Searching the USA to find the most charming places in the USA for you to visit in 2017, we’ve partnered with adventure, culture, and luxury travel writer Dr. Cacinda Maloney, from the blog PointsandTravel as she hunts these places down by asking travel writers, bloggers, and photographers.

As a travel writer, blogger, and photographer, I have traveled around the world twice this year, traveling to 47 countries in 12 months. As I was thinking about my travel year for 2017 and reflecting about my 2016 year-end review, I thought that I should spend a little more time in the good ole’ USA in 2017. Starting out the year, my first trip will be to Yellowstone, Montana and then to Lake Charles, Louisiana for Mardi Gras, so I have a good USA start. Planning the rest of the year, I wanted to find the best places to visit in the USA in 2017. Being on the road so much, I meet a lot of mega-travelers, so I asked travel writers, bloggers, and photographers that I have met along the way what their best travel recommendations in the USA are. I will start first with one of my favorite cities in the USA:

Best Places to Visit in the USA in 2017 

New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo by Cacinda Maloney

There is nothing quite like the atmosphere the moment you arrive in downtown New Orleans. Instantly you will feel the magic from the sounds of street musicians to the eclectic shopping, the dancing in the streets of the second line parades (post-wedding celebrations), to the smell of the classic French beignets and creole food. New Orleans is the place to go because never a day will go by that you won’t have something incredibly fun to do.

Cacinda Maloney of PointsandTravel

Savannah, Georgia

Photo by Annette Slowik-White

There’s no better place to be welcomed with southern hospitality than in the historic district of the oldest city in Georgia — Savannah. Charming B&Bs with Old World architecture line the streets, 22 squares give the downtown a place to indulge in greenery amidst the Georgian style buildings and pedicabs whiz by toting happy passengers. As if that is not enough to whet your Savannah appetite, you can’t forget about the decadent southern cooking washed down with a refreshing glass of sweet tea.

Annette Slowik-White of Bucket list Journey 

Sarasota, Florida

Photo by Kelly Stilwell

If you truly want to get away, Sarasota has warm temps throughout the entire year, and the white sand beaches at Siesta Key Beach, #2 in the country for 2016 according to Dr. Beach, will remind you how to relax. For adventure, take a kayak or paddleboard through the mangrove tunnels, frequented by both manatees and dolphins. After enjoying the sunset, hit St. Armand’s Circle for dinner and shopping, or take a stroll down Main Street, a foodie’s haven.

Kelly Stilwell of Virtually Yours

Scottsdale, Arizona 

Photo by Lisa Niver

Immerse yourself in Scottsdale, Arizona for art, architecture, and hiking. Whether you want to golf, shop or even learn to surf, this is the place for you. Discover the place that Frank Lloyd Wright called home at Taliesin West and find something for your house at one of the many galleries during Art Walk. Fantastic food, incredible mountains, and stunning sunrises await your visit.

Lisa Niver of We Said Go Travel

San Antonio, Texas

Photo by Marilyn Jones

After strolling along San Antonio’s famous River Walk and taking a cruise on the waterway, visit the 18^th century Alamo and four other Spanish colonial missions making up the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. There’s plenty for the young and young-at-heart as well including Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio Zoo, San Antonio Aquarium, and several water parks. San Antonio is romantic, historic, and fun!

Marilyn Jones of TravelWithMarilyn

Estes Park, Colorado 

Photo by Justin Kalvin

I instantly feel revitalized when fresh mountain air washes over me in Estes Park, Colorado. It’s a gateway town to Rocky Mountain National Park, which has some of the most jaw-dropping hikes, including Emerald Lake (pictured), Alberta Falls, and Sprague Lake. The mountain views are unforgettable. It’s a great place to see animals up close like elk, rabbits, and a variety of birds. Moraine Park Campground is one of my favorite places to camp, the stars there are breathtaking. Estes Park is the perfect place to get in touch with nature.

Anna Vawser of The Legendary Adventures of Anna

Houston, Texas

Photo by Leah Walker

Houston is a Texas city that’s often overlooked in favor of hip Austin, family-friendly San Antonio, and larger-than-life Dallas/Fort Worth. Other than snow skiing, Houston has just about anything you could want. The Bayou City is an extremely diverse cultural and culinary place, featuring a mind-boggling number of restaurants and the second-largest arts district in the country. Before moving to Paris, I called Houston home for twelve years. Now, I miss the annual Livestock Show and Rodeo, the passion for the city’s sports teams, and last but not least, I miss the food.

Leah Walker of Leah Travels

New York City, New York

Photo by Sher Sg

New York City is the city that never sleeps and is sure to offer something for every kind of traveler. From multicultural cuisine for die-hard ‘foodies’ to Broadway shows and museums for families…to endless shopping on Fifth Ave for the jet-setters, travelers to NYC won’t be disappointed! Repeat visitors should be sure to check out new hip neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Bushwick, and Astoria for the latest in coffee, counter-culture, and affordable eats.

Sher Sg of Sher She Goes

The Wave, Arizona

Photo by Kevin Lu

The wave’s coveted sandstone landscape is preserved and protected from tourism. Although it may only be a $7 pass, it’s almost impossible to secure an entry. Enter the lottery as this U.S. National Park is so spectacular, there is a $1200 fine for trespassing. Only twenty people are allowed into the National Park every day. According to Bureau of Land Management, Coyote Buttes (where the Wave is located), you had a 4-5% chance of winning a permit for the Wave… and that was in 2013.

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Cacinda Maloney

Latest posts by Cacinda Maloney (see all)

• How NOT to be a tourist in a new city… even if you are one! - December 3, 2019
• Do’s and don’ts for surviving long-haul air travel - November 11, 2019
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