{"id":187536,"date":"2025-08-18T10:00:12","date_gmt":"2025-08-18T10:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/18\/31-best-places-to-visit-in-the-usa-updated-2025\/"},"modified":"2025-08-18T10:00:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T10:00:12","slug":"31-best-places-to-visit-in-the-usa-updated-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/18\/31-best-places-to-visit-in-the-usa-updated-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"31 Best Places to Visit in the USA (Updated 2025)"},"content":{"rendered":"


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<\/p>\n

From sea to shining sea, the United States<\/a> is a very diverse country \u2013 both when it comes to culture and natural beauty.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve traveled across the continental United States many times over (you never really<\/em> realize how big Texas is until you drive through it. Damn that state is big!). I think, just on my roadtrips alone, I\u2019ve spent a collective two years exploring the country. That\u2019s a lot of time and doesn\u2019t even take into account that visit to Portland or Nashville or weekend in Savannah. In short, I\u2019ve seen a lot of this country. <\/p>\n

And there is a lot worth seeing. <\/p>\n

In the past, I\u2019ve talked about my favorite restaurants<\/a> and lessons learned<\/a>, so it only seems proper to give you a list of the best places to visit in the USA.<\/p>\n

All these places are near and dear to my heart and really showcase just how special this country is and how many wonderful places there are here. (It took me awhile to narrow down this list!)<\/p>\n

In no particular order, here\u2019s my detailed list of the best places to visit in the USA: <\/p>\n

(Note:<\/strong> This list is based only on where I myself have been. There are a lot more breathtaking places I haven\u2019t explored yet, which is why they may not be on this list. It doesn\u2019t mean they aren\u2019t worth seeing. It just means I haven\u2019t been there.)<\/em><\/p>\n

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1. Memphis<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"The

WHERE TO STAY IN MEMPHIS<\/strong>: Hostel Memphis<\/a> \u2013 A hip hostel in a century-old building with a fully-equipped kitchen and free Wi-Fi. The hostel is also a non-profit that donates 100% of its profit to social justice causes around the city.
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2. Austin<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"People

Thanks to everything from the growing food truck population to the flagship Whole Foods store with the incredible salad bar (grilled pineapple!), I eat \u2014 and eat well \u2014 whenever I\u2019m here. The Austin campus of the University of Texas provides a youthful vigor to the city, and its liberal attitude attracts a diverse and eclectic population. In short, you can\u2019t skip Austin, because if you do, I\u2019ll find you and drag you there.<\/p>\n

WHERE TO STAY IN AUSTIN<\/strong>: Firehouse Hostel<\/a> \u2013 This centrally-located hostel is located in an old firehall from 1885. They have fast Wi-Fi, plenty of chill common areas, and an amazing on-site bar that serves top-notch craft cocktails.<\/p>\n

For more travel tips on Austin, check out these posts:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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3. New Orleans<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"Old

WHERE TO STAY IN NOLA<\/strong>: HI New Orleans<\/a> \u2013 An award-winning hostel with spacious dorms, comfy beds, privacy curtains, and fast Wi-Fi. Everything a budget traveler needs!<\/p>\n

For more travel tips on traveling New Orleans, check out my suggested itinerary on how to spend your time there<\/a>!<\/strong>
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4. Asheville<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"A

WHERE TO STAY IN ASHEVILLE<\/strong>: Bon Paul & Sharky\u2019s Hostel<\/a> \u2013 A laid-back hostel with a spacious front and back porch for relaxing. There\u2019s free parking, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of nearby restaurants and cafes.
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5. The Pacific Coastal Drive<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"A

6. Redwood National Park<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"Towering

WHERE TO STAY IN REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK<\/strong>: View Crest Lodge<\/a> \u2013 Located on the coast in Trinidad, this rustic budget-friendly lodge has basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and TV, and some of their rooms also have full kitchens. It\u2019s a clean, comfy no-frills place to crash for a night.
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7. Glacier National Park<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"Calm

