If you’re anything like me, choosing where to go in the United States can feel overwhelming. The country is huge. It’s packed with mountains, cities, deserts, coasts, tiny towns… and somehow every place feels like a whole world of its own. After taking a couple of cross-country road trips and bouncing between everything from busy boroughs to empty desert highways, I’ve got a good feel for what stands out.
So if you’re planning your next big trip—or even a weekend escape—here are my personal top 10 places to visit in the US. Think of this as a list you’d get from a friend over coffee, not a tourist brochure. I’ll keep it real with what’s great, what’s not perfect, and what you absolutely shouldn’t miss while you’re there.
Let’s dive in.
1. Glacier National Park, Montana
Best for: Hikers, nature lovers, and people who use “wow” way too often.
Glacier National Park blew me away. Literally. The wind coming off those peaks is no joke. But even that can’t pull your eyes away from what’s in front of you. Picture snow-dusted mountains reflected in clear alpine lakes, wildflowers in full bloom, and glaciers clinging to cliffs like they’ve always been there.
Let me say this: if you only visit one national park in your lifetime, make it Glacier. Even if you’re not big on hiking, just driving along the Going-to-the-Sun Road feels like a full-blown adventure. And if you are into hiking, there are more than 700 miles of trails to choose from. The Highline Trail is stunning (and slightly terrifying if you’re scared of heights), while the Grinnell Glacier hike is a proper workout with huge rewards.
Tip: Visit in late summer—July through September—when most of the park is open and snow has melted from higher elevations.
What I loved:
Unreal scenery that looks fake in photos
Crystal-clear lakes for kayaking
Wildlife that actually shows up (I saw mountain goats!)
What to know:
It’s remote. Gas up and stock snacks before you go.
Late snow can close roads well into July.
2. New York City, New York
Best for: Foodies, art lovers, urban explorers, and anyone who wants a little bit of everything, all the time.
NYC is as intense, exciting, and unforgettable as people say. Either you fall in love immediately, or it grows on you like ivy—but either way, it sticks. From the art at The Met to street musicians in the subway, there’s always something pulling your attention.
Central Park is surprisingly peaceful if you want a breather. I loved renting a bike and cruising through the paths, dodging squirrels and selfie sticks. Then just blocks away, you’re in Times Square, shoulder to shoulder with a million blinking ads and Broadway ticket sellers shouting deals.
For the best view of Midtown (with far fewer crowds than the Empire State Building), head to the Top of the Rock. At sunset, the golden hour lights up both downtown and Central Park. I promise—it’s magic.
Must-dos:
Walk The High Line
Get a bagel at a corner deli (skip the chains)
Take the Staten Island Ferry for a free view of the Statue of Liberty
What I loved:
Every meal was a win—from falafel to fine dining
Neighborhoods feel like separate cities
The subway honestly works (most days)
What to know:
It’s expensive. Budget more than you think.
Walking is faster than taxi. Trust your feet.
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
Best for: Music, history, food you can’t stop dreaming about, and letting loose (just a little).
I don’t think there’s another US city with this much soul. New Orleans has layers—rich history, vibrant culture, and that feeling that something is always happening just around the corner.
Start in the French Quarter. I know, it’s touristy. But even with the buzz of Bourbon Street, you’ll find quiet courtyards, jazz pouring out of windows, and hidden gems like the Ernest Hemingway Home just outside the area.
Eat a beignet buried in powdered sugar at Café du Monde (yeah, it’s worth the hype). Then wander over to Frenchmen Street for live music any night of the week.
And don’t skip the food scene. Creole, Cajun, soul food—it’s the kind of place where you accidentally eat lunch twice.
What I loved:
Real jazz, not just tourist covers
Locals were incredibly kind
Ghost tours actually gave me goosebumps
What to know:
Summer humidity is rough. Best to go October–April.
Venture past the French Quarter—Magazine Street is full of gems
4. San Francisco, California
Best for: Coastal views, foodies, tech nerds, and chill city vibes
San Francisco is like multiple cities smashed into steep hills and surrounded by water. It’s beautiful, quirky, and expensive—as in really expensive. But it’s also loaded with character.
Start your day by walking across the Golden Gate Bridge. Even if you’re not a morning person, seeing the bridge glow under early sunlight is something special. Then take a trip to Alcatraz (the stories and views are wild), or ride bikes to Sausalito and grab lunch by the water.
Don’t skip the neighborhoods. The Mission District has incredible tacos and murals; Chinatown is the oldest in the U.S.; and the Castro is full of history (and rainbow flags).
