The Best of the US
1/13
Domestic travel received a big jolt amid the pandemic but with most places around the world reopened to tourism travelers have more options compared to previous years. Nonetheless, the U.S. remains one of the world's premier travel destinations, especially for Americans looking to explore and experience new things from their own backyard and without a passport or having to take a long-haul flight. For those in search of epic nature, history, culture, food and more, the U.S. is standing by to deliver each in bunches. Here's your guide to experiencing the very best that the United States has to offer in 2023.
3 Best US Destinations for 2023
2/13
San Diego, California
America's Finest City is certainly worth a visit but beware becoming jealous of those who live here year-round. This Southern California gem offers family-friendly beaches and a slew of other fun outdoor activities in places like Balboa Park and the renowned San Diego Zoo.
Meanwhile, history buffs can explore the USS Midway Museum while those seeking mouthwatering food and vibrant nightlife can tour the city's famous Gaslamp Quarter. Just over the bridge, Coronado Island offers visitors a bit of small beach town charm and even more stunning views of the Pacific.
New York, New York
New York City is back and better than ever almost three years since the onset of the pandemic. The Big Apple's bucket-list attractions never left, of course, but the return of marquee events from Broadway to Brooklyn has rejuvenated the city in terms of being a premier tourist destination in 2023.
New York's iconic monuments, memorials and museums remain as popular as ever but lively music festivals, sporting events and other performances in addition to an unparalleled dining and nightlife offering will give travelers added incentive to start planning their trip.
Maui, Hawaii
Travelers can't go wrong in Hawaii, especially on the island of Maui. Here, visitors can relax on some 30 miles of amazing beaches, including Makena where beachgoers can swim and snorkel. Connect with Mother Nature in the 122-acre Wai'anapanapa State Park and take in even more spectacular scenery with the wind in your hair during an unforgettable road trip along the magnificent Hana Highway.
5 Best Attractions in the US
3/13
Las Vegas Strip
No trip out West is complete without a stroll down the bustling Las Vegas Strip. This colorful stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard is dotted with bars, restaurants, casinos and other attractions such as the famous fountains of Bellagio. The best part is that new attractions like FlyOverLas Vegas are always popping up along the Strip so even if you've already been, there's always a reason to return.
Disneyland
Families won't want to miss out on a trip to Disneyland Park in Southern California to experience the "Disney 100 Years of Wonder" celebration kicking off on January 27. The "Happiest Place on Earth" promises to be just that over the course of 2023 as guests are treated to reimagined attractions, new nighttime spectaculars, commemorative apparel, merchandise, food and beverage offerings and much more.
Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
If you want to experience the majesty of the Grand Canyon but want to do it in a short period of time while capturing some truly jaw-dropping photos, head to the town of Page in northern Arizona to view Horseshoe Bend. Dubbed the "east rim of the Grand Canyon," this horseshoe-shaped incised meander of the Colorado River is as breathtaking as America's natural attractions come.
Statue of Liberty
A symbol of freedom around the world, New York City's Statue of Liberty is the largest in the world and can be viewed from various parts of the city as well as close up on a sightseeing tour of Liberty Island. Nearby Ellis Island is also worth the time for those hoping to learn more about how the U.S. ultimately came to incorporate so many cultures from around the world.
Navy Pier
For visitors to the Midwest this year, Navy Pier is not to be missed. Extending out over Lake Michigan, this entertainment complex features bars, restaurants, shops, thrill rides and some of the best views of Chicago. It's also the starting point for exciting cruises and boat tours.
Must See 2023 Events
4/13
Whether it's major sporting events, music festivals or can't-miss anniversaries and other celebrations, there's no shortage of fantastic events on tap for travelers across the U.S. in 2023.
The sun-drenched destination of Phoenix, Arizona will play host to the NFL's Super Bowl LVII this February and the fun will only intensify from there, with Mardi Gras festivities taking over New Orleans, Louisiana later that month and the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival returning to Indio, California in mid-April. April will also see sports fans descend on Houston, Texas for the culmination of March Madness at the Final Four.
The race for the Triple Crown will begin on the first weekend in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky and, the following month, the eyes of the golf world will be on the Los Angeles Country Club for the annual U.S. Open Championship. In late August and early September, tennis will host its U.S. Open Championships in Flushing Meadows, New York. Other notable events for sports fans in the U.S. will include the NBA's All-Star Game from Salt Lake City, Utah on February 19 and the MLB All-Star Game from Seattle, Washington on July 11.
Travelers, especially families, will also want to take part in Disney's "100 Years of Wonder" anniversary celebration throughout the coming year. The fun and excitement will officially kick off at California's Disneyland Resort on January 27.
Like every year, travelers can also plan for plenty of excitement around the holidays, whether it's Fourth of July fireworks and spooky Halloween parties and events across the country, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade from New York City or festive Christmas and New Year's events taking place from Hawaii to Maine.
