From coastlines to big cities, the United States is made up of so many diverse destinations that it’s hard to decide which places deserve the distinction of the best in America. That’s why U.S. News considered a variety of factors, such as attractions, accommodations and dining options, as well as votes from thousands of travelers, to determine the best places to visit in the USA. Cast your vote below to have a say in next year’s list, and if you’re looking for lodging
Glacier National Park
Glaciers are the main draw of this Montana national park, but its more than 700 lakes, three mountain ranges and multiple waterfalls are equally impressive. Hiking is the most popular pastime for visitors thanks to the park’s mix of easy trails like Rocky Point and challenging routes, such as Grinnell Glacier and the Highline Trail. But you should also allot time for driving the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road, which typically opens from late June through October. Additionally, the area is a prime spot for kayaking, canoeing and fishing in summer, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.
Yellowstone National Park
merica’s first national park provides more than 900 miles of hiking trails, as well as plenty of attractions to excite nature lovers, from steaming geysers to bubbling hot springs. Animal fans will also appreciate visiting the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center to learn about local wildlife. If you’d rather look for wild critters inside the park – which occupies parts of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho – spend a few hours driving through the Hayden and Lamar valleys. Both areas are considered popular havens for Yellowstone’s resident bison, wolves and grizzly bears.
Maui
With idyllic beaches and verdant parks, Maui offers ample opportunities to relax. Here, you can admire the stunning scenery as you cruise along the Road to Hana, fly above the Hawaiian island on a helicopter tour or lounge across the black sands of Wai’ānapanapa State Park. If you’d rather cool off than sunbathe, sign up for a snorkeling tour. For an unforgettable experience, make a reservation to see the sunrise at Haleakalā National Park, home to Maui’s highest peak. Sampling Maui’s seafood is also a must, but don’t overlook other island delicacies like haupia, a creamy coconut custard.
Grand Canyon National Park
A bucket-list destination for many travelers, this Arizona park is a superb spot to hike, offering scenic paths like the Bright Angel and North Kaibab trails. The Colorado River weaves its way through the 277-mile-long canyon, which also makes it a perfect place for adventurous activities like whitewater rafting. But for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, view this impressive natural wonder on a helicopter tour. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time in Grand Canyon National Park, you’re sure to feel small against its towering rock formations and expansive vistas.
Yosemite National Park
A vacation at Yosemite National Park in California is all about reconnecting with nature. Spend your visit checking out world-famous landmarks like Half Dome and Glacier Point or hiking Cathedral Lakes, the Mist Trail and other popular paths. You’ll also want to spend time admiring Yosemite’s numerous waterfalls, including towering Yosemite Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, and Horsetail Fall, which has a golden “firefall” effect at certain points in the winter. For another awe-inspiring moment, head to Mariposa Grove to stand in the shadows of more than 500 giant sequoia trees.