United States Travel Guide: 2025’s Best Destinations, Events, Attractions and More

The United States is a singular destination offering travelers a wide range of experiences from pulse-pounding adventure to unparalleled food and culture.

It’s no wonder the U.S. is routinely ranked among the world’s most-visited countries, drawing tens of millions of international tourists annually not to mention the countless Americans who explore domestically each year.

The U.S. is well-established as a can’t-miss destination but what’s on offer is always evolving and 2025 promises to be an exciting year for travelers visiting this unique country.

Best Destinations in the United States

The best U.S. destinations can vary by traveler but some extraordinary places include buzzing New York City, sprawling Los Angeles and charming Chicago in between. All three destinations offer visitors premier sites and attractions as well as something new to experience even if they’ve visited dozens of times before.

Towering skyscrapers, iconic neighborhoods, serene waterfronts, mouthwatering restaurants, extraordinary attractions and so much more await travelers to these elite metropolises.

Lookout Trail, Zion National Park (Photo by Marcbensonphotography / Dreamstime.com) (Photo Credit: Marcbensonphotography/Dreamstime.com)

However, the U.S. is also a dream destination for nature lovers and destinations such as Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, the Hawaiian Islands and Red Rock Country in the American Southwest can’t be discounted.

Best Attractions in the United States

The U.S. boasts a long list of premier attractions, from iconic sites such as the Statue of Liberty or the Las Vegas Strip to natural wonders like Niagara Falls and Yellowstone National Park.

Major cities like New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago and Los Angeles offer visitors the best chance to experience most of these attractions in the least amount of time but there are tremendous memories to be made off the beaten path as well in places like South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore or the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

Some can’t-miss attractions include Times Square, the Empire State Building, the National Mall and Alcatraz but there’s something for each individual interest.

Must-See 2025 Events in the United States

Whether it’s Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans (February 9), a renowned music and arts festival like Coachella (April 11-20), Fourth of July fireworks or holiday season parades and celebrations, 2025 is guaranteed to be an eventful one across the U.S.

Fireworks exploding in Penn’s Landing at Philadelphia’s Wawa Welcome America celebration. (Photo Credit: Visit Philadelphia)

Travelers can also look forward to major golf and tennis tournaments like the Masters (April 10-13) and the U.S. Open (August 25-September 7) as well as the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup (June 14-July 13).

Meanwhile, music and art enthusiasts can experience their favorite artists live at a slew of marquee summer music festivals like Bonnaroo (Manchester, Tennessee) and Lollapalooza (Chicago) in addition to Milwaukee’s Summerfest featuring more than 600 artists over nine days.

Best Places for Families in the United States

Families have no shortage of phenomenal places to choose from in the U.S., including sun-kissed beach destinations in the Southeast like Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Sanibel Island, Florida, for instance. When it comes to unrivaled entertainment, Orlando, Florida is the Theme Park Capital of the World and another easy choice for families looking to make lasting memories.

Families can also choose from dozens of spectacular national parks from Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California to Maine’s underrated Acadia National Park on the opposite coast.

In between, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers families more outdoor adventure within proximity to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, a mountain resort town that’s home to America’s favorite theme park in Dollywood and other attractions.

Best Places for Couples in the United States

Aerial view of downtown Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo Credit: Matt Gush/Adobe)

Couples looking to escape the daily grind can do so in sizzling Scottsdale, Arizona just outside of Phoenix. This desert oasis features exceptional hotels and resorts such as the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale, Castle Hot Springs and Hotel Valley Ho offering rejuvenating spa and sleep packages in 2025.

Visitors can also take a step back in time in the charming Old Town neighborhood, treat their taste buds to a sensational dining scene, shop some of the top brands at the Fashion Square, hike stunning landscapes and take a day trip to relaxing Sedona.

On the East Coast, Charleston, South Carolina is a popular vacation destination and a great option for couples who can set up shop in luxe boutique accommodations like The Ansonborough and the new Palmetto Hotel and enjoy some of the very best Lowcountry cuisine at top-notch restaurants such as 82 Queen and Florence’s Lowcountry Kitchen.

