Best places to visit in the USA

Jaw dropping national parks filled with mountains and forests, bustling cities with world class museums and galleries, and vast, empty expanses that seem to stretch on forever: the USA is blessed with variety in a way that most other countries simply aren’t, making it a dream destination for many.

Whether you want to sit on bone white sand under a scorching sun, or see a skyscraper-filled skyline covered in snow, you can do it in America. But with so much to do, it can be hard to answer the question: where are the best places to visit in the USA? Check out our guide below and you’ll be able to plan your perfect American trip!

Best places to visit for nature

When it comes to the best places to travel in the US for nature, nothing beats America’s Great National Parks. These 63 sites cover 83 million acres and collectively contain an unimaginable amount of biodiversity. The National Parks Service was founded by Woodrow Wilson, and remains one of the most successful natural preservation schemes of all time. Nowadays, domestic and foreign tourists alike can bask in the majesty of America’s landscapes, and become intimate with the incredibly diverse flora and fauna that calls these sites home.

 From the enchanting views of Yosemite National Park, to the unfathomable depths and intriguing geological formations of the Grand Canyon, to the laidback beauty and intriguing wildlife of Everglades National Park, each one of these wonderful locations is spellbinding in a unique way. While the national parks are wild, visitors of all fitness levels can still enjoy them with ease. Yes, you can take a three-day hike and camp under the stars in the pristine Glacier National Park, but you can also marvel at volcanic features and head back to luxury accommodation while exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site Yellowstone National Park.

The best time to visit these American treasures depends on a whole host of factors. While some national parks, like Death Valley and Joshua Tree, remain relatively consistent year-round when it comes to their weather, others like the Rocky Mountains National Park have extreme variations in temperature and precipitation depending on the seasons. This also means that you need to ensure you’re arriving at the right time for your activity. You can’t ski during the summer months, after all! As far as best places to see in the United States go, there really is nothing like the country’s collection of national parks.

Best Places to Visit for History

America may be a young country, but there are still countless stories to tell from its past. If you’re keen to find out about its colonial history and bloody beginnings (while also being surrounded by some astounding colourscapes) then the Fall colours of New England would be an ideal trip for you. This region of the states is where the American Revolution was fomented, and as you travel across Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, you’ll be able to get to grips with the legacies of American icons like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.

 Additionally, the area is home to a number of famous battle sites, like the Battle of Bunker Hill, which took place in what is now Boston. The best time to visit New England is in the Autumn months so you can see the intense colours of the foliage, but it’s a great destination all year round (as long as you pack a thick coat for a winter trip!) America’s history is so much more than its revolution, though.

Journeying across the Blue Ridge Mountains, Washington DC, Charleston and Savannah gives you the opportunity to learn more about the native societies and cultures that flourished in the USA prior to the arrival of Europeans. You can visit museums focused on the Etiwan and Kiawah people who called South Carolina home, as well as learn about other tribes that were based nearby. Spring is the best time to visit this region, and we’d suggest avoiding the worst of the summer months as the heat can be quite intense. No matter when you go, it remains one of the best places to travel in the US if you want to learn more about the country’s history.

Best places to visit for culture

Most of the largest American cities are excellent for cultural highlights, but none compare to New York City. With a wealth of museums, galleries, music venues, and everything in between, it’s definitely top of the list of the best places to visit in the States if you’re a culture vulture. From the supreme elegance of the artwork on display at the MET to the stunning operatic performances that go on at the Lincoln Centre, there are countless ways to enrich your soul in the Big Apple. And that’s before we mention impromptu jazz shows in Central Park, the avalanche of books at the New York Public Library, or underground art exhibitions in Williamsburg.

 Then there’s the hundreds of different nationalities and cultures that call the city home, all adding to the mix. Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit New York, but if you’re focusing on its cultural highlights then it’s amazing any time of year. If you tend to plan your trips around museums, galleries, and monuments, then Washington DC is one of the best places to visit in the USA. The nation’s capital is packed to the brim with sites like the White House and Capitol Hill, as well as incredible museums like the Smithsonian.

 It’s best to avoid summer if you’re heading to DC as the humidity and heat can be overwhelming, but as long as you take precautions like wearing a hat and carrying water, you’ll be fine. Plus, all of these great cultural spaces are air conditioned! Boston is also one of the best places to see in the United States if you’re a fan of interesting culture. The Museum of Fine Arts is widely considered to be one of the best in the world, and thanks to the proximity of great seats of education like Harvard and MIT, there are lots of university museums to explore.Boston is at its best during Autumn, but can be visited any time of year. If you’re searching for a culture filled holiday, then you can combine these three hubs in one handy trip with our Washington, New York and Boston tour!

Best places to visit for food

America is home to plenty of great food options, but when it comes to the best places to travel to in the US for foodies, there are few better regions than the West Coast. Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco all have a treasure trove of excellent eating venues, from world class restaurants with Michelin stars to greasy taco trucks where you’ll eat mouthfuls of Mexican goodness that’s so delicious you’ll be dreaming about it for months to come. Because of the international nature of these cities you really can get cuisine from anywhere, especially in Los Angeles, but there are also more traditional American options like barbeque.

There’s also places to eat for every budget, so even if you don’t want to break the bank you can still indulge in some top quality eats without having to search too hard. If you’re willing to take a little road trip (or you’re signed up to our America’s Golden West & Vegas tour), you can also head to another of the best places to visit in the USA for foodies: Las Vegas. With an abundance of celebrity chef restaurants and high-end eateries in the world famous strip, you’ll be spoiled for choice if you’re looking for a once in a lifetime meal. However, outside of the glitzy lights the city is teeming with other phenomenal food options. Some of these are just as upmarket as those in the famous epicentre, whereas others offer excellent dining and a great atmosphere at a more reasonable price. If you’re a foodie and wondering where to visit in America, there’s few better choices than the West Coast.

Best places to visit for music

Cool places to go in the USA for music lovers are a dime a dozen, but some rule supreme over the rest. The American South is one such region, and could arguably be called the best place to travel in the US if you’re a music fan. The home of country, blues, and jazz, we wouldn’t have most modern genres without this slice of America, and with our Elvis Presley's Memphis, New Orleans and Nashville tour you’ll have a front seat to all this musical history.

Jazz originated in New Orleans, and Louisiana’s biggest city continues that inventive musical tradition to this day. Songs flow through the streets here, and you’re never more than a short walk from a live performance. The best time to visit is undoubtedly February so that you’ll have a chance to dive into Mardi Gras in the city, a truly once in a lifetime experience. WIth that said, it thrums with life throughout the year, so there’s never a bad time to visit.

Memphis has seen legends like Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Otis Reading record in its hallowed studios, and a walk down the famous Beale Street shows that tradition is still alive and well. It’s harder not to catch a live show than to see one when you’re wandering around the centre. Summer gets very sweaty here, so if you can come for Spring you won’t regret it.

Nashville is another American city that’s steeped in musical history, which is why it’s one of the best places to visit in the USA for music lovers. After all, it’s nicknamed Music City for a reason. While many associate the area with country music, the city has also seen gospel, hip hop, and blues music performed to a high level. 

This is nowhere near a comprehensive list of the best places to visit in the US, but that just goes to show how rich and diverse this nation’s attractions are. There truly is something for all kinds of traveller here, from otherworldly hikes to exceptional cultural highlights. 
So, whether you’re a foodie in search of their next meal, a museum lover who wants to fill their head with knowledge, or you just want to escape into nature, then a trip to America is for you. You just need to book!