The 17 Best Places to Visit in the United States in 2023

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The US is a large country with a lot to offer. Whether looking for metropolitan fun or outdoor adventure, there is something for every travel style, budget, and interest.

17 of the Best Places to Visit in the United States

If there is one thing everyone should know about the United States, it’s the vast amount of diversity the country has to offer. Trying to figure out a vacation plan can be difficult. The major cities are far apart, and it’s impossible to cover everything.

But with some guidance, you can plan out a trip that is sure to be fun. You can pick from the best National Parks to some of the greatest cities. Are you ready for your next US adventure? Then let’s get started with this list of places to visit in the United States.

1. New York, New York

Times Square in New York City, one of the best places to visit in the United States, pictured from the POV of a person with taxis all around

NEW YORK CITY – DEC 01 Times Square ,is a busy tourist intersection of neon art and commerce and is an iconic street of New York City and America, December 01th, 2013 in Manhattan, New York City/Luciano Mortula/LGM/Shutterstock

New York City isn’t just an icon. It’s a world-famous destination with food, art, culture, and entertainment. Regardless of your taste, there is something for everyone in this major metropolis. Start by getting the best view in town from the Empire State Building.

Then head to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, or the American Museum of Natural History. And don’t forget to grab a slice of pizza. Or head to Chelsea Market for endless options.

2. Chicago, Illinois

DuSable bridge across the river in Chicago, one of the best places to visit in the United States, pictured in a low-exposure image at dusk

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Deep-dish pizza might be the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions Chicago. While that’s worth trying, this wonderful city has more to offer.

The Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Field Museum of Natural History can keep you busy for days. And no visit to Chicago is complete without getting a picture of your reflection off The Bean in Millennium Park.

3. Las Vegas, Nevada

Aerial view of Las Vegas, one of the best places to visit in the US, pictured with the strip below a gorgeous orange dusk sky

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Las Vegas is an entertainment powerhouse. You can hang out at the card tables for hours, go to a chapel for a quick wedding, or get tickets to some of the biggest names in music and the arts. Vegas is also home to serious eats as well as incredible poolside fun.

4. Orlando, Florida

Lake Eola Park pictured in the day with ducks on the pond for a piece on the best places to visit in the United States

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Some people go to Florida for beach fun or golf outings. But when it comes to Orlando, the adventure parks are the main hit. Walt Disney World and its four Disney parks are the main highlights for many.

But you can’t overlook the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, just one of the main attractions at Universal Studios Orlando. And if that’s not enough, take a trip to the nearby Kennedy Space Center or hit one of Florida’s incredible beaches.

5. Savannah, Georgia

Neat streetcar tracks along the pier on River Street pictured at dusk with lights on the buildings and on the shops

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As one of the most beautiful places in the United States, Savannah is worth seeing. The oak trees are often covered in a stunning blanket of Spanish moss, providing a fairytale look you’ll never forget.

But this charming city has many attractions to keep you busy. Head over to Forsyth Park or Jones Street for fun. River Street has some of the best views in town. Or take a trip out to Tybee Island for a quick beach getaway.

6. Washington D.C.

Tidal basin at the Washington Monument for a piece on the best places to visit in the United States with cherry blossoms on the trees

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Washington D.C. is one of the best places to visit in the United States. It’s also a great place to go if you’re on a budget, thanks to the many free attractions. The National Mall is the heart of town, featuring some main attractions along its two-mile path.

The Lincoln Memorial brings you back in time, while the Vietnam War Memorial reminds you of the sacrifice some have made. Visit the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History or the National Air and Space Museum to gain some knowledge.

7. Honolulu, Hawaii

Gorgeous blue water in Waikiki with Diamond Head in the background

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Located on the southern shore of Oahu Island, Honolulu is a major city with plenty of beachfront resorts. You can have your choice of food, with many options from around the world.

The beaches are stunning. Rent a surfboard to ride the waves or sit back and soak in the sun. If you’re up for more adventure, go to the Big Island to see volcanos or go to a smaller island for a more remote experience.

8. New Orleans, Louisiana

Bourbon Street sign pictured at night with lights shining up on the buildings

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – AUGUST 25: Pubs and bars with neon lights in the French Quarter, New Orleans on August 25, 2015/f11photo/Shutterstock

To see one of the best places to visit in the United States, New Orleans should be on your list. It is rich in culture and has everything from delicious cajun food to talented jazz musicians.

To see New Orleans in full swing, come during Mardi Gras. Bourbon Street gets packed with people and fun. Or visit the French Quarter for some of the best architecture around.

9. San Francisco, California

Windy road of Lombard Street in San Francisco, one of the best places to visit in the United States

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San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. Golden Gate Park can keep you entertained for hours. Fisherman’s Wharf will fill your ears with sea lions barking and your stomach with incredible seafood.

Lombard Street and its eight hairpin turns are worth checking out. And if you have the time, a quick trip outside of town to Muir Woods will stick in your memory forever.

10. Moab, Utah

Sunrise in the Mesa Arch pictured for a piece on the best places to visit in the US

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Utah is one of the best places to visit in the United States if you like outdoor adventure. Moab is one place in this state packed with fun, mostly centered around Arches National Park and its awe-inspiring views.

But you can also find endless mountain biking trails, insane four-wheel drive areas, and four other National Parks that will blow your mind, including Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Zion.

