Avid travelers are often on a mission to check off as many bucket list destinations as possible. But some places are so magical that they call for a return visit ― or many. And a lot of these special spots are right here in the United States.
“There is truly no place like home,” Kareem George, a travel adviser and founder of Culture Traveler, told HuffPost. “It is always wonderful to appreciate and enjoy the many destination gems right in our own backyard.”
The country possesses an incredible diversity of landscapes and attractions across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.
“Overall, I think there are certain destinations in the U.S. that have a magnetic pull, whether it’s because of their unique culture, natural beauty, or rich history,” said Claire Summers, the travel blogger behind Claire’s Itchy Feet. “It’s these qualities that draw us back again and again, and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to explore and experience these destinations.”
We asked experts in the travel space to share the U.S. destinations they’ve returned to multiple times. Keep scrolling for 23 cities, islands, regions and other types of destinations to inspire your next vacation.
In addition to trying classic Cajun dishes like gumbo and jambalaya, she recommended checking out the amazing Middle Eastern food at James Beard Award-winning chef Alon Shaya’s restaurant Saba.
Richmond also touted the city’s incredible live music and entertainment scene. She recently visited the Big Easy for the sixth time to attend the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, aka “Jazz Fest.”
“From ghost tours to the French Quarter, there’s something here for everyone — especially those who like to party, because in NOLA, the party never stops and it’s legal to drink in the streets,” she said. “There’s something magical about this historical city and the southern hospitality every time I return I find something new to love.”
She’s a fan of the area’s striking rock formations, like “Skull Rock” — which, as the name suggests, resembles a skull. Ramos recommended staying at the many “rustic-chic” accommodations around Joshua Tree and waking up early to enjoy some outdoor time before the extreme desert heat sets in.
“Going there feels like you’re in a completely different world, including a world back in time, when things were very simple,” she said. “The park itself is very peculiar, with the many ‘Joshua Trees’ that look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. To further enhance the ‘back in time’ experience, you must visit Pioneertown ― it was actually a movie set decades ago, and you can go inside of some of the structures as they are now converted into shops.”
“The landscapes of Northern Michigan and Traverse City are breathtaking ― rolling hills, raw coastlines and sparkling waters as far as the eye can see.” he said. “I particularly love Traverse City in the summer for the delicious culinary scene, wine tasting and, of course, cherry pie!”
Indeed, Traverse City has been nicknamed the “Cherry Capital of the World” and is home to the National Cherry Festival. During the springtime, visitors to the area will find a sea of stunning cherry blossoms in bloom. Outdoor enthusiasts will no doubt want to check out the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore as well.
Dengler stays at the Hyatt Residence Club Sedona, Piñon Pointe, which he recommends as a solid jumping off point to explore the many local restaurants, bars and shops on foot. As an avid hiker, he also enjoys the many trail options in the area.
“Not only does Sedona have a ton of challenging hikes, but it is a great home base for visiting other Arizona hot spots,” he said, noting that Phoenix, the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest National Park and Flagstaff are all an easy drive away to add a variety of new adventures to his visits.
“I’ve spent time in Sedona, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Prescott, and each one offers something unique,” echoed Amina Dearmon, a luxury travel adviser and owner of Perspectives Travel. “I like that there is an emphasis on well-being, spending time outdoors, and great food across all of the cities that I’ve visited it in Arizona.”
She’s a fan of the sparkling riesling from Wagner Vineyards and sparkling Baco Noir from Keuka Springs Winery. The farm-to-table food scene is also a draw for Richmond, who recommended having dinner at Graft Wine + Cider Bar.
“One of the things that make Finger Lakes Wine Country a standout destination, aside from the wine, is all of the incredible waterfalls in the region,” Richmond added. “Plus the name says it all, the lakes in this area are a huge draw. If you enjoy kayaking, fishing, sailing or boating you’ll love it here. If you like a nice hike or a walk in the woods you should add Finger Lakes Wine Country to your list.”
Visitors can stroll the charming streets of Georgetown or take in all the monuments, memorials and museums along the National Mall and not even scratch the surface of all there is to explore in our nation’s capital.
