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Five U.S. destinations made National Geographic’s list of the “Best Place in the World to Travel to in 2027”
The travel hotspots include Baltimore; Madison, Wis.; California’s Pacific Coast Highway, the Southern Ozarks and Puerto Rico
The destinations were recognized for their mix of natural wonders, rich history and cultural activity
Out of all the global destinations handpicked by National Geographic as next year’s travel hotspots, only five in the United States managed to make the cut.
Nat Geo has named 25 locations as the “Best Place in the World to Travel to in 2027” — from the cascading waterfalls of Vestland, Norway, to the sandstone architecture of Jaipur, India. The list includes places filled with stunning nature, rich cultural experiences and delicious food and drink.
However, only four destinations in the continental U.S. were recognized by the outlet, including Baltimore; Madison, Wis.; the Pacific Coast Highway in California and the Southern Ozarks in Missouri and Arkansas. Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, also earned a spot on the list.
An aerial view of the Inner Harbor district in BaltimoreCredit: Getty
Baltimore, known as the birthplace of the American railroad, was recognized for a $38 million upgrade to the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation. In early 2027, the museum will open a 33,000-square-foot renovated South Car Works building for the first time to the public.
Other notable attractions include the longstanding Lexington Market, a neighborhood-based public market first established in 1782. The city’s Inner Harbor district also houses the National Aquarium and the 1854 U.S.S. Constellation.
A street-view of the state capitol building in Madison, Wis.Credit: Getty
Madison was considered “the Midwest’s most effortless getaway,” according to the outlet. It combines lakefront outdoor adventure with a vibrant college town full of local food vendors and artisans. More than 200 miles of hiking trails and bikeways connect the neighborhoods, beaches and about 300 parks in what the League of American Bicyclists certified as one of the country’s most bike-friendly cities.
On the west, California’s Pacific Coast Highway has continued to inspire artists of all disciplines. Much like Ansel Adams and John Steinbeck, creatives still fill studios in Mendocino County on the northern end of the state’s stretch of road, per the outlet. On the southern end, a community-wide, year-long event marks 100 years of Laguna Beach.
An aerial view of the Pacific Coast Highway in CaliforniaCredit: Getty
The Southern Ozarks were also recognized for their outdoor adventures. Mountain bikers flock to the region for its trails through the spectacular bluffs, valleys and ridgelines. Near the Missouri-Arkansas border, they enter Dogwood Canyon Nature Park — 10,000 acres full of elk, bison, longhorn cattle and a vast network of trails.
An aerial view of the Ozark MountainsCredit: Getty
In the Caribbean, Puerto Rico offers sun-soaked beaches and the towering Cordillera Central mountains. However, its vibrant music and rich culture are an even bigger draw, per Nat Geo. Visitors can experience the authentic blend of Afro-Puerto Rican, Indigenous Taíno, and Spanish influences up close.
An aerial view of San Juan, Puerto RicoCredit: Getty
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Catalina Island in CaliforniaCredit: Getty
While not on the official list, California’s Catalina Island took the Reader’s Choice spot for 2027. After an hour-long ferry ride from Long Beach, travelers can hike wild ridgelines, watch the herd of free-roaming bison, or spend a day on the 48,000-acre island’s sunny beaches.
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