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.

I took these photos of beaches on Martha's Vineyard, East Coast

Best East Coast Beaches

East Coast beaches are some of the most unique and versatile getaways in the United States. They’ve among my favorite destinations for a summer escape or even a peaceful off-season retreat for decades.

Best Beaches in New England

For me, the beaches in New England are some of the best in the U.S. Many are rich in rare fauna and flora that are unique to New England.

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.

Places to Visit in the Bay Area

For me, the Bay Area is one of the best and most unique regions in California offering the perfect mix of culture, nature, and coastal beauty.

I took this photo of a pink sunset when we got away last minute to the ocean

Best Last Minute Weekend Getaways & Cheap Vacations

From quick city escapes to budget-friendly beaches, there are plenty of options that prove the best vacations don’t have to cost a fortune.

I took these photos of NYC in the spring while living there for 10 years

Best Places to Visit in New York State

I love how New York State offers the best mix of big-city energy, small-town charm, and stunning natural beauty. From world-famous landmarks to underrated gems, every corner of the state has something special to offer.

Best Places to Visit in Tennessee

Tennessee is packed with some of the best places to visit in the South, and it’s become one of my favorite states for music, history, and outdoor beauty.

My photo of a lovely park on our Mother's Day trip in May

Mother’s Day Weekend Getaways

Spend time next to the pool, get massages at the spa, go shopping or play a round a golf to say thank you on Mother's Day.

Day Trips from Spokane, WA

From mountain lakes to historic towns, Spokane delivers the best mix of scenery, relaxation, and adventure. The best part is the variety: lakes, mountains, wineries, and historic downtowns.

I took this photo on my day trip from Raleigh

Day Trips from Raleigh, NC

Take a drive to the beaches of the outer banks, explore the peaks of the Sauratown Mountains, or enjoy the North Carolina wine country to the northwest.

Enjoying the view of View of High Falls, in Dupont State Forest, North Carolina.

Beautiful Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC

These waterfalls are less than a three-hour drive from Charlotte, offering spectacular drops, unique overlook points, and chances for swimming and sunbathing away from urban crowds.

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.

I took these photos during my birthday travels

Best Places to Go for Birthday

A birthday trip is one of my favorite ways to make memories that go way beyond a dinner or party. It’s about adventure, relaxation, and doing something that feels truly special just for me (or for someone I love).

I discovered this lush hidden waterfall while hiking in the Texas Hill Country

Best Weekend Getaways in Texas

Texas is filled with some of the best weekend getaways in the USA, and it’s one of my favorite states for variety and adventure.

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.