Summary
- Domestic travel within the US is becoming increasingly popular, with more people choosing to explore the country due to economic turmoil and rising uncertainty worldwide.
- San Antonio, Texas is a top vacation spot for 2024 due to its cultural landmarks, great food, beautiful weather, and the rare total solar eclipse occurring in April 2024.
- Savannah, Georgia, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Washington, DC, San Diego, California, Williamsburg, Virginia, Traverse City, Michigan, Big Sur/Monterey, California, Miami, Florida, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts are also recommended destinations for 2024, each offering unique attractions and experiences at various price points.
As people go about planning their adventures for 2024, more than ever, the focus is on domestic travel within the United States. With ongoing economic turmoil and rising uncertainty in various parts of the world, many are staying closer to home and exploring the great destinations that the United States of America has to offer.
This list includes the top 10 vacation hot spots within America and details on what makes them such a great destination for an upcoming trip, as determined from an extensive review of multiple travel resources and ongoing trends, including the upward-rising dupe preference where travelers are looking for similar experiences they would get in a big city or destination, but in more budget-friendly locales. From mountain escapes to solar eclipses, options are available for everyone and their specific interests. The top travel destinations in the US for 2024 were determined based on studies from several reputable sources, including T+L, AAA, National Geographic, US News, and The Points Guy.
10 San Antonio, Texas
One of the primary viewing points of the 2024 solar eclipse
The River Walk in Downtown San Antonio, Texas, USA
The city of San Antonio, Texas, is a great place to travel because of its cultural landmarks, phenomenal food, beautiful weather, and multiple natural and entertainment attractions. However, for 2024, a different type of event is attracting visitors to the city. On April 8, 2024, NASA projects that San Antonio will be a prime viewing spot for a rare total solar eclipse. In addition, there are many new events and renovations taking place in San Antonio, helping to propel the city to the top of the list for vacation-goers in 2024.
Because of this extraordinary occurrence and the enjoyable features of this southern Texas area, many are choosing to spend their 2024 vacation in San Antonio. National Geographic has listed the state of Texas on its “Cool List of 2024” for those looking for an exciting place to spend their vacation. Travel + Leisure also lists San Antonio as an award winner for one of the most visited cities in 2023.
- Average Hotel Cost:$150 per night
- Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year, but for the total solar eclipse viewing, you should go in early April 2024
- Notable Attractions: San Antonio Riverwalk, The Alamo, San Antonio Botanical Gardens, Six Flags Fiesta Texas
NASA is continually updating the exact time of the 2024 total solar eclipse. To stay updated on when you can best see this rare sight, monitor
the NASA website
for accurate times.
9 Savannah, Georgia
Made AAA’s list as one of the best vacation spots in the US to visit in 2024
Famous Fountain In Forsyth Park In Savannah, Georgia, USA
Being in Savannah, Georgia, is like escaping to another time period altogether. Not only do the days move slower, but the beauty that surrounds you is inescapable. The amount of history that encompasses the city provides endless opportunities to learn and explore while enjoying authentic Southern food and hospitality. Take in the fountain at Forsyth Park and pop in for ice cream at Leopold’s.
AAA has listed Savannah, Georgia, in their guide to the 50 best vacation spots in the USA in 2024 because of its charming nature, unique architecture, and fun local boutiques. Savannah also claimed a spot in Travel + Leisure’s most-visited destinations in 2023.
- Average Hotel Cost:$200 per night
- Best Time to Visit:March to July
- Notable Attractions: Forsyth Park, Owens-Thomas House, Savannah Theatre, Bonaventure Cemetery
8 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
AAA has Myrtle Beach as a top-five pick for 2024
A sunset evening night view of Myrtle Beach, a family-friendly spot in South Carolina, USA
You often hear of college students escaping to Myrtle Beach for their spring break. However, the iconic city offers exciting attractions for all ages. Families travel to Myrtle Beach throughout the year to take advantage of the ongoing beautiful weather and fun atmosphere, so much so that AAA has it as a top-five pick for 2024. Throughout the summer, visitors will have high temperatures and sunny days. The temperature will cool down in the fall and winter but still provide enough warmth for many outdoor activities.
- Average Hotel Cost:$70 per night
- Best Time to Visit: Year-Round
- Notable Attractions: SkyWheel, Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Waves Water Park, The Bowery
7 Washington, DC
Made the top 20 list of places to visit in 2024 by US News
An aerial view of Washington DC
Coming in on the top 20 list of places to visit in 2024 by US News is the metropolis of Washington, DC. Although this is one of the pricier cities to visit in the United States, there is a lot to explore and learn during your time in the capital. There are also many budget-friendly opportunities within the city limits. With a plethora of top museums and monuments, as well as multiple national parks and cultural events, the days spent in the city will fill up fast. Visiting in the spring and fall months allows tourists to avoid extreme weather that comes in the summer and winter.
- Average Hotel Cost:$175 per night
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall
- Notable Attractions: Lincoln Memorial, National Mall, The White House, Smithsonian Museum
Many tours require advance registration and fill up quickly. Be sure to book as soon as possible to ensure you have a spot.
