The diversity of people, regional food, varied terrain, and natural beauty are hard to find anywhere else in the world. Prepare to be amazed, the United States is a premier travel destination with endless road trips available and easy cross-country flights. There are endless places to visit in the USA and no matter how you choose to travel around, you’re sure to have a great time.

101 Best Places to Visit in The USA

Throughout this article, you’re going to read about 101 places to visit in the United States. This article is by no means exhaustive! I’ve broken up the post by region of the country, and each section has descriptions and recommendations on the best places to stay and things to do in the area.

1. New York City, NY

If you’re wanting amazing food, incredible diversity, and countless cultural experiences, then visit New York City. I lived in New York City for a year, and I fell in love with everything about it. Even if you just have time to visit New York on a weekend, or a quick layover, it’s definitely one of the best places to see in the United States and is worth the trip.

Where to Stay in New York City

• Upper West Side: The Upper West Side is a quiet and peaceful part of the city overlooking Central Park, and if you stay here, stay at The Wallace Hotel.
• Chelsea: Chelsea is on the lower west side of Manhattan and is a great place for shopping and sightseeing opportunities. The High Line Hotel is a great place to stay.
• Williamsburg, Brooklyn: Williamsburg is a quirky, artist-centered part of Brooklyn, and the Williamsburg Hotel is my favorite place to stay in New York.

Things To Do in New York City

• Central Park: Central Park is an 840-acre park filled with miles of walking trails, ponds, and architecture. It was my daily tradition to end the day with a walking tour through Central Park, taking in the scenery and landmarks along the way.
• Time Square: Times Square is located in Midtown Manhattan, and it’s always a busy place with street performers, restaurants, and great shopping. If you have a day to spare in the city, I highly recommend taking a day tour of Times Square to experience the vibrant energy of the area.
• Statue of Liberty: Looking east out of Battery Park, people are gifted with the Statue of Liberty. I enjoyed the daily tours that were given to the statue where people could walk around and see it up close.

2. Boston, MA

Boston is an underrated and under-appreciated city in New England. This port city was my favorite place to go on a weekend to escape New York due to its fascinating history, fresh seafood, and diverse culture. There are many things to do in Boston to warrant a trip.

Where to Stay in Boston

• Back Bay: The Fairmont Copley Plaza is a great place to stay in Back Bay which is my favorite place to do my shopping and dining in the city.
• Beacon Hill: The Beacon Hill Hotel and Bistro is in the midst of delicious restaurants as well as the picturesque Victorian-style Beacon Hill neighborhood.
• Cambridge: The Charles Hotel is near the Harvard University Campus and Harvard Square which has cafes, bookstores, and historical bars.

Things To Do in Boston

• Freedom Trail: The Freedom Trail is one of the best historical walking tours I’ve taken; it’s 2.5 miles long and connects 16 nationally significant historic sites.
• Fenway Park: The long-time home of the Boston Red Sox is a must-visit when you go to Boston; my first visit gave me a glimpse of true Boston culture.
• USS Constitution Museum: This museum is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, and the USS Constitution is the oldest warship still afloat; I love history, so this was a bucket-list item for me.

3. Niagara Falls, NY

Seeing Niagara Falls for the first time took my breath away. The sheer amount of water flowing over the falls combined with the entertaining interactive experience makes a trip up to the border well worth it.

Where to Stay in Niagara Falls

• Downtown Niagara Falls: The Country Inn & Suites is within walking distance from the falls and is in the midst of historic downtown Niagara Falls.
• Niagara-on-the-Lake: The Prince of Wales Hotel is a historic Victorian-style luxury hotel that’s just 2 blocks from Lake Ontario.
• Lewiston: Niagara Crossing Hotel & Spa is a brick-style hotel that’s only a few minutes from the city center of historic Lewiston.

Things To Do in Niagara Falls

• Maid of the Mist Boat Tour: If you’ve ever seen “The Office”, you’ll enjoy recreating Jim and Pam’s wedding on the Maid of the Mist Boat Tour that goes below the falls.
• Cave of the Winds: This is a natural cave behind Bridal Veil Falls and it’s 130 feet high, 100 feet wide, and 30 feet deep. For an unforgettable experience, I recommend taking the Cave of the Winds tour to explore the cave up close and feel the rush of the falls on your skin.
• Niagara Gorge Trail: The Niagara Gorge Trail is 6.2 miles one way and has many beautiful gorge vistas.

4. Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia showcases the hardworking culture of the United States. I went with the intention of seeing a Philadelphia Eagles game and left with a newfound appreciation for its food and wonderful people. Visit Philadelphia on a weekend, or stay longer to fully appreciate the city.

