes, please!), and there are plenty of gourmet restaurants, including Thomas Keller's famed French Laundry.
Where to Stay: Marriott Napa Valley Hotel & Spa, The Westin Verasa Napa
Indianapolis — Indiana
Best for the Whole Family
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is one of the best kids' museums in the USA — just try to get them to stop talking about the massive dinosaur "attacking" the building's facade. Indy also has a great zoo and an IMAX theater, and each May, the Indy 500 takes place. Plus, there's a growing farm-to-table foodie scene.
Where to Stay: Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites, Conrad Indianapolis
Austin – Texas
Best for Fests
As if tasty barbecue and Tex-Mex food weren't enough of a draw, Austin hosts several major festivals throughout the year that are worth planning a trip for. Both South by Southwest (in March) and Austin City Limits (in October) make the city an ideal getaway for people who enjoy having a jam-packed itinerary when they travel.
If you can't make it those months, there are still plenty of ways to occupy your time while you're in town.
Where to Stay: Hotel Van Zandt, The Line Hotel
Hawaii
Best for Exotic Beaches
You can't mention the best places to visit in the USA and not show the Aloha State some love, especially its beaches. From the black sand of Punaluu, to the green (yes, green!) sand of Papakolea Beach (both on the Big Island), to the great snorkeling at Maui's Makua Beach, Hawaii lives up to its billing.
Where to Stay: Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons: Diego Delso
Minneapolis — Minnesota
Best for Midwestern Museums
Minneapolis is full of fab museums, including the Walker Art Center, featuring works from Jasper Johns and Chuck Close, and the recently renovated Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, known for its famous "Spoonbridge and Cherry" sculpture. The Frank Gehry-designed Weisman Art Museum and the Mill City Museum are others to keep in mind, too.
Where to Stay: Hewing Hotel, The Westin Minneapolis
PHOTO: Walker Art Center
New York City — New York
Best for Theater Lovers
Even if you can't get tickets to "Hamilton," you won't be lacking for choice when it comes to top-notch theater in NYC. Catch Broadway shows like Tony Award winners Dear Evan Hansen and "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," and there are plenty of off-Broadway and off-off Broadway shows, plus, warm weather brings the Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park.
Where to Stay: Soho Grand Hotel, W New York - Times Square
PHOTO: Getty Images
Finger Lakes — New York
Best East Coast Wine Region
This upstate New York wine-making region is home to more than 100 wineries, many clustered around Seneca and Cayuga lakes. Take a tour and have a tasting (the region is known for its rieslings) at scenic wineries like Chateau LaFayette Reneau and Long Point, then overnight it in pretty little lakeside towns like Aurora and Watkins Glen.
Where to Stay: Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, The Inns of Aurora
PHOTO: Chateau LaFayette Reneau
Manchester — Vermont
Best for Fall Foliage
Some of New England's most spectacular fall foliage can be found in Manchester in the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains. Drive alone Route 7A, part of the Shires of Vermont Byway, where you'll pass maple and oak trees bursting with autumnal color. Afterward, treat yourself to a traditional pot roast at the cozy Ye Olde Tavern.
Where to Stay: Kimpton Taconic Hotel, Wilburton Inn
St. Michaels — Maryland
Best for Nautical Charm
This upscale coastal town on Maryland's eastern shore (two hours from D.C.) is all about seaside pleasures. Take a sunset sail along the Miles River on an antique sailboat, dine on Maryland blue crabs at a waterfront restaurant, and snap a photo beside the Hooper Straight Lighthouse at the 18-acre Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
Where to Stay: Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond
PHOTO: Getty Images
Birmingham — Alabama
Best Southern Foodie Town
Believe it or not, Birmingham is a full-on foodie destination. Longtime favorites like Highlands Bar and Grill and the Hot and Hot Fish Club, which pioneered the city's farm-to-table movement, are still going strong, and joining them are Fish Club's sister spot OvenBird, serving small plates, and the 2-year-old Pizitz Food Hall.
