Anyone else miss the exhilaration of a weekend or week away exploring a new city? After nearly three years of avoiding vacation spots, it’s time to get out there again! Traveling to new places is certainly fun, but it’s also good for you. The activity involved in navigating new places – those long days of walking as you take in the sights – is good for your body. There are many mental health benefits to traveling, too. Traveling can reduce stress, boost creativity, and bolster your mental resilience.
Best Places to Visit in the U.S.A
If you are ready to get on the road again and do a little mental caretaking but are wondering where to travel, rest assured. We’ve got you covered. In no particular ranking or geographical order, check out these 9 places to visit:
Vacation Spot #1: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is one of the oldest cities in the United States. “Founded” by Spanish colonials in 1610, the city was home to multiple Pueblo Indian villages dating back to the 11th century. Today, Santa Fe embraces the various strands of its history. Visitors can check out the Palace of the Governors, the seat of Spanish power since its construction in the 1600s or one of the eight Pueblos north of Santa Fe. In addition to history, Santa Fe is known for its art. Sites such as the Georgia O’Keefe Museum and Meow Wolf are not only tourist places but attract the locals as well. And don’t forget to stop by the Santa Fe Artists Market held each Saturday.
Vacation Spot #2: Madison, WI
Wisconsin’s state capitol is an isthmus (say that three times fast) – a unique geographical feature consisting of a narrow strip of land situated between two bodies of water. Madison is bordered by Lake Mendota on one side and Lake Monona on the other meaning there are plenty of lake views and water activities to enjoy. Enjoy a scoop of famous Babcock ice cream (Wisconsin is the dairy state) on the Memorial Union Terrace as you watch the sailboats. Or take a short drive from Madison to the village of Spring Green to tour the summer home of Frank Lloyd Wright. An architectural masterpiece, the home, known as Taliesin East, was an ongoing and beloved project for Wright up until his death in 1959. Pro tip: hit up Madison in the summer or the early fall.
Vacation Spot #3: Newport, RI
Newport is historically one of the best vacation spots in the U.S. Seriously. It’s where New York’s wealthy and elite went to get away during the Gilded Age of the late 1800s and early 1900s. The historic summer homes of the upper, upper class are now dazzling tourist places. Walk the scenic Bellevue Avenue and treat yourself to guided tours of the Vanderbilt’s summer mansion, The Breakers, or The Elms, seasonal home to the Astor family. It’s jaw-dropping opulence at its best. Bellevue Ave is also home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, replete with grass courts and a museum. Be sure to bring your walking shoes and leave time for the famous Cliff Walk, 3.5 miles of coastal beauty.
Vacation Spot #4: The Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota and Wyoming
Giddyup and head to the Old West. When it comes to where to travel, the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota and Wyoming should be on your list. Come on, the names alone make you want to go, right? This area refers to a region tucked between the rolling grasslands of western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming. Not-to-miss places to visit in the area include Deadwood and the Badlands National Park. Take a drive along the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway and stop at Bridal Veil Falls for gorgeous views. Don’t forget to pack a picnic!
Vacation Spot #5: Eugene, OR
If you have a friend who went to school at the University of Oregon or know anyone who has lived in Eugene, you’ve heard a lot about this place. People who have lived there rave about it – and for good reason. There’s a lot to do in this city located on the southern end of the Willamette Valley. Don some comfy footwear because Eugene, referred to as Track Town, USA, is known for its outdoor activity and well, appreciation for running. Nothing symbolizes this more than Hayward Field, considered the most expensive and state of the art track-only facility in the country. If you prefer hiking to running, be sure to do the Spencer Butte Loop Trail – a short hike of just over a mile – or go for an extended adventure on the Fall Creek Trail to check out some old growth forests and swimming holes. If you have the time, head west to Thor’s Well, a wholly/holey unique geological feature roughly 90 minutes outside of Eugene.
Vacation Spot #6: Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth is a fast-growing city that can still feel like a smaller sized town. The people are hospitable and there’s plenty of local flair. If you are wondering where to travel this year, give Fort Worth a shot. Fort Worth boasts a long and storied rodeo and stock show history. It’s part of the culture and daily atmosphere, so don’t be surprised to find yourself surrounded by locals wearing cowboy hats and spurs, or find the occasional horse waiting patiently outside an establishment. The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is a must see and there is nothing like experiencing a real cattle drive. You can catch the latter twice daily straight down East Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards National Historic District.
Vacation Spot #7: New Hampshire
Just . . . all of it. It’s one of the smallest states in the U.S. but its small size belies a cornucopia of places to visit and a range of activities. Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park is definitely a place to check out while considering where to travel. The Gorge is an 800-foot-long crack in the base of Mount Liberty; it’s bordered by walls 70 feet high and parallels a stream. It’s also an incredibly beautiful hiking experience. Expect to spend an hour and a half on the loop. Seeing the countryside by railway is also an option. Take a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad and get an authentic feel for an old-fashioned railroading experience. Be sure to get a window seat to take in the mountains, forests, and rivers of New Hampshire.
Vacation Spot #8: Apostle Islands, WI
If you haven’t been to the Great Lakes, you are missing out. With over 9,000 miles of shoreline (more if you include islands) these Lakes are not only the largest supply of freshwater on earth, they offer some of the best places to visit in the U.S.A. The Apostle Islands may be the coolest place to visit you’ve never heard about. It’s a collection of 22 islands in Lake Superior, just off the Ashland and Bayfield counties in northern Wisconsin. There are ten lighthouses on the islands, each with its own story. There are also plenty of long ago shipwrecks! Rent a canoe or take a guided boat tour along the islands and be sure to stop at one of the islands’ beautiful beaches. The water will be cold but the views will be on fire.
Vacation Spot #10: To Be Determined
It’s “game on!” again for travel and if you are like many Americans, you are ready to get up and go. That’s why we left the tenth spot empty. Did you ditch the office and become a digital nomad?
We hope that wherever you choose to travel in 2022, it’s a great time and a great adventure. Happy trails.
