It’s that time of the year when we start thinking about where we want to visit in the new year. Luckily, there are some incredible destinations nearby! You don’t need to travel internationally for dream destinations. I asked other travel bloggers to bring their recommendations for 23 of the best places to go in the United States! From fun cities to beautiful nature, you’ll find somewhere to go this year. The list is not in any particular order, but rather just some of the best places to visit in the USA!
Be sure to check out the rest of the Dream Destination series: Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Or here are more awesome weekend getaways in the United States!
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Newport, Rhode Island
The charming small town of Newport, Rhode Island is often overlooked by travelers. Honestly, I was impressed with what Newport had to offer during our visit. Now that the Gilded Age has captivated so many of us, get your fill of the lifestyle and mansions in Newport!
Newport has many great things to offer, including the history of the area, some of the most beautiful mansions, and the amazing view of the ocean from the cliffs. One of the best things to do in Newport is walk along the Cliff Walk. The walk is a little over 3 miles total, but you don’t have to do the whole thing. Enjoy views of the water and some of the Newport mansions – including The Breakers!
In the evenings, the Bannister and Bowen wharves are the perfect places to walk around. With plenty of restaurants and shops, you’ll enjoy your night by the water. Indulge your sweet tooth with a freshly baked cookie at The Cookie Jar.
The Newport Marriott is within walking distance of the wharves and a great place to stay.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is one of the best places to visit in the USA in 2022 for lots of different reasons. It is a fantastic walking city all year round. Most of the historical sites, great restaurants, and cool shopping areas are easily reached on foot through parks, along the waterfront, or while exploring cute neighborhoods.
Boston has an amazing food scene. You could spend days walking and eating. One of the best things you can do is take a food tour. This gives you the benefit of having someone identify the best foods and restaurants, all the while giving you some history about your location. In addition, for one flat price, you get to try a lot of different kinds of food that you wouldn’t otherwise get to try on your own, or at least, not within a couple of hours or for such a low price. If you are looking for dessert, consider trying Georgetown Cupcake on Newbury Street for a gourmet cupcake or a delicious cannoli from Mike’s Pastry in Little Italy. For some amazing pasta, you should also try Giacomo’s Restaurant in Little Italy.
Another must-do activity while in Boston is to walk the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile easy walk through downtown Boston that connects 16 nationally significant historic sites. You can do this on your own, by downloading a free app or taking one of the free walking tours.
For nice accommodation that is central and within easy walking distance to all major attractions, stay at the Hyatt Regency.
Annapolis, Maryland
A charming city bustling with the history of America along its cobblestone street is an amazing destination. Add in delicious seafood and a breathtaking waterfront, and you have the delightful city of Annapolis, Maryland. This charming city is often forgotten about and overlooked for the larger cities of Baltimore or Washington DC. This means you get to enjoy fewer crowds.
Walking through the city you’ll find numerous historic sites including the Maryland State House – the oldest U.S. state capitol in continuous legislative use dating back to 1772! Nearby is St. Anne’s Circle of the Episcopal Church. The circle connects most of the city and is surrounded by restaurants and shops. Other historic houses include William Paca’s and James Brice’s.
While Annapolis isn’t known for its food, it also shouldn’t be overlooked. Sofi’s Creperie serves incredible sweet and savory crepes, while Mason’s Famous Lobsters has incredible lobster rolls and lobster macaroni and cheese. Wash it all down with a cocktail or wine at the Red Red Wine Bar. My favorite hidden gem in the city was the Old Fox Bookstore – filled with books, Harry Potter memorabilia, a quaint garden in the back, and reading nooks to get a sneak peek at the book!
Spending two days in Annapolis is guaranteed to make you fall in love with it.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore is often overlooked by travelers due to its complex history. The city is rich with personality – and delicious food! Centrally located, Baltimore makes for a wonderful weekend getaway with plenty of things to do. Start your time in the city by visiting the breathtaking waterfront. Historic ships line the harbor while small shops entertain visitors of all ages on land. The Inner Harbor is a hustle of activity with businesses, restaurants, and plenty of museums for people to experience. Visit the American Visionary Art Museum, the Maryland Science Center, or the Port Discovery Children’s Museum to expand your horizons! If you’re hungry, step into Miss Shirley’s Cafe for some delectable food.
