2020 Travel Guide to the United States of America

The United States remains as enticing a destination as any in 2020. Once again, Americans and international travelers alike have much to look forward to this year, whether it's exploring one of the country's many big cities, charming small towns or incredible national parks or taking part in iconic traditions and events such as Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans, Fourth of July fireworks in Washington, D.C. or the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Here's your guide to experiencing the very best that the United States has to offer in 2020.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia was named the top U.S. city to visit in 2020 by National Geographic Traveler and you'd be hard-pressed to make a case that it's undeserving. The City of Brotherly Love boasts an underrated arts scene and is one of the country's burgeoning foodie destinations even if most only think it's good for the cheesesteak. History buffs will also fall in love with Philly, home to Independence National Historical Park, the Liberty Bell, Eastern State Penitentiary and other famed sites.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Looking to venture from the beaten path in the new year? Consider Santa Fe. One of the country's top destinations for art enthusiasts, the New Mexico capital boasts hundreds of galleries to pique your interest, more than a dozen museums to ensure you come away with something new, Pueblo-style architecture and beautiful scenery, including the Santa Fe National Forest.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is oozing with Southern charm and offers something fun for everyone, whether touring the cobblestone streets of the city's Historic District, taking in one of the country's top St. Patrick's Day parades or an exciting music festival, diving into Savannah's epic restaurant scene or participating in one-of-a-kind experiences such as haunted ghost tours.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

Straddling the North Carolina-Tennessee border, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the U.S. Clingsman Dome and Newfound Gap are among the park's top sites but visitors can also experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site from a handful of charming towns like family-friendly Gatlinburg and Bryson City.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

Named one of the Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers, San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge is the most photographed bridge in the world and attracts millions of visitors each year who come to learn about the landmark through interactive and stationery exhibits, participate in free walking tours and so much more.

Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

No matter the season, Lake Tahoe is a premier vacation destination straddling the border between California and Nevada in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts are sure to have a blast in and around the massive freshwater lake, whether hiking, kayaking, skiing or participating in other adrenaline-pumping activities to match the season.

South Beach, Miami, Florida

While Miami's South Beach neighborhood isn't just for high rollers, there certainly isn't anything bashful about Ocean Drive and all that surrounds it. This shopping and nightlife paradise is located just steps from the beach and is a must-experience if you find yourself in South Florida at any point in 2020.

National Mall, Washington, DC

The National Mall in Washington, D.C. is the perfect place to spend the day touring iconic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial as well as the many Smithsonian musems that surround it. The best part is that admission is free for all so families won't have to worry about blowing their budget in only a few hours.

The U.S. will play host to far too many marquee events in 2020 to list them all here but there are plenty that visitors should consider planning their trip around, including Super Bowl LIV in Miami this February. After all, this year marks the record 11th time Miami will host the Big Game and is yet another reason to beat the cold in sunny South Florida this winter.

Sports fans can also look forward to college basketball's 2020 Final Four in Atlanta during the first weekend in April, the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby at Louisville's Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May and the 2020 U.S. Open Tennis Championships in New York City to close out summer.

2020 will also be another epic year for music festivals. The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival returns in April while similarly iconic festivals like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza will take over stages in Manchester, Tennessee and Chicago, respectively, this summer.

When summer's over, you'll want to start making plans to celebrate Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts. This charming New England city north of Boston goes all out for Halloween, filling the streets with spooky characters and attracting visitors with festive events and landmarks like the "Hocus Pocus" house.

Head south to New York City for the holidays to take part in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting before ringing in 2021 wth the New Year's Eve Ball Drop in Times Square.

Portland, Oregon

In addition to boasting plenty of parks and free attractions that will help families stretch their travel budget, Portland is home to some of the country's top family-friendly attractions, including the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OSMI), the Oregon Zoo, the Portland Children's Museum and Oaks Amusement Park, among others.

Indianapolis, Indiana

In the Midwest, Indianapolis is one of the country's most underrated family-friendly destinations but shouldn't be overlooked as it's both fun and affordable. Highlights here include America's only cultural urban state park in White River State Park, the Indianapolis Zoo and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. Sports-loving families will also want to check out Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the NCAA Hall of Champions.

New York, New York

In what comes as far less of a surprise compared to Portland and Indianapolis, New York City is a first-class destination for families. The Big Apple boasts a robust selection of intriguing museums, iconic landmarks and sites as well as parks and playgrounds that make it easy for parents to keep their younger travel companions entertained without having to develop a detailed itinerary.

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is undoubtedly one of the most romantic destinations in America as it's arguably the perfect place to cozy up by a nice warm fire with your significant other. The picturesque scenery along with the plethora of luxury resorts and mouthwatering restaurants make it the ideal place to pop the question or celebrate an anniversary.

Nashville, Tennessee

The Music City is an awesome place for couples, who can enjoy live music and rooftop views from Downtown Nashville's tourist-friendly Broadway neighborhood as well as delicious food, shopping and more adult-friendly fun in places like 12 South, The Gulch and the Midtown/Vanderbilt area.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Whether it's a carriage ride through the French Quarter or a romantic dinner cruise along the Mississippi River, New Orleans offers plenty of one-of-a-kind experiences for visiting couples, no matter if you're looking to rekindle the spark in your relationship or simply explore one of America's most unique cities with your favorite person.

