15+ Best Places to Visit in USA

This article was last updated and fact checked on June 26, 2022 by Mani Karthik.

The United States is such a large and diverse country that it would take you years to fully explore the country. But there are some destinations that offer a lot of fun and excitement that can be visited on a short trip too.

Here’s a look at some of the best places to visit in the US, if you are looking for a fun and memorable vacation.  

New York City

New York might be the most unique city in the world. The best way to appreciate and experience NYC is by walking down its beautiful, movie-set-like streets.

You’ll get to see world-famous sites at every corner. From the Empire State Building to Central Park, and Rockefeller Plaza, Times Square, the Chrysler Building, Broadway, 5th Avenue, and the iconic Statue of Liberty, this city has almost too many must-see attractions for a single visit.

You can go on sightseeing by day and make the most of your evenings by catching a Broadway show, shopping or dining at one of the many popular restaurants here. Among the top tourist hotspots in America, New York City is definitely worth a visit, time and time again.

Things to do in New York for Tourists

• Visit central park.
• Visit Whitney Museum of Art.
• Visit Brooklyn Heights Promenade.
• Visit Grand Central Terminal.
• Visit 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
• Visit Broadway.
• Visit Brooklyn Bridge.
• Visit Rockefeller Center.
• Visit Americaan Museum of Natural History.
• Visit Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum.

Las Vegas

Glittering Las Vegas holds an appeal quite unlike any other city in the world and has been a tourist hotspot for decades. With its huge resort complexes that provide a variety of entertainment options all year round and endless casinos, this city attracts all kinds of people.

Plus, many top music artists perform in front of packed audiences every night in this city. You can also go to the Red Rocks National Park nearby for an amazing hiking experience or explore the art and tech scenes of the city.

Things to do in Las Vegas for Tourists

• Visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
• Visit the High Roller.
• Pay a Visit to The Strip.
• Watch the Fountains of Bellagio.
• Visit Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck.
• Visit Stratosphere Tower.
• Visit Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden.

San Francisco

A pleasant and scenic city on the West Coast, filled with popular sites and stunning views, San Francisco is the ideal destination for a weekend getaway for couples and families alike.

Whether you go for a cruise on the city’s iconic bay, stroll down Fisherman’s Wharf, drive over the Golden Gate Bridge, tour Alcatraz, or indulge in some fine outdoor dining, you’re sure to have a great time in this city. Summer and fall are the best times for a visit, but the city has a mild climate and you can visit it any time of the year.

Things to do in San Francisco for Tourists.

• Visit Golden Gate Bridge.
• Visit Alcatraz Island.
• Visit Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Visit Ride the Cable Cars.
• Visit Golden Gate Park.
• Visit Chinatown.
• Visit Palace of Fine Arts.

The Grand Canyon, Arizona

Having attracted tourists for many generations now, the Grand Canyon is a bucket-list destination for many and a highlight of any US trip. As you gaze out over its cliff walls, you get to experience an endless horizon before you and a seemingly bottomless depth below.

To visit the Grand Canyon, you can go on a day trip from Phoenix or Las Vegas, go on a driving trip through Arizona or take a train from Williams. Whatever you choose, your experience is going to be delightful and unforgettable.

Waikiki

If you love beaches, then you simply must visit Waikiki. This vibrant neighborhood lies on the beautiful tropical island of Oahu in Honolulu, Hawaii, and is widely popular for Waikiki Beach, a golden sand beach stretching along the oceanfront and backed by retail establishments and hotels.

Rent a surfboard and hit the waves, follow that up with some shopping and enjoy a variety of dining options at night. Waikiki is the ideal destination for a summer vacation for everyone.

Washington, DC

A trip to the USA would be incomplete if you don’t visit the actual capital of the nation. Yes, Washington DC and not NYC is the capital. It is home to the most popular national treasures and tourist attractions, including the White House, the Capitol Building, and the Smithsonian museums, among others.

The spring is a beautiful time to visit the city, with the trees in full bloom. This is also the time when the city celebrates the popular Cherry Blossom Festival. Fall is a great time to walk the streets when the summer heat has cooled off. The city also looks particularly stunning in winter after some fresh snowfall.