“And don’t even get me started on the food scene ― mouthwatering goodness everywhere you turn!” Beckford added. “D.C. knows how to keep me hooked.”
In Yore’s opinion, the very best part of Savannah might just be the food, with a variety of dining options for all types of gastronomes.
“Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and allergen-free options abound at the many restaurants in Savannah,” she said. “Both cocktails and mocktails can be enjoyed while walking around Savannah or in one of the many rooftop bars in the city! If you are looking for a weekend getaway that is filled with historic walkability, incredible food at a reasonable price, and relaxing charm, Savannah is the city for you and I return at least twice a year!”
She encouraged visitors to look beyond downtown Napa and explore other parts of the valley, like the ranches in Calistoga and the posh hotels and shops in Yountville.
“My last two visits were for the 12th annual Black Vines Festival and the 20th Anniversary of the Association of African American Vintners,” White said. “The diversity of wineries in Napa Valley is increasing including BIPOC and women-owned brands. Even more reason to keep heading back to this beautiful area.”
“The beach’s white and soft sand is a unique experience compared to many of Florida’s other beaches,” Dengler said. “The small town and walkable nature of Siesta Key Village is a huge appeal for those who just want to relax and not have to worry about driving.”
He hailed the laid-back neighborhood feel and variety of conveniently located restaurants like Siesta Key Oyster Bar.
“While it has nightlife, including live music, it is much more laid back than a place like Miami and cheaper than a similar spot like Key West,” Dengler said. “Walk, or hop on the trolley, to explore the entire key and watch the sunset at Turtle Beach. Compared to similar destinations, I would say Siesta Key is on the more affordable end.”
She appreciates the easy access to outdoor adventures, with the Rocky Mountains just a short drive away and plenty of opportunities for hiking and skiing.
“But even if you’re not the outdoorsy type, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the city itself, from the amazing museums and art galleries to the buzzing nightlife and craft beer scene,” Susag added.
Meredith Carey, deputy editor at Tripadvisor, also praised the wide array of exciting things to do in Denver. She’s an especially big fan of Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the breweries around the River North Art District (RiNO) — including Our Mutual Friend, Cervecería Colorado and Blue Moon.
The Cape Code favorite boasts great restaurants, art galleries, shops, historic sites and more.
“Provincetown also has beautiful beaches, incredible entertainment, and nature for hiking and biking,” Roth added. “It is eclectic and constantly evolving!”
For summer visits, he recommended exploring the many hiking trails, seeing wildlife and admiring the famed hot springs and geysers.
“In the winter, you can go snowmobiling in the park and see a completely different side of Yellowstone that not many people get to see,” Lau added. “No matter how many times I return to Yellowstone, I’m always discovering something new.”
A rugged stretch of coast between Carmel and San Simeon, Big Sur is known for its breathtaking natural landscape.
“I find myself returning to this stunning location again and again, drawn in by its towering redwoods, breathtaking cliffs, and sense of seclusion and tranquility,” Glenn added. “The sense of peace and relaxation that I feel when I’m there is truly unmatched. From camping, glamping, historic inns, and luxury hotels, I also love that one can experience the magic of Big Sur in different ways.”
She appreciates the opportunity to dive deeper into the local culture and discover something new each time she returns to the Big Apple.
“What makes it magical for me is the density of people, culture, art, entertainment, dining and business — all squished into a tiny island,” said Amina Porter, CEO of PS. “There’s a beat to the city that is impossible to escape as soon as you set foot, and while it can be draining, I never really notice it until I leave.”
Whether you’re visiting iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty or checking out more modern additions like the High Line and Brooklyn Flea, you’ll never run out of things to do.
“Alicia Keys described it best in ‘Empire State of Mind’ ― ‘concrete jungle where dreams are made of,’” echoed White, who was born to immigrant parents in New York City. “It is a city where you can find anything and everything. Diversity of people, food and neighborhoods. From uptown to downtown, there is something for everyone. It is a city that never sleeps and is constantly evolving. You can go to NYC a thousand times and never see it all.”
