The USA is such a vast, diverse country with no shortage of amazing places to visit. From skiing destinations, beach holidays, national parks, and big city breaks, there’s something for every traveler.
When it comes to deciding where to travel to in the USA we’re sure you’ll have a long list. In this guide, we’ll tell you the best places to visit by month.
Table of Contents
- January: Aspen, Colorado
- February: New Orleans, Louisiana
- March: Miami, Florida
- April: Washington D.C
- May: Yosemite National Park, California
- June: Boston, Massachusetts
- July: San Francisco, California
- August: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- September: Los Angeles, California
- October: Chicago, Illinois
- November: Houston, Texas
- December: New York City, New York
- Final thoughts
January: Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is a stunning ski resort town set within the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Famous for its world-class skiing, there’s a wide range of activities to enjoy including snowmobiling, sledding, and snowshoeing. January is a perfect time to visit to make the most of the winter snow.
There are plenty of other popular attractions in the area including hiking, biking, and fishing tours of the local lakes and streams. After long days spent on the slopes and hiking the mountains, you can bask in Aspen’s hot springs, surrounded by stunning scenery.
Eat out at fantastic restaurants, visit the boutique shops and let your hair down by enjoying the town’s infamous nightlife. Aspen offers the ideal escape for those who want a well-earned break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
February: New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a city known for its incredible cuisine and lively music scene. The food here is simply out of this world and you’ll want to try as many dishes as possible during your visit.
New Orleans is famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations which is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Mardi Gras, also known as Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday, is a festival that takes place in the build-up to Lent. Taking place between January and March each year, February is the perfect time to visit this unforgettable city. The festival atmosphere and the parades are some of the best in the world.
Keen music fans can also vibe in one of the many small dive bars and listen to the Blues from the venues that were the most influential in the genre’s creation.
March: Miami, Florida
Miami is a great place to visit in March as it’s one of the driest months of the year. This means you can head to the beach in the nice warm weather before the city gets busy over the summer.
Miami’s nightlife is legendary, so whether you want to dance the night away at the nightclubs in South Beach, relax at a rooftop bar or experience the authentic Cuban atmosphere of Little Havana, Miami has it all.
For Instagrammable moments visit Superblue, a very cool art exhibition space dedicated to digital and light-based installations. There’s always something unique to see there. You should also plan a visit to the world-famous Everglades Park. Here you can see a huge variety of wildlife including alligators and panthers. You can even glide along on an Everglades tour aboard an Airboat.
April: Washington D.C
Washington D.C, the US capital, is a sightseer’s dream. From its famous governmental buildings; The White House, The Capitol, and the Supreme Court, it’s also home to some of the most iconic monuments in the world. Every trip to D.C has to include a visit to The Lincoln Memorial and The Jefferson Memorial.
Unsurprisingly Washington D.C has plenty of arts and culture to dive into. At the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum you can see some of the most amazing exhibits on the planet. Here you’ll learn more about the history and achievements of mankind. D.C isn’t short on world-class art either. You can visit The National Gallery of Art, The Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the National Portrait Gallery to name just a few.
After a day on your feet, you’ll find lots of nice restaurants and bars to unwind for the evening and refuel for the next day.
May: Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is one of the most impressive natural attractions in the USA. It’s a great place to visit if you’re keen to explore the great outdoors. May is a good time to visit as it is warm but overcrowded.
Located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountain range the park is spread over a huge area of over 1,100 square miles. There are hundreds of different species of animals including black bears, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats. There are plenty of hiking routes and trails to explore in the park. One of the most popular hikes is the 14-mile round trip to the stunning Half Dome rock formation which is a very popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Back in Yosemite Village, you’ll find a number of shops, restaurants, and cafes where you can relax and refuel after a long day of hiking.
June: Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is a city with a rich history and tons of culture. The weather in June is warm but not stiflingly hot, so you can explore the city comfortably on foot.
One of the first things you should do to get a taste of Boston is the Freedom Trail. At roughly 2.5 miles long, the Freedom Trail is made up of 16 sites of interest that are all related to the history of the city. Follow the red bricks with metal seals in the centre which will guide you around the city.
Sports fans can catch a ball game at the world-famous Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox. You may also want to check out two of the country’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Both Harvard and MIT university campuses make for great walks. Of course, while you’re in the city you have to try a Boston delicacy, the lobster roll from one of the seafront eateries.
