It would take a lifetime to discover every city in the U.S. And while our resident Australian, Erin Holmes of Explore With Erin hasn’t spent a lifetime in there, she did take 2 years to road trip through 41 states. She has hundreds of favorites, but to make things a bit easier for you we asked her to scale it down to her top 5 in each region. Here are her picks for the 20 best U.S. destinations to add to your bucket list.
In 2015, I started a road trip across the USA and Canada with my two children. In one year, we covered 15,645 miles. It sounds like a lot, but with 3.8 million square miles, we hardly dented the surface.
Our path through the U.S. and Canada followed the above route. Credit: @ExploreWithErin
The United States of America is the world’s third or fourth largest country by total area and the third most populous country. The kids and I only managed 41 out of the 50 states and 6 out of 10 Canadian provinces. But we fell in love with every bit we discovered. Still, everyone has their favorites. Here are our top 20, as voted on by an 8, 9 and 30-something-year-old.
West Coast
Las Vegas, Nevada
It might be cheesy but it’s true, Vegas is one of my favorite places in the U.S. It is so different and so out of this world entertaining that you could spend a week there and never find time to gamble. Plus, our kids had a blast! Check out downtown’s Container Park.
Crescent City, California
We based ourselves in Crescent City to see some pretty incredible nature in California and Oregon. You won’t want to miss the astounding Redwood giants, then head for a day on the stunning Oregon beaches. Finally, do not miss Crater Lake. It’s by far one of the most beautiful landscapes in the U.S.
Big Island, Hawaii
Separated by leeward Kona and windward Hilo, all of the Big Island is worth exploring. In Kona, take an Atlantis Submarine Tour to see the bottom of the ocean floor. And don’t forget to indulge in some shaved ice. But nothing beats a volcano helicopter tour in Hilo. Unforgettable, particularly when you feel that warmth right up against your skin.
Juneau, Alaska
Many people pass through Alaska on a cruise ship, just like we did. But we returned to Juneau because it is a wonderfully wild frontier. Catch fresh salmon, find yourself a bear or take some careful steps onto a glacier.
Port Angeles, Washington
This whole section of the Olympic Peninsula is stunning and very quiet. You’ll go from ghost-like beaches to incredible mountains. Olympic National Park in Port Angeles has some of the best views you’re likely to find.
East Coast
New York City, New York
You can’t pass up the city that never sleeps. From the Statue of Liberty to pizza the size of your head, New York City is not just for big kids. Our kids adored ice skating in Central Park, poking through the many museums and visiting the very top of the Empire State Building.
White Mountains, New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s White Mountains rank as one of the most underrated destinations on the map in my opinion. And if the scenery doesn’t capture your heart, heading back to nature sure will. My top tips are a visit to Diana’s Bath (bring your swimsuit), Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway and Flume Gorge. Make sure you don’t leave without first tubing on the Saco River.
Orlando, Florida
Florida almost needs its own region; it’s jam-packed with amazing destinations all over. The most obvious is Orlando, not just because of Disney and Universal Studios, but for its proximity to Winter Park. This is the home of The Safari Wilderness Ranch, labeled by Fodor’s as one of the “10 Best Safaris in the U.S.”
Orlando’s proximity to amusement parks and wildlife makes it a must-visit for everyone. Credit: @ExploreWithErin
Charleston, South Carolina
Founded in 1670, Charleston is still all cobbled streets and horse-drawn carriages. As the oldest and largest city in South Carolina, it’s definitely worth a visit, especially the French Quarter and Battery Districts.
Tampa, Florida
If I moved to Florida, it would be to Tampa. Its location is perfect — being so close to Orlando, plus St. Petersburg and Clearwater. While in town, you won’t want to miss one sunset on the beach, plus admire the eight “Masterworks” in the Salvador Dali Museum or ride the waterslides at Adventure Island. And whatever you do, take a visit to Clearwater Marine Aquarium and be inspired by dolphins Hope and Winter.
Midwest
Fort Wayne, Indiana
What surprises this Midwest town offers. Fort Wayne boasts the Genealogy Center (the country’s largest), plus Vera Bradley’s headquarters. You also won’t want to miss taking the company slide at Sweetwater.
Rapid City, South Dakota
What we love about Rapid City is that you can see a crazy amount of natural wonders from this one location. You can hit up Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Wind Caves, Mammoth Hot Springs, the Badlands and Wall Drug—America’s largest and craziest drugstore—in the span of just a couple days.
Bloomington, Minnesota
I am sure Bloomington has a lot going for it … but seriously, you could spend 3 full days just in the Mall of America, the largest mall in the U.S., without ever leaving it. Theme parks, golfing, hotels, aquariums, the list doesn’t end.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Utah is one of the most underrated destinations in the U.S. I’ve only picked Salt Lake City as a base, because from here you will want to attempt all the parks. Arches is my favorite.
Chicago, Illinois
Goes without saying, doesn’t it? Chicago is one of the most kid-friendly destinations in the U.S. There is so much to do and, of course, there is pizza. Very deep, very gooey pizza.
Two reasons Chicago is one of the best cities in the U.S: pizza and the Bean! Credit: @ExploreWithErin
South
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is one of my absolute favorite U.S. cities. There is so much to do and so much culture and history here, it’s like visiting a completely different country. Don’t miss Nicholas Cage’s ultra-weird pyramid tomb which will one day be the actor’s final resting place.
Nashville, Tennessee
After watching the TV series, I was so excited for Nashville. Not only did it have the best food in all of the United States, it is also a country music fan’s dream town.
Louisville, Kentucky
There is so much more to Louisville then eating Kentucky Fried Chicken. It is a museum lover’s dream. My favorites? The Kentucky Derby Museum, Muhammed Ali Museum, and the Slugger Museum for baseball fans. With all that education, make some time for fun at the world’s only fully underground zip lines at the Louisville Mega Cavern.
Grapevine, Texas
Close to Dallas, Grapevine is actually a better choice for families, especially if you haven’t visited a Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park yet.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is a must visit if only to go to Coca-Cola World to try 30 different Coke varieties. You’ll also find America’s best aquarium here, complete with a whale shark, plus CNN headquarters.
Which U.S. cities are your favorites? Tell us in the comments!
Erin Holmes
Latest posts by Erin Holmes (see all)
- 5 bucket list animal experiences worth traveling for - January 3, 2022
- 5 ways to actually enjoy flying economy - January 18, 2020
- 21 surprising things you CAN take on a plane - November 12, 2019
Travelocity compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.
I think NYC should be on everyone’s bucket list! See the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park and the Twin Towers Memorial.. Those are so iconic, you feel like you are a part of a movie when you are there!
Marina | https://traveleatblog.com/
Krytykuj przyjaciela w cztery oczy, a chwal zawsze przy swiadkach i podwladnych. Leonardo da Vinci & Tm.
I beloved as much as you’ll obtain carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an nervousness over that you would like be delivering the following. sick unquestionably come further before again as exactly the same just about a lot ceaselessly within case you defend this increase.