The best thing about visiting the USA can be summed up in one word: variety.
This expansive country contains an incredible number of travel experiences that would take a lifetime to complete, from wandering through the redwoods to breathing in deep gulps of sea air on glimmering beaches to immersing yourself in the underground art scenes of some of the world’s most famous cities.
Whether you’re a nature lover looking for wide open spaces and snow-covered peaks or a culture fiend who can’t get enough of museums and galleries, the United States has something for you.
Overwhelmed? Here are 19 inspiring places to visit in the USA in 2025.
1. New York, New York
A city that looms large in American lore, New York continues to live up to its hype. A global center for art, fashion, finance, music and food, the Big Apple will never leave you feeling bored. Sip sunset cocktails on luxurious rooftops, mosh at local punk shows, marvel at world-class art in famous museums, or indulge in the best food you’ve ever had at a hole-in-the-wall favorite.
Planning tip: New York has so much to offer, but resist the urge to see it all on your first trip. Break things down by neighborhood or borough, or perhaps even by interest.
2. San Francisco, CA
San Francisco contains multitudes, offering an urban travel experience with a distinctly West Coast flavor: take in breathtaking bay views at Golden Gate Park, wander the alleyways of the country’s largest and oldest Chinese neighborhood, pay homage to LGBTIQ+ heroes in the Castro, or dive into cutting-edge art at SFMOMA and a plethora of local galleries.
3. National Mall in Washington, DC
Washington DC’s National Mall represents the center of American political life and distills its cultural history into a two-mile strip of iconic monuments and the country’s most famous museums. The mall contains ten Smithsonian museums – the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of American History, among others – plus landmarks including the National Gallery of Art, the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol building.
4. New England
Want to meander on mountain roads beneath brilliant forest canopies and savor tasty lobster and coastal views all in the same trip? New England is the place to be. Explore the quaint villages and cranberry bogs of Cape Cod, snuggle into a cabin in the mountains of Vermont, or dive into all the seafood you can eat in Portland, Maine. And if you visit in autumn, prepare yourself for some of the most spectacular fall foliage in the country.
5. Pacific Coast Highway
Best for West Coast exploration
The Pacific Coast Highway – technically three highways linked together – connects sunny San Diego with moody Seattle, delivering epic West Coast experiences along the 1600-mile journey. Stay at kitschy motels in coastal towns, admire the cliffs of Big Sur, marvel at the tidepools in Oregon, and explore Washington’s Olympic National Park.
And be sure to visit San Simeon, a small oceanfront town famous for two things:
The Piedras Blancas Rookery, located on the Pacific Ocean in San Simeon, is the only easily accessible, free and open to the public elephant seal rookery in the world. The shores and rocks are crowded with seals lounging in the sun and barking.
Just up the road is the ultimate in mansions, the astounding Hearst Castle, the former home of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Take the tour and then visit the winery.
Planning tip: Sections of the Pacific Coast Highway run along sea cliffs prone to rockslides. Always check road conditions before setting off in case of any unexpected closures.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
Best for foodies and art lovers
There’s no place in the world like New Orleans – we promise. A vibrant cocktail of Indigenous, Caribbean, African, French and Spanish influences, this city possesses a unique magic that keeps people coming back for more. Dive into its legendary Creole cuisine, revel in its lively festivals, and immerse yourself in a world-class music scene – this is the birthplace of jazz, after all.
Eat a beignet heaped with powdered sugar and drink a cup of chicory coffee at Cafe du Monde at the French Market on Decatur Street, overlooking Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral. Take a tour of some of the historic mansions tucked away on side streets in the French Quarter.
Avid readers will want to visit the home of Frances Parkinson Keyes, who wrote the bestselling Dinner at Antoine’s. Then, try to get a reservation at the eponymous restaurant. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
Be sure to go beyond the French Quarter, too, and take a bayou boat tour, explore the antique stores on Magazine Street or golf in Audubon Park.
Planning tip: New Orleans’s coastal location makes it susceptible to hurricanes from June through October, with the most active months being August and September.
7. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Best for Indigenous history and culture
Nicknamed the “City Different,” Santa Fe is rooted in American history while still keeping up with the times. A cultural melange of Indigenous, Spanish and Mexican influences, this city is home to numerous historical sites – like the 400-year-old Plaza – and a cutting-edge art culture that features a strong contingent of independent artists and the original Meow Wolf, a game-changing immersive art installation.
Local detour: Less than an hour’s drive from Santa Fe, the Puyé Cliff Dwellings, carved into the rock face and atop the Santa Clara Canyon on Santa Clara Pueblo Reservation, were once home to 1500 Pueblo Indians. Abandoned in 1580, the one-hour tours are conducted by the descendants of the original dwellers.
8. Chicago, Illinois
Best metropolis for midwestern charm
Chicago contains all the hallmarks of a great American city – excellent food, multicultural neighborhoods, and top-tier museums – with a distinctly midwestern twist. Spend your days lounging next to the ocean-like Lake Michigan, catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, or have an evening of laughs at Second City, the launchpad for greats like Stephen Colbert and Tina Fey.
Leave your car behind and explore Millennium Park, the lakefront and the museum campus by Segway. Board a boat for a narrated tour of the architectural wonders lining the Chicago River. From the boat docks, head north for a stroll along the Magnificent Mile, the stretch of Michigan Avenue lined with boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and the historic Water Tower, one of the few survivors of the Chicago Fire.
Planning tip: Finding a parking spot in Chicago can be both exasperating and expensive. Download one of the free parking apps on your phone and you can usually find a spot close to where you’re going at a significantly lower rate.
9. Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Best for big peaks and winter sports
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If you want to see the quintessential mountains of the American West, the Rockies in Colorado should be your first stop. Rocky Mountains National Park is a logical starting point, but in truth, there are so many different ways to access this dynamic mountain range – hit the slopes in ski hubs like Vail, Aspen and Telluride, drive the scenic byways of the San Juan range, or pitch camp in one of the state’s numerous national forests.
Planning tip: Unless you’re from somewhere with similar elevation, you might feel the effects of altitude throughout the Rockies; stay extremely hydrated, take your time on hikes, and skip the alcohol.
10. Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina and Virginia
Best for east coast mountains
While the Rockies tend to get a lot of press – for good reason – the USA’s oldest mountain range is a must-see. The Blue Ridge Mountains make up the southern third of the Appalachian Mountain chain, and the lush forests wrapped around these rolling hills make for incredible blue-green vistas from the region’s many ridges and balds. Dive into the numerous day hikes, road trips, and mountain biking excursions, cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway, or hike a section of the storied Appalachian Trail.
A scenic stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville is a charming mountain town known for its thriving culinary and music scenes. The historic Downtown Art District, with its extensive Art Deco architecture, buzzes with open-air bars, restaurants serving regional cuisine and galleries filled with both local and regional artists.
Beyond its well-deserved reputation as “Beer City,” Asheville also has an extensive list of wineries and distilleries that offer tours. Outdoor attractions include mountain biking and hiking.
Just a few miles away, the renowned Biltmore Estate, known as America’s largest house, is a dynastic fantasy of gardens, architecture, art and opulence. Touring the 175,000-square-foot home is a step into the grandeur of the past and one of the many top things to do in Asheville.