There’s a USA Travel Destination for Everyone

When you picture your dream vacation, what destination do you have in mind? You might think of the white sands of the Maldives or the cobblestone streets of small-town France. Unfortunately, Americans don’t often think of their own country as a vacation destination in its own right. But there’s so much to see in the United States beyond New York City and South Florida! In fact, the U.S. is the third most-visited country by travelers coming from abroad. Sometimes, traveling to a new state is the jumpstart you need to catch the over 60 travel bug. But don’t take it from me—take it from these top 10 lists of USA travel destinations.

What Are Your Bucket List Destinations?

As you narrow down your options for where to vacation in the US, make a list of your bucket list destinations. Where have you always wanted to visit? Maybe the bustling city calls to you, or perhaps you prefer something with a beachy atmosphere. If you’re looking for a place to start, try one of these top cities to visit: 

1. San Francisco, California
2. New York City, New York
3. Washington, DC
4. New Orleans, Louisiana
5. San Diego, California
6. Seattle, Washington
7. Las Vegas, Nevada
8. Miami, Florida
9. Boston, Massachusetts
10. Charleston, South Carolina

Is Nature Your Motivation for Travel?

Nature is plentiful in the United States! I certainly love visiting our National Parks, and I always encourage my friends and family to do the same. There’s a park or landmark for every nature lover. If you can’t wait to see the majestic mountains, head out west. If you’ve always wanted to explore the cityscape, there are more than enough concrete jungles to fill up your itinerary. Get some inspiration from USNews’ Top 30 US destinations: 

1. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
2. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
3. Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe (California)
4. Maui (Hawaii)
5. Glacier National Park (Montana)
6. Zion National Park (Utah)
7. Bar Harbor (Maine)
8. Grand Tetons National Park (Wyoming)
9. Outer Banks (North Carolina)
10. Key West (Florida)

Are You Hoping to Find Adventure in the Big City?

The big city is the perfect place for solo travel! There are so many resources for first-time travelers and plenty of ways to spend your days. Personally, I find the city ideal for mother daughter travel too, as there’s always something to do that piques both my and my daughter’s interests. The US Census Bureau keeps a list of the biggest cities in the country, and it’s full of gems that will make a fantastic big-city getaway. Add one of these dynamos to your travel plans: 

1. New York City, New York
2. Los Angeles, California
3. Chicago, Illinois
4. Houston, Texas
5. Phoenix, Arizona
6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
7. San Antonio, Texas
8. San Diego, California
9. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
10. San Jose, California

What Are Your Passions?

What makes you passionate about travel? While you could pick from one of these top 10 lists, it’s even better to create lists of your own based on your unique interests. You could compile locations that involve animals—think zoos or aquariums. If you’re a history buff, you could take a guided tour of the hundreds of historical destinations in the US (I recommend Colonial Williamsburg). The United States has lots to offer right in our own backyard and so many categories of places to visit. Cathedrals and religious sites, celebrity homes, beaches, Black history landmarks (Amelia Island, perhaps?); you name it!