12 Top Travel Destinations In The US For 2024

Summary

• Glacier National Park, Montana, is the top US destination for 2024 adventure seekers, boasting hiking opportunities and budget-friendly lodging.
• Aspen, Colorado, offers picturesque views and year-round activities, making it a must-visit destination on 2024 travelers’ lists.
• San Antonio, Texas, features cultural landmarks, affordable options, and post-solar eclipse perks, attracting vacationers in 2024.

As people go about planning their adventures for 2024, more than ever, the focus is on domestic travel within the United States. With ongoing economic turmoil and rising uncertainty in various parts of the world, many are staying closer to home and exploring the great destinations that the United States of America has to offer.

This list includes the top vacation hot spots in America for 2024 and divulges details on what makes them such a great destination for an upcoming trip, as determined from an extensive review of multiple travel resources and ongoing trends, including the upward-rising dupe preference where travelers are looking for similar experiences they would get in a big city or destination, but in more budget-friendly locales.

From mountain escapes to solar eclipses, options are available for everyone and their specific interests on this list of bucket list destinations that might just offer some of the best US vacations 2024 has in store for travelers staying stateside!

UPDATE: 2024/04/15 16:26 EST BY LAURALYN BROWN

More 2024 Bucket List Destinations in the US!

Now that we’re well into 2024, it’s time to add some more top travel destinations in the US for the year. This list has been updated with additional travel spots that may just be among the top US vacation destinations 2024 has to offer, along with their average costs to visit and attractions to explore at each destination.

12 Glacier National Park, Montana

Voted #1 U.S. travel destination in 2024

Outdoor enthusiasts who are craving staggering mountain peaks, glacier lakes, hiking trips, and fun watersports will find all that and more at Glacier National Park, Montana. Whether it’s a week-long vacation or a quick day trip, Glacier National Park is the best place to unplug and be truly immersed in nature.

Glacier National Park is home to over 700 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives to explore, exciting wildlife, and 700 icy-blue glacier lakes.

11 Aspen, Colorado

This scenic mountain town in Colorado should be #1 on the travel bucket list, earning #7 on US News’ best ski trips list

Aspen, Colorado is another magical US destination that offers picturesque mountain views, all-season activities, and scenic hikes that make it the perfect place to travel in 2024. It constantly appears on travel sites’ recommendations and “best of” lists, including US News‘ “Best Ski Trips In The US” and Condé Nast Traveler’s “Best Ski Resorts in The US and Canada”.

Of course, this Colorado town is usually a popular winter destination for skiers and snow enthusiasts, but Aspen is equally enjoyable and scenic in the spring. Aspen is surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and Elk Mountains and is home to the extremely popular Maroon Bells – one of the most photographed mountains in Colorado.

Aspen is also one of the many mountain towns in the US that look like Europe’s Alps, making it the perfect alternative destination for those who fancy a European alpine getaway without ever leaving America!

10 San Antonio, Texas

This city was one of the primary viewing points of the 2024 solar eclipse, per NASA

The city of San Antonio, Texas, is a great place to travel because of its cultural landmarks, phenomenal food, beautiful weather, and multiple natural and entertainment attractions. It’s also among the more affordable places in Texas, given that there are plenty of free things to do in San Antonio (and it’s even possible to plan a cheap week in San Antonio for under $1,000).

In April 2024, though, a different type of event attracted people to the city. NASA projected that San Antonio would be a prime viewing spot for the rare total solar eclipse, and it certainly was; it was among the places in the US that saw full totality during the 2024 solar eclipse.

Outside of the eclipse event that has now since been and gone, other perks are drawing visitors to the city; notably, there are many new events and renovations taking place in San Antonio, helping to propel the city to the top of the list for vacation-goers in 2024.

Because of the extraordinary solar eclipse and the enjoyable features of this southern Texas area, many are choosing to spend their 2024 vacation in San Antonio. National Geographic has listed the state of Texas on its “Cool List of 2024” for those looking for an exciting place to spend their vacation. Travel + Leisure also lists San Antonio as an award winner for one of the most visited cities in 2023.

9 Savannah, Georgia

Made AAA’s list as one of the best vacation spots in the US to visit in 2024

Being in Savannah, Georgia, is like escaping to another time period altogether. Not only do the days move slower, but the beauty that surrounds you is inescapable. The amount of history that encompasses the city provides endless opportunities to learn and explore while enjoying authentic Southern food and hospitality. Take in the fountain at Savannah’s Forsyth Park and pop in for ice cream at Leopold’s.

AAA has listed Savannah, Georgia, in their guide to the 50 best vacation spots in the USA in 2024 because of its charming nature, unique architecture, and fun local boutiques. Savannah also claimed a spot in Travel + Leisure’s most-visited destinations in 2023.

8 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

AAA has Myrtle Beach as a top-five pick for 2024

You often hear of college students escaping to Myrtle Beach for their spring break. However, the iconic city offers exciting attractions for all ages. Families travel to Myrtle Beach throughout the year to take advantage of the ongoing beautiful weather and fun atmosphere, so much so that AAA has it as a top-five pick for 2024.