WHERE TO STAY IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK<\/strong>: Camping<\/a> \u2013 Pack (or rent) a tent and cozy up for a few nights under the stars. You won\u2019t be disappointed.
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8. Denver<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"The

WHERE TO STAY IN DENVER<\/strong>: Ember Hostel<\/a> \u2013 This boutique hostel is rated one of the best in the country, offering a swank interior, free jacuzzi, outdoor firepit, comfy beds with blackout curtains, cheap overnight parking, and more.
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9. Chicago<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"The

And, once the winter deep freeze is over, Chicagoans burst out of their homes to enjoy the summer weather, so there\u2019s a positive, happy vibe emanating through the city. Take advantage of it.<\/p>\n

WHERE TO STAY IN CHICAGO<\/strong>: HI Chicago<\/a> \u2013 A spacious, clean hostel with female-only dorms, free Wi-Fi, and a great location. The beds are comfy and the common area is huge so it\u2019s easy to meet people.<\/p>\n

For more travel tips on Chicago, check out these posts:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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10. New York City<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"The

WHERE TO STAY IN NYC<\/strong>: HI NYC<\/a> \u2013 This is one of the biggest and best hostels in the city. It\u2019s super easy to meet people here, they have a chill outdoor patio, and the kitchen is huge so you can cook more meals and save your budget. <\/p>\n

For travel tips on New York City, check out these posts:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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11. Natchez<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"A

Now, they are historic monuments, and you can tour them while enjoying a view of the Mississippi River. It\u2019s far off the beaten path \u2014 and my favorite discovery from my last road trip.<\/p>\n

WHERE TO STAY IN NATCHEZ<\/strong>: The Beaumont House<\/a> \u2013 If you want to splash out, this recently-renovated B&B in a mansion includes free breakfast and spacious historic rooms as well as modern amenities like Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and flatscreen TVs.<\/p>\n

For more travel tips on Natchez, check out this post on my visit there<\/a>.<\/strong>
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12. Savannah<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"A

WHERE TO STAY IN SAVANNAH<\/strong>: Thunderbird Inn<\/a> \u2013 This affordable three-star motel is just a short five-minute walk from downtown. Boasting a retro vibe, there\u2019s free coffee and juice every morning, as well as free popcorn available in the lobby.
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13. The Grand Canyon<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"A

WHERE TO STAY IN THE GRAND CANYON<\/strong>: Camp<\/a> \u2013 Pack (or rent) a tent and cozy up for a few nights under the stars. You\u2019ll need to reserve a spot early though as they disappear fast!<\/p>\n

For more travel tips on the Grand Canyon, read this post on hiking the canyon<\/a>.<\/strong>
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14. Nashville<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"A

There\u2019s not a lot of \u201ctouristy stuff\u201d to do here, but what makes this city one of my favorites are the music, the food, the wildly friendly and happy people, and the positive energy the city seems to exude. When you\u2019re here, plan to spend a few hours at the Tennessee State Museum. It goes into great (though sometimes very one-sided) detail about the state\u2019s history, but it\u2019s more exciting than you might think.<\/p>\n

WHERE TO STAY IN NASHVILLE<\/strong>: Red Roof Inn<\/a> \u2013 While it\u2019s not centrally located, this is one of the city\u2019s few affordable two-star options. A quick 13-minute drive from the Grand Ole Opry, this budget-friendly joint boasts an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and free coffee.<\/p>\n

For more travel tips on Nashville, check out these posts:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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15. San Francisco<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"Looking

WHERE TO STAY IN SAN FRANCISCO<\/strong>: Green Tortoise<\/a> \u2013 As one of the oldest in town, this hostel is an institution in San Francisco. It offers free breakfast, free dinners multiple times per week, and even a free sauna! It has a huge common room so it\u2019s easy to meet people and has a very fun, social atmosphere. <\/p>\n

