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The more you travel around the United States, the more you realize there is so much left to discover. Each and every state is distinct—which, when you think about it, translates to a lifetime of exploration for anyone up to the challenge of diving deeper. You see it in the ancient petroglyphs tucked away in the landscapes of Arizona. You see it in the crawfish cuisine in deep Louisiana. You see it in the soaring skyscrapers in Manhattan. There is—truly—a tremendous amount of diversity here.
Simply put, you can’t easily categorize the best places to visit in the USA. For every rugged wilderness there’s a metropolitan epicenter, a beachside retreat for every desert dwelling. Likewise, no matter how niche or finicky of a traveler one might be, there’s a destination to suit every sort of personality. Ahead, 21 worthwhile locales to add to your bucket list.
Historic Churches in New Mexico
Take a drive along New Mexico’s High Road to Taos and the state’s nickname (The Land of Enchantment) feels all too justified. The route, which connects Santa Fe to Taos, runs 56 miles along a winding road through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and is bookended by two striking churches: San Francisco de Asis Church and Santuario de Chimayo. The Southwest is best explored by car, making frequent stops at remote villages to appreciate Spanish colonial churches and indigenous Pueblo architecture.
Stay Here: Bishop s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection sits just a few miles outside of downtown Santa Fe in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo range and was once the private home of the first Archbishop of Santa Fe. Now, the luxury lodge (surrounded by 317 acres of forest) is a luxury retreat complete with all the details that make New Mexico distinct, from kiva fireplaces in the guest rooms to the SkyFire restaurant with its wood-fired cooking.
Wine in the Willamette Valley
While Napa and Sonoma receive the lion’s share of wine tourists each year, Oregon’s Willamette Valley is a destination that’s ready for its due. Renowned for Pinot Noir and surrounded by bucolic landscapes, it’s little surprise a fresh wave of design-driven hotels and innovative farm-to-fork restaurants are opening up throughout the region.
Stay Here: Sosta House is a charming bed and breakfast that’s ran by a brother-sister duo. The property sits beside some of Oregon’s oldest vineyards and has been converted from a private home into a soulful retreat that’s planted at the gateway to wine country.
Mountain Town Culture in Telluride
For a quintessential mountain town experience, it’s tough to beat Telluride. This cinematic Colorado destination was founded in 1878 by silver miners and, over the decades, has evolved into a cultural hub beloved for both its ski resort as well as its namesake film festival. The town is surrounded by three breathtaking fourteeners (mountains that peak above 14,000 feet in elevation) and offers several hotels, restaurants, and shops for travelers looking to relax after a day of outdoor adventure.
Stay Here: Madeline Hotel is at the base of Mountain Village and is a five-star, Michelin-keyed Auberge resort. The folkloric design scheme mirrors the surrounding alpine setting with its crackling fireplaces and use of warm wood textures, and the on-property bar Timber Room offers an ideal backdrop for an end-of-day cocktail.
Dude Ranches in Montana
Cattle ranching is ingrained in Montana’s heritage, rendering it one of the best regions in the states to stay on a dude ranch. In recent decades, this western vacation experience has become sought-after in the luxury space, bridging rough and ready activities like horseback riding and fly fishing with high-end amenities (looking at you, exquisitely-equipped log cabins). There are several destinations for these dude ranches, from Big Sky in the Yellowstone area to northwestern Montana in proximity to Glacier National Park.
Stay Here: Arriving at the mouth of Rock Creek Canyon, it’s easy to see why its namesake property (The Ranch at Rock Creek) makes for such a pleasant holiday destination. It’s surrounded by high hills and vast plains, and the waterway that runs through it is almost unbelievably picturesque. If it’s your bag, stay in one of their souped-up glamping cabins complete with antique furniture, a screened porch and deck facing the creek, and an impeccably comfy bed.
Sacred Sites in Sedona
Sedona could rattle even the most ardent agnostic with its enigmatic, spiritual landscapes. The boundaries of this northern Arizona city sit within the Coconino National Forest and its sandstone formations draw in nearly three million tourists each year. The story of Sedona is inextricably linked to its native people, whose history dates back thousands of years. While in Sedona, skip the new age “vortex sites” and instead, book an Indigenous-led tour of areas such as the Palatki Heritage Site or the Montezuma Castle National Monument just outside of town.
