8 Top Destinations in the United States

Whether you prefer a beach trip, a city adventure or an outdoor excursion, the United States offers something for every type of traveler. Discover eight of the top destinations for your next getaway.

New York City is a top USA destination that offers iconic locations, neighborhoods and buildings. Grab your big hat and seersucker suit to attend the Kentucky Derby, or enjoy the city’s sensational food and arts scene.

1. New York City

New York City, one of the world’s most iconic cities, offers a wealth of attractions for travelers. Its five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island) each have their own distinctive flavor. But it’s in Manhattan that visitors can see the iconic sites you’ve seen in movies and TV shows, along with top restaurants, shopping districts and cultural hotspots.

Take a walking tour of Times Square, where neon lights brighten the busy pedestrian hub area. Check out Broadway theaters or head to the Empire State Building and One World Observatory for sky-high views over NYC.

Central Park is a favorite spot for locals, who come to stroll the lush green acreage, pay tribute at Strawberry Fields or go skating in winter. Museum lovers adore the Metropolitan Museum of Art and other great museums in the area. Those in search of big-arena entertainment can head to Madison Square Garden or Citi Field to catch a baseball, basketball or ice hockey game. And a trip to NYC isn’t complete without a visit to Coney Island, where a famous boardwalk and amusement park attractions await.

2. Los Angeles

The glittering city of Los Angeles offers something for everyone. Glamour-seekers can stroll the Hollywood Boulevard and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, and search for their favorite actors' names among the stars on the Walk of Fame. The hilltop Griffith Observatory offers spectacular views, and the state-of-the-art California Science Center covers everything from ecosystems to transportation and outer space.

Art lovers should check out the Getty Center's soaring architecture and collection of Renaissance paintings, Baroque sculptures and 20th-century art. Other top museums include the Craft & Folk Art Museum, Page Museum (home of the La Brea Tar Pits), and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Those with an interest in TV, movies and music can take behind-the-scenes tours of the studios where they were filmed and see actual sets from shows like Friends and Pretty Little Liars. Musical lovers will want to catch a performance at the Hollywood Bowl, famous for its superb sound quality and great sight lines. It's also where big names like Cher, Queen and the Rolling Stones have performed over the years.

3. San Francisco

With its dramatic vistas, charming neighborhoods, and delicious food scene, San Francisco is one of the most popular cities in the United States. It may be smaller than New York and Los Angeles, but it has just as much to offer—from trend-defining cuisine to world-renowned symphony, opera, and theater; to a dynamic waterfront that's a hub of activity and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.

Its historic neighborhoods and cultural hot spots are a delight to explore. For example, the Haight-Ashbury is a magnet for fans of 1960s counterculture and serves up a fun blend of vintage finds and music history on tours led by local guides. The remodeled SF Museum of Modern Art is another must-see attraction, while the Mission District's murals and Latino culture are beloved by visitors.

Outside, you'll find plenty of scenic spots to picnic, like Dolores Park and the Presidio. You can also kayak in the bay or take a cruise to see the city from different water perspectives. Or, you can learn about the area's rich natural history at the renowned Exploratorium.

4. Las Vegas

It may be famous for casinos and gambling, but this Nevada desert city offers much more than that. There are world-class restaurants, iconic shows and even more fun for travellers who prefer not to spend their time at the blackjack tables.

For stunning views of the city, head up to Strat Tower. This observation tower is the second-highest in North America and provides an unrivaled view of all the Las Vegas Strip landmarks. While there, you can also enjoy a meal at Gordon Ramsey's Hell's Kitchen or sample the delicious French cuisine of Bouchon at the Venetian.

Other attractions in the area include a visit to Neon Boneyard, which showcases dazzling vintage neon signs; the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop at Planet Hollywood; or the unconventional Container Park in downtown Las Vegas (which uses re-purposed shipping containers as shops and restaurants). The city is also well known for its live entertainment, including residency shows by performers such as Kelly Clarkson and Elton John and Cirque du Soleil productions.