Miami

Although best known for its stunning beaches, Miami is much more than that. The city offers a unique atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else in the country.

You can go to Calle Ocho in Little Havana for a Cuban vibe, experience Miami Beach and its nostalgic Art Deco District, enjoy South Beach’s summertime scene, or simply gaze at the endless sports cars that cruise along Ocean Drive every evening. Also, Everglades National Park lies just a day’s trip from this city.

This is a one-of-a-kind wetlands area, popular for its turtles, alligators, and birds of a variety of species.

Los Angeles

The glamorous city of Los Angeles is the center point of Southern California and its unique culture.

The suburbs of Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Bel Air have dominated pop culture and added to the city’s allure. LA offers a variety of vacation possibilities. For movie lovers, Hollywood is a must-visit, while families can have an enjoyable experience at Disneyland.

There are plenty of possibilities for shoppers as well. If you’re into a laidback beach scene, Venice Beach is a great place to be at. On the other hand, if you’re a history buff, you should visit the La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum.

Chicago

With a pleasant waterfront and beautiful parks, Chicago is the ideal summer destination. However, this city, lying on the shores of Lake Michigan, is also popular for its outstanding cultural and art attractions and fantastic avenues for shopping.

The Magnificent Mile is the city’s most iconic area, with many high-end stores, galleries, famous buildings and some stunning architecture. Other noteworthy tourist spots include Millennium Park, the Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Willis Tower SkyDeck.

New Orleans

New Orleans offers a mix of different cultures, making it a unique experience of Southern USA. In fact, being heavily influenced by Spanish and French cultures, the city feels more Caribbean than American.

Tourists can relish the Creole and Cajun cuisine, listen to some great Jazz music and witness the beautiful architecture of the French Quarter. The city is also popular for its Mardi Gras holiday, which is celebrated for two weeks during February-March each year.

This is the time when New Orleans is filled with seemingly never-ending celebrations, fancy costumes, outrageous floats and loud music being played on the streets.

Orlando

Orlando attracts a lot of tourists every year for its various theme parks, such as Universal Studios, Walt Disney World Resort and SeaWorld. These huge attractions are the reason why this place is among the most popular destinations for families and kids and why school holidays during summer and winter are quite hectic.

The parks are great for adults as well, but Orlando has a lot to offer apart from this. You can shop, golf, dine or simply enjoy the beautiful sunshine. You can also visit the famous Kennedy Space Center, which lies a day’s trip away from Orlando.       

Savannah

Savannah is the perfect example of a small southern city in the US. Old mansions, beautiful parks with huge moss-covered trees, a charming waterfront area, and historic buildings with unique stores are some of the highlights of this city. The people of the city are calm and friendly, and they live a laid-back life.

The city center is small, but a beautiful place to hang out at. There are also some nice beaches nearby, on Hilton Head Island and Tybee Island. You can certainly see all of Savannah in a single day, but you just might want to spend your entire vacation in its peaceful environment.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling city in the heart of Southwestern US. Tourism in the city is particularly hectic in the winter season, when northerners come here in large numbers to escape the cold. The city is well known for its spa retreats and golfing resorts. It is also great for shopping, relaxing by pools, light hiking, and mountain biking.

Seattle

Seattle is a lovely coastal city in the northwest corner of the US. The city is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and water, which make it look like Vancouver. Key attractions in the city include the Space Needle, which is an observation tower, the beautiful waterfront, and the bustling Pike Place Market.

There are also some beautiful beaches, mountain landscapes, and rainforest just at a day’s trip away from Seattle. Having a mild climate, the city is a great choice for getaway any time of the year.

Boston

Boston is a historical city, situated along the Eastern Seaboard. The popular Freedom Trail makes it very easy for tourists to navigate around the city and see all the famous and historic sites it is home to.

Scenically located along the oceanfront, Boston is quite charming. With modern skyscrapers standing next to historic buildings and open public spaces, such as Boston Common, the city has a wonderful small-town feel. The city is also home to the popular Boston Pops Orchestra and has an amazing art scene.

There is so much more to see in the US that no short trip can do it justice. So, plan your itinerary well ahead of your trip to make the most of your time in the country.