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25 Best Destinations in the U.S., According to TripAdvisor

25 Best Destinations in the U.S., According to TripAdvisor

Every year, TripAdvisor releases its list of the most popular destinations in the country, based on its loyal reviewers.

While there are many cities on the list that won't surprise you, there are those that may. They may look a little different in 2020 but what remains the same is they will always be great cities to visit.

Here are the 25 best destinations in the U.S. for 2020, according to TripAdvisor.

25. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta isn't just hot in temperatures, it's an "it" destination as the "Capital of the New South." As more and more people move to the city, it has accommodated by growing in number of restaurants, shops and attractions, including museums and theater.

It's also a gateway to the North Georgia Mountains, where the Appalachian Trail begins and small towns showcase the Georgia's Southern hospitality.

24. San Antonio, Texas

The best thing San Antonio ever did was to create its River Walk, where not only can you dine outdoors along the river but be served up dinner on a boat that traverses through the heart of the city. That's decades ago now and yet it is still one of the city's best features.

And, of course, who could forget a visit to The Alamo and a look back at the start of Texas' history in the U.S.?

 

23. Sedona, Arizona

No matter the photos or how much a friend attempts to explain the beauty of the sunlight hitting the red rocks that surround this city in the middle of the desert, it will never do it justice. You simply have to see for yourself.

Hiking in the canyons will leave you breathless just for the views alone.

And when you are worn out from the climbs, an ample number of luxurious spas await.

22. Asheville, North Carolina

People have been heading to the hills of this sleepy town in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina for vacations ever since people began to travel for pleasure.

And why not? The cool mountain air, the old-growth forests and an intimate hipster city known for its breweries and live music make Asheville a perfect weekend getaway.

21. Austin, Texas

Speaking of hipster cities, Austin's so hip it has more than 250 music venues and its annual music festival has grown into one of the largest and most respected in the country.

That and the residents head to the river at sundown to watch the bats that live beneath Congress Avenue Bridge set off into the night — with nearby hotels even providing bat-themed happy hours.

20. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

A boardwalk and a beach — what could be more simple when it comes to vacation destinations?

There is plenty of both in Myrtle Beach, where you can relax on the sand of play at the nearby amusements. And then do it all again the next day!

19. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Twenty-three miles of beach and practically the same number in paths for bicycling, skating, blading or walking make Fort Lauderdale a draw to out-of-staters looking for a sunny place to get away.

But what makes Fort Lauderdale truly fantastic is its boating canals, charming boutiques and artisan galleries along Las Olas Boulevard and family-friendly resorts overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

18. Branson, Missouri

In the heart of Ozark Country, Branson is one of the best-kept secrets that isn't. Either you know or you don't, and those of us in the know have basked in the beauty of the forests surrounding Table Lake.

Boating and hiking aren't the only thing Branson has going for it: Silver Dollar City theme parks and an array of live shows round out a trip.

17. Seattle, Washington

Unlike the sprawling cities in other areas of the country, Seattle somehow maintains a small-town vibe. Could it be because the great outdoors is one of the allures of living here and rather than filling the city sidewalk its residents are often in the woods or the Sound during their free time?

The city has its fun from the famous Pike Place Market to the Space Needle. And, of course, this is the birthplace of Starbuck and coffee lovers pay homage to the original location often.

16. Boston, Massachusetts

History abounds in the city of Boston, where the people first revolted against England and kickstarted the Revolutionary War. Follow the timeline by walking the Freedom Trail, which also shows you Boston is a smaller big city than most.

Filled with colleges and universities, some call this the ultimate college town with the public parks of the Emerald Necklace serving as quads. 

Plus, Boston sports! Either your love 'em or hate 'em but making a visit to one of the country's first ballparks, Fenway Park, is a right of passage.

15. Savannah, Georgia

From the slow Southern drawl spoken by residents to the moss-draped trees shading the numerous fountain-filled squares, Savannah slows you down. This is a city that wants you to take your time and let its magic seep into you.

Savannah maintains traces of its antebellum culture where people sat on the porch sipping on Sweet Tea (or mint juleps), and it invites you to do the same.

14. Charleston, South Carolina

Nearby Charleston has also kept its Southern traditions, only here, amongst the pastel-colored buildings that look as they did 100 years ago, pair your Sweet Tea with some shrimp and grits.

Chefs from New York and Paris have found their way to Charleston to head up restaurants that cater to a crowd that relishes in making dining out a full experience. (You may want to take some stretchy pants when you visit.)