Fashion Show Las Vegas is a massive two-million-square-foot shopping destination that used to build its reputation on staging pop-up fashion shows with models marching down the runway. Today, the mall features a broad selection of 250 retailers and upscale dining options like Capital Grille and Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse.

5. Austin

Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin’s culture and attractions have an energy all their own. Wander through sculpture gardens and historic homes, hike scenic trails, paddle the sparkling waters of Lady Bird Lake or give the kids a hands-on experience at a variety of STEM museums.

Take in a show at the world-class Blanton Museum of Art, home to more than 19,000 works including European paintings, modern and contemporary American and Latin art. Outside the museum, catch a glimpse of Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin, a stone building with colorful glass windows, or splash at Barton Springs Pool. Other must-see museums include the limited-entry Brush Square Museums, the Harry Ransom Center with cultural archives that include the first photo, and the LBJ Presidential Library with inspiring exhibits on President Lyndon Baines Johnson.

Foodies will find plenty to love in Austin, where the city’s booming culinary scene includes trendy restaurants and bars. Just west of the city lies Hill Country, where historic towns and more than two dozen vineyards mingle with a laid-back lifestyle.

6. Washington D.C.

While many think of the nation’s capital as all politics and school field trips, this layered city has plenty more to offer than jaw-dropping monuments and impressive museums. This dynamic, cosmopolitan destination appeals to families, couples, and foodies alike.

Start at the Capitol building, whose huge dome is modeled on St. Peter’s in Rome. It’s a stunning sight, but you can also learn about our government through free tours. The Library of Congress, meanwhile, is the world’s largest library and features one of three surviving Gutenberg Bibles along with the original handwritten Declaration of Independence.

Away from the historic monuments and government buildings, stroll around Georgetown’s cobblestone streets to discover a variety of boutiques and date night-worthy restaurants. Then, take a luxury riverboat dinner cruise for amazing views and to relax as the sun sets over the Potomac River. The 163-acre National Zoo is another must, featuring Giant Pandas and big cats among other animals in expansive natural habitats. The cathedral is a stunning setting as well, with a 59-acre Cathedral Close that’s patterned after walled grounds at medieval cathedrals.

7. Boston

Boston is a renowned center of technology, medicine, finance and culture. The city is also famous for its historic landmarks and Revolutionary-era attractions.

The city is a treasure chest of gorgeous neighborhoods – Beacon Hill, Back Bay, the North End, Fenway and more – each offering a wealth of restaurants, attractions and things to do. Boston is also home to a number of world-class museums and is the oldest US city with its Freedom Trail, a self-guided tour of the historic sites that are central to America's birth and independence.

A trip to Boston would not be complete without a visit to Faneuil Hall, where Samuel Adams and other leaders of the American Revolution held town meetings against British oppression. Located in the heart of downtown, this iconic market place is now a tourist attraction with a range of shops and restaurants. Nearby, the Public Garden and Boston Common are two of the city's best green spaces where you can relax or take a leisurely stroll. Alternatively, catch a harbor cruise to view some of the city's impressive waterfront properties and get up close to the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship still afloat.

8. Hawaii

A tropical oasis, Hawaii has endless treasure troves, from verdant forests to enormous mountains and clean beaches. In addition to awe-inspiring natural sites, this destination offers incredible historical perspective and rich culture.

Visit Pearl Harbor, the site of the most famous military event in American history. A solemn yet unforgettable experience, this memorial is a must-see for anyone visiting the Hawaiian Islands.

Waikiki Beach Walk is a vibrant area that brims with world-class shopping, hotels, restaurants, entertainment and daily events. This legendary locale is also a hotspot for snorkeling and sailing.

Located on Oahu's southeastern coast, this beach is famous for its miles of powdery white coral sand and translucent turquoise waters. It's also a great spot to watch brave surfers tackle the enormous waves on the North Shore during the winter.

The rugged beauty of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast is dazzling to say the least, with layers of striated rock carved by wind and water into brilliant reds, oranges and ochres. This spectacular landscape is a must-see for nature lovers and photographers alike.