When you’re done exploring the Inner Harbor, head more inland. Graffiti Alley is an art space where it’s legal to paint street art. It can be a bit overwhelming with all the layers of graffiti, so take your time exploring the alleyway! The George Peabody Library is a book lovers’ dream and not too far away is Edgar Allen Poe’s house and grave! Then head to Lexington Market for lunch and a bit of shopping. You’ll find plenty of places to eat and souvenirs to take home with you. We loved staying at Hotel Indigo Baltimore – right in the heart of the city, dog friendly, and a proud member of the Baltimore community. You’ll find local art on display as well as local snacks in the shop! Read my review here.
Whether you spend a day, a weekend, or longer – Baltimore is a must-visit place in the USA.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee is going to be one of the hottest travel destinations. Music City USA is going to roll out the red carpet to celebrate a host of milestone anniversaries with many Nashville attractions are celebrating notable birthdays.
As always, music will take center stage. The city is celebrating the 132nd anniversary of the famous Ryman Auditorium, birthplace of the Grand Ole’ Opry. And the Country Music Association Awards, the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, and also the Nashville Songwriters Association all celebrate their 57th anniversary. There are lots of special activities, concerts and parties taking place in the city as part of the festivities.
If history is more your jam, President Andrew Jackson’s home, the Hermitage, turns 257 years old and the famous Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery will celebrate its 216th anniversary. Both make great destinations just outside of downtown and are interesting to visit.
Of course, there’s also all the cool stuff you’ve come to know and love: the live music, the bars, and the incredible food. Whether you like barbecue and some of Hattie B’s famous hot chicken or prefer the latest Asian fusion restaurant, Nashville’s got you covered.
If you’re going to visit, stay downtown in the heart of the action. Both the Omni and the Nashville Hilton make good bases to explore.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s public park system is one of the largest in the United States. A majority of the lakefront is dedicated to green space. This allows visitors to enjoy some of the best things to do there in the most scenic spots. Grant Park is home to the Buckingham Fountain and Millenium Park next to it has the Cloud Gate, affectionately known to locals as “the Bean.”
Visitors should make their way to the museum campus area right on the lakefront. This 57-acre park is on a peninsula that offers perfect panoramic views of the Chicago skyline. In addition, the Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium are all just a short stroll away from each other. Most of those are included in the Chicago CityPass, making it affordable to visit many of them.
The hop-on, hop-off bus tours are also an excellent way to see the city. There are 13 different stops that if taken all together last two hours. Plus, the tops of the double-decker buses are open-air so riders can enjoy good weather in the warmer months.
When visiting, don’t miss eating at Lou Mitchell’s Cafe. This old-fashioned diner serves excellent food with a fun vibe. During warmer months, diners can eat outdoors with great views of the Willis Tower.
The Thompson Hotel in the Gold Coast neighborhood is a good choice of places to stay. Its location is a short walk from public transit and many tourist attractions.
Maybe you can decide if Chicago pizza is better than New York? Good luck!
Chincoteague, Virginia
While many travelers flock to large beach towns, it’s the smaller ones, like Chincoteague, that shouldn’t be missed! Chincoteague and its neighbor Assateague Island have plenty to offer visitors!
Chincoteague has over 30 miles of beach, so you don’t have to worry about fighting for space. The sunrises are worth waking up for!
There are many things to do in Chincoteague besides relaxing on the beach. At the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, you can hike, bike or fish. Go bird watching for over 200 species of birds in the area or get your own birds-eye view by climbing the Assateague lighthouse. Space fans can visit the NASA Wallops Flight Facility. Depending on when you visit, you might be able to catch a satellite launch! Even without a launch, it’s cool to explore. Bonus – admission is free!
You can’t visit Chincoteague without trying to get a glimpse of the local celebrity – the Assateague Ponies! They are wild horses and live in peace on the island, so please don’t feed, pet, or touch them!
Since calories don’t count on vacation, indulge in ice cream at Island Creamery or Mr. Whippy’s!
Savannah, Georgia
One of the best places in the US to visit is Savannah, Georgia. It’s a beautiful city known for its history, architecture, and large oak trees. There are also a lot of free things to do in Savannah, which is great if you’re traveling on a budget.
