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20 Of The Best Places To Visit In The US Ranked Based On Value, Accessibility, And Experience
Summer is coming and Americans are getting ready for vacation. For example, according to statistics from WalletHub, about 82% of the country's population plans to travel this summer, and half of this number plans to take more than one trip. What makes this year different from others? For example, the growth of domestic tourism.
The era of trade standoffs and tariffs that the world entered in 2025 makes vacations abroad more expensive and generally quite problematic, so many Americans are actually rediscovering their country. Fortunately, there is definitely something to see in the United States. So today, we present to you with the top 20 best travel destinations, according to WalletHub experts.
More info: WalletHub
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Chicago, Illinois
One of Chicago's greatest advantages is its huge airport, which makes it easy to travel to from literally anywhere in America. And there's definitely a lot to see, from the famous skyscrapers to the world-known Art Institute of Chicago, it's home to works by renowned impressionists and post-impressionists.
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#2
Honolulu, Hawaii
Yes, Honolulu is far and expensive to fly to, but this is more than compensated for by the local climate, beaches and a large selection of activities. And if you love classical music, then good news for you - the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra is the oldest symphony orchestra in the United States west of the Rocky Mountains.
#3
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is worth a visit, even if you're a die-hard Cowboys fan. After all, it's the birthplace of American nationhood, and home to many acclaimed museums of art and science. And, lastly, it's the city of Rocky Balboa, if you know what I mean!
The WalletHub web portal regularly publishes ratings of US cities according to various criteria. From the most convenient cities for living, to the most comfortable for doing business. From the cheapest hotels to the most attractive for getting a college education. So now, another study by its experts determines which cities are the most convenient for traveling this summer.
#4
Washington, DC
The capital can rightfully be proud of its museums - for example, the Smithsonian. In addition, it is always interesting to look at the White House, the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial - and many other historical places sacred to any American.
Lee Gilliland 7 months ago (edited)
It is also difficult to access, parking is extremely difficult to find downtown, and the protests may well get in the way. I would not suggest DC as a destination this year, there is too much political ferment. And I live here.
#5
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is one of the most interesting cities in America, and it's also very beautiful. Many decades ago, the famous English writer Charles Dickens wrote: "Cincinnati is a fine city; merry, prosperous, and lively." Much time has passed since then, but the phrase by the great Briton is still relevant.
superfluous 7 months ago
Hmmm, when I think of Cincinnati, I think hog slaughterhouse, "porkopolis". I learned that in school in the (19)70s. Dickens visited at the height of the pig killing.
#6
New York, New York
New York is just New York. One of the most iconic cities in the world, a mecca for global art, entertainment, sports and business. Just put on a Woody Allen movie or that Frank Sinatra song and plan the vacation of a lifetime.
Lee Gilliland 7 months ago
Goid God, put Frank on the stereo and watch Law and Order, you'll see a lot more of the city and be far more comfortable.
Well, we are not talking so much about tourist attractions, the beauty of local streets, architecture, and the delicious food found in restaurants. No, the main thing is money and convenience. Cheap air tickets, convenient air travel (without many tedious transfers), and the optimal price/quality ratio for hotels, restaurants, and whatnot.
In other words, everything that allows an ordinary average American with a family (or alone) tp plan a good vacation and spend it in comfort. So, don't be surprised that you will not find, for example, Las Vegas on this list (more precisely, it is present among the top 100, but in 37th position).
#7
Tampa, Florida
Tampa not only has a wonderful climate, a huge selection of places to eat for every taste, and a variety of entertainment for every budget - it is also a truly heavenly place for a family vacation.
#8
Austin, Texas
The capital of Texas is simply a wonderful place to relax. The city is often called the World's Live Music Capital, and there are also a huge number of museums and art galleries. And as for the location, it is very easy to get to from many of the country's largest airports.
#9
Salt Lake City, Utah
If you like to walk a lot, then Salt Lake City is definitely for you. It has very large city blocks, which are 660 square feet in area, and the blocks themselves are divided by streets 132 feet wide, which makes them the largest in the United States. And besides, the amazing nature of the state of Utah will not leave anyone indifferent.
General Anaesthesia 7 months ago
A 660 square foot city block? That's a little less than twice the size of my small apartment. Edit: A quick search tells us that the blocks are 660 × 660 feet, 660 feet square not square feet. Oh, well.
The methodology used to determine the rating of the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the country is as follows: all cities were assessed by 41 metrics, combined into six main categories:
- Travel cost & passles
- Local cost
- Attractions
- Weather
- Activities
- Safety
As part of the study, each category was assigned its own specific weight, and all of the metrics were assessed from a quantitative point of view: prices, ratings on specialized resources (for example, Tripadvisor), and statistical reports of various government services. The result was a rating based on the price and availability of travel destinations.
#10
San Antonio, Texas
A city with a unique cultural and historical identity, San Antonio also has many great restaurants and plenty of outdoor activities. And the San Antonio River Walk is undoubtedly one of the most romantic places in the entire country.
#11
El Paso, Texas
If you are a fan of Tex-Mex cuisine, respect Latin American traditions, or just want to have a pleasant and safe walk around a beautiful city - then you definitely need to go to El Paso. And there is also the Silk Museum, so put off your next taco and make sure to book a visit there.
#12
Richmond, Virginia
The former capital of the Confederacy, a heavenly place for the gourmets with its wonderful Southern cuisine. One of the best cities in the country for food, according to Yelp. Isn't that enough to plan a trip there?
