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.

My photo of amazing scenery on a horse farm on our day trip in Ohio

Best Day Trips in Ohio

Ohio is one of the Midwest's most charming states, stretching between the Ohio River landscape in the south and picturesque Lake Erie along its northern border.

Best Virginia Day Trips for Couples

With its rich colonial history, lush wine country, and beautiful mountains, Virginia is one of the best places in the world to plan a day trip.

I took this photo of fascinating countryside on our Oklahoma day trip

Day Trips in Oklahoma for Couples

Oklahoma residents and visitors are very fortunate when it comes to finding interesting and entertaining destinations for day trips.

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.

I took this photo in an orchard in Northern California

Best Places to Visit in Northern California

Northern California is a land of dramatic contrasts, windswept coasts, towering redwoods, misty valleys, alpine lakes, and volcanic landscapes. From wine country vineyards to rugged wilderness, it offers some of the most enchanting scenery in the U.S. On my many road trips across the region, these were the highlights.

Best Day Trips in South Florida (Near Miami)

I love how South Florida offers the best mix of tropical landscapes, cultural hotspots, and laid-back escapes. It’s the kind of place where you can go from vibrant city life to untouched nature in just a short drive.

My photo of beautiful flowers at the farmers market in Annapolis

Day Trips from D.C. for Couples

From charming small towns and historic landmarks to scenic hikes, vineyards, and beaches, the region around D.C. is a hub for quick getaways that feel like a vacation without the long travel time.

I took this photo in the gardens on my Northern California day trip

Best Day Trips in Northern California (Near San Francisco)

Northern California is one of the best regions in the U.S. for day trips, and it’s become one of my favorite places to explore thanks to its incredible variety.

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.

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.