Stay Here: Mii Amo is a 23-casita spa resort that recently underwent a $40 million renovation—and it shows. The all-inclusive destination is surrounded by a desert canyon, blending in beautifully with its earth-toned concrete, adobe brick, river stones, and stucco that matches the color of the canyon walls. Choose between a three, four, seven or 10-day “Journey” curated by a personal guide and emerge anew.
Peaceful Roads in Texas Hill Country
As one Vogue writer put it, Texas Hill County is to Austin what the Hudson Valley is to New York. The popularity of this area is booming, with creatives and entrepreneurs enjoying the proximity to both nature and a lively community. When you’re not sampling wines at the region’s nearly 100 wineries or wandering around charming towns like Fredericksburg and Wimberley, simply savor a drive on the gorgeous backroads that wind along wildflowers. (Psst: the iconic bluebonnets are in bloom late March to mid April.)
Stay Here: The newly-opened Albert Hotel in Fredericksburg offers 105 guest rooms, four dining concepts, a pool, and a spa. The property is a mix of historically-protected buildings that face the town’s Main Street, as well as new construction tucked behind.
Rich Architecture in New Orleans
New Orleans culture is in a league of its own. The diverse cuisine, foreboding landscape, legendary music, and its resilient community are all what makes traveling to The Big Easy such a memorable occasion. One detail that especially helps to tell the story of New Orleans is its iconic architecture (we could spot those wrought iron balconies a mile away). Dedicate a day of your visit to exploring the incredible buildings here, like the creole cottages that blend Caribbean and French Canadian design. Or the shotgun houses with their Victorian embellishments. And no architectural tour is complete without a stop in the Garden District to take in the imposing Greek Revival structures.
Stay Here: For travelers itching to stay in the French Quarter sans the frenetic energy, you’ll find stylish respite in The Celestine. This design-driven hotel is centered around a tranquil courtyard with a gurgling fountain, and just unveiled an expansion, bringing the historic property’s offering up to 14 rooms.
Desert Dwellings in Utah
Seemingly plucked straight from a Paul Newman western, the desert landscapes of Utah are incredibly cinematic. The best way to experience this region, naturally, is with a stay that plants you right in the center of the action. There are more rustic accommodations for the roll-up-your-sleeves types, but also plenty of ultra-luxe glamping resorts for those who prefer a cold towel waiting for them after a riveting slot canyon excursion.
Stay Here: Despite the hefty price tag, it’s hard to resist the siren call of Amangiri. The Instagram-famous desert retreat is revered for its secluded, discreet accommodations, which range from spacious suites to the tented pavilions of Camp Sarika.
Iconic Avenues in New York City
Coming in at just under nine million people, New York City is the most visited city in the United States by international tourists per year. It’s not all that surprising, really, as the destination is ready to entertain just about every kind of traveler, from foodies and theater nerds to architecture lovers and history buffs. But the best way to experience the city is simply on foot—wandering down iconic avenues and joining the energetic rhythm of everyday life.
Stay Here: The view from The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad s club lounge could make even the most jaded New Yorker gasp. This skyscraper hotel is well positioned for city exploration (it’s at West 28th and Broadway, right by the flower district) and both the on-property restaurant and rooftop bar by José Andrés is a destination where you’ll spot tourists and locals rubbing elbows.
Upper Peninsula Coastlines in Michigan
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan (known locally as the U.P.) is home to an astounding number of beautiful inland lakes, including three of the Great Lakes. Travelers driving along the region’s dramatic coastline get a taste of it all—rocky beaches, sandstone cliffs, and jewel-toned waters. Don’t miss Lake Superior’s distinct formations along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which are known for colorful mineral streaks. Rock enthusiasts can dive deeper searching for illustrious agate, vivid amethysts, and the fluorescent Yooperlites, which emit a glow under ultraviolet light.
Stay Here: Thunder Bay Inn is a historic property that was converted into a hotel by Henry Ford in the 1940s. Visitors enjoy a large lobby fireplace and 14 rooms, each decorated with antiques, as well as a restaurant that was originally built as a set for the 1959 Academy Award nominated film, Anatomy of Murder.
