TL;DR
The grand US of A promises to enchant practically every kind of vacationer. Whether you find your peace in busy urban environments or within serene pockets of ancient forests, there’s a near-endless list of destinations to drop by. Here’s some we think you absolutely cannot skip:
- New York City
- The Grand Canyon
- San Francisco
- New Orleans
- Yellowstone National Park
- Las Vegas
- Honolulu
- Washington
- Miami
- Florida
No one’s doing it just quite like the United States of America. The former colony is a shining beacon in the west, beckoning travellers with its music, beaches, fantastic food, and cities that are quite literally out of your favourite movies.
The best way to get to know the country’s spirit is taking in the scenery from coast to coast, but if you’re strapped for time, we’ll help you plan the perfect US travel itinerary.
This guide serves as an ode (read: cheat sheet) to some of the country’s unmissable spots, plus budget-friendly tips to plan the Ultimate Star-Spangled Adventure™.
Top US Destinations of 2025
Here’s what we’ve got for all of you aspiring explorers:
1. New York City (New York)
NYC is the city, known for its uninhibited energy that’ll make you want to move there. But if you’re there for a short trip instead, we’d recommend you take in the spectacle that is Times Square, sample some pizza pies, and take a stroll down Central Park. Landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, Metropolitan Museum of Art (that’s your Met Gala location!), and Empire State Building weave a tapestry of a city built on paradoxes. It’s young but old, mysterious but familiar, and constantly in motion, but somehow timeless.
How to Get There:
Touchdown at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or LaGuardia (LGA). You can also take Amtrak trains or long-distance buses like Greyhound or Megabus if you’re nearby.
2. The Grand Canyon (Arizona)
If you’re someone who prefers a more intimate vacation experience, the Grand Canyon offers the (undisputably) best US road trip experience. Unless you’re weary about heights, we’d recommend Mather Point for the best views of the distinct red rock formations and Grand Canyon Village. If you don’t mind the heat of Arizona’s sun, there are also many hiking trails in the area.
How to Get There:
Fly into Phoenix or Flagstaff, then take a road trip through red rock country.
3. San Francisco (California)
San Francisco is always experiencing a perpetual Summer of Love with its romantic cable cars, community events, and walkable streets. Of course, the City by the Bay is famous for its, well, bay, but don’t miss the astonishing presence that is the Golden Gate Bridge, and the waterfront piers that host hundreds of sea lions. Right off the coast looms the shadow of Alcatraz Island, the now-defunct prison that once housed mobsters the likes of Al Capone.
How to Get There:
Navigate to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The city has excellent public transportation, but of course, renting a car is a wise choice.
4. New Orleans (Louisiana)
Famously known as the birthplace of jazz and one of the most haunted cities in the country, New Orleans is one of our top US destinations of 2025 for the traveller who appreciates culture. NOLA is a perfect marriage of distinctive cuisine (Creole & Cajun), vibrant culture, and historic architecture like the French Quarter and the Garden District.
A living, breathing celebration of life, New Orleans pulses with music on every street, bursts into color during Mardi Gras, and inspires a vibrant community of artists year-round.
How to Get There
Fly to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY).
5. Yellowstone National Park (Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming)
Those who wish to escape city life, even for just a little while, will find that Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park, is an excellent getaway. Spread across the states of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, the national park is packed with geysers, hot springs, mud holes, and diverse wildlife.
One of the most famous elements of this sprawling park is the Old Faithful geyser, one of the most popular natural wonders of the USA.
How to Get There:
The closest airports are Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN). A rental car is essential for exploring the park.
6. Las Vegas (Nevada)
The Las Vegas Strip is an almost ridiculous representation of what human beings can conjure up. Casinos, themed hotels (Caesar’s Palace, Circus Circus, and The Luxor are some of our faves), and nearly every single celebrity chef restaurant you’ve ever heard of (including Hell’s Kitchen) and those that you haven’t. If you’re someone who prefers cutting to the chase (or chasing that dopamine rush), we think you’d best heed the siren’s song from Vegas. The city is every single color, every single sound, and every single smell, turned up to eleven.