Austin, Texas

There are tons of fun for groups to get into in Austin, including awesome live music experiences, incredible dining, drinks, entertainment and nightlife in places like Sixth Street and Rainey Street and an array of outdoor activities from Lady Bird Lake to nearby Texas Hill Country.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Beautiful beaches, loads of history and an impressive nightlife scene make San Juan a phenomenal destination for groups. Americans don't need a passport to visit either so getting your group to agree shouldn't be all that difficult. What's more, you'll be putting your tourism dollars to good use in the wake of January's devastating earthquake and aftershocks across the island.

Las Vegas, Nevada

The Entertainment Capital of the World is the perfect playground for groups who can stroll, dine and even splash around on the Las Vegas Strip during pool season. You and your friends can also take in a once-in-a-lifetime concert, comedy show or performance from one of the city's many state-of-the-art venues. Plus, with the arrival of the NFL's Raiders in 2020, Las Vegas is a burgeoning sports city.

San Francisco, California

Whether male or female, San Francisco is a great place to experience solo and there's a good chance you'll even return home with some new friends. Enjoy free walking and bike tours of the City by the Bay, unplug and hit the reset button in Golden Gate Park, explore all that Chinatown has to offer and take a ride on one of the city's iconic cable cars.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis might be awfully cold come winter but this city certainly isn't short on epic experiences. Solo travelers can check out the 10-day Great Northern Festival combining the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, the City of Lakes Loppet and the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. Visitors can also warm up with the 19th annual Lake Harriet Kite Festival and the Powderhorn Park Art Sled Rally. Meanwhile, craft beer lovers won't want to miss the chance to make some new friends at the 11th annual Winter Beer Dabbler at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in February.

Boulder, Colorado

You're making a big mistake if you write Boulder off as just another college town. This city at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains has been named the happiest place in the U.S. and is ideal for solo exploration, from downtown's Pearl Street to the dozens of hiking trails you'll discover just minutes away. If you're intimidated by the prospect of visiting alone, book an electric bike tour to get your bearings and you'll be experiencing Boulder with the confidence of a local in no time.

Los Angeles, California

There should be no argument here. Los Angeles is a haven for those travelers who are passionate about gourmet food. This Southern California metropolis is ready to delight with world-class tacos, mind-blowing sushi, game-changing pizzas and burgers and no shortage of awesome international cuisine regardless of whether you're in the mood for Korean or Brazilian.

Seattle, Washington

With more coffee, tea shops, craft breweries and wineries per capita than any other U.S. city, Seattle clearly isn't short on beverages to pair your food with. Seafood lovers, in particular, will love this city's offerings, which include tantalizing steamed mussels, crab and salmon dishes. However, you'll find virtually any type of food here, from fried chicken to Chinese classics.

Chicago, Illinois

While the people of New York City will disagree, Chicago has a case for being the nation's best destination for pizza, one of the world's most popular foods. But the Windy City definitely isn't limited to mouthwatering pies as visitors will find plenty of other comfort food like Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches.

Arizona

Home to Grand Canyon National Park, it's no wonder that Arizona is a popular choice for adventure seekers. Elsewhere in The Copper State, Sedona is a can't-miss desert town for ambitious hikers while Tucson is another elite destination for outdoor enthusiasts who aren't afraid to brave the heat.

Wyoming

Camping, horseback riding, hiking, fishing and off-roading are just a few of the adventures that await visitors to Wyoming in 2020. And that's just during the warmer months. It also doesn't hurt that this Western state is home to the country's first national park (Yellowstone), first national monument (Devils Tower) and first national forest (Shoshone).

Alaska and Hawaii

America's two non-contiguous states, Alaska and Hawaii are phenomenal destinations for adventure travel as they offer thrill-seekers a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities and experiences, from swimming with whales and touring active volcanoes to hunting animals and climbing the highest mountain peak in North America.

Dallas, Texas

Not only is Dallas home to "America's Team" in the NFL's Cowboys, but it's also home to one of the most exciting teams in today's NBA. The Mavericks-led by one of basketball's most electrifying talents in Luka Doncic-are back to playing winning basketball and figure to be in the playoff mix come spring. Meanwhile, the Stars of the NHL have rebounded from a disastrous start to the season to position themselves well for a deep playoff run of their own.

Los Angeles, California

The City of Angels isn't just for foodies. 2020 is poised to be a huge year for L.A. sports. The LeBron James-led Lakers and Kawhi Leonard's Clippers are among the favorites to win the NBA championship this coming June while this summer will also mark the official opening of SoFi Stadium and the entertainment complex that will serve as home of the NFL's Rams and Chargers moving forward. Athletes and sports enthusiats have plenty more to look forward to as well, including the L.A. Marathon in March.

Green Bay, Wisconsin

You don't have to be a Cheesehead to appreciate Green Bay and the mystique of Lambeau Field, one of the country's most iconic sports venues and home of the 13-time NFL champion Packers. Considered Titletown to many, Green Bay features prominently on many sports fans' bucket list. Scoring tickets to a Packers home game is just icing on the cake.

Diversity and and the multicultural influence on American customs and traditions remain the most unique thing about visiting the United States. As you certainly know by now, there is a remarkably wide range of experiences to be had in America no matter your age, budget or interest that other destinations simply can't compete with. The list goes on but no matter your passion it's evident that the U.S. is ready to inspire you.

While no destination is completely rid of risk and travelers shouldn't rule out a destination simply based on reputation, it's also a fact that some places in the U.S. are more dangerous than others based on violent crime rates. St. Louis, Detroit and Baltimore are among the nation's worst in that regard but that doesn't mean they aren't worthwhile destinations (I myself have lived just outside of Baltimore for nearly 30 years). Regardless of where you travel, exercising common sense and avoiding areas you're unfamiliar with outside of popular tourist attractions or far from your hotel are the best ways to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.