Where to Stay in Philadelphia

• Center City: The Rittenhouse Hotel sits at the heart of Philadelphia and is close to historical sites like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
• Old City: The Penn’s View Hotel gives visitors access to Colonial-era sites and 18th-century row houses.
• University City: The Inn at Penn sits right in the midst of University City which is home to the University of Pennsylvania and many others.

Things To Do in Philadelphia

• Independence National Historical Park: The Independence National Historical Park is home to the Liberty Bell and other attractions. This is one of the most popular things to do in Philly.
• Philadelphia Museum of Art: This museum, with its interactive displays, is one of my favorite art museums I’ve ever visited. I highly recommend taking a tour to fully experience the exhibits and engage with the art in a memorable way.
• Reading Terminal Market: I went with low expectations, but the amount of diverse foods and specialty items is outstanding.

5. Acadia National Park, ME

Acadia National Park is a 50,000-acre national park filled with rocky beaches, and beautiful forests as well as Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast. My visit to Acadia left me feeling extremely relaxed and recharged thanks to the slow pace and stunning vistas.

Where to Stay in Acadia National Park

• Bar Harbor: The Bar Harbor Grand Hotel is only 1 mile from the park entrance and right near great local restaurants.
• Southwest Harbor: Kenway Ranch isn’t far from the Acadia entrance and it’s a nice place to relax after a long day of adventuring.
• Northeast Harbor: The Kimball Terrace Inn gave me a wonderful experience and it’s only 1 mile from Acadia.

Things To Do in Acadia National Park

• Hiking: The Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop offers visitors a spectacular tour of the park’s beauty, providing stunning views of both the park and the ocean from its summit.
• Scenic Drives: Park Loop Road is a 27-mile road and is the best scenic drive in the park, offering visitors a breathtaking tour of Acadia National Park’s stunning landscapes and natural wonders.
• Wildlife Watching: Moose and bear sightings, as well as wildlife watching tours, aren’t overly uncommon in Acadia.

6. Cape Cod, MA

Cape Cod is one of the best places to go in the USA in the summer. This pretty destination off the coast of Massachusetts offers delicious food, historical lighthouses, and quaint villages that line the peninsula.

Where to Stay in Cape Cod

• Hyannis: The Hyannis Travel Inn is less than half a mile away from the Hyannis Harbor, and it offers pools, hot tubs, and a lot more.
• Provincetown: AWOL Hotel Provincetown is less than 1000 feet from the beach and it’s less than 1 mile from Herring Cove Beach.
• Chatham: The Chatham Wayside Inn gives off the classic Cape Cod feel, and it’s less than 1,500 feet from the beach.

Things To Do in Cape Cod

• Cape Cod National Seashore: The national seashore has over 40 miles of pristine beaches, ponds, and other upland features.
• Whale Watching: Be sure to book a whale-watching tour any time from June to September.
• Biking the Cape Cod Rail Trail: This 25-mile trail is perfect for a morning run or a long bike ride.

7. Bar Harbour, ME

Sitting right on Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor is the perfect East Coast getaway. My journey into this coastal town brought me to the peaceful mountains as well as the Cranberry Islands.

Where to Stay in Bar Harbor

• Downtown Bar Harbor: Central House Inn is the ideal place to stay if you’re hoping to walk around the city.
• Salsbury Cove: Bar Harbor Cottages & Suites are a bit up the coast, but give you great views of the bay.
• North Bar Harbor: Edenbrook Motel is the perfect affordable option for any visitor looking to explore the area.

Things To Do in Bar Harbor

• Whale Watching: Go from April to October to enjoy the whale migration.
• Acadia National Park: This is one of the best and most accessible national parks in the country, with popular activities including Acadia National Park tours.
• Visit The Village: The Village is a section of downtown Bar Harbor filled with quaint shops, and tasty restaurants, and it’s recommended that you book a culinary walking tour.

8. Nantucket, MA

Nantucket is a tiny island that’s the perfect summer beach getaway. Classic cobblestone streets and East Coast architecture make this the dream destination for those warm Easy Coast days.

Where to Stay in Nantucket

• Cliff Lodge: Cliff Lodge is within 2,000 feet of the beach, and it’s the perfect place to stay on your vacation.
• Seven Sea Street Inn: The Seven Sea Street Inn is located on a quiet street, this inn is close to Harbor Beach and Main Street.
• The Cottages & Lofts: If you want great access to Steamboat Wharf and the Nantucket Ferry, the Cottages and Lofts is the ideal place.

Things To Do in Nantucket

• Whaling Museum: The Whaling Museum gives a fascinating insight into the massive whale industry in the area, and admission tickets are available for purchase here.
• Surfside Beach: Surfside is one of the best beaches on the island. Fishing, surfing, boogeyboarding, or just relaxing, you can do it all here.
• Brant Point Lighthouse: Take a tour of the Brant Point Lighthouse and learn about its importance in the area.

