In this article, we are going to discuss the best places to visit in the USA before you die. If you’re also enthusiastic about heritage or cultural tourism, check out our list of the 15 Countries with the Most Beautiful Culture in the World.
People have always felt a need to travel, be it to discover and explore new lands, seek spiritual enlightenment, or merely for personal enjoyment. Although the first tourism agencies appeared in the 19th century, with Thomas Cook & Son being one of the industry pioneers, the sector witnessed rapid evolution with the dawn of the 1900s, thanks to the mass production of buses and cars. Also, improvements in air transport, as well as progress in labor legislation and a growth in social welfare led to a boom in tourism globally.
Tourism Industry in the United States:
According to a recent report by Euromonitor International, the U.S. travel industry was worth $1.2 trillion in 2023. The country welcomed 67 million international visitors last year – 3rd most in the world, right after Spain and France – but this was only 84% of the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.
The report ranks the United States 17th out of 18 major international destinations, a worrying sign for the country’s travel industry. Some of the problems faced by the American tourism sector include a lack of attention from the government leadership, safety concerns, strict visa policies, lengthy waiting times for visa interviews, and outdated technology at points of entry etc.
Almost 15 million Americans work in tourism and hospitality, making it the fifth-largest industry in the country.
The Need for Sustainable Tourism:
Although the tourism industry comes as a boon for many and supports millions of businesses and jobs worldwide, it often doesn’t come without a price. An example of this is the listing and rental of local homes on the online platform of Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB), which in many cities around the world has created a shortage of available residences for the locals, leading to insufficient housing and a massive increase in rents.
The city of New York is a popular market for Airbnb’s short-term rentals, which contributed $85 million to the local economy in 2022 alone. However, the city administration argues that the proliferation of short-term rentals through Airbnb and other platforms has pushed up rents and helped NYC’s housing shortage. As a result, the city adopted the Short-Term Rental Registration Law, strictly restricting short-term and vacation rentals like those listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. The law, which came into force in September 2023, requires all short-term rental hosts to register with the mayor’s office. Moreover, it only allows a maximum of two guests at a time and requires the hosts to be physically present during the guests’ stay.
This bold move by one of the Most Visited Cities in the World is now being closely monitored by other tourism hotspots. If America’s biggest city can fix the problem of short-term rentals, others may follow. Meanwhile, Airbnb responded strongly to the new rules by calling them a ‘de facto ban’ on the platform and also sued NYC, but to no avail. At the same time, other critics believe that the city is bending to the lobbying of the hotel industry and locking out cheaper options for visitors.
However, despite the setback, Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) had a strong start to 2024, with the company reporting a revenue of $2.1 billion, an increase of 18% from the same quarter last year. Q1 net income also grew to $264 million, making it their most profitable quarter ever. Shares of ABNB were held by 56 hedge funds at the end of Q1 2024 in the IM database, with a collective stake value of around $2.5 billion. The stock has also witnessed an increase of 8.75% in price so far this year.
Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) is included among the 12 Best Gig Economy Stocks to Buy.
Largest Travel Company in the World:
With a market cap of over $127 billion as of the writing of this piece, Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) holds the title of being the Largest Travel Company in the World. Operating in 228 countries and 40 different languages, there are more than 28 million global listings available between hotels, homes, and apartments under the Booking travel sites.
The Connecticut-based travel technology company also strongly felt the shocks of the pandemic when its revenue fell by almost 55%, from $15.06 billion in 2019, to $6.8 billion in 2020. However, Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) bounced back strongly and boasted a revenue of over $21.36 billion in 2023 after the revival of international tourism, even higher than its pre-pandemic levels.
The world leader in online travel seems to be having an even better 2024, with a Q1 revenue of $4.4 billion, an increase of 17% from the prior year quarter. Net income also increased massively by 192% to reach $776 million. The stock of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) was held by 97 hedge funds at the end of Q1 2024 in the Insider Monkey database, with Fisher Asset Management holding the largest stake of 391,421 shares, valued at $1.42 billion.
With that said, here are the Most Unique Places to Visit in the U.S.