Best Places for Families
5/13
Tampa, Florida
Tampa is about as family-friendly as American cities get and the glorious weather doesn't hurt either. Whether taking a pirate-themed cruise with the kids through the bay or visiting standout all-ages attractions like Busch Gardens, ZooTampa, the Florida Aquarium or the Glazer Children's Museum, visiting families will have plenty of options to fill their itinerary.
Denver, Colorado
In the snow-capped Rockies, the Mile High City is sure to delight families as Denver boasts an awesome zoo and aquarium in addition to premier museums like the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Children's Museum of Denver. Elitch Gardens and City Park are also great places to let the kids work off their energy. Plus, there's always Rocky Mountain National Park and the Garden of the Gods for families in search of nature.
Washington, D.C.
The nation's capital continues to be the perfect family destination as adults and kids alike can not only take in symbolic landmarks and monuments from the White House to the Washington Monument but expand their horizons at the unrivaled and comprehensive Smithsonian museum complex, which, unlike most cities, is completely free to access-great news for large families.
Best Places for Couples
6/13
Sedona, Arizona
Arizona's Red Rock Country is exceptional and Sedona is a prime example. This eye-popping desert town is the ideal place to grow closer with your significant other, whether by hiking scenic trails and taking in epic rock formations and vortexes-centers of energy believed to be conducive to healing-or relaxing at one of the city's many stellar spa resorts. There are also plenty of romantic restaurants and shops to explore in Sedona's walkable Uptown.
Santa Barbara, California
When it comes to romance, few destinations in the world can compare to the American Riviera. Couples cruising the Pacific Coast Highway along the central California coast north of L.A. will want to plant their flag in Santa Barbara, a destination that seamlessly blends towering mountains, swaying palm trees, golden sand and blue ocean. Lovebirds can grab a drink and a bite after a romantic walk along scenic Stearns Wharf or the State Street Promenade. The latter is overflowing with great bars, restaurants and shops, including locally owned boutiques that can be found inside La Arcada Courtyard.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
There are tons of fun, relaxing and romantic things for couples to do on South Carolina's Hilton Head Island, a treasure of the Lowcountry. The island boasts miles of gorgeous and pristine beaches and even opportunities to view dolphins in the wild. Couples can sample some of the best dishes in the region, partake in local wine tastings and perhaps book a rejuvenating couples massage at one of the destination's many excellent spa resorts.
Best Places for Group Travel
7/13
Florida Keys
The Florida Keys checks all of the boxes when it comes to group travel as this string of tropical islands offers not only unbeatable weather and laid-back vibes but activities and attractions to suit visitors of all interests. Groups can rent jet skis to cruise the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, bar hop down Key West's iconic Duval Street, pose in front of the Southernmost Point Buoy, snorkel and dive coral reefs at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park off of Key Largo and take a group fishing trip in the Sport-Fishing Capital of the World in Islamorada.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
A popular spot for families and large groups, North Carolina's Outer Banks provides everything needed for a quintessential American beach vacation. The beaches here are some of the best in the U.S. and there are plenty of spacious vacation rentals to choose from so that visitors can stay longer and more comfortably. Travelers can kayak and enjoy water activities on the Sound side of these barrier islands and will also encounter charming villages as they make their way along Highway 12.
Seattle, Washington
In the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is a solid city alternative for groups to coastal destinations like the Keys and OBX. Whether browsing the famous Pike Place Market, touring one of the Emerald City's fascinating museums like the Museum of Pop Culture or MoPOP or competing in a lively escape room challenge, groups visiting this corner of the country certainly won't be short on entertainment. Groups will also have a great time on a Seattle Underground tour and bouncing from spot to spot on the scenic Seattle Waterfront.
Best Places for Solo Travel
8/13
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Solo travelers will rarely feel alone in Milwaukee, a city oozing with Midwest charm along the gorgeous shoreline of Lake Michigan. While the winters are undoubtedly cold, the summer season will wow visitors who will be met by a plethora of local markets, inviting beer gardens and star-studded events like the annual Summerfest, the world's largest music festival hosting more than 800 bands across nearly a dozen stages over three weekends in late June and early July.
Asheville, North Carolina
Creative craft beer, an impressive music and arts scene and some of the friendliest locals in the nation make the city of Asheville in western North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains an easy choice for solo travelers in 2023. Located not far from the country's most-visited national park in the Great Smoky Mountains, Asheville boasts the most breweries per capita in the U.S., so there's always something new to sample. Plus, happening festivals, events and local traditions like the Asheville drum circle taking place downtown every Friday night during the warmer months bring visitors and residents together so making new friends is easy.
Boulder, Colorado
This gateway to the Rocky Mountains is the ideal place for solo travelers looking for a bit of serene seclusion. A college town with plenty of youthful energy, Boulder offers numerous hiking and biking trails in addition to charming shops and restaurants along the Pearl Street Mall. Breathe in some fresh air while exploring the photogenic Flatirons or catch a once-in-a-lifetime concert at nearby Red Rocks. What's more, visitors will be just a short drive from Denver where plenty more fun and excitement await.