Savannah is also great because it’s a very walkable city. As you wander the historic district, be on the lookout for historic homes, statues, and churches. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is probably the most famous church in Savannah. It is known for its white exterior, stained glass windows, and renaissance-style murals. You should also explore Savannah’s squares; there are 22 of them. Each tells a bit of Savannah’s history with memorials, water features, and statues.
For a more modern vibe, head over to Starland Yard. It’s made up of repurposed shipping containers! There is a bar, pizzeria, and rotating food trucks. There is also a rooftop courtyard and plenty of space to relax and hang out with friends and family. The pizza at Pizzeria Vittoria is really good, so definitely give that a try.To stay, we recommend one of Savannah’s newest hotels, the Marriott Savannah Riverfront. As the name implies, it’s right on the river and you’re footsteps away from River Street which has popular restaurants and shops.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
One of my favorite places in the United States is the breathtaking Outer Banks. With hundreds of miles of beach and delicious seafood, it’s the perfect destination for a vacation. There are 15 towns of the Outer Banks meaning you’ll find the perfect destination for you!
While summer is the most popular season for visiting due to the beaches and scuba diving, it’s also great all year! Fewer crowds mean you can explore without waiting. The temperature is still mild in the Fall and Winter, around 50-60°F.
From the Camp Hatteras lighthouse at the south to the wild horses of the Outer Banks up north, to the Wright Brothers memorial in the center of the island! I recommend staying in the town of Corolla (said Coh-rah-la). There’s plenty of things to do in Corolla, including the Historic Corolla Park featuring the historic home, Whalehead. Get your heart racing with a jet ski tour to see more of the are with Corolla Water Sports.
No matter when you decide to visit, the Outer Banks will always impress!
Clearwater, Florida
Clearwater, Florida is a beautiful coastal city just east of Tampa. The area is known for having beautiful beaches made of sugar-white sand and a clear ocean. There are a bunch of different restaurants, hotels, and activities making it a very popular and convenient area to enjoy the beach.
Spending time at the beach and enjoying the ocean is one of the best things to do in Clearwater. The beach is a short distance from many restaurants and shopping areas so you can easily enjoy your time at the beach before heading out to dinner. Pier 60 is a popular place for playing volleyball, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and playing in the sand.
If you are looking to avoid the crowds at the beach, consider taking the ferry out to nearby Caladesi Island. Since you have to take a ferry out, the crowds are usually much smaller. It is a great place to look for shells, go swimming and stroll the nature trails. The ferry ride from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi Island takes about 20 minutes.
Another fun way to enjoy the water is by going on a sunset cruise or dolphin tour. Bour tours leave near Pier 60. It is common to find dolphins in the area. You can even set sail on a pirate ship!
A great place to stay is at the Sandpearl Resort. The resort is right on the beach which is especially convenient if you aren’t going to have a car with you. At the beach, you can take advantage of their beach hammocks and cabanas.
The Everglades, Florida
The Florida Everglades should top your bucket list for exploring the rich wilderness and unique ecosystem found nowhere else in the world.
You can access the Glades from either southeast Florida or southwest. From Miami, you’ll find the sawgrass marshes of Everglades National Park. From Naples and Marco Island, the Everglades are swampy and home to mangrove forests, bald cypress, and hardwood hammocks. If it’s solitude you seek, rent a kayak or take a tour through the mangrove tunnels around the Ten Thousand Islands. Guided airboat tours through the Everglades are popular too, and captains will point out the wildlife you likely won’t see on your own.
There is also fishing, premier bird watching, hiking, and unique remote camping in over-water chickee hut platforms. Don’t forget to stop in Everglades City to visit the Museum of the Everglades, grab fresh fish and shrimp at City Seafood, and visit the historic Smallwood Store in Chokoloskee.
Las Vegas, Nevada
There’s no city in the world like Las Vegas – the bright lights, intoxicating atmosphere, and mouthwatering food on every corner. Sin City got its reputation for the party scene and can be quite expensive, but there are plenty of free things to do in Las Vegas.
No trip to Vegas is complete without walking the Strip. The home base of Las Vegas has the majority of the casinos – including the Stratosphere, MGM Grand, Paris, and Luxor. You can see the iconic Bellagio Fountains throughout the day and night. Snap a photo with your favorite movie character or Las Vegas Showgirls – there’s plenty of street performers walking the strip (just be sure to have the cash to pay them!)