Where to Stay: Aloft Birmingham Soho Square, Redmont Hotel
PHOTO: Pizitz Food Hall
Livingston — Montana
Best Western Town
Livingston, 20 miles east of Bozeman, embodies the spirit of the Old West. Spend your days hiking, fly-fishing, and horseback riding amid Big Sky Country. Stay at the historic Murray Hotel, once frequented by Buffalo Bill and Calamity Jane, and dig in to a wood-fired oven pizza at Gil's Goods.
Where to Stay: Yellowstone Pioneer Lodge, The Murray Hotel
PHOTO: Visit Livingston
Phoenix/Scottsdale — Arizona
Best for Avid Golfers
Phoenix and Scottsdale are known for their world-class golf courses, including two Jay Morrish-designed courses beside stunning rock formations at the Boulders resort and the Adobe and Links courses at the historic Biltmore.
The Sonoran desert heat can get intense, so after your round, be sure to take a refreshing dip in the pool!
Where to Stay: Boulders Resort & Spa, Arizona Biltmore
PHOTO: Boulders Resort & Spa
Aspen — Colorado
Best Ski Resort
Aspen is a super glamorous ski resort where you dress to impress for a day skiing down Aspen Mountain (better known as Ajax). When the lifts close, it's time for après-ski at the J-Bar in the historic Hotel Jerome or Cloud 9 in The Little Nell. You'll also find pampering spas, designer shops, and plenty of places to sip Champagne.
Where to Stay: The St. Regis Aspen Resort, Hotel Jerome
PHOTO: Getty Images
Disney World — Florida
Best for Kids
If left up to the kids, they'd choose Disney for every vacation, and we get it. From classic theme parks like Magic Kingdom and Epcot (with its Frozen ride), to the newer attractions, like Toy Story Land and Pandora — The World of Avatar (not to mention parades, fireworks, rollercoasters, themed hotels, and meals with Mickey), Disney truly has it all.
Where to Stay: Disney's Pop Century Resort, B Resort & Spa
PHOTO: Disney
New Orleans — Louisiana
Best for Cajun/Creole Cuisine
While you can definitely get your drink on in New Orleans (Bourbon Street, anyone?), the Big Easy is ground zero for Cajun and Creole specialties, especially in the French Quarter at places like Arnaud's and Muriel's. Expect dishes like turtle soup, seafood gumbo, jambalaya, trout amandine, and blackened redfish.
Where to Stay: The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, Ace Hotel New Orleans
PHOTO: Arnaud's French 75
Palm Springs — California
Best for Architecture Buffs
Though many know that this laid-back town has sprawling resorts with glam pools is an idyllic desert getaway, you may not know that Palm Springs has the largest concentration of mid-century modern buildings in the country.
Sign up for an architecture tour to see gorgeous homes designed by the likes of Richard Neutra and Donald Wexler.
Where to Stay: Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel, The Riviera Palm Springs
PHOTO: Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel
Cape Cod — Massachusetts
Best for Lighthouses
Cape Cod is the quintessential New England summer playground, with gray-shingled cottages, dune-lined beaches, whale-watching tours, and plenty of historic lighthouses along this arm-shaped peninsula, including Provincetown's Race Point Light and Eastham's Nauset Light, the inspiration for the Cape Cod Potato Chips logo.
Where to Stay: Harbor Hotel Provincetown, Chatham Bars Inn
PHOTO: Chatham Bars Inn
Alaska
Best for Glacier Viewing
Alaska is famous for glaciers and fjords — not to mention Mount Denali, North America's highest peak. While you can take a road trip to see its top sights, a cruise is a great option, as it allows you to see a lot in a short amount of time.
Highlights include sailing the Inside Passage, where you'll view spectacular glaciers and cascading waterfalls, and visiting scenic ports like Ketchikan and Skagway.
Best Cruises: Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line
PHOTO: Princess Cruises
Columbia River Gorge — Oregon
Best for Pacific Northwest Scenery
Immerse yourself in stunning Pacific Northwest scenery in the Columbia River Gorge, an hour's drive from Portland. The area is known for its majestic waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls.
After a day of hiking or biking, unwind in the town of Hood River with a craft beer at Full Sail Brewing Company, overlooking the gorge.
