The United States continues to be one of the world's most visited countries and for good reason. Few destinations can compete with the diversity of experiences available across the U.S.
As travelers start making their getaway plans for 2024, this helpful guide should point them in the right direction as they flesh out their itineraries.
Best Destinations in the United States
Some of the best destinations in the U.S. are the singular places like the always lively New York City and the stress-erasing Hawaiian Islands. In between, there are unmistakable cities like Las Vegas and Chicago that will give travelers plenty of reasons to visit in 2024.
For a more laidback vacation experience in the U.S., lesser-touted destinations like Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Bar Harbor, Maine and Utah's Red Rock Country stand out as visitors to these locales can find the perfect blend of luxury and adventure.
Best Attractions in the United States
New York City's Time Square. (photo by Patrick Clarke)
Many of the country's can't-miss attractions can be found in New York City, including Times Square and the Statue of Liberty.?
Other exceptional sites for 2024 include the Las Vegas Strip, the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and Walt Disney World Resort in central Florida.?
Travelers also can't go wrong visiting some of America's iconic national parks, from Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon. For spectacular off-the-beaten-path options, consider lesser-visited parks such as Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park and Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State.
Must-See 2024 Events in the United States
There'll be no shortage of marquee events taking place across the U.S. in 2024, from sold-out sporting events like Super Bowl LVIII (February 11 in Las Vegas, Nevada) and major tennis and golf championships like the Masters (April 11-14 in Augusta, Georgia) and the U.S. Open (August 26-September 8 in New York, New York) to pulse-pounding music and art festivals such as Coachella (April 12-21 in Indio, California) and Bonnaroo (June 13-16 in Manchester, Tennessee).
DJ playing at Coachella. (Photo via Eric Ward / Wikimedia Commons)
Travelers will also have plenty of options when it comes to taking in the Great North American Eclipse on April 8 as the event will be visible from Maine to Texas.
An American vacation also isn't complete without a Fourth of July fireworks display which can be found in nearly every town and city in the U.S. on July 4. As the holidays approach, visitors won't want to miss the famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade through New York City.
Best Places for Families in the United States
Families looking for fun for all ages should consider San Antonio, Texas. Theme parks like SeaWorld San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas will entertain the whole family while parents can conquer the littlest ones' boredom at The DoSeum children's museum. There's also the River Walk and multiple botanical gardens to stroll as a family.
Of course, families will also love Orlando, Florida. The Theme Park Capital of the World is a gateway to attractions like Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and more so building out an itinerary will be fast and easy.
Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. (Photo Credit: Walt Disney World Resort Media)
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains is another stellar family-friendly destination to visit in 2024 as travelers can experience Dollywood as well as fascinating museums, dinner theaters, water parks, miniature golf and much more.
Best Places for Couples in the United States
Couples traveling the U.S. will want to give California's Napa Valley a try. Duos can taste world-class wine, enjoy fabulous restaurants from renowned chefs and book scenic and informative tours through this beautiful region of central California.
A couple in Napa Valley. (Photo Credit: Visit The USA)
Sedona, Arizona is another postcard-worthy destination ideal for romance. Couples can?hike through gorgeous red rocks as well as enjoy spa treatments and wellness experiences at any one of the city's elite resorts.?
Best Places for Group Travel in the United States
Nashville, Tennessee is easily one of the best U.S. destinations for groups in 2024. The new-look Music City offers friends unlimited access to a nonstop party. Whether partaking from a thumping rooftop bar or pedaling a party bike down Broadway, cold drinks, delicious comfort food and awesome live music are never too far away.
Miami is another great place for group revelry and friends and families can even rent a car to make the drive through the Florida Keys en route to Key West to make the most of their South Florida experience. Unique neighborhoods, tons of attractions and awesome weather mean groups won't have to?worry about anyone being left out.
Busy Broadway in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo Credit: Kim Banocy)
Best Places for Solo Travel in the United States
One of America's friendliest cities, Charleston, South Carolina is a great option for solo travelers touring the U.S. this year. Visitors will be greeted by laidback locals as well as an array of attractions and activities, from lounging beachside to strolling the charming cobblestone streets, sampling savory eats and taking in the city's spectacular architecture.
Solo travelers may also consider Boulder, Colorado for the perfect blend of nature and city life. This charming college town about 30 miles northwest of Denver offers plenty to do, from cafes, shops and farmers' markets to hiking and biking adventures in the nearby Flatirons.
Best Foodie Destinations in the United States
A family enjoys freshly made beignets outside in New Orleans. (photo by Zach Smith via New Orleans & Company) ((photo via New Orleans & Co. / Zach Smith))
New Orleans is undoubtedly one of the best foodie cities in the U.S. these days and the dishes here are such a key part of the culture. Mouthwatering gumbo, po-boy sandwiches and fresh seafood are just a few of the many highlights that visitors can enjoy while touring the French Quarter and other popular sites.
In the Midwest, Chicago stands out as an eater's paradise. The Windy City's famous deep-dish pizza is sure to provide all the fuel you need to tour the town. There are also world-class Italian dishes at every turn and the beloved Italian beef sandwich is a no-brainer the next time hunger hits.
Best Places for Adventure Travel in the United States
Looking for adventure? Head to the Pacific Northwest, specifically Coeur d'Alene in northern Idaho where visitors can enjoy the great outdoors all year long, whether engaging in water sports on Lake Coeur d'Alene and hiking nearby trails or hitting the slopes and plunging into natural hot springs during the winter season.
Falling Rock outside of Rapid City, South Dakota. (photo by Patrick Clarke)
Rapid City, South Dakota is another underrated destination for adventure in 2024 as visitors to the gorgeous Black Hills can not only cross Mount Rushmore off of their bucket list but explore the scenic Custer State Park and the not-to-be-missed Needles Highway as well as the otherwordly Devils Tower just across the border in Wyoming.
Best Places for Sports Enthusiasts in the United States
Las Vegas quickly transformed into a marquee sports destination. Sin City will not only host Super Bowl LVIII on February 11 but also boasts hockey's defending Stanley Cup champion Golden Knights and the back-to-back defending WNBA champion Aces.
From Allegiant Stadium to T-Mobile Arena and the sportsbooks in between, sports fans can't go wrong in the Entertainment Capital of the World.
A Vegas Golden Knights game. (Photo Credit: Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau)
New York City is another undeniable sports destination for 2024 as visitors can catch some hair-raising baseball and basketball action at renowned venues like Yankee Stadium and Rucker Park as well as venture to Queens to experience the U.S. Open tennis championships to close out summer.
Unique to the United States
The United States is easily one of the world's most unique countries as it boasts a wide range of cultural influences.
The variety of experiences that a traveler can have in the U.S. is unmatched as it is a destination offering numerous opportunities to explore history, nature and culture that in many cases has inspired and influenced other places all around the world.
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