Top Travel Destinations in United States: 25 Best Places for 2025

TL;DR:

Start with a mix of one city and one park.
Book peak season stays 3 to 6 months ahead.
New York, Grand Canyon, and Oahu suit first trips.
Use shoulder seasons to save and skip crowds.
Check park entry rules and timed tickets before you go.

This guide picks 25 places that give a wide look at the United States. It blends cities, coasts, deserts, and famous parks. Ranks from U.S. News and Lonely Planet informed choices, and park data helps you plan around crowds.

Quick tip on timing

U.S. national parks set a record 331.9 million visits in 2024, so expect busy trails in summer. Aim for spring or fall when you can. Check for timed entry and shuttle limits.

Iconic U.S. cities

1) New York City, New York

Art, food, and skyline views fill every day. Walk Central Park, see a Broadway show, and ferry past the Statue of Liberty. New York continues to top many best-of lists for city travel.

2) Washington, DC

Museums are free, and monuments are close together. Spring brings cherry blossoms. Plan early for museum timed tickets during school breaks.

3) Chicago, Illinois

Lakefront paths, bold architecture, and deep-dish pizza define a weekend here. Summer brings festivals and easy beach time.

4) San Francisco, California

Ride a cable car, watch fog roll under the Golden Gate, and eat in neighborhoods with distinct flavors. Pair with a day trip to Muir Woods or wine country.

5) New Orleans, Louisiana

Music and food tell the city’s story. Stroll the Marigny and Bywater, then try beignets and gumbo. Visit outside Mardi Gras for lower prices.

6) Las Vegas, Nevada

Shows, dining, and the Sphere draw crowds. Use it as a base for Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire day trips.

7) Miami, Florida

South Beach art deco shines at sunrise. Explore Little Havana for strong coffee and music. Winter has the best weather.

8) Seattle, Washington

Views of water and peaks frame the city. Pike Place Market is lively. Pair the visit with ferries to the islands.

9) Boston, Massachusetts

Walk the Freedom Trail, then hop between campuses and harbors. Fall foliage adds color to city parks.

10) Austin, Texas

Catch live music any night. Eat tacos and swim at Barton Springs. Spring and fall are cooler for outdoor plans.

Natural icons and national parks

11) Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Standing on the South Rim at sunrise is unforgettable. Hike part of the Bright Angel Trail, then ride shuttle loops for viewpoints. It is a staple in top U.S. lists for good reason.

12) Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming and Montana

Geysers, bison, and big valleys fill long days. Stay inside the park if you can, or base in West Yellowstone. Rankings keep it near the top for classic U.S. nature trips.

13) Yosemite National Park, California

Granite walls rise over meadows. Spring waterfalls roar, while fall is calmer. Book lodging far ahead.

14) Zion National Park, Utah

Narrow canyons and red cliffs make short hikes dramatic. Check for shuttle-only days in peak months.

15) Glacier National Park, Montana

High roads carve across the peaks. Reserve vehicle access for Going-to-the-Sun Road in summer. Glacier ranks first in U.S. News for 2025.

16) Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Trail Ridge Road climbs above the trees. Afternoon storms are common in summer, so hike early.

17) Acadia National Park, Maine

Granite coastlines, tidy carriage roads, and lobster shacks make a strong mix. Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain draws early risers.

18) Olympic National Park, Washington

Three worlds meet here, coast, rainforest, and alpine. Plan extra time for driving between zones.

19) Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina

Wildflowers, old barns, and hazy ridges line easy loops. It is the country’s most visited park, so choose shoulder seasons and weekday mornings.

Coasts and islands

20) Oahu, Hawai‘i

Honolulu mixes beach time with historic sites. Snorkel Hanauma Bay, then hike Diamond Head. Oahu and Maui often feature in top U.S. destination rankings.

21) Maui, Hawai‘i

Drive the Road to Hāna and watch sunrise at Haleakalā with a reservation. Respect local guidance on closures and sensitive sites.

22) Florida Keys, Florida

A chain of islands offers fishing, reefs, and sunsets. Base in Key Largo for diving or Key West for nightlife.

23) San Diego, California

Gentle weather makes year-round beach days simple. Visit Balboa Park and the zoo, then watch surfers at Sunset Cliffs.

Desert, red rock, and Southwest culture

24) Sedona, Arizona

Orange spires surround town trails. Sunrise and late afternoon light are best. Consider a day trip to Jerome for art and views.

25) Santa Fe, New Mexico

Adobe streets hold galleries and green chile. The city is a gateway to high desert hikes and Native art centers.

When to go and how to plan

Lonely Planet’s 2025 picks favor a spread of cities, coastlines, and classic parks. U.S. News ranks Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Canyon at the top for varied scenery. Use these guides to shape a loop that fits your time and budget.

The National Park Service confirms that travel demand is strong. Expect sold-out park lodges, busy trailhead lots, and longer lines at popular lookouts, especially from May through September. Book stays and timed entries early.

Sample 7-day first-timer plan

Days 1–3, New York City. Museums, neighborhoods, skyline views.
Days 4–5, Grand Canyon. Fly to Phoenix or Las Vegas, drive to the South Rim.
Days 6–7, Oahu. Beach, historic sites, short hikes.

Swap Oahu for San Francisco, Miami, or Chicago if you prefer the mainland.

Quick planning checklist

Choose one city and one park to avoid rushed days.
Book flights 6 to 10 weeks out for most routes.
For parks, check entry reservations and shuttle rules.
Pack layers, many U.S. regions change temps during the day.
Rent a car for parks and coastal drives, rely on transit in big cities.
Save with shoulder seasons, April to May and September to October.
Respect local rules, leave no trace on trails, support local shops.

Why it matters

A clear plan saves time and money. Crowds will remain high in famous parks and cities. Using shoulder seasons and timed entries leads to calmer trips and better photos. Official data and trusted rankings help you pick with confidence.

Sources:

National Park Service, Visitor Use Statistics Dashboard (record 2024 visitation and planning context), https://www.nps.gov/subjects/socialscience/visitor-use-statistics-dashboard.htm, 2025-03-05.
U.S. News & World Report, “30 Best Places to Visit in the USA for 2025,” https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-usa-vacations/, 2024-12-17, updated for 2025.

Lonely Planet, “14 best places to visit in the USA,” https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-places-to-visit-in-the-usa, 2025-04-08.