6 San Diego, California
The Points Guy has the city on their list of the best places to travel to in 2024
La Jolla Cove from a viewpoint in San Diego, California
While many associate Southern California with the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, San Diego offers all the wonderful assets of the area with a more natural and budget-friendly approach. In San Diego, visitors can enjoy the temperate weather year-round and enjoy the many natural attractions in the various parks and reserves. With many beaches to explore, families and travelers can easily visit a new location every day during their vacation.
The Points Guy has San Diego and neighboring Tijuana on their list of the best places to travel in 2024 due to their unique experiences and thriving cultural and art scene. Travel + Leisure also lists San Diego in their guide to their reader’s favorite cities to visit for 2023.
- Average Hotel Cost:$150 per night
- Best Time to Visit: Year-Round
- Notable Attractions: San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
5 Williamsburg, Virginia
Made AAA’s list of the 50 best vacation spots in the US for 2024
Governor’s Mansion, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia,USA
It’s not often that people can peek into the past and see how the world operated at an earlier time. Williamsburg, Virginia, offers a glimpse of what life was like during colonial times. With many historical attractions, such as the Jamestown Settlement, the George Wythe House, and Historic Jamestowne, visitors can get an education about the past while seeing the transition to the present day.
You can find Williamsburg, Virginia, in AAA’s guide to the 50 best vacation spots for 2024 and Travel + Leisure’s award winners for the most visited USA destinations in 2023. Loved especially for its history and fun attractions, AAA suggests a visit to the Colonial Williamsburg Museum as one of a traveler’s first stops in the city.
- Average Hotel Cost:$150 per night
- Best Time to Visit:Spring and Fall
- Notable Attractions: Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center, Busch Gardens, Governor’s Palace, Jamestown Settlement
4 Traverse City, Michigan
This quaint Michigan town will give you the feeling of being in a Hallmark movie, with all the wineries a person could dream of having.
View of the water and scenery in Traverse City, Michigan
Known for its cherries, the town of Traverse City, Michigan, hosts a Cherry Festival every year in the summer. Throughout the small, charming town, you will find many local boutiques selling a variety of cherry-inspired goods. Between wine, coffee, whiskey, candy, and soap, you can leave with an assortment of new products. The nature and fun activities surrounding the town, including many top beaches, are a big draw for visitors and tourists.
Traverse City also falls on the AAA list of best places to visit in the year 2024. The company recommends booking a multi-day winery tour to take in all that the region has to offer in that specialty.
- Average Hotel Cost:$115 per night
- Best Time to Visit: Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Notable Attractions: Mission Point Lighthouse, Dennos Museum Center, Mari Vineyards, Traverse City State Park
3 Big Sur/Monterey, California
One of the best small towns to visit in the US in 2024
An Arial View Of Big Sur In Central California Coastline, USA
For those who are nature enthusiasts, a drive down Highway 1 in Monterey County, California, home to Big Sur, will have you captivated and enthralled. The beautiful Pacific Ocean stretches for miles upon miles and provides the perfect, relaxing backdrop to an ideal vacation. With many hiking trails, camping resorts, and beaches, visitors will find something new to do every day. Surrounding areas also offer additional options for accommodation and restaurants.
For the years 2023-2024, U.S. News ranked Monterey within the top five for the best small towns to visit in the United States because of its beautiful landscape and charming nature.
- Average Hotel Cost:$260 per night
- Best Time to Visit: Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Notable Attractions: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Point Lobos State Natural Preserve, Partington Cove, McWay Falls
2 Miami, Florida
This electrifying city is a popular destination for those looking to have a great time on vacation.
Outdoor pools at The Setai, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
While many find the excruciating heat of Southern Florida too much in the summer, visiting Miami earlier in the year is a great vacation option. With affordable accommodations, amazing attractions, fantastic nightlife, and an abundance of incredible food establishments, a traveler’s time in Miami will be filled with good times and great memories.
For families, the local museums and sand-filled beaches provide the perfect respite for lounging and relaxing, and the various resorts provide a home away from home environment. National Geographic has listed Miami, Florida, on the “Cool List of 2024” for travelers looking to embark on a fun vacation.
1 Cape Cod, Massachusetts
One of the 50 best vacation spots in the US for 2024
Beach in Orleans, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA
Tucked away on the edge of Massachusetts is the coastal town of Cape Cod. While the town is most popular in the summer for taking advantage of the many beaches in the area, some venture out in the off-season to take in the beauty with fewer crowds. There are many opportunities to explore nature and learn about the history of the highly walkable Cape Cod area. Additionally, vacationers can get their fill of fresh and local seafood from nearby fishermen.
AAA has listed Cape Cod in its directory of the 50 best vacation spots for 2024 due to its unique charm and intimate setting.
- Average Hotel Cost:$115 per night
- Best Time to Visit: Summer
- Notable Attractions: Nickerson State Park, Cape Cod National Seashore, John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, Nauset Lighthouse