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The Gemini Giant

Wilmington, IL

World's Largest Catsup Bottle

Collinsville, IL

Blue Whale of Catoosa

Catoosa, ok.

Golden Driller

Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM

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Yellowstone National Park

Mammoth, wy.

Salvation Mountain

Walt Disney World

Lake buena vista, fl.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Keystone, sd.

Graceland Mansion

Memphis, tn.

Glacier National Park

West glacier, mt.

World's Largest Buffalo Monument

Jamestown, nd.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite valley, ca.

Cadillac Ranch

Amarillo, tx.

Acadia National Park

Bar harbor, me.

Mothman Statue

Point pleasant, wv.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand canyon village, az.

Statue of Liberty

Liberty island, ny.

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Paradise, nv.

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Best Things to Do Near Me

• Emporium Arcade Bar

616 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA

• Entwined Lighted Forest

240 John F Kennedy Dr, San Francisco, CA

• Antique Vibrator Museum

1620 Polk St, San Francisco, CA

Rainbow Falls

John F Kennedy Dr, San Francisco, CA

Subpar Miniature Golf

900 North Point St, San Francisco, CA

Seward Mini Park

70 Corwin St, San Francisco, CA

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps

Moraga St. between 15th & 16th Ave, San Francisco, CA

Exploratorium

Pier 15, San Francisco, CA

Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze

Pier 39, San Francisco, CA

Post And Buchanan, San Francisco, CA

501 Twin Peaks Blvd, San Francisco, CA

Umbrella Alley San Francisco

757 Beach St, San Francisco, CA

• The View Lounge

780 Mission St, San Francisco, CA

Exploratorium After Dark

Strawberry Hill

50 Stow Lake Dr, San Francisco, CA

Lovers' Lane at the Presidio

San Francisco, CA

Most Reviewed Things to Do Near Me

• Tonga Room & Hurricane Club

950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA

• Alcatraz Island

B201 Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA

Golden Gate Park

501 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA

Ghirardelli Square

900 N Point St, San Francisco, CA

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA

Sonoma Zipline Adventures

6250 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental, CA

The Walt Disney Family Museum

104 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA

Lombard Street

1000-1099 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA

San Francisco Botanical Garden

1199 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA

Conservatory of Flowers

100 John F Kennedy Dr, San Francisco, CA

Oakland Museum of California

1000 Oak St, Oakland, CA

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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My 31 Favorite Places to Visit in the USA

From sea to shining sea, the United States is home to a diverse landscape — both culturally and physically. Spending months traveling across it gave me a deep appreciation for all my country has to offer.

After traveling across the continental United States as part of multiple cross-country road trips (you never really realize how big Texas is until you drive through it. Damn that state is big!), I wanted to share some of my favorite places in the United States with you. I’ve already talked about my favorite restaurants and lessons learned , so it only seems proper to give you a list of the best places to visit in the USA when you come and travel here!

To help you get started, here’s a quick overview of some of the highlights:

Best destination for foodies: New Orleans Best destination for partying: Miami or Las Vegas Best destination for hiking/nature: Glacier National Park Best destination for history: Natchez Best destination for museums: Washington, D.C. or New York City Best destination for families: The Grand Canyon

In no particular order, here’s my detailed list of the best places to visit in the USA:

( Note: This list is based only on where I myself have been. There are a lot more incredibly breathtaking places I haven’t explored yet, which is why you don’t see them on this list!)  

WHERE TO STAY IN MEMPHIS : Hostel Memphis – A hip hostel in a century-old building with a fully-equipped kitchen and free Wi-Fi. The hostel is also a non-profit that donates 100% of its profit to social justice causes around the city.  

Thanks to everything from the growing food truck population to the flagship Whole Foods store with the incredible salad bar (grilled pineapple!), I eat — and eat well — nonstop. The Austin campus of the University of Texas provides a youthful vigor to the city, and its liberal attitude attracts a diverse and eclectic population. In short, you can’t skip Austin, because if you do, I’ll find you and drag you there.

WHERE TO STAY IN AUSTIN : Firehouse Hostel – This centrally-located hostel is located in an old firehall from 1885. They have fast Wi-Fi, plenty of chill common areas, and an amazing on-site bar that serves top-notch craft cocktails.

For more travel tips on Austin, check out these posts:

• My Complete Guide to Austin
• My Guide to Eating in Austin

3. New Orleans

WHERE TO STAY IN NOLA : HI New Orleans – An award-winning hostel with spacious dorms, comfy beds, privacy curtains, and fast Wi-Fi. Everything a budget traveler needs!

For more travel tips on traveling New Orleans, check out my suggested itinerary on how to spend 4 days there !  

4. Asheville

If you’ve ever seen Downton Abbey, that’s what the house is like! (And, if you haven’t, you should! The show is addicting!)

WHERE TO STAY IN ASHEVILLE : Bon Paul & Sharky’s – A laid-back hsotel with a spacious front and back porch for relaxing. There’s free parking, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of nearby restaurants and cafes.  

5. The Pacific Coastal Drive

WHERE TO STAY ON THE PACFIC COAST HIGHWAY : Airbnb – Airbnb is your best bet here, unless you have camping gear and want to camp in one of the many parks. There are also lots of cheap motels along the highway too.  

6. Redwood National Park

WHERE TO STAY IN REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK : View Crest Lodge – Located on the coast in Trinidad, this rustic budget-friendly lodge has basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and TV, and some of their rooms also have full kitchens. It’s a clean, comfy no-frills place to crash for a night.  

7. Glacier National Park

WHERE TO STAY IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK : Camping – Pack (or rent) a tent and cozy up for a few nights under the stars. You won’t be disappointed.  

WHERE TO STAY IN DENVER : Ember Hostel – This boutique hostel is rated one of the best in the country, offering a swank interior, free jacuzzi, outdoor firepit, comfy beds with blackout curtains, free parking, and more.  

And once the winter deep freeze is over, Chicagoans burst out of their homes to enjoy the summer weather, so there’s a positive, happy vibe emanating through the city. Take advantage of it.

WHERE TO STAY IN CHICAGO : HI Chicago – A spacious, clean hostel with female-only dorms, free Wi-Fi, and a great location. The beds are comfy and the common area is huge so it’s easy to meet people.

For more travel tips on Chicago, check out this detailed planning guide !  

10. New York City

WHERE TO STAY IN NYC : Jazz on the Park – Located near Central Park on the Upper West Side, this no-frills hostel is close to the train and is one of the more affordable places in the city. The dorms are basic and the beds aren’t winning any awards but it’s cheap (for NYC at least!).

For more travel tips on New York City, check out these posts:

• The Complete Guide to New York City
• The Best Walking Tours of New York City
• 21 Delicious Places to Eat in NYC
• How to Spend 4 Days in New York City

11. Natchez

Now, they are historic monuments, and you can tour them while enjoying a view of the Mississippi River. It’s far off the beaten path — and my favorite discovery from my last road trip.

WHERE TO STAY IN NATCHEZ : The Guest House Historic Mansion – If you want to splash out, this 19th-century mansion includes free breakfast and spacious historic rooms as well as modern amenities like Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and flatscreen TVs.

For more travel tips on Natchez,  check out this post on my visit there .  

12. Savannah

WHERE TO STAY IN SAVANNAH : Thunderbird Inn – This affordable three-star motel is just a short 5-minute walk from downtown. Boasting a retro vibe, there’s free coffee and juice every morning, as well as free donuts and popcorn available in the lobby.  

13. The Grand Canyon

WHERE TO STAY IN THE GRAND CANYON : Camp – Pack (or rent) a tent and cozy up for a few nights under the stars. You’ll need to reserve a spot early though as they disappear fast!

For more travel tips on the Grand Canyon, read this post on hiking the canyon .  

14. Nashville

There’s not a lot of “touristy stuff” to do here, but what makes this city one of my favorites are the music, the food, the wildly friendly and happy people, and the positive energy the city seems to exude. When you’re here, plan to spend a few hours at the Tennessee State Museum. It goes into great (though sometimes very one-sided) detail about the state’s history, but it’s more exciting than you might think.

WHERE TO STAY IN NASHVILLE : Red Roof Inn – While it’s not centrally located, this is one of the city’s few affordable two-star options. A quick 13-minute drive from the Grand Ole Opry, this budget-friendly joint boasts an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and free coffee.  

15. San Francisco

WHERE TO STAY IN SAN FRANCISCO : Green Tortoise – As one of the oldest in town, this hostel is an institution in San Francisco. It offers free breakfast, free dinners multiple times per week, and even a free sauna! It has a huge common room so it’s easy to meet people and has a very fun, social atmosphere.

For more travel tips on San Francisco, read these posts:

• The Complete Guide to San Francisco
• San Francisco Itinerary: Things to See & Do in 3 Days
• The Best Hostels in San Francisco

WHERE TO STAY IN MIAMI : Generator Miami – This hostel has a pool, two restaurants, a bar, and is just minutes away from the beach. It’s massive (there are 8 floors), the beds are more comfortable than the cheap ones you’ll find at the party hostels.

For more travel tips on Miami, check out this detailed planning guide !  

17. San Diego

The downtown Gaslamp area — as well as the famous Pacific Beach — is full of trendy seafood restaurants, bustling bars, and some seriously life-changing taco stalls. I love San Diego .

WHERE TO STAY IN SAN DIEGO : ITH Adventure Hostel – With a focus on sustainable travel (there’s a vegetable garden and backyard chickens), this chill hostel is very friendly and social. It’s clean, and the water pressure in the showers is decent, and the beds are comfy too.  

19. Lake Tahoe

WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE TAHOE : Camping – Pack (or rent) a tent and cozy up for a few nights under the stars. You won’t be disappointed.  

20. Anywhere in Montana

WHERE TO STAY IN MONTANA : Treasure State Hostel – Located in downtown Bozeman, this hotel is quiet, clean, and is home to friendly staff. They organize all kinds of events too, like pub crawls and movie nights, so it’s easy to hang out and meet people.  

21. Washington D.C.

WHERE TO STAY IN WASHINGTON : Highroad Hostel – Offering pod-style bunks, this cool hostel is located in an old Victorian mansion. The beds have memory foam mattresses, there’s a fully-equipped kitchen, and the common area has a fireplace.

For more travel tips on Washington D.C., here are some other articles I’ve written:

• Travel guide to Washington D.C.
• Free Things to do in Washington D.C. in 2019

22. Cape Cod

WHERE TO STAY IN CAPE COD : Cape Sands Inn – Just a short walk from the beach in West Yarmouth, this three-star property has all the standard amenities (TV, coffee/tea, free Wi-Fi), as well as free parking and a relaxing sauna and hot tub.  

It’s home to a ton of activities, like the Freedom Trail and Faneuil Hall, the JFK Museum, and the Boston Commons and Public Garden, as well as some of the best Italian and seafood restaurants in the country. Be sure to eat at Zaftigs for the best brunch in the city! It’s wicked!

WHERE TO STAY IN BOSTON : HI Boston – This spacious and clean hostel is just a short walk from pretty much everything in the city. They have female-only dorms, free Wi-Fi, and several chill common areas where you can meet other travelers.

For more travel tips on Boston, check out these posts:

• Travel guide to Boston
• Boston Itinerary
• Free Things to do in Boston

24. Las Vegas

Get off the Strip, explore the real Vegas (because technically the Strip is located in Paradise, NV, not Las Vegas), and see why people decide to live here.

WHERE TO STAY IN LAS VEGAS : Sin City Hostel – Just a short walk from the (in)famous Fremont Street, this is a social hostel that hosts all kinds of events (such as bar crawls, pasta & wine nights, BBQs, casino nights, and more). It’s a great place to connect with other travelers.

For more travel tips on Las Vegas, these articles can help:

• Travel guide to Las Vegas
• 12 Things to do in Vegas That Don’t Involve a Casino
• How to be a High-Roller in Vegas on a Low-Roller Budget

25. Portland

Portland is just an awesome city, especially in the summer when the weather is perfect and there are festivals and events galore, like the World Domination Summit and the Portland International Beerfest.

WHERE TO STAY IN PORTLAND : HI Portland – Northwest – Rated one of the best hostels in the world, this centrally-located HI hostel offers free breakfast, in-house made craft beer, an outdoor courtyard with a firepit, regular live music, and much more. It’s a lively, social, and fun place to stay!

For more travel tips on Portland, read this post on the city .  

26. Seattle

WHERE TO STAY IN SEATTLE : Green Tortoise – Located right across from the iconic Pike Place Market, this social hostel organizes all kinds of activities so it’s easy to meet people. They also offer free breakfast — a rare perk in the US!

For more travel tips on Seattle, read this detailed planning guide !  

27. Deadwood

WHERE TO STAY IN DEADWOOD : Gold Country Inn – This kitschy hotel is one of the cheapest places in town. Located right downtown, they have a mini gambling hall on-site, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. It’s nothing fancy but it won’t break the bank either.  

28. Kansas City

WHERE TO STAY IN KANSAS CITY : Home2 Suites Downtown – With a fitness center, pool, and a decent breakfast spread, this three-star hotel in downtown KC is one of the more affordable places to crash in the city.  

29. Louisville

Louseiville has a laid-back, artsy vibe to it. It feels much more like an Austin or a Portland than your traditional southern/midwest city. In the past, it was considered a fly-over city and was skipped by most people. It’s definitely not now.

WHERE TO STAY IN LOUISVILLE : Microtel Inn – While it may be 20 minutes from downtown, this budget-friendly inn is affordable, includes free breakfast and free parking, and has free Wi-Fi. It’s a no-frills choice but clean and comfy.  

30. Charleston

WHERE TO STAY IN CHARLESTON : Charlestons NotSo Hostel – Located in a historic neighborhood, this laid-back hostel includes free coffee/tea and oatmeal and free Wi-Fi. The rooms are small but the beds are perfectly comfy.  

31. Franklin

WHERE TO STAY IN FRANKLIN : The Harpeth Hotel – This upscale property features a restaurant on-site, fitness center, bar, and terrace. If you don’t want to splash out, check Booking.com for other options.

The United States is filled with too many “must-sees” places to visit to list in a single blog post. After all, the country is home to over 329 million people and covers 3.8 million square miles.

But for those looking for a starting point for where to go, what to see, and the places to visit, this list should point you in the right direction and fill your time!

Just be sure to turn off the highways, head to the small towns, and discover some favorites of your own. The best of the USA is always away from the major highways in the little no-name towns with little diners, quirky shops, and friendly people!

For more travel tips on traveling the USA, read these other blog posts:

• How to Travel Across the USA on $50 A Day
• 19 Amazing Restaurants from My Road-Trip Across the U.S.
• 9 Things I Learned While Driving Across the U.S.
• Detailed Travel Planning Guide on The United States

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

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30 Best Places to Visit in the U.S., Ranked

Best places to visit in the usa.

Looking for inspiration for your next vacation? Let this recent list of the best places to visit in the U.S. be your travel muse for the year.

According to U.S. News & World Report, the following destinations are the most spectacular in America, based on editor feedback, reader votes and expert opinions on attractions, restaurants, lodging and more. While, yes, travelers are "ready to take those bucket-list vacations to Europe and remote islands," according to Elizabeth Von Tersch, senior travel editor at U.S. News, there are still a lot of travelers looking to keep their excursions domestic.

So, where are they heading exactly? Find out if your favorite U.S. destination made the cut — and start adding new places to your bucket list ASAP.

30. Chicago, Illinois

If you love pizza, hot dogs or Italian beef sandwiches, be sure to book your next weekend getaway to Chicago. This food-obsessed city takes these popular hometown dishes very seriously, so you won’t be disappointed. 

You’ll also want to explore the Windy City’s architecture via a river cruise and check out its many diverse neighborhoods, including Pilsen (home to a vibrant Mexican scene), Logan Square (once scrappy, now hipster), Chinatown (among the best in the U.S.) and Lincoln Park (an arts and culture hub). 

The country’s third-largest city has plenty of shopping as well, plus some impressive skyscrapers like the Willis Tower and the John Hancock Center, both among the tallest buildings in the world.

Note: This list comes from U.S. News and World Report's  2023-24 report .

29. Boston, Massachusetts

In this city where Puritans established colonies in the 1600s, Paul Revere set out on horseback to warn of the coming of the British troops and the Sons of Liberty protested high taxes by dumping tea into the harbor, history is everywhere. 

But make no mistake: Boston is also a modern city through and through, with a culture all its own. Cheer alongside some of the most impassioned sports fans on earth at a Boston Red Sox game, chow down on New England clam chowder and oyster shooters, and stroll cobblestone streets past distinguished brownstones. 

Be sure to visit the Museum of Fine Arts – Boston and the Paul Revere House for some arts and culture, and don’t forget to enjoy one of Boston’s urban parks, like the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, for a breath of fresh air.

28. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

This mountain town situated at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park has long attracted nature lovers and families alike. 

While people come for the national park, visitors stay a while to explore the downtown or take the SkyLift cable car to access the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. At 680 feet, it's the longest pedestrian cable bridge on the continent.

Other highlights include Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the Anakeesta theme park.

27. Las Vegas, Nevada

For domestic and international travelers alike, Las Vegas needs no introduction, but its attractions greatly exceed its "Sin City" reputation.

Yes, you'll find the nightclubs and casinos for which it's known, but there are also family-friendly Cirque du Soleil shows to attend as well as resorts that cater to all ages. Case in point: Mandalay Bay has an onsite aquarium, wave-in tidal pool and lazy river.

You also won't want to miss delicious meals at the numerous celebrity-chef restaurants that range from burger joints like Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen & Bar to high-end steakhouses from Michael Mina.

26. Big Sur, California

Take a cruise along the famous Highway 1 to this eclectic town in the heart of the California coastline. Hikers will want to explore the coastal trails that offer Instagram-worthy views of the Pacific Ocean at practically every turn.

A stop at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a must. Here' you'll see McWay Falls, which falls 80 feet into the ocean, as well as 300-foot redwoods that make this area particularly one of a kind.

Oh, and don't miss Big Sur River Inn, where you can sit in Adirondack chairs located literally in the Big Sur River, giving you the rare chance to dip your toes in the water while sipping on a microbrew.

25. Colorado Springs, Colorado

A visit to Colorado Springs is a no-brainer for those who love the outdoors. Situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, its proximity to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods is perfect for those looking to get lost in nature.

In town, we recommend visiting the famous Broadmoor resort to explore its historic grounds. And if you can afford to stay here, then go all out and book a wilderness experience at Cloud Camp or the like.

24. Telluride, Colorado

Telluride is one of America's best small mountain towns — and for good reason. This former mining town situated within the Rocky Mountains sits at the base of a popular ski resort. 

But it's the town's historic district filled with cultural activities like the Sheridan Opera House that make it stand out from the pack. Also, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and Telluride Film Festival are annual events that attract visitors from all over the world.

23. Sedona, Arizona

Welcome to the land of low humidity, rich red-rock formations and tons of outdoor recreation. You can do everything from mountain biking to hiking to swimming in Sedona, located in central Arizona just south of Flagstaff. 

Plus, the desert terrain is exceedingly beautiful (you’ll see Instagram-worthy views in just about every direction) and there are tons of spas to help you relax. If you’re a movie aficionado, you’ll be happy to know that movies like “3:10 to Yuma” and “Midnight Run” have been filmed here.

22. Seattle, Washington

Though Seattle often gets a bad rap for being rainy all the time, U.S. News points out that this city actually gets less annual precipitation than New York or Boston. Maybe Seattleites tell people it rains all the time so they can keep their lovely destination to themselves.

The city is, after all, home to world-class arts and culture, outdoor recreation, history and diverse neighborhoods. And it’s a top pick for foodies too, thanks to its craft beer scene, food markets and notable coffee shops (Starbucks, anyone?). 

