31 Greatest Locations to Go to within the USA (Up to date 2025)

From sea to shining sea, the United States is a really various nation – each in terms of tradition and pure magnificence.

I’ve traveled throughout the continental United States many instances over (you by no means actually notice how massive Texas is till you drive by way of it. Rattling that state is massive!). I feel, simply on my roadtrips alone, I’ve spent a collective two years exploring the nation. That’s loads of time and doesn’t even take note of that go to to Portland or Nashville or weekend in Savannah. In brief, I’ve seen loads of this nation.

And there’s a lot price seeing.

Prior to now, I’ve talked about my favourite eating places and classes realized, so it solely appears correct to offer you an inventory of one of the best locations to go to within the USA.

All these locations are close to and pricey to my coronary heart and actually showcase simply how particular this nation is and what number of fantastic locations there are right here. (It took me awhile to slender down this checklist!)

In no explicit order, right here’s my detailed checklist of one of the best locations to go to within the USA:

(Notice: This checklist relies solely on the place I actually have been. There are much more breathtaking locations I haven’t explored but, which is why they might not be on this checklist. It doesn’t imply they aren’t price seeing. It simply means I haven’t been there.)

1. Memphis

Gritty, industrial, and a bit run down, Memphis seems like its greatest days are behind it, however don’t let the tough exterior idiot you — town continues to be residence to some killer meals and a vibrant blues music scene. Moreover, there’s Graceland (Elvis’s residence) for followers of the King, a giant waterfront for strolling, and the outstanding, detailed, and shifting Museum of Civil Rights (it’s large, so don’t rush it!). I loved town greater than I anticipated and was disillusioned once I needed to go away. To make use of a cliché, it’s a hidden gem!

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

2. Austin

I really like Austin (I really moved there in 2016 and stayed for a number of years earlier than returning to NYC). The nice and cozy climate, the energetic honky-tonks and reside music, funky home bars on Rainey Avenue, wonderful mountain climbing and biking trails, and tons of out of doors actions…Austin has all of it.

Due to every little thing from the rising meals truck inhabitants to the flagship Entire Meals retailer with the unbelievable salad bar (grilled pineapple!), I eat — and eat properly — at any time when I’m right here. The Austin campus of the College of Texas offers a youthful vigor to town, and its liberal perspective attracts a various and eclectic inhabitants. In brief, you possibly can’t skip Austin, as a result of when you do, I’ll discover you and drag you there.

WHERE TO STAY IN AUSTIN: Firehouse Hostel – This centrally-located hostel is situated in an outdated firehall from 1885. They’ve quick Wi-Fi, loads of chill widespread areas, and an incredible on-site bar that serves top-notch craft cocktails.

For extra journey tips about Austin, try these posts:

3. New Orleans

New Orleans is a metropolis with soul. It’s seen some onerous instances, but it surely lives on with a zest for all times unmatched by most locations. It has a wealthy and lengthy historical past (don’t miss taking a haunted strolling tour when you’re right here) and is stuffed with delicious French-inspired Creole and Cajun meals, reside jazz music, road performers, and an appreciation for all of the temptations of life. Life is lived properly right here within the Massive Straightforward. You don’t come right here to loosen up — you come right here to indulge! In my view, New Orleans one of the crucial eclectic and vibrant cities in the US.

WHERE TO STAY IN NOLA: HI New Orleans – An award-winning hostel with spacious dorms, cozy beds, privateness curtains, and quick Wi-Fi. All the pieces a price range traveler wants!

For extra journey tips about touring New Orleans, try my urged itinerary on learn how to spend your time there!
 