What I loved:
Fog rolling over the hills in the morning
So many amazing parks hidden all over the city
Muir Woods is just a quick escape
What to know:
The weather changes every hour. Bring layers.
Parking is brutal—use public transit or walk
5. Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina & Virginia
Best for: Fall colors, peaceful drives, mountain towns, and cozy getaways
If you’re craving the kind of trip where your pulse slows down and everything smells like pine, the Blue Ridge Mountains are the answer. I did part of this scenic route in October, and honestly, I didn’t want it to end. The leaves were a riot of red, orange, and gold—it felt like driving through a warm postcard.
One of the biggest highlights is the Blue Ridge Parkway, often called “America’s Favorite Drive.” It lives up to the name. Every few miles, there are pull-offs with views that genuinely make you stop the car (and maybe cry a little if you’re the emotional type—no shame).
Asheville, North Carolina is the unofficial capital of cool in these mountains. It’s full of breweries, outdoor markets, live music, and some of the best food I’ve had away from big cities. The Biltmore Estate, right outside the city, is an absolute dream too. It’s the largest privately owned home in the U.S., and it really feels like an American Downton Abbey.
What I loved:
- Every turn on the road gives you a new jaw-dropping view
- Asheville’s local beer and food scene is seriously underrated
- The mix of small town charm and outdoor adventure is perfect
What to know:
- Cell service is spotty in the mountains—download everything in advance
- Fall weekends get crowded, especially for leaf peeping
6. The Grand Canyon, Arizona
Best for: Epic views, hiking that humbles you, and feeling small in the best way
You’ve seen the photos. You know it’s big. But until you’re standing on the canyon’s edge, you don’t get it. The Grand Canyon just… keeps going.
Most people stop at the South Rim, snap a few pics, and call it a day. Don’t be that person. Take the Bright Angel Trail or the South Kaibab down into the canyon, even if just for a couple hours. The views change completely once you’re inside it. If you’re up for a bigger challenge, hike to the Colorado River and back—but prep for it. It’s no joke.
If hiking isn’t your thing, helicopter tours are pricey but unforgettable. I did one at sunset and felt like I was seeing Earth from another planet.
What I loved:
- The sheer scale and colors shift all day long
- Staring up at the stars from a campsite is unreal
- Sunrise is peaceful and powerful at the same time
What to know:
- It gets hot at the bottom of the canyon—plan accordingly
- Lodging inside the park books up months in advance
7. Washington, D.C.
Best for: History buffs, museum lovers, and exploring without spending a ton
Surprised to see D.C. on the list? Don’t be. Where else can you walk past the White House and see the original Star-Spangled Banner in the same day—for free?
That’s the thing. D.C. is packed with world-class museums, and most don’t cost a cent. I spent hours wandering the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, then another full afternoon getting pulled into moving exhibits at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. There’s something deeply powerful about standing where so many historical events took place.
Beyond museums, the National Mall is a place you’ll want to explore slowly. It stretches between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, and you’ll pass monuments, gardens, and iconic landmarks the entire way.
What I loved:
- Free things to do that are actually amazing
- Public transit makes it easy to get around
- Great coffee, beer spots, and food trucks just off the Mall
What to know:
- Summers are sticky—spring and fall feel best
- Weekdays are quieter if you want to skip the crowds
8. Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada
Best for: Outdoor adventure year-round, mountain town vibes, cool water and cooler air
Lake Tahoe hits different. It’s got that alpine-meets-lake charm where you can hike a mountain trail in the morning, paddleboard on crystal-clear water in the afternoon, and crash at a cabin that smells like campfire.
In winter, the ski resorts are top notch. I’m not even a great skier and still had a blast trying out one of the beginner runs in North Lake Tahoe.
In summer, it flips into hiking, beach lounging, and boat cruising mode. Emerald Bay is one of the prettiest spots and feels like it was cooked up in a fairytale. And yes, the water really is that blue.
What I loved:
- Swimming in chilly mountain water after a hot hike
- Sunrise over the lake—yes, I woke up at 5 am and no, I don’t regret it
- The mix of nature and little towns like Incline Village or Truckee
What to know:
Altitude adjustment is real—drink tons of water
Lodging is $$$ during peak season, so book ahead or camp
9. Charleston, South Carolina
Best for: Slow strolls, history, Southern food, and seaside charm
Charleston feels like it was made for long walks and lazy afternoons. The historic district is full of pastel houses, cobblestone streets, and live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. Around sunset, head to The Battery, the old seawall promenade, and watch the light change over the water while horse carriages clip-clop past.