While the Strip is the most famous part of Las Vegas, it’s not the only thing to do. Enjoy a different side of the city at Fremont Street – where you can get cheap table games, enjoy a multi-million LED light show hourly, or even go zip lining from the world’s largest slot machine! For history fans, a visit to the Neon Museum is a must! Take a tour through the old lights of Las Vegas and learn about the tumultuous history of the city.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is a great city in the US to visit with a wide variety of wonderful things to do! There are beautiful museums, free art, gorgeous historic buildings, fantastic brunch spots, and natural attractions.
Milwaukee is also famously home to many amazing breweries and beer gardens. One of the best things to do in Milwaukee is to go on a brewery tour and/or visit a beer garden. From craft breweries, like Third Space Brewery, to large breweries, like Miller Brewing and Lakefront, you’re sure to find a brewery you’ll love. (In the summer, you can even do brewery kayaking tours!)
For the art-lovers, The Milwaukee Art Museum is a must-visit in Milwaukee. It is one of the largest museums in the world and features over 25,000 works and artifacts. Its collection ranges from 15th-century Europe to 17th-century American Art.
If you’re a fan of brunch and Bloody Mary’s, Sobleman’s holds the title as Milwaukee’s original Bloody Mary bar and has some absolutely insane Bloody Marys – including the “Bloody Beast” which features an entire fried chicken with its garnish!
Where to stay
For a unique place to stay in Milwaukee, try The Ambassador Hotel. It is a beautiful Art Deco hotel in downtown Milwaukee that is also allegedly haunted.
Montana
If you’re looking for a dream-worthy place to visit in the US, then Glacier National Park in Montana is it! One of the most scenic spots in the USA, Glacier National Park is a place of alpine lakes, gorgeous mountain ranges, and waterfalls that inspire wanderlust.
Glacier NP is home to one of the most scenic drives in the country, the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Twist and turn as you climb through majestic mountain peaks through some of the most stunning sights you’ll ever see.
There’s plenty of things to do in Glacier National Park. With many scenic overlooks, it’s the perfect destination for any age or skill level. And if you like hiking, consider these incredible trails:
· Avalanche Lake Trail, 4.6 miles
· Saint Mary Falls, 2.2 miles
· Hidden Lake Overlook, 2.6 miles
For the best lake views, be sure to spend some time at Lake McDonald and Saint Mary Lake. You could spend as little as a weekend in this special spot, but taking a whole week is recommended to see the park’s greatest features.
Moab, Utah
One of the most popular destinations in Utah, Moab is considered a capital of adventure thanks to its opportunities for the outdoors.
From exploring national parks to rafting in the Moab river and mountain biking in the stunning red-rock country, Moab offers a plethora of recreational activities, with summer being the busiest season.
Winter is the slowest time in Moab due to cooler temperatures and many businesses closed, however, it’s also the best time if you want to skip the crowds and want to see Utah’s landscapes dusted by snow.
Fall is the perfect time to visit Utah’s red rock country. The crowds are gone, the temperatures are mild to the point where you can spend time outdoors and score a deal on tours.
Take your time exploring Utah’s red rock country and later check out the local restaurant scene. Miguel’s Baja Grill and Sabaku Sushi are some of the best restaurants in Moab with tons of options, including delicious vegan food.
When choosing a hotel, you can pick from many options including simple motels, air-bnb style properties, glamping tents, and luxury hotels. One of the most popular options is Red Cliffs Lodge.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A historic city that is often overlooked by travelers for New York City, Philadelphia has plenty to offer visitors. Filled with American history and mouthwatering food all wrapped up in a charming personality will satisfy anyone’s wanderlust.
The City of Brotherly Love is home to some of America’s most iconic foods, including cheesesteaks, hot dogs, and bagels. But there’s so much more to the culinary landscape here than just those three things. From fine dining to fast food, the city offers something for everyone.
Philadelphia has long been known for its street art, which can be found everywhere, but one local artist takes it to another level. His name is Isaiah Zagar, and he creates some of the most unique mosaic murals you’ll ever see. He uses glass, mirrors, ceramic tiles, and anything else he can find to create intricate designs on brick walls, fences, shop fronts, and even entire buildings.