11. Outer Banks of North Carolina

Ribbon-like pink clouds with a lighthouse in the Outer Banks overlooking a marsh

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North and South Carolina have been hiding under the radar for some years. But the Outer Banks is quickly changing that. This collection of barrier islands has beaches, parks, and dive sites to make any visit incredible.

It is also an area with a rich history. Roanoke Island was England’s first settlement in the area, launching a new era of the modern world.

12. Portland, Oregon

Panorama of the skyline with pink clouds and a bridge in the background with a kayak in the foreground pictured for a piece on the best places to visit in the United States

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To celebrate the more eclectic side of life, Portland is where to go. This western city is well known for its independent way of thought, resulting in a unique place filled with one-of-a-kind neighborhoods, shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

Powell’s City of Books is a bookstore you can get lost in, while the International Rose Garden will fill your nose with lovely aromas.

13. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Beautiful prismatic pool at Yellowstone National Park pictured from the air

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For nature lovers, Yellowstone National Park is one of the best places to visit in the United States. The massive geothermal springs are unlike any pool you’ve seen, and the regular eruptions of Old Faithful Geyser are so consistent you could set your watch on them.

Outside Yellowstone, you can explore the Grand Teton National Park and its enormous mountains. Or drive to Jackson Hole for water-filled fun in the summer or snowy adventures in the winter.

14. Dallas, Texas

Downtown skyline of Dallas, one of hte best places to visit in the United States, with a tower and buildings reflected on the water

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The Dallas area is one of the busiest and best places to visit in the United States. It is home to many professional sports teams, such as the Dallas Stars hockey team, the Dallas Cowboys football team, and the Dallas Mavericks basketball team.

It’s also filled to the brim with excellent barbeque and Tex-Mex food, plus stunning museums, such as the Dallas Museum of Art and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.

Read Next: The Best Hotels in Dallas in 2023 and The Best Things to Do in Dallas

15. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Neat view of Philadelphia's downtown city hall during rush hour in a low-exposure image for a piece on the best places to visit in the United States

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As one of the central locations for the birth of the United States, Philadelphia is a history-lover’s dream come true. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed here, and you can take a trip through time by visiting the Liberty Bell or Independence Hall.

The vibrant city also hosts the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Philadelphia Zoo, both fun-filled adventures that will keep everyone in the family entertained.

16. Nashville, Tennessee

Downtown bars in Nashville as seen outside their neon signs on a clear day with few clouds in the sky at dusk

NASHVILLE – NOV 11: Neon signs on Lower Broadway Area on November 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee, USA/f11photo/Shutterstock

Nashville, Tennessee is one of the best places for country music lovers. The Country Music Hall of Fame and the Ryman Auditorium are two top spots, but the entire city is filled with music lovers.

It’s also a beautiful area. The 55-acre botanical garden at Cheekwood Estates and Gardens showcases the stunning natural appeal, while the replica of the Parthenon throws in a unique twist.

17. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Neat dusk view of downtown Santa Fe, one of the best places to visit in the US, pictured with lights on the walkways and the mountains in the backgrounds

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If you’re looking for a more intimate place to visit, New Mexico is a great option. Santa Fe is an artist’s delight, with many independent shops and galleries, plus many pieces littered throughout town.

The famous New Mexico green chile covers almost any food, while the clay-covered facades fill the entire city. Meow Wolf is an interactive adventure that’s worth the trip alone.

Things to Consider

Picking one of the best places to visit can be a challenge. It’s crucial to keep your priorities straight because each place is unique, and the US has much to offer. To make the most of your trip, avoid spreading yourself too thin.

It is a large country. Trying to fit everything into a short visit will be impossible. Instead, focus on one adventure at a time and let it be the focal point. Weather can change dramatically throughout the year in some places.

Make sure to plan accordingly. There’s nothing worse than being ill-prepared for cold weather or having to swelter in the summer heat you weren’t expecting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Maroon Bell in Colorado pictured for a piece on the best places to visit in the United States

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Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the best places to visit in the United States:

What is the #1 visited vacation spot in the US?

Times Square in New York City is the #1 visited vacation spot in the US. New York has something for everyone. Washington D.C. and the National Mall are other top destinations, wrapping you in history. And Las Vegas, Nevada with its casinos, entertainment, and restaurants is also high on the list.

Where is the prettiest place to visit in the US?

Some of the prettiest places to visit in the US include Yellowstone National Park, Maroon Bells in Colorado, and Yosemite National Park. But you can find stunning beauty all over the nation, from Florida beaches to Arizona’s Grand Canyon.

What are the top five vacation spots in the United States?

The top five vacation spots in the United States depend on who you ask. Often New York City, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., Florida, and Hawaii make the list. You can find big-city fun or remote beauty in these locations.

What are the top 10 tourist cities in the US?

The top 10 tourist cities in the US include New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Orlando, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Honolulu, Washington D.C., Boston, and Chicago. These are spread out over both coasts and the interior of the massive country and offer rich historical settings, stunning landscapes, and great food.

What’s the best state to visit?

The best states to visit in the United States include options all over the nation. Washington, Colorado, Alaska, Arizona, New York, Hawaii, Florida, and California often make the list because they offer amazing scenery, mouth-watering food, and rich culture.

So, What Are the Best Places to Visit in the United States?

Trying to plan your next vacation in the United States can be difficult. Head to a major city like New York or Orlando for endless entertainment. Or explore the National Parks in Utah, Wyoming, or California for memorable views.

No matter what you decide, you’re sure to have fun and create long-lasting memories. So what are you waiting for — book your trip to one of these amazing places today!