For more travel tips on San Francisco, read these posts:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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16. Miami<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"Wide

WHERE TO STAY IN MIAMI<\/strong>: Generator Miami<\/a> \u2013 This hostel has a pool, two restaurants, a bar, and is just minutes away from the beach. It\u2019s massive (there are 8 floors), the beds are more comfortable than the cheap ones you\u2019ll find at the party hostels.<\/p>\n

For more travel tips on Miami, read these posts:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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17. San Diego<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"A

The downtown Gaslamp area \u2014 as well as the famous Pacific Beach \u2014 is full of trendy seafood restaurants, bustling bars, and some seriously life-changing taco stalls. I love San Diego<\/a>.<\/p>\n

WHERE TO STAY IN SAN DIEGO<\/strong>: ITH Adventure Hostel<\/a> \u2013 With a focus on sustainable travel (there\u2019s a vegetable garden and backyard chickens), this chill hostel is very friendly and social. It\u2019s clean, and the water pressure in the showers is decent, and the beds are comfy. (For more hostel suggestions, you can read this post<\/a>.
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19. Lake Tahoe<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"A

WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE TAHOE<\/strong>: Camping<\/a> \u2013 Pack (or rent) a tent and cozy up for a few nights under the stars. You won\u2019t be disappointed.
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20. Anywhere in Montana<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"A

WHERE TO STAY IN MONTANA<\/strong>: Treasure State Hostel<\/a> \u2013 Located in downtown Bozeman, this hotel is quiet, clean, and is home to friendly staff. They organize all kinds of events too, like pub crawls and movie nights, so it\u2019s easy to hang out and meet people.
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21. Washington D.C.<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"The

WHERE TO STAY IN WASHINGTON<\/strong>: Highroad Hostel<\/a> \u2013 Offering pod-style bunks, this cool hostel is located in an old Victorian mansion. The beds have thick mattresses, there\u2019s a fully-equipped kitchen, there\u2019s free coffee and tea each day, and they even host a free happy hour each week!<\/p>\n

For more travel tips on Washington D.C., here are some other articles I\u2019ve written:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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22. Cape Cod<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"Waves

WHERE TO STAY IN CAPE COD<\/strong>: Cape Sands Inn<\/a> \u2013 Just a short walk from the beach in West Yarmouth, this three-star property has all the standard amenities (TV, free Wi-Fi), as well as free parking and a relaxing sauna and hot tub.
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23. Boston<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"A

WHERE TO STAY IN BOSTON<\/strong>: HI Boston<\/a> \u2013 This spacious and clean hostel is just a short walk from pretty much everything in the city. They have female-only dorms, free Wi-Fi, and several chill common areas where you can meet other travelers.<\/p>\n

For more travel tips on Boston, check out these posts:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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24. Las Vegas<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"The

Get off the Strip, explore the real Vegas (because technically the Strip is located in Paradise, NV, not Las Vegas), and see why people decide to live here.<\/p>\n

WHERE TO STAY IN LAS VEGAS<\/strong>: Sin City Hostel<\/a> \u2013 Just a short walk from the (in)famous Fremont Street, this is a social hostel that hosts all kinds of events (such as bar crawls, pasta & wine nights, BBQs, casino nights, and more). It\u2019s a great place to connect with other travelers.<\/p>\n

For more travel tips on Las Vegas, these articles can help:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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25. Portland<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"A

WHERE TO STAY IN PORTLAND<\/strong>: HI Portland \u2013 Northwest<\/a> \u2013 Rated one of the best hostels in the world, this centrally-located HI hostel offers free breakfast, in-house made craft beer, an outdoor courtyard with a firepit, regular live music, and much more. <\/p>\n

For more travel tips on Portland, read this post on the city<\/a>.<\/strong>
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26. Seattle<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"Neon

