Best places to go in the states

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Trying to list all of the best places to vacation across the U.S. is a bit of a fool’s errand — there are just too many! What we can do, though, is compile the ultimate travel bucket list. Read on and mark down some of the top sites and cities across the country that you want to see at least once.

Whether you’re looking to hike in the Teton Mountains, swim at a black-sand beach in Hawaii, or sip a sparkling wine at a Napa Valley vineyard, we have a list of the 50 best places for you to visit in the USA.

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New Hope — Pennsylvania

Best for Shopping Small

If your ideal escape involves spending a day popping in and out of shops along Main street, head to New Hope. The town has a ton of charming independently owned businesses and art galleries, so save some space in your luggage for some souvenirs. After you've picked up some gifts for yourself, grab a seat and a drink at The Pour House at The New Hope Winery or Great Barn Brewery.

Where to Stay: River House at Odette's

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Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona

Best for Views

It's no wonder why the Grand Canyon has been topping bucket lists for travel junkies and families alike for so many years. Whether you're after a challenging hike or have more interest in some zen stargazing, there are several access points with varying levels of hiking intensity, so you (and every member of your travel group) can get the best views.

Where to Stay: South Rim, Phantom Ranch

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Nantucket — Massachusetts

Best for the Laid-Back Island Life

As soon as you step off the ferry, you'll start to decompress on this postcard-perfect island off the coast of Cape Cod. It ticks all the island getaway boxes: gorgeous beaches, sweet gray-shingled cottages, and historic lighthouses. Nantucket also has a super cool Whaling Museum, and plenty of places for a lobster roll.

Where to Stay: 21 Broad, The Nantucket Hotel

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Chicago — Illinois

Best for a Big City Getaway

Sure, it could always be New York — but don't dismiss the Second City. Incredible architecture (the skyscraper was born here), world-class museums (Did you know the famed American Gothic painting is in the Art Institute of Chicago?), deep-dish pizza, and the Cubbies make Chi-Town one of the best places to visit in the USA.

Where to Stay: Ace Hotel Chicago, Hilton Chicago

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Big Sur — California

Best for a Scenic Drive

If you've seen HBO’s Big Little Lies, you've no doubt been blown away by the gorgeous cliff-hugging backdrops, especially around Bixby Bridge, the iconic 280-foot-high span on the Pacific Coast Highway. This jaw-dropping stretch from Carmel to the boho hangout of Big Sur is surely one of the world's greatest scenic drives.

Where to Stay: Portola Hotel & Spa, Comfort Inn Carmel-by-the-Sea

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Kansas City — Missouri

Best for Barbecue

Kansas City is world-famous for its finger-lickin'-good barbecue, and a few standouts include Gates Bar-B-Q, featuring mouthwatering beef brisket, Q39, from national barbecue champ Rob Magee, and, just across the state line in Kansas, Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, with ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken on the menu.

Where to Stay: Hotel Phillips Kansas City, Ambassador Hotel Kansas City

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Jackson — Wyoming

Best for Outdoor Adventures

This rugged destination in the Teton Mountains is all about being in the great outdoors. Summer brings hiking, horseback riding, and river rafting; come wintertime, there's world-class skiing at one of the country's top ski resorts. Plus, there are plenty of authentic Western-style bars where you just might mingle with real cowboys.

Where to Stay: The Wort Hotel, Hotel Terra Jackson Hole

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Natchez - Mississippi

Best for Touring Antebellum Homes

The city of Natchez, a former trading post on the Mississippi River, is known for its many antebellum mansions, including Brandon Hall Plantation, now functioning as a charming inn with canopied beds, antique furnishings, and landscaped grounds. Other historic homes worth a visit include Longwood, Dunleith, and Auburn.

Where to Stay: Natchez Grand Hotel, Brandon Hall Plantation

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Hawaii

Best for Exotic Beaches

You can't mention the best places to visit in the USA and not show the Aloha State some love, especially its beaches. From the black sand of Punaluu, to the green (yes, green!) sand of Papakolea Beach (both on the Big Island), to the great snorkeling at Maui's Makua Beach, Hawaii lives up to its billing.