“The weather is never too warm or too cold, and the island breeze will transport you to a place of relaxation instantly,” she said. “My favorite local suggestion? Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park. It is pricey but it is one of the coolest things you will ever see. You can take the boat or seaplane directly from Key West and it makes a great day trip.”
Yore, who also runs the website Florida Trippers, urged visitors to try the locally caught seafood and world-famous key lime pie.
“Tip: If you have a good cancellation policy, go during the early days of hurricane season — June and July — for prices that are half of high season,” she added.
“I’m biased because I’m from here but Minnesota has so much to offer, especially in the summer,” she said. “It gets a bad rep for being freezing cold but the other months out of the year are perfect for enjoying breweries or going out on one of thousands and thousands of lakes Minnesota has.”
Susag encouraged would-be visitors to try the famous Juicy Lucy burger and sip on some local craft beers. She also recommended taking a day trip to Duluth for hiking trails and “gorgeous views of Lake Superior.”
“What keeps me coming back is how kind everyone is and I just never get sick of floating on a lake or biking around one of the many trails,” she added. “It’s a very underrated city with so much to offer.”
She believes the Torrey Pines area offers the best sunset views in the world.
“San Diego also happens to be one of my favorite places for seafood,” Beckford added. “So I wouldn’t be surprised if you catch me eating my way through La Jolla — it’s so delicious!”
Susag is similarly a fan of the city’s laid-back SoCal vibes with its breathtaking coastline and surfing culture around La Jolla Cove.
“Even if you’re not a big beach person, San Diego has endless things to do,” she added. “The city has a rich history which you’ll see with its many museums and historic sites, like the USS Midway Museum and the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.”
“This area is the ancestral home of my grandfather and I feel at ease there,” George said. “I love the statuesque, mature trees and the endless vistas across the marshland. At Kiawah, I love to play tennis, enjoy long walks and dine at the many restaurants available both in town and at the resort.”
“What draws me to return to San Juan again and again is the mix of history, cultures and food,” Dearmon said. “It’s also an easy trip from the standpoint of not having to change money, have an international calling plan, or rely heavily on translation apps. The nice thing about returning to a destination is the fact that you’re a bit more comfortable with it the next time around. You may have a favorite restaurant or favorite local shop to visit and it just feels less like you’re a tourist each time you visit.”
“I’m going for two things: incredible — let me repeat, incredible — food and shopping,” she said, noting that her go-to restaurants are Kemuri Tatsu-ya, Paperboy, Justine’s, and Torchy’s.
As for shops, Carey is a fan of Allens Boots, ByGeorge, and Uncommon Objects.
“There’s plenty to do in the outdoors when the weather is nice (Barton Springs Pool and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center among them), and unless you’re shelling out for sushi at Uchi every night (which you should at least once), it’s a pretty reasonable trip, cost-wise,” she added.
“Boating on the intracoastal to sandbars and the famous Peanut Island (did you know it was JFK’s safety bunker?) are some of my favorite things to do there, and of course spending a fabulous day or night out on the prestigious Palm Beach Island is a must,” she said.
For an exciting night in the area, Ramos also recommended checking out the HMF bar at the famous Breakers hotel or Cuccina after dark.
“West Palm is also the furthest north stop for the new Brightline fast train, which can take you down to Miami in just an hour,” she added.
She enjoys the city’s arts and culture scene, with many museums and galleries, as well as theaters, music venues, and festivals.
“But my favorite part about Charlotte is all the things you can do outside,” Susag explained. “Whether you’re into hiking, biking, kayaking, or just lounging in a park, there’s so many different ways to enjoy being outside. The city’s greenways and parks are a great way to explore the city on foot or by bike. You can even whitewater raft, which is one of my favorite water activities.”
From the glorious sunny weather to the easy access to beaches to the glamor of Old Hollywood history, there’s a lot to draw repeat visitors to LA.
“And who can resist the allure of the gorgeous estates in Beverly Hills or the creativity that permeates every corner of the city?” Leong added. “All of these factors, and more, make Los Angeles a place I always return to with joy and anticipation.”