Sipping Along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Bourbon nearly went extinct in the late 19th century; a cultural shift toward clear spirits led to plummeting sales and dozens of distillery closures. Thankfully, small-batch whiskey and the rise of craft cocktails paved the way for a renaissance, and visitors can now indulge in this classic spirit in its birthplace along The Kentucky Bourbon Trail. For die-hard enthusiasts, add a stop at The Kentucky Artisan Distillery to taste Jefferson’s Bourbon, where co-founder Trey Zoeller is known for his experimental approach to aging and blending bourbon (including the ocean series, which is aged aboard ships that sail the world’s oceans).
Stay Here: The Grady Hotel in Louisville makes an excellent home base for a bourbon-fueled expedition in Kentucky. The Small Luxury Hotels of the World property was once an apothecary, then home to a milliner for the Kentucky Derby, and is now a 51-room boutique hotel with details like reclaimed wooden ceilings and local artwork.
Outdoor Adventure in Jackson Hole
Wyoming’s Jackson Hole valley is a place of impossible beauty. It begins just six miles south of Yellowstone National Park and also enjoys the saw-toothed mountains of Grand Teton National Park as its backdrop. (Fun fact: Jackson Hole Airport is the only commercial airport in the United States located entirely inside a National Park.) Take advantage of the destination’s utterly arresting beauty by partaking in one of many outdoor adventures, like backcountry skiing in the winter and via ferrata in the summer.
Stay Here: Caldera House is a stylish boutique hotel in Teton Village that’s become a bit of a celebrity magnet (Gwyneth Paltrow, Gigi Hadid, and the Kardashian family have all stayed here). The property has four two-bedroom suites and four four-bedroom suites, plus a lobby lounge, in-house skip shop, and spa.
Moss-Framed Sidewalks in Savannah
It’s hard not to be swept up in the moody ambiance of Savanah. This southern town oozes mysterious charm with its hundreds-years-old live oak trees and their dripping Spanish moss. Meander around the Historic Landmark District to take in the views, stopping at destinations like Forsyth Park where its famous fountain, a replica of the fountains at the Place de la Concorde in Paris, was installed in 1858.
Stay Here: Hotel Bardo occupies a Southern Gothic terracotta mansion across the street from Forsyth Park. The 19th-century property has been converted into an aesthetic masterpiece, from its pink-clad, palm-tree-lined pool to Saint Bibiana, the vibey restaurant that’s located in the oldest corner of the hotel that dates back to 1888. The hotel even has complimentary Mokes for taking a spin around downtown or the trendy Starland neighborhood.
Laidback Luxury in Palm Beach
Immortalized by Slim Aarons photographs and Lily Pulitzer printed frocks, Palm Beach has long been viewed as the leisurely cousin to lively Miami. As one Vogue writer puts it, Palm Beach is “where glossy green lawns sit adjacent to sandy beaches and no one waits till cocktail hour to get things shaking.” Naturally, any itinerary here should include lunch at Bice, a spin around the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, shopping along Worth Avenue, and cocktails at The Breakers.
Stay Here: It’s easy to imagine what The Colony Palm Beach Hotel felt like when the likes of Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra walked its glamorous hallways. The 1947-era, pink-hued property has retained its imaginative aesthetic throughout several decades, most recently unveiling a design refresh in 2022.
Jurassic Landscapes in Kaua i
The oldest of the Hawaiian islands and known as the “Garden Island,” Kaua i is astounding. (It’s estimated to be around 5.1 million years old!) Visitors to this lush paradise have plenty to choose from as far as outdoor activities go, like sailing along the Nā Pali coastline and hiking Waimea Canyon. Snorkeling, surfing, and bird-watching are also popular throughout the island, as is hunting down the best shave ice and poke.
Stay Here: Timbers Kaua i Ocean Club Residences is a Michelin Key oceanfront resort with flawless views and a warm, welcoming staff. On property, the infinity pool, organic farm, and cultural offerings such as lei making are all top notch. And for days when you’re itching for an outing, the concierge team can arrange activities like helicopter tours and guided hikes. The wildlife and birdwatching tour with their naturalist, ‘Al’ is especially enjoyable, no matter how well versed you are in the world of birding.
Tranquil Drives Along Coastal Maine
There are certain destinations within the United States that seem like they were carved by time solely for the purpose of a road trip. Coastal Maine is one of these places. There is more coastline in Maine than California, with several ‘fingers’ that branch off from Route 1, making it all too easy to get lost and stumble upon roadside fruit stands, quaint antique shops, and remote lobster shacks. Allow yourself at least four days to make your way along this incredible coastline, stopping in villages such as Kennebunkport, Camden, and Biddeford.