Visitors can also experience fascinating museums, shop local crafts, partake in waterfront activities and so much more.

Best Places for Group Travel in the United States

Train ride through Key West, Florida. (Photo Credit: Mariakray/Adobe)

Groups can have a great time all across the U.S. but a handful of cities and towns stand out, including Key West in the inviting Florida Keys.

Whether lounging at the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S., strolling lively Duval Street, sampling local rum, jet skiing in the serene Gulf of Mexico or heading out on a thrilling fishing excursion, this inviting island city is calling to groups in 2025.

Back on the mainland, Milwaukee, Wisconsin is another awesome destination for groups who can best experience this lakefront locale during the pleasant summer months. Visitors can embark on a satisfying brewery crawl, discover new trends while navigating the city’s Historic Third Ward, venture out onto Lake Michigan or people watch in Milwaukee’s iconic dive bars in walkable neighborhoods like Bay View.

Best Places for Solo Travel in the United States

Solo travelers looking for a new experience may consider heading to Southern California’s Santa Ynez Valley to explore the Danish village of Solvang and restore body, mind and spirit at Alisal Ranch, a historic ranch hotel offering a curated weekend with wellness experts featuring yoga, a guided hike, sound bath and more from February 7-9.

Solvang, California. (photo by Kim Banocy)

Travelers exploring the U.S. on their own will also find plenty of peace and good vibes in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a sunny Southwestern city with a remarkable arts scene as well as fascinating history (it’s the oldest capital city in the U.S.) and culture in addition to tasty restaurants from some of the country’s most passionate and creative chefs. 

Best Foodie Destinations in the United States

Foodies can find delectable dishes all over the U.S. but those with a penchant for fine dining might consider cities like New York or San Francisco, where they can enjoy the creations of award-winning chefs or dine like an A-lister from a dazzling rooftop or waterfront restaurant.

The Bay Area is a no-brainer for seafood lovers while those in the mood for comfort food might venture south to New Orleans for some satisfying po’boys, gumbo and jambalaya, among other full-flavored dishes.

Elsewhere in the South, the Texas capital of Austin is a superb destination for food truck lovers and other hungry travelers who can sample some of the country’s best BBQ, tacos and Tex-Mex in addition to a variety of other cuisines.

Selection of meats at Franklin Barbecue in Austin. (Photo by Scott Hartbeck)

Best Places for Adventure Travel in the United States

South of Cleveland, Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and is an underrated place for outdoor adventure, boasting scenic trails and camping opportunities as well as a slew of hidden gems like the Everett Covered Bridge, the historic Canal Exploration Center and hidden waterfalls along Hemlock Creek Trail.

For a breathtaking adventure in the Rockies, head to Montana’s Glacier National Park to navigate more than 700 miles of trails through diverse landscapes highlighted by calm lakes, melting glaciers, dream-like meadows and other blissful scenery.

Best Places for Sports Enthusiasts in the United States

New Orleans and Las Vegas are two cities that know how to put on a party and both will be equally appealing to sports fans in 2025.

The Big Easy will host the NFL’s championship matchup in Super Bowl LIX on February 9 followed by the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in August. The city will also host NFL, NBA and college football and basketball games throughout the year.

Formula 1 Grand Prix setup in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo Credit: dima/Adobe)

Meanwhile, Formula 1’s Grand Prix will return to Sin City in November. That racing spectacle is in addition to a handful of marquee mixed martial arts events put on by the UFC as well as NFL, NHL and WNBA showdowns just off the bustling Las Vegas Strip.

Unique to the United States

The U.S. remains one of the world’s most diverse destinations and thus what it may lack in history it more than makes up for in terms of culture. Visitors will also find an unparalleled mix of some of the biggest cities and most awe-inspiring landscapes on the planet.

From the Big Apple to the Grand Canyon, the sheer breadth of experiences available is something few travelers can resist.

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore