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

Best Places to Visit in Hawaii

I love how each island offers the best mix of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and underrated local gems. From lush rainforests and volcanic craters to golden beaches and colorful towns, every corner of Hawaii has something unforgettable to offer.

I took this photo of the beach in Santa Barbara on a sunny day

Best Places to Visit in Southern (and Central) California

Southern California is one of the best regions for a vacation in the U.S. Over the years, it’s become one of my favorite destinations for sunshine, culture, and adventure.

Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Oregon

From rugged coastlines to charming small towns and mountain escapes, Oregon delivers the best mix of scenery, culture, and fun, often in unique and sometimes underrated destinations that feel unforgettable.

Best Beaches in California

Beaches in California are some of the most unique and unforgettable coastal escapes in the world. Stretching from rugged cliffs in the north to palm-lined shores in the south, California offers some of the best variety you can find on a single coastline.

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 Romantic Weekend Getaways in Ohio

For me, Ohio’s romantic escapes are some of the best in the Midwest. We've discovered unique destinations, favorite experiences, and underrated gems that are easy to love.

Best Places to Visit in Delaware

With just under 30 miles of Atlantic coastline, you may not think of Delaware when planning a vacation, but, trust me, it's worth your time. Plus...Delaware's super easy to get to by car or train from major cities.

My photo of mountain views on our weekend getaway

Best Weekend Getaways in Colorado

Colorado weekend getaways have meant discovering unique towns, hidden trails, and favorite experiences that are rejuvenating and inspiring.

I took this photo of sand dunes on Martha’s Vineyard after everyone left for the day

Best East Coast Weekend Getaways

The East Coast of the United States is rich in culture, history, and tradition, making it one of the best vacation destinations for just about any traveler.

Best Weekend Getaways from San Francisco

For me, weekend getaways from San Francisco are about finding unique places that combine relaxation, the best adventure, and unforgettable scenery.

My photo of a waterfall hike at the start of summer

Best Places to Visit in June

For me, June trips aren’t just about the destination. They’re about enjoying unique experiences, celebrating summer’s arrival, and discovering underrated places that feel extra special this time of year.

I took this photo of boats and orange sunset on the coast

Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in the U.S.

From sunlit coastlines to mountain hideaways, these are the best spots to spark romance, each with its own unique charm and even a few underrated surprises.

My photo of Wildflowers in the Colorado mountains near Silverton

Best Places to Visit in Colorado

Colorado is best known for its first class ski resorts, where you can enjoy every type of snow sport imaginable, but there are equally exciting outdoor activities for all seasons.

Enjoying Pier C park in Hoboken, New Jersey by night, with the New York City skyline in the background

Things to Do in Hoboken, NJ

Just one stop across the Hudson from Manhattan, Hoboken delivers one of the best and most unique blends of small-town feel and big-city access, absolutely one of my favorite spots to explore in New Jersey.

I decided to visit Martha’s Vineyard in November and it was a dream trip

12 Underrated Places to Visit in November

Whether you’re chasing the best of foliage in the USA, enjoying unique holiday vibes in New York City, or discovering the underrated warmth of spots like Arizona or Florida, November offers countless ways to make memories.

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.