4. Asheville

Asheville is Portland within the North Carolina mountains: filled with tasty craft beer, meals, and hipsters. I favored the world quite a bit, together with its proximity to some fantastic and scenic mountain hikes such because the Carolina Mountain Path. Furthermore, the city has loads of parks for these wanting one thing nearer — and make sure you try the Asheville Botanical Gardens close to the college campus. The attractive Smoky Mountains are a brief drive away, and the large Biltmore property, the most important privately owned residence within the US and as soon as residence to George Vanderbilt, is on the outskirts of town. (Should you’ve ever seen Downton Abbey, that’s what the home is like! And, when you haven’t, it’s best to! The present is addicting!)

WHERE TO STAY IN ASHEVILLE: Bon Paul & Sharky’s Hostel – A laid-back hostel with a spacious back and front porch for enjoyable. There’s free parking, free Wi-Fi, and loads of close by eating places and cafes.
 

5. The Pacific Coastal Drive

The drive up the Pacific Coast is taken into account one of the crucial scenic on the earth. I’ve to agree. I didn’t journey the entire coast however the portion I drove (San Francisco to Portland) was unbelievable: sheer cliffs, forests descending to the shoreline, miles of seashores, and big redwoods. It’s jaw-dropping all the best way. Be ready to make gradual progress, as you’ll be pulling over regularly to cease, hike, and admire the view. I particularly favored Bandon and Coos Bay, Oregon, and Mendocino, California.
 

6. Redwood Nationwide Park

Alongside the Pacific Coast is Redwood Nationwide Park, a big expanse of big redwood timber stuffed with picnic areas, locations to camp, and miles upon miles of mountain climbing trails. Trails vary from simple to strenuous, and there are lots of loops that head out to close by seashores. It’s completely stunning, awe-inspiring, and humbling in each means. It’s a should for anybody road-tripping round California.

WHERE TO STAY IN REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK: View Crest Lodge – Positioned on the coast in Trinidad, this rustic budget-friendly lodge has primary facilities like free Wi-Fi and TV, and a few of their rooms even have full kitchens. It’s a clear, cozy no-frills place to crash for an evening.
 

7. Glacier Nationwide Park

Despite the fact that I visited when many of the park was nonetheless closed (it was too early within the yr and there was nonetheless snow round), I used to be nonetheless surprised by the world: attractive snow-capped mountains rising excessive into the sky; a good looking, nonetheless lake through which to admire these mountains and huge glaciers; and mountain climbing trails galore. It was probably the most mind-blowing place I noticed on my journey, and I can perceive why everybody raves about it. I can’t suggest a go to there sufficient.

WHERE TO STAY IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK: Tenting – Pack (or lease) a tent and comfy up for a couple of nights underneath the celebs. You received’t be disillusioned.
 

8. Denver

Denver has a mixture of out of doors ruggedness and big-city residing. It has an enormous craft beer scene (make sure you take a beer tasting tour), wonderful eating places (together with, Sushi Sasa, one among my favourite sushi eating places on the earth), a big worldwide airport with numerous connections, and proximity to the mountains. It’s clear, and the locals are extremely pleasant. There are few cities within the US I wish to reside in, however I really like Denver sufficient to say that it’s one among them.

WHERE TO STAY IN DENVER: Ember Hostel – This boutique hostel is rated probably the greatest within the nation, providing a swank inside, free jacuzzi, out of doors firepit, cozy beds with blackout curtains, low-cost in a single day parking, and extra.
 

9. Chicago

When the climate is sweet, I don’t assume there’s a greater metropolis in the US. Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago has world-class meals (attempt the deep dish, sushi, and scorching canine), the enjoyable and kitschy Navy Pier, Millennium Park with its well-known bean-shaped statue, a kick-ass aquarium, and iconic structure (make sure you take an structure tour).

And, as soon as the winter deep freeze is over, Chicagoans burst out of their houses to benefit from the summer time climate, so there’s a constructive, glad vibe emanating by way of town. Benefit from it.

WHERE TO STAY IN CHICAGO: HI Chicago – A spacious, clear hostel with female-only dorms, free Wi-Fi, and an incredible location. The beds are cozy and the widespread space is big so it’s simple to fulfill individuals.

