The US has recently lifted its testing requirements ~opening its borders effectively~ for people entering the country. This leads to increased bookings on various hotel and airline websites and aggregators. Thus, it is safe to say that 2024 will see substantial tourist traffic. Not to mention tourists are on revenge travel. Revenge travel refers to leisure travel after a period of being unable to travel.
When embarking on a US trip, include the following in your itinerary: these are the best places to visit in 2024.
Best places to visit in the US in 2024
1) New York
New York is the #1 most visited and most popular destination in the US. New York City, in particular, has a unique appeal and energy that tourists would want to experience. Nightlife in the city speaks of how vibrant the city is.
According to NYC & Company, the tourism promotion agency, the city attracted 66.6 million tourists pre-pandemic. So the agency is expecting the same number of tourists now that the US is easing its travel restrictions. For peak visitation, the agency anticipates 56.4 million visitors this 2022.
Where to go in New York
- Liberty Island
- Central Park
- Rockefeller Center
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Theater District
2) Hawaii
US citizens flock to Hawaii throughout the year for its beaches and culture. It has a tropical landscape and favorable climate, making for a delightful stay there.
According to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), the Aloha State received 841,809 tourists in June 2022 alone. From January to June 2022, visitors spent $9.23 billion.
Where to go in Hawaii
- Maui (Haleakala National Park and Pa’iloa Beach)
- Oahu (Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, and North Shore)
- Hawaii Islands (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park)
- Kauai (beaches, valleys, rainforests, and mountains)
3) Las Vegas
Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world and has everything you wish for a place to have. Of course, Las Vegas is home to the biggest casinos. Still, several shopping, entertainment, cuisine, and nightlife districts are worth a try.
Of all the places in the US, Las Vegas is tallying a record number of tourists flocking back. From 2021 to 2022, there were 32 million visitors. In 2023, it is estimated that it will reach 42 million visitors, which was the tourist count pre-pandemic.
Where to go in Las Vegas
- The Strip
- Fremont Street
- Grand Canyon
- Venetian Hotel
- Bellagio Resort
4) New Orleans
Known as the “Big Easy,” New Orleans embodies a festive spirit – thanks to its vibrant music scene, spicy cuisine, and round-the-clock nightlife. Additionally, the place is home to Mardi Gras, the biggest carnival celebration.
Tourist influx is expected during these festivities and Halloween. As such, the figures are slowly rebounding, with over 41 million visitors in 2021. LouisianaTravel.com is also optimistic, receiving 9.7 million visits in 2021.
Where to go in New Orleans
- French Quarter
- Frenchmen Street
- Garden District
- Bourbon Street
- Magazine Street
5) Florida
Located in the southeasternmost of the US, Florida is known for its cultural influences, art scene, and nightlife. The state is also home to some of the most famous theme parks in the US.
Florida has already surpassed its pre-pandemic visitor numbers. From October to December 2019, it had 30.8 million visitors, whereas from January to March 2022, it reached 36 million.
Where to go in Florida
- Key West (historical sites, beaches with diving facilities, nightlife districts, and conch-style architecture)
- Orlando (theme parks, lakes, and Kennedy Space Center)
- Miami Beach (South Beach Art Deco District and beautiful beaches spanning from South Pointe Park to North Beach Oceanside Park)
6) San Diego
San Diego is famous for its laid-back vibe. Aside from its craft beer, the place is renowned for its 70-mile coastline, making waterfront dining possible.
As a top travel destination in the US, San Diego hosts about 35.1 million tourists each year. Despite the lingering impact of the pandemic, the place still welcomes 24 million visitors as of the first half of 2022.
Where to go in San Diego
- Balboa Park
- Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
- San Diego Zoo
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Seaport Village
7) Georgia
Georgia is increasingly becoming a top tourist destination for creatives and artistic souls. Although, there are also farmlands, mountains, and beaches worth visiting. Other must-see attractions are 18th and 19th-century architecture.
Georgia’s tourist statistics are slowly recovering. In 2020, it reported an estimated 151.2 million domestic and international visitors.
Where to go in Georgia
- Savannah
- Golden Isles
- Athens (Sandy Creek Park, Sandy Creek Nature Center, Georgia Museum of Art, Prince Avenue (Normaltown).
- Atlanta (Atlanta History Center, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, Piedmont Park, and Fox Theater)
- Cumberland Island
If you are interested in visiting the US in 2024, make sure that you include these places on your itinerary. While at it, please know that the US is so big you cannot possibly visit all these places in one go. Focus on one state, one city instead. This will make your US travel more manageable.
