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20 destinations across the U.S. that are highly recommended
20
items You’re now looking for must-visit places in the United States outside of New York State, focusing on a diverse mix of cultural, historical, and natural attractions
Sections
5
Northeast
South
Midwest
West
Other Regions
Northeast
Reason: Stunning coastal landscapes with granite peaks, ocean cliffs, and Cadillac Mountain, where you can catch the first sunrise in the U.S. Offers hiking, biking, and kayaking. Perfect for nature lovers seeking rugged beauty.
Acadia National Park (U.S. National ...
Reason: Home to Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the iconic Liberty Bell. The city’s vibrant food scene (cheesesteaks at Pat’s or Geno’s) and art museums (Philadelphia Museum of Art) make it a cultural gem.
City of Philadelphia
A cradle of American history, with the Freedom Trail (2.5 miles) linking 16 sites like Paul Revere’s House and the Boston Common. Vibrant neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and cultural hubs like the Museum of Fine Arts offer charm and depth. Ideal for h...
Boston.gov: Homepage
South
Reason: A melting pot of Creole, Cajun, and French cultures, known for its lively French Quarter, jazz music on Bourbon Street, and Mardi Gras festivities. Savor beignets at Café du Monde and explore historic sites like the Garden District.
Visit New Orleans | Official New Orleans Tourism Website
Reason: America’s most visited national park, with misty mountains, diverse wildlife (black bears, elk), and over 800 miles of trails. Offers scenic drives like Cades Cove and cultural history at preserved homesteads. Free entry adds appeal.
Great Smoky Mountains
Reason: Known for its charming historic district with 22 oak-lined squares, Spanish moss, and antebellum architecture. Ghost tours, riverfront dining, and Southern hospitality make it a unique cultural escape.
Visit Savannah | The Official Guide to Savannah, GA
Midwest
Reason: A world-class city with architectural marvels (Willis Tower, Cloud Gate), deep-dish pizza, and cultural institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago. The Lake Michigan waterfront and Millennium Park offer urban beauty and vibrancy.
City of Chicago
Reason: Dramatic landscapes with layered rock formations, canyons, and prairies teeming with bison and bighorn sheep. Offers stargazing, fossil trails, and scenic drives. A must for geology enthusiasts and road trippers.
Badlands National Park (U.S. National ...
Reason: Home to the iconic Gateway Arch, a 630-foot monument symbolizing westward expansion, with a tram ride to the top. The city’s barbecue scene, free attractions like the St. Louis Zoo, and blues music add appeal.
City of St. Louis, MO: Official Website
West
Reason: One of the world’s natural wonders, with breathtaking vistas of its 277-mile-long canyon. Offers hiking (Bright Angel Trail), rafting, and South Rim viewpoints. Its sheer scale and beauty are unforgettable.
Grand Canyon
Reason: Iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf draw millions. Vibrant neighborhoods (Chinatown, Mission District) and tech history (Silicon Valley nearby) offer diverse experiences.
San Francisco
Reason: The world’s first national park, famous for geothermal wonders like Old Faithful geyser, vibrant hot springs, and wildlife (grizzlies, wolves). Offers hiking, camping, and unparalleled natural spectacle.
Yellowstone National Park
Reason: A tech and cultural hub with the Space Needle, Pike Place Market (home of the first Starbucks), and stunning Puget Sound views. Outdoor access to Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park adds adventure.
Visit Seattle Washington | Travel & Tourism | Official Site
Reason: A gateway to the Rockies with access to skiing, hiking, and Rocky Mountain National Park. The city’s craft beer scene, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and vibrant LoDo district blend urban and outdoor appeal.
Denver Colorado Vacations & Conventions | Plan Your Trip
Reason: Towering red sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, and trails like Angels Landing or The Narrows offer jaw-dropping scenery. Ideal for hikers and photographers seeking desert beauty.
Zion National Park (U.S. National ...
Other Regions
Reason: The nation’s capital, with free access to Smithsonian museums, the National Mall, and monuments like the Lincoln Memorial. Offers deep historical and political immersion, plus diverse dining in areas like Adams Morgan.
Official Tourism Site of Washington DC | Washington DC
Reason: A vibrant blend of Latin culture, Art Deco architecture in South Beach, and pristine beaches. Wynwood’s street art, Cuban cuisine, and Everglades tours nearby make it a dynamic destination.
Home - Miami
Reason: Home to active volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa, with lava tubes, craters, and unique ecosystems. Offers hiking and cultural insights into Native Hawaiian traditions. A bucket-list experience for geology and adventure seekers.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Reason: A base for exploring Alaska’s wilderness, with nearby Denali National Park, glaciers, and wildlife (moose, whales). Summer’s midnight sun and winter’s aurora viewing offer unique natural phenomena.
Visit Anchorage, Alaska | Things To Do, Hotels & Adventure
Reason: A cultural hub with adobe architecture, vibrant art scenes (Georgia O’Keeffe Museum), and Native American heritage. Known for green chile cuisine and nearby Bandelier National Monument’s ancient dwellings.
TOURISM Santa Fe: santafe.org