For extra journey tips about Chicago, try these posts:

10. New York Metropolis

The town that by no means sleeps. ‘Nuff stated. I imply, there’s a motive I moved right here — after which moved again once more after residing in Texas. You’ll be able to’t go incorrect right here. New York sells itself and there’s nothing I can say right here. I do know you already wish to go.

WHERE TO STAY IN NYC: HI NYC – This is among the largest and greatest hostels within the metropolis. It’s tremendous simple to fulfill individuals right here, they’ve a chill out of doors patio, and the kitchen is big so you possibly can prepare dinner extra meals and save your price range.

For journey tips about New York Metropolis, try these posts:

11. Natchez

I used to be most shocked by this Mississippi metropolis. I didn’t know something about it, however Natchez was advisable as a spot to see historic Nineteenth-century houses, constructed by remoted plantation homeowners desirous to get away in the summertime and work together and socialize with one another. As cotton turned king, the homes turned ever bigger and extra elaborate.

Now, they’re historic monuments, and you may tour them whereas having fun with a view of the Mississippi River. It’s far off the crushed path — and my favourite discovery from my final highway journey.

WHERE TO STAY IN NATCHEZ: The Beaumont Home – If you wish to splash out, this recently-renovated B&B in a mansion contains free breakfast and spacious historic rooms in addition to trendy facilities like Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and flatscreen TVs.

For extra journey tips about Natchez, try this publish on my go to there.
 

12. Savannah

Sitting on Georgia’s coast, Savannah escaped the wrath of the Civil Warfare, allegedly as a result of Basic Sherman thought it was too fairly to be destroyed. With streets lined with Spanish moss–lined timber, giant and alluring parks, and a bustling waterfront, Savannah is an excellent place to expertise the gradual tempo of the Outdated South. I had visited this metropolis many, a few years in the past, however its magnificence, Southern consolation meals, and tranquility caught with me through the years.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAVANNAH: Thunderbird Inn – This inexpensive three-star motel is only a quick five-minute stroll from downtown. Boasting a retro vibe, there’s free espresso and juice each morning, in addition to free popcorn obtainable within the foyer.
 

13. The Grand Canyon

Phrases can’t precisely describe how unbelievable the Grand Canyon is. It’s breathtaking in so some ways — its sheer measurement, unbelievable depth, purple hues, and putting vistas. Most individuals merely stand on the fringe of the canyon and look out throughout it, however its true measurement and sweetness are greatest appreciated with a hike right down to the underside. Make the time to hike right down to the Colorado River, hike the much less visited trails, spend the night time, and hike again up for sundown.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE GRAND CANYON: Camp – Pack (or lease) a tent and comfy up for a couple of nights underneath the celebs. You’ll want to order a spot early although as they disappear quick!

For extra journey tips about the Grand Canyon, learn this publish on mountain climbing the canyon.
 

14. Nashville

A bit of bit nation, somewhat bit tech, Nashville is among the fastest-growing cities within the US, and rightly so. It’s bought an exquisite music scene (together with the well-known Grand Ole Opry), a rising cocktail bar scene, and a few down-home Southern eating places.

There’s not loads of “touristy stuff” to do right here, however what makes this metropolis one among my favorites are the music, the meals, the wildly pleasant and glad individuals, and the constructive vitality town appears to exude. Once you’re right here, plan to spend a couple of hours on the Tennessee State Museum. It goes into nice (although typically very one-sided) element concerning the state’s historical past, but it surely’s extra thrilling than you would possibly assume.

WHERE TO STAY IN NASHVILLE: Pink Roof Inn – Whereas it’s not centrally situated, this is among the metropolis’s few inexpensive two-star choices. A fast 13-minute drive from the Grand Ole Opry, this budget-friendly joint boasts an outside pool, free Wi-Fi, and free espresso.