Puget Sound, Lake Washington and the Olympic Mountains surround Seattle, which means there are impressive views nearly everywhere you look. 

21. New Orleans, Louisiana

Did someone say beignets and coffee? Crawfish etouffee? Jambalaya? Po’ boy sandwiches? Say no more.

New Orleans has some of the most distinctive and flavorful foods around, with Creole cuisine reigning supreme. Plus, it’s home to seriously awesome live music, ranging from jazz to blues to rock-and-roll. 

Even if you can’t visit during Mardi Gras, you’ll still get to see the world-famous Bourbon Street in action, with people partying late into the night. The French Quarter is full of history, with some buildings dating back to the 18th century.

20. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Antler decorations are everywhere in Jackson Hole, a rugged-meets-posh mountain town with a cowboy Western vibe. 

During the winter months, hit the slopes at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort or Snow King Mountain Resort and take a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge, where thousands of elk spend the winter. Then, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa, a staple at local restaurants and cafes.  

In the summer, take a stagecoach ride around downtown and enjoy the local haunts, including a wonderful collection of taprooms and brewpubs. As a bonus, Jackson Hole is a wonderful home base for exploring Grand Teton National Park, just minutes away, as well as Yellowstone, about an hour away (more on them later in the list).

19. San Diego, California

There’s so much more to San Diego than sunshine and beaches — though those are two very good reasons to visit this coastal California city. 

When you get tired of the 70 miles of coastline here, head to the world-class San Diego Zoo or catch a show at La Jolla Playhouse on the University of California San Diego campus. Or make a trip to Balboa Park, which features enough museums — exploring everything from natural history to automobiles to flight — to fill an entire vacation.

Fresh fish tacos and the famous California burrito, stuffed with French fries, ensures you’ll never go hungry as you take in all this city has to offer.

18. Bar Harbor, Maine

Looking for national park adventure and that quaint New England small-town charm? Bar Harbor is your spot then.

It's considered the gateway to Acadia National Park and all it has to offer, but then back in town you can count on cozy B&Bs and waterfront dining to round out a fun-filled getaway. During the summer, don't forget to take a boat tour to witness the several whales that call these waters home.

17. Destin, Florida

Cities in the Florida Panhandle are often overlooked by better-known destinations like Miami and Tampa. But we're here to put that to an end.

Destin is especially gorgeous with its abundance of white-sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Plus, it features lots of activities along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, where travelers will find everything from restaurants and bars to tour operators that offer parasailing and dolphin cruises.

16. Key West, Florida

Of course, located at the opposite end of Florida are the idyllic Florida Keys, of which Key West has the most attractions. 

For those travelers who like to dive or snorkel, this is your spot, as coral reefs abound. There's also Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum for those looking to get a taste of history.

But whatever you do, don't leave without trying some of the area's famous seafood and a slice of Key lime pie.

15. Washington, D.C.

Everyone should visit America’s capital at least once in their lives, right? So, it’s no surprise that Washington, D.C. is a top vacation destination. 

If you love to get around on foot, a trip to D.C. will be right up your alley — you can walk all along the National Mall, stopping along the way to check out national treasures like the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol Building, not to mention a bevy of free Smithsonian museums.

Plan a long trip because there’s a lot to see here — and we haven’t even mentioned this city’s diverse neighborhoods, farmers' markets and impressive restaurant scene. 

14. San Francisco, California

The City by the Bay has of late become defined by its tech scene, as behemoths like Twitter, Google and Uber have moved in. But make no mistake: It remains so much more than a ritzy tech mecca.

A true melting pot, San Francisco is home to a wonderful mix of ethnic neighborhoods, including Chinatown, Japantown and North Beach (the city’s version of Little Italy).

For history, Alcatraz Island remains a tourist trap that’s well worth getting trapped in, thanks to the fascinating stories it has to tell about prisoners and their escapes. And, of course, there’s the city’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge, which you can snap photos of from the Presidio or walk across to take in skyline views.

Plus, the dining scene here is exemplary; in addition to a thriving food-truck scene, the city has more than 50 Michelin stars to its name.

13. New York, New York

You will never feel more alive than you will in New York, a city where the action never stops and you won’t ever want it to. 

Catch a Broadway show starring an A-list star, mingle with artsy types in Greenwich Village, do the obligatory tourist thing in the illuminated Times Square and get a workout exploring the immense Metropolitan Museum of Art (its size? 2.2 million square feet).

Always on the cutting edge, the city’s newer attractions include the High Line, an elevated park perched high above the city, and Hudson Yards, a truly mega mega-mall along the Hudson River.

12. Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

In 1871, Mark Twain wrote of this alpine lake surrounded by granite peaks, “As it lay there with the shadows of the mountains brilliantly photographed upon its still surface, I thought it must surely be the fairest picture the whole earth affords.”

Not everyone can describe the lake so poetically, but they can surely appreciate its beauty in equal measure. Many think of the lake as a wintertime retreat, and indeed it’s home to world-class skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, snowmobiling and sleigh rides in the cold season. But it’s equally enticing in the spring, summer and fall, when it’s an ideal spot for paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking and gondola rides. 

Plus, nature isn’t its only selling point; the lake is located along California’s border with Nevada, and on the Nevada side offers legal gaming in splashy casino-resorts.

11. Moab, Utah

Moab puts you up close and personal with not one but two national parks: Arches and Canyonlands. But that's not all, summer visitors will love rafting down the Colorado River, mountain biking or participating in Jeep tours.

Come winter cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities. Needless to say, it's no surprise why this year-round destination made it into the top 15.

10. Kauai, Hawaii

Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life for a while? A trip to Kauai, aka the Garden Island, is just what you need. 

Hawaii’s oldest island has a laid-back, easy-going vibe (there are only two major highways) and some of the most gorgeous vistas in the world. You won’t find any skyscrapers, because the island requires all buildings to be shorter than a coconut tree, and spectacular nature abounds. 

Listen for bird calls while roaming through the rainforest, lay out on a sandy beach or take a selfie in front of a waterfall. Among a bounty of attractions, the Napali Coast, famously featured in “Jurassic Park,” and colorful Waimea Canyon are particularly enticing.

9. Olympic National Park, Washington

This national park, situated on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, takes up a whopping million acres. Standing tall amidst the Olympic Mountains is Mt. Olympus, which is a particularly popular spot for climbers and hikers to spend some time. In contrast, the park's rainforests and miles upon miles of Pacific coastline are equally noteworthy.

Summer tends to be the best time of year to visit, with warmer weather and less rainfall than other months of the year.

8. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Wyoming may not immediately come to mind when you start thinking of vacation destinations — but it should. After all, the state is home to Grand Teton, one of America's best national parks, known for its craggy, snow-capped peaks, gorgeous wildflowers and crystal-clear lakes.

Keep your eyes peeled for all the wildlife roaming the park's 500 square miles, including bison, antelope, moose, black bears and hundreds of species of birds. The Snake River, which flows from nearby Yellowstone into Grand Teton’s Jackson Lake, is ideal for kayaking, canoeing and fly fishing.

And we haven't even mentioned the park's namesake and highlight feature: the 40-mile-long Teton Range, the youngest range in the Rocky Mountains. 

7. Yosemite, California

Though Yosemite is massive at roughly 1,200 square miles, most visitors spend their time in an 8-square-mile area that’s home to Half Dome, El Capitan, Glacier Point and enough hiking trails to fill many days’ worth of exploration.

Half Dome and El Capitan — rock formations reaching elevations of 8,839 and 7,569 feet, respectively — are particularly coveted by hard-core climbers, for both their challenging terrain and the staggering views they offer from the top. If you’re not a pro but looking to improve your skills, you can take a climbing lesson or go on a guided tour led by an experienced local outfitter. 

Big crowds are common in this magnificent park, but you can find a little peace and quiet at Yosemite if you visit in May or September.

6. Zion National Park, Utah

The terrain of Zion is so diverse that it’s hard to believe it’s all contained within one national park. Forests, canyons and desert landscapes can all be found in this natural wonderland spanning nearly 150,000 acres. 

On the park’s east side, you’ll find iconic red sandstone sites like Angel’s Landing and The Narrows. The less-trafficked west side is ideal for hiking, especially near Kolob Arch (the world’s second-longest arch) and along The Subway, a challenging, permit-only route that takes you through a narrow tunnel. 

If you plan to camp at Zion, be sure to make your reservation as early as possible, as campsites tend to fill up fast.

5. Yellowstone, Wyoming

When our first national park was established in 1872, the protection act signed by Ulysses S. Grant stated, “The headwaters of the Yellowstone River…is hereby reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy, or sale…and dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” 

Nearly 150 years later, the park remains a “pleasuring-ground” that benefits millions yearly. And, while its geysers are undoubtedly its most famous feature, it offers so much more than that. Select from hiking trails spanning more than 900 miles, take a scenic drive and watch for wildlife like bison, grizzlies, elk, wolves, lynx and badgers.

Be sure to bring your camera or your plein air painting kit, because Yellowstone’s mountainous peaks, rainbow hot springs, green forests and crystal-clear lakes are sure to inspire you. The park is so extensive — 2.2 million acres — that while it’s mostly located in Wyoming, parts of it expand into both Montana and Idaho! 

4. Honolulu, Hawaii

As U.S. News notes, you don’t have to choose between a vacation on the beach or a trip to the city — Honolulu has a little of both.

The city’s Waikiki Beach is where revelers go for days spent lying on the shore and nights spent sipping mai tais. It’s crowded here, but as U.S. News reports, is less so from mid-April to early June and between September and mid-December. To beat the crowds, you can also venture out to quiet Lanikai Beach in Kailua, about a 40-minute drive away. 

For a bit of history, visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial, site of the surrender of Japan to end World WWII, and Iolani Palace, the only former royal palace on U.S. soil.

3. Grand Canyon, Arizona

The 277-mile-long Grand Canyon is truly awe-inspiring — when you stand on the rim and look out over the canyon forged by the Colorado River over millions of years, you’ll be amazed at the power of nature. 

If you’re an adventure junkie, there’s plenty to keep you busy, including overnight backpacking trips down to the canyon floor. No doubt this park will be topping many best-of lists for centuries to come.

2. Maui, Hawaii

Hawaii’s third destination on the list (yes, the state is just that amazing), Maui promises the perfect mix of off-the-beaten-path adventure and on-the-beaten-path infrastructure. 

Outdoor recreation doesn’t get better, from snorkeling past slow-going sea turtles, to golfing along the sea, to hiking past lava tubes and waterfalls. If you love fish and fresh produce, then you’ve come to the right place, as Maui’s restaurants are all about refreshing dishes made with local ingredients. And the resort scene, especially near Wailea and Kaanapali Beach, is second to none.

Want to beat the crowds in this paradise beloved by many? U.S. News travel editors recommend visiting in April, May, September or November — you’ll get better deals and see fewer fellow tourists.

1. Glacier National Park, Montana

Take a deep breath of fresh air — you’re at Glacier National Park, surrounded by hundreds of lakes, waterfalls and mountains. The sheer size of the wilderness contained within this park is breathtaking, with more than 1 million acres to explore. 

If you love to hike, you’ll want to hit up the Trail of the Cedars or Grinnell Glacier. Keep your camera handy, as you’re likely to see beavers, grizzles, bighorn sheep, lynx, elk and hundreds of different types of birds.

Have a car? Carve out two hours to drive along the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road, which winds its way past some of the park’s most stunning sights.

Honorable Mention: Aspen, Colorado

We had to include two "Honorable Mention" destinations that fell off the U.S. News list this year but remain top destinations to visit in the U.S.

In Aspen, people always come for the skiing but stay for the world-class restaurants, shopping and art galleries. Not into snow sports? This mountain town is also a joy to visit in the summer, with tons of hiking and biking trails. And let’s not forget how lovely it is in the fall, as well, particularly at sites like the Maroon Bells, an Instagram-worthy spot with mountains reflected in a “clear blue mountain lake” (to quote a poetic lyric penned by John Denver, who called Aspen home for nearly 30 years). 

With posh resorts like Viceroy Snowmass, Hotel Jerome and The Little Nell, you may not want to leave your room when you visit — but trust us, you should definitely get out and explore this winning mountain destination.

Honorable Mention: Miami, Florida

There’s such a diverse array of things to do and see in Miami that you’ll never get bored — beaches, historical buildings, delicious restaurants, art museums and nightlife abound in equal measure. 

Of course, the weather in the Magic City is great, too, with average temperatures hovering between 74 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. It's also been shaped by many different cultures, most notably Cuban — there’s even a Little Havana neighborhood here, where the Cuban sandwich is a must-try.

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The most beautiful cities in the U.S. to visit right now

The best cities to visit in the U.S. brim with charm, breathtaking architecture and so much to do.

You could spend a lifetime traveling America and not see all that's worth seeing, which makes coming up with the list of best cities in the USA a tough task. Every region is home to its own trip-worthy urban destinations that boast  natural wonders ,   impressive architecture , and  incredibly diverse restaurants.

From coast to coast, we've rounded the cities that top our list of recommendations when plotting out your USA travel bucket list.  New York ,  Los Angeles  and San Francisco are obvious for a reason—they stand as American icons and offer endless must-see attractions. If you're looking for something even sexier, head to  Las Vegas  for gambling and pool parties, or  Miami  for rooftop vibes and beaches packed with some of the fittest people you've ever seen. To experience a taste of the South, there's bustling and historic  New Orleans , filled with a celebration of culture and music every day of the week. At the same time, cities like Nashville offer Southern charm, live music and hearty fare that will make you feel right at home.

Whether you crave nightly live music to keep you dancing, are an art lover looking to explore galleries and museums, or are more interested in eating your way through town, our handpicked selection of the best cities to visit in the USA has you covered.

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Most beautiful cities in the U.S.

1.  Portland, OR

Portland is known for many things: its eccentric culture, its incredibly creative restaurants (that have only gotten more exciting post-pandemic), its theater and arts scene, and its outdoor beauty top the list of reasons to visit. The best things to do in Portland  are long, but some of our favorite activities include eating and more eating. Visit one of the area's best restaurants , opt to experience the zillions of  food trucks , indulge in a gourmet doughnut or stop by a brewery or two . When you want to get moving, hop on a bike to tour the town, hike through one of the many parks or take a stroll through an art museum.

2.  Boston, MA

History and modernity are joined at the hip in Boston, one of America’s first big cities and still one of its best. It’s the place where federal architecture harkens back to the 1600s, juxtaposed with ultra-modern buildings by Frank Gehry, Walter Gropius and I.M. Pei. Speaking of architecture: be sure to see the Back Bay row houses, the usual Instagram fodder that is actually an eye-catching must-see. From chowder to lobster rolls, Boston also loves its seafood, so be sure to visit the city's best raw bars and lobster shacks while you're in town.

3.  San Francisco, CA

San Francisco, a beautiful city built on massive hills and surrounded by water, is a place that marches to the beat of its own drum. Novices are always shocked at how chilly it is here, so pack a heavy sweater at any time of year, and use it while doing the classic tourist activities: riding a cable car, taking a day tour to Alcatraz Island , walking across the Golden Gate Bridge or laughing at the chubby sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf . If you want to branch out and experience the city as a local would, we recommend visiting one of SF's hottest restaurants —from Michelin-starred establishments  to cheap eats —grabbing a drink on a rooftop bar or heading out for a hike in nature . 

4.  Seattle, WA

From its emerald parks to the endless views of Puget Sound, Seattle is the crowning jewel of the Pacific Northwest. You'll see it all from the top of the iconic Space Needle—a 360-degree rotating atrium with a glass floor—but don't stop there. Seattle is full of incredible restaurants and world-class museums like the Seattle Art Museum and the Museum of Pop Culture . It's also the home of famed glass artist Dale Chihuly's Garden and Glass . And while the grunge era that put the city on the map is long gone, there are still plenty of excellent music venues to check out including Neumos and the Showbox .

5.  Charleston, SC

Charleston is truly one of America’s great metropolises, steeped in the history of the nation while boasting a thoroughly modern attitude toward the arts, culture and cuisine—you just need one quick glance at our list of the best Charleston restaurants to see that. Since around 1670, the architecture—and particularly the churches on every corner—has been enough of a reason to head to South Carolina’s jewel, but recently the city has become a food and drink haven as well. Water views and hipsters abound at the Pavilion Bar ; City Market sells the city’s signature sweetgrass baskets; and dinner at  Husk is a transcendental experience.

6.  New Orleans, LA

After 300 years of existence, New Orleans is in the midst of a renaissance—except for the streets, which are the bumpiest you've ever encountered in a major metropolis. They love to dress up and party here, so put on a wig and mask, and hit the French Quarter and the Marigny for fabulous food at the best New Orleans restaurants . Grab a to-go cup filled with craft cocktails from one of the city’s best bars , and indulge in the live music for which New Orleans is famous. Then dig deeper by visiting the Bywater neighborhood, home to an intoxicating mix of art and funk with incredible murals on every block, and stop at Bacchanal Wine for a munch, a sip, and a song (or two). One thing to remember while here: always keep an eye on the iconic architecture that defines this one-in-a-million, music-loving city.

7.  Milwaukee, WI

You probably didn’t know that Milwaukee holds the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest , over three consecutive weekends in June and July. When the massive festival goes down, the pretty city by Lake Michigan goes more than a little crazy. With 12 stages, over 600 artists and more than half a million fans rolling through, they're taking advantage of the warm weather in a big way. During the rest of the year, think cheese curds, beer breweries, cornhole tournaments and Packers fanatics, juxtaposed with a gorgeous art museum and the annual Sculpture Milwaukee outdoor showcase all over town (summer/fall). It’s a vibrant, friendly city that Harley-Davidson calls home—don’t miss their massive museum here.

8.  Salt Lake City, UT

No matter where you are in Salt Lake City, the snowcapped Rocky Mountains are never out of sight. They tower over the uber-clean city, a stunning landscape fit for a painting. And while Salt Lake is well-known for its Mormon heritage, there's more to the scene here than meets the eye. Restaurants range from the fine-dining favorite Log Haven to a healthy variety of ethnic and international restaurants. And while alcohol isn't as readily available here as in some cities, it's much easier to find than you think, including at the White Horse  downtown. While there, don't forget to take in a little of the outdoors: hiking, swimming, and picnicking at the Great Salt Lake is a good place to start.

9.  Chicago, IL

Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, deep-dish pizza, and the Cubbies: just three of the wonderful things that put Chicago on the world’s radar. It’s a big city with a friendly vibe that’s got a whole street, Rush Street, devoted to drinking and dancing. You can party there until 4am, but save some strength for the festivals this city loves to put on, from  Taste of Chicago  in the summer and July's  Pitchfork Music Fest to the big daddy of them all, Lollapalooza . This oh-so-cold city hunkers down in the winter, unless the Bears are playing football, in which case shirtless guys will brave subzero temps to cheer on their boys at Soldier Field.

10.  Los Angeles, CA

Sun, sand, and movies (in which the city is often the star) make Los Angeles a place the world wants to see in real life. Start at the Hotel Erwin’s rooftop in Venice for an expansive view of the whole city, then explore everything from the ocean to the mountains as you crisscross L.A. County. Expect its famous traffic to slow you down as you head to Malibu for a surfing session; make a pit stop at the Getty Museum , then step in the stars’ footprints at TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood . Blow your shopping budget on Rodeo Drive , then head south to Anaheim to pilot the Millenium Falcon at Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge universe.

11.  Nashville, TN

Honky-tonks and museums might not seem to go together, but their marriage in Nashville is a strong one indeed. For some drinking and dancing, head straight for Broadway, where Legend’s Corner , Nudie’s , and Tootsie’s have been serving up country, blues, and whiskey forever. You can start early (10am) and go late into the night (3am) in Music City—if you’ve got the fortitude, of course. Is day drinking not your idea of vacation fun? Start with the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum  and move on to the museums devoted to Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash ; all are right downtown and terrific. See Historic RCA Studio B , where Elvis made countless records, and drive out to the Bluebird Cafe and the Grand Ole Opry . Don’t forget that this is a party town so feel free to visit with a group, rent a barcycle (which is exactly what it sounds like), and roam among the best Nashville bars , singing as you go.

