Vacation Ideas in the USA: Places to Visit, 11,000+ Things to Do, and Hotels

Best Places to Visit in North Carolina

North Carolina is one of my favorite states to explore, and I think it’s one of the best places in the South for unforgettable day trips. I can experience mountains, beaches, historic towns, and vibrant cities—all in the same state. Some of my favorite adventures have come from spontaneous North Carolina day trips.

My photo of fall foliage over water, Texas Hill Country where I live

10 Best Places to Visit in October in the USA

Whether you’re looking for cozy small-town charm, city festivals, or peaceful escapes in nature, October offers a little bit of everything, making it one of my favorite times to plan special trips and seasonal fun.

I took this photo of blossoms on a weekend getaway from NYC

Best Weekend Getaways from NYC

In this post, I’ve shared my favorite weekend getaways I enjoyed while living in New York City for 10 years. I love these scenic drives, cozy inns, and charming small towns that aren't too far or too hard to get to. Each trip feels unique, giving you plenty of favorite spots to revisit or discover anew.

Best Beaches in Michigan

Relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Michigan is be one of the best and most unique ways to spend your vacation (and I don't mean just summer!).

I took this stunning orange-red sunset photo over the Pacific

Best Beaches on the West Coast

Beaches on the West Coast are some of the most unique and awe-inspiring coastal escapes in the United States. They’re easily among my favorite places for both adventure and relaxation.

Best Places to Visit in Louisiana

For me, Louisiana isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about the unique spirit of each destination, the traditions you experience, and the favorite memories you make along the way.

I took these photos on my visit to Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Jackson Hole

Best Places to Visit in Wyoming

Home to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and six mountain ranges that surround the Big Horn Basin, it is Wyoming’s majestic outdoors that we wanted to see.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, USA townscape at dawn in autumn

Best Places to Visit in West Virginia

I love how West Virginia offers the best mix of rugged natural beauty, cozy small towns, and thrilling outdoor activities.

Best Places to Visit in New Mexico

What I love most about New Mexico is how each city and region seems to have its own distinct personality, especially if you visit during different seasons.

I took these photos while snorkeling in Hawaii on our Valentine's Day getaway.

Best Places to Visit on Valentine's Day

I love how these escapes can be both underrated and unforgettable. You don’t always need something extravagant for it to be special. Sometimes the best memories come from quiet moments together in a new place.

Cool & Unusual Things to Do in Southern California

If you are planning a vacation with many different things to do, family fun, as well as diverse history and art to discover and appreciate, then Southern California is the best place to visit.

I took this photo of palm three at Huntington Beach

Best Day Trips in Southern California

SoCal is packed with some of the best and most exciting day trip destinations, and I’ve loved exploring so many of them.

I took these photos of sandy beaches and colorful sunsets in MA

Best Places to Visit in Massachusetts

What makes Massachusetts truly unique to me is its variety: walking the historic Freedom Trail in Boston, relaxing on Cape Cod’s beaches, or wandering through the Berkshires for art and outdoor adventure.

I took this photo of stunning yellow fall foliage

Best Places to Visit in New Hampshire

I love how New Hampshire offers the best mix of mountain adventures, charming small towns, and peaceful lakeside escapes. Nestled between Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts, New Hampshire is one of the best and most unique destinations in New England.

]I took this photo on the edge of the ocean one one of our weekend trips

Best Places to Visit in Connecticut

I love how Connecticut offers the best blend of coastal towns, scenic countryside, and vibrant cultural attractions. It feels quieter than other New England states, but that’s exactly what makes exploring here so refreshing.

Get Your Best Vacation Idea!

We got started in 1999 the way most good trips begin, by following a feeling. What kept us going were all the amazing discoveries, conversations with locals that pointed us to hidden gems, all our unexpected new favorites! And the search continues...

We'll help you figure which vacation is the best for you! In each section, we're including our recommendations for our favorite places to visit, best things to do when you get there, hotels and restaurants. We live in the United States so that's our focus, especially on amazing weekend getaways and affordable day trips for regular travelers.