Where to Stay: Best Western Plus Hood River Inn, Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa
PHOTO: Getty Images
Denver — Colorado
Best for Craft Beer Aficionados
With so many breweries in the Mile-High City, it's hard to choose, but here are some favorites. The Denver Beer Co., with a large beer garden (and food trucks!), is always a good time, Great Divide Brewing Co. is fun for a few pale ales before a Rockies game, and Bierstadt Lagerhaus is all about German brews in a traditional beer-hall setting.
Where to Stay: Hotel Teatro, The ART, a Hotel
PHOTO: Great Divide Brewing Co.
Mount Rushmore — South Dakota
Best for Visiting an Iconic Attraction
If you've never seen Mount Rushmore, the massive sculpture of four presidents carved into the rock face at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota's Black Hills, make this the year. Base yourself in Rapid City and take day trips to the Crazy Horse Memorial and the Wild West town of Deadwood, where Wild Bill Hickok was killed.
Where to Stay: Hotel Alex Johnson, Holiday Inn Express & Suite Mt. Rushmore
PHOTO: Getty Images
Lancaster — Pennsylvania
Best for Visiting Amish Country
Lancaster, 2 hours west of Philadelphia, not only has a burgeoning arts scene, but it's the gateway to Amish country. Drive along Route 340, passing rolling hills, to communities like Bird-in-Hand, where you'll see Amish farms, quilt shops, roadside fruit stands manned by bonneted teens, and yes, plenty of horse-and-buggies.
Where to Stay: Cork Factory Hotel, Lancaster Arts Hotel
PHOTO: Getty Images
Lake Tahoe — California
Best Lake Getaway
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more spectacular setting than Lake Tahoe, the 22-mile-long crystalline lake in the Sierra Nevada (straddling the border of California and Nevada). Take sightseeing cruises, tee-off on scenic golf courses, go hiking and biking in the mountains, and in the evening, try your luck in one of Tahoe's casinos.
Where to Stay: Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort
PHOTO: Getty Images
Savannah — Georgia
Best Historic District
A trolley tour is a fun way to see Savannah's historic district, which includes shop-lined River Street that runs parallel to the Savannah River (you can take a replica steamboat cruise from here), beautiful Madison Square, with its centuries-old live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, and the historic Owens-Thomas House.
Where to Stay: The Kimpton Brice Hotel, Ballastone Inn
Louisville — Kentucky
Best for Bourbon Lovers
Bourbon fans should put the Kentucky Bourbon Trail at the top of their bucket lists. The trail consists of 10 distilleries, each offering tours and tastings of the Bluegrass State's signature spirit. Angel's Envy is right in the center of Louisville, while world-famous brands like Maker's Mark and Jim Beam are a quick drive from downtown.
Where to Stay: The Brown Hotel, 21c Museum Hotel Louisville
PHOTO: Angel's Envy
Newport — Rhode Island
Best for Gilded Age Glamour
It's all about Gilded Age glamour in the coastal town of Newport on Narragansett Bay. Tour the opulent oceanfront mansions, including Rosecliff, The Elms, and The Breakers, considered the grandest of all of Newport's "summer cottages." Afterward, dine on fresh seafood on Bowen's Wharf overlooking the yacht-filled harbor.
Where to Stay: Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina, The Francis Malbone House
Portland — Maine
Best Small-City Foodie Scene
New Englanders have long known that Portland has a first-rate foodie scene. After checking out the Winslow Homer collection in the I.M. Pei-designed Portland Museum of Art, have a gourmet sandwich and fries at hotspots like Duckfat. In the evening, indulge in fresh Maine oysters at Eventide and crudo at Central Provisions.
Where to Stay: The Press Hotel
PHOTO: Duckfat
Asheville — North Carolina
Best City With a Bohemian Vibe
Asheville, in western North Carolina, marches to its own New Age beat. You'll find a mix of farmers, hippies, musicians, and artists, drawn not only by the stunning panoramas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but the city's cultural offerings, including the Biltmore, the 250-room Vanderbilt mansion-turned-museum. This boho city also has a nationally known craft-beer scene you'll want to enjoy.