12.  Washington, DC

One of America’s most beautiful cities, stately Washington, D.C. just keeps getting better. The National Mall is truly majestic, with the Capitol building glowing at one end, the Lincoln Memorial at the other, and various Smithsonian museums lining each side. See them all (take a look at our list of the best museums in D.C . for a start), but plan to spend extra time at the new(ish) National Museum of African American History & Culture . Beyond politics, monuments and museums, D.C. boats some cool, emerging neighborhoods like the Wharf (eat at Officina or Del Mar de Fabio Trabocchi ) and Southeast, where the Nationals play baseball and craft beer rules at Bluejacket nearby. Take a look at our guide to where to stay in Washington, D.C. if you’re planning a visit.

13.  St. Louis, MO

For a small-town vibe in a big city, St. Louis is the place to be. Settled by Europeans in 1764, this 'Gateway to the West' has long been the center of America. A few musts while in town: a visit to the famous (and giant) Gateway Arch , a walk through the National Blues Museum , and a stop at BB’s Jazz Blues and Soups . Clearly, blues and barbecue go hand-in-hand here, with classic BBQ joints like Pappy’s Smokehouse and Sugarfire that slow-cook with style. Locals are so serious about the cuisine that the Q in the Lou cookoff is fall's hottest ticket.

14.  Miami, FL

Things constantly sizzle in Miami, where Latin beats and eats swirl in an Art Deco dream. South Beach is the spot for sunning all day on the white sand and clubbing all night. For a really hot time, stop in at the World Erotic Art Museum . For true art lovers, Art Basel Miami in December offers up creative installations, parties and intellectualism. Your itinerary should also be packed full of trips to the city's  best restaurants  from classic Cuban mainstays to Michelin-starred Italian spots.

15.  New York City, NY

Needless to say: there is no place like New York City. An incredible melting pot of cultures, neighborhoods , languages and personal styles, a stroll down any street in Manhattan is always a fascinating experience. Classic old buildings exist shoulder-to-shoulder with new ultra-modern architecture like those in Hudson Yards , constantly morphing the city’s identity into exciting new molds. When in town, indulge in more than one Broadway show , visit all the museums , stroll around Central Park , eat the best bagels in NYC (and any drool-worthy haute cuisine you can manage), drink at a speakeasy , catch a Yankee game, and start wondering why you haven’t moved here yet.

16.  San Diego, CA

It’s not a myth: San Diego boasts the very best weather across America, with 70-degree Fahrenheit temperatures, low humidity, and sunny skies all year round. Add in the beautiful bay and beaches, a famous zoo and the endearing madness of Comic-Con International, and it’ll become impossible not to love this quintessential California city. Foodies adore the seafood and Mexican cuisine done to perfection here; gamblers flock to Pechanga and Viejas , the two posh Native American casinos nearby; and kids dream of Legoland . San Diego has something for everyone. 

17.  Las Vegas, NV

Ah, Vegas. The place that every foreigner cannot wait to visit when seeing America. More lightbulbs in one place than anywhere, more ways to gamble than your wallet can bear, the glitter, glitz, and jangling slot machines are the city’s signature perks. But Vegas is more than just casinos rising out of the desert. Head off the famed Strip to downtown’s fascinating Mob Museum and find out who built this decadent mecca in the first place. Eat at a world-class chef’s world-renowned restaurant ( Joël Robuchon , anyone?), drive supercars at 200mph with Exotics Racing and zip out to Red Rock Canyon for a mind-bending desert experience. Whatever you want, Vegas always has it.

18.  Orlando. FL

With theme parks like Universal Studios Florida, Legoland  and Walt Disney World , Orlando has been the place for families for generations. And now, with the arrival of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney World, there will be plenty of adults with no kids descending on Orlando as well. The city is ready, with an impressive range of restaurants anchored by DoveCote Brasserie and The Boheme  and an equally adult club scene that pays homage all sorts of tunes, from country and hip hip to rock and pop.

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52 Places to Love in 2021

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We asked readers to tell us about the spots that have delighted, inspired and comforted them in a dark year. Here, 52 of the more than 2,000 suggestions we received, to remind us that the world still awaits.

South wales, wales.

Over the last 20 years I’ve traveled to South Wales about seven or eight times with my wife, and later our children, to visit family in a town near Swansea called Mumbles. (The name is a corruption of the French word for “breasts.”) It sits at the edge of the Gower Peninsula — a beautiful wild place that offers expansive beaches, medieval castles, hilltop trails, horses that graze near Stone Age ruins and picture-book villages with friendly pubs serving Sunday roasts and local ales in dark-wood booths.

Punctuated by weddings, births, graduations, anniversaries and deaths, our trips represented different stages in our lives. But each trip also seemed less like a visit to relatives in the old country than an escape to a secret, beautiful place that only we knew.

About the author

Owen Martikan is a lawyer who lives in San Anselmo, Calif., with his wife, Catherine, and their two teenage children.

Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands

Saipan is only five miles wide and 12 miles long, but runners showed me parts of the island I never would have found myself. We saw a beautiful B-29 engine from a plane crash in the mountains. Also a staircase cut into a cliff, from the last Japanese command post .

Runners took me boating, diving, hiking, camping, spelunking and golfing. Swimming in a lagoon that dropped toward the Mariana Trench, we marked how far we’d swum with the top halves of three submerged Sherman tanks — a door open, guns sticking out. I was never the hare, but I’m coming back to set a trail.

Meghan West of Denver, a geophysicist working with the Army Corps of Engineers, traveled to Saipan looking for unexploded ordnance from World War II.

Kaliya Dhrow, India

I pinned it down to several villages. Riding along a dirt road, we passed a hill split by nature. On both sides you have water, craggy peaks. This one huge mountain has six peaks, which I named Mahabharata, after the ancient poem in which five brothers share one wife. It was around noon, the sun was beating down and we had been riding for two hours when the road ended. We parked our bikes.

From the rim of a crater, I looked inside this marvelous, endless landscape of red: streaks of crimson, saffron — orange, also. I started climbing down, through the different shades of the setting sun, and I came to a waterfall with fish flying upstream.

Varun Suchday, of Bhuj, India, rode a motorcycle to tour the remote landscape near the village of Bhadli with his father and uncles in 2020.

Photo credits

Two bottom photographs taken by Kaushik Gor.

Isfahan, Iran

There’s a difference between the people and the government. I wish Americans could see the vibrant curiosity of the people who live here. I used to visit Isfahan every year. I spent long mornings lifting weights in the women-only gyms, and afternoons with my grandfather, watching him lovingly watering the plants in his garden and shooing away stray cats. But divisive politics, and now Covid-19, have made it harder. My grandfather died two years ago. I wasn’t there. I feel my Farsi growing rusty on my tongue.

Neeknaz Abari was raised in Washington, D.C., and works at a consulting firm in Dallas.

The Llanos, Colombia

Tropical rhythms are replaced by the twangy harp of joropo, and the smell of the sea gives way to that of tallgrass, cattle and smoky barbecue.

As Colombia has attracted more international visitors in recent years, the Llanos have remained relatively untraversed. The Llanos host an alluring combination of pristine biodiversity and traditional ranching culture seemingly lost in time. Anacondas, howler monkeys, capybaras and crocodiles live alongside ranchers, farmers and thousands of cattle. The grasslands once featured some of the wildest battles of the Independence era , and have witnessed the 20th-century horrors of guerrilla violence and drug trafficking. Today, though, like the rest of Colombia, the Llanos are emerging, if unsteadily, as a place of tranquillity.

Samuel Dulik, a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, is a management consultant in Bogotá.

Siwa Oasis, Egypt

Inhabited since Paleolithic times, Siwa is where the past, present and future seem to exist at once. There you’ll find a mountain filled with Ptolemaic tombs and the Temple of the Oracle , both thousands of years old.

When I say it haunts my dreams, I mean it. I frequently find myself in my dreams walking through date orchards at night past the lakes, into the desert, nearly feeling the cool sand in my tired feet as I wonder at the stars. I always awake with a sense of calm and clarity.

Catherine Litten of Hyattsville, Md., works as a director of scholarships for an education nonprofit.

• Montana’s ‘Golden Triangle’

The plowed land closest to our farm held an old buffalo wallow, and there used to be tepee rings in the front pasture. This part of Montana, Lewis and Clark country, is flat and implacable with swells, coulees and hills. Ancient volcanic ranges — the Bears Paw Mountains, the Highwoods, the Little Rockies — sprawl in the middle of enormous wheat fields and acres of rangeland. Every morning when I was a kid, I saw the land first and the world second. It’s astonishingly severe and beautiful.

Light lasts a very long time there, in the summer evenings. There is sort of a constant background of big winds. And so we had a shelter belt, which was rows of trees that are around one corner of the main farm stand. And I would go down there as a kid and make my little world out of the clods of earth that were, and are, part of my soul.

You’re small in that part of the country.

Doreen Stevens is retired from nonprofit work and lives with her husband in Arlington, Mass.

The Camino de Santiago, Spain

Our first walk was in 2007 after two of his brothers died. I was not expecting to enjoy it; the idea was that we were offering up our sufferings for our ancestors. Instead, I found myself appreciating both the forced meditation and the fellow travelers we met on the way. We’ve gone back multiple times and brought different members of our family with us. I’ve rethought jobs, relationships and life direction over hundreds of kilometers. When you walk into a town, you really smell, hear and see the gradual changes from rural to urban and back again. My father died recently. My grandfather and I are hoping to go back to the Camino next year, and walk the last 100 kilometers on the French route on his behalf. For my grandfather, completing the Camino would release my father’s soul from purgatory. For me, it would be a chance to reflect, in gratitude, with and for the family I have left.

Sam Michaux is from Minnesota and moved to Los Angeles to write novels.

Malpaís, Costa Rica

It was so beautiful. At night, everything closed, and it was really dark. I remember being on the beach, looking up, and really seeing the stars. I saw a satellite for the first time. I felt small and big at the same time, like I was connected to everything. When you travel, you’re able to become a different version of yourself. In Malpaís, we slept on hammocks on the beach for a dollar. I felt so free. I’m from New Jersey, where there were always lights and people around. This time in Costa Rica felt like an introduction to me stepping into myself and finding my independence.

Kara Hoholik is the chief executive of Social for Good Co., a content marketing agency. She lives on a farm in Western Michigan.

Dakar, Senegal

I landed in Dakar to the bluest sky I’ve seen, hundreds of sprawling baobab trees, sandy dust and angelic light.

Dakar is a city whose stability has centered me during my shakiest times. It is a place where tradition runs through every corner: the Wolof language, the sharing of meals — especially thieboudienne, or red rice with fish.

I turned 25 in Dakar, a city with such a clear sense of self, ideals and history, a city that refuses to be like anywhere else, a city that taught me the importance of being my own person, a city that made me question what I want to bring to the world, and what I stand for. I felt empowered by Dakar. It stood up for me. I’ve never felt unsafe there — and, as a Black woman anywhere, that’s an amazing thing.

Faridah Folawiyo is an art historian and independent curator from Lagos, Nigeria. She spent two months in Dakar for an artist residency in 2018.

London’s St. James the Less Church, England

It’s been so important to find those things that feel warm and cozy; to have a place to go in our minds that’s inviting, even if our reality is not. St. James the Less is in that space in my mind, along with endless cups of tea, candles and good books.

Sarah Best is a small-business owner and a poet. She lives in Madison, Wis., with her husband.

Photograph of the church taken by Rii Schroer/eyevine/Redux.

The Marrakesh Medina, Morocco

Inside the medina, there’s always this background noise — drumming and dancing and the sound of thousands of people passing through. There were, I think, seven mosques within sight of my terrace, and five times a day the call to prayer would start from each of them a few seconds apart, like a battle of the voices. I learned about the cold of the desert — my house was open, so when it would go down to 40 degrees, I’d basically be camping in my bedroom with sleeping bags. I have a ticket to Morocco in February — I’m not sure I’ll be able to use it yet, but I’m holding onto that ticket with all of my heart.

Jennifer Borch lives in Jericho, Vt., where she is the education program coordinator at the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants.

Nanda Devi Mountain, India

In front of us is a wide panorama of 23,000-foot peaks, with Nanda Devi dominating the landscape. It was a doomed romance. A few months after we were married, Shoma was diagnosed with cancer. We’d have three years together. I had this fear after my wife passed away: Will I remember Shoma going forward? How she spoke, how she felt, what she said, how she looked? The next time I saw the mountain, I was alone. The first memory that came to my head was of that earlier evening: a golden glow on her face. She looked at peace.

Prayash Giria and his wife, Shoma, visited Nanda Devi, India’s second-tallest mountain, in 2016. Mr. Giria, of New Delhi, returned in 2019.

Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

We climbed a glacier using crampons, spikes attached to shoes for traction, and hiked through six miles of volcanic ash. On the last day, we climbed over this bridge by a huge waterfall. The mountains were covered in moss and there was a perfect, bluebird sky. I felt privileged that I got to see something so special and beautiful. I’m a plus-sized Chinese woman, and I’ve been told I can’t do things like this. But guess what: I did it, and I did it really well! I’ve climbed an ice wall. I’ve done double-digit river crossings with my pack over my head. This trail taught me how strong and powerful I can be.

Stacey Mei Yan Fong is a part-time baker in Brooklyn.

Photographs by Meredith Passaro, a friend of the contributor.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

It’s a place untouched for centuries. Your schedule is dictated by sunset and sunrise. In the vastness, you feel close to the center of the universe.

I came back to Wadi Rum as an adult after many hiking trips there as a schoolchild. I had been living in New York and had grown used to so much noise. I realized I had been to these sands so many times before, but had never appreciated their majesty. It needs to be the right moment — both in the sunset, and in your life. But if you arrive on time, Wadi Rum will change you forever.

Hashem Sabbagh, a lawyer turned filmmaker, was born and raised in Amman, Jordan.

My mom is from Aruba, and two of my aunts are still there. One aunt bought my grandparents’ house, so we drink wine on the same back porch where I used to play.

I did 23andMe, the DNA test, and my roots run really deep there. My great-grandmother is descended from the Arawak tribe. Now, so much of the island is built for tourists, but there’s even more to explore on the other side.

Elise Thompson is a marketing manager who has lived in New York City for 16 years.

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

My boyfriend came to Taiwan with me, and we weren’t really sure how to navigate queerness in Asia. My only frame of reference was mainland China, which is not exactly welcoming. This was before gay marriage was legalized in Taiwan — but I think that, generally, Taiwanese culture is super accommodating and welcoming. Now, we’ll come across something, usually food, that makes us miss Kaohsiung almost daily.

Andrew Liu was born in China and raised in the Hudson Valley. He works in immigration law and is currently based in Berlin.

The Scottish Highlands, Scotland

During that trip, we were driving on the NC500 and came upon this vista of snow-capped mountains perfectly reflected in the loch. There are those moments when you’re traveling — I call them 100-percent moments — and this was one of them. As soon as we’re able to safely travel again, the Highlands will be one of the first places I’ll go. I’ll catch the Caledonian Sleeper to Inverness, visit Cairngorms National Park and stay at The Fife Arms . I’ll go to the Isle of Jura ’s whisky distilleries, and go on long, blustery walks in the rain. This has been a distressing time, but I hope that we can all learn to really love and appreciate where we’re from.

Morgan Charles lives in Somerset, England, and works in the corporate security department of United Airlines.

• Lake Michigan

During my first fall break, my husband and I drove out to see it. The wild dunes, roaring waves and endless horizon stunned me. The next summer, I swam lap after lap in it. Visits to Lake Michigan have gradually taken on increasing seasonal regularity: marveling at ice waves in winter, enjoying April wildflowers, swimming late into autumn. We spent the summer quarantining with family in the Poconos in Pennsylvania so we could have help caring for our son, Jem. Our first week back, I took him up to the lake. He was around three months old at the time. I walked down to the water with him in my arms. I wanted him to experience this thing that has been so profound in my own life.

Jillian Snyder is a humanities and English lecturer in Valparaiso, Ind.

Niansogoni, Burkina Faso

I had heard rumors of an abandoned cliff village, like Mesa Verde in the United States, not far from my host community. When a friend came to visit, we set off on a three-day bike tour to visit and view the Niansogoni Cliffs and the Sindou Peaks. While Niansogoni was only around 20 miles away, the road was rough, and, in the middle of the hot season, we arrived dusty and dehydrated. After a change of clothes and a surprisingly cold Brakina beer, our guide led us on a hike up the cliffs. We viewed this abandoned troglodyte village of the Wara people, who in the 14th century fled into the hills to escape the neighboring Senufo tribes. Up top, in the quiet among the baobab trees, at the ends of the earth.

Teresa Gotlin-Sheehan is a high school social studies teacher in Denver. She joined the Peace Corps and lived in Burkina Faso from 2012 to 2014.

Asunción, Paraguay

Stepping off the plane in Asunción, the Paraguayan capital, is like opening an oven: The heat fogs up your glasses and the air smells of diesel smoke and grilled meats.

The colorful buses racing through the city, where I lived for two years, inevitably have to slow down for the mango and lapacho trees in the roads — the custom is to pave around them, rather than cut them down.

Paraguay is sometimes seen as a transitional place between the rain forests of Brazil and the Bolivian salt flats. Backpackers tend to skip it for its flashier neighbors. But for me, travel is not about taking pictures of famous things: It’s about the people. And Paraguay is the sort of place where multiple people will offer — if not beg — to drop you off or pick you up from the airport. That embrace can be felt even among visitors.

Abigail Williamson is an English language teacher on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts.

South London Parks, England

Early on in the first lockdown, my boyfriend and I went to Battersea Park , which is also where we went on one of our first dates (and where we had one of our first fights). The sun was shining, the flowers were blooming and it almost felt like it was going to be OK. When restrictions started easing, the first thing we did was call some friends and meet in Myatt’s Field Park . We sat six feet apart, and it felt momentous.

Sage Erskine has lived in London for five years and is originally from Maine. She is a project manager at a creative agency.

Beirut, Lebanon

When I was six months old, my father, who was born in the village of Sahel Alma, took me to his homeland to be baptized. A generation later, I returned with my own six-month-old daughter in my arms. In the same little church in the coastal town of Jounieh , she received the same sacrament; I wrote her name in the same baptismal book. In the Lebanon I know, my aunts prepare mezze plates that stretch the length of the dining room table while we snack on green almonds. The air is scented with orange blossoms and gardenias from my Teta’s garden. The sun dips into the Mediterranean, and I am offered the ultimate luxury: the embrace of family.

Carolinne Griffin, a writer and editor, lives in Vermont with her husband, two children and dogs.

Photographs by Dylan Griffin, the contributor's husband.

Siberia, Russia

Our trip unfolded in spontaneous vignettes: A group of off-duty soldiers beckoned us into their compartment, sharing horseradish-infused vodka and communicating via mime and Google Translate. Assigned to the bunk next to me for an overnight leg, a chattering 6-year-old excitedly taught me the Russian words for colors. On the banks of the Kama River , we stumbled upon an outdoor disco party, and at a synagogue in Novosibirsk , a rabbi shared a conversation in bits of broken Hebrew. Siberia is not cold and barren. I found warmth, shared meals and endless points of connection.

Betsy Feuerstein, a lawyer in Washington, D.C., has lived on four continents.

Andros, Greece

I went back in 1996, and Yanni had cancer. And while I remember 1992 like it was yesterday — what I wore, where we went — I can’t really remember that second trip. Yanni was in and out of the hospital, getting chemo. He died a year later.