Stay Here: Just outside downtown Kennebunkport, Hidden Pond is surrounded by 60 acres of birch groves and balsam fir, offering its guests a wild, remote experience in nature. Accommodations range from treetop lodges to stylish bungalows outfitted by designer Todd Snyder, and the on-property restaurant is truly a highlight, taking full advantage of in-season local ingredients.
Stargazing in Nantucket
Nantucket is known for many things, its luxury hotels, storybook villages, well-heeled residents, and lively summer scene. But one aspect to this tiny island off the coast of Massachusetts that not all visitors know about is its stargazing. Begin your celestial journey with an evening at the Maria Mitchell Observatory (named after Nantucket’s famous 19th-century astronomer), which hosts public programs where visitors can peer through far-reaching telescopes. Other excellent viewing locations include the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, where on clear nights you can see the Milky Way stretching across the sky and meteor showers dance over the open ocean.
Stay Here: If you want to stay within a historic setting but with all the trappings of a stylish getaway, Greydon House is the answer. The property’s distinct design is by none other than Roman and Williams and is spread across its 20 guest rooms and Venetian-inspired restaurant. (The nautical scenes on the bathroom tiles—a guest favorite detail—were hand-painted in Portugal.)
Dining in the ‘American Riviera’
It’s not clear when Santa Barbara received its nickname as the ‘American Riviera,’ but this heavenly slice of California coastline more than earns its moniker thanks to its abundant sunshine and Mediterranean climate. (The views of the Pacific Ocean don’t hurt, either.) In addition to Santa Barbara, neighboring Montecito also shares the riviera’s best qualities, attracting celebrities like Oprah, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Meghan Markle who all own homes here.
Stay Here: There are few more covetable bookings along the California coastline than the oceanfront suites at Rosewood Miramar Beach. This Triple Forbes Five-Star property is iconic in every sense of the term, from indulging in Michelin-starred cuisine at the famed Caruso’s to the private beach access. Off property, concierge can arrange for guests to experience regional highlights such as wine tasting and touring around town in ‘Miramar Jollies’ (their homage to the taxis of Capri).
Remote Wilderness Lodges in Alaska
Though many travelers make their way around Alaska via cruise ship, if you prefer your vacations to be spent upon solid ground, look to the state’s most remote wilderness lodges. Aside from the obvious benefits of a secluded getaway in nature, these destinations are especially appealing to adventurous travelers as they are often only accessible by boat or seaplane. Though each lodge’s offerings differ, expect exhilarating excursions like glacier trekking, bear-viewing platforms, and salmon fishing.
Stay Here: A hundred miles from any paved roads or maintained trails, Ultima Thule Lodge epitomizes the Alaskan wilderness lodge. There is a ‘no itinerary’ approach, which means each day is different and dictated by the weather. (A daily combination of fly-out drops and flight tour adventures can be expected as well as an alfresco lunch.)
Bucket List Hikes in the National Parks
Since the establishment of its very first national park in 1872, the US has continued to grow its network of protected landscapes, now counting 63 destinations in its system. Wherever your travels take you, if there is a national park within driving distance, it is—without a doubt—worth your time. From well-known locales like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone to less-trafficked areas such as Isle Royale in Michigan, once you start checking off national parks, it’ll be hard to stop til you reach all 63.
Stay Here: Since most national parks are located in remote destinations, it’s helpful to search the National Park Service’s registry of hotels and grand lodges located within these areas, with many of them dating back well over a hundred years.
Leaf Peeping in Vermont
While Vermont is worth a visit any season of the year, the destination hits its stride during autumn when the whole landscape is ablaze in glowing shades of orange, red, and yellow. Leaf peepers from across the states make their way to towns such as Burlington and Woodstock to immerse in the state s legendary fall foliage, whether through a scenic hiking trail or at an apple-picking orchard.
Stay Here: Twin Farms in Barnard is planted on a 300-acre pastoral estate, and offers 28 cottages and suites (each individually decorated). The team is on standby to ensure each guest has a customized experience, whether its planning a picnic deep in the forest or borrowing a mountain bike for an adrenaline-fueled excursion.
