The top 19 best places to visit in the USA in 2024

The best thing about visiting the USA can be summed up in one word: variety. 

This expansive country contains an incredible number of travel experiences that would take a lifetime to complete, from wandering through the redwoods to breathing in deep gulps of sea air on glimmering beaches to immersing yourself in the underground art scenes of some of the world’s most famous cities.

Whether you’re a nature lover looking for wide open spaces and snow-covered peaks or a culture fiend who can’t get enough of museums and galleries, the United States has something for you. 

Overwhelmed? Here are 19 inspiring places to visit in the USA in 2024.

1. New York, New York

Best place for art and architecture

A city that looms large in American lore, New York continues to live up to its hype. A global center for art, fashion, finance, music and food, the Big Apple will never leave you feeling bored. Sip sunset cocktails on luxurious rooftops, mosh at local punk shows, marvel at world-class art in famous museums, or indulge in the best food you’ve ever had at a hole-in-the-wall favorite.

Planning tip: New York has so much to offer, but resist the urge to see it all on your first trip. Break things down by neighborhood or borough, or perhaps even by interest.

2. San Francisco, CA

Best for counter-culture

San Francisco contains multitudes, offering an urban travel experience with a distinctly West Coast flavor: take in breathtaking bay views at Golden Gate Park, wander the alleyways of the country’s largest and oldest Chinese neighborhood, pay homage to LGBTIQ+ heroes in the Castro, or dive into cutting-edge art at SFMOMA and a plethora of local galleries.

3. National Mall in Washington, DC

Best for national history

Washington DC’s National Mall represents the center of American political life and distills its cultural history into a two-mile strip of iconic monuments and the country’s most famous museums. The mall contains ten Smithsonian museums – the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of American History, among others – plus landmarks including the National Gallery of Art, the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol building.

Tuck into the best seafood you can buy in New England © Getty Images

4. New England

Best for forest drives and exploring charming centuries-old towns

Want to meander on mountain roads beneath brilliant forest canopies and savor tasty lobster and coastal views all in the same trip? New England is the place to be. Explore the quaint villages and cranberry bogs of Cape Cod, snuggle into a cabin in the mountains of Vermont, or dive into all the seafood you can eat in Portland, Maine. And if you visit in autumn, prepare yourself for some of the most spectacular fall foliage in the country.

5. Pacific Coast Highway

Best for West Coast exploration

The Pacific Coast Highway – technically three highways linked together – connects sunny San Diego with moody Seattle, delivering epic West Coast experiences along the 1600-mile journey. Stay at kitschy motels in coastal towns, admire the cliffs of Big Sur, marvel at the tidepools in Oregon, and explore Washington’s Olympic National Park. 

And be sure to visit San Simeon, a small oceanfront town famous for two things:

The Piedras Blancas Rookery, located on the Pacific Ocean in San Simeon, is the only easily accessible, free and open to the public elephant seal rookery in the world. The shores and rocks are crowded with seals lounging in the sun and barking. 

Just up the road is the ultimate in mansions, the astounding Hearst Castle, the former home of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Take the tour and then visit the winery.

Planning tip: Sections of the Pacific Coast Highway run along sea cliffs prone to rockslides. Always check road conditions before setting off in case of any unexpected closures.

6. New Orleans, Louisiana

Best for foodies and art lovers

There’s no place in the world like New Orleans – we promise. A vibrant cocktail of Indigenous, Caribbean, African, French and Spanish influences, this city possesses a unique magic that keeps people coming back for more. Dive into its legendary Creole cuisine, revel in its lively festivals, and immerse yourself in a world-class music scene – this is the birthplace of jazz, after all.

Eat a beignet heaped with powdered sugar and drink a cup of chicory coffee at Cafe du Monde at the French Market on Decatur Street, overlooking Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral. Take a tour of some of the historic mansions tucked away on side streets in the French Quarter. 

Avid readers will want to visit the home of Frances Parkinson Keyes, who wrote the bestselling Dinner at Antoine’s. Then, try to get a reservation at the eponymous restaurant. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.

Be sure to go beyond the French Quarter, too, and take a bayou boat tour, explore the antique stores on Magazine Street or golf in Audubon Park.

Planning tip: New Orleans’s coastal location makes it susceptible to hurricanes from June through October, with the most active months being August and September.

7. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Best for Indigenous history and culture

Nicknamed the “City Different,” Santa Fe is rooted in American history while still keeping up with the times. A cultural melange of Indigenous, Spanish and Mexican influences, this city is home to numerous historical sites – like the 400-year-old Plaza – and a cutting-edge art culture that features a strong contingent of independent artists and the original Meow Wolf, a game-changing immersive art installation.

Local detour: Less than an hour’s drive from Santa Fe, the Puyé Cliff Dwellings, carved into the rock face and atop the Santa Clara Canyon on Santa Clara Pueblo Reservation, were once home to 1500 Pueblo Indians. Abandoned in 1580, the one-hour tours are conducted by the descendants of the original dwellers.

Chicago’s streets are full of culture, fine dining and live music © Rolf 52 / Shutterstock

8. Chicago, Illinois

Best metropolis for midwestern charm

Chicago contains all the hallmarks of a great American city – excellent food, multicultural neighborhoods, and top-tier museums – with a distinctly midwestern twist. Spend your days lounging next to the ocean-like Lake Michigan, catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, or have an evening of laughs at Second City, the launchpad for greats like Stephen Colbert and Tina Fey.

Leave your car behind and explore Millennium Park, the lakefront and the museum campus by Segway. Board a boat for a narrated tour of the architectural wonders lining the Chicago River. From the boat docks, head north for a stroll along the Magnificent Mile, the stretch of Michigan Avenue lined with boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and the historic Water Tower, one of the few survivors of the Chicago Fire. 

Planning tip: Finding a parking spot in Chicago can be both exasperating and expensive. Download one of the free parking apps on your phone and you can usually find a spot close to where you’re going at a significantly lower rate.

9. Rocky Mountains, Colorado

Best for big peaks and winter sports

If you want to see the quintessential mountains of the American West, the Rockies in Colorado should be your first stop. Rocky Mountains National Park is a logical starting point, but in truth, there are so many different ways to access this dynamic mountain range – hit the slopes in ski hubs like Vail, Aspen and Telluride, drive the scenic byways of the San Juan range, or pitch camp in one of the state’s numerous national forests.

Planning tip: Unless you’re from somewhere with similar elevation, you might feel the effects of altitude throughout the Rockies; stay extremely hydrated, take your time on hikes, and skip the alcohol.

10. Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina and Virginia

Best for east coast mountains

While the Rockies tend to get a lot of press – for good reason – the USA’s oldest mountain range is a must-see. The Blue Ridge Mountains make up the southern third of the Appalachian Mountain chain, and the lush forests wrapped around these rolling hills make for incredible blue-green vistas from the region’s many ridges and balds. Dive into the numerous day hikes, road trips, and mountain biking excursions, cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway, or hike a section of the storied Appalachian Trail.

A scenic stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville is a charming mountain town known for its thriving culinary and music scenes. The historic Downtown Art District, with its extensive Art Deco architecture, buzzes with open-air bars, restaurants serving regional cuisine and galleries filled with both local and regional artists. 

Beyond its well-deserved reputation as “Beer City,” Asheville also has an extensive list of wineries and distilleries that offer tours. Outdoor attractions include mountain biking and hiking.

Just a few miles away, the renowned Biltmore Estate, known as America’s largest house, is a dynastic fantasy of gardens, architecture, art and opulence. Touring the 175,000-square-foot home is a step into the grandeur of the past and one of the many top things to do in Asheville.

See the wonders of the Everglades up close on a kayaking tour © Mariakray / Getty Images

11. The Everglades, Florida

Best for wildlife watchers

The importance of the Everglades can’t be overstated – this sprawling wetland is an International Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a national park, thanks to the diverse profusion of flora and fauna that live here. Paddle through the coastal estuaries and camp among mangroves, or whiz through the numerous waterways via airboat. All the while, keep your eyes peeled for wading birds, manatees, and of course, alligators and crocodiles.

Planning tip: For the best experience, come prepared for the elements: sunscreen and bug spray are essentials.

12. Southwestern Utah

Best for geology lovers

If you want to visit one place in the US that sums up the grandiosity of its natural history, southwestern Utah is the place to go. Home to five of the country’s most spectacular national parks, Red Rock Country puts the region’s geological past on display with a dazzling amount of artistic flair. Hike the peaks and valleys of Zion and Bryce Canyon, or marvel at the crimson, ochre and amber palette in the cliffs and canyons of Capitol Reef and Canyonlands. And if you want a special treat, watch the sun rise over the sandstone masterpieces at Arches.