9. Grand Isle, VT

Located right on Lake Champlain, this island is a perfect summer getaway. It’s easily accessible by car, and visitors have an absolute blast exploring the beaches, fishing, and taking in the views.

Where to Stay in Grand Isle

• Pearl Bay Holiday: Located right on the island, Pearl Bay Holiday rental is the perfect place to call home for your Grand Isle trip, offering you comfortable accommodations and easy access to all the island’s attractions.
• South Burlington, VT: Located off the island, but a quick drive away, the Holiday Inn Express in South Burlington is an easily accessible option for Grand Island visitors.
• Burlington, VT: If you want a taste of the fascinating Burlington history, the Starlight Inn will provide that for you.

Things To Do in Grand Isle

• Grand Isle State Park: This 226-acre state park on the island is the perfect place to spend the day enjoying Lake Champlain.
• Point Au Roche State Park: To the East of the island, Point Au Roche State Park is another park with beaches and great trails.
• Snow Farm Vineyard & Winery: On the south side of the island, the Snow Farm & Winery offer year-round activities and wine tasting.

10. Finger Lakes, NY

As much as I love New York because of the city, I also love it because of interesting places like Finger Lakes. This string of 11 lakes in upstate NY is perfect to visit in any season — it’s definitely one of the more unique places to visit in the USA.

Where to Stay in the Finger Lakes

• Corning, NY: Radisson Hotel Corning is within walking distance to the charm in Corning and also a short drive to Hammondsport and Seneca Lake.
• Watkins Glen, NY: The Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is located right on the lake giving you harbor views.
• Ithica, NY: The Hotel Ithaca is in the heart of downtown Ithaca in a popular area called The Commons.

Things To Do in the Finger Lakes

• Explore Wine Country: The Finger Lakes area is home to many wineries dating back to the 1860s.
• Seneca Lake: Seneca Lake is the biggest of the 11 lakes and is known to be the lake trout capital of the world. For those who enjoy wine, a Seneca Lake Wine Tasting & Tour is a must-do while visiting the crown jewel of New York’s Finger Lakes, which also happens to be an American Viticultural Area housing 27 wineries along its shores.
• Watkins Glen State Park: Hike the famous Watkins Glen Gorge Trail which will take you past several stunning waterfalls.

11. Montpelier, VT

Montpelier is the capital city of Vermont and is a charming city full of museums, parks, and historic architecture. If you visit in the fall, you’ll get some spectacular views of the changing leaves.

Where to Stay in Montpelier

• Downtown: Capitol Plaza Hotel Montpelier Tapestry Collection by Hilton is located right on State Street in downtown Montpelier.
• Berlin, VT: Comfort Inn and Suites Montpilier-Berlin is south of Montpellier in a town called Berlin and is located right off of Interstate 89.
• Main Street: The Inn at Montpelier is located on Main Stree and is in a central location to things like Green Mountain National Golf Course and Stowe Village Historic District.

Things To Do in Montpelier

• Vermont State House: Tour this historic golf-domed building and learn about the state’s history.
• Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks: Tour Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks to get a taste of the sweetness that is famous in Vermont.
• Hike: Hike in the surrounding area at Hubbard Park or hike Camel’s hump.

12. Manchester, NH

Manchester, located right on the Merrimack River, is a historical Mill Town that has interesting culture and arts. My one visit to the area brought me to fascinating art galleries and some phenomenal east coast cuisine. See also: how to spend a weekend in New Hampshire

Where to Stay in Manchester

• South Manchester: The Best Western PLUS Executive Court Inn & Conference Center is the ideal place to explore the forests nearby as well as the city.
• Downtown Manchester: If you want to be close to the restaurants and museums, the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown is the place to stay.
• Downtown Manchester: Tru By Hilton Manchester Downtown is only 4-miles from the Mall of New Hampshire.

Things To Do in Manchester

• Currier Museum of Art: This is the best art museum in Manchester.
• Livingston Park: Livingston Park has a great running trail, a fishing pond, and beautiful towering trees.
• The Mall of New Hampshire: The Mall of New Hampshire shopping mall is one of the biggest malls in the state.

13. Newport, RI

Newport is set on Aquidneck Island right on the harbor and has ornate Gilded Age architecture. The miles of beaches, amazing art, and sailing opportunities make it the ideal East Coast destination.

Where to Stay in Newport

• Downtown Newport: America’s Cup Inn Newport is a luxurious hotel in the midst of cobblestone streets and the best Newport restaurants.
• Newport: Stay at the Marshall Slocum Inn if you want a boutique hotel and beach-style accommodations.
• Newport: Pelham Court Hotel is about a 15-minute walk from King Park Beach.