Robson Abbott/Shutterstock.com
Methodology:
To collect data for this article, we have referred to a number of sources such as Lonely Planet, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Reddit etc, looking for the Most Beautiful Places to Visit in America. To make sure we give you only the best, we picked places that appeared multiple times in the aforementioned sources, assigned them a score of 1 each time they were recommended on these websites, and then summed up the scores and ranked our list accordingly. When two or more destinations had the same score, we ranked them by the number of upvotes they received on Reddit.
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40. Devils Tower, WY
Insider Monkey Score: 2
The iconic Devils Tower in northern Wyoming was designated as America’s first national monument in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt. The area is still an active, sacred location and offers a journey full of Native American cultural discovery.
39. Savannah, GA
Insider Monkey Score: 2
With its stately mansions and nostalgic country squares, the oldest city in Georgia is a treasure trove of historic sites that will transport you back in time. Another good reason to visit Savannah is the legendary Southern hospitality that it has to offer.
38. Hamilton Pool, TX
Insider Monkey Score: 2
An incredibly picturesque sight located just a short 45-minute drive from Austin, the Hamilton Pool was formed thousands of years ago after an underground river collapsed exposing an open cave and a natural pool.
37. Alcatraz Prison, CA
Insider Monkey Score: 2
This former maximum-security prison located on an island in San Francisco Bay is one of the city’s most popular attractions. If you’re seeking an adventure that combines history, intrigue, and breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay, then Alcatraz is a Place You Can’t Miss.
36. Horseshoe Bend, AZ
Insider Monkey Score: 2
If you’re looking for one of the most memorable sunsets of your life in one of the most naturally beautiful places in America, then the Horseshoe Bend in northern Arizona is for you.
From awe-inspiring beaches and beautiful lakes to red-rock deserts and thousand-year-old redwoods, Arizona is counted among the States With the Most Beautiful Nature in the US.
35. Napa Valley, CA
Insider Monkey Score: 3
The crown jewel of America’s wine-producing regions, California’s picturesque Napa Valley is known for its top-notch Cabernet Sauvignon, which comes in different styles across the area.
34. Maui, HI
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Known for its breathtaking beaches and tropical landscapes, Maui offers a lifetime worth of unique experiences to its lucky visitors.
Hawaii is where most Americans go for a vacation while traveling domestically and the tourism industry is the largest single source of private capital for the Aloha State, comprising roughly a quarter of its economy.
33. The Alamo, TX
Insider Monkey Score: 3
An 18th-century Franciscan mission in San Antonio, the Alamo was the site of the 1836 battle between Texas revolutionary forces and the Mexican army. This cultural attraction still stands as a symbol of courage and is a must-visit if you’re interested in American history.
32. Nā Pali Coast State Park, HI
Insider Monkey Score: 3
A 16-mile-long stretch of soaring green-clad cliffs, white-sand beaches, turquoise coves, and gushing waterfalls, the Nā Pali Coast is touted as one of the Most Beautiful Places in the World.
31. The Wave, AZ
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Formed by wind and water erosion over millions of years, The Wave is a geological marvel in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona. Because it’s an ecologically sensitive site, only a handful of people are allowed to visit The Wave every day, so we recommend you plan ahead accordingly.
30. Lake Tahoe
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Straddling the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. With its clear waters and stunning views, the lake is a great tourist destination all year round.
29. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Spread across 415 square miles in the mountains of Colorado, the RMNP is one of the most spectacular national parks in America. Thanks to its diverse wildlife, a vast array of ecosystems, and 60 mountain peaks over 12,000 feet high, the park gets around 3 million visitors per year.
28. Arches National Park, UT
Insider Monkey Score: 3
With over 2,000 spectacular sandstone arches, Arches National Park boasts the densest concentration of natural stone arches in the world. The park’s massive, red-hued Delicate Arch is especially a sight to behold.
27. Taos Pueblo, NM
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark, the multi-storied buildings of Taos Pueblo have been inhabited for over a thousand years. Made entirely of adobe, this Native American settlement is still a sacred place for the indigenous Tiwa-speaking Puebloans and embodies a living culture.
