Fora’s Guide to the 5(+) Best Places to Visit in the USA

Searching for the best places to visit in the USA for your next vacation? From the majestic Grand Canyon to the incredible city of New York, we’re breaking down some of America’s coolest destinations.

Want to get the most out of your vacation? Connect with Fora to plan and book your USA trip with expert travel suggestions, one-on-one support and access to amazing hotel perks, like spa credit, complimentary daily breakfast and room upgrades.

5(+) of the best places to visit in the USA

Read on for a quick breakdown of the best places to visit in the USA.

1. America’s National Parks: from the Grand Canyon to Yellowstone

It’s pretty much impossible to write a (good) list of the USA’s best destinations without including its national parks — and few countries around the world are home to such an incredible amount of variety.

Just to name a few of the most famous: there’s the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Yellowstone (the world’s first national park) — which stretches between Wyoming, Idaho and Montana — the Everglades in Florida and Zion in Utah, which is actually home to four more national parks (see all the fun places to go in Utah). 

Each of these parks offers vastly different biomes, wildlife and things to see and do, and there are literally dozens more across the country, including in Hawai‘i — Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places to visit in Hawai‘i — in Puerto Rico and in Alaska.

Planning a trip to the USA and wondering which national (or state) parks are near your intended destination? Book and plan your trip with Fora for the best intel.

2. California: one of the best places to visit in the USA for, well, anything

If there’s one thing California absolutely does not lack, it’s variety. Great weather, stunning natural beauty, trend-setting cities, incredible gastronomy…California has it all and more.

Want to explore the state’s gorgeous scenery? Big Sur, which stretches from Monterey, beneath San Francisco, to up-and-coming San Luis Obispo County, is one of the most beautiful places in the country (it’s also one of the best places to visit in November). Looking for more of a desert-bound adventure? Death Valley and the Mojave are both captivating. And there are also the redwood forests in Northern California, the golden plains that surround Fresno and Bakersfield and the wine regions of Napa Valley, Santa Barbara and Temecula, too (see our guides to Napa hotels and hotels in Santa Barbara).

Or maybe you’re looking for an awesome city to explore: San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles (check out the top places to visit in Los Angeles) all make a case to be featured among the best places to visit in the USA.

Need more intel? Check out our guide to the coolest places to visit in California. And remember: whether you’re looking for the best hotels in San Diego, the best hotels in San Francisco or another destination entirely, we can hook you up with sweet perks and extras.

3. Florida: tropical, fun (or relaxing) and home to one of the USA’s coolest nightlife destinations

The best places to visit in Florida range from family-friendly Orlando resorts — like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida — to the popping beaches of Miami. 

In fact, Florida’s variety is almost comparable to California’s (but the latter gets the edge, with greater eco-diversity and more urban hubs). Unlike the latter, though, Florida’s weather is generally warm all year, making it a perpetually excellent choice for beach trips. And speaking of, Miami and neighboring Fort Lauderdale are easily among the top nightlife destinations in the USA for party-seekers (the hotels in Miami Beach are also supremely luxurious).

Like the idea of visiting Florida? Connect with Fora to plan and book your vacation.

4. Colorado: one of the best places to visit in the USA for skiers & nature enthusiasts

Arguably one of America’s most beautiful destinations, Colorado, with its mountainscapes, forests and red-rock deserts, is a favorite place to visit among nature seekers. 

Consequently, those same mountains and Colorado’s extreme elevation have made it a mecca for skiers and other snowsport enthusiasts (check out our guide to the best time to visit Colorado for skiing). Aspen, Telluride and Vail are all among the best places to stay in Colorado for snowsports, for example. 

Denver is also one of the coolest cities in the western United States, with a vibrant arts scene and excellent gastronomy. The best hotels in Denver are also among the most luxurious in Colorado (although, if you’re looking for a self-contained mountain resort, you might want to check out the most luxurious hotels in Colorado Springs, instead).

5. New York City: America’s largest (population-wise) metropolis

You could spend a week in New York City and not see even a fraction of its coolest sights. Fashion, gastronomy, art — New York is possibly the very best place to visit in the USA for culture (although many other American cities might dispute that). 

There’s no shortage of cool places to visit in New York, but highlights include the charming Downtown neighborhoods, Central Park — the largest urban park in the United States — and the Statue of Liberty. (Times Square can generally be skipped, but if you want to stay in the area, we've got you. Check out a few of the best hotels near Times Square NYC.)

Want to visit the best places in the USA in style? Book with Fora

This is just a snapshot of the best places to visit in the USA. Get tailored recs and access to sweet travel perks when you book and plan your trip with Fora. We’ll help you decide which destination(s) best fit your preferences and budget while working with you to make sure your trip is the absolute best experience it can be.

Not ready to start planning? Check out more USA travel guides:

• The 10 Best Hotels in Chicago: Downtown’s Top Choices 

• 5 Luxe Hotels in Philadelphia, an Edgy City of History & Culture 

• The Top 4 Hotels in DC, America’s Historic Capital/Washington DC hotels 

• 5 Hip & Vibey Downtown Seattle Hotels 

• Hotels in Nashville, TN: 5 Choices Near Broadway & Music Row
  
  

This article has been fact checked by Pro Fora Advisor Julie Sambuco, an expert on travel to the United States.