Throughout the summer, visitors will have high temperatures and sunny days. The temperature will cool down in the fall and winter but still provide enough warmth for many outdoor activities. Still, it’s a year-round family-friendly destination by the sea; there are plenty of things to do in Myrtle Beach for all ages, from beach fun to exploring one of the most fun beach boardwalks in America.

This sunny South Carolina spot is also one of the many popular budget destinations in the US, as there are a number of cheap hotels in Myrtle Beach to suit even the lowest budgets. Plus, there are a ton of free things to do in Myrtle Beach that don’t cost a single cent, from exploring Myrtle Beach State Park to exploring the Broadway.

7 Washington, DC

Made the top 20 list of places to visit in 2024 by US News

Coming in on the top 20 list of places to visit in 2024 by US News is the metropolis of Washington, DC. Although this is one of the more expensive cities to visit in the United States, there is a lot to explore and learn during your time in the capital.

There are also many budget-friendly ways to explore Washington, DC within the city limits. With a plethora of top (and many free) museums and monuments, as well as multiple national parks and cultural events, the days spent in the city will fill up fast. Visiting in the spring and fall months allows tourists to avoid extreme weather that comes in the summer and winter.

Many tours require advance registration and fill up quickly. Be sure to book as soon as possible to ensure you have a spot.

6 San Diego, California

The Points Guy has the city on their list of the best places to travel to in 2024

While many associate Southern California with the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, San Diego offers all the wonderful assets of the area with a more natural and budget-friendly approach, especially since there is no lack of free things to do in San Diego.

In San Diego, visitors can enjoy the temperate weather year-round and enjoy the many natural attractions in the various parks and reserves. With many beaches to explore (La Jolla being a favorite), families and travelers can easily visit a new location every day during their vacation.

The Points Guy has San Diego and neighboring Tijuana on their list of the best places to travel in 2024 due to their unique experiences and thriving cultural and art scene. Travel + Leisure also lists San Diego in their guide to their reader’s favorite cities to visit for 2023.

5 Williamsburg, Virginia

Made AAA’s list of the 50 best vacation spots in the US for 2024

It’s not often that people can peek into the past and see how the world operated at an earlier time. Williamsburg, Virginia, offers many experiences that give people a glimpse of what life was like during colonial times. With many historical attractions, such as the Jamestown Settlement, the George Wythe House, and Historic Jamestowne, visitors can get an education about the past while seeing the transition to the present day.

You can find Williamsburg, Virginia, in AAA’s guide to the 50 best vacation spots for 2024 and Travel + Leisure’s award winners for the most visited USA destinations in 2023. Loved especially for its history and fun attractions, AAA suggests a visit to the Colonial Williamsburg Museum as one of a traveler’s first stops in the city.

4 Traverse City, Michigan

This quaint Michigan town gives the feeling of being in a Hallmark movie, with lots of scenic wineries, making AAA’s list of top vacation spots in the US

Known for its cherries, the town of Traverse City, Michigan, hosts a Cherry Festival every year in the summer. Throughout the small, charming town, you will find many local boutiques selling a variety of cherry-inspired goods.

Between wine, coffee, whiskey, candy, and soap, you can leave with an assortment of new products. The nature and fun activities in Traverse City and its surrounding areas, including many top beaches, are a big draw for visitors and tourists.

Traverse City also falls on the AAA list of best places to visit in the year 2024. The company recommends booking a multi-day winery tour to take in all that the region has to offer in that specialty.

3 Big Sur/Monterey, California

One of the best small towns to visit in the US in 2024, per US News

For those who are nature enthusiasts, a drive down Highway 1 in Monterey County, California, home to Big Sur, will have you captivated and enthralled. The beautiful Pacific Ocean stretches for miles upon miles and provides the perfect, relaxing backdrop to an ideal vacation.

With many hiking trails, camping resorts, and beaches, visitors will find something new to do every day. Surrounding areas also offer additional options for scenic accommodation in Big Sur, along with great restaurants.

For the years 2023-2024, U.S. News ranked Monterey within the top five for the best small towns to visit in the United States because of its beautiful landscape and charming nature.

2 Miami, Florida

This electrifying city is a popular East Coast beach destination that earned a spot on National Geographic’s “Cool List of 2024”

While many find the excruciating heat of Southern Florida too much in the summer, visiting Miami in winter and spring is a great vacation option. With affordable accommodations, amazing attractions, fantastic nightlife, and an abundance of incredible food establishments, a traveler’s time in Miami will be filled with good times and great memories.

For families, the local museums and sand-filled beaches provide the perfect respite for lounging and relaxing, and the various resorts provide a home-away-from-home environment. National Geographic has listed Miami, Florida, on the “Cool List of 2024” for travelers looking to embark on a fun vacation.

1 Cape Cod, Massachusetts

One of the 50 best vacation spots in the US for 2024, according to AAA

Tucked away on the edge of Massachusetts is the coastal area of Cape Cod. While the town is most popular in the summer for taking advantage of the many beaches in the area, some venture out in the off-season to take in the beauty with fewer crowds.

There are many opportunities to explore nature and learn about the history of Cape Cod, which is home to lots of very walkable cities and towns perfect for easy exploration without a car needed. Additionally, vacationers can get their fill of fresh and local seafood from nearby fishermen.

AAA has listed Cape Cod in its directory of the 50 best vacation spots for 2024 due to its unique charm and intimate setting.