What made me fall for Charleston, though, was the food. Shrimp and grits. Fried green tomatoes. Biscuits so buttery they should come with a warning. Even the airport had great pimento cheese.
There’s fascinating and complex history here too—make time to visit a plantation like Boone Hall or a Gullah tour to learn more about the area’s African heritage.
What I loved:
- Romantic, walkable neighborhoods
- Hidden gardens and alleyways between shops
- Seafood so fresh it practically flops on your plate
What to know:
Summer humidity is a full-body experience
Some historic tours can feel a bit sanitized—ask questions
10. The Pacific Coast Drive (California to Oregon)
Best for: Scenic road trips, ocean views, hidden beaches, and small-town stops
If there’s one road trip you do in the US, make it this one. The Pacific Coast Drive—especially the stretch along Highway 1 from San Francisco to Portland—is hands down one of the most beautiful drives I’ve ever done.
You’ve got cliffs that drop into the ocean, towering redwoods that touch the sky, and quiet towns that seem pulled straight from a movie. I found myself stopping every 20 minutes to take pictures, stretch my legs, or just gawk at waves crashing into the rocks below.
The Big Sur area in California is the star here. Bixby Bridge looks like it’s straight out of a luxury car commercial. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park has this neat waterfall that drops straight down to a beach you can’t access (but trust me—it’s mesmerizing). Then there’s Mendocino and Coos Bay in Oregon—tiny, artistic, and peaceful places that beg you to slow down.
What I loved:
- The ever-changing ocean views while driving
- Redwood National Park—even standing still, it feels like the trees are breathing
- Quaint coffee shops and seafood shacks with a view
What to know:
- Rockslides sometimes shut the road—always check road conditions
- Gas stations can be few and far between, especially in Big Sur
- Honorable Mentions (Because 10 Isn’t Enough)
Okay, I know this is a “top 10” list, but it’d feel criminal to leave out a few others that almost made the cut. Depending on your interests, these could be top picks too:
➤ New England, especially in fall
If you love fall foliage, covered bridges, and tiny coastal towns, this is your dream. Cape Cod is great in the summer, but Vermont in October? Chef’s kiss.
➤ Chicago, Illinois
One summer spent in Chicago will convince you it’s one of the most friendly, exciting cities in the US. Don’t miss Millennium Park, the lakefront, and deep-dish pizza. And yes—the bean (Cloud Gate) is cooler in person.
➤ Savannah, Georgia
Imagine Charleston’s artsy cousin. Spanish moss, old cemeteries, haunted tours, and strong cocktails served to-go. This city oozes charm.
➤ San Diego, California
Always 72°F and sunny. Surfing, hiking, tacos, and the best sunsets lined by palm trees. What’s not to love?
A Few Travel Tips for Exploring the US
Traveling around the United States can feel big and overwhelming, especially if you’re coming from abroad. But here are a few things I’ve learned that might help you plan:
✅ Renting a car is worth it, especially for big scenic places. Public transit works well in cities like New York and D.C., but national parks or drives like Pacific Coast Highway need wheels.
✅ Book lodging early in national parks. Campgrounds and lodges in places like Glacier or the Grand Canyon fill up months in advance—seriously.
✅ Mix cities with quiet towns. Some of my favorite nights were spent in places no one’s heard of (I’m looking at you, Franklin, TN), eating local BBQ and watching the stars.
✅ Weather is wildly different. It’s snowing in Montana while it’s 90°F and humid in Florida. Always check the forecast, especially if you’re packing light.
✅ Talk to locals. People love sharing their favorite spots. You’ll find better food and cooler views this way than anything Tripadvisor can offer.
Comparing the Experiences: City Life vs. Nature Escapes
When people ask me where to go in the US, my first question is always: “Do you want the city or the great outdoors?” Because how you answer really changes everything.
If You Love Cities…
Big US cities aren’t just hubs—they’re portals into completely different cultures. I’m not exaggerating when I say New York City feels like 20 cities in one. You can eat dim sum in Chinatown, walk a few blocks, and suddenly be surrounded by jazz clubs or vegan cupcake shops.
Washington, D.C. offers just as much—minus the 24/7 pace of NYC. The museums alone are enough to justify a visit, especially because most are free. You could easily spend three full days on the National Mall and still not cover it all. Plus, the food scene’s sneakily good—tacos from a food truck, Ethiopian dishes in Adams Morgan, or fancy ramen in DuPont Circle.