26. Charleston, SC
Insider Monkey Score: 4
If you’re a fan of history, you’ll absolutely love Charleston. Established in 1670, the city is home to the first public college, museum, playhouse, and golf club in America. Charleston’s unique history, vibrant culture, and Southern charm make it an ideal destination for many.
25. Independence Hall, PA
Insider Monkey Score: 4
The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed inside Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, in a way making it the birthplace of America. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the dignified structure once also held the iconic Liberty Bell.
24. Griffith Observatory, CA
Insider Monkey Score: 4
Other than being an intriguing planetarium and astronomy museum, LA’s Griffith Observatory offers stunning views of the City of Angels and is one of the best places to see the world-famous Hollywood sign.
23. Pacific Coast Highway, CA
Insider Monkey Score: 4
California Pacific Coast Highway is one of the Most Beautiful Road Trip Drives in America, offering spectacular views of the country’s West Coast. From Malibu to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California’s sun-drenched strips of sand easily place it among the States With the Most Beautiful Beaches in the US.
22. Acadia National Park, ME
Insider Monkey Score: 4
The crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, Maine’s lake-studded Acadia National Park offers some of the most stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife in America. Although it is smaller than most national parks, Arcadia still gets over 3 million visitors annually.
21. Freedom Trail, MA
Insider Monkey Score: 5
Boston’s Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile, brick-lined route that goes along 16 historical sites telling the story of the American Revolution and beyond. From the Old North Church to Faneuil Hall, the trail is brimming with landmarks from the Revolutionary Area and is a real treat for the history nerds out there.
20. Sequoia National Park, CA
Insider Monkey Score: 5
Set under one of the most stunning natural canopies in the world, Sierra Nevada’s Sequoia National Park was established to protect some of the largest and oldest living beings on the planet. The park is also home to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world.
In June 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced an investment of $188 million aimed at conserving some of the most economically and ecologically significant forestlands across the nation.
19. New England in the Fall
Insider Monkey Score: 6
Fall is the perfect season to visit New England, as the area is recognized to have the most picturesque fall foliage displays in America. As the oppressive summer humidity is lifted, the cooler weather paints the landscape in broad strokes of scarlet, gold, and shocking orange, creating the perfect romantic getaway and making NE one of the Best Places to Visit in the US for Couples.
18. Yosemite National Park, CA
Insider Monkey Score: 6
This widely-visited national park in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains is home to alpine meadows, five of the world’s highest waterfalls, giant sequoia groves, and the spectacular, half-mile-deep Yosemite Valley.
Visited by over 3.5 million people each year, Yosemite is counted among the 30 Must-See UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.
17. Zion National Park, UT
Insider Monkey Score: 6
A magical place to visit throughout the year, Zion is Utah’s first national park, a red-rock wonderland created by wind, water, and snow. The park is particularly famous for its spectacular rock formations, including the expansive Zion Canyon.
16. Grand Teton National Park, WY
Insider Monkey Score: 6
Stretched over an area of 310,000 acres in northwestern Wyoming, the Grand Teton National Park boasts a variety of natural wonders, including jagged peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and vivid evergreen forests. The park is especially renowned for its never-ending hiking opportunities.
15. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, SD
Insider Monkey Score: 6
One of the Most Popular Tourist Attractions in the United States, Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the faces of four U.S. Presidents carved into the rugged granite mountainside in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
14. Antelope Canyon, AZ
Insider Monkey Score: 6
With its stunning red and orange sandstone walls, visiting Arizona’s Antelope Canyon is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime thing to do in the US. Created by millions of years of erosion, this slot canyon has a wave-like structure that looks especially unique under the radiating beams of sunlight.
13. Walt Disney World, FL
Insider Monkey Score: 6
Opened for visitors in 1971, Orlando’s Disney World offers a magical experience to everyone, kids and adults alike. The property spans an area of around 43 square miles and is composed of four theme parks, two water parks, more than two dozen hotels, and the Disney Springs complex.
The Disneyland parks by The Walt Disney Company made around $28 billion in revenue in 2022.