A trip to Philly isn’t complete without visiting Independence Park which is home to the Liberty Bell and Independence National Historical Park. It’s got a ton of history but is also a place to relax on the green or join a demonstration or protest.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is home to incredible red rock formation landscapes that will take your breath away. Known as Mother Nature’s red rock country, it is a destination that you will not want to miss in 2022.
With many hiking opportunities, you will find both easy paths and challenging trails that will take you to expansive panoramas. Devil’s Bridge is one of the most popular hikes. Sedona View Trail gives breathtaking views of Chimney Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, and Thunder Mountain.
Other ways to explore the stunning landscape are with an off-road adventure jeep tour, driving the Red Rock Scenic Byway, or soaring above Sedona in a hot air balloon. Sedona is also an incredible place for rejuvenation, because of its energy vortexes. The vortexes are said to assist healing, meditation, and self-exploration. Also, do not forget some relaxation at Mii Amo. This spa was named #1 in America by Travel + Leisure two years in a row.
The Sedona Summit is a great mid-range hotel option, with views from most units. The Red Rock Cafe is a delicious spot for brunch, with a menu focused on mouth-watering comfort food. While you are visiting Sedona, you also will not want to miss a side trip to the Grand Canyon. A two-hour drive away, this massive natural wonder of the world earned Arizona the nickname as The Grand Canyon State. It truly is a wonder that you need to see to believe!
Texas Hill Country
If you are looking for one of the best places to visit in the USA, you are in luck! The Texas Hill Country is a stunning region located in the state of Texas in the central region that you shouldn’t miss! Since Texas is a large state, Texas Hill Country is a fairly large region, made up of stunning nature, cute towns, natural pools, and more. One of the biggest draws to visiting is to see Bluebonnets in the Texas Hill Country. These stunning blue flowers are found in many parts of Hill Country and shouldn’t be missed.
If you love nature, consider checking out Jacob’s Well which is a very deep natural swimming hole. If you visit, make sure to book in advance online as it fills up quickly and you don’t want to miss it. If you love culture and food, head to Fredericksburg, one of the most popular towns in the Texas Hill Country with its German heritage. Here, there are a variety of German restaurants and bakeries that you can try. This is also a wonderful place to stay with many options such as the Inn on Barons Creek, or many homestays such as cabins and cottages. The Texas Hill Country has so much to offer and it should be on your list of places to visit in 2022!
Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington is one of the top destinations in the United States to visit in 2022. The city boasts world class museums, unique attractions, innovative eateries, and access to spectacular natural beauty.
You have your pick of excellent museums and attractions to choose from. The Seattle Art Museum, Museum of Flight, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Burke Natural History Museum will dazzle and intrigue you. Seattle also has a vibrant music scene so plan to enjoy a festival or concert and visit The Museum of Pop Culture. Enjoy a day near the waterfront with a visit to Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, and the Great Wheel. Also include a visit one of the three national parks within a two-hour drive of Seattle.
Seattle is known for its amazing food and drinks, and they will be a highlight of your trip. There are nearly 70 breweries to enjoy, many of them within walking distance of each other. Washington state has 900 wineries and local wines are featured throughout the city. Starbucks is based out of Seattle, and you’ll find lots of small batch roasters here too.
Creativity abounds in the restaurant scene, from James Beard Award–winning restaurants to local food trucks. For a memorable meal, take the water taxi from downtown to West Seattle and eat at Marination Ma Kai. Enjoy delicious Hawaiian food, shave ice, and beers while taking in one of the best views of the city.
Stay at the Inn at the Market directly in Pike Place Market. You will be in the center of the action and within walking distance of most attractions. Many rooms also have excellent views.
Napa Valley & Sonoma Wine Country, California
No trip to the US west coast is without some relaxation in the Napa Wine country region, especially if you are a wine aficionado. There are more than 400 wineries spread across Napa, Sonoma and Calistoga, there is someplace suited for every taste and budget. It’s best to do some research into the amazing wineries and vineyards in the Napa region before your trip. It makes for an amazing getaway for a coupe or even a larger group of friends. But don’t despair if you are traveling as a family. We went with 2 kids that fit right in, at the stunning chateau and manicured gardens of Domaine Carneros, and had an equally good time at the other 2 smaller vineyards that we visited.
