It’s never too early to start planning your travels for the coming year, and 2024 is shaping up to be a fantastic time to explore all the beauty America has to offer. To help you start mapping out your itinerary, I’ve put together a list of 36 of the best places to visit in the USA in 2024.
Whether you’re looking for bustling cities, breathtaking natural landscapes, or rich cultural heritage, these top American destinations have something for every type of traveler. I focused on locations with major events, exhibits, and attractions scheduled for 2024 to give you plenty to see and do on your visits.
A few years ago, I took a road trip across the Southern states with some college buddies. We spent a week in Nashville soaking up the live music scene and delicious barbecue. I have to put Music City at the top of the list – in 2024, Nashville will be hosting the CMA Fest music festival in June, drawing huge crowds for several days of star-studded concerts. Plan your trip around this event and you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience.
Best Places to Visit in the USA in 2024
Out West, national parks are always a safe bet if you want natural beauty and outdoor adventure. In 2024, visitors to Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park will have access to new viewpoints and renovated facilities as part of major upgrades underway. Spend a few days hiking rim trails and taking in the surrounding ponderosa pines – the expansive vistas will take your breath away.
For city life and culture, few places rival New York. 2024 will see the opening of the monumental Hudson Yards re development project and a new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Manhattan. Check out both new attractions plus classic spots like Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, and MoMA. Be sure to reserve tickets way ahead for any Broadway shows – the theater scene is world-class.
History buffs won’t want to miss Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. This living history museum does an incredible job transporting you back to the late 18th century. In 2024, a new Heritage cooking neighborhood featuring reconstructed homes and taverns will allow you to experience colonial-era food and drink. Pair your visit with a trip to nearby Richmond or DC for more historical sites and museum-hopping.
Out West, national parks are always a safe bet if you want natural beauty and outdoor adventure. In 2024, visitors to Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park will have access to new viewpoints and renovated facilities as part of major upgrades underway. Spend a few days hiking rim trails and taking in the surrounding ponderosa pines – the expansive vistas will take your breath away.
For a true taste of Southern hospitality, plan a stop in Charleston, South Carolina. Romantic and charming, this coastal city has an incomparable amount of history preserved in its antebellum architecture and gardens. In 2024, visitors can check out the highly anticipated new International African American Museum set to open on Gadsden Wharf. Be sure to sample the famous she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, and key lime pie while you explore.
Feel free to browse the full list below for even more top destinations across the USA in various regions like the Midwest, West Coast, New England, and Gulf Coast. No matter where you end up traveling, I hope these trip ideas give you plenty of inspiration to start mapping out your 2024 itinerary! Let me know if you need any additional recommendations tailored to your travel style and interests.
