From coastlines to big cities, the United States is made up of so many diverse destinations that it’s hard to decide which places deserve the distinction of the best in America.
That’s why U.S. News considered a variety of factors, such as attractions, accommodations and dining options, as well as votes from thousands of travelers, to determine the best places to visit in the USA. Use this list for your vacation planning, and cast your vote below to have a say in next year’s list. And if you’re looking for lodging, see the Best Hotels in the USA .
Bustling cities, quaint towns, spectacular national parks, lively beaches, and out-of-this-world islands. America is a great country with incredible people and sights–that’s a fact.
While there are many popular places to travel in the US, there are a bunch of beautiful places equally impressive, but that doesn’t get as much of the bulk of the attention.
Well, that’s about to change. We’ve put together a list of the best places to visit in the USA in most states. How does that sound?
It was pretty challenging to keep a list of 68 places because the country is dotted with must-visit spots.
Still, these are (some) of the best places to travel in the US, and we genuinely hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed writing it.
Also, we hope this article will sparkle your wanderlust and that you’ll add many of these Best Places To Visit In The United States to your USA bucket list.
Best Places to visit in the United States
Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas, may not have any professional sports teams, but it’s one of the country’s sunniest cities, and residents make a massive deal out of Eeyore’s birthday every year — so what’s not to love!?
Located in Texas, Austin is the Lone Star State’s capital and fourth-most populous city.
Austin is the most progressive city in Texas and was long ago nicknamed “Hippie Haven.”
Boston, Massachusetts
Capital of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, with a charter that dates back to 1630.
Steeped in history, the city served as the backdrop for the earliest Puritan settlers and significant Revolutionary War events.
Today, Boston is one of the top urban vacation destinations in the nation and welcomes about 19 million domestic tourists a year, in addition to nearly three million international ones.
When in town, history buffs should carve out time for Faneuil Hall, the building in front of which notable revolutionaries, like Samuel Adams, delivered famous speeches that ultimately sparked the War for Independence.
Other notable historical Boston landmarks include The Paul Revere House, Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, Old South Meeting House, and Freedom Trail.
Furthermore, Boston is also known for its New England seafood cuisine and craft beers — so you’ll never go hungry or thirsty when checking out Beantown.
Seattle, Washington
The Pacific Northwest’s urban heart, Seattle, Washington, should land on the USA bucket list of any person who appreciates coffee, chill vibes, oysters, and outdoor activities.
Seattle sits in an ecologically diverse zone that’s wreathed by beautiful beaches and glorious mountains.
You can sunbathe in the morning and go skiing or mountain biking in the afternoon on the best days. If you prefer watching nature instead of sporting through it, join a harbor cruise tour!
Other star attractions include the Seattle Space Needle, Fremont Troll, Gum Wall, and the Museum of Flight. Head up to Kerry Park for a gorgeous and unobstructed view of the Seattle skyline for the best pictures.
Like its culinary cousin on the other coast — Boston, Massachusetts — Seattle is stuffed with superb seafood restaurants. The oysters around these parts are incredibly yummy.
Oh, and whether you have one day or 3 days in Seattle, coffee enthusiasts should make time for a cuppa at Starbucks mothership, the original shop in the famous Pike Place Market.
Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas, is the most populous city in the Southern United States and the largest city in the country by area.
Located in the southeast part of Texas, Houston is only second to New York in the number of Fortune 500 companies headquartered within its borders.
But it’s more than just a financial hub. A weekend in Houston is highly recommended because of its vibrant vibe and diverse atmosphere.
Shopaholics should set aside a whole day for the Houston Galleria — or The Galleria in local parlance. It’s a four-story retail bonanza that houses 375 stores and tops the list of largest malls in Texas.
Conversely, civic engineering enthusiasts should wend their way to Houston’s underground pedestrian tunnel. It runs for seven miles and links 95 blocks, 20 feet under.
Nature enthusiasts are usually fond of the city’s 337 parks, the Houston Arboretum, and the city’s Museum of Natural Science. There are also a bunch of pleasant state parks and beaches near Houston.
Other popular tourist attractions include the Space Center, Old Market Square, and the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark.
People in Houston eat out more than people in any other American city, so the city’s foodie scene is thriving. It’s been described as “the best culinary hub in the country.”
There are options for every palate, from vegan gourmet to down-home BBQ. If you have a taste for Asian flavors, head to Chinatown and the Mahatma Gandhi District.
Good to know: the best times to visit Houston are between February through April and September through November, when the weather is best.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is famous for its flamboyant Mardi Gras celebrations, but The Big Easy is a blast year-round.
“Laissez les bon temps rouler” — patois for “let the good times roll” — is the city’s fitting motto, and after a few days in town, you’ll appreciate why.
Eating, drinking, and whooping it up in the French Quarter, with its built-in soundtrack of buskers and live jazz, is a New Orleans tradition.
Visitors also looking to soak in some artistic and educational offerings should make time for the National World War II Museum, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden.
Time permitting, also carve out a few hours to tour St. Louis Cathedral. Built in 1718, it is the oldest cathedral in the United States.
Still, you’ll want to plan your trip between December and May since June through November is the sweltering hurricane season.
Atlanta, Georgia
At the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains sits a thoroughly modern city with southern roots: Atlanta, the seventh-most visited metropolis in the United States.
It’s Georgia’s most populated region and boasts three distinct skylines: downtown, midtown, and Buckhead.
Downtown is the bustling commercial and retail hub, with hotels and restaurants every few feet.
Midtown is more residential but also bursts with clubs and more restaurants. Buckhead is the city’s upscale district — the Beverly Hills of the ATL.
Why is Atlanta one of the top places to visit in the United States? Many folks make their way to “The Big Peach” to check out the largest aquarium in the world, Georgia Aquarium.
Legoland, Six Flags Over Georgia, in addition to the dozens of museums and parks in and around town, are also big draws. Atlanta also has a thriving lounge and club scene; options abound for all tastes, from honky-tonk to hip-hop and everything in between.
Not only that, but Atlanta loves its festivals. Coordinate your trip with one that suits you.
