WASHINGTON—U.S. News & World Report today released its annual rankings of the best vacation destinations in the U.S. and abroad. The new rankings highlight the World’s Best Places to Visit as well as region-specific lists, including the Best Places to Visit in the USA and the Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean.
The World’s Best Places to Visit highlights 30 destinations across the globe, and includes U.S. mountain town Jackson Hole, Wyoming at No. 29. New York City tops the list of the Best Places to Visit in the USA. Philadelphia, with its rich historical heritage, follows at No. 2. Hawaii’s Honolulu-Oahu and Maui rank No. 3 and No. 4, respectively. San Francisco rounds out the top five.
New this year, U.S. News ranked the Best Small Towns in the USA and the Best National Parks in the USA. Known for its romantic atmosphere and charming wineries, Sonoma, California, is the No. 1 Best Small Town in the USA, followed by Breckenridge, Colorado, at No. 2, which earns high marks for its family-friendliness and abundance of year-round outdoor activities. The No. 3 destination, Asheville, North Carolina, draws travelers with its up-and-coming dining scene and close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The vast Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, with its diverse wildlife and hiking opportunities, is the No. 1 National Park in the USA.
U.S. News analyzed more than 300 destinations using a methodology that combines travelers’ opinions with expert and editor analysis. Each destination is scored in 10 categories, from sights, culture and food to nightlife, adventure, and romance, offering a comprehensive evaluation of each destination. The top three rankings for each category are listed below.
World’s Best Places to Visit
1. Rome
2. Sydney
3. Porto
Best Places to Visit in the USA
1. New York City
2. Philadelphia
3. Honolulu-Oahu
Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean
1. British Virgin Islands
2. Guadeloupe
3. St. Lucia
Best Small Towns in the USA
1. Sonoma
2. Breckenridge
3. Asheville
Photo: Ashville, N.C.
