Top 10 U.S. Destinations for 2025, According to Travelers
Looking for inspiration for your next getaway? The annual TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards have revealed the top US destinations for 2025, based on millions of reviews from travelers worldwide. The list celebrates a diverse range of places, from the bustling streets of New York City to the serene islands of the Florida Keys.
Part of the annual Travelers’ Choice Awards, each spot in the final lineup of “Best of the Best Destinations” is scored based on recent reviews from travelers worldwide, including ratings for hotels, dining and attractions in each destination.
Looking to plan a couple more trips this year? Here are 10 can’t-miss spots.
In This Article
10. Washington, D.C.
Coming in at No. 10, our nation’s capital is naturally packed with things to do, but where it really shines is how many of those things are entirely free.
The zoo? Free. The Lincoln Memorial? Free. The nearly 160,000 works in the National Gallery of Art? All free. And that’s not even starting on the 17 free Smithsonian museums.
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.
The metro area has affordable public transit, too, so you can ditch your car at the hotel and avoid the traffic.
9. Charleston, South Carolina
Not looking for hustle and bustle? While it’s hardly undiscovered by tourists, Charleston sets a slower pace for your vacay. Begin your day with a visit to the Charleston City Market in the morning. Dating back to the early 1800s, it’s worth taking a tour, even if you don’t plan to make a purchase, as the handmade wares and art are truly tempting.
In the evening, golden hour comes to Rainbow Row, where you can capture stunning photos of the pastel-hued homes and then stroll the scenic half mile down to the Battery at the tip of the Charleston peninsula.
As for filling the time in between, there are gardens, ghost tours, historic sites galore – Fort Sumter is a must!. But whatever you do, don’t skimp on eating. The seafood is excellent here, and you can’t do better than a Lowcountry boil or a hearty bowl of shrimp and grits or she-crab soup.
8. Chicago, Illinois
It may hit sub-zero temps during winter, but Chicago positively sparkles during the spring, summer and fall. It’s when Navy Pier, one of its top attractions, really comes alive with outdoor concerts, fireworks and carnival rides.
Another must-do during fair weather is the Chicago Riverwalk. Along with art installations and waterfront views, it gives you a good look at the skyscrapers that define the city. Take a quick detour down the Magnificent Mile to see more towering glass and steel before stopping into the free Chicago Cultural Center to marvel at its two stained glass domes, one of which is the largest Tiffany dome in the world.
Across the street is Millennium Park, where a selfie at Cloud Gate – aka the Bean – is obligatory. Chicago’s other famous urban park deserves a day of its own. Lincoln Park spans over 1,000 acres, featuring a conservatory, beaches, multiple museums and a beloved free zoo.
7. San Francisco, California
With its expansive waterfront and fabulous parks, San Francisco is the ideal destination. You already know about Golden Gate Park, a must for its sheer quantity of attractions, which run the gamut from the California Academy of Sciences to a Japanese garden to free-roaming bison (behind a fence – don’t worry).
Locals flock to the Presidio, a national park site, on sunny days. Explore its many hiking trails, and grab your perfect shot of the Golden Gate Bridge from Baker Beach. First-timers shouldn’t miss Fisherman’s Wharf. Yes, it’s touristy, but the seals at Pier 39 put on a great show. While you’re there, be sure to grab a Dungeness crab sandwich on local sourdough, preferably followed by a scoop of Ghirardelli ice cream from their flagship store, which is one of the best lunches in SF. This is also where you’ll board your cruise for Alcatraz, not just a notorious prison but also an island of gardens, migratory birds and Native American history.
Explore More: Travel More, Spend Less: How to Have a Ball on a Budget
6. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, known as the country music capital of America, is an easy vacation destination for music lovers. Mosey down Lower Broadway at almost any time of day or night, and honky-tonk tunes spill out onto the sidewalks from the many bars and lounges. If you’re partial to country, catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry or Ryman Auditorium or learn about the legends at the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Johnny Cash Museum.
But – beyond Broadway – this city has plenty more to lure travelers. In summer, the grounds at Cheekwood Estate look their best. Centennial Park, with its replica Parthenon, is always worth a stroll. And the sprawling atrium of the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, with thousands of tropical plants and even a riverboat ride, provides a welcome break from the heat. And for outdoor lovers? Middle Tennessee offers four seasons of fun and plenty of places to explore the great outdoors.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
Romance. History. Revelry. Food. New Orleans is the complete package.