Where to Stay: Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

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Minneapolis — Minnesota

Best for Midwestern Museums

Minneapolis is full of fab museums, including the Walker Art Center, featuring works from Jasper Johns and Chuck Close, and the recently renovated Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, known for its famous "Spoonbridge and Cherry" sculpture. The Frank Gehry-designed Weisman Art Museum and the Mill City Museum are others to keep in mind, too.

Where to Stay: Hewing Hotel, The Westin Minneapolis

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New York City — New York

Best for Theater Lovers

Even if you can't get tickets to Hamilton, you won't be lacking for choice when it comes to top-notch theater in NYC. Catch Broadway shows like Tony Award winners Dear Evan Hansen and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and there are plenty of off-Broadway and off-off Broadway shows, plus, warm weather brings the Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park.

Where to Stay: Soho Grand Hotel, W New York - Times Square

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Manchester — Vermont

Best for Fall Foliage

Some of New England's most spectacular fall foliage can be found in Manchester in the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains. Drive alone Route 7A, part of the Shires of Vermont Byway, where you'll pass maple and oak trees bursting with autumnal color. Afterward, treat yourself to a traditional pot roast at the cozy Ye Olde Tavern.

Where to Stay: Kimpton Taconic Hotel, Wilburton Inn

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St. Michaels — Maryland

Best for Nautical Charm

This upscale coastal town on Maryland's eastern shore (2 hours from D.C.) is all about seaside pleasures. Take a sunset sail along the Miles River on an antique sailboat, dine on Maryland blue crabs at a waterfront restaurant, and snap a photo beside the Hooper Straight Lighthouse at the 18-acre Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

Where to Stay: Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond

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Livingston — Montana

Best Western Town

Livingston, 20 miles east of Bozeman, embodies the spirit of the Old West. Spend your days hiking, fly-fishing, and horseback riding amid Big Sky Country. Stay at the historic Murray Hotel, once frequented by Buffalo Bill and Calamity Jane, and dig in to a wood-fired oven pizza at Gil's Goods.

Where to Stay: Yellowstone Pioneer Lodge, The Murray Hotel

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Phoenix/Scottsdale — Arizona

Best for Avid Golfers

Phoenix and Scottsdale are known for their world-class golf courses, including two Jay Morrish-designed courses beside stunning rock formations at the Boulders resort and the Adobe and Links courses at the historic Biltmore.

The Sonoran desert heat can get intense, so after your round, be sure to take a refreshing dip in the pool!

Where to Stay: Boulders Resort & Spa, Arizona Biltmore

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Aspen — Colorado

Best Ski Resort

Aspen is a super glamorous ski resort where you dress to impress for a day skiing down Aspen Mountain (better known as Ajax). When the lifts close, it's time for après-ski at the J-Bar in the historic Hotel Jerome or Cloud 9 in The Little Nell. You'll also find pampering spas, designer shops, and plenty of places to sip Champagne.

Where to Stay: The St. Regis Aspen Resort, Hotel Jerome

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Disney World — Florida

Best for Kids

If left up to the kids, they'd choose Disney for every vacation, and we get it. From classic theme parks like Magic Kingdom and Epcot (with its Frozen ride), to the newer attractions, like Toy Story Land and Pandora — The World of Avatar (not to mention parades, fireworks, rollercoasters, themed hotels, and meals with Mickey), Disney truly has it all.

Where to Stay: Disney's Pop Century Resort, B Resort & Spa

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New Orleans — Louisiana

Best for Cajun/Creole Cuisine

While you can definitely get your drink on in New Orleans (Bourbon Street, anyone?), the Big Easy is ground zero for Cajun and Creole specialties, especially in the French Quarter at places like Arnaud's and Muriel's. Expect dishes like turtle soup, seafood gumbo, jambalaya, trout amandine, and blackened redfish.

Where to Stay: The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, Ace Hotel New Orleans

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Palm Springs — California

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