The United States has so many diverse cities and attractions that it is difficult to narrow down the list to the top 10 travel destinations. These are the destinations most often cited as the places to see before you die, another version of saying they should be on your bucket list. Off-beat and trendy spots are not included here; that’s another topic altogether. This list is an introduction to the best and most popular places to go in the United States, from hot spots in New York City to when to see the cherry blossoms in Washington.
In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at the top 10 places to visit in the U.S. Wait till you see what’s at number one that we’re going to be showing in this article —something you would never even have thought of—so make sure you watch till the end. Before we begin, make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel Trip Extreme for more awesome top tens and make sure to hit the notification bell so that you know when we publish a new article. So, let’s cut to the chase.
Sedona and the Grand Canyon
An incredible geological wonder stretching over 250 miles, the Grand Canyon is a deep ravine carved out by the Colorado River over thousands of years. Located in the state of Arizona, the Grand Canyon is a top destination to visit in the Southwest and one of the most popular U.S. national parks. Take a drive of about two hours south of the Grand Canyon to Sedona, which is surrounded by stone formations of many colors that change with the light. USA Weekend called it one of the most beautiful places in America. Amid this spectacular landscape, you’ll find great eating, luxurious lodging, and loads of art galleries and shops.
Hawaii
Say aloha to Hawaii, a top U.S. destination that’s a quintessential island paradise. From the natural beauty of its beaches and volcanoes to its rich Pacific culture, Hawaii is the perfect destination if you’re looking to really get away from it all. It’s definitely a relaxing oasis with perfect weather no matter when you decide to go. Average highs range from 79 Fahrenheit in the winter to 84 in high summer, with average lows of 68 in the winter and 75 in the summer. Go hiking on the island of Kauai, see humpback whales in Maui, or play with fire at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville sits right on the Blue Ridge Parkway with its spectacular views across the Southern Appalachians and the Appalachian Trail, which runs right down Main Street. Its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains makes it a jumping-off point for hiking or just jaw-dropping drives through the mountains. Rent a convertible for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In town, check out the Biltmore, the largest privately owned estate home in America, built by George W. Vanderbilt in the Gilded Age. It makes for jaw-dropping of a different sort. Spend evenings in downtown Asheville, which is bursting with music, art, and restaurants worthy of serious foodies.
New Orleans
New Orleans is all about festivals, French roots, and a laissez-faire attitude, making it a distinctly different and popular destination for both American and international travelers. From Mardi Gras, New Orleans’ biggest party, to Jazzfest, one of the world’s most respected gatherings of jazz musicians, there are plenty of ways to let the good times roll in the Big Easy. For the most authentic experience, stay in the French Quarter, where you’ll be close to legendary restaurants and legendary streets like Bourbon. It’s just a short drive from Frenchman Street, where you can hear the live jazz music New Orleans is famous for.
San Francisco
Symbolized by the red rafters of the Golden Gate Bridge, this legendary city on San Francisco Bay is known for its neighborhoods like Chinatown and the hippie-turned-haute enclave of Haight-Ashbury. While San Francisco is an ideal city for nature lovers as well as the jet set, it is also a great jumping-off point for trips to the wine country of Napa Valley and Sonoma County or to the colossal tech campuses of Silicon Valley. Check out the Bay Area’s top hotel deals on TripAdvisor before you go and make San Francisco your base to discover Northern California.
Las Vegas
world-class shopping, and top-notch restaurants, all of which make this city a true desert oasis and a top travel destination. Take a tour of the MGM Grand, try your luck at the Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino, or walk through the Neon Museum, which showcases iconic Las Vegas signs. And, of course, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
Washington
Washington, the capital of the United States, has miles of museums and monuments, almost all of which are free. That’s just one reason why it is one of the most visited cities in the country, especially for families and school groups. It’s the perfect place to learn about U.S. history at places like Mount Vernon, George Washington’s plantation, Ford’s Theater, where Abraham Lincoln was shot, the White House, the Capitol, Georgetown, and Alexandria. Along with museums like the Smithsonian, the National Museum of American History, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, you can overdose on museums if you add the United States Holocaust Museum, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, the Hirshhorn Museum, and the National Gallery of Art. The famous cherry blossoms are typically in full bloom late March to early April along the Tidal Basin, where you can also see the Jefferson Memorial and memorials to Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Don’t miss the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the World War II, Korea, and Vietnam Veterans Memorials on the National Mall.
Chicago
Chicago has long been called the Second City, coming in second to New York City in both size and population. A beacon in the Midwest, Chicago is actually third in population these days, but it has a skyline, restaurants, shopping, museums, and activities that easily rival New York City and L.A. If it’s baseball season, don’t miss seeing a Cubs game at famous Wrigley Field. Check out the Magnificent Mile, where you’ll find every upscale shop imaginable and fantastic restaurants. Chicago is home to some of the nation’s most important buildings, and you can see them all on a guided architecture tour on land or from a boat on Lake Michigan. The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the top art museums in the country, and Millennium Park is Chicago’s newest attraction.
Los Angeles
The lure of Hollywood and its celebrities and the mild breezes from the Pacific Ocean keep Los Angeles on the top of the list of U.S. tourist destinations. Search for top-rated hotels on TripAdvisor near L.A.’s famous beaches like Malibu or Santa Monica for a luxurious stay. Go shopping on Rodeo Drive, tour Beverly Hills, and walk along the boardwalk in L.A.’s most famous beach neighborhood, Venice Beach.
New York City
American icons like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Times Square are on every first-time visitor’s list, but they are just a few of the attractions to see in New York City. America’s most populous and most popular city, also known as the Big Apple, is a favorite destination for both domestic and international visitors. Don’t miss a leisurely walk on the High Line, an old railroad track turned park that features greenery, artwork, and beautiful skyline views. Broadway and the Theater District is the place to go to see the latest plays and musicals. And if you’re an art lover, New York has an embarrassment of riches: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim Museum, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Frick Collection. Or go shopping on 5th Avenue, check out Washington Square and Greenwich Village, and Rockefeller Center. Take a walk through Central Park and get awed by Grand Central Terminal. If you’re staying for more than a few days, dig deeper into NYC’s architecture or make a trip to Brooklyn.
Conclusion
There you have the top 10 places to visit in the United States. Did you like what you saw? Let us know in the comments down below.
