10 Best Vacation Spots in the US: The 2026 Travelers’ Choice Guide
Looking for inspiration for your next big getaway? It is that time of year again, and Tripadvisor has released its highly anticipated annual lineup of the most in-demand cities in America for travel in 2026.
Part of the prestigious Travelers’ Choice Awards, the final “Best of the Best Destinations” list celebrates a diverse range of places – stretching from bustling metropolitan streets to serene coastal escapes. To crown this year’s winners, Tripadvisor analyzed millions of reviews and ratings from travelers worldwide, evaluating real consumer feedback for local hotels, dining experiences and attractions over the past 12 months.
If you are looking to map out your travel calendar, this list is the perfect place to start. Whether you want to head somewhere new or revisit a favorite, here are the 10 can’t-miss American spots to visit in 2026.
If you are looking to map out your travel calendar for the rest of the year, this expert index is the perfect place to start. Whether you want to head somewhere entirely new or revisit a classic favorite, here are the 10 best vacation spots in the US to visit this year.
In This Article
10. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston wasn’t in the top 10 last year, but it moved up in 2026. Could the sudden surge be driven by buzzy new developments like the expansion of the waterfront Seaport District, the inaugural Frostival celebration or the city earning its very first Michelin star?
One thing’s certain: much of the magic of Boston is old. Really old. Founded in 1630, the city celebrates its revolutionary past across dozens of historic sites, best seen along downtown’s famous Freedom Trail. You can bounce between centuries in a single afternoon – from lunch at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace to a trolley tour through Beacon Hill’s cobblestone streets.
Throw in world-class attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts, the scenic 43-mile Harborwalk and Fenway Park (go Red Sox!), and you’ve got yourself the perfect getaway.
9. Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital is always a winner with its packed lineup of things to do, plenty of which won’t cost you a dime.
The Smithsonian National Zoo? Free. The Lincoln Memorial? Free. The nearly 160,000 works of art hanging inside the National Gallery of Art? All free. And that is not even counting the 17 separate, free-admission Smithsonian museums scattered across the district.
Washington, D.C., also hosts several free events throughout the year. In the summer, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, held at the National Mall in early July, features live entertainment, workshops and culinary demonstrations. Or, in the fall, check out Fiesta DC, which celebrates the Latino and Hispanic community with authentic food, live music and folk dance performances. During the winter and holiday season, visitors can see the National Christmas Tree, ZooLights at the National Zoo and plenty of decorations at the U.S. Botanic Garden. An added bonus? This year America is celebrating its 250th birthday, and there are plenty of things to do in our nation’s capital.
Even better? The metro area features highly affordable public transit, meaning you can easily ditch your car at the hotel and skip the heavy beltway traffic.
8. Key West, Florida
A massive draw for this southernmost city in the Continental U.S. is the gorgeous tropical weather year-round, but Key West’s magnetic pull is about more than just sunshine.
There’s something about its laid-back, quirky community vibe, perfectly summed up by pastel-hued Conch houses, free-roaming neighborhood chickens and a second round of cold mojitos at a local open-air bar. If you’ve been to Fantasy Fest, you get it.
Days are made for biking, snorkeling the pristine coral reefs and cafe-hopping. At night, mosey over to Mallory Square for the ritual Sunset Celebration, featuring street performers, local artisans and food vendors as you watch the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico.
7. Charleston, South Carolina
Another great pick for a chill getaway is this Southern charmer. Though you won’t have much time for sipping sweet tea on the veranda of your B&B if you want to take in all Charleston offers.
The coastal city is an absolute favorite with history lovers. You can book a spine-tingling evening ghost tour, ride the local ferry out to Fort Sumter or shop for handmade sweetgrass baskets at the historic 1841 Charleston City Market. Visit Middleton Place or Magnolia Plantation & Gardens to admire their manicured landscapes and learn the stories of the enslaved families who once lived there.
Charleston is also a great place to get to know the Gullah Geechee culture, particularly through its local folk crafts and iconic Lowcountry cuisine. Dig into hearty dishes like she-crab soup, cornbread, red rice and the signature Frogmore stew.
Want to learn more about Charleston’s haunted history? Check out our guide to learn everything about Charleston’s Ghosts, Graveyards & Haunted History!
6. Chicago, Illinois
For all its skyscrapers, downtown Chicago remains surprisingly walkable and easy to navigate.
Saunter down the Magnificent Mile to be dazzled by the Art Deco and modern architectural landmarks. From there, it’s a short detour to the Chicago Cultural Center for a peek at the largest Tiffany stained-glass dome in the world. Next, stroll over to the Chicago Riverwalk – where the water is famously dyed bright green every St. Patrick’s Day – and visit nearby Millennium Park to snap a selfie with your reflection at the Bean.