In 2017, I went back with my children and was relieved to see it mostly unchanged, though there were things I hadn’t noticed before, like a modern art museum and a cinema showing vintage films. It’s this warm, welcoming place, and the air smells like flowers. Now, my kids can’t wait to go back.

Maria Dal Pan is a writer and a founder of Erwin Park Communications. She lives in Montclair, N.J.

Growing up in a Bessarabian Jewish family, I had heard of the Old Country. What we discussed was never anything good. I never heard one thing about the sheer magnificence of the landscape or the bounties it serves up.

Driving just outside the city of Piatra Neamt , a wrought-iron fence with a Magen David (Star of David) caught my eye. I jammed on the brakes. We walked uphill to a cemetery — no sign. The caretaker, 80 if he was a day, showed us around. Maybe 10, 15 people in town are still Jewish. It was heartwarming to see someone caring for the place. I knew I was going to ask my wife to marry me. Driving from Bukovina — known for its beech trees and painted monasteries — to Maramures, we followed a zigzag mountain path: a place of transition. We reached a lookout. I said, “This is the place.”

Ivan Stoler lives in New York with his wife and works at a manufacturing company. (His family is from Moldova, which once belonged to Greater Romania.)

East Haddam, Conn.

I never liked being from a small town. Even when I was a kid, I wanted to get away as quickly as I could. As soon as I got a driver’s license, I was zooming to other places.

Although I’ve known East Haddam all my life, I finally fell in love with it last summer, when I visited with my boyfriend. We jumped into the waterfall at Devil’s Hopyard State Park ; I found myself marveling at the quaint farm stands and picturesque New England churches. It may be small, but it’s home.

Caley Millen-Pigliucci is a graduate student in journalism in New York.

Yarra Ranges National Park, Australia

There are few places that I love as deeply as the Yarra Ranges, particularly the old-growth mountain ash. It’s popular in the summer, but it comes into its own in the winter, when it’s covered in snow.

The first time I went, I couldn’t believe a place like this existed so close to where I live. I’ve gone back almost every winter since.

Eden Alley-Porter is a mariner, archaeologist and adventurer who lives in Melbourne.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

But it was during my two long hikes the next day that I fell in love. The afternoon sun warm, the air clean. I heard only my feet walking through sand, along with an occasional bird, horsefly, or scurrying chipmunk. This year has been wildly lonely and isolating. But at the canyon’s base , the path aggressively inclines, and I stopped. My brain got quiet. For the first time in months, my thoughts weren’t racing. Hiking, I realized, turned forced isolation into chosen solitude. Bryce is the perfect place to be with yourself.

Nora Lewis, an assistant public defender, left Miami where she was quarantined alone for a trip through Utah.

Huanchaco, Peru

Huanchaco was a place that was never on the map for me as I made my way traveling down South America.

I decided to stay for two weeks, three weeks, then that became four months.

As you walk down the main road, you have miles of beach on one side and a small, yet still bustling town on the other. You always hear people: vendors selling jewelry, or people selling different types of food. There’s a meaty, smoky smell in the air. I still smell the picarones (fried doughnuts) and papas rellenas (fried stuffed potatoes). And every single day has an amazing sunset.

Locals and tourists alike have a look at the waves to decide if a sunset surf is in the cards. (It’s good surf every day.) They believe Huanchaco was where surfing was born.

They have these reed canoes they use for fishing called “caballitos de totora.” It’s a symbol of Huanchaco. They say it was the original surfboard.

Will Lopez Flores is an educational-technology professional and photographer in San Francisco.

Jimmy’s Beach, New South Wales, Australia

There is a section of Jimmy’s Beach north of Barnes Rocks where the bay loops gently around to a point where the river and sand flow into Port Stephens.

This is my favorite place for walking my dog: We stop to examine the sea grass and shells (some like long fingernails), while a flock of small terns delight me with their fluttering nose-dives into the water. When I started visiting, submerged trees, now gone, stuck up from the sand — a strange sculpture forest that grew from the evolving landscape of the beach. I also found middens , the piles of shells from ancient Aboriginal feasts. This summer, walking with Diesel, I saw a dingo trotting behind us. With a frisson of anxiety, we hastened our pace until he padded into the bush, and we plunged into the icy water.

Suzie Shaw is a retired high school teacher in Sydney, Australia, where she spent a pandemic lockdown last year.

The University of Cambridge, England

It was very grand and Gothic, but beyond that, I was struck by the sheer, ritualized extravagance that goes into the substance of life in Cambridge; we had formals every Friday with a three-course dinner and wine pairings, and wine tastings tucked behind massive clocks reminiscent of “The Invention of Hugo Cabret .” I was also lucky to find a community of close friends from around the world. Both made my year at the university’s Trinity College feel like an almost surreal, pristine experience. I’ve found that during times of stress or grief, Cambridge will come to mind as a kind of counterpoint. I feel transported back to that safe, cocooned existence. I have a profound sense of gratitude for my year there; what a privileged time to have had.

Peggy Xu is from Johns Creek, Ga., and is studying law.

Lahore, Pakistan

Pakistan has a bad reputation, and is often overlooked by travelers who come to South Asia. But Lahoris are some of the kindest, most hospitable people. They love to take care of you and feed you. Lahore’s hot summers can feel oppressive, but in winter, in the cool dusk, lights twinkle in the fog. Androon Lahore , the city’s historic core, is studded with monuments from the Mughal era. I love to watch the Punjab locals feasting on terraces of restaurants overlooking the grand Badshahi Mosque — they are just regular people living their regular lives, and they are so alive in the present, while always connected to their past.

Haneen Iqbal is a 29-year-old freelance writer in Toronto, Canada.

Svalbard, Norway

The Arctic Circle is a world above our world: wrinkles of rock and ice, rare wildlife and vast white swaths stretching out forever into an ice-dotted sea.

When I went to Svalbard , I felt as if I’d been told an intimate secret by the Earth in a language that only I and the others on the ship could understand: hearing the loud crack of a glacier calving, ice dust flying, ice chunks splashing into the ocean, ripples getting larger and larger, turning into waves breaking along the shores of the fjord. When we were there, it became a part of us and we became a part of it. And as it shrinks , that part of me also shrinks.

Krysten Koehn, an art teacher who lives in Hamburg, Germany, spent an artist residency in Svalbard in 2014.

Alberta, Canada

When we first landed in the city of Calgary as a family of six, we weren’t used to the cold, dry climate. Growing up in Iraq, I had only seen snow on TV. But after moving to Canada, I learned what it looked and felt like; I watched the landscape change with the seasons. I could hardly believe that these beautiful mountains and lakes existed in my backyard. I didn’t have any formal schooling back home, but my parents always instilled in me and my siblings the value of education. Alberta is where I earned my bachelor’s degree, which ultimately allowed me to pursue a master’s degree. Alberta is where I learned how hard my parents worked to provide for us, and where I learned how free I could be as a woman.

Marokh Yousifshahi is a policy analyst in Calgary, Canada.

Santa Rosa, Calif.

One of my favorite places in Santa Rosa is Trione-Annadel State Park , which , along with other parts of the region, has suffered from wildfires in the last couple of years. People in this agricultural community see the seasons of destruction and renewal up close. They see how the fires hurt the economy and the land. I think of myself as a resilient person; I’ve gone through failures, traumas and upheaval. And I think that’s the ethos for Santa Rosa, too: resilience.

Ria D’Aversa lives in Santa Rosa, Calif., and is the co-founder of a small natural wine company.

Artwork is the pulse of Haiti: Caribbean Craft ’s extraordinary papier-mâché, Pascale Théard ’s beaded veve work, the beat of RAM’ s Haitian drums, the adored songs of BélO , the PAPJAZZ festival every January. I go to Hôtel Montana Haiti from time to time for a drink at the end of the day. It has a beautiful sprawling terrace that overlooks Port-au-Prince . There’s something about the view: the palm trees as the light goes down, the airport’s small landing strip, and, behind that, the mountains.

The mountains are Haiti for me. When the sun starts to set, a slight breeze picks up and the leaves of the palm trees blow, and I just exhale. Everything goes quiet there. I close my eyes — a moment to be grateful: I’m here.

Nadia Todres, a New York photographer, runs Center for the Arts, a nonprofit organization in Port-au-Prince that brings art and education to adolescent girls.

Ladakh, India

There’s intimacy at the top of the world. That at-homeness is peculiar for a nonbinary American to feel, but something about me is recognizable to people here. Once, we sat on the cold floor in a shaft of sunlight inside the Mangyu temple complex and felt the continuity of practice held every day for 1,000 years.

Ladakh is my understanding of what heaven would be — grounded in this earth. Every year, I visit Tso Moriri Lake , climbing to 15,000 feet in the dark morning to watch the sunrise. I hear army trucks beginning to move and old prayer flags flapping.

Before Ladakh, I thought being a traveler meant going to new places every year. This region has taught me what can deepen and mature when you return and return, and let a place remake you.

Jody Greene is a Zen Buddhist and literature professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Hokkaido, Japan

Japan is awash with these geothermal bath houses that many people use in their daily routine. They act as part bath and part social club, where the elderly crowds gather to gossip about local life. Our wooden guesthouse was built into a rocky outcrop, underneath a looming volcano in Hokkaido ’s Daisetsuzan National Park. The lodge was cozy: a warm wooden smell, handmade carvings, rugs everywhere, low tables, skiing paraphernalia, books and handmade furniture. In Japan you go in completely naked . (Brits feel horrendously awkward at the thought.) We weren’t ready to get naked in front of each other’s wives — here it’s mixed-sex — we messaged the group to warn of our onsen visit. I will forever think of sliding into the bubbling hot water with cold cans of Sapporo beer, engulfed in steam.

Michael Sheridan, an engineering consultant from London, traveled with university friends to Hokkaido in October 2019.

The Hudson River’s Tappan Zee, New York

As a kid, the bridge over the Hudson River was always a point of travel. It is a connection point in New York. On a Sunday night in September, I found myself sitting at Pierson Park in Tarrytown, watching the sunset over the Tappan Zee. I thought, “This is a nice moment in time when I get to be here and be peaceful and not worry about what’s next.” I was able to look at things with a new adult eye. The bridge, now called the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, is brand-new. It’s not the same bridge that was crumbling and falling over from when I was growing up.

I was preparing to move to California after finishing Zoom graduate school, and I became overwhelmed with a feeling that no matter where my life takes me, this three-mile river crossing will always bear a sense of home.

Alexis Sabol, a nurse, was born and raised in White Plains, N.Y.

• Northern Arkansas

The Buffalo River is less than two hours from Bentonville, and I can’t believe I didn’t know about it until recently. I’m sad that I missed out on the opportunity to share it with my father, who died two years ago. He loved the outdoors, and I feel like I’m in the right place — and at the right time — when I’m there. It’s a place that has allowed me to strengthen my connection to him.

Shaye Anderson is the director of content strategy at a creative agency. She lives in Bentonville, Ark.

Tagaytay, Philippines

We started in the morning, taking a bamboo boat across a tumultuous lake. Our guide, who lived on the island, was hiking in flip-flops. When we reached the top, I felt like I was on Mars — there was this beautiful red rock, and, suddenly, a crater with a lake in it. You could smell the sulfur. I remember feeling so thankful. Taal erupted in January 2020. My memories of this place are peaceful and full of color. Afterward, everything was covered in gray ash, including my family’s home. I want people to know what it looks like underneath the ash. Someday, I’d love to do that hike again.

Selena Ponio is a legal analyst who lives in New York City.

Milford Sound, New Zealand

One afternoon, I boarded a 12-seater plane and sailed over three snow-capped mountain ranges. When our group descended toward the tiny airport, we couldn’t see the landing strip — all we saw was the water. As we cruised around the fjord on the boat, the crew lined up a rack of water glasses and drove under an enormous waterfall. The glasses filled; the water tasted cold and refreshing. Milford Sound is so far from civilization — from cities, from the built environment — that nothing about it is polluted. It was so soothing to be on the water and watch the world go by.

Laura Lynn Walsh is a retired teacher who lives in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Top photograph by Kathryn Eidson, the contributor's sister.

Córdoba, Spain

I was born in Córdoba but was eating hummus in Jerusalem, another city where Jews, Muslims and Christians are bound together, when I finally understood its uniqueness. Tasting a chickpea purée, I recognized the techniques of salmorejo, the garlicky Cordoban purée of tomato and bread.

Travelers to Spain often forget to pause here. Tourists go to Barcelona, or Seville to see flamenco. People don’t know the history of Córdoba. For me, the city is a dream come true.

Fernando Moreno Reyes is a marketing manager who lives in Madrid.

Photographs by Irene Sanchez, a friend of the contributor.

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Traversing the tundra, you feel like you’re going to fall into quicksand. And the palette of the landscape in summer — all blues and greens mixed with wildflowers — is also blinding, because it’s the same colors that you see everywhere. Each summer around the solstice , when there is 24 hours of daylight, my family spends time in Anaktuvuk Pass , the Native Alaskan village located entirely in the park. We look forward to the slow pace of life. My son will play with the kids there. It’s really important for me that my son understands what it means to grow up in an Indigenous culture. I want him to understand this place where we are just visitors.

Bree Kessler is a public-space researcher, designer and activist who lives in Alaska with her husband, a law enforcement park ranger, and 4-year-old son.

Con Dao, Vietnam

My father never went back to Vietnam. He died in 2006, and now, when I travel there, I bring his journalist card with me to return his spirit, in some way. Having a refugee background means I have an urgent need to love this place because Dad could not.

I spent three days on Con Dao. I visited a cemetery, where relatives of people who died or suffered in the prison can bring offerings. There’s a marine conservatory, where baby turtles are being raised. On the last day, I was on the beach. As I swam out in the warm, turquoise water, I burst into tears. It’s important that we have these places where we can remember the people we’ve lost. Someday, I’d like to take my children there so they can learn more about their grandfather.

Thang Dac Luong is a lawyer and a writer in Sydney.

• Northern Kyrgyzstan

Within a few hours in the mountains, the weather turned bad and it started sleeting. I’m 48 years old, and it was the first time in my life I’d seen something like snow. We would drive three, four hours and not come across another person. We spent four nights in a yurt camp, and the hospitality was mind-boggling. And this was just the northern part of the country! I’d like to go back to explore the rest of it, hopefully soon.

Yogesh Mokashi is the founder of The Egg Factory, a chain of restaurants in Bangalore, India.

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

It was a whirlwind: a 14-hour layover in Paris, three days in Cape Town . We did not have a chance to plan anything, and everything we did was right at the moment, adding to the adventure. We took the last cable car to the top of Table Mountain at sunset — the whole mountain glowing with soft light. White Arum lilies were everywhere. It felt like the perfect way to introduce ourselves to South Africa . Enveloped in clouds, we could see just a hint of the city, its lights twinkling in the distance. I love the mountain for how it made me feel: the rush of emotion, the gratitude to share that experience with my siblings. A picture of them looking over the horizon brings me back to how much joy I felt.

Daniela Radpay, a high school Spanish teacher and university lecturer from Austin, Texas, traveled to Cape Town with two of her siblings.

Turku, Finland

Nature is so accessible here; there are these tall trees everywhere. It seems like the earth and the sky can almost touch. The river is really my thing. When I’m biking, I’ll go out of my way to ride on the river path. I moved back to Turku this August to be with my now-husband. We haven’t really been going out into the city because of the pandemic, and I almost feel like I’m not really back because I haven’t seen the river yet.

Avanti Chajed is from Illinois and lives in Turku. She is a doctoral student doing work on immigrant family experiences.

The Rawah Wilderness, Colorado

We marveled together along the creek bed and absorbed the lushness of early summer. And it was all hidden, off the main trail. If we hadn’t stopped, we wouldn’t have noticed it. Unfortunately, the largest forest fire in Colorado’s recorded history, Cameron Peak Fire , which was finally contained in early December, has consumed the Rawah Wilderness . Downed trees from beetle kill fueled the fire, and the smoke clouds exist as harbingers for the West’s desolate future.

The area is still closed and no one’s been up there besides the forest service. But I think we’ll be able to return. The Rawah Wilderness captures the fragility of nature. It’s taught me to say goodbye to the Colorado of my childhood and prepare for an uncertain future.

Michala Whitmore, an amateur historian living in Boulder, Colo., loves to hike.

The Methow Valley, Washington

I closed on my home a few months later, thinking I was a trailblazer with a remote job who was leaving the city behind. That was September 2019. Now I’ve come to know the Methow Valley in all four seasons, and she’s become my refuge in the pandemic. Others have followed, and now this secret spot is something of a Zoom Town. But there is space for all of us: It’s conducive to social distancing here.

The Valley is three towns woven together: Mazama, Winthrop and Twisp, where I head in summer to buy 25 pounds of Roma tomatoes and Dapple Dandy pluots. In fall I hike to the Goat Peak lookout and admire the golden larches.

Methow Valley is small — it’s not like Sun Valley or Park City. But I know it intimately now, and the rhythm of her landscape is a salve. It’s a precious place.

Rose Thompson, 32, lives in Mazama, Wash., with her partner and two dogs.

I was only a few years old in 1965 when my father’s partners at his Brooklyn gas station decided to sell. His next job would change my life.

I took my first around-the-world flight alone at 18. All of a sudden this new world just opened up to me. Am I inquisitive by nature or by temperament? Or was it the traveling that really completed that mix? Where everyone else is sitting in a plane, watching a movie, I’m at my window, looking at geologic glacial features that are just so unbelievably beautiful to me. I remember flying over the States and it was just a beautiful day. There was a light layer of snow over a lot of the country as I flew. And I just remember looking down at these open spaces, in these little towns, just thinking to myself about how we’re such little ants on this planet. There are many times when I have even spoken to the person sitting in back of me, saying, “Oh, look at that!”

Carrie Dovzak is a retired geologist living in Berkeley, Calif. She dreams of traveling post-Covid.

• South Wales
• Kaliya Dhrow
• The Camino de Santiago
• London’s St. James the Less Church
• The Marrakesh Medina
• Nanda Devi Mountain
• Laugavegur Trail
• The Scottish Highlands
• South London Parks
• East Haddam
• Yarra Ranges National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Jimmy’s Beach
• The University of Cambridge
• The Hudson River’s Tappan Zee
• Milford Sound
• Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
• Table Mountain, Cape Town
• The Rawah Wilderness
• The Methow Valley

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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24 Best Places to Visit in the United States

Written by Lana Law Updated May 3, 2023

Author Lana Law has spent many years traveling to all corners of the United States.

With so much to see in this vast country, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to planning a trip in the United States. World-class cities , some known for history and others known for fun or glamour, give you a broad spectrum of places to choose from. The best places to visit in the United States may simply depend on your personal interests.

Along the Eastern Seaboard , New York and Washington, D.C. offer two uniquely different city experiences. Along the West Coast , San Francisco and Los Angeles are both hot spots for tourists. In the Southwest , Las Vegas brings the desert to life, and the Grand Canyon shows off one of nature's greatest creations.

Beyond the mainland are the beaches of Waikiki and the tropical Hawaiian Islands , as well as Alaska. These are just a few key locations, but wonderful destinations for any type of traveler can be found all over the country.

Discover more of America with our list of the best places to visit in the United States.

1. New York

2. san francisco, 3. the grand canyon, 5. las vegas, 7. washington, d.c., 9. los angeles, 10. new orleans, 11. utah's national parks, 12. orlando/kissimmee, 13. chicago, 14. phoenix, 15. savannah, 17. yosemite national park, 18. colorado's rocky mountains, 19. seattle, 20. north carolina's outer banks, 21. santa fe, 22. san antonio, 23. yellowstone national park.

New York City is like no other city in the world, and one that must be experienced to be fully appreciated.