It’s the kind of city where you can just wander. Walk the Garden District and admire the stately homes. Explore the French Quarter with its bustling market and 18th-century cathedral. Along the way, you can duck into bistros and beignet shops to fill up on the Creole cuisine New Orleans is famous for. Even the historic cemeteries are scenic here, as are lesser-known destinations like City Park, with its free sculpture garden, and Longue Vue, a gorgeous 1920s estate.
Pro tip: Want a taste of Mardi Gras without visiting during the busiest time of year? Hit up Mardi Gras World to go behind the scenes of how these fantastical floats are made.
4. Florida Keys, Florida
Not one island but several, the Florida Keys may be best known for Key West, the southernmost city in the Continental U.S., but you should visit each of the cities dotting the Overseas Highway as you head south.
Start at Key Largo for some snorkeling (or diving) at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Continue to Islamorada, where you can feed the giant tarpons at Robbie’s. Further south, Marathon draws families with its aquarium, dolphin center and scenic Bahia Honda State Park.
On Big Pine Key, keep your eyes peeled for the tiny key deer. Your road trip culminates in Key West, where Mallory Square hosts its nightly Sunset Celebration, featuring street performers and general merriment.
But true Florida Keys enthusiasts know the Keys aren’t finished here. Book tickets in advance to take the ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park, about 70 miles off the coast, home to the largest brick masonry fort in America, surrounded by turquoise waters.
3. Las Vegas, Nevada
In case you haven’t heard, Sin City shed its reputation as an adults-only vacation destination years ago. Sure, you can still try your luck in the gilded casinos, watch showgirls dance and carouse the night away, but there’s a lot more to Vegas that brought it to the No. 3 spot on Tripadvisor’s list.
Downtown Las Vegas is a hub for arts, neon and nostalgia. Visit the Mob Museum to learn about the seedy history of organized crime, and explore Fremont Street’s dazzling LED canopy. On the strip, the grand casinos are fun to visit, no luck required. There’s the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, gondola rides at the Venetian and flamingos (of course) at the Flamingo. The Bellagio Conservatory is particularly stunning with its elaborate floral displays that change seasonally, and its choreographed outdoor fountain show is a perennial favorite.
Explore More: Go There: A Family-Friendly Weekend In Las Vegas (Yes, Really)
2. O’ahu, Hawaii
Most visitors to Hawaii will see at least part of the island of O’ahu, as the state’s largest airport is located in Honolulu. However, there’s a lot to uncover here. Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous stretches of sand in the world, whether you want to surf, sunbathe or swim. History buffs should head to Pearl Harbor to tour the USS Arizona Memorial and several exhibits from the war. For panoramic views, hike up Diamond Head Crater – it’s manageable even for kids – or take the scenic drive to Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout.
Don’t leave without sampling local flavors. Try some poke, manapua (a steamed stuffed bun) or coconut pudding. Summer is the peak travel season, so you can expect cultural performances and dance shows to add a touch of excitement to your trip. However, Hawaii is full of fun things to do all year long. Whether you’re into snorkeling, hiking or just lounging under a palm tree, Oʻahu makes a strong case for your next plane ticket.
1. New York City, New York
It’s no surprise NYC won the title of best U.S. destination for 2025. Its top attractions enjoy worldwide acclaim with the five-star reviews to show for it. We’re talking iconic sites like the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Times Square, Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building. Take time to explore Manhattan’s diverse neighborhoods. Sample dim sum in Chinatown. Walk the High Line in Chelsea. Climb the 154 interconnecting stairs at Vessel in Hudson Yards.
But what many travelers miss is venturing beyond Manhattan. Head to Brooklyn for Bushwick’s street art and throwback thrills at Coney Island. Queens has one of the most diverse food scenes in the country – think Nepalese momos, Colombian carnitas, Greek souvlaki and Korean fried chicken in the same afternoon. In the Bronx, visit Yankee Stadium and the New York Botanical Garden, and Staten Island is worth a stop when you take the free ferry affording views of the Statue of Liberty along the way.
One thing’s for sure, there’s always more to see in the city that never sleeps.