WHERE TO STAY IN SEATTLE<\/strong>: Green Tortoise<\/a> \u2013 Located right across from the iconic Pike Place Market, this social hostel organizes all kinds of activities so it\u2019s easy to meet people. They also offer free breakfast and daily events. It\u2019s one of my favorite hostels in the country. <\/p>\n

For more travel tips on Seattle, read this detailed planning guide<\/a>!<\/strong>
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27. Deadwood<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"The

WHERE TO STAY IN DEADWOOD<\/strong>: Gold Country Inn<\/a> \u2013 This kitschy hotel is one of the cheapest places in town. Located right downtown, they have a mini gambling hall on-site, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. It\u2019s nothing fancy but it won\u2019t break the bank either.
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28. Kansas City<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"The

WHERE TO STAY IN KANSAS CITY<\/strong>: Home2 Suites Downtown<\/a> \u2013 With a fitness center, pool, and a decent breakfast spread, this three-star hotel in downtown KC is one of the more affordable places to crash in the city.
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29. Louisville<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"An

Louseiville has a laid-back, artsy vibe to it. It feels much more like an Austin or a Portland than your traditional southern\/midwest city. In the past, it was considered a fly-over city and was skipped by most people. It\u2019s definitely not now.<\/p>\n

WHERE TO STAY IN LOUISVILLE<\/strong>: Microtel Inn<\/a> \u2013 While it may be 20 minutes from downtown, this budget-friendly inn is affordable, includes free breakfast and free parking, and has free Wi-Fi. It\u2019s a no-frills choice but clean and comfy.
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30. Charleston<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"A

WHERE TO STAY IN CHARLESTON<\/strong>: Charlestons NotSo Hostel<\/a> \u2013 Located in a historic neighborhood, this laid-back hostel includes free coffee\/tea and oatmeal and free Wi-Fi. The rooms are small but the beds are perfectly comfy.
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31. Franklin<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"Downtown

WHERE TO STAY IN FRANKLIN<\/strong>: The Harpeth Hotel<\/a> \u2013 This upscale property features a restaurant on-site, fitness center, bar, and terrace. If you don\u2019t want to splash out, check Booking.com<\/a> for other options.<\/p>\n

***<\/center><\/p>\n

The United States<\/a> is filled with too many \u201cmust-sees\u201d places to visit to list in a single blog post. After all, the country is home to over 329 million people and covers 3.8 million square miles. <\/p>\n

Just be sure to turn off the highways, head to the small towns, and discover some favorites of your own. The best of the USA is always away from the major highways in the little no-name towns with little diners, quirky shops, and friendly people!<\/p>\n

For more travel tips on traveling the USA, read these other blog posts:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks<\/h4>\n

Book Your Flight<\/strong>
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner<\/a>. It\u2019s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned. <\/p>\n

Book Your Accommodation<\/strong>
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld<\/a>. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com<\/a> as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. <\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Forget Travel Insurance<\/strong>
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It\u2019s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I\u2019ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:<\/p>\n

Want to Travel for Free?<\/strong>
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation \u2014 all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites<\/a> to get started and see the latest best deals.<\/p>\n

Need a Rental Car?<\/strong>
Discover Cars<\/a> is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you\u2019re headed, they\u2019ll be able to find the best \u2014 and cheapest \u2014 rental for your trip!<\/p>\n

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?<\/strong>
Get Your Guide<\/a> is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more. <\/p>\n

Ready to Book Your Trip?<\/strong>
Check out my resource page<\/a> for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can\u2019t go wrong using them on your trip.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n


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From sea to shining sea, the United States is a very diverse country \u2013 both when it comes to culture and natural beauty. I\u2019ve traveled across the continental United States many times over (you never really realize how big Texas is until you drive through it. Damn that state is big!). I think, just on […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":187537,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-187536","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-travel"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/187536","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=187536"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/187536\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/187537"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=187536"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=187536"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=187536"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}