For first-time visitors, walking the streets can be like walking through a movie set, with famous sites at every turn, from the Empire State Building , to Rockefeller Plaza , the Chrysler Building , Central Park , The High Line , Times Square , 5th Avenue , Broadway , and of course, the Statue of Liberty .

Sightsee by day, take in a Broadway show in the evening, work in time for shopping or a stroll, and relax and reminisce over a fantastic meal. This is New York. With too much to see and do in a day, a weekend, or even a week, this is a city worth visiting time and time again.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New York City

This charming and picturesque West Coast city is the perfect getaway destination for couples, singles, or families. Famous sites, charming streets, beautiful views, and outdoor dining are all part of what makes San Francisco such a great place to visit.

Take a cruise on San Francisco Bay, tour Alcatraz , drive over the Golden Gate Bridge , wander around Fisherman's Wharf , hop on an historic street car, or try a do-it-yourself walking tour to explore the city sites.

Summer or fall is a wonderful time to visit, but the climate here is mild and any time of year is pleasant.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Francisco
• Best Free Things to Do in San Francisco

The Grand Canyon is one of those must-see, bucket-list destinations that have been attracting visitors for generations. Gazing out over the canyon walls to an endless horizon and an unfathomable depth below is one of the highlights of any trip in the United States.

Visiting the Grand Canyon can easily be done on a day trip from Las Vegas or Phoenix , and from some smaller cities in the vicinity, including Sedona or Flagstaff . Another option is to incorporate a visit into a larger driving trip through Arizona and surrounding states. A train trip from Williams , AZ on the Grand Canyon Railway is another delightful way to experience the canyon.

The south rim of the Grand Canyon, which is the most popular and most visited section, is open all year, and visitors are welcome at any time of year. To avoid the crush of summer visitors, consider arriving in the spring or fall; the weather is good and the crowds smaller. The road to the north rim of the Grand Canyon is closed in winter due to snow.

• Top Attractions & Things to See at the Grand Canyon
• From Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon: Best Ways to Get There

Houston is the perfect city for a friends' getaway, a couples' retreat, or a family vacation. With direct flights from cities across the United States and Canada, you can easily fly in to see a sports game, wander through Houston's Museum District , lounge by a pool at one of the many luxury hotels, and spend your evenings enjoying incredible meals.

Houston has developed into a hot spot for dining in the United States and is now well known for extraordinary cuisine.

If you want a relaxed but outdoor urban experience, rent a bike and peddle your way through the miles of paved trails in the parks or on the downtown streets. Rent a kayak and paddle along Buffalo Bayou in Buffalo Bayou Park .

In less than an hour, you can be on the nearby beaches or exploring Galveston , and along the way, you can make a stop at Space Center Houston .

• Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Houston

This glittering city of lights in the desert holds a unique appeal, and one that has been attracting visitors for decades. Huge resort complexes, with all kinds of things to see and do at any time of year, have made this a destination that draws everyone, from want-to-be newlyweds who come here to say their vows, to families or singles who just want to hang out around a pool.

Entertainment options are extensive, with some of the music industry's top stars calling Las Vegas home and playing to packed audiences every night. Cirque du Soleil offers another unique experience, and of course, each resort has something to entertain guests, from dancing fountains to an erupting volcano.

When you've had your fill of the city, there is plenty to explore in the surrounding area , with the Grand Canyon , Hoover Dam , Death Valley National Park , and Valley of Fire State Park all within easy day-tripping distance. Las Vegas is ideal for a long weekend if you live in Los Angeles or Phoenix.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Las Vegas
• Top-Rated Hiking Trails near Las Vegas, NV

Waikiki is one of America's top beaching destinations, with all the comforts of North America on a beautiful tropical island in the Pacific Ocean.

Located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu , Waikiki is a suburb of Honolulu known for the beautiful golden sand beach that stretches along the oceanfront, backed by hotels and retail establishments.

Rent a surfboard and test your skills in the waves, hit the shops when you're done with the beach, and enjoy great dining options in the evening. This is the perfect destination for everyone, from families to couples or singles.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things To Do in Waikiki

Washington, D.C. is the US capitol and home to some of the most famous sites and national treasures in America, from the White House and the Capitol Building to the Smithsonian museums. This city should be on everyone's itinerary of the East Coast .

In the spring, the Cherry Blossom Festival is a beautiful time to visit, when the trees are in full bloom. Summer can be hot. You may want to hit one of the beaches near Washington for a bit of a cool off.

Fall is also a good time to visit, when the hot summer temperatures have cooled off enough to make walking around outside very comfortable and the rush of the busy summer season has passed. In winter, the crowds are definitely smaller, and the city is stunning after a fresh snowfall.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Washington, DC
• Top-Rated Day Trips from Washington, D.C.

The hot spot of southern Florida, Miami is more than just a great beaching destination. Wonderful beaches can be found all over Florida , but Miami offers an atmosphere like no other city in the state.

The Cuban vibe along Calle Ocho in Little Havana , the Art Deco District in Miami Beach that calls to mind the 1930s era, the endless parade of sports cars cruising along Ocean Drive in the evenings, and the summertime beach scene of South Beach , are just some of the unique aspects that make Miami one of the best cities in the US.

For a unique experience take a day trip from Miami to Everglades National Park to see alligators, turtles, and an array of birds in this one-of-a-kind wetlands area.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Miami

Southern California has a culture all of its own, and Los Angeles is the epicenter of this unique area. The city has always been associated with glamour, with the suburbs of Hollywood , Beverly Hills , and Bel Air dominating pop culture. Travelers will find all kinds of vacation possibilities in the Los Angeles area.

Hollywood is a must for movie lovers, families come to experience nearby Disneyland , and shoppers will definitely find what they're looking for in the Los Angeles area .

If you are looking for a little sand and surf, head to one of the many beaches around LA . For an interesting natural history experience, be sure to visit La Brea Tar Pits to see fossil remains of prehistoric animals that roamed this area 40,000 years ago.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles
• Best Free Things to Do in Los Angeles, CA

New Orleans is like no other southern city. The mix of cultures, with strong French and Spanish influences, is more reminiscent of the Caribbean than the United States. Cajun and Creole cuisine, jazz music, and the architecture of the French Quarter set this city apart.

Combined with an assortment of luxury resorts and hotels, New Orleans makes a perfect destination for a long weekend getaway .

The highlight of New Orleans' calendar year is Mardi Gras , when elaborate costumes and outrageous floats light up the streets, music can be heard everywhere, and the celebrations seem never-ending. However, if crowds are not your thing, you may want to avoid this time of year.

The best time to visit New Orleans is from December to May, but other seasons offer different benefits. June to November is hotter and prone to storms and hurricanes but is a good time to find deals.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New Orleans

Southern Utah is home to a landscape like no other, with canyons, arches, natural amphitheaters, and oddly beautiful rock formations. Fortunately, Utah's parks offer access to the state's most incredible scenery.

Zion National Park is one of the most outstanding, and particularly of interest for its hiking trails . Soaring cliff walls, waterfalls, and the river running through the valley, making this one of the most visited parks in the United States .

Arches National Park , near the town of Moab, is home to more than 2,000 sandstone arches, but is much more than the name suggests. Rock spires, petrified dunes, views to distant mountain peaks, and the numerous adventure opportunities in the area , make this a place you'll want to spend some time. It's also a top mountain biking destination in the United States .

Nearby, but completely different in character, is Canyonlands National Park . Some sections of this park are as enchanting as the Grand Canyon but not nearly as busy. Plan on at least a day to see two separate sections of the park, and more if you want to enjoy the hiking trails.

Bryce Canyon National Park offers a completely different scene, with a huge natural amphitheater providing the base for a forest of colorful rock pinnacles. The hiking trails in Bryce , which take you through this mystical landscape, are mostly easy to moderate and worth doing. And lastly, Capitol Reef National Park is a little out of the way but is worth a stop if you can work it into your itinerary.

• Top-Rated National and State Parks in Utah
• Best Campgrounds Near Capitol Reef National Park

Orlando, which for most tourists is synonymous with Kissimmee, is all about the theme parks; Walt Disney World Resort , Universal Studios , and SeaWorld are the big attractions . This is one of the best vacation spots in the US for families . Kids love it. But adults will also enjoy the parks, as well as the shopping, dining, golfing, and sunshine.

School holidays are the busiest time to visit. Christmas and summer holidays are particularly hectic. Fortunately, Orlando is primed for tourists, with all kinds of hotels and home rentals available in the area.

The city is located inland but within easy day-tripping distance of both coasts and the popular Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral on the Atlantic Coast

• Read More: Top-Rated Beaches near Orlando, FL

Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a great summer destination, with parks and a beautiful waterfront with amazing beaches . But its arts and cultural attractions, as well as fantastic shopping, make it a popular year-round destination.

The Magnificent Mile , along Michigan Avenue, is the city's most famous area, with high-end luxury stores and galleries, along with famous buildings and outstanding architecture. Some of the tourist highlights include Millennium Park , the Art Institute of Chicago , Navy Pier , and the views from the Willis Tower SkyDeck .

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions in Chicago

In the heart of the Southwestern US , Phoenix is a huge, sprawling city that attracts large numbers of northerners during the winter months, who come here to escape the cold weather. Phoenix is a great destination for golfing, shopping, relaxing, and generally having a good time.

The greater Phoenix area has some of the finest resorts in the state. They range from giant family-friendly complexes with beaches and waterslides to small, intimate operations where your every whim is indulged.

You may want to pack your golf clubs. The city and surroundings, which include Scottsdale , Mesa , and several other townships, are known in particular for their world-class golf resorts, some of the most important stops on the men's and women's PGA Tour.

If you have extra room in your suitcase, maybe squeeze in your hiking boots, too. Natural areas that showcase the desert landscape can be found within the city and nearby, providing easy access for hiking , and mountain biking. Summer temperatures can be extremely high, but October to April is very pleasant, especially if you want to spend time outdoors.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Phoenix
• Top-Rated Campground in the Phoenix Area

Savannah is the quintessential small southern city, with huge moss-covered trees in the beautiful parks, old southern mansions, and a lovely waterfront area with candy stores and other unique shops in historic buildings. The pace is slow, and the people are friendly.

It's easy to see that Savannah is a city where people live and enjoy life, rather than an area simply developed for tourism. The city center is small enough that you can walk everywhere. This is a city you can see in a day, but the kind of place where you will want to linger.

Nearby are some beautiful beaches at Tybee Island and Hilton Head Island , both of which can be reached by car in well under an hour.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Savannah

Located along the Eastern Seaboard, Boston is a city of history. The famous Freedom Trail leads past some of the city's most famous and historic sites, making sightseeing and navigating through the city extremely easy.

Picturesquely situated along the oceanfront, with ferries connecting the outer suburbs, Boston has a unique charm. Modern skyscrapers stand next to centuries-old buildings, and open public spaces , like Boston Common , give the city a quaint, small-town feel. The city also has a strong arts and cultural scene, and is home to the famous Boston Pops Orchestra .

Boston's winters are legendary. Nor'easters roar ashore every now and again, dumping copious quantities of snow. However, that doesn't stop these hardy residents from enjoying life. The list of things to do in winter is long, and this is still a great time of year for a visit.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Boston
• Top-Rated Beaches in the Boston Area

While the Grand Canyon is on most international travelers' itineraries, Yosemite is a national treasure that should not be missed. Yosemite Valley is home to some of America's most famous landscapes and iconic natural attractions, from the dramatic waterfalls to the soaring cliff walls of El Capitan and Half Dome .

The captivating photographs of Ansel Adams , the climbing community that has flocked here for decades, and the generations of families who have been coming to the park to enjoy the campgrounds , hike the spectacular trails , and soak up the scenery have all contributed to the park's history.

But long before this, the Miwok people inhabited the area. You can learn more about this at the Yosemite Museum and Indian Village of the Ahwahnee in the park.

Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

The dramatic peaks of the Rocky Mountains can be appreciated in many areas of North America, but in Colorado, the climate and small mountain towns make this one of the best places to visit the Rockies. Waterfalls and snow-capped peaks, more than 50 of which reach a height of 14,000 feet or more, make this a beautiful area for sightseeing and appreciating mountain life.

In summer, hiking , mountain biking , and rafting are popular pastimes. Inn winter, the mountains become a playground for skiers and boarders. The ski resorts in Colorado are some of the best in North America.

Some of the best places to visit are the towns of Vail, Aspen , Telluride , and Durango . Scenic drives, like the San Juan Scenic Byway and the Million Dollar Highway , which leaves from Durango, will take you through breathtaking mountain scenery and old mining towns like Silverton and Ouray . Or, hop on the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad for a relaxing day trip through the Rockies.

On the edge of the Rocky Mountains in the southwest corner of Colorado, a little over an hour from Durango, is Mesa Verde National Park . This fantastic park is home to incredible Native American cliff dwellings, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Colorado, USA

In the northwest corner of the US is the lovely coastal city of Seattle. Surrounded by water and snow-capped mountains, the city is reminiscent of Vancouver, Canada, with an active, outdoor oriented population and countless things to see and do .

Key sights in the city include the impossible-to-miss Space Needle , the lively Pike Place Market , and the waterfront. Within easy day-tripping distance of the city are beautiful beaches , the Hoh Rain Forest , and mountain landscapes, all waiting to be explored.

Although the winter months see more rain than summer, the city has a mild climate and is a nice place to visit at any time of year. You'll find no shortage of things to do in Seattle in winter .

• Best Museums in Seattle
• Top-Rated Hikes near Seattle, WA

North Carolina's Outer Banks are all about beaches. Miles and miles of spectacular beaches on narrow sand islands have been drawing people from across the United States since the 1830s.

Stretching for over 100 miles, these barrier islands have been the go-to place for families every summer for generations whether at campgrounds or wonderful resorts.

Off the beach, historical cities well worth visiting include Nags Head, Kitty Hawk (home to the Wright Brothers Memorial), Duck, Waves, and the towns on Hatteras Island. The Outer Banks are also home to some of America's most famous lighthouses, many of which are open for tours to the top.

Another popular pursuit is deep sea fishing . Many records have been broken by anglers in this offshore hot spot.

Read More: Best Coastal Towns in North Carolina

A melting pot of Spanish, Native American, Mexican, and Anglo-Americans, Santa Fe has a unique vibe that, once experienced, tends to draw one back time and time again. This historical city's pleasant streets, lined by Spanish colonial churches, adobe homes, and towering trees, just beg to be photographed.

Be sure to visit the Plaza, the beating heart of all that's going on in town. Cute cafés, many with patios, line the square and make a perfect perch to do a bit of people watching. After you've had your fill of that, wander into any one of the eclectic and unusual shops nearby.

Santa Fe is ideally positioned close to the mountains, where you'll find some of the best skiing in New Mexico at resorts including Taos, Pajarito, and Siapu.

Read More: Best Places to Visit in New Mexico

Although Dallas and Houston spring to mind first for many people when they think of Texas , those in the know, will always tell you that San Antonio is their favorite. The reasons for this are many: beautiful Spanish colonial churches and missions, the wonderful Riverwalk area, and, of course, The Alamo.

The city is relatively compact and easy to navigate. For a city of its size, it also has a number of excellent resorts and high-end hotels just waiting for you to check-in and be pampered. The city isn't all about history; it's also the home of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), and as a result is a hotbed of foodie delights. Be sure to wander over to the Pearl district to find some of the best places; your taste buds will thank you!

Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in San Antonio

The thermal wonderland known as Yellowstone National Park has been drawing visitors since 1872. Bubbling mud pots, colorful boiling-hot water pools, and erupting geysers are sights that continue to amaze thousands of people every day.

Some of the must-sees when visiting the park include Old Faithful, whose eruptions blast scalding water up to 184 feet in the air; the Morning Glory Pool in the Upper Geyser Basin area; and the Minerva Terrace.

The park isn't all about thermal sights — the Lamar Valley is a wonderful area for hiking and seeing wildlife, including the park's signature bison herds.

Read More: Best Campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park

Off on its own in the far northwest, above Canada, lies one of the most fascinating states in the union. Snow-capped peaks, glaciers, wild rivers, and wide open spaces are all things that define Alaska .

A frontier attitude still prevails, and can be experienced in places like Anchorage , Fairbanks, and Juneau . This state is one of the most popular places to take a cruise along the Inside Passage where towering mountains reach right down to sea. Or, snuggle up to a roaring fireplace with your special someone at a luxury resort.

Pick your activity or sport; Alaska is a place for doing things outdoors, whether it's camping, mountaineering, canoeing, or fishing. In winter, head for Alaska's ski resorts or maybe catch a glimpse of the northern lights .

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Best Places to Visit in Winter: If you want to experience winter in all its glory, have a read through our article on the Best Winter Vacations in the United States . This isn't about beaches and warm weather getaways, it's for people thinking about snowmobiling, dog sledding, skiing, and drinking hot chocolate in a cozy cottage. And if you're looking to save a little money, see our list of the Best Cheap Ski Holidays in North America .

Getaways for Couples & Families: Trying to come up with somewhere for you and your partner to take a quick trip? See our list of Best Vacation Spots in the US for Couples to find a romantic destination for two. If you're looking for a destination where you can take the kids and have a good time, you'll enjoy our article on the Top Family Vacations in the US .

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Watch CBS News

Solar eclipse maps show 2024 totality path, peak times and how much of the eclipse people could see across the U.S.

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:00 AM EDT / CBS News

A total solar eclipse  crossed North America Monday with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps show  where and when astronomy fans could see the big event  as skies darkened in the middle of the day Monday, April 8.

The total eclipse first appeared along Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then traveled across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.

About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality , the area where the moon fully blocked out the sun , according to NASA. The path ranged between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

Solar eclipse path of totality map for 2024

The total solar eclipse started over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that experienced totality was Mexico's Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT, according to NASA. From there, the path continued into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse exited continental North America at around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

The path of totality included portions of the following states:

• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan also experienced the total solar eclipse.

Several major cities across the U.S. were included in the eclipse's path of totality, while many others saw a partial eclipse. These were some of the best major cities for eclipse viewing — though the weather was a factor :

• San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)
• Austin, Texas
• Waco, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dayton, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York
• Rochester, New York
• Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont

Map of when the solar eclipse reached totality across its path

The eclipse began in the U.S. as a partial eclipse beginning at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before progressing to totality by about 1:27 p.m. CDT and then moving along its path to the northeast over the following few hours.

NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the U.S. People could have also  checked their ZIP code on NASA's map  to see when the eclipse was to reach them if they were on, or near, the path of totality — or if they saw a partial eclipse instead.

How much of the eclipse did people see if they live outside the totality path?

While the April 8 eclipse covered a wide swath of the U.S., outside the path of totality observers may have spotted a partial eclipse, where the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun, according to NASA. The closer they were to the path of totality, the larger the portion of the sun that was hidden.

NASA allowed viewers to input a ZIP code and see how much of the sun was to be covered in their locations.

Could there be cloud cover be during the solar eclipse?

Some areas along the path of totality had a higher likelihood of cloud cover that could interfere with viewing the eclipse. Here is a map showing the historical trends in cloud cover this time of year. 

You could have checked the latest forecast for your location with our partners at The Weather Channel .

Where did the solar eclipse reach totality for the longest?

Eclipse viewers near Torreón, Mexico, got to experience totality for the longest. Totality there lasted 4 minutes, 28 seconds, according to NASA. 

Most places along the centerline of the path of totality saw a totality duration of between 3.5 and 4 minutes, according to NASA. Some places in the U.S. came close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, had a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.

What is the path of totality for the 2044 solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Astronomy fans in the U.S. will have far fewer opportunities to see the 2044 eclipse they had on April 8. NASA has not yet made maps available for the 2044 eclipse but, according to The Planetary Society , the path of totality will only touch three states.

The 2024 eclipse will start in Greenland, pass over Canada and end as the sun sets in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society.