San Francisco is the cool, creative cousin out West. It’s more laid-back, but there’s still plenty to do between foggy bridge walks and espresso-fueled mornings. It’s the mix of charming chaos and techy culture that makes SF unique.
And then there’s New Orleans. NOLA isn’t just a city—it’s a full-on mood. Every street has stories, and every meal tastes like a celebration. If you like music, food, and cultures that run deep, don’t skip it.
If You Crave Nature…
The US delivers some of the most jaw-dropping natural landscapes on Earth. And the best part? They’re so varied that it feels like you’re on a different continent in each park.
Glacier National Park might be the most dramatic nature I’ve ever seen. Even if you don’t hike far, the drive alone is life-changing. I kept thinking: How is this real?
Lake Tahoe is great because it’s multi-seasonal. Summer means mountain lakes and hikes. Winter? Snow-covered trees and world-class skiing.
The Grand Canyon is… just on another level. I thought I knew what to expect because I’d seen hundreds of photos. But standing on the edge of it makes your stomach drop—in the best way.
For a quieter version of the big park experience, the Blue Ridge Mountains and nearby Asheville give you fall colors, hiking trails, art, food, and mountain air all in one package. The Pacific Coast, meanwhile, blends nature and road-tripping into a dream travel combo.
Nature destination comparison:
Place Best For Can’t-Miss Moment Insider Tip
Glacier NP Hiking and big views Highline Trail Go late summer—some roads open late
Grand Canyon Epic scale + hiking South Kaibab sunrise Hike in and camp overnight if you can
Tahoe Lakes + mountains Emerald Bay lookout Bring layers—even summer mornings are cold
Blue Ridge Fall drives + cozy escapes Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville is perfect for a downtown drink after hiking
Pacific Coast Drive Road trip magic Sunset at Big Sur Watch for rockslide detours and limited gas stations
Why You Should Do Both (Eventually)
Here’s the thing—you don’t have to choose. Explore that fast-paced, sleepless city one trip, and recharge in a quiet forest the next.
Balance is key. And the US makes it super easy to swing from city chaos to mountain calm.
For example, after New York, hop a train to upstate towns like Hudson or Beacon. After visiting San Francisco, drive just over an hour to hike through the awe-inspiring redwoods in Muir Woods. Even busy D.C. has Rock Creek Park—a full-on forest running through the city.
Here’s what I usually tell people:
Try both ends of the spectrum. One will surprise you. And trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
How to Pick the Right Destination for You
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when figuring out the best places to visit in the US. It really depends on what kind of traveler you are.
Some questions to ask yourself:
Do you want movement and energy, or peace and quiet?
Mountains or oceans?
Local food tours or long hikes?
A quick weekend getaway or a week-long road trip?
Here’s a simple breakdown I wish I had when I first started traveling across the US:
If You Love… Go Here
Live music and food New Orleans or Nashville
Museums and political history Washington, D.C.
Coastal drives and ocean views Pacific Coast Highway
Big mountain hikes Glacier National Park
World-class restaurants and art New York City
Fall scenery and charming towns Blue Ridge Mountains
Desert landscapes and jaw-dropping viewpoints Grand Canyon
Coastal charm and southern food Charleston or Savannah
Laid-back lake days and winter skiing Lake Tahoe
Progressive cities with an outdoorsy vibe San Francisco or Portland
Still not sure? Start small. Pick one big city and one nature spot within driving distance. You’ll get the best of both worlds in a short time—and better odds of something making you say, “Okay, I’m coming back…”
Final Thoughts
If you’ve made it this far—thanks for hanging with me. I honestly had way too much fun reliving these experiences.
Here’s the truth: the United States is not perfect. Some towns are touristy. Some places can be pricey or overhyped. But when you piece together your own path through it—back roads, local favorites, unplanned adventures—it gets really good.
And that’s kind of the secret. The best places to visit in the US aren’t just about what’s “top-rated” on a list. They’re the ones you connect with—often unexpectedly.
Maybe it’s the sunrise you watched from a campground in Montana. Or the jazz you stumbled into on a random Tuesday in New Orleans. Maybe it’s picking pumpkin pie and cider in Vermont, or getting lost in a museum in D.C.
Whatever “best” means to you—find it.
Now, here’s your challenge:
- Pick one place from this list
- Build your trip around it
- And let yourself wander just enough to be surprised
Safe travels. And don’t forget snacks. Always bring snacks.