Things To Do in Newport

• Ocean Drive: This 10-mile winding road is the perfect coastal drive. Check out this trolly tour in Newport.
• Mansion Tours: Take a Newport Gilded Age Mansions Trolley Tour of some of the nicest “summer cottages” in the world.
• Cliff Walk: This 3.5-mile cliff walk is the perfect place for a stroll at sunset. Check out this cliff walk tour in Newport.

14. Mystic, CT

If you want a taste of early-American history and New England Charm, Mystic is the perfect place to stay. Visitors step back in time and can experience all the best aspects of the East Coast of the United States.

Where to Stay in Mystic

• Central Mystic: The Taber Inn is a classic East Coast inn, and it’s located less than 1-mile from the Mystic Seaport.
• Downtown Mystic: The Hilton Mystic is directly across the street from the Mystic Aquarium.
• The Whaler’s Inn: Right off of I-95, The Whaler’s Inn offers visitors luxurious accommodations in the heart of Mystic, making it the perfect place to stay while exploring this charming New England town.

Things To Do in Mystic

• Mystic Seaport Museum: Immerse yourself in American maritime heritage from the 1800s. This open-air museum is definitely worth a visit.
• Olde Mistick Village: Take a step back in time and experience some amazing restaurants, shops, and boutiques in Olde Mistick Village.
• Go Sailing: The sailing opportunities in Mystic are plentiful. Check out this Seaport Museum Adventure in Mystic.

15. Cape May, NJ

Cape May, New Jersey is a resort-style city on the southern tip of New Jersey’s Cape May Peninsula. The Victorian houses and perfect access to Delaware Bay make it a popular place to visit in the USA in the summer.

Where to Stay in Cape May

• On the Water: The Grand Hotel Cape May is right on the water and has great beach access.
• Oceanfront: The Mahalo Cape May is right on Cape May Public Beach, and it’s the ideal place to relax at the end of the day.
• East Cape May: ICONA Cape May is right on the water and offers great ocean views.

Things To Do in Cape May

• Cape May Lighthouse: Cape May Lighthouse is a massive lighthouse on the coast and it takes 199 steps to reach the top. Check out this dolphin watching cruise in Cape May.
• Visit the Salt Marsh: The salt marsh is often overlooked. Get a guide and learn about the ecosystem here. It’s the perfect place to visit in the summer.
• Go to the Beach: Cape May boasts exceptional public beaches that are ideal for swimming and relaxing. Don’t miss the opportunity to go on a dolphin watching breakfast cruise in Cape May.

16. White Mountain National Forest, NH

The pristine White Mountain National Forest spreads across New Hampshire and Maine. My visits to this national forest in the fall have been some of my favorite adventures yet due to the stunning colors and peace and quiet I am able to find.

Where to Stay in the White Mountain National Forest

• Twin Mountain, NH: Carlson’s Lodge is on the edge of the national forest and only 14 miles from Mount Washington.
• Gorham, NH: The Top Notch Inn is only 15 minutes from the Wildcat Mountain Ski Area in the White Mountain National Forest.
• Sugar Hill, NH: Make the quaint Sugar Hill Inn your home base when exploring the national forest.

Things To Do in White Mountain National Forest

• Franconia Notch State Park: Right between the Kinsman Range and Franconia Range is the Franconia Notch State Park.
• Cranmore Mountain Resort: Located in North Conway New Hampshire, this resort is perfect for a ski getaway.
• Flume Gorge: Within Franconia Notch State Park, make sure you visit this natural granite gorge.

17. Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C. gives tourists an amazing glimpse into the greatness of the United States. I’ve visited three times, and the historical richness of the city leaves me thankful to live in such an amazing country.

Where to Stay in Washington, D.C.

• Downtown D.C.: The Willard InterContinental Washington is located right downtown, and it’s the ideal central location for restaurants, museums, and all the best features of the city.
• Dupont Circle: If you’re after restaurants and nightlife, stay in Dupont Circle at The Dupont Circle Hotel.
• Georgetown: The Ritz-Carlton in Georgetown is a good place to rub shoulders with prominent lawyers, and politicians and get a glimpse into the reality of D.C.

Things To Do in Washington, D.C.

• National Mall and Memorial Parks: The National Mall is my favorite place to visit in D.C. because of the Lincoln Memorial as well as the Washington Monument. Be sure to check out this nighttime trolley tour in Washington D.C., which includes an admission ticket.
• Smithsonian Museums: The 21 Smithsonian Museums are a must-visit in D.C. If you’re interested in aviation and space exploration, be sure to check out the Air & Space Museum – it’s my personal favorite and offers an excellent guided tour.
• National Gallery of Art: If you’re an art lover, make sure to visit the National Gallery of Art – it has the most comprehensive collection of Italian Renaissance paintings in the entire United States, and you can enhance your experience by taking a guided museum tour.

18. Pittsburgh, PA