The United States of America is an enormous country rich with captivating sights and cultures. The USA is known to be the most dominant nation in terms of economic and military powers.
Along with being one of the most important countries in the world, the United States is also a quite visually appealing nation making it a dream destination for many.
A cross-country trip to the United States of America is on every traveller’s bucket list. However, the country is so large and diverse that it can be hard to come up with a list of the best vacation spots.
The magnificent national parks, numerous fascinating museums and art galleries, cities with distinct cuisines and nightlife, the beaches, all of which can be difficult to choose from.
But worry not! We have curated this list of the 15 best spots that you can just not miss. These areas are the ones that everyone should experience in their lifetime.
So if you’re planning a trip to the USA, look no further because we have got you covered!
1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon National Park is located in Arizona and is one of the most popular and stunning tourist spots in the US and around the world. The views of rock formations are awe-inspiring and attract millions of tourists worldwide.
Divided into Rims, the park’s North Rim is closed in the winter because of snow, but the South Rim can be visited year-round.
There are various astonishing sites here like the Hermit Road Drive, the Rim Trail, The Mather Point Overlook, The Bright Angel Hiking Trail, The Desert View Watchtower, and the National Geographic visitor centre, making it one of the finest US vacation spots.
You can also have a great time on several tours like the helicopter tour, the Grand Canyon train, rafting, and even Mule rides! The Grand Canyon Skywalk is also one of the many must-have experiences here that you should not miss.
The park is close to Las Vegas and Phoenix, and the best time to visit the Grand Canyon is from March to May and from September to November.
2. New York City, New York
Located on the East Coast, New York City is one of the best cities globally and is probably already on your bucket list. From the Statue of Liberty to the famous Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge to Rockefeller Center, you’ll find plenty of reasons not to miss this incredible city.
There are several museums and art galleries for all the history buffs, which are the best in the USA and around the world.
Shopaholics and foodies will also adore this city as it is packed with the best places to visit like Times Square, Soho, and Little Italy to give you the experience of a lifetime. You can choose from the numerous cuisines available and enjoy some craft beer.
New York City should, therefore, definitely be on your list. You can visit the city of Central Park and Broadway year-round, but the best time to visit is from April to June and September to early November.
3. San Francisco, California
San Francisco should also be on your list as it is also a city with numerous tourist charms. We have the Golden Gate Bridge, the most popular site in the town. The place has tremendous views and is a Golden Gate recreational spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
There are several additional spots with bike paths for mountain biking and hiking trails in and around the city. Other areas to visit in San Francisco are the Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and Twin Peaks, among others. You can take a cruise and explore San Francisco Bay as well.
There is the San Francisco art museum and history museum here that you can tour.
Napa Valley, just 1.5 km from San Francisco, is where you can also experience a hot air balloon ride! San Francisco is best to visit from September to November and during Springtime.
4. Las Vegas, Nevada
Undeniably one of the most happening places in the US, Las Vegas is a city you cannot miss making it number 4 in our list. The Las Vegas Strip is the most prominent spot here. It’s what most people picture when they think of the city of lights. Las Vegas has all the fabulous hotels and the best nightlife.
The Paris Hotel and the Eiffel Tower, Caesar’s Palace and The Colosseum, Excalibur Hotel, and the New York Hotel are also famous among tourists.
For art lovers, the city has the Bellagio Resort, which has many other attractions such as the fountain show, the botanical gardens, a calming spa, and many more! You can go horseback riding here too!
You can visit the Neon Museum, The Mob Museum, The Shark Reef Aquarium, and Madame Tussaud’s if you’re into museums.
The Vegas Indoor Skydiving is a must-try here as well! The best time to visit Vegas is from March to May and September to November.
5. Los Angeles, California
The heart of the entertainment industry is the wonderful city of Los Angeles. It is a city with diverse choices for people of all ages. Its most famous spots are Disneyland and Universal Studios, where you can spend a fun day with your family.
Hollywood is also a place you have to visit. The Walk of Fame, the Hollywood sign, the boulevard, and the Chinese theatre are the key attractions here.
Some other interesting places are the Griffith Observatory and Park, The Getty Center, The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the California Science Center, and the Los Angeles Museum of Art.
Foodies and Shopaholics can head to places like Santa Monica and Venice Beach for an incredible experience. You would find some restaurants that serve healthy veggie dishes straight from farm to table! Visi The Mono Hot Springs, too, which is a six-hour drive from LA!