Planning tip: Large swaths of this region are extremely remote and sometimes lack cell service, both on the road and on the trail. Always share your plans with others and bring plenty of water in case of emergencies.

13. Key West, Florida

Best for sunshine and seafood

A unique destination, Key West is all that you’ve heard and much more. 

Catch the Nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, a perpetual street party of food, street performers and artists selling their wares. Stroll through the historic homes districts with their large, immaculately maintained mansions and be sure to visit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.

There’s no end of restaurants and bars to visit on Duval Street, but probably the most famous is Sloppy Joe’s, which opened in 1933. It’s a busy place featuring live music, good food and lots of photos of Hemingway, who used to sit at the bar in the afternoon.

Planning tip: Key West is a great walking city. To help navigate the island, download a map or stop by the city’s tourism office at 1300 White Street. 

14. Charleston, South Carolina

Best for Southern charm

Live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, grand old mansions, cobblestone streets and charming neighborhoods make Charleston a must on any bucket list. 

Start your day with breakfast at the Charleston City Market, which opened in 1807 and at which point Charleston was already 137 years old and a destination even then. Now, the city gets about 7 million visitors a year.

From carriage rides to sunset cruises, there are many ways to see the city. Take a bike tour, board a sailboat to see the city from Charleston Harbor, kayak or paddleboard through the bayous (keep an eye out for the dolphins), soar through the woods via zipline or drive the short distance to the string of beaches lining the shore. 

Civil War buffs should visit Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historic Park, and stroll The Battery, a 1.2-mile former defensive structure overlooking the harbor with views of Fort Sumter.

Faced with the difficult decision of where to dine – Charleston’s options are overwhelming – consider the views of the harbor at Fleet Landing, a former U.S. Navy disembarkation station, or head to Hyman’s Seafood, one of the city’s oldest restaurants, opened in 1890.

Planning tip: The best time to visit Charleston is fall, when the humidity drops, and during the winter holiday season, as Charlestonians love to decorate.

15. Sedona, Arizona

Best for mountain beauty

The astounding and awe-inspiring red rock formations are just one reason to visit Sedona, with its perfect blend of cowboy culture and urban sophistication. An all-season destination, Sedona’s higher elevations attract visitors from Phoenix and places further south in the spring and summer. Fall is a blaze of color and with dusting of snow–or even more on the red rocks turns Sedona into a winter wonderland.

To experience Sedona’s natural beauty up close, take a hike at the intriguingly named Dead Horse Ranch State Ranch. Rather drive? Explore the backcountry by Jeep, ATV or Hummer. Get a bird’s eye view of Sedona from a hot air balloon.

In town, take the trolley for an overview of the town. Then hop off for some serious shopping. Stores that celebrate Western culture include True West Hats where they sell Western and custom-made hats. Clear Creek Trading Company curates Native American merchandise such as beaded bags, bolo ties, Hopi wicker baskets, artifacts like handmade deer jaw tomahawks, craft supplies and sheepskin rugs.

That Western spirit continues with sips of prickly pear margaritas at the Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits, a mainstay since opening in 1946. Away from the vibrancy of the bustling downtown but just a short distance away, dine at L’Auberge de Sedona on the banks of Oak Creek. The award-winning resort’s menu reflects French and European roots matched with local cuisine.

Planning tip: It gets cold in the mountains even on summer nights. Pack accordingly.

16. Detroit, Michigan

Best for experiencing an evolving urban landscape

Forget what you hear about this once-beleaguered city. Detroit is back, attracting 16.5 million people in 2023 and generating $9.2 million in tourist dollars. Get to know the new Detroit while celebrating the best of the old.  Here are a few reasons why.

A culinary destination with many James Beard-recognized restaurants, bakeries and chefs add to a creative buzz that also includes the Detroit Institute of Arts with its massive Diego Rivera mural. Greenspaces abound for outdoor gatherings and recreational activities from the gardens and dog park at the five-acre Grand Circus Park in the city’s entertainment district to the 982-acre Belle Isle. One of the endpoints of Detroit’s award-winning Detroit International RiverWalk, visitors can explore its many cultural institutions like the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, the Belle Isle Aquarium, and the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservancy.

The city’s culinary diversity reflects a wide range of ethnic cuisines and settings. The Whitney, a 19th-century mansion, is known for its gastronomy and ghosts (check out the Ghost Bar on the third floor) and gourmet food. Want less glorified but equally delicious fare? Take a seat at the Formica counter and order a chili dog at American Coney Island, family-owned since 1917. Board the Detroit Princess for a lunch or dinner river cruise.