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

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Where to see the solar eclipse in Florida? Here's an event list and a link to live coverage

The total solar eclipse  takes place on Monday, April 8.

While you might already have your eclipse glasses ready to go — take care to watch out for fake glasses — you might still be looking for the perfect place to view the major celestial event .

While Florida isn't within the path of totality , astronomy clubs and institutions across the state are holding events for residents to catch a glimpse of the eclipse (safety behind glasses, of course.) Here's where to find these events and what to know before the big day.

When is the total solar eclipse in April 2024?

The total solar eclipse will cross North America on  Monday, April 8 , 2024. The total eclipse will  hit the coast of Mexico  on April 8, about 11:07 a.m. PDT and leave the continental North America at 5:16 NDT.

The partial eclipse will begin first as the edge of the moon becomes visible, and then about an hour and 20 minutes later the totality will begin and last for three or four minutes before the sun begins to appear again.

Which states will see the total solar eclipse?

Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, plus parts of Tennessee and Michigan, are all in the 115-mile-wide path of totality.

To see the exact path of totality, check out  an interactive map  created by French eclipse expert Xavier Jubier.

How much of the April 8 total solar eclipse will be visible in Florida?

Florida  is not in the path of totality  for the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse, so residents won't see the moon completely block the sun. Residents will see a partial eclipse, though.

Depending on your location,  anywhere from 54 percent to 82 percent of the sun will be blocked .

What time will the April 8 eclipse be visible in Florida?

Depending on what part of Florida you’re in, residents should start to see the eclipse beginning about 1:35 p.m. EDT on April 8, 2024, with the midpoint at 2:55 p.m.

Where are the best places to see the eclipse in Florida?

Pensacola will be treated to a spectacular partial eclipse of just over 80% coverage at the midpoint, according to  eclipse2024.com , but if you want to see the most eclipse possible within state lines you'll need to head to Pineville (82.4%), Bratt (82.3%), or Walnut Hill (82.2%).

The farther south or southeast you go, the less of an eclipse you'll see. Tallahassee will get 75.4% coverage, Jacksonville about 70%. Central Florida across the state will be in the mid-60% range. Southwestern Florida will see about 60% of the sun blocked, Palm Beach 58%, Miami 55.7%, and down in the Keys it'll be 55.1%.

Here's where to watch the solar eclipse in Florida

• Solar Eclipse Viewing Party  at the Orlando Science Center - 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803
• Partial Eclipse and Earth Day Celebration  at Kennedy Space Center - Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
• There Goes the Sun: Solar Eclipse Viewing  at Palm Beach Gardens - Mirasol Park, 12385 Jog Road
• Solar Eclipse viewing  at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium - 4801 Dreher Trail N, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
• Eclipse Viewing at the  Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium  - 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905
• Eclipse viewing  at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science - 1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
• Solar Eclipse Extravaganza at the Fort Walton Beach Library, 185 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach. The event starts at 12:30 p.m. The event is free, but you must call the library to register at 850-833-9590.
• The Alachua Astronomy Club will gather at 1:30 p.m. April 8 at the KikaSilva Pla Planetarium at Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83rd St., Building X-129, Gainesville
• Do you know of some local watch parties? Please let us know at [email protected]

Can I watch the eclipse on livestream?

Yes. Check out this link to live coverage:

Don't forget your glasses to watch the eclipse

NASA warns viewing any part of the sun with binoculars, a telescope or through a camera lens without a special-purpose solar filter or with your bare eyes without solar viewing glasses  can result in severe eye injury .

American Astronomical Society’s website shares  a curated list of approved vendors  for eclipse glasses. Check the list before purchasing any.

Free solar eclipse glasses are also typically given out by local libraries, schools and observatories. These locations might have limited supplies, so it's best to call ahead to see if they have any available.

USA TODAY-Network Florida's  C.A. Bridges  contributed to this report .

• Anniston/Gadsden

Eclipse 2024: Time, best places to watch, latest weather forecast, ZIP code tool, what will you see?

• Updated: Apr. 08, 2024, 3:05 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 07, 2024, 9:16 a.m.

FILE - This combination of photos shows the path of the sun during a total eclipse by the moon Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, near Redmond, Ore. AP

• Leada Gore | [email protected]

The Great North American eclipse is Monday, April 8 and skywatchers – with proper glasses, of course – are ready to see the moon blocking out the sun during a solar eclipse.

What you will see, how long it will last and when it will take place will depend on where you live. While all states in the contiguous U.S. will experience some level of the eclipse, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, as well as small parts of Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee are along the path of totality and will experience the greatest periods of darkness.

In the U.S., the path of totality will start in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CT and will end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. ET (2:25 CT.) In those states, the periods of greatest darkness will reach up to 4 minutes, 27 seconds.

Here’s everything you need to know about the total solar eclipse 2024:

2024 eclipse primer

Total solar eclipse on April 8: Why this eclipse will be much different than the 2017 version

Scientists say the sun is approaching its maximum activity of its cycle this year, meaning it will be sending off more solar flares and eruptions from its surface — potentially making this year’s total solar eclipse much more dynamic.

Best places to watch the eclipse

Total Solar Eclipse April 8: Map shows 15 best states to see April’s total solar eclipse

The path of totality will start in Mexico and move across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine before heading out over the North Atlantic. Small portions of Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee will also experience almost the entirety of the eclipse. The eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario, and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. The eclipse will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.

Where to see solar eclipse 2024: NASA eclipse map shows best places along path of totality

During the eclipse, the sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, people in the path of totality will be able to see the sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the sun, NASA explains. Outside the path of totality, viewers will see a partial eclipse with the moon covering varying degrees of the sun.

How much will you see where you live?

April 8 eclipse in Alabama: How much coverage you’ll see in your city and when

Although Alabama is not in the path of “totality” during the April 8 eclipse – meaning we won’t see total darkness when the moon covers the sun – residents will see from 78 to 92 percent coverage, depending on location.

Total solar eclipse path 2024: Search your city, ZIP code for best viewing times

People viewing the eclipse from the path of totality will be treated to the ghostly-white outer atmosphere of the sun, known as the corona, when the moon completely blocks out the sun’s disk during the total eclipse, NASA explained. Along the path, the sun will be blocked out for about 4-and-a-half minutes.

April 8 solar eclipse path of totality: What time does the eclipse start?

Wondering how much of the eclipse you will see? NASA has a tool that lets you search by city or ZIP code to see complete eclipse details. You can use this tool to see when the eclipse will start and end in every state.

Eclipse weather

Alabama solar eclipse weather: Will skies be cloudy or clear?

A big question, for a lot of the nation, is how clear the skies will be for prime eclipse viewing. An updated forecast from the National Weather Service looks like a mixed bag.

The solar eclipse forecast for Monday from AccuWeather shows a mix of low to high amounts of cloud cover across the United States. Viewers in New Jersey can expect some increasing clouds, according to the latest forecast. AccuWeather.com

Eclipse education

Solar eclipse 2024 for kids: How to enjoy the event safely at home and in class

From building your own safety glasses to taking scientific data, researchers say there are plenty of ways to make the upcoming solar eclipse a fun learning experience for children.

Why are some schools closing for the solar eclipse?

The April 8 total solar eclipse will have millions of people gazing toward the sky as the moon tracks its way in front of the sun. And while some schools have special events planned, others – especially along the 15-state path of totality – are closing their doors that day.

NASA has a game to help kids learn about the solar eclipse: Play now

To help kids learn about solar eclipses, NASA is launching Snap It! An Eclipse Photo Adventure.

Eclipse safety

Solar eclipse 2024: Where to get free glasses to watch April 8 total solar eclipse

Skygazers planning to look at the eclipse through a camera lens or binoculars still need adequate eye protection. Without proper precaution, the sun’s rays can burn your retinas and cause severe eye injury.

Solar eclipse is Monday: 7 things to do if you’re driving that day

Crowds eager to see the eclipse are expected to be huge. According to AAA, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio are the most popular cities for eclipse viewers, followed by Indianapolis, Cleveland and Buffalo. In Dallas alone, Hertz rental car company said it is seeing six times more reservations than last year at this same time.

Solar eclipse on April 8 prompts cell phone warning

In addition to warnings about transportation systems, impacts on emergency service responses and fuel issues brought about increased demand, law enforcement said people should expect the cellular network to be strained.

How to spot fake solar eclipse glasses

Despite the ease of getting glasses, skygazers should be on the lookout for fake eclipse glasses. Real eclipse glasses are often designed with polyester film coated and coated in aluminum. Certified eclipse eyewear is designed to block all visible, and infrared light. Solar eclipse glasses must be from a vendor approved by the American Astronomical Society.

FAA issues warning ahead of April 8 total solar eclipse

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a warning about possible travel disruptions related to the April 8 total solar eclipse.

Cell phone warning for April 8 solar eclipse: Will you be able to use your phone?

Warnings about traffic, flight congestion and emergency services are circulating ahead of the April 8 Great American Eclipse. Of particular note are concerns over cell phones and whether they will work during the eclipse.

April 8 total solar eclipse: Texas officials warn people to stock up on food ahead of solar eclipse

Mike Jones, Hays County, Texas’s direct of the Office of Emergency Services, said the area is expecting thousands of visitors to arrive to see the eclipse. To prepare for the crowds, Jones advised residents to stock up on groceries and fill up on gas. If they are out on the day of the eclipse, he recommends residents “pack your patience.”

National Guard will be deployed for total solar eclipse on April 8

At the request of local emergency management officials, the Oklahoma National Guard will have members of the 63rd Civil Support Team available to assist local governments during the eclipse, including working with first responders with additional HAZMAT responses if needed.

Total solar eclipse on April 8: How to safely look at an eclipse

Except during the brief total phase of the eclipse when the moon completely blocks the sun’s bright face, it’s not safe to look at the eclipse without specialized eye protection for solar viewing, NASA said on its eclipse information page. If you’re watching the eclipse directly, you will need solar viewing glasses – also known as eclipse glasses – or a handheld solar viewer.

Eclipse fun

Krispy Kreme is releasing a new doughnut in celebration of the solar eclipse

The doughnut chain has announced its limited-time “Total Solar Eclipse Doughnut” – an original Krispy Kreme glazed doughnut dipped in black chocolate icing and topped with silver sprinkles, piped with a buttercream made with Oreo pieces and a whole Oreo cookie in the center.

April 8 total solar eclipse: Why you should wear red or green on eclipse day

Experts have another recommendation if you’re planning on watching the eclipse in a group or public place: Skip the neutrals and wear red and green.

Sun Chips eclipse flavors: You will have less than 5 minutes to score limited-edition chips

The chip brand is releasing Pineapple Habanero and Black Bean Spicy Gouda, a blend of ingredients with a nod to " sunny skies and bright days ahead while nodding to the moon with a cheesy touch.”

Sonic has new black drink for April 8 total solar eclipse and you get free eclipse glasses, too

The drive-through chain is launching a limited-edition drink called “Blackout Slush Float” to give fans an “out-of-this world experience.”

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The top 12 places to visit in the USA in 2024

Feb 23, 2024 • 6 min read

New York City never gets old, not with so many exciting and dynamic neighborhoods to explore © LeoPatrizi / Getty

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 – try wandering through the redwoods, breathing in deep gulps of sea air on glimmering beaches, or immersing yourself in the underground art scenes in 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 USA has something for you. To help stem the overwhelm of options, these are our 12 favorite 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.

4. New England

Best for forest drives

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 .

Planning tip: Sections of the Pacific Coast Highway run along sea cliffs prone to rockslides. Always check road conditions before setting out 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.

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.

8. Chicago, Illinois

Best metropolis for midwestern charm

Chicago contains all the hallmarks of a great American city – excellent food, multicultural neighborhoods , 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.

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, cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway , or hike a section of the storied Appalachian Trail .

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.

This article was first published May 2021 and updated February 2024

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• Solar Eclipse 2024

See How the Solar Eclipse Will Look Anywhere in America

Today's total solar eclipse will cut a 2,000-mile path across the United States in just over an hour, casting near darkness over a region of more than 200,000 square miles from Texas to Maine. The rest of the continental United States — plus Hawaii and a spot of southern Alaska — will enjoy a consolation prize of partial occlusion. The following interactive simulates what this will look like from any location in the U.S., no special glasses needed .

This eclipse is the second time in seven years that such an astronomical rarity has favored a large part of the nation. The August 2017 total solar eclipse — for which TIME rented a private four-seat plane to document the phenomenon — cut a mirroring path from Oregon to South Carolina.

This means there is 9,286 square-mile quadrangle centered on southern Illinois that the cosmos has favored with two complete solar eclipses in less than a decade. As astrophysical odds go, one envies the residents of this anointed parallelogram.

How the simulation works

TIME's solar eclipse simulation uses coordinates for the sun, Earth, and moon from NASA's industrial-grade SPICE toolkit , which we calculated in the J2000 reference frame centered on the Earth. (Many modern calculations use this pre-Copernican view of the cosmos as a matter of convenience.)

Rather than calculating the exact moment that the eclipse begins and ends for thousands of locations, our simulation uses these coordinates to create a realtime 3D simulation with the same type of computer programming that is common in video games. This includes rotating the viewer's camera in accordance with the Earth's rotation over the course of the eclipse, which accounts for why the moon appears to cut a curved path across the sky.

We took a few small artistic liberties in moderately exaggerating the degree of darkness one witnesses in a partial eclipse by adding a faint ambient light to see the surface of the moon in better detail.

Where the times you see in this simulation differ from other sources of eclipse data by a minute or two, the discrepancy is most likely a small difference in the precise location of the calculation or a slightly different way of accounting for the time it takes the speed of light to travel from the sun to the Earth.

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Write to Chris Wilson at [email protected]

101 Places to Visit in USA – Your Ultimate USA Bucket List

• In the City / Outdoors / USA

How many of these places have you visited in the US?

I can’t believe this is our 6th year of moving to a new city every year. We can officially say we’ve lived in all four corners of the US. Now, it’s time to explore more of the heartland. Who’s coming with us?

There’s so much beauty right here in our greater backyard that we used to neglect. The grass seems greener on the other side, and we’re often filled with wanderlust for faraway places. But if we just stop to look, it’s incredible how many different types of landscapes and cultures fill this country. 

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: October 30, 2023

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Planning Checklist

101 places to visit in usa – the ultimate usa bucket list.

We’ve stepped foot in 47 states and covered a lot of ground over the years. Even after living in 7 different cities plus doing a handful of cross country road trips, we feel like we barely made a dent (I also can’t help that our list continues to grow longer and longer). Today, we put together a list of many of our favorite destinations in the US to give you a good start.

Of course, there are many more than 101 places worth visiting in the US. If you need even more suggestions, click the links below to see full guides on each destination. Want to explore the US by month? Use the links below.

USA IN  Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

Denali National Park →

Denali is one of the more accessible national parks in Alaska. Our favorite thing to do here was the  flightseeing tour .

Katmai National Park

A great time to see the Katmai bears is during the salmon runs from mid-July to mid-September. If you visit mid-May to mid-July, you can see mom bears and their cubs.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Head to Seward, Alaska to visit Kenai Fjords National park. A boat cruise is the best way to see the park and don’t miss the short hike to Exit Glacier.

Antelope Canyon →

These vibrant and beautiful slot canyons are crowded. If you want to find a less crowded option, head to Waterholes Canyon.

Havasupai Indian Reservation →

Hike down into the canyon to greeted by waterfalls plunging into turquoise waters. Permits are hard to get, so here are  our tips .

Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area →

A short hike (1.3 mi round trip) takes you to a viewpoint where you can see the horseshoe shaped bend in the Colorado River. We also took a boat ride through, which offered a unique perspective.

Grand Canyon National Park →

The easiest way to get here is via  helicopter from Vegas . Although, the views are more impressive from the top looking down.

Don’t miss the  Devil’s Bridge hike  and  Slide Rock State Park .

Saguaro National Park →

The park is split into Saguaro East and West near Tucson AZ. West photographed better, while East was less crowded and felt more like you were in nature.

They only allow 20 people in per day. These permits shave been the hardest to get. See our  top Wave permit tips here .

White Pocket →

If you can’t get into the Wave, this is the best alternative. Photographers love White Pocket because it hasn’t been photographed a million times like the Wave

Disneyland →

If you’re a socal resident and you love Disneyland, the annual pass is the way to go.

One of my favorite places in the world. Popular stops are McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach.

Channel Islands National Park →

Explore the islands through kayaking or diving for a really unique experience.

Death Valley National Park →

This park is massive and has diverse landscapes. Summers are brutally hot, so this park is  best in the winter .

Joshua Tree National Park →

Jtree doesn’t have the prettiest hikes, but it’s a climber’s paradise. It also photographs beautifully at sunset and stargazing and astrophotography are amazing.

Lake Tahoe is a beautiful crystal clear lake. Skiing is great in the winter, and hiking in the summer. The Nevada side is less popular but just as beautiful.

See More: The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip

Los Angeles →

Traffic is almost impossible to avoid. Load up on music and audiobooks while you wait. Check out our LA bucket list, free things to do, instagram spots, and food guide. If you like Korean food, LA has the best we’ve found outside of Korea.

Napa Valley →

Napa is the most popular wine country in the US. If you love food and can get a reservation at  the French Laundry , we absolutely recommend it.

Redwood national Park →

See these California coast giants. They can grow up to 300 ft tall.

San Diego →

Can we all retire and become beach bums? Life is too easy in sunny San Diego. It’s one of our favorite cities we’ve lived in the US. Check out our  free things to do ,  instagram spots , and  SD bucket list .

San Francisco →

It’s known for the famous Golden Gate bridge, year round fog (named  Karl ), and colorful mismatched Victorian houses. The culture of SF has changed over the years, but it’s still one of my favorite cities with easy access to the outdoors too.

Sequoia + Kings Canyon National Park →

Walk among the largest trees in the world (by volume).

Although popularity is increasing, if you want a less touristy wine country experience than Napa, go to  Sonoma . IYKYK

Yosemite National Park →

Our favorite national park. It’s become extremely popular and crowded especially in the Valley. The park is massive, so explore outside the valley to avoid the crowds or visit in late fall to winter. Keep in mind, most waterfalls dry up in the winter.

See More: Best Places to See California Wildflowers

Black Canyon of the Gunnison →

12 miles of the deepest and most dramatic part of the Black Canyon.

Watching a concert at Red Rocks is a unique experience. Or head there for your morning workout. You’ll have plenty of workout buddies.

Garden of the Gods

300 ft sandstone rock formations that can easily be seen through a scenic drive. There’s supposed to be some cool climbing here too.

Great Sand Dunes National Park →

Hike up Star Dune, the highest sand dune in North America. Also try sandboarding!

Maroon Bells

They’re the most photographed peaks in Aspen.

Mesa Verde national Park →

Do one of the  cliffside dwelling tours  where you can walk through and get a closer look. a UNESCO world heritage site.

Rocky Mountain National Park

The Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road are popular drives that take you through aspens, winding rivers, and mountain scenery.

Vail is well known as a skiing destination but also beautiful for  outdoor activities in the summer .

Everglades National Park

It’s the largest tropical wilderness in the US and also a UNESCO world heritage site. 

Florida Keys →

Take the Overseas Highway for a scenic drive.

Miami and Miami Beach

This was our go-to college spring break spot with their endless clubs. Now we visit for Art deco buildings, white sand beaches, and Cuban food.

Best known for for Disney World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal. Our favorite park is Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

No matter what city we live in, we’ll always be ATLiens at heart. The city is full of southern charm but with the conveniences of a big city. See our  ATL bucket list ,  best instagram spots ,  free things to do , and  food guide .

Step into the quintessential South with Antebellum architecture, cobblestone squares, and massive oak trees covered in Spanish moss.

See More: 15 Best Weekend Trips from Atlanta GA

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island

They have two active volcanoes.