It is not just good wine that will greet you in Napa or Sonoma. You will find fresh local produce at Michelin-starred restaurants and small hidden cafes. I recommend a farm-to-table concept-run restaurant in Sonoma named simply Farm. Another good option that the kids would love as well is the Ottimo at Yountville.
You will have the choice to stay in luxurious chats to farmhouses to hotels. We used hotel points at one of the larger chains for our one-night stay but you could consider different accommodations for a fuller vineyard experience. And the green rolling hills make for a pretty sight while driving through this area.
Joshua Tree, California
I love camping for several reasons, but staying in Joshua Tree National Park has benefits for people even if they don’t typically camp. First off, staying in the National Park is cheap. $15-$30 per night cheap. Even better, it’s an International Dark Sky Park which means stargazing is incredible! These incredible skies are a wonderful reason to go to Joshua Tree this year because more pollution will make it increasingly harder to see the night sky. Additionally, visitation to Joshua Tree National Park has more than doubled in the past ten years (ignoring 2020…), and the visitor numbers just keep increasing.
Outside of stargazing and typical National Park activities like hiking (make sure to add a Keys Ranch tour too), Joshua Tree offers some incredibly unique experiences like the Integratron, the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum (sculpture garden), and Pioneertown. Whether you spend a week or two days in Joshua Tree, be sure to start with a sound bath at the Integratron, then mosey on through the museum to see some sculptures. Follow it with a wild west show and shopping in Pioneertown, then head back into Joshua Tree proper for some yummy food from Natural Sisters Cafe!
Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth Lakes, California is a charming ski town nestled in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains, which offers epic mountain vistas, a laidback vibe, and endless outdoor adventures. Mammoth Lakes is a popular wintertime destination, given its world-class ski resorts like Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain- not only does the Eastern Sierras provide a gorgeous setting for skiing or snowboarding, but, due to its elevation, the area enjoys an exceptionally long ski season.
Alternatively, if you’re visiting during the summer, there are a ton of incredible hiking trails, like the 13.4-mile trek to Minaret Lake, a stunning alpine lake that sits in the shadow of a jagged mountain. After all that skiing and hiking, your muscles will surely need some relaxation- good thing there are several beautiful natural hot springs in Mammoth Lakes, where you can rest your weary bones, all while taking in the beautiful views. Once you’re ready to head back into civilization, the town of Mammoth Lakes will cover all your needs- from breweries crafting unique beers, like Distant Brewing, to the pho your body craves to warm you up on a chilly day at Noodle-ly, there’s an impressive array of places to eat, drink, and explore in this little slice of heaven.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park is a must-see on any trip to Alaska. It is a pure wilderness where you can admire the highest mountain in North America – Denali – and many wild animals such as bears, caribou, and moose.
Things to do
The best way to explore the park is to take a guided bus tour. The bus entrance is the only way to drive the entire 92-mile dirt road through the park and see its main attractions anyway. Private cars are only allowed up to mile 15. Plus, you’ll have the best chance of seeing wildlife during the bus ride on Denali Park Road.
Hiking is also a great way to get to know the park. The McKinley Bar Trail in the Wonder Lake area or the Savage River Loop Traiareis the most exciting. Very experienced hikers can also choose to backpack in Denali. However, as it is pure wilderness, permits are required for backpacking, and they are only issued in person.
Where you can eat
There are no dining or shopping facilities in Denali National Park. Therefore, take snacks, lunch, and water with you for each activity. Do not leave trash behind, and pack your food in odor-proof bags to avoid attracting animals.
The 49th State Brewing Company in Healy is an excellent place outside the park for lunch or dinner. They have great burgers, ribs, and local beer. They also have a replica of the famous Magic Bus 142 from the movie Into the Wild. A must-see on your Alaska trip.
Where to stay
The best accommodations at affordable prices can be found outside of Denali National Park. The closest towns with accommodations are Healy, about 11 miles north of the park entrance, and Cantwell, about 30 miles south of the only park entrance. In Healy, the White Moose Lodge is a good choice.
Within the park, you can camp at one of six NPS-operated Denali campgrounds, which is a fantastic experience, or stay at the privately-owned Kantishna Roadhouse or Denali Backcountry Lodge.
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