Los Angeles is located in Southern California, and the best time to visit is from March to May.
6. Washington DC
Washington DC is the United States capital city. It is home to many important buildings that represent the country. The United States Capitol and the Capitol Hill, The White House, The 9/11 museum, and the memorial are some of the city’s major attractions and make it one of the best spots.
There is the Lincoln Memorial, The World War 2 Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial.
The city has a wide range of world-class museums for history buffs. You have the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, and the International Spy Museum!
These, along with several other tourist spots, make Washington DC an unmissable city during your visit to the USA. Washington DC is the best visited during the fall, i.e., from September to November.
7. New Mexico
New Mexico is one of the most picturesque.
Full of caves, The Carlsbad Caverns National Park is the most popular attraction here. Along with this, the White Sands National Monument, The Bandelier National Monument, the Petroglyph National Monument, Taos Pueblo, and The Gila Cliff Dwellings are some of the exciting places here too.
Las Cruces in New Mexico is a popular city with beautiful sunny weather. There are many recreational activities like hiking, biking, and golfing in the desert that you can enjoy here. The stunning Organ Mountains above Las Cruces is also a must-visit! You can also go skiing in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Taos.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes place during fall, visiting, which would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience! You can also check out the Cumbers-Toltec Scenic Railway and Billy the Kid Museum. The International UFO Museum and Research Center would also be too fascinating to miss.
The best time to visit this intriguing place is during the fall too!
8. Miami, Florida
Miami, located in southern Florida, is one of the most famous and best spots, providing something for everyone. Filled with beach vibes, this city should also be on your list during your visit to the USA.
As you must already know, the most popular place here is Miami Beach. The black sand beach and South Beach are also popular amongst tourists. The Everglades National Park, Little Havana, Wynwood Wall Street Art, and the Coral Castle are other places to visit.
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and The Dolphin Mall are some places that also attract many tourists. The Art Deco District is also where you go for a casual stroll. For the shoppers, Bayside Marketplace is the perfect place to visit!
For kids and animal enthusiasts, this city also has the Miami Zoo, which is home to many endangered species. You can also explore the Miami Children’s Museum and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science.
Springtime is the best time to visit Miami!
9. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, Colorado, is a mountain town that is the ideal destination for outdoor adventures. The most popular activity here is skiing down the Aspen Mountains.
You can also go hiking on the hiking trails of the Rocky Mountains! Other popular activities here are fly fishing and rafting. There are many theatres and art museums to explore here as well.
The population here is tiny, and there are fewer crowds than in other cities. The Aspen X Games festival and the Aspen Music Festival are prominent events here. The Aspen Brewing Company is also a very popular place to try craft beer.
Other interesting places in this mountain town are the Center for Environmental Studies the ghost tour of the cities run by the Aspen Historical Society, and the Wheeler/Stallard Museum. The gorgeous Arkansas River is a hub for white water rafting, making this place a perfect option for outdoor enthusiasts! Along with all this, don’t forget to take a trip on the Silver Queen Gondola.
the best time to visit Aspen is from December to February.
10. Orlando, Florida
Orlando is also famous worldwide. The primary tourist attractions are Walt Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld. These theme parks are perfect for a fun day with your family!
You can go for a ride on The Wheel at the ICON Park for some sightseeing, feed the giraffes at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and take a day trip to the Old Town.
Other best places to visit are Discovery Cove, The Typhoon Lagoon, Gatorland, and Leu Gardens.
You can also visit the Kennedy Space Center Complex, which offers a unique experience inside the well-known space centre. The Orlando Science Center is another exciting place to visit here!
Orlando is thus a perfect vacation spot for people of all ages, helping it make it to our list. The best time to visit Orlando is from March to May.
11. San Diego, California
The oldest town in California, San Diego, is located in Southern California and is packed with natural beauty.
The San Diego Zoo is a prominent tourist spot, and you get to spend a whole day exploring wildlife. Whale-watching cruises are also available in San Diego! Balboa Park is another tourist attraction you absolutely can not miss. The San Diego Zoo is a part of the majestic Balboa Park.
You can also go hiking on the Sandstone Cliffs of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. There are many boat tours, jet skis, and fishing charters available which provide a view of the city from the water.
