Five locations in the U.S. have been chosen by National Geographic as some of the best to travel to in the year ahead.
National Geographic’s annual Best of the World travel list, just released, features 25 travel-worthy destinations all over the globe.
The five standout U.S. destinations harbor stunning views, great food and unique cultural spaces.
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1. Madison, Wisconsin
This capital city was listed as the first U.S.-based destination to visit, highlighted for its lakefront adventure opportunities and local cuisine.
Nestled between Lakes Mendota and Monona, Madison, Wisconsin, offers beautiful trails and green spaces. It’s also city-central for several colleges, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
This mix between college town, nature oasis and state capital gives Madison a unique flare, pairing beloved nightlife spaces with a growing trail network.
National Geographic calls the city of about 290,000 residents “compact enough to explore on foot or by bike,” as it’s certified by the League of American Bicyclists.
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Madison reportedly is home to more than 200 miles of hiking trails and bikeways.
These connect neighborhoods, beaches and about 300 parks, which, according to National Geographic, is among the most per capita of any U.S. city.
Bikers can take the 13-mile bike loop around Lake Monona, which passes from the Olbrich Botanical Gardens to Madison’s downtown waterfront.
The Dane County Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays in the summer on Capitol Square, with up to 20,000 visitors. It is reportedly the nation’s largest producer-only market, providing flowers, baked goods and fresh vegetables.
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National Geographic also shouted out some local restaurants, such as Fairchild for its use of local vegetables in homemade ravioli and Ahan for its classic Laotian dishes.
2. Pacific Coast Highway, California
After mudslides in Big Sur caused a three-year closure, some of the most scenic sections of the Pacific Coast Highway have been reopened, giving travelers the opportunity to take in the inspirational sights of California’s coastline.
“Lesser known artsy communities” lie just outside the roadway, says National Geographic.
On the southern end, artist colony Laguna Beach celebrates its centennial in 2027.
Downtown Laguna Beach not only offers beach access, but fronts a new pedestrian promenade with boutiques, galleries, outdoor performance spaces and “al fresco” dining.
The central-coast city of Lompoc features a trail of more than 30 murals depicting the town’s agricultural roots, as well as a wine region known as the Wine Ghetto.
North of Lompoc is the one-block dairy farmer town of Harmony, which boasts a population of 18. The town features small-batch ice cream at Harmony Valley Creamery, and other locally owned businesses like Harmony Glassworks and Harmony Pottery Studio and Gallery.
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The northern end of the highway is home to more artistic regions, like Mendocino County and Fort Bragg, offering exhibitions and galleries like Pacific Textile Arts.
3. Southern Ozarks, Missouri and Arkansas
In the heart of the United States, spanning between Missouri and Arkansas, the southern Ozarks show off “spectacular” bluffs, valleys and ridgelines.
The region is a “haven” for outdoor activities, National Geographic said, as well as immerse cultural activities in neighboring towns like Bentonville, Arkansas — home to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
Close to Bentonville, Bella Vista, Arkansas, is the self-proclaimed mountain biking capital of the world, fronting the new OZ Trails Bike Park. It’s the state’s first chairlift-served mountain bike park for access to 20 miles of trails for all levels.
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About 60 miles across the Missouri border is Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, where the Ozarks unfold across 10,000 acres, featuring limestone cliffs and valleys, National Geographic detailed.
Herds of elk, bison and longhorn cattle can be spotted here. Visitors can hike and bike the park’s network of trails.
4. Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore is packed with U.S. history as the birthplace of the American railroad.
The port city on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay chartered the country’s first commercial railroad in 1827. The National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation will reportedly mark the 200-year anniversary with a $38 million upgrade.
The museum’s makeover will feature “archival treasures” like letters from Abraham Lincoln and railroad tech exhibits, according to NatGeo.
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National Geographic also highlighted Baltimore’s historic Lexington Market, established in 1782. The public market features merchants like family-owned seafood, produce and baked goods vendors.
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor has attractions like the National Aquarium and 1854 U.S.S. Constellation warship, as well as parks and retail stores.
The waterfront features a whiskey distillery, green spaces and restaurants offering local delicacy options, like steamed crabs and crab cakes.
The Baltimore Blueway has launched kayaking trails, National Geographic reported. A trip to Fort McHenry also came as a recommendation, as it’s the location that inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
5. Catalina Island
National Geographic called attention to a second California location, Catalina Island — a remote destination only accessible by boat.
An hour on the ferry from Long Beach, California, brings visitors to the island’s sweeping landscape, including ridgelines and roving bison.
Catalina Island is also home to indigenous plant and animal species, like small foxes that can be spotted along the 38.5 mile Trans-Catalina Trail, and coastal sage shrub.
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The Garden to Sky Trail offers an ocean overlook from the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden, which showcases “rare island flora,” National Geographic said.
