As someone who’s been living the digital nomad life for the past decade, I often get asked about the best places to visit in the USA. It’s a tough question – how do you narrow down an entire country that spans six time zones and includes everything from tropical beaches to snow-capped mountains? So I reached out to fellow travel writers and local experts for their take.
“The beauty of traveling across the US is that each state feels like its own mini-country,” says Sarah Thompson, a cross-country tour guide with 15 years of experience. “You can drive for a few hours and find yourself in completely different landscapes, trying new foods, and experiencing unique local traditions that you won’t find anywhere else.”
While seeing every corner of America would take a lifetime, you can start with some standout destinations. I’ve put together this list of 20 places that showcase what makes the USA such a fascinating country to explore.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Ever gazed into a canyon so deep it makes clouds look like they’re floating beneath you? That’s just another day at the Grand Canyon, where the Colorado River has carved its way through Arizona’s red rocks for millions of years. This natural wonder stretches 277 miles long and reaches depths of over a mile, making it one of America’s most visited national parks. You can watch the sunrise paint the canyon walls from the South Rim, take a mule ride down winding trails to the canyon floor, or hop on a raft to experience the mighty Colorado River up close. The canyon comes alive at different times of day – from the soft morning light to the golden afternoon glow – and each viewpoint tells its own story of time written in layers of ancient rock.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is where I tell everyone to go when they want non-stop entertainment and excitement. Set in the middle of the Nevada desert, this glittering city never sleeps, offering world-class casinos, spectacular shows, and endless dining options along its famous Strip. From the dancing fountains at the Bellagio to the replica Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, every hotel and casino tries to outdo the next with over-the-top attractions.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco has a way of making you fall in love with city life all over again. This hilly paradise by the bay mixes classic California cool with an offbeat personality you won’t find anywhere else. From cruising across the Golden Gate Bridge to wandering through the busy streets of Chinatown, every neighborhood tells its own story. The fog rolls in most afternoons, coating the city in a mysterious blanket while cable cars climb up and down the steep streets, just as they have for over 100 years. It’s not the cheapest city to explore – you’ll need to budget carefully – but between the fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf, the sea lions at Pier 39, and the winding path of Lombard Street, you’ll discover why so many people leave their hearts in San Francisco.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
If you’re wondering where to experience nature at its most dramatic, head to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Spread across 3,500 square miles, this geological wonderland is home to the famous Old Faithful geyser, rainbow-colored hot springs, and more than half of the world’s geothermal features. Keep your camera ready – you’ll likely spot bison roaming freely, elk grazing in meadows, and maybe even a grizzly bear in the distance.
Miami Beach, Florida
If you’re looking for a perfect beach escape, Miami Beach should be at the top of your list. Located on a barrier island between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, this coastal paradise combines sandy shores with Art Deco architecture, creating a unique blend of natural beauty and urban style. Along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, you’ll find pastel-colored buildings from the 1920s and 30s, lively restaurants serving Cuban-inspired dishes, and beach clubs where the party never seems to end.
New Orleans, Louisiana
I first experienced New Orleans on a steamy August evening in 2018. One of the most spirited cities in America’s South, New Orleans sits along the mighty Mississippi River, where French, Spanish, and African cultures blend into something entirely unique. Jazz clubs and century-old restaurants line the historic French Quarter’s narrow streets, while streetcars rumble past the mansions of the Garden District. The city’s soul comes alive during Mardi Gras, but even on regular days, the sounds of brass bands echo through Jackson Square, and the aroma of freshly made beignets wafts from Café du Monde. You haven’t truly experienced Southern hospitality until you’ve spent an evening hopping between the cozy courtyards and music-filled bars of Frenchmen Street.
Maui, Hawaii
I always tell first-time visitors to Maui to experience both sides of the island. The western coast features the famous Ka’anapali Beach with its three miles of white sand and crystal-clear waters, while the eastern side offers the winding Road to Hana with its waterfalls and black sand beaches. From watching the sunrise at Haleakala Crater to snorkeling with sea turtles at Molokini, Maui combines relaxation and adventure in a way few other places can match.
Yosemite National Park, California
I always tell nature lovers that Yosemite National Park is California’s crown jewel. Located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this iconic park features towering granite cliffs, powerful waterfalls, and ancient sequoia groves that have made it one of America’s most cherished natural wonders.
Washington D.C.
As the political heart of America, Washington D.C. stands proudly along the banks of the Potomac River. Like other major U.S. cities, it has its museums, restaurants, and cultural attractions. But unlike the rest, it pulses with the energy of a place where national decisions are made every day. Just walk past the White House or watch senators hurry up the Capitol steps, and you’ll feel that spark of history in the making. Because of its role as the nation’s capital since 1790, the city has drawn people from every corner of America and beyond, and you’ll find their influence in the diverse neighborhoods, international restaurants, and mix of classical and modern architecture that line its wide, tree-shaded streets.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Have you ever watched mountain goats scale impossibly steep cliffs? It’s a daily occurrence in Glacier National Park, where jagged peaks meet pristine alpine meadows in Montana’s slice of paradise. This million-acre wonderland, nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent,” lets you cruise along the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road, where every turn reveals another postcard-worthy scene. You can spot grizzly bears foraging in wildflower-filled valleys, paddle across crystal-clear lakes that mirror snow-capped mountains, or hike more than 700 miles of trails that lead to hidden waterfalls and ancient glaciers – though you might want to hurry, as climate change means these ice giants are slowly disappearing.