12. Sedona, AZ
Insider Monkey Score: 7
A scenic gem surrounded by majestic red rock scenery, steep canyon walls, and pine forests, the desert town of Sedona provides ample opportunities for epic outdoor adventures. Only a short hike from the town, the popular Cathedral Rock Trail is truly a rewarding experience.
11. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
Insider Monkey Score: 7
Famous for its distinctive rock formations, stunning sunrises, beautiful sandstone pillars, and incredible hiking trails, Bryce Canyon National Park showcases the stunning geology of Southern Utah.
A popular destination for stargazing, Bryce Canyon ranks 6th in our list of the Nicest Places to Visit in the US.
10. Nashville, TN
Insider Monkey Score: 8
Although it is renowned for being a music mecca, Nashville has much more to offer. The Tennessee capital’s historic architecture, panoramic sunsets, trendy shopping, and delicious cuisines are just a few of the many reasons why it has become a top tourist destination not only in America but the entire world.
9. Niagara Falls, NY
Insider Monkey Score: 8
One of America’s most treasured natural wonders, Niagara Falls actually consists of three distinct waterfalls – the Horseshoe Falls, the America Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. The site offers various observation decks, boat tours, and helicopter rides for visitors looking to get a close-up look at its sheer beauty.
Included among the Top 10 Places to Visit in the US Before You Die, over 20 million tourists from both sides of the border visit the iconic waterfalls every year.
8. Glacier National Park, MT
Insider Monkey Score: 8
Established as a national park in 1910, Montana’s Glacier National Park takes its name from the many glaciers and ice rivers that have shaped its rugged landscape over millions of years. The most popular attraction in the park is its stunning Going to the Sun Road.
Montana is among the least densely populated states in America, meaning that its stunning landscapes remain raw and untouched. In fact, the state’s elk, deer, and antelope populations outnumber the humans.
7. Golden Gate Bridge, CA
Insider Monkey Score: 9
Opened in 1937, San Francisco’s 1.7-mile-long bridge stands as a symbol of the city and is widely acclaimed as one of the Most Beautiful Bridges in the World. Golden Gate’s striking International Orange color, its art-deco design, incredible engineering, and fascinating history make it a top destination for many.
6. Las Vegas, NV
Insider Monkey Score: 10
With its bright lights, extravagant casinos, world-class entertainment, incredible food, and lavish hotels, Sin City has it all. As one of the Most Visited Places in the USA, Las Vegas seems to have bounced back strongly on the tourism map after the pandemic, as a total of 38.8 million people visited the city in 2022, with visitor spending reaching a record $79.3 billion – an increase of a massive 24.7% from the previous record set in 2019.
5. New York City, NY
Insider Monkey Score: 12
For many, New York City embodies the American Dream itself. Other than its awe-inspiring architecture, incredible art and fashion scene, and world-class museums, the city offers a cultural diversity like none other.
With its proximity to Europe and its world-famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Times Square, NYC is a Great US City to Visit on Your First Trip to America.
4. Alaska
Insider Monkey Score: 13
The Last Frontier has simply so many stunning sites to visit that we decided to include the entire state in our list. Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the country combined, so the best way to enjoy its marvels is by a cruise.
3. Grand Canyon, AZ
Insider Monkey Score: 14
Arizona is known as the Grand Canyon State and there’s nothing quite like the state’s most famous natural wonder in the entire world. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the Grand Canyon is a place of timeless beauty, made possible by nature.
An estimated 4.5 million tourists visited the Grand Canyon National Park in 2021, supporting over 9,000 jobs in the local area.
2. Yellowstone National Park
Insider Monkey Score: 16
Yellowstone became the first national park in the United States when it was established back in 1872. Since then, it has become a bucket-list destination full of incredible sights and outdoor experiences. The park’s geyser country is especially popular among its many visitors.
1. New Orleans, LA
Insider Monkey Score: 21
In New Orleans, the party hasn’t actually started in a long time simply because the party never ends and the bars never close. With its distinctive music, unique festivals, world-class cuisines, incredible architecture, and legendary nightlife, the Big Easy has something for everyone.
New Orleans is the Number 1 Destination in the US on our list.
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