Sports fans can take their pick from major league football, baseball, basketball, and hockey teams.

Planning tip: The Detroit People Mover is a great way to navigate the city and is currently piloting a fare-free policy for 2024. 

17. Columbus, Ohio

Best for a big city with small-town charm

The fastest-growing city in the United States, Columbus is a powerhouse of arts, culture, museums, eclectic neighborhoods, and classic and cutting-edge restaurants. 

Celebrate your inner German, no matter what your ethnicity or country of origin, in the German Village, with its cobblestone streets and immaculate 19th-century homes. Order the killer cream puff for dessert at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus & Restaurant, the oldest continuously operating business in the historic German Village. Not far away, the Book Loft of German Village features 28 rooms of books. 

Hot Chicken Takeover, with six restaurants in Columbus, including in the wonderful North Market, is more than just a place for great Nashville-style hot chicken. It’s mission-driven to provide supportive jobs to men and women who need a fair chance at work despite their backgrounds and past problems.

Named one of the best beer cities in the US, many of the 30-plus breweries on the Columbus Ale Trail can be found in the city’s 27-acre Brewery District, sandwiched between the German Village and the Scioto River. The number of distilleries in Columbus has grown over the past few years. For tours and tastings follow the Columbus Distillery Trail, with its eight distilleries, for tours and tastings. 

Take advantage of the city’s free cultural offerings. Admission to the Columbus Museum of Art, which has the world’s largest collection of works by famous local artists such as George Bellows and Elijah Pierce, is free on Sundays.  The stunning Beaux-Arts style main branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library has a series of free author events as well as classes and programs. Be sure to stroll through the Topiary Garden on the street behind the library’s rear entrance. The only topiary garden in the world based upon a work of art, its meticulously hewn yew trees are shaped into a larger-than-life recreation of Georges Seurat’s “Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.” The John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons, a six-acre park in the heart of the downtown, features free concerts, fitness classes, and other programs throughout the year. The annual Shakespeare in the Park is just one of the free performances put on by the Actors’ Theatre of Columbus that take place in Schiller Park, the city’s second oldest park.

Planning tip: Looking for a unique place to stay? Motels like South Wind, within easy walking distance of both the German Village and the Brewery District, once were found throughout the United States. Built in 1959, it’s among the few being reimagined with their classic looks maintained but with all the modern amenities guests expect from a boutique motel.

18. Louisville, Kentucky

Best for bourbon, food, and horses

If you’re looking for a road trip destination with lots of culinary options, bourbon, history and architecture, then head to Louisville. 

Some suggestions for the best things to do in this river city?

Take a ride on the Ohio River aboard the Belle of Louisville, a National Historic Landmark and the only remaining authentic steamboat of its type.

Follow the Urban Bourbon Trail to such fab places as the Brown Hotel (where the famed Hot Brown sandwich originated) and the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience with its basement speakeasy. A tour of the Historic Old Louisville neighborhood is necessary for those who love 19th and early 20th-century architecture.

Enjoy cocktails and music at The Last Refuge, Bob Dylan’s new restaurant and event space set in a reimagined former church in Louisville’s trending NuLu neighborhood.

At Locust Grove Plantation, visitors learn about the histories of the enslaved people who toiled there. Meanwhile, the Muhammad Ali Center celebrates the boxing champ’s life and commitment to social justice. 

Planning tip: The 21 C Museum Hotel in downtown Louisville features rotating art exhibits in its public rooms.

19. Indianapolis, Indiana

Best for a river city with a sophisticated vibe

Indianapolis is a city of surprises to those expecting a dull Midwestern destination. Visitors to the downtown can choose from a plethora of options. For museums, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the world’s largest kids museum. The 152-acre Newfields features gardens, picnic grounds, Oldfields–the historic home of the Lilly family–and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Visit the 267-acre White River State Park, where you can explore the Indianapolis Zoo, the Eiteljorg Museum of Western Art and gondola rides on the water. Catch the Indy 500 or take a golf cart tour at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 

Or, explore Indy’s neighborhoods, including Massachusetts Avenue, known as Mass Ave, a five block long historic neighborhood of restaurants and shops anchored by the historic Athenaeum, a three-story German-style building from the 1800s. It’s an amazing one stop shop with a beer garden, coffee shop, Rathskeller for beer and brats and lots of events.