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

Best Places to Visit in Washington

The first time I came to see the whales. Now I keep going back because I think that Washington State is one of the best places to visit in the U.S. It combines unique landscapes, vibrant cities, and underrated gems that always leave me with new favorite memories.

Best Places to Visit 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.

I took this photo on my coastal day trip

Best Places to Visit in Maryland

From majestic coastlines to historic towns, Maryland offers some of the best and most unique experiences, with a bit of underrated charm tucked around every corner.

My photo on a relaxing summer afternoon in Missouri

Best Hotels & Resorts in Missouri

What makes Missouri so special is its variety. You can book a luxury resort overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks, enjoy a historic boutique hotel in St. Louis or Kansas City, or find an underrated lodge tucked into the Ozark Mountains.

I took these sunset photos over the lake in Glenorchy and Queenstown, New Zealand

Best Places to Go for an Anniversary Trip

I love how anniversary trips can be both underrated and unforgettable. You don’t always need to go far to find the best mix of romance, relaxation, and adventure.

Best Places to Visit in the Midwest

The Midwest is full of some of the best weekend getaways in the United States, and it’s become one of my favorite regions for a mix of small-town charm, vibrant cities, and natural beauty.

I took this photo of a romantic sunset over the ocean on a perfect trip

Best Last Minute Romantic Getaways

Last minute romantic getaways are some of the best and most unique trips, underrated favorites that have left us with unforgettable memories.

]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.

Best Lake Erie Beaches and Islands

Whether you're looking to do some swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, kite flying, Frisbee throwing, picnic eating, or something else altogether down on the sandy shores of Lake Erie, you'll find all you need at some of Ohio's best beaches.

Best Beaches in North Carolina

From the Outer Banks to the Crystal Coast and down to the southern beaches near Wilmington, the state has some of the best shoreline you’ll find anywhere on the East Coast.

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.

Lake Allatoona at Red Top Mountain State Park

Best Places to Visit in Georgia, USA

Georgia is one of the best states to visit in the South, and it’s become one of my favorite destinations for history, culture, and natural beauty.

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.

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.

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.