Best of the Best Destinations in the Entire U.S. (Ranked)

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Because of its size and its cultural and geographical diversity, the United States has an abundance of great travel destinations. Recently, Tripadvisor set about to determine the current best of the best. To do this, they examined a year’s worth of above-and-beyond hotels, restaurants, and things to do reviews for various destinations. Top scorers received the Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best designation.

Of 8 million listings, under 1% of destinations received this recognition. Following are the top 12 town and city destinations in the U.S.

1. Juneau, AK

Juneau, Alaska
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The capital of Alaska is also the best city to visit. It’s a gateway to the mighty Alaskan wilderness of both land and sea. Fish the pristine waters. Hike in the mountains or old-growth forests or on a glacier. Look for whales in Icy Strait and take a cruise to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, where huge icebergs broken off from glaciers float in the frigid sea. In the winter, relive the prospector days by riding a dog sled.

2. Page, AZ

Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona
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This small city near the Utah border boasts big outdoor recreation. It lies on the shores of Lake Powell, where you can boat and swim and take a boat across the lake to Rainbow Bridge, one of the largest natural bridges in the world. Just downstream along the Colorado River is Marble Canyon, the official start of the Grand Canyon. Close by is Antelope Canyon, a world-famous slot canyon with amazing forms and colors. Scattered all about are arches, canyons, and Native American ruins.

3. Salem, MA

Salem, MA
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Made famous by the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692, today, Salem casts spells on travelers with its charm, beauty, and rich history. Numerous sites commemorate and interpret the witch trials. Visit the House of the Seven Gables, namesake of the Nathaniel Hawthorne novel.

4. Sonoma, CA

Sonoma, CA
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When you think of Sonoma, you probably think of the county or the valley, or maybe more likely, the famous wines. However, it’s also the name of a city, and it can be the perfect base for a vacation of tasting wines, cheeses, and olives and hiking in nearby redwood forests.

5. Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia - DP
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The City of Brotherly Love is the biggest one to make this list. The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are just two of the many historical attractions in this city so instrumental in

the founding of our nation. Make sure you eat an authentic Philly cheesesteak. And for you Rocky fans, yes, there really is a statue of Rocky Balboa there!

6. Camden, ME

This seaside Maine town calls itself the “Jewel of the Coast,” and it’s got a solid argument for it. Many films have used this colorful, charming town as a setting, and there’s plenty to do on both the land and the water with the ocean, the Camden Snow Bowl, Camden Hills State Park, and more close by. In coastal Maine towns, it’s also practically a law that you have to try a lobster roll.

7. Galena, IL

Galena, IL
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85% of this town is designated as a national historical district. Before the Civil War, the area was known for lead mining, and it was where General Ulysses S. Grant lived briefly before heading off to lead the Union Army. When he returned after victory, the town gifted a mansion to him. It stands today and is open for tours.

8. Whitefish, MT

Whitefish, MT
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Enjoy a taste of old-time Montana here with its historic railroad depot and rustic downtown. Situated at the base of a mountain at the south end of Whitefish Lake, this town offers outdown recreation year-round: hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting, biking, skiing, and more. Less than an hour away is Glacier National Park, one of America’s most stunning mountain landscapes.

9. Ketchikan, AK

Ketchikan, AK
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Near the southeastern end of Alaska, Ketchikan is on the Inside Passage, a series of waterways protected from the open sea that many cruise lines like to use. Numerous Native American totem poles adorn the town, and close by is Misty Fiords National Monument, known as the “Yosemite of the North” for its mountains, cliffs, and waterfalls.

10. Durango, CO

Durango, CO
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Durango started as a frontier mining town; now it’s a big destination year-round for recreation enthusiasts. Summer is popular for hiking and fishing. In the winter, skiing and ice climbing draw visitors. To the west is Mesa Verde National Park, where you can tour ancient Anasazi cliff dwellings. To the north are the magnificent San Juan Mountains. Durango is also the southern end of the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which winds through the mountains between the two old mining towns and which you can ride as a passenger today.

11. Ogunquit, ME

Durango, CO
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Ogunquit Beach boasts 3.5 miles of white sand and grassy dunes. Marginal Way winds along cliffs to a lighthouse. While in town, enjoy fresh seafood and take an old-fashioned trolley to acquaint yourself with the town center.

12. Paso Robles, CA

Paso Robles
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Paso Robles doesn’t get near the attention that Napa and Sonoma do, but it’s nonetheless gained a reputation for excellent wines. Unlike those more famous wine-making regions, Paso Robles is in Southern California, where the landscape and climate are a bit different. It’s also in a prime location, with mountains, desert, and the coast all not far away.

Best Gas Stations in America Worth Stopping For

Bucees gas station red truck
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Gas stations are typically nothing more than mere pit stops during long journeys, serving the functional purpose of refueling vehicles. However, there are some exceptional gas stations across America that go beyond the ordinary, offering unique experiences and amenities that make them destinations in their own right! 

Best Gas Stations in America Worth Stopping For

Best Cities to Vacation in That Don’t Require Renting a Car

Mackinac Island bikers downtown
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When planning a vacation, there’s enough to worry about without stressing over renting a car, where to park it, and whether you can afford the extra insurance. What if you simply choose a location designed for people without cars and skip the rental car altogether? You could plan on walking, rent an e-Bike, or Uber when the occasion calls for it. It will still be cheaper than renting a car. Here are some of the absolute best cities for vacationing without getting behind the wheel. 

Best Cities to Vacation in That Don’t Require Renting a Car

Southwest to Maui: How to Fly to Hawaii for Free

tutle in Hawaii
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Is Hawaii on your bucket list of places to go on vacation? You’re not alone! Each year, almost 10 million people visit the Islands (not counting 2020), but as I’m sure you know, it’s not cheap. Good news, though. I’m going to share with you how you can fly on Southwest to Maui and any other Hawaiian island for free!

Southwest to Maui: How to Fly to Hawaii for Free

10 Places You Should Never Use Your Debit Card

kid credit card
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Debit cards are a convenient way to pay for things without carrying a lot of cash around and without piling up credit card debt. However, debit cards can place you more at risk of identity theft and fraud. That’s because most debit cards don’t come with the same protections major credit cards do. If someone hacks your debit card, they can drain real money from your personal account, and that money might be gone for good.

Here are some places where it’s safer for you to use a credit card than a debit card.

10 Places You Should Never Use Your Debit Card

What to Pack for a Vacation to Mexico: Your Ultimate Planning Guide! (2023)

family on beach
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Planning ahead for what to pack for a vacation to Mexico can make the difference between an OK vacation and a fantastic vacation. You definitely don’t want to skip this step! Even if you book an all-inclusive vacation to Mexico where all your food and entertainment are provided for you, knowing what to pack for Mexico is a must!

What to Pack for a Vacation to Mexico: Your Ultimate Planning Guide!

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Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist, focused on discovering destinations and experiences that captivate and inspire others through her writing. She is also the founder of Our Woven Journey, a travel site focused on inspiring others to create memory-making adventures with their loved ones. Karee is passionate about encouraging others to step out of their comfort zone and live the life they dream of. She is the mother of six kids, including four through adoption, and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. You can learn more about Karee on her about me page.