Na Pali Coast, Kauai

Picture entering into Jurassic Park, because that’s where they filmed it.

Road to Hana, Maui →

Take the Road to Hana and  check out these stops .

Oahu Lantern Floating Ceremony (Memorial Day)

Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor Memorial, Hanauma Bay are the touristy spots. If you’re there on Memorial Day you can see the Lantern Floating Ceremony.

Iowa State Fair

More than a million people from all over the world gather here annually. I grew up in Iowa and only vaguely remember going as a child, but on our cross country road trip last year, I got to see the Butter Cow in all its glory. All 600 pounds of Iowa butter. It’s weird, but nothing quite like it.

Wrigley Field, Millenium Park, Skydeck are the popular spots.

See More: 15 Spectacular Day Trips from Chicago

Kansas City →

(Also in Missouri) Don’t miss Kansas City BBQ at Joe’s – our favorite!

Grab your big hats and head to the Kentucky Derby. Plus, it’s part of the  Kentucky Bourbon Trail .

New Orleans →

Known for the French Quarter and Mardis Gras. Don’t forget to try some crawfish and Cajun cuisine.

Acadia National Park →

Beautiful in the fall. Great for unique rock climbing on the coast.

Portland ME →

Did you know that Portland Oregon got its name from Portland Maine? Visit the lighthouses and eat ALL the lobster rolls.

Explore the upscale crab shacks and learn about its important role in US history. It’s known as the city of neighborhoods.

Massachusetts

Walk the Freedom Trail, watch a game at Fenway Park, and eat lots of seafood.

Great summertime destination with cute villages, seafood shacks, and lighthouses.

Martha’s Vineyard

Popular in the summer and only accessible by plane or boat.

Salem is famous for the witch trials. You can learn more about the history at the Salem Witch Museum.

Minneapolis-St Paul

Check out the Minneapolis sculpture garden, Walker Art Center, and Minnehaha Park. Mall of America was the biggest mall in the US when we were kids, but now it’s the 5th largest.

Glacier National Park →

Going to the Sun road is a nice scenic drive. Hike a trail for even more amazing views of alpine lakes and mountains.

See More: What You Need to Know Before You Visit Glacier National Park

Great Basin National Park →

Go during the astronomy festival for amazing stargazing and astrophotography (late Sept).

Las Vegas →

There’s so much more to the city than the strip. It’s also great home base to explore the outdoors. Check out our  ultimate Vegas bucket list ,  free things to do , and  food guide .

Valley of Fire State Park →

This Mars-like landscape is only an hour away from Vegas..

See More: 101 Things to Do in Nevada

Atlantic City

AC is the most popular gambling destination on the East Coast and also known for their beaches and iconic boardwalk.

Alburquerque

The  Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta  is the world’s largest balloon festival.

Love the Pueblo style architecture prominent through the city.

This high desert town is known for historic Adobe buildings and artist colonies.

White Sands National Park →

Go early in the morning so you don’t see a bunch of footprints.

See More: ABQ Balloon Festival – What You Need to Know Before You Go

Niagara Falls

Don’t forget your passport in case you want to check out the view from the Canada side as well.

New York City / NYC →

You can never be bored in NYC. Have you stepped in all 5 boroughs? I still need to take the Staten Island ferry to the forgotten borough. See our  NYC bucket list ,  places to eat ,  instagrammable places , and  New Yorker tips for visitors .

See More: 21 Absolutely Stunning Places to Visit Upstate NY

North Carolina

Asheville →.

People refer to Asheville as the Portland of the east coast. There’s hiking, craft beer, and a great food scene.

See More: 15 Best Hikes Near Asheville NC

Crater Lake →

Crater Lake sits inside a collapsed volcano. Bring your wide angle lens to get it in one frame.

Oregon Coast →

Cannon Beach or Astoria is a popular starting point.

Pack a raincoat and hiking boots unless you’re visiting in July-Aug. Our favorite part of Portland was the  easy access to the outdoors .

See More: Your Ultimate Oregon Bucket List

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia →.

Visit Independence Hall and compare your Philly cheesesteaks.

Pittsburgh is the city of bridges. They have 446 bridges, which is more than any other city in the world.

South Carolina

Charleston →.

They have great rooftop bars and Rainbow Row is a must for instagrammers. Also see  our Charleston bucket list  and  food guide .

South Dakota

Badlands national park →.

Take sunrise photos at the Door trailhead or Window trailhead and sunset photos to Pinnacles Overlook. 

Mount Rushmore

Trivia – Who are the four presidents carved on Mt Rushmore? Highlight Below for Answers -> 

George Washington, Abraham, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson.

Great Smoky Mountains

(also in NC) Take in the view from Clingmans Dome, the highest mountain in the Smokies.

The city that has made a big impact on Blues, Soul, and Rock and Roll.

Nashville →

Be sure to try hot chicken and check out the Parthenon Replica and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

More on our  Austin bucket list ,  free things to do , and  food spots .

Marble Falls

Between March and April, Bluebonnets carpet Texas Hill Country. Bluebonnet House in Marble Falls is one of many popular spots.

Arches National Park →

Devil’s Garden trail  was our favorite hike in the park.

Bryce Canyon National park →

Time it so you can do a full moon hike.

Canyonlands National park

Drive through the real life landscape of Pixar’s Cars.

Goblin Valley State Park

Mars like landscape filled with hoodoos. Locals call them goblins.

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

Lots of backcountry trails, and not as busy as other  Utah parks .

Monument Valley

That iconic shot from Forest Gump.

Park City →

Great for skiing and snowboarding.

Zion National Park →

Angel’s Landing  and  the Narrows  are two of our favorite hikes.

See More: 101 Things to Do in Utah State

Great place to base yourself to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains

Mount Rainier National Park

Rainier is the highest mountain of the Cascade Range and highest mountain in Washington. If you’re an alpinist, this is one of the mountains to conquer. The park is especially beautiful with wildflowers in late July and early August.

North Cascades National park →

This is a great hiking destination. It’s not as easy to access via car except for Ross Lake plus they have a short season.

Olympic National park →

Did you know there’s a rainforest in the US. Olympic NP has the only one in the continental US.

Orcas Island

Largest of the San Juan Islands. The name actually originated from Horcasitas, but from May to October during the salmon run, you can see orca whales too.

See our  ultimate Seattle bucket list  and  guide to the best museums .

Washington DC

Washington dc →.

See our  DC Bucket List  and  49 best places to eat . Even though it’s ridiculously crowded, cherry blossom season is beautiful.

Apostle Islands

If Lake Superior freezes in winter, you can walk to these islands with frozen waterfalls and chambers. They also have one of the greatest concentrations of black bears. 

All the Great Lakes

There are 5 Great Lakes, and we want to swim in them all. Can you name all 5?

Cody is known as the rodeo capital of the world.

Grand Teton National Park →

You can check out Tetons and Yellowstone in one trip. Tetons is much less busy.

Yellowstone National Park →

We’re not the biggest fans of Yellowstone because it tends to attract visitors that don’t respect the park, but we can’t deny that the colorful hot springs and features are beautiful. Plus, it’s great for spotting wildlife.

See More: 11 Incredible Things to Do in Jackson Hole Wyoming

101 Places to Visit in USA Map

10 Beautiful Hotels to Put On Your USA Bucket List

• Amangiri Resort, Canyon Point, UT  
• Fairmont Grand Del Mar, San Diego, CA  – Travelers Choice 2019 
• Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, Santa Fe, NM
• The Inn Above Tide, Sausalito, CA
• Ocean House, Watch Hill, RI
• The Plaza, NYC
• The Setai, Miami Beach, FL
• Triple Creek Ranch Darby, MT
• Waldorf Astoria Chicago, IL
• Wentworth Mansion, Charleston, SC   – Travelers Choice 2019 
• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Download these helpful language apps .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .

How many of these places have you been to? How many are on your USA bucket list?

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J) , YouTube , TikTok , and Pinterest.

Where to buy last-minute solar eclipse glasses for April 8, 2024

The 2024 solar eclipse is just days away.

Let's make sure you're up to speed on eclipse glasses . Even good sunglasses aren't adequate protection; the sun's rays are too intense for the retina to handle and even looking at a partially obscured sun can cause permanent damage to your eyesight.

So whatever you do on Monday, do not look directly into the eclipse without acquiring proper eyewear. If you need a pair of eclipse glasses, here are some last-minute spots to check out.

Michigan retail chains with eclipse glasses

Your local retail chain could carry eclipse glasses. Michigan retail chains expected to carry solar eclipse glasses:

You'll also be able to find eclipse glasses on  Amazon  in bulk; just ensure they are approved before you buy them, and ensure you order them early enough so they arrive on time.

Detroit Public Library

Detroit Public Library is hosting viewing parties at each of its open branches, supplying eclipse glasses while supplies last.

Other libraries across Michigan

You may be able to find free eclipse glasses at your local public library in Michigan, along with special eclipse programs.

With help from Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Space Science Institute, The STAR Library Network was able to distribute 5 million solar eclipse glasses to  10,000 public libraries  across the country with assistance from Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Space Science Institute and STAR Net’s Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries program. 

Check this map to see which Michigan libraries received eclipse glasses through this effort. You also should check with your local library to see if they have glasses regardless.

Michigan Science Center

Special glasses specifically for viewing a solar eclipse are available at the Mi-Sci gift shop , 5020 John R. St. in Detroit's Midtown, said Mi-Sci staff astronomer Paulette Epstein.

“The Michigan Science Center currently has eclipse glasses on sale for $2 per person,” she said. “So you can come to our store, and you don’t have to pay museum admission to go into the store, and get them. And solar eclipse glasses are also available with a ticket to the Ford House event that we’re hosting, as well.”

More info on that Ford House event here.

More: What time is the solar eclipse in Michigan? Search your ZIP code for a viewing guide.

Warby Parker eclipse glasses

Eyeglass company Warby Parker will provide free eclipse glasses at each of its Michigan stores while supplies last .

The chain has six stores in Michigan: Grand Rapids, Novi, Troy, Ann Arbor, Detroit and Birmingham.

• Dates available : Monday, April 1 through Monday, April 8 
• Quantity : 2 pairs of glasses/family
• Where : Warby Parker retail locations nationwide; find one  here .

American Astronomical Society eclipse glasses

The American Astronomical Society  has a list of approved solar-eclipse glasses suppliers  here . 

Build your own eclipse viewer

Want to watch the eclipse without glasses? You don't necessarily need special glasses or filters, but it takes a little creativity and a handful to household supplies to make your own pinhole box or pinhole projector, also known as a pinhole camera.

Here's  what to know, including step-by-step instructions , about building your own eclipse viewer.

Follow the Detroit Free Press on Instagram ( @detroitfreepress ), TikTok ( @detroitfreepress ), YouTube ( @DetroitFreePress ), Twitter/X ( @freep ),   and  LinkedIn , and like us on Facebook ( @detroitfreepress ).

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The Best Place to Visit in Every U.S. State

By Caitlin Morton

The best places to visit in the U.S. are as beautiful as they are diverse: Alaska's glaciers, Arizona's canyons, Arkansas's Ozarks...and that's only the first letter of the alphabet. Add to that a fascinating (albeit complicated) history, world-class museums , and a wealth of resorts and restaurants , and you have yourself a list of must-visits that's nearly impossible to cap off.

Picking our favorite things to do across the country wasn't easy, but we managed to distill the country's many sights into just out standout experience, per state (plus Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.). Of course, we’ve only begun to scrape the surface of what this country has to offer—so consider this your starting point for exploring. Read on for the 52 best places to visit in the U.S.

(Note: Not every item on this list is currently an option due to the COVID-19 pandemic . If you plan to hit the road in the coming months, make sure to check the website of the attraction you want to visit for up-to-date info, and read up on travel restrictions for that state . Or, simply bookmark your favorite activities for the future—this list will give you plenty to look forward to.)

This gallery was originally published in June 2015. It has been updated with new information.

Best thing to do in Alabama: Pay respects to Montgomery’s history

Traveling to the South is complicated. It’s a region of the United States with plenty of attractions for tourists (not to mention some of the best food in the country), but, like much of the U.S., it hasn’t always owned up to its ugly past. But Montgomery is one city that is starting to find a balance between tourism and history, with cultural institutions like the Legacy Museum opening their doors among the chain restaurants and riverboat tours. “My time in Montgomery was a reminder of how crucial it is to cling to sacred remembrance and confront those ghosts of a troubled past,” writes Nneka M. Okona , an Atlanta-based travel writer, of her visit to the museum. “It’s a difficult space, but it’s also one where the act of remembering honors the struggles of the past—while leaving room for transformation and healing in the present.”

Best thing to do in Alaska: Go cruising for glaciers

Cruises to Alaska offer many of the same sights as Arctic tours in northern Europe—icebergs, whales, snow-capped peaks—but with slightly more forgiving temperatures (highs can reach the 60s on a good day from April to October). For a higher chance of some wildlife spotting, get on board the 2,376-passenger Norwegian Jewel for a seven-night southbound cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage. You’re all but guaranteed to see some bald eagles and grizzly bears from the comfort of your ship deck.

Best thing to do in Arizona: Photograph the lesser canyons

Not to discount the grandest of canyons, but just look at the colors of Antelope Canyon in northeastern Arizona: It's a painter’s palette of rust red, ochre, and orange. A trip to this corner of Navajo Nation delivers the kind of up-close discovery of the state’s slot canyons that isn’t as easily experienced at the Grand Canyon. Take a 4x4 tour of Antelope Canyon, where you can photograph patterns as the sunlight filters through the striated stone, followed up with a boat ride in nearby Lake Powell.

Best thing to do in Arkansas: Seek out modern art in the Ozarks      

Bentonville probably isn’t the next Chelsea, but art lovers have had a new reason to visit Northwest Arkansas since the 2011 opening of the blockbuster Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Bankrolled by billionaire Alice Walton, it’s stocked with works from names like Thomas Hart Benton, Mark Rothko, and Andy Warhol. In early 2020, a satellite of Crystal Bridges called The Momentary also opened in downtown Bentonville, complete with 24,000 square feet devoted to the visual, performing, and even culinary arts.

Charlie Hobbs

Maya Silver

CNT Editors

Best thing to do in California: Drive the Pacific Coast Highway

We'd argue that no American road trip is as iconic as taking Highway 1 south from San Francisco along California’s coast. A drive along the Pacific Coast Highway feels like a Springsteen song come to life—expect to see weekenders at the wheel of rented Ford Mustangs, accelerating out of hairpin curves like a runaway American dream. Throughout the nearly 500-mile-drive south to Los Angeles, the views rarely disappoint, especially if you take the 17-Mile Drive detour at Carmel, Bixby Bridge, and Big Sur.

Best thing to do in Colorado: Catch an outdoor concert

The next time you find yourself in Denver , namely during the warmer months, head 16 miles west to the almost 900-acre Red Rocks Amphitheatre , which has miles of hiking trails, sandstone cliffs, and a geologically formed amphitheater that's hosted everyone from The Beatles to Stevie Nicks. While most concerts scheduled for 2020 have been canceled due to COVID-19, the venue is still hosting yoga sessions every weekend morning, and as of publication, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s September show is still a go. (See the entire calendar here .)

Connecticut

Best thing to do in Connecticut: Take a fall foliage-themed river cruise       

Connecticut often plays second fiddle to Vermont and Massachusetts when it comes to fall foliage , but don’t write off this New England destination quite yet. The state’s northwest is filled with state parks and hiking trails just begging to be photographed, like Mt. Tom State Park and the Deer Pond Farm Sanctuary in Sherman. Even procrastinators can get in on the action around coastal Connecticut, where the leaves change color about two weeks later than the north. if hiking isn’t really your thing, take a foliage-themed cruise down the Connecticut River with River Quest. (Pro tip: Make Winvian Farm , a luxurious 18-chalet retreat, your home base.)

Best thing to do in Delaware: Get a heady dose of Italian Renaissance design      

Who knew Delaware houses one of the best examples of Italian Renaissance architecture in the country? Located in the northern city of Wilmington (just 30 minutes south of the Philadelphia International Airport), Hotel du Pont is a 12-story building from 1913, complete with 11 luxury suites and a playhouse theater. Design features like European chandeliers and frescoed ceilings almost make you think you’re in Florence , but the hotel’s location in the Brandywine Valley is one-hundred percent Delaware. Ascend the grand double staircase to take a long soak in your oversized bathtub, then drop in for a pre-opera dinner at the oak-paneled Green Room.

Best thing to do in Florida: Drive 127 miles for a slice of pie

When you type in directions from Miami to Key West on Google Maps, it looks like the route sends you straight into the ocean. In reality, the 127-mile drive though the Florida Keys will send you on the Overseas Highway, with the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic on the other. It's a great way to pay a visit to all of the Keys in one day—the drive from Miami to Key West takes just over three hours, which allows plenty of time to stop periodically for some memorable meals (try the key lime pie at Blond Giraffe in Key Largo). You could do a round-trip in one day, but we suggest staying the night at one of Key West’s best hotels .

Best thing to do in Georgia: Get spooked in Savannah

Savannah is one of the most beautiful cities in the South, with Spanish moss and porched houses around every turn. Yet there's no denying the town's eeriness —even daytime tours point out the deaths that allegedly occurred at mansions as you pass by. Take one of the many available ghost tours at night to see some of the creepier spots, like Colonial Park Cemetery, Bonaventure Cemetery (a setting for the book and film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil ), and the Mercer Williams house. Bonus: Your inevitable goosebumps will be a welcome respite from Georgia's heat and humidity.

Best thing to do in Hawaii: Take a helicopter tour of Kauai     

Kauai might be home to some of Hawaii’s best hidden beaches and tropical rainforests, but a whopping 70 percent of the island is inaccessible by land. The best way to appreciate the breadth and beauty of the island is via helicopter (arrange a ride with tour companies like Blue Hawaiian and Sunshine Helicopters ). Only by air can you truly appreciate the emerald valleys, jagged cliffs, and cascading waterfalls that cover the island. For truly epic views, go the Na Pali Coast route, and peer down at the impossibly deep chasms of Waimea Canyon.

Best thing to do in Idaho: Enjoy pure, unobstructed stargazing

Nearly 80 percent of North Americans live in areas where light pollution obscures most of the night sky. If you fall into that category, you may want to consider heading to central Idaho. In December 2017, the state became home to the U.S.'s first-ever dark sky reserve , a designated area that provides a pristine view of the cosmos. The reserve is 300 miles southeast of Boise, spanning 1,400 square miles of Blaine County, Custer County, and surrounding areas.

Best thing to do in Illinois: Spend 3.5 hours eating Chicago’s best pizza     

Chicago Pizza Tours are a fun and informative way to explore the city's most famous culinary export—and no other tour in town will leave you as well-fed. The activity typically consists of ten people (nine guests and one guide) getting into a van and visiting four of Chicago’s best pizza joints. Expect to eat somewhere around six slices of pizza, varying from the city’s signature deep-dish pie to the surprising thin-crust options at Pizano's .

Best thing to do in Indiana: Visit one of the country's newest National Parks

In February 2019, the 15,000-acre Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore was upgraded to the Indiana Dunes National Park, making it America's 61st national park —and the first-ever national park in the state of Indiana. The Indiana Dunes stretch for 15 miles along the shores of Lake Michigan, making it a popular spot for swimming (and even surfing) during the summer. It's also one of many beloved day trips from Chicago , reachable by car and the South Shore Line train from the city.

Best thing to do in Iowa: Stay in a hotel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright   

In the heart of Mason City, Historic Park Inn is the last remaining Frank Lloyd Wright-designed and -built hotel in the world. Listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, the design is pure Prairie School-style—especially the dramatic lobby. The building originally served as both a bank and an inn when it opened in 1910, but competing hotels and financial crises in Mason City caused the Park Inn to decline over the next several decades, and it eventually closed down in 1972. Luckily, some 30 years later, the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation in Scottsdale, Arizona, certified an extensive renovation of the interior and exterior of the building, which reopened to guests in 2011. We'd say "historic" is an understatement.