The Gaslamp Quarter is one of the best places to visit during nighttime. It’s the hub of the city’s nightlife, where you’ll find stores and restaurants of all sorts. Seaport Village is also a great place to spend a day with your loved ones as this also includes many fun activities.
You can also visit the San Diego beaches, the Old Town State Park, the Sunset Cliffs National Park, and the San Diego Museum of Art during your stay here. The best time to visit San Diego is in September!
12. Chicago, Illinois
Famous for its brilliant architecture, Chicago is a must-visit for every tourist during their visit to the USA. The most crucial tourist attraction here is Millennium Park.
The Cloud Gate, Navy Pier, and River Walk are also some of the well-known spots in the city for people of all ages. You can also catch the latest shows at the iconic Chicago Theatre.
Art and history buffs can head to the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago History Museum for an exciting day of learning! Other best places to visit here are the Shed Aquarium, the Buckingham Fountain, and the Crown Fountain.
You can also go on a sightseeing boat tour on Lake Michigan! There are many other tours available, including the super-cool bike tour.
Don’t forget to visit the John Hancock Observatory for a 1000ft above-the-ground view of the city!
Chicago is the best to visit in September and October.
13. Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is also one of the unmissable and best vacation spots. It is most famous for the Indianapolis 500, the most remarkable car race in the USA. It takes place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway which you should certainly visit.
The city has many museums that can be explored like the Indianapolis State Museum the Art Museum, the Children’s Museum, and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art to name a few. All these places and experiences make Indianapolis one of the best!
Other best places to visit here are the Indiana Central Canal, The White River State Park, and the Monument Circle. The best time to visit Indianapolis is from June to October.
14. New Orleans, Louisiana
With a vibe like no other, New Orleans is a greatly unique city that should be on your list during your visit to the USA as it is also one of the best spots.
The French Quarter, situated alongside the Mississippi River, attracts tourists from around the world. It’s a great place for both entertainment and dining.
Further best places to visit here are the WW 2 Museum, Jackson Square, and the Preservation Hall.
Do not forget to visit the Mardi Gras World as it’s what New Orleans is the most famous for! The Garden District with some of the most beautiful oak trees and The City Park are also great places to visit. All these diverse features.
New Orleans is best to visit from December to May.
15. Alaska
Alaska is a big beautiful place with numerous picturesque tourist attractions located at the pacific northwest border making it one of the best US vacation spots. It’s the best place for nature lovers as you’ll find some of the most majestic views ever seen in your life. There are several magnificent national parks and other hidden gems that make Alaska a must-visit!
The ones with major significance are the Last Frontier, Denali National Park, the Kenai Fjords National Park, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, and the Inside Passage. Even the highways and railroads in Alaska are worth exploring. The Chena Hot Springs is also a must-visit! Juneau and Anchorage’s restaurants and cafes are also widely popular.
Some other interesting places are the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, the Totem Bight State Historic Park, Cannon Beach, and the Mendenhall Glacier.
Alaska also offers many locations for recreational activities like hiking, paddling, and fishing in the great outdoors for all our outdoor enthusiasts! You can also go flightseeing over an Alaskan Mountain Range.
Northern lights can also be seen in Fairbanks and above the Arctic Circle. The best time to visit Alaska is between mid-June and mid-September.
All these beautiful places will make your visit to the USA, truly unforgettable. You only live once and you’d miss a lot if you don’t visit the US. The diverse combination of landmarks and monuments, food, museums, theme parks, and good vibes can only be found here.
Closing Thoughts
Whether you are looking for charming and quaint scenery park city, music festivals, white sand beaches, live music, the seasonal festival that is only held and can be visited in August, and many others.
Other places you can check out our Salt Lake City, Petrified Forest National Park, Half Moon Bay South Lake Tahoe, Priest Lake, Rhode Island, Glacier Bay National Park, Mackinac Island, and San Juan Islands.
Apart from the park already mentioned, you can also visit the Acadia National Park in Maine, Glacier National Park, Island cities in Florida like Key West and the Florida Keys, Yellowstone National Park, the Historic District in South Carolina, as well as North Carolina. Other places like the Zion National Park, Big Sur, and Cape Cod are also popular.
Pack your bags for a trip asap because you do deserve a beautiful travel experience.
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Last Updated on by Pragya Chakrapani