For extra journey tips about Nashville, try these posts:

15. San Francisco

Meals of each nature, hipsters, excessive tech, and a various inhabitants make San Francisco one among my favourite locations to go to. Moreover, it’s near some fantastic nationwide parks, like Muir Woods, the place you possibly can escape town and go mountain climbing amid big timber (there are many half-day guided excursions you possibly can take). San Francisco has a lot to try this you want at the very least 4 days to essentially recognize it.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAN FRANCISCO: Inexperienced Tortoise – As one of many oldest on the town, this hostel is an establishment in San Francisco. It affords free breakfast, free dinners a number of instances per week, and even a free sauna! It has an enormous widespread room so it’s simple to fulfill individuals and has a really enjoyable, social ambiance.

For extra journey tips about San Francisco, learn these posts:

16. Miami

White sand seashores, Cuban meals, wild nightlife, attractive individuals, and wonderful heat climate — what’s to not love about Miami! I don’t assume I might ever reside right here, however for a weekend of enjoyable within the solar, Miami is ideal.

WHERE TO STAY IN MIAMI: Generator Miami – This hostel has a pool, two eating places, a bar, and is simply minutes away from the seashore. It’s large (there are 8 flooring), the beds are extra comfy than a budget ones you’ll discover on the social gathering hostels.

For extra journey tips about Miami, learn these posts:

17. San Diego

Ceaselessly heat and sunny, San Diego’s climate creates a completely glad inhabitants that’s pleasant and outgoing and that loves the outside — from mountain climbing, days on the seashore, or operating. And they’re all the time glad to point out individuals their metropolis.

The downtown Gaslamp space — in addition to the well-known Pacific Seashore — is filled with fashionable seafood eating places, bustling bars, and a few significantly life-changing taco stalls. I really like San Diego.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAN DIEGO: ITH Journey Hostel – With a give attention to sustainable journey (there’s a vegetable backyard and yard chickens), this chill hostel could be very pleasant and social. It’s clear, and the water strain within the showers is first rate, and the beds are cozy. (For extra hostel strategies, you possibly can learn this publish.
 

19. Lake Tahoe

Although the water stage of the lake, in addition to the natural world round it, is unfortunately depleted as a result of California drought, Lake Tahoe continues to be nonetheless spectacular and delightful. Ringed by tiny mountain communities, this can be a terrific place for mountain climbing and boating in the summertime and snowboarding within the winter.

WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE TAHOE: Tenting – Pack (or lease) a tent and comfy up for a couple of nights underneath the celebs. You received’t be disillusioned.
 

20. Wherever in Montana

Lots has been written about how gorgeous Montana is, but it surely’s all incorrect. It’s even higher than phrases can describe. It’s probably the most loopy stunning state I’ve ever been to, stuffed with wondrous mountains and hills so far as the attention can see. The persons are tremendous cool, welcoming, and outdoorsy, too. If I needed to choose a favourite state, it might be Montana. I simply adore it.

WHERE TO STAY IN MONTANA: Treasure State Hostel – Positioned in downtown Bozeman, this lodge is quiet, clear, and is residence to pleasant workers. They arrange every kind of occasions too, like pub crawls and film nights, so it’s simple to hang around and meet individuals.
 

21. Washington D.C.

The capital of the US is a vibrant, worldwide metropolis, and that’s what I really like about it. It’s second solely to NYC in variety of individuals and meals (which is to be anticipated with so many individuals from worldwide help organizations and embassies). You hear 1,000,000 accents on this city! Throw within the free Smithsonian museums, numerous parks, a riverfront for strolling or operating, and a few historic authorities buildings and monuments, and D.C. turns into one phenomenal place to go to, loosen up, eat, and drink! You’ll want to take a tour of Capitol Hill when you’re right here!

