Discover the Top 10 Most Loved U.S. Destinations for Travelers
As you plan your 2026 getaway, you don’t have to travel far to experience an amazing vacation. The United States is home to countless destinations that offer great weather, plenty of entertainment, and activities for every kind of traveler. To help you decide on the perfect spot, TripAdvisor analyzed destinations that received exceptional reviews from its community over a 12-month period. The result is a list of beachy favorites and crowd-pleasing cities that earned a Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title.
10. Boston: A City Steeped in History and Charm
Boston is a city that will captivate your heart with its rich history, cultural attractions, and delicious food scene. Take a stroll along the Freedom Trail, catch a ballgame at Fenway Park, and explore the trendy neighborhood of Cambridge. Be sure to indulge in classic New England flavors, from iconic pizza slices to fresh seafood. For a unique experience, take a ferry to Cape Cod or Salem to discover the authentic New England charm.
9. Washington D.C.: A City of Monuments, Museums, and Cherry Blossoms
Spring is the perfect time to visit Washington D.C., with the National Cherry Blossom Festival in full bloom. Wander through the monuments and memorials along the National Mall, explore the world-class museums at the Smithsonian Institution, and enjoy the city’s vibrant food scene. From French cuisine to creative, farm-to-table dishes, D.C. has something for every palate. Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll through the picturesque neighborhoods of Georgetown and Dupont Circle.
8. Key West, FL: A Tropical Paradise with a Rich History
Located at the southernmost point of the continental United States, Key West is a charming island city that feels like a nostalgic step back in time. Stroll through the palm-lined streets, visit the former homes of literary legends like Ernest Hemingway, and indulge in the local cuisine, including fresh seafood and Key lime pie. For a unique experience, take a snorkeling trip to the coral reefs or explore the surrounding islands.
7. Charleston, S.C.: A City of Historic Charm and Southern Hospitality
Charleston is a city that will capture your heart with its historic charm, beautiful architecture, and warm Southern hospitality. Take a stroll through the cobblestone streets, visit the picturesque row houses, and indulge in the local cuisine, including French-inspired and Southern comfort food. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the nearby beaches, such as Sullivan’s Island, and experience the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene.
6. Chicago: A City of Architecture, Art, and Music
Chicago is a city that will inspire your senses with its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant music scene. Take a tour of the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Willis Tower and Navy Pier, and explore the trendy neighborhoods of Wicker Park and Bucktown. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a stroll along the Lake Michigan shoreline, visit the Art Institute of Chicago, and indulge in the city’s famous deep-dish pizza.
5. New Orleans: A City of Jazz, Blues, and Cajun Cuisine
New Orleans is a city that will seduce your senses with its jazz and blues music, delicious Cajun cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. Visit the iconic French Quarter, explore the charming neighborhoods of the Garden District, and indulge in the local cuisine, including beignets, gumbo, and jambalaya. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a stroll along the Mississippi River, visit the famous Bourbon Street, and experience the city’s unique Mardi Gras celebrations.
4. Nashville: A City of Music, Honky-Tonks, and Southern Charm
Nashville is a city that will capture your heart with its vibrant music scene, honky-tonks, and Southern charm. Take a stroll through the city’s trendy neighborhoods, such as the Gulch and 12 South, and visit the iconic Country Music Hall of Fame. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the local cuisine, including hot chicken, barbecue, and Southern comfort food, and experience the city’s unique nightlife scene.
3. Oahu: A Tropical Paradise with Stunning Beaches and Outdoor Activities
Oahu is a tropical paradise that will inspire your senses with its stunning beaches, outdoor activities, and unique cultural experiences. Take a snorkeling trip to the coral reefs, visit the iconic Diamond Head crater, and explore the scenic coastline of the North Shore. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the local cuisine, including fresh seafood, poke bowls, and shave ice, and experience the island’s vibrant surf culture.
2. Las Vegas, NV: A City of Entertainment, Luxury, and Non-Stop Action
Las Vegas is a city that will dazzle your senses with its entertainment options, luxury resorts, and non-stop action. Take a stroll along the famous Strip, visit the iconic casinos, and indulge in the city’s vibrant nightlife scene. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the surrounding landscape, including the Grand Canyon and Red Rock Canyon, and experience the city’s unique attractions, such as the Fountains of Bellagio and the High Roller observation wheel.
1. New York City: A City of Endless Possibilities and Iconic Landmarks
New York City is a city that will inspire your senses with its endless possibilities, iconic landmarks, and vibrant cultural scene. Take a stroll through Central Park, visit the iconic Statue of Liberty, and explore the trendy neighborhoods of Brooklyn and Manhattan. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the city’s diverse cuisine, including pizza, bagels, and Chinese food, and experience the city’s unique attractions, such as Times Square, Broadway shows, and world-class museums. Whether you’re interested in history, art, music, or food, NYC has something for everyone.