13. Washington, D.C.

The fact that this is the capital of the United States in and of itself should be enough reason to visit, with embassies and politicians from around the world lending to the international community the city has become. (Translation: restaurants of practically any cuisine you'd like).

Even cooler? The Smithsonian's nearly two-dozen museums, including the National Museum or Art and the National Air and Space Museum, are entirely free to enter. FREE!

12. Nashville, Tennessee

It won't take you long to realize why Nashville is called Music City, even at the airport they have live concert areas so you can listen to local artists as you wait for your flight.

Although it's most renowned for being the Mecca for country music — it's home to the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame — Studio Row witnessed musical greats like Elvis and the Isley Brothers laying down tracks.

What to do here? Why head to a honky-tonk!

11. Los Angeles, California

La-La-Land, Tinseltown, City of Angels, whatever you call it, L.A.'s bright light is a beacon to all who want a glimpse at celebrity life and movie making. 

Visit Universal Studios Hollywood for backlot tours, compare handprint sizes with your favorite film stars on the Walk of Fame and maybe even catch a star dining at the next table. 

10. Key West, Florida

As Caribbean as you're going to get in the U.S. (only Puerto Rico one-ups it), Key West's vibe is definitely "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem."

Barefoot is the way to be as you while away on a beach, fishing in the warm waters or snorkeling surrounded by colorful fish. Just be back in Mallory Square for sunset; it's such a big deal some shops close so its shopkeepers can enjoy it too.

9. Miami Beach, Florida

You'll be feeling hot, hot, hot in Miami Beach, which is not to be confused with Miami. Miami is the city. Miami Beach is, well, the beach, and you have to cross the causeway to reach the barrier islands. And when you do, palm trees, neon lights, fast cars and beautiful people will keep your head spinning.

Spend time spinning on the dance floor while you're at it. There are nightclubs aplenty, and they are perfect for burning off the calories consumed at one of the decadent Latin restaurants sprinkled about the city.

8. San Francisco, California

The City by the Bay won't disappoint when you arrive and take in the Golden Gate Bridge, which you can walk or bike across for the best views of the city. Then head to the piers for the tourist shops, restaurants and famous sea lions who call Pier 39 home.

Visit the city's parks and stroll along its beaches; drop some serious dough in upscale shops and then reach for a few bucks for the thrift stores in Haight Asbury; then hit up Chinatown for dim sum — a great getaway.

7. San Diego, California

Practically perfect in every way should be San Diego's slogan. Its warm weather that never gets too hot makes this palm tree-filled city ripe for those who love being outdoors.

You'll enjoy surfing along the Southern California shores, be so close to the Mexican border that the food is as good as it gets without leaving the country, and can spend hours hiking or strolling through the city's fabulous parks.

6. New Orleans, Louisiana

Visiting NOLA is like visiting Europe in the heart of America. The Creole and Cajun culture that resulted in its French settlers have lent the city its good times' attitude that is 100 percent its own.

Music seems to pour into the streets, the food is rich, and the parties last well into the night, especially when Mardi Gras parades pass through the French Quarter.

5. Chicago, Illinois

The largest city in the Midwest, Chicago's prime location between the East and West Coasts makes it the perfect spot for meeting up with family in the middle.

The downtown architecture is so advanced that the world's leading architects have had a hand in the collection of skyscrapers that line the river and Lake Michigan shorelines.

Of course, the sports teams here are legendary and catching a game ensures your trip is complete.

4. Orlando, Florida

The city Mickey Mouse built is one of the world's most popular destinations due to the immense Walt Disney World Resort.

What began with the Magic Kingdom has grown into nearly a dozen theme park options (including Universal Orlando Resort's offerings), and with those parks the city of Orlando has risen to be a place for great shopping, great food and great Floridian weather.

3. Las Vegas, Nevada

Proof that if you build it, they will come, the casinos in the middle of the desert first drew in crowds and what followed has created a city filled with excitement.

From top-notch theater and lively shows to dancing the night away and partying in resort pools, the entertainment here is kicked up 10-fold. 

Paired with the outstanding restaurants and spoil-you-rotten resorts, Vegas is a winner.

2. Hawaii

There is a reason people dream of visiting Hawaii: It's absolute paradise!

No matter which island you visit (or if you island hop) there are rainforests filled with towering waterfalls, sandy beaches hugging the turquoise waters filled with sea turtles and dolphins, and exciting nightlife that showcases Polynesian culture in the form of luaus and fire shows.

1. New York, New York

Of course, New York comes up as No. 1, touted for having so much to do that it's impossible to run out things to see.

There are the symbols of America such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, the world-class museums such as MoMA and the Met, and outdoor explorations in Central Park and the Hudson River.


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