WHERE TO STAY IN WASHINGTON: Highroad Hostel – Providing pod-style bunks, this cool hostel is situated in an outdated Victorian mansion. The beds have thick mattresses, there’s a fully-equipped kitchen, there’s free espresso and tea every day, they usually even host a free glad hour every week!

For extra journey tips about Washington D.C., listed below are another articles I’ve written:

22. Cape Cod

I spent loads of summers on the Cape because it’s the place New Englanders escape for the summer time. You’ll discover loads of small seashore cities alongside the coast (Provincetown and Hyannis being probably the most well-known however I additionally love Chatham, Falmouth, Wellfleet, and Brewster). Should you’re in search of seafood, seashores, boardwalks, and that excellent household trip, go to the Cape!

WHERE TO STAY IN CAPE COD: Cape Sands Inn – Only a quick stroll from the seashore in West Yarmouth, this three-star property has all the usual facilities (TV, free Wi-Fi), in addition to free parking and a calming sauna and scorching tub.
 

23. Boston

I could also be biased as a result of I grew up right here, however I really like Boston and cherish my visits residence. Boston rocks (Go Pink Sox!). It’s historic (based in 1630), small-ish, simple to get round, and stuffed with superior and constant individuals. It’s residence to a ton of actions, just like the Freedom Path and Faneuil Corridor, the JFK Museum, and the Boston Commons and Public Backyard, in addition to a number of the greatest Italian and seafood eating places within the nation. You’ll want to eat at Zaftigs for one of the best brunch within the metropolis! It’s depraved!

WHERE TO STAY IN BOSTON: HI Boston – This spacious and clear hostel is only a quick stroll from just about every little thing within the metropolis. They’ve female-only dorms, free Wi-Fi, and a number of other chill widespread areas the place you possibly can meet different vacationers.

For extra journey tips about Boston, try these posts:

24. Las Vegas

Vegas, child, Vegas! Lots of people are turned off by the vivid lights and playing, however Vegas is far more than the casinos, costly golf equipment, and lodges on the well-known Strip. There’s unbelievable mountain climbing close by at Pink Rocks Nationwide Park, a rising artwork scene, a booming tech scene, and plenty of live shows and reveals.

Get off the Strip, discover the true Vegas (as a result of technically the Strip is situated in Paradise, NV, not Las Vegas), and see why individuals resolve to reside right here.

WHERE TO STAY IN LAS VEGAS: Sin Metropolis Hostel – Only a quick stroll from the (in)well-known Fremont Avenue, this can be a social hostel that hosts every kind of occasions (similar to bar crawls, pasta & wine nights, BBQs, on line casino nights, and extra). It’s an incredible place to attach with different vacationers.

For extra journey tips about Las Vegas, these articles may also help:

25. Portland

Portland, Oregon is unbelievable. I might transfer there if it had a much bigger airport with higher connections. Right here you’ll discover a formidable meals truck scene, cool bespoke bars and cocktail lounges, a craft beer scene that’s a faith to residents, enjoyable parks (together with a peaceable Japanese backyard), a vibrant artwork scene, and mountain climbing within the close by mountains. There’s even an underground donut scene right here.

WHERE TO STAY IN PORTLAND: HI Portland – Northwest – Rated probably the greatest hostels on the earth, this centrally-located HI hostel affords free breakfast, in-house made craft beer, an outside courtyard with a firepit, common reside music, and far more.

For extra journey tips about Portland, learn this publish on town.
 

26. Seattle

Dwelling to somewhat enterprise referred to as Starbucks, it additionally boasts an thrilling downtown, recent fish, genuine Asian meals, artwork museums, and funky nightlife. In historic Pioneer Sq., you possibly can go on an underground tour of town’s ruins (a hella cool expertise). Furthermore, you’re proper on the water and, climate allowing, can head out onto Elliott Bay to discover some little islands. Seattle is only a cool metropolis. There’s all the time one thing to do there, it’s techy, and everyone seems to be relaxed. Plus, there’s craft beer and low — what’s to not love about that!