Kat Alison 7 months ago
Richmond?? I live there. And it’s a pretty good place, but I wouldn’t say it’s a great vacation place.
Atlanta became the leader - largely due to its huge airport, which has been atop passenger traffic in the world for almost thirty years. And if the city is convenient and not so expensive to get to, and the city itself is very beautiful and offers a large number of interesting and affordable places for recreation and entertainment - then its leadership is almost assured.
By the way, if you are interested, Atlanta was also a confident leader in last year's ranking. However, the top ten cities, according to WalletHub in 2024, completely coincide with this new study. The only changes, though slightly, are the numbers for each city. But beginning with the second half, there are some fundamental changes.
#13
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
OKC is known, for example, for its Boathouse District and Riversport Adventures, an outdoor recreation area offering water sports, adventure activities and fun. It is a real hub for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a unique experience for those seeking adventure in the city.
superfluous 7 months ago
Also known for it's famous bombing. Domestic t*******m, not that imported stuff
#14
Los Angeles, California
Let's say just one word: "Hollywood." If that's not enough, Los Angeles has literally every entertainment option available in the world. Plus, the chances of running into a celebrity or sports star on the street are off the charts here.
Reset Game 7 months ago
Let's say just one word: "homeless" & most of the homeless are not to blame
#15
Miami, Florida
Some say that among the most beautiful cities in America, the gem of Florida is second only to New York and Chicago. Perhaps this is true, but none of the megalopolises can boast such fantastic beaches, such delicious mojitos and an abundance of theme parks!
Paul Rabit 7 months ago
I have to say what I feel. Miami has so much appeal. A great place to get a seafood meal.
So, if you want to relax this summer, intend to rediscover domestic tourism, and do it not with all the money in the world - then this list is definitely for you! You can also look at the detailed report, and probably discuss the cities presented at the top of this list in the comments below. Who knows, maybe your personal assessment will fundamentally diverge from the expert one?
#16
Springfield, Missouri
The Birthplace of Route 66, the third most populous city in Missouri, is a fun place to visit any time of year, but the best time is probably early fall, when The Missouri Food Truck Festival kicks off. If you like good and not this expensive food, this is probably the perfect combo!
Scott Sturm 7 months ago
Ah yes, the most coveted of all the 34 'Springfield's' in the USA and the only one with the world's largest fork https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g44926-d7930647-Reviews-The_World_s_Largest_Fork-Springfield_Missouri.html
#17
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the world's leading passenger hub, so travelers will have no problem with flights. As for entertainment, both day and night, you can enjoy a huge number of amusement parks, shopping centers, museums - and nightclubs open until 4 a.m., one of the latest last-call times in the entire country.
Mel in Georgia 7 months ago
Don't miss the Big Chicken! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Chicken (Seriously - Atlanta?)
#18
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is well-known throughout the country for its major theme parks, but it also offers fairly cheap ($55 per night) 3-star hotels and a great climate.
Big Chungus 7 months ago
I did like Orlando, but it is soooo crowded and the traffic was horrible when I lived there
#19
Knoxville, Tennessee
Although many doubted that a "scruffy little town" could decently host the 1982 World's Fair, Knoxville pulled it off. But nearly half a century has passed since the Expo, and today you might be tempted by nearby attractions like the Great Smoky Mountains, one of the country's most popular national parks.
Final score:
-3points
Scott Rackley 7 months ago
I live 2 hours from Knoxville, so I've been through it I don't know how many times. There is nothing in Knoxville to visit Knoxville about. 20 miles of strip malls along I-75.
#20
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Oklahoma's second-largest city сan boast an impressive array of Art Deco architecture, the famous Gathering Place park, considered one of the best in the United States, a rich musical history that inspired the genre that bears the city's name, and much, much more.
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What do you think ?
Pernille 7 months ago
Nobody in their right mind would go to the US at the moment, seems like a stupid time to make a list like this.
Mark Buxbaum 7 months ago
Ah, beautiful Texas. Come for the sights and the food, leave with measles.
Multa Nocte 7 months ago
I would be very nervous about visiting the US at the moment, especially if I had a name that wasn't Smith or Jones and didn't look as if I had been on The Brady Bunch. If even native Americans are being threatened with deportation and sent to out of country jails, then a visitor is not currently in the safest of hands.
nicholas nolan 7 months ago
My people got here in the 1620s, I'm white as hell. But I'm an opinionated anti-Zoinist(not anti-semite) LGBTQ+ ally. It's only a matter of time before I, too, am a target. Stay out of America and stay safe, my oreign friends. I hope we'll become a cool vacatin spot again, soon.
Load More Replies... Pernille 7 months ago
Nobody in their right mind would go to the US at the moment, seems like a stupid time to make a list like this.
Mark Buxbaum 7 months ago
Ah, beautiful Texas. Come for the sights and the food, leave with measles.
Multa Nocte 7 months ago
I would be very nervous about visiting the US at the moment, especially if I had a name that wasn't Smith or Jones and didn't look as if I had been on The Brady Bunch. If even native Americans are being threatened with deportation and sent to out of country jails, then a visitor is not currently in the safest of hands.
nicholas nolan 7 months ago
My people got here in the 1620s, I'm white as hell. But I'm an opinionated anti-Zoinist(not anti-semite) LGBTQ+ ally. It's only a matter of time before I, too, am a target. Stay out of America and stay safe, my oreign friends. I hope we'll become a cool vacatin spot again, soon.
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