July: San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a charming city, famous for its steep streets, cable cars, and its many beautiful piers. San Francisco benefits from having cooler summers in comparison with many cities in the US, making July a good month to visit.
A walk over the Golden Gate Bridge should be on your to-do list. It offers great views across the city. Additionally, you can take a trip to nearby Alcatraz Island to learn about the prison that once housed the notorious Al Capone.
Lombard Street is also worth a visit to witness one of the city’s steepest and prettiest streets. But of course, you can’t visit San Francisco without checking out the waterfront and the many piers. The Fisherman’s Wharf area of the waterfront is one of the most popular destinations. You’ll find some amazing seafood restaurants down here. You can also visit Pier 39, which has lots of great shops, bars, and restaurants.
August: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, the second biggest city in the Keystone State, has a huge amount to offer in terms of arts and culture. Visiting Pittsburgh in August, although at the height of summer, is a cooler option than many of the USA’s major cities.
For art lovers, The Andy Warhol Museum is home to the largest collection of work by the legendary Pittsburgh artist and includes many of his most celebrated pieces including the iconic Campbell’s Soup Cans series. Another one of Andy’s most famous paintings, Three Eyed Fish, can be found in the Frick Fine Arts Museum. This is also worth a visit.
Additionally, you can venture to the top of The Duquesne Incline. The 145-year-old incline car will take you to the top for breathtaking views of the city and its three lakes.
September: Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is one of the most famous cities in the world and with its climate and location it offers a bit of everything. Downtown LA provides the big city vibes, with Chinatown and the Walt Disney Concert Hall as standout places to visit.
Then, you have the Hollywood hills, where you can see the famous Hollywood sign for miles around. Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame can be ticked off your bucket list. Don’t forget to check out the famous theatres; The Dolby Theatre (the home of the Oscars), Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, and the El Capitan.
LA also has some of the best beaches. Take a walk along Santa Monica’s famous pier and ride the Ferris wheel and visit Venice beach to soak up the eclectic atmosphere. With so much to see and with fantastic weather, Los Angeles is a great place to visit at any time of the year.
October: Chicago, Illinois
Chicago has plenty to offer whether you’re after art, architecture, culture, or history. The weather in October is still relatively warm, with regular sunny days.
The city’s skyline is world-renowned with some architectural masterpieces including the John Hancock Center and the Willis Tower. Both of these buildings offer breathtaking views across the city and are must-visit attractions. You can also take a boat cruise along the river to discover the history and architecture of the city’s buildings.
Chicago’s Millennium Park is full of fun activities and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The park is home to famous public artworks, such as Cloud Gate (also known as The Bean), a giant mirror sculpture that is a very popular selfie spot.
Of course, no trip to Chicago would be complete without sampling some deep-dish pizza. Be sure to visit one of the hundreds of authentic pizzerias in the city during your visit.
November: Houston, Texas
Huston is a huge, vibrant city with beautiful countryside too. It has world-renowned museums, beautiful parks and lakes, amazing restaurants, and a booming nightlife scene. In November Houston is still warm, so you can explore the city comfortably.
The city is home to a wide range of cultural and historic sites that preserve the heritage of the city and the surrounding area. Some popular sites include the NASA Space Center, the Museum of Fine Arts, and The Museum of Natural Science.
Houston’s Buffalo Bayou Park is one of the country’s best urban parks. It has miles of biking trails, numerous picnic areas, and beautiful waterways that make it perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park is also the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.
The food scene in Houston is something quite special too. Expect amazing Tex-Mex and BBQ food that will give you a true taste of the south.
December: New York City, New York
Nothing can beat New York City at Christmas time. From mid-November until early January there is a wonderful festive atmosphere throughout the city. It’s such a special time to visit some of the popular attractions as they put on a special seasonal display which makes them even more magical.
The Empire State Building is stunning at this time of year and The Rockefeller Center is an absolute must. The Christmas Tree and ice-skating rink at the Rockefeller will definitely get you into the festive spirit.
One of the best things about Christmas in New York is the fact that most stores stay open late which means that you can indulge in some last-minute Christmas shopping without having to worry about having to get up early the next day. Catch a show on Broadway and be sure to visit one of the city’s incredible rooftop bars for unforgettable views of the city that never sleeps.
Final thoughts
With this guide at your disposal, you should have all you need to start planning your USA adventure. Whether you’re into city breaks or exploring the great outdoors we’re sure you’ll be able to plan the perfect stateside trip.