Lincoln Park deserves a full day of its own to explore its museums, conservatory, lakefront beaches and free zoo. So does Navy Pier, especially in the height of summer when their twice-weekly fireworks shows and carnival rides make the lakefront extra festive. Beat the heat and spend some time exploring the newly-opened Obama Presidential Center while in town, too!
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
Looking for a place with pure atmosphere? It’s hard to beat New Orleans. Whether it’s the colorful frivolity of Mardi Gras or the folklore of the bayou, this historic city has spirit.
The French Quarter remains the city’s undisputed heart, beloved for its intricate wrought-iron balconies, the grand St. Louis Cathedral and the sprawling, open-air French Market. Hop on the streetcar over to the Garden District, and you’ll find a different kind of beauty: oak-shaded streets, historic antebellum mansions and above-ground cemeteries that feel like sculpture gardens.
Along the way, fill up on the rich Creole and Cajun cuisine NOLA is famous for – like po’ boys and spicy crawfish etouffée – and catch the music that runs through the city. You will hear world-class music inside jazz lounges, during traditional second-line parades and vibrating right out on the local street corners.
4. Nashville, Tennessee
Speaking of legendary tunes, the Country Music Capital of the World is again among the top cities to visit in America. But while you should definitely catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry or one of the neon-lit honky-tonks on lower Broadway, Nashville’s appeal stretches far beyond the stage.
Nashville’s natural beauty shines at the blooming Cheekwood Estate, Centennial Park, Belle Meade Winery and the Cumberland River, flowing through downtown. Escape the busy city sites for a quiet afternoon hike at Radnor Lake. There are museums galore – many music-themed, such as the National Museum of African American Music and the Johnny Cash Museum – as well as a science center, observatory, zoo and a full-scale replica of the Parthenon.
When you’re hungry, grab some hot chicken (locals swear by Prince’s!) or pop into Biscuit Love if it’s brunchtime.
Hungry for more? Check out our guide to Nashville’s dining scene!
3. O’ahu, Hawaii
As the most populous island in the archipelago, O’ahu offers a perfect blend of urban energy and natural beauty. This makes it a great way to get an authentic Hawaiian experience even if you don’t have time to island-hop.
Honolulu (the capital!) alone has enough to keep curious travelers busy for a week. Get your culture fix touring Iolani Palace, the Bishop Museum, Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the lavish Shangri La estate. You’ll also find the world-famous white sands of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head here, plus plenty of classic Hawaiian dishes, including fresh-caught poke and slow-cooked kalua pork.
But if you have time, venture beyond the capital city limits. You can drive to nearby Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout or cross the island completely to explore Laniakea Beach – aka Turtle Beach – so named for the Hawaiian green sea turtles that frequently bask on the shores during the summer months.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
You want a no-holds-barred, high-energy party of a vacation? You want Vegas. Looking for a family-friendly trip with something for everyone? Also Vegas.
The world-famous Strip is packed with entertainment, from acrobatics to music to mind-bending magic. The casinos themselves are like giant set pieces, worth visiting even if you don’t care to try your luck at the tables. While in town, plan a global adventure. Visit Italy inside the Venetian. Tour the tropics (and feed leggy pink flamingos) at the Flamingo. You can even see a mini Eiffel Tower.
Some folks never make it off the Strip, but you absolutely should. Head downtown to hit up the Mob Museum, the fascinating yet strange Neon Museum and the nightly light shows at the Fremont Street Experience. Just outside of Las Vegas, otherworldly landscapes like Red Rock Canyon offer a complete, refreshing change of pace.
1. New York City, New York
Absolutely no one is surprised NYC won the title of best U.S. destination again. It’s not just icons like the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park and Rockefeller Center – it’s all the new places constantly offering something fresh.
Want immersive art? Try the recently opened Arte Museum or Mercer Labs. Want views? Visit Skylift, a rotating platform above Top of the Rock or, newer still, One Times Square, which just opened in December.
Every neighborhood is unique: Chinatown, Little Italy, Chelsea, Harlem, to name a few. And there’s even more if you visit the boroughs beyond Manhattan. In Brooklyn, discover DUMBO’s thriving indie food scene. In Queens, hit up the massive Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The Bronx boasts the legendary Yankee Stadium and the historic New York Botanical Garden. And on Staten Island, you’ll find Snug Harbor – which is every bit as charming as it sounds – and the scenic commuter ferry ride over from Manhattan is completely free.
Bored? It’s not possible here.
📬 Where to Next?
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