Orlando, Florida
Known worldwide as the theme park capital, Orlando brings childhood dreams to life in the heart of Florida. Much like other major tourist destinations, Orlando has its share of hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers. But unlike the rest, it feels like you’ve stepped into a world where magic is real. Just watch the nightly fireworks light up the sky above Disney World’s castle, and you’ll understand what I mean. Because of Walt Disney choosing this central Florida location for his second park in the 1960s, other entertainment giants followed suit, and you’ll find Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and dozens of family attractions scattered throughout the city. Beyond the parks, the area offers airboat rides through swamps, fresh citrus groves, and clear spring-fed swimming holes that showcase Florida’s natural side.
Nashville, Tennessee
Step into Music City, the heart and soul of country music, when you visit Nashville, Tennessee. There’s live music on every corner of Lower Broadway, where famous honky-tonks like the Wildhorse Saloon and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge keep the tunes playing late into the night. Make your way to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to explore the genre’s rich history, or catch a performance at the legendary Grand Ole Opry. For a taste of local flavor, head to Prince’s Hot Chicken, where Nashville’s famous spicy fried chicken was born. It’s the perfect place to experience Southern hospitality and authentic American music culture.
Charleston, South Carolina
Many travelers head to Charleston for its historic charm and seaside location, but this South Carolina gem offers much more than just old buildings and beaches. The city’s cobblestone streets wind through neighborhoods filled with colorful antebellum homes and gardens, while local restaurants serve up authentic Lowcountry cuisine that tells the story of the region’s rich culture. Horse-drawn carriages still clip-clop through the French Quarter and along The Battery, where historic mansions face the harbor. While the spring’s famous Charleston Wine + Food Festival draws crowds from across the country, you’ll find plenty to explore in this coastal city year-round, from the bustling City Market to peaceful walks beneath ancient oak trees draped with Spanish moss.
Seattle, Washington
Ever spotted the Space Needle peeking through the morning mist? That’s just another day in Seattle, where coffee culture and tech innovation mix with pure Pacific Northwest charm. This rain-kissed city sits between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, giving you water views at almost every turn. Head to Pike Place Market to watch fishmongers toss fresh salmon through the air, or take the elevator up the Space Needle for a bird’s-eye view of the city and distant Mount Rainier. When you’re not sipping coffee at the original Starbucks, you can explore the funky neighborhoods of Capitol Hill and Fremont, home to the famous Troll sculpture under the bridge. The nearby Olympic National Park offers ancient rainforests and rugged beaches just a few hours’ drive away.
Sedona, Arizona
Ever seen red rocks glow like fire at sunset? That’s just another Tuesday in Sedona, where towering crimson cliffs and spires rise from the Arizona desert like nature’s own art gallery. A 2-hour drive north of Phoenix, this spiritual hub draws both outdoor adventurers and those seeking inner peace. The famous vortexes – spots where the Earth’s energy is said to be especially powerful – dot the landscape, while hundreds of miles of trails wind through red rock country. You can hop in a Pink Jeep for a bouncy off-road tour, mountain bike through the desert, or simply wander through the galleries and cafes of the charming downtown area, where Native American art meets New Age crystal shops.
Aspen, Colorado
Nestled in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Aspen stands as one of America’s most well-known mountain towns. Like many ski destinations in Colorado, it offers excellent slopes and winter activities, but what sets it apart is its perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cultural sophistication. Walk down the streets lined with Victorian-era buildings, and you’ll find both rugged outdoor enthusiasts and art collectors sharing the sidewalks. Thanks to its history as a silver mining boom town in the 1880s, Aspen retains much of its old-world charm while hosting world-class music festivals, high-end restaurants, and four separate ski areas. In winter, you’ll spot celebrities zipping down the same slopes as local ski instructors, while summer brings hikers and mountain bikers seeking the perfect trail through fields of wildflowers.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Take a break from city life in Bar Harbor, a charming coastal town on Maine’s Mount Desert Island. This gateway to Acadia National Park lets you experience the best of New England’s natural beauty, from rocky beaches to pine-covered mountains. Start your day with fresh lobster at one of the waterfront restaurants, then hop aboard a whale watching cruise to spot humpbacks and finbacks in their natural habitat. For the best views, hike the trails of Cadillac Mountain – it’s the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise during certain times of the year. When evening comes, stroll through the historic downtown where local shops and ice cream parlors welcome visitors with authentic Maine hospitality.
Savannah, Georgia
Many visitors flock to Savannah for its famous oak-lined streets and historic squares, but this charming Southern city offers much more than just picture-perfect scenery. The oldest city in Georgia combines well-preserved architecture from the 1700s with a modern food scene that’s gaining national attention. Travelers can spend their mornings exploring Forsyth Park and admiring antebellum mansions, then dive into the local culture with ghost tours through reportedly haunted buildings or food crawls sampling Southern classics like shrimp and grits. While the city sees peak tourism during spring when azaleas bloom and temperatures stay mild, Savannah’s mix of history, food, and Southern hospitality makes it worth visiting any time of year.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Escape to Jackson Hole, where the rugged Teton Mountains create a perfect backdrop for year-round outdoor adventures. In winter, hit the slopes at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, known for its deep powder and challenging terrain, or take a peaceful sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge. During summer months, explore Grand Teton National Park’s hiking trails, go white-water rafting on the Snake River, or spot wildlife like bison and moose in their natural habitat. When you’re ready to unwind, the charming town square offers plenty of Western-style restaurants and local shops, complete with its signature antler arches.
