Top U.S. Destinations: National Geographic’s Best Travel Picks

National Geographic has chosen five standout locations in the U.S. for its annual Best of the World travel list. Released recently, the list features 25 global destinations, with these five U.S. spots offering stunning views, excellent food, and unique cultural spaces.

Madison, Wisconsin

Madison is celebrated for its lakefront adventures and local cuisine. Nestled between Lakes Mendota and Monona, it offers beautiful trails and green spaces. This city houses several colleges, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The downtown area blends nightlife with a growing trail network. National Geographic mentions the manageable size of Madison, which makes it ideal for exploration by foot or bike. The city boasts over 200 miles of interconnected hiking trails and bikeways, linking neighborhoods, beaches, and parks. The Dane County Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays in the summer, attracting up to 20,000 visitors with its fresh produce.

Local restaurants like Fairchild and Ahan serve dishes crafted from local ingredients, adding to Madison’s culinary appeal.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Following mudslides in Big Sur, the re-opening of scenic sections of the Pacific Coast Highway offers travelers inspirational views of California’s coastline. Locations like Laguna Beach and Lompoc provide artistic experiences with beach access and new pedestrian promenades. Mendocino County offers exhibitions and galleries like Pacific Textile Arts, adding to the route’s appeal.

Southern Ozarks, Missouri and Arkansas

The southern Ozarks, stretching between Missouri and Arkansas, feature spectacular bluffs and ridgelines. This region is a hub for outdoor and cultural activities, fronting museums like Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Bella Vista claims to be the mountain biking capital of the world, offering trails suitable for all levels. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park spans 10,000 acres with hiking and biking trails, where visitors can spot wildlife like elk and bison.

Baltimore, Maryland

Rich in history, Baltimore is the birthplace of the American railroad, launching the first commercial railroad in 1827. The city will celebrate the railroad’s 200-year anniversary with upgrades to the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation. The historic Lexington Market, established in 1782, invites visitors with vendors specializing in seafood, produce, and baked goods. Baltimore’s attractions include the Inner Harbor, offering cultural experiences like the National Aquarium and kayaking trails.

Catalina Island, California

Catalina Island is accessible only by boat and offers breathtaking landscapes and indigenous flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the Trans-Catalina Trail to spot small foxes and other wildlife, while the Garden to Sky Trail offers ocean views from the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden, which features rare island flora.