The best city to visit in the USA is New York City, followed by Las Vegas and Miami, and in 2026 international visitors to national parks such as Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon pay an extra $100 each. This list covers nine cities and two national parks, ranked on first-trip value. We re-checked entrance fees from park pages and opening dates from public records in October 2026.
| Rank | Place | Key fact (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York City, New York | 8.59 million residents |
| 2 | Las Vegas, Nevada | 40.8 million visitors (2023) |
| 3 | Miami, Florida | Second most visited US metro |
| 4 | Los Angeles, California | Hosting the 2028 Olympics |
| 5 | Washington, D.C. | Federal capital, museum hub |
| 6 | Grand Canyon, Arizona | $35 per vehicle, plus $100 non-resident surcharge |
| 7 | Honolulu, Hawaii | Waikiki and Pearl Harbor |
| 8 | Orlando, Florida | Epic Universe opened May 2025 |
| 9 | San Francisco, California | 2025 population 826,079 |
| 10 | Chicago, Illinois | Third most populous US city |
| 11 | Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming | $35 per vehicle, plus $100 non-resident surcharge |
The 11 best places to visit in the USA in 2026, ranked
We kept the original 11 and re-ordered them by how much there is to do on a first trip, putting two national parks at the end. One 2026 change matters for visitors from abroad: non-US residents pay an extra $100 per person at Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon.
1. New York City, New York
New York has about 8.59 million residents in 2026 estimates, more than double Los Angeles, and is the most expensive city in the world for expatriates as of 2025. Plan for museums, Broadway, the skyline and the Met Gala season. It remains our top pick for a first US city trip.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas draws over 40.8 million visitors a year as of 2023, and the Sphere, a 17,600-seat venue, opened on 29 September 2023 with a U2 residency. Add the Strip’s resorts and shows and Vegas is the ultimate short trip.
3. Miami, Florida
The Miami area is the second most visited city or metro in the US after New York City, with over four million visitors in 2022. Beaches, Art Basel and the Formula One Miami Grand Prix make it a year-round choice.
4. Los Angeles, California
LA has hosted the Olympics twice and is set to host the Summer Games again in 2028. Film production has declined, with FilmLA counting 19,694 shoot days in 2025, but beaches, studios and museums remain. Check hotel and transport costs in advance.
5. Washington, D.C.
The capital is where the federal government sits, with the White House, the Capitol and the Supreme Court Building. The Smithsonian museums line the National Mall. Go in spring or autumn to avoid the heat.
6. Grand Canyon, Arizona
Not a city, but it earns a place. The park draws in excess of 5 million visitors a year. In 2026 the entrance fee is $35 per vehicle or $20 per person on foot, and non-US residents aged 16 and over pay an extra $100 per person unless they enter with an annual or America the Beautiful pass. Book lodging early.
7. Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii, in the westernmost and southernmost major US city. Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor are the big draws, with the historic downtown, Iolani Palace and the Bishop Museum.
8. Orlando, Florida
Universal Epic Universe, the fourth park at Universal Orlando Resort, officially opened on 22 May 2025, adding to Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Studios. Orlando is built for family trips, with a lot of theatre and dining beyond the parks.
9. San Francisco, California
The Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars and steep streets define the city, and the 2025 population was 826,079. Walk or bike across the bridge and use cable cars as a ride, not a commute.
10. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is the third most populous US city, home to the Willis Tower, Millennium Park and one of the world’s busiest airports. Lollapalooza has been held in Grant Park each year since 2005.
11. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Not a city, but the world’s first national park. Old Faithful erupts about every 92 minutes on average. In 2026 the entrance fee is $35 per vehicle or $20 per person on foot, plus a $100 surcharge per non-US resident aged 16 and over unless you hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass.
Keep reading
- The best clubs in the world: nightlife in the cities on this list
- The 15 best gambling cities in the world: Las Vegas and its rivals
- 20 luxurious things to do in Canada: your next road trip north
FAQ
What is the best city to visit in the USA?
New York City is our top pick, with Las Vegas and Miami next.
How much does Yellowstone cost in 2026?
$35 per private vehicle for seven days, or $20 per person on foot, plus $100 per non-resident aged 16 or over.
How much is the Grand Canyon?
The same: $35 per vehicle, $20 per person on foot and the $100 non-resident surcharge, with annual passes exempt.
What is new in Orlando?
Universal Epic Universe opened on 22 May 2025 as the fourth Universal Orlando park.
How often does Old Faithful erupt?
About every 92 minutes on average.
Why are national parks on a city list?
They remain the original list’s most requested stops, so we kept them at the end.
How we put this list together
We re-checked fees on the National Park Service pages and dates and figures from public records in October 2026. Rankings are our judgment.
Last updated: October 2026.
