Best Places to Visit in the USA

[bean alfred]

Thousands of travelers have weighed in to help SMARTCANUCKS recommend the best vacation spots in the USA. Our readers' top picks range from beach destinations (like Maui and San Diego) to national parks (like Yellowstone and Yosemite) to big cities (like New York and San Francisco). We hope this list helps you come up with some ideas for your next vacation. Please cast your vote for your favorite vacation spots below.

Maui
Why go: With idyllic beaches and verdant mountains, Maui is escapism at its finest. Here, you can spend your days admiring the scenery as you cruise along the Road to Hana or lounge across the sands of Kaihalulu. Sampling the island's seafood is also a must.
Yellowstone
Why go: With steaming geysers, multicolored pools, bubbling hot springs and hiking trails that stretch for miles, there's plenty to excite nature-lovers in this national park. Plus, animal fans will appreciate a visit to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center to learn about wildlife in the area.
Washington D.C
Why go: The nation's capital has a lot going for it. Iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument allow you to sightsee for days. Just make sure to save some energy for an evening out — D.C. boasts a lively restaurant and bar scene.
Las Vegas
Why go: Some of the best dining, shopping and nightlife in the world can be found at America's playground. Though it may not be ideal for everyone, Sin City is a great getaway if you're looking to escape the real world — however innocently or as excessively as you choose.
New York City
Why go: Museum-strolling, theater-going, bar-hopping — the sheer number of things to do in the Big Apple puts most of its U.S. peers to shame. When you need some respite from the city's busy streetlife and soaring skyscrapers, retreat to scenic Central Park.
San Francisco
Why go: San Francisco's culture has been affected by many different populations and social movements. The best way to perceive the City by the Bay's character is to explore each indiviudal neighborhood. From the Mission to the Castro, visitors appreciate each enclave's offerings.
San Diego
Why go: San Diego appeals to many different traveler types. While the beach is the marquee attraction, the city also boasts a love of outdoor activities and a vibrant downtown dining scene. Meanwhile, the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld offer good times for all ages.
Yosemite
Why go: In Yosemite, you can check out famous landmarks like Half Dome or get some exercise hiking the John Muir Trail. Come in spring, summer of fall to avoid winter's wet weather conditions. And if you're not one for camping, you can make this park a day trip from San Francisco.
Honolulu - Oahu
Why go: Oahu features a nice balance of urban and beach environments. And with pleasant weather year-round, there really is no bad time to visit. Waikiki Beach promises to please, but be forewarned: There's a good chance you will be greeted by a barrage of tourists.
Walt Disney World
Why go: A trip to Disney World is a rite of passage kids. And over the years, the "Imagineers" of Disney have gone to great lengths to enchant adults, too. More than ever before, Disney World offers a type of escapism you can't find anywhere else.

[Shwa Girl]

welcome to smart canucks.

[dededi]

New York, I'll been there once and I would really love to go back. Manhattan is just great for walking and the night light is superb.

[bean alfred]

Thanks Shwa Girl

[Britanica]

I am going to be a bit bias. I grew up in Ohio and it was beautiful in the fall so anytime anyone mentions places, I always recommend Ohio in the Fall time. They have the most beautiful fall seasons I think I have ever seen. Don't get me wrong, Canada has amazing ones as well but something about the ones there I always loved.

[Lynn49]

My turn to be biased here...in order of whether I'd visit again, New York City, Washington, DisneyWorld (been there 4-5 times), and Las Vegas.
None of the others really draw me in...Los Angeles is a whole other world, though! Might be worth seeing again, after NYC, but I'm too old to see it all again!

Welcome, Bean Alfred!

[KDivers]

New York, LA, SanFran, Miami, Boston, Austin and Dallas, Washington DC

[redhdlois]

Maui.........my first and only choice !!! Google some pictures and fall in love !!

[DaveP]

Maui.........my first and only choice !!! Google some pictures and fall in love !!

You're right, truly fantastic!









I'd love to visit there someday.

[redhdlois]

^ ^ ^ I am going the end of Oct.....bad timing i.e. exchange rate : (

[dededi]

^ ^ ^ I am going the end of Oct.....bad timing i.e. exchange rate : (

We went to Honolulu about 20 years ago but the airfare plus hotel is just killing us to go back. Truly loved it.

[greeny]

NYC is a must see ! Disney World is also a great place. I would also suggest Chicago (if you're a foodie).

[sumpinfierce]

I know it's not beachy, but Chicago is my favourite US destination!
The people are so friendly and inviting, the food and music is amazing and the sites are fantastic.