WHERE TO STAY IN SEATTLE: Inexperienced Tortoise – Positioned proper throughout from the enduring Pike Place Market, this social hostel organizes every kind of actions so it’s simple to fulfill individuals. Additionally they provide free breakfast and each day occasions. It’s one among my favourite hostels within the nation.

For extra journey tips about Seattle, learn this detailed planning information!
 

27. Deadwood

Tucked away in western South Dakota, this city was well-known throughout the Outdated West days, noteworthy sufficient to be the main focus of an HBO collection. Kind of kitschy and re-created, it’s nonetheless a really cool place the place you possibly can expertise a style of the outdated frontier days. It’s additionally conveniently situated close to the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore.

WHERE TO STAY IN DEADWOOD: Gold Nation Inn – This kitschy lodge is among the least expensive locations on the town. Positioned proper downtown, they’ve a mini playing corridor on-site, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. It’s nothing fancy but it surely received’t break the financial institution both.
 

28. Kansas Metropolis

I actually liked this metropolis, which options a number of the world’s greatest BBQ and a energetic downtown. There’s additionally an in depth and enlightening jazz museum right here, in addition to the eye-opening Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (that was the precise title; I’m not being racist). I want I might have spent extra time, however that’s simply extra motive to return again.

WHERE TO STAY IN KANSAS CITY: Home2 Suites Downtown – With a health heart, pool, and a good breakfast unfold, this three-star lodge in downtown KC is among the extra inexpensive locations to crash within the metropolis.
 

29. Louisville

Louisville sits on the Ohio River and is the most important metropolis in Kentucky. I used to be shocked at how a lot I favored it and the way a lot there was to do right here. There’s a longtime theatre scene, a handful of museums and galleries, tons of scrumptious locations to eat (it’s a stable foodie metropolis), and all of the bourbon you possibly can drink.

Louseiville has a laid-back, artsy vibe to it. It feels far more like an Austin or a Portland than your conventional southern/midwest metropolis. Prior to now, it was thought-about a fly-over metropolis and was skipped by most individuals. It’s positively not now.

WHERE TO STAY IN LOUISVILLE: Microtel Inn – Whereas it could be 20 minutes from downtown, this budget-friendly inn is inexpensive, contains free breakfast and free parking, and has free Wi-Fi. It’s a no-frills alternative however clear and cozy.
 

30. Charleston

Charleston is one other energetic metropolis filled with scrumptious meals, enjoyable bars, numerous historical past, and all of the southern appeal you’d ever want. It’s stunning, the persons are good, and there’s a excessive, excessive focus of world-class eating places for such a small metropolis. (Should you love seafood, you’re going to adore it right here. This is among the greatest cities within the nation for seafood.)

WHERE TO STAY IN CHARLESTON: Charlestons NotSo Hostel – Positioned in a historic neighborhood, this laid-back hostel contains free espresso/tea and oatmeal and free Wi-Fi. The rooms are small however the beds are completely cozy.
 

31. Franklin

Positioned simply exterior of Nashville, Franklin is bursting with small-town appeal. The town is filled with historical past (there was a significant Civil Warfare battle right here), a historic essential road, and a few actually scrumptious bars and eating places. I didn’t count on a lot and town actually shocked me. It’s the right two-night vacation spot.

WHERE TO STAY IN FRANKLIN: The Harpeth Lodge – This upscale property includes a restaurant on-site, health heart, bar, and terrace. Should you don’t wish to splash out, test Reserving.com for different choices.

The United States is stuffed with too many “must-sees” locations to go to to checklist in a single weblog publish. In any case, the nation is residence to over 329 million individuals and covers 3.8 million sq. miles.

Simply make sure you flip off the highways, head to the small cities, and uncover some favorites of your personal. The most effective of the USA is all the time away from the foremost highways within the little no-name cities with little diners, quirky retailers, and pleasant individuals!

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