Best Foodie Destinations
9/13
Wilmington, North Carolina
Regardless of whether you're after amazing Asian, phenomenal pizza, tantalizing tacos or a breakthrough brunch, Wilmington is guaranteed to satisfy. Plus, this coastal destination does seafood as good as any too. Indochine (Thai) and The Copper Penny (American) are among the many standouts and food trucks here don't get any better than Wheelz Pizza or Banh Sai (Asian fusion comfort food). For an unbeatable brunch, head to, well, Brunches, a laid-back spot where you can chow down on your breakfast and lunch favorites while washing it all down with a refreshing mimosa or Bloody Mary.
San Franciso, California
The Bay Area can compete with any city in the world when it comes to Michelin Star restaurants so visitors won't be short on options when it comes to hunting down award-winning cuisine. What's more, San Francisco is a diverse city with a plethora of unique neighborhoods certain to surprise. Chinatown will have your taste buds jumping with sensational dim sum and other amazing Asian dishes while the city's food truck scene is sure to be a pleasant surprise as you make your way from Point A to Point B.
Austin, Texas
The Live Music Capital of the World is also often celebrated for its scrumptious bites. Austin is a city that welcomes foodies of all types, but meat lovers and taco aficionados in particular will fall in love with the Texas capital. Kick off your visit sampling the many delicious food trucks parked along Rainey Street and make it a mission to get to Franklin Barbecue for some ridiculously good smoked meats. For an authentically weird Austin experience, head over to Trippy Tacos for a mouthwatering taco or two that can be enjoyed for breakfast or lunch.
Best Places for Adventure Travel
10/13
Black Hills, South Dakota
The Black Hills of western South Dakota is the perfect place for adventure seekers who can not only scratch Mount Rushmore off of their bucket list, but hike incredible trails and see amazing wildlife such as bison and mountain goats in Custer State Park. To the northwest, the city of Spearfish offers more outdoor fun, especially around Bridal Veil Falls, where visitors can hike, climb and fly fish while keeping a close eye out for wildlife.
Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
Situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a year-round adventure hotspot celebrated for both its beaches and ski resorts. In addition, this resort town boasts an abundance of scenery and hiking trails, making it hard for visitors to ever want to go back indoors.
Kauai, Hawaii
Hawaii's "Garden Isle" features an array of attractive adventure opportunities for travelers to the U.S. in the year ahead, including beloved places like the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon. The island is also popular for its many mesmerizing waterfalls and beaches, perhaps none more enchanting than Hanalei Bay.
Best Places for Sports Enthusiasts
11/13
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The City of Brotherly Love can feel intimidating but when it comes to sports, this town doesn't play around. The underdog Philadelphia Phillies came within two games of winning the World Series last year and the hometown Eagles are favorites to win the Super Bowl in 2023. On the hardwood, the Philadelphia 76ers have legitimate NBA championship aspirations.
And then there are the rabid fans who give the city its unparalleled homefield and home court advantage. For better or worse, there's truly no sports city that can compare to Philly. Don't forget about the iconic Rocky Steps and Statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Phoenix, Arizona
The Valley of the Sun is home to a handful of major professional sports franchises, including the NBA's Phoenix Suns, the Arizona Cardinals of the NFL, MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks and the NHL's Arizona Coyotes. What's more, the city will host the Super Bowl this winter and provides the ideal weather for those who aren't only fans but love to participate themselves. Visitors will find plenty of parks equipped with basketball and tennis courts, baseball fields and scenic trails.
Kansas City, Missouri
In Kansas City, the hometown Chiefs have been to four consecutive AFC Championship Games, including two Super Bowls (winning one) over that time. Even the MLB's Kansas City Royals have won a World Series as recently as 2015 and Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer has secured at least two MLS Cups since the turn of the century. Kansas City is also home to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, a highly-rated and recommended attraction located downtown.
Unique to the US
12/13
The U.S. is unique in that there is no singular culture. Few places can compete with the country's diversity of tourist offerings. Take the U.S. landscape, for example. Visitors can explore beautiful beaches along the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico and even the Great Lakes, climb towering mountain peaks in places like Yosemite and the Rocky Mountains, navigate glaciers in Montana and Alaska, hike through remarkable forests in Appalachia, explore wildlife in the Florida Everglades and tour otherworldly desert landscapes in the Southwest. And that's just the natural element. When it comes to food, history, culture and entertainment, the same can be said as no two places are the same.
Safety Index Check-In
13/13
Like any other destination, the U.S. is not immune to crime and other threats but crimes are rarely committed against tourists. Even in cities notorious for high crime rates such as Baltimore and Chicago, visitors can walk around and feel safe in the city center and frequented tourist-friendly areas. Nonetheless, travelers prioritizing safety and security above all else in 2023 can target destinations such as Portland, Maine; Gilbert, Arizona; Raleigh, North Carolina; Madison, Wisconsin; Virginia Beach, Virginia and Boise, Idaho, among others.
Each of the aforementioned destinations rank among the top 21 safest cities in the U.S., according to the latest data from personal finance website WalletHub, which analyzed metrics such as assaults per capita, natural disaster risk level, traffic fatalities and the presence of law enforcement.
