Looking for fresh ideas for your next trip? This year is the perfect time to explore America’s most exciting destinations. We have picked the 10 best places to travel in the US this year, mixing classic favorites with places that are growing in popularity. Each pick includes the best month to go, so you can plan a whole year of adventures.
How We Picked the 10 Best Places to Travel in the US
Our list of the 10 best places to travel in the US looks at:
- Unique experiences you cannot find elsewhere.
- Good timing, with a clear best season.
- A mix of regions, from coast to coast.
- Value, with options for different budgets.
1. Alaska
Alaska tops our 10 best places to travel in the US for pure wilderness. Cruise past glaciers in the Inside Passage, watch for bears in Denali and see the midnight sun in summer. In winter, Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights.
Best months: June to August for summer; February to March for northern lights.
2. Maui, Hawaii
Drive the Road to Hana, watch sunrise from Haleakala and snorkel off Kaanapali Beach. Maui blends adventure and relaxation perfectly.
Best months: April, May, September and October.
3. Utah’s Mighty Five
Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands make one of the 10 best places to travel in the US for road trips. Red rock canyons, arches and hoodoos fill every view.
Best months: April to May and September to October.
4. Maine Coast and Acadia National Park
Lighthouses, lobster rolls and rocky shores define coastal Maine. Acadia offers hiking, biking on carriage roads and sunrise from Cadillac Mountain.
Best months: July to early October.
5. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s cobblestone streets, historic homes and award-winning restaurants make it one of the most charming cities in the South.
Best months: March to May and October to November.
6. Austin and the Texas Hill Country
Live music, barbecue and swimming holes in Austin lead to wineries, wildflowers and small towns in the Hill Country.
Best months: March to May for bluebonnets; October to November.
7. Glacier National Park, Montana
Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road, hike to turquoise lakes and watch for mountain goats. It is one of the 10 best places to travel in the US for hikers.
Best months: July to September.
8. New York City
New York never goes out of style. See new exhibitions, catch a Broadway show and explore neighborhoods by subway.
Best months: April to June and September to December.
9. Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico
Adobe architecture, art galleries, green chile cuisine and mountain views give northern New Mexico a unique character.
Best months: September to October and May to June.
10. Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
Mountains, waterfalls, craft breweries and fall colors complete our 10 best places to travel in the US.
Best months: October for leaves; May to June for wildflowers.
A Year of Travel: When to Visit Each
Plan your year around the 10 best places to travel in the US like this:
- January to March: Hawaii, the Texas Hill Country and Alaska’s northern lights.
- April to May: Utah’s parks, Charleston and Austin.
- June to August: Alaska, Glacier and the Maine coast.
- September to October: Santa Fe, Asheville and Utah again.
- November to December: New York City’s holiday season.
10 Best Places to Travel in the US for Different Travelers
- Adventure lovers: Alaska, Glacier and Utah.
- Food lovers: Charleston, Austin, New York City and Santa Fe.
- Couples: Maui, Charleston and Asheville.
- Families: Acadia, Utah’s parks and New York City.
Matching your style to the 10 best places to travel in the US helps you choose the perfect trip.
Budget Tips for the 10 Best Places to Travel in the US
Some of the 10 best places to travel in the US, like Alaska and Maui, can be expensive, but there are ways to save. Book flights early, travel in shoulder seasons and stay in towns just outside the main attractions. An annual national parks pass covers entry to Utah’s parks, Glacier and Acadia. In cities, use public transit and free attractions. With smart planning, even the pricier of the 10 best places to travel in the US become reachable.
Road Trips That Link These Places
Several of the 10 best places to travel in the US pair well on the road. Drive Utah’s Mighty Five in one loop, combine Austin with the Hill Country, or connect Asheville with the Great Smoky Mountains. In New England, pair the Maine coast with fall foliage in New Hampshire and Vermont.
Packing for the 10 Best Places to Travel in the US
Because the 10 best places to travel in the US range from glaciers to deserts, packing smart matters. Bring layers for Alaska and Glacier, sun protection for Utah and Santa Fe, swimwear for Maui and comfortable walking shoes for New York City and Charleston. A light rain jacket is useful almost everywhere on the list of the 10 best places to travel in the US.
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
Popular spots on the 10 best places to travel in the US list can get busy. Arrive at national parks early in the morning, visit cities midweek and travel in shoulder months like May and September. Check whether parks need timed-entry reservations before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 10 best places to travel in the US this year?
Alaska, Maui, Utah’s Mighty Five, the Maine coast, Charleston, Austin and the Hill Country, Glacier, New York City, Santa Fe and Asheville.
Which is best for a summer trip?
Alaska, Glacier and the Maine coast.
Which is best in winter?
Hawaii and the Texas Hill Country are mild, and Alaska is great for northern lights.
How far ahead should I book?
Book national park lodging and Alaska trips six to twelve months ahead.
Final Thoughts
The 10 best places to travel in the US this year offer adventure, culture and unforgettable scenery. Pick one for each season, plan ahead and turn this year into your best travel year yet.