There are so many great vacation spots in the USA it is nearly impossible to nail down a succinct list. From hiking in the Arizona desert and soaking up the sun in the Florida Keys to skiing at some of the best ski resorts in the world, there is something in America for every tourist. There are so many reasons to vacation in the US. The USA is a vast and incredibly diverse country. One can easily visit a big city, a national park, or a beach town – the United States has it all. The USA is a melting pot of cultures, and you can experience this diversity through food, music, art, and festivals. From the jazz clubs of New Orleans to the street art of Miami, there is always something new to discover. But that’s enough of us gushing about how great traveling in the US is! We’ve had many great vacations in this beautiful country, and here are just a few of our favorite US vacation destinations.
Best Vacation Spots in the USA
Hawaiian Islands
Best for a Tropical Vacation in the US
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more naturally gifted group of islands than the Hawaiian Islands. We’ve spent our fair share of time in the tropics, and few destinations can compete with the drama of the Napali Coast on Kauai, the ridges of Oahu, the Molokai Crater in Maui, and the volcanic beaches of Kona. The islands boast golden sand beaches, manicured golf courses, excellent surf, fantastic diving, luxury resorts, lush green forests, exotic wildlife, and near-perfect weather year-round. It’s not a surprise, but the volcanic islands are America’s most well-known vacation spot, attracting millions of visitors annually. History buffs will also love exploring the USS Arizona Memorial on Oahu, which gives a sneak peek of the Islands’ military history as a strategic location for the US armed forces. We break down how to plan a trip to Hawaii here. It should go without saying Hawaii is very busy and popular, but the island of Molokai is one of the best-hidden vacation spots in the US.
Orlando, Florida
Best for a Family Vacation in the US
Orlando has been one of the country’s best escapes for families for decades. It has countless family attractions, resorts, golf courses, and, of course, theme parks. Disney World, Universal Studios, and Seaworld Orlando are the real draw and have a dedicated fan base. It’s America’s most visited destination, aptly nicknamed the “Theme Park Capital of the World.” The wealth and business of millions of visitors have allowed the city to grow over the decades to become a hub of commerce in Florida. It has a colossal convention center, hundreds of restaurants, bars, and events outside the theme parks. Orlando is also a four-hour drive from the Everglades National Park, a popular day trip. We suggest travelers avoid visiting in the summer when prices, crowds, heat, and humidity are at their highest. However, Orlando enjoys several water parks to help beat the summer heat. We’re big fans of Disney Animation but have always preferred the experience of visiting Universal Studios.
New York, New York
Best for a City Escape in the US
For a short while, we once referred to ourselves as New Yorkers and still have a soft spot for the city. It’s often referred to as the Greatest City on Earth and has been a cultural hub of the US for centuries. It has captivated visitors with its dynamic energy and iconic landmarks for decades. However, the real draw is the city’s neighborhoods, each with a distinct charm. Whatever cuisine or desire you may have, you’ll likely find it in New York, the most diverse city in the world, with nearly 800 languages spoken. Its cultural significance is legendary, appearing in countless films and the birthplace of countless musicians. The arts thrive in the city, from Broadway to jazz bars and the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts. It also has incredible museums like the Whitney, Guggenheim, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and MoMA. That’s not counting the innumerable number of art galleries and pop-up shows. Something is always going on in “The City That Never Sleeps.” We suggest visitors check out Time Out New York and The Village Voice for the latest events, restaurants, and shows. We haven’t even mentioned the city’s icons that are true giants in life, such as the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, and One World Trade Center. Each one is a historical monument of America. There is no place in the world quite like New York City. It’s gritty, glitzy, enigmatic, humbling, evolving, and unforgettable. 20 Romantic Things to Do in NYC
Las Vegas, Nevada
Best for a Friends Getaway in the US
If we’re talking about other iconic US cities, it’s tough to deny Las Vegas. Despite all odds, the desert city of Las Vegas has grown to become the “entertainment capital of the world.” Home to some of the world’s most iconic casinos, hotels, resorts, clubs, and entertainment districts, it is no wonder that the city has the motto “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!” It’s a city that continues to evolve year after year and seems always to reinvent itself to draw visitors back. Long gone are the days of smoky casinos and free buffets. Vegas now serves luxurious hotels, swanky restaurants, thumping clubs, expansive pool decks, and the world’s biggest musical artists. The city’s newest event space, Sphere, opened up with a residency from U2. It’s not just what’s in the city limits but the surrounding natural landscapes. Southern Nevada enjoys mild winters that are perfect for exploring, like The Valley of Fire State Park, Death Valley National Park, Lake Mead, and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
San Francisco, California
Best for a Little Bit of Everything
Thanks to ocean currents, San Francisco enjoys lovely cool weather most of the year, making for a great city escape without all the heat. The city has been an icon for years thanks to landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. However, the city’s history of open-mindedness has cultivated music, art, tech innovation, and lifestyle for decades. Explore abundant culinary delights, vibrant bars, engaging events, and distinctive shops contributing to the city’s dynamic and eclectic character. It’s not just the city that plies visitors, as there are worthy day trips and gorgeous natural landscapes to explore. The Marin Headlands are a famed stretch of coastline that lies just north of the city known for its healthy sea lion population. However, Redwood National Forest and Yosemite National Park are the real draw – few natural landscapes are as celebrated in the United States.
Zion National Park, Utah
One of the Best Vacation Spots in the US for Hikers!
Located in Southwest Utah, Zion National Park is most famed for its expansive Zion Canyon and distinct red cliffs. It’s easily one of the best places to visit in the American Southwest, and outdoor enthusiasts will love Zion National Park’s diverse topography with mountains, canyons, mesas, rivers, and monoliths. The park is also home to numerous unusual and rare species of plants and animals. Visitors can drive through a portion of the park using the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive route, which leads to picturesque forest trails alongside the Virgin River. Hiking trails also lead to a secret spot known as Emerald Pools – a stunning place with hanging gardens and waterfalls. One of the best Zion hikes is Angels Landing, frequently rated one of the scariest hikes in the world!
New Orleans, Louisana
Best for a Culture and Grub
Head to the “Big Easy” for a heavy serving of soul. Even with its crumbling old buildings and gritty pubs, there’s an air of romance surrounding this American city. Established on the banks of the Mississippi River, this city is famous for its historic French and Spanish architecture, jazz music, Creole cuisine, and annual Mardi Gras festival every February, which turns the city into one large costume carnival. While the city has built a reputation for its notorious parties, it’s the cuisine that continues to draw visitors. No trip to the city is complete without trying jambalaya, oysters, po boys, red beans and rice, blackened fish, and beignets. If looking to escape the city, head to some of…