Best thing to do in Kansas: See sunflowers the size of your head

Who says you have to go to Tuscany to see endless fields of sunflowers? You can find equally gorgeous fields—without needing a passport—in Kansas, the Sunflower State herself. Every year from around August to September, Grinter's Sunflower Farm in Lawrence (about 30 miles west of Kansas City) attracts thousands of visitors to its grand sunflower farm. The 40 acres of blooms look incredible from every angle, but get up close to really marvel at the flowers, which you'll find are roughly the size of your own head—and nearly as tall as the average traveler, stretching between five and seven feet high.

Best thing to do in Kentucky: Shop for massive hats before the Derby

Unlike our cousins across the pond, Americans don’t have many opportunities to sport enormous, ornate hats. That’s why the Kentucky Derby isn’t just a horse race—it’s a one-of-a-kind fashion show with millinery at the forefront. Between juleps, hit the shops in Louisville and pick out a brightly colored topper of your very own, then work your way through the downtown area (especially between Main and Broadway) and find an outfit to match.

Best thing to do in Louisiana: Take a drag tour in New Orleans

Anyone with an interest in cultural studies—especially drag and burlesque—will have a field day with NOLA Drag Tours . The tours show the history of New Orleans through a queer lens, exploring the French Quarter and its immediate environs. While the guides are funny and fabulous, they don’t sugar-coat anything, retelling tragic events alongside inspirational stories. Information spans from the birth of Jazz to Voodoo queen Marie Laveau, to an entertainingly damning history of Andrew Jackson.

Best thing to do in Maine: When in doubt, eat lobster

Maine is rife with small lobster shacks serving fresh-off-the-boat product, local charm, and quaint harbor views. But it's tough to top the drama of Cape Elizabeth's Two Lights area in all its Downeast glory, with its lighthouse, rocky shore, wave-chopped sea, and an old-school lobster shack that still makes everything by hand despite the summer crowds. Anything from the ocean is good here, but start with the classic lobster roll and fries. Grab a table near the water and wash your meal down with a local beer, followed by a homemade pie—blueberry, if it's August—and a stroll on the rocks.

Best thing to do in Maryland: Watch baseball at the country’s most beautiful stadium

When Oriole Park at Camden Yards opened in 1992, it set a new bar for baseball stadiums around the country, with beautiful architecture, modern amenities, and a better experience for fans—and by that we largely mean roomy seats, at least by MLB standards. More than 25 years later, it remains one of the best places to see a ball game in the country (according to Ballpark Digest ) even when the O’s aren’t at the top of their game. Grab a BBQ pork sandwich from Boog’s Barbecue and a National Bohemian (call it Natty Boh to fit in with the locals), and don’t forget to shout a hearty “Oh!” during “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Massachusetts

Best thing to do in Massachusetts: Become a cranberry farmer for a day

If you've ever wanted to know what it's like to harvest cranberries, Mayflower Cranberries in Plympton has you covered. Paul Rubio describes the experience for Traveler : "You’ll put on a pair of overalls, grab a rake, and wade through the flooded cranberry bogs of rural Massachusetts, harvesting several tons of vitamin-rich red berries. This isn’t just for show—all locations are working farms and part of the Ocean Spray cooperative." Have any of your friends done that yet?

Best thing to do in Michigan: Experience a world without cars

A speck of land where Lake Huron meets Lake Michigan, Mackinac Island is one of the best (and cutest) little islands in the U.S. Motorized transportation is banned, so tourists and locals alike travel by horse and carriage or bicycle. It's anchored by the stately columned porch of the historic Grand Hotel , which is looking great for 131 years old. Hop on a bike and check out the natural rock formations, forests, and Victorian village, and don't you dare leave without filling your suitcase with fudge. (You can pretend it's a souvenir for your friends back home—we won't tell.)

Best thing to do in Minnesota: Take a North Shore road trip

Minnesota is the 12th-largest state in the country in terms of landmass, but ranks only 21st in population. That means the state is full of wide-open spaces perfect for a leisurely road trip , specifically along the picturesque North Shore. Plan a trip for spring, summer, or autumn (skip winter—it really is as cold as people claim) that starts in Duluth, stretches across Lake Superior, and ends in Grand Portage National Park just south of Canada. During the four-day drive, you can expect stunning views, quaint hotels, and some of the best donuts you’ll ever eat.

Mississippi

Best thing to do in Mississippi: Explore the movement that changed the nation

Open since December 2017, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson sheds light on the state's history, ranging from prehistoric times to the modern age. The museum's primary focus is the Civil Rights Movement, though, displaying objects like the mug shots of every freedom rider who was arrested in Mississippi, and monoliths engraved with the names of known lynching victims.

Best thing to do in Missouri: Eat your body weight in BBQ

Kansas City has been known across the country as a bona fide BBQ destination long before the Fab Five took to its streets. The American Royal World Series of Barbecue will celebrate its 41st anniversary this September, but you don't have to wait until then to fill your bellies with pulled pork and brisket. Devote a weekend trip to hopping among some of the city's best BBQ joints, from Joe's KC to Jack Stack to Gates . If you only have time for one meal, go to Q39 and order the sliced burnt ends, tender and flavorful cubes of beef which Q39 waiters are known to (perfectly) describe as "meat marshmallows."

Best thing do in Montana: Get a taste of dude ranch life—celebrity-style

Western-inspired comforts, world-class cuisine, and secluded accommodations normally akin to five-star resorts: This is what dude ranch life looks like in 2020. As Jordi Lippe-McGraw reported for Traveler , guest ranches in Big Sky Country are the next luxury getaway, drawing the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and members of Taylor Swift's squad in recent years. See what all the fuss is about at Montana resorts like The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, with 6,000 acres of rugged wilderness and horseback riding mixed with spa treatments and chef-created meals; or The Resort at Paws Up (Gwyneth's fave), where you can choose between luxury cabin rentals and glamping tents.

Best thing to do in Nebraska: Travel the actual Oregon Trail

For many, an Oregon Trail experience involves pixelated pioneers dying of dysentery on the namesake computer game. But you can get a real-life taste of the pioneer experience by taking a drive through western Nebraska. The Cornhusker State is perfect for summer road trips , with the average temperature hovering around 87 degrees in July and August and plenty of roadside attractions worthy of lengthy pit stops. Among them is Scotts Bluff National Monument, once a stop on the actual Oregon Trail , that now welcomes visitors with vast plains, covered wagons, and epic landmarks like Chimney Rock.

Best thing to do in Nevada: Get an aerial view of Sin City

The most awe-inspiring experiences in Vegas are those that let you truly see the feat that is Las Vegas . Sundance Helicopters offers a number of scenic tours, but the evening one, which takes you high above the lit-up Strip, is the absolute best. If you can, book a trip that circles The Strip right as it gets dark, so you're in the air at the moment when all the lights come on; it's incredibly dramatic, even in a city that is no stranger to over-the-top performances.

New Hampshire

Best thing to do in New Hampshire: Try your hand at winter surfing

Not for the faint of heart, winter surfing has replaced skiing as the state’s trendiest cold-weather sport. “It isn’t as consistent as some places out west, and it definitely isn’t as warm as Hawaii,” writes Todd Plummer for Traveler , “but from hurricane season in the fall through March (and whenever a blizzard pummels the coast), the surfing here can be as good as or even better than anywhere else in the U.S.” Sure, you have to wear a thick suit and Vaseline on your face, but you’ll be rewarded with six- to ten-foot surf that pros swear is among the best they’ve ever experienced.

Best thing to do in New Jersey: Order a "regular sub" in Atlantic City

Hoagie, hero, sub: In New Jersey, the sandwiches have as many names as toppings. In Atlantic City, be sure to order the "regular sub" (an Italian hero) at a booth in the White House Sub Shop—where everyone from The Beatles and Frank Sinatra to Mohammed Ali and Shakira have come for what is possibly the world's best sandwich. The Daily Meal ranked the Italian hero #11 in a round-up of America’s best sandwiches in 2017, describing the sub as follows: “Genoa salami, provolone, ham, and capicola are piled onto a soft and chewy Italian loaf, topped with lettuce, tomato, sliced onion, chopped roasted peppers, Italian seasonings, oil, and vinegar...There’s almost always a line around the block at this place, but the wait is well worth it.” Sign us up.

Best thing to do in New Mexico: Wave to a seven-story-high Darth Vader

Known as “the most photographed event in the world,” the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta does not disappoint, offering families and travelers the chance to get up close with hundreds of seven-story balloons ranging from cute animals to Darth Vader. Editor Meredith Carey offers the following advice for travelers : "The key to making the most of the balloon festival? Waking up before dawn. Events start at 5:45 a.m., with the first balloons lighting up the still-dark sky to show other pilots what the wind conditions are like. We'd recommend leaving your hotel or Airbnb even earlier (or take an Uber), as parking lines can get hairy, even at 5:00 a.m."

Best thing to do in New York: Cruise the Hudson

The term "river cruise" usually conjures up images of the Danube and Amazon, but some of the best routes are right here in the good old U.S. of A. New Yorkers, in particular, luck out with their proximity to the Hudson. Operator American Cruise Lines offers weeklong sailings from the city up to Albany, showing passengers the kaleidoscopic natural beauty of the Hudson River Valley and Catskill Mountains. Book a room to view sites like the Vanderbilt Mansion and Sleepy Hollow from your spacious stateroom balcony. (Voyages are planned annually in September and October.)

North Carolina

Best thing to do in North Carolina: Head to the Outer Banks

North Carolina’s Outer Banks (or OBX, according to many a bumper sticker) are some of the most gorgeous beaches in the U.S. And there’s still plenty to do if you take a break from sunbathing, including the North Carolina Aquarium in Roanoke, the memorial commemorating the Wright Brothers’ historic first flight in Kitty Hawk, and a series of iconic lighthouses, including the famous barbershop pole-style swirled one at Cape Hatteras. End the day with fried oysters in Nags Head—this is the South, after all.

North Dakota

Best thing to do in North Dakota: Experience the magic of The Enchanted Highway

Street art has another meaning in North Dakota, where 32 miles of otherwise unremarkable highway has become an art gallery. Driving The Enchanted Highway, from the town of Regent to just east of Dickinson, means spotting a collection of the world’s largest scrap metal sculptures, by local artist Gary Greff. The many roadside artworks date back to 1991, with more still in progress.

Best thing to do in Ohio: Eat burgers in Columbus

Known widely as the home of Ohio State University, Columbus has plenty to share—especially when it comes to burgers (it's where Wendy’s first got its start, after all). Stop by the rustic Thurman Café, serving over-the-top burger masterpieces dripping with egg yolk and melted cheese. For a neater option, there’s the Columbus-based chain, Northstar Café, where the superstar is (surprisingly) the beet-and-bean veggie burger. On the other end of the spectrum is dive bar Johnnie’s Tavern, where the greasy bar burger has been perfected.

Best thing to do in Oklahoma: Search for Art Deco treasures

Tulsa has one of the country’s densest concentrations of Art Deco buildings, including the stunning Boston Avenue United Methodist Church (completed in 1929), 11th Street Arkansas River Bridge (1917, renovated 1929), Gillette-Tyrell Building (1930), and the Oklahoma Natural Gas Building (1928). The Tulsa Foundation of Architecture offers guided tours of downtown’s most impressive structures at 10 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month.

Best thing to do in Oregon: Drink the best wine outside of Burgundy

An easy day trip from Portland , Willamette Valley is a wine collector's paradise set in a beautiful rolling countryside setting. Get a taste of the Old World at Domaine Serene —the least "Oregon" winery in Oregon. The clubhouse has big windows affording incredible views of the green landscapes, and the wines exude Tuscan and French influences. Another option is Stoller Family Estate , a must for all lovers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Pennsylvania

Best thing to do in Pennsylvania: Eat your way through Reading Terminal Market

For more than 100 years, this food market in Philadelphia ’s Center City neighborhood has catered to the gustatory whims of both locals and tourists. It remains one of the best places in the city to grab a bite, like the roast pork and broccoli rabe sandwich at DiNic’s, or a hearty plate of eggs and scrapple (a local pork delicacy) at the Amish diner Dutch Eating Place. And be sure to load up on only-in-Philly specialties, like Famous 4th Street cookies, or an apple fritter from Beiler’s Bakery.

Puerto Rico

Best thing to do in Puerto Rico: Explore Old San Juan     

More than a year after Hurricane Maria made landfall, Puerto Rico has not only recovered—it’s been reborn. You can find world-class beaches all over the island, but PR is perfect for architecture lovers as well: Old San Juan remains one of the best-preserved examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in the Caribbean, with brightly painted buildings and cobblestone streets that have inspired a thousand Instagram shots. When you’re ready to take a break from the streets, stop by La Factoría for a perfectly crafted cocktail in a speakeasy setting. The signature drink, the Lavender Mule—a mix of vodka, ginger beer, and homemade lavender infusion—is the perfect way to transition from afternoon sightseeing to a night out.

Rhode Island

Best thing to do in Rhode Island: Sail like you're in the America's Cup

Take a two-day private charter on a historic America’s Cup yacht, sailing from Newport to Block Island (with a clambake and overnight stay on land) and back. 12 Meter Charters owns two boats: The Columbia , first winner of the race in Rhode Island in 1958, and the beautiful, wooden-hulled Heritage from 1970. The company will hook you up with a sailing crew (you can either participate in hoisting the sails and steering the boat, or enjoy the views while the staff takes care of everything), and they’ll even arrange beverages and catered breakfast, lunch, or hors d’oeuvres to customize your day on the water.

South Carolina

Best thing to do in South Carolina: Visit an island with no street lights

Daufuskie, a car-free historic island off Hilton Head, was once considered the Martha’s Vineyard of the South. Now it’s far more accessible than in the past, and you can stay right on one of its beautiful beaches in either a converted mansion or an old lighthouse. It's also an outpost of the Gullah community, a well-preserved, African-derived culture cultivated by emancipated slaves who moved to the remote barrier islands more than two centuries ago. One such community member is Sallie Ann Robinson, a cookbook author and tour guide, who takes visitors down bumpy dirt roads to show them old schoolhouses and restored Gullah homes, some of which now serve as vacation rentals. You can even book a cooking class with Robinson (info on her website ) to make local specialties like smuttered shrimp and grits and Lowcountry ox-tail stew.

South Dakota

Best thing to do in South Dakota: Experience the beauty of the Badlands

With stiff competition like Yosemite and Yellowstone , the Badlands of South Dakota may not be your first choice when it comes to camping in a national park. But its two campgrounds (Cedar Pass and Sage Creek) are open year-round, offering regular access to the largest stretch of prairie wilderness in the country—home to roaming bison and sheep—and one of the most spectacular night skies you may ever see.

Best thing to do in Tennessee: Treat yourself at Blackberry Mountain

Situated in Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Mountain is our current favorite place in the country for a spa weekend . The newly-opened resort brings new meaning to the term "wellness retreat" with forest bathing excursions, produce-forward dishes, and bathtubs overlooking surroundings that could launch a thousand John Denver songs.

Best thing to do in Texas: Trade bird watching for bat watching

Every evening from March through November, crowds line up along Austin 's Congress Avenue Bridge for a spectacle that perfectly sums up the city's quirky, only-in-Texas vibe: 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats flying out from under the bridge during sunset, a show that lasts for nearly 45 minutes. If you can, pair your viewing with another activity downtown—not difficult, as this part of town is packed with BBQ joints and delightfully divey bars —it's even more worth making the time to watch.

Best thing to do in Utah: Tour the Mighty Five

No road trip in the U.S. is more visually mind-blowing than a tour of the Mighty Five —the tight cluster of national parks in Utah that include Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. Whether you start in Salt Lake City and work your way south, or head east from Las Vegas, it's possible to hit all the parks in three days. But if you can, we suggest taking off work for two weeks and really going for it, knocking around the Mars-like formations of red rocks and hitting as many little museums and restaurants as you can between each park.

Best thing to do in Vermont: Go dog sledding (with a clear conscience)

There’s no shortage of mushing activities throughout N ew England during winter , but at northern Vermont's Eden Ethical Dogsledding in Eden Mills, the welfare of the dogs is top priority. Meet and cuddle the “Un-chained Gang”—a group of more than 35 sledding dogs—before they whisk you along an extensive, private trail network paved exclusively for sledding. Eden Mills is a scenic drive and a reasonable distance from all of northern Vermont’s principal winter destinations, like Stowe, Jay Peak, Smuggler's Notch, and Burlington.

Best thing to do in Virginia: Get out of the city and into nature

Getting out of D.C. to the Shenandoah National Park is a special treat. This part of Virginia extends along the Blue Ridge Mountains, with Skyline Drive running its length. There are natural wonders, like caverns and natural bridges and lookouts along the way, but make time for a few stops in this welcoming part of the state. In charming towns like Luray or Staunton you'll find cute places to stay, eat, and shop, and in all, this drive—ideal for leaf-peeping in fall—isn't so long or arduous to wear you out.

Best thing to do in Washington: Stand in the middle of a rainforest

Honestly, you'll be happy anywhere in Washington's Olympic National Park—but we do suggest you make it a priority to walk through the Hoh Rain Forest. It's one of the only rainforests in the U.S., complete with lichen-shrouded trees and fungus-covered logs that make you forget which country you're in for a moment. Even better? The Hoh River Valley is home to the quietest spot in the contiguous 48 states, according to Gordon Hempton, an expert acoustic ecologist.

Washington, D.C.

Best thing to do in Washington, D.C.: Spend the entire afternoon at the best Smithsonian museum

You really can’t go wrong when it comes to choosing museums in Washington, D.C. But if you only have one afternoon to spare, devote the entire time to the National Museum of African American History and Culture . The Smithsonian’s latest installation is moving from the second you see the exterior covered in metal latticework until the moment you leave, thanks to thoughtful curation of photographs, videos, and artifacts that act as a moving tribute to some of the darkest times in American history.

West Virginia

Best thing to do in West Virginia: Spend the night in a treehouse

West Virginia is home to some of the best stargazing east of the Mississippi. With 1,500 campsites across 27 state parks and forests, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to sleeping options: set up a tent, park your RV, cozy up in a yurt from Spruce Knob Mountain Center, or even stay in the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower (basically a bug-free treehouse) located at Seneca State Park.

Best thing to do in Wisconsin: Fill up on cheese curds

Oddly-shaped blobs separated from the rest of the cheese during the molding process, cheese curds are the secret snack of Wisconsin . On their own, they taste milky and salty, but you’ll also find them flavored with Cajun, taco, or buffalo seasonings. Try them straight up, deep fried, or atop fries and slathered with gravy, poutine-style—but whatever you do, eat the curds within 12 hours of them being made. (The rubbery squeak will let you know they’re just right.) To treat your taste buds real nice, pair the deep-fried curds with New Glarus brews at Wisconsin Cheese Mart in Milwaukee, or eat them at The Old Fashioned in Madison.

Best thing to do in Wyoming: Skip the crowds at Yellowstone by visiting in the winter

It’s no secret that Yellowstone National Park is one of the most magnificent sites in the entire country—but all that beauty tends to get dampened during the summer, when hoards of tourists swarm the park, slowing down traffic and blocking your views with their cameras. We recommend paying a visit between the months of November and February, when there are virtually zero crowds, but an entirely new (and beautiful) light is shed on the park. There are more wildlife viewing opportunities, the deep blues and oranges of the thermal features pop against the white snow, and the steam billowing from the hot springs covers the landscape with an ethereal mist. Plan to stay for a few days at the Old Faithful Inn (the only property open during the winter), complete with a cracking lobby fireplace and complimentary cookies and hot cider every afternoon.

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