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

Best Beaches in Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville has more than 22 miles of the best beaches in Northeast Florida, with a unique mix of laid-back vibes, natural beauty, and local favorites that make it a standout coastal destination.

Best Things to Do in Iowa

Iowa is home to beautiful scenery, a diverse choice of outdoor activities and unique attractions such as the Crystal Lake Cave and West Lake Okoboj.

My photo of a sailboat at sunset on the coast

Best Things to Do in Alabama

From lively cities to peaceful coastlines, Alabama delivers the best mix of culture and scenery, often in unique and sometimes underrated places that make every trip unforgettable.

Things to Do in Middleton, WI

Middleton, Wisconsin is known as the ‘The Good Neighbor City.’ It’s a small and inviting town with a strong cultural heritage.

Enjoying a pink sunset on the beach in Oregon

Best Beaches in Oregon

Oregon’s coastline is home to some of the best beaches in the United States, and they’ve quickly become some of my favorite spots for adventure and relaxation.

My photo of snorkeling from the beach near Tallahassee

Best Beaches Near Tallahassee, Florida

Beaches near Tallahassee are some of the best-kept secrets in Florida, and they’ve quickly become some of my favorite coastal escapes.

American Banjo Museum

The American Banjo Museum is home to 21,000 square feet of information that provides historical celebration of the Banjo.

Recreation park with small pond and downtown Richardson, Texas

Things to Do in Richardson, Texas

For me, Richardson is one of the best cities in Texas because it combines unique cultural events, outdoor beauty, and unforgettable food in a way that always leaves me with new favorite memories.

Tillamook: Cheese Factory Tours, Hiking & Ocean Views

Tillamook is the delightful county seat of Tillamook County, Oregon, located along the southeastern edge of the Pacific Ocean's beautiful Tillamook Bay.

Things to Do in Alameda

I love how Alameda blends island vibes with history, charm, and a relaxed coastal feel. It’s the best kind of getaway when you want something different without going too far.

Things to Do in Provo

Provo is known for its abundance of natural beauty, a prestigious university and fast-growing economy.

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

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.

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.

Strolling along the lakeshore at Lakeway City Park on a summer day

Things to Do in Lakeway City Park - Day Trip from Austin, Texas

Lakeway City Park was the kind of place that offers a little bit of everything: water, trails, picnic tables, and space to simply be.

My photo on a day trip on the coast of North Carolina

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.

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.

Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind VacationIdea.com. What started as a simple travel blog for regular people who love to travel like us evolved into a 30-year life-long endeavor - this website. My husband, son are frequent travelers and spent 5 years on the road discovering some of the best places to visit in the USA. We base ourselves in a new place every 4 weeks weeks which has allowed us to experience each destination as a local. I love to chase unique things to do near me and revisit old favorites for a cool, fresh perspective. I'm also eager to learn from my fellow travelers to see what works for people and what doesn't. Whether you like great sunsets, hidden gems, places of mystery, famous attractions, or underrated experiences, here you'll find all of those recommendations from locals that won me over. Let's explore together! I live in the USA with my husband and son. More about us.