How to Get There:
Take a stop at McCarran International Airport.
7. Honolulu (Hawaii)
The Hawaiian Capital is a master of all trades. It suits all kinds of travellers: those who wish to surf big waves, those who want to hike a mountain at 5 a.m. and watch a sunrise, and even those who think a vacation is synonymous with a spa, people-watching, and some spicy margs on the beach.
Honolulu is home to the world-famous Waikiki Beach, the Diamond Head Crater, ʻIolani Palace (the only royal palace in the USA), and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. You can also explore scenic trails, laid-back beaches, and experience even the buzz of a city.
How to Get There:
Honolulu is on the island of Oahu, and you’ll need to fly into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). Getting around is easy with buses, tours, or rental cars.
8. Washington, D.C.
No capital city earns its reputation like Washington D.C. Existing as a representation of the country’s beginnings as a British colony, DC’s streets are painted with intricate architecture: both remnants of a vast history and markers of a thriving cultural district. If you take a pause from the delights of the district, we’d suggest you follow the crowds into imposing museum doors (maybe one of Smithsonians) and the stone arches of the Capitol Building, White House, or Lincoln Memorial.
How to Get There:
Put at stop at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport or Dulles International (IAD), or arrive by train via Amtrak Union Station.
9. Miami (Florida)
Anyone who’s walked down Ocean Drive at golden hour knows what Miami feels like: warm, electric, and always alive. One of the most popular USA tourist spots, the city hums with contradictions: tropical ease and downtown buzz, quiet waterfronts and all-night beats, Art Deco buildings and white-sand beaches.
It’s a multicultural rhythm of reggaeton, jazz, and Caribbean sounds. Cafecito in one hand, sea breeze in your face, Miami is energy and escape.
How to Get There
Land at Miami International Airport (MIA). If you plan to explore nearby beaches or the Everglades, renting a car is a good idea.
10. Chicago (Illinois)
Anyone who’s watched the hit TV show The Bear has felt a taste of Chicago: its grit, its rhythm, and its soul. The city hums with a soft, windy harmony: deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, blues and gospel spilling from street corners, Lake Michigan lapping at the edge of a soaring skyline.
Chicago is widely known as the birthplace of the skyscraper: a modern architectural pioneer. See famed buildings like the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), John Hancock Center, and Marina City.
How to Get There
Fly into Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway International. Public transit (the “L” train) makes it easy to navigate the city without a car.
Final Thoughts
The United States of America is an amalgamation of intersectionality, and a constant negotiation of diverse identities. It offers a layered experience for both discerning and casual travelers. Its boroughs, winding roads and quiet reserves make for a spectacular collage of loud moments and quiet daydreams.
Before you book your flight or reserve your rooms, it could be beneficial to research optimal seasons and travel deals. My Exclusive Deals curates verified discounts on flight tickets and hotel stays. Let us help you create an ideal American experience.
FAQs
1. What is the #1 place to vacation in the US?
Although the best place to visit depends on your budget and preferences, some of the most popular cities include New York City, Miami, Chicago, and Honolulu.
2. What is the most visited US destination?
New York City tops the list, offering world-famous landmarks, diverse culture, shopping, and entertainment all in one vibrant destination.
3. Why is the USA famous for tourism?
The USA is known for its diverse landscapes, iconic cities, rich culture, and world-class attractions, making for a spectacular itinerary.
4. What is the most affordable way to explore the US?
Use websites like My Exclusive Deals to book discounted flights and accommodations. City passes, off-season travel, and public transport can also help you save.
5. When is the best time to visit the US?
Spring (running from March–May) and fall (running from September–November) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for beaches and festivals, while winter is great for ski or mountainous destinations.