Where to Stay: The Windsor, Grand Bohemian Asheville
PHOTO: Biltmore
St. Augustine — Florida
Best for Historic Florida
St. Augustine, on Florida's northeast coast, is said to be the oldest city in the United States. Originally settled in 1565 by the Spanish, you'll still find Spanish colonial buildings, the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos, and cobbled, shop-lined streets. Plus, St. Augustine Beach is a 10-mile beauty where you can park right on the sand.
Where to Stay: The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens, Casa Monica Resort & Spa
PHOTO: Getty Images
Detroit — Michigan
Best Comeback City
The Motor City is revving back to life with new infrastructure projects, stylish boutique hotels in renovated historic buildings, including the new Shinola Hotel, craft breweries, and buzzy restaurants, such as The Apparatus Room, serving New American cuisine, and Prime + Proper steakhouse.
Where to Stay: Shinola Hotel, Detroit Foundation Hotel
PHOTO: Detroit Foundation Hotel
Seattle — Washington
Best for Seafood Lovers
From wild salmon and Olympia oysters to Penn Cove mussels and Dungeness crabs, Seattle is heaven for seafood lovers. A visit to Pike Place Market to watch the fishmongers toss the day's catch to each other is a must (you can have lunch there, too). Dine-in classic spots like Ivar's Acres of Clams on Pier 54, or check out the Walrus & the Carpenter, a trendy oyster bar in Ballard.
Where to Stay: Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Thompson Seattle
PHOTO: Walrus & the Carpenter
San Antonio — Texas
Best for Texan History
San Antonio, which recently turned 300, is chock-full of history. Learn all about The Alamo, the 18th-century mission where Texas pioneers, including Davy Crockett, fought Mexican troops, as well as the city's other historic missions. Plus, you can't leave town without taking a walk — or a scenic boat ride — along the famed River Walk.
Where to Stay: Hotel Havana, Hotel Contessa
Charleston — South Carolina
Best for Southern Charm
Charleston teems with antebellum mansions, horse-drawn carriages, and historic plantations, like nearby Middleton Place, but it also has boutique hotels, craft breweries, and culinary hot spots like Husk and Zero Restaurant & Bar, which are helmed by chefs adding creative spins to traditional Southern dishes.
Where to Stay: French Quarter Inn, The Spectator Hotel
PHOTO: Getty Images
Nashville — Tennessee
Best for Live Music
They don't call it Music City for nothing. Nashville is one of the country's premier spots for music, and we're not just talking country music (though there's plenty of that, too!). Check out the honky-tonks along Broadway to hear anything from rockabilly to blues, then visit country music shrines like The Grand Ole Opry.
Where to Stay: Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown, Thompson Nashville
PHOTO: Robert's Western World
Cape May — New Jersey
Best for Victorian Charm
Located at the tip of the Garden State is the charming town of Cape May. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976, this Jersey Shore jewel is famous for its Victorian homes (many of which now house romantic inns and bed and breakfasts), its gas lamp-lined streets, and horse-drawn carriages. The beach is pretty sweet, too.
Where to Stay: Congress Hall
PHOTO: Getty Images
Utah National Parks — Utah
Best for National Parks
Utah has five, count 'em, five national parks — each more spectacular than the next. Zion is known for its towering red rocks, while Arches has thousands of natural arches, including the famous Delicate Arch, featured on the Beehive State's license plate. The other three parks are Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Bryce Canyon.
Where to Stay: La Quinta Inn & Suites, Springdale, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab
PHOTO: Getty Images
Love the beach? The desert? The mountains? Don't sweat it — we have you covered!
Trying to list all of the best places to vacation across the U.S. is a bit of a fool’s errand — there are just too many! What we can do, though, is compile the ultimate travel bucket list. Read on and mark down some of the top sites and cities across the country that you want to see at least once.
Whether you’re looking to hike in the Teton Mountains, swim at a black-sand beach in Hawaii, or sip sparkling wine at a Napa Valley vineyard, we have a list of the 50 best places for you to visit in the USA.