24 Awe-Inspiring Places to Visit in 2024
The world is big, beautiful, and exhilarating. There are a million places tugging at you to come visit. And I’m sure those are great. But, with these places to visit in 2024, I can personally verify they are phenomenal. They require some adventure, but you’ll enjoy experiences you’ve never had before.
So come journey with me, and let’s see where you end up this year!
1. San Juan Mountains, CO
Why you should visit in 2024: Honestly, one of my favorite places to visit. The mountains, alpine lakes, and wildflowers are some of the most beautiful things you’ll ever see. It’s all at altitude, so make sure you can hike above 7,000 feet.
2. Glacier National Park, MT
Why you should visit in 2024: Arguably our greatest National Park. Glacier has amazing hiking and wildlife. Plus, you need a permit to enter, so it’s not too crazy in the main areas. I could visit Glacier every year and not get sick of the views. I promise you won’t either.
3. Sequoia National Park, CA
Why you should visit in 2024: Sequoia National Park is another of my favorites. There’s no way to describe how big the Giant Sequoias are, like the General Sherman Tree. You just have to go! I promise you one thing, you will be utterly delighted and blown away by your trip here!
4. Yosemite National Park, CA
Why you should visit in 2024: Yosemite is the granddaddy of them all. It is a climbing mecca, adventure hub, and the top National Park to many. The valley can get crowded, so don’t anticipate going along, but you can always find some peace if you hike a few miles away or head into the high country!
5. Southern Coast of Iceland
Why you should visit in 2024: You’ll get to experience glaciers, hiking, ice caves, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and so much more! We loved our ten days in Iceland and can’t wait to return!
6. Mount Rainier National Park, WA
Why you should visit in 2024: Mt. Rainier is one of the genuinely startling mountains in America. It rises so sharply from the normal terrain that it’s shocking each and every time you see it. With hiking, backpacking, winter snowshoeing, sightseeing, and more, you’ll want to come back again and again. I highly recommend adding it to your list of places to Visit in 2024.
7. North Cascades, WA
Why you should visit in 2024: One of my favorite areas to explore in Washington. The North Cascades are not for the standard tourist. You need to get out and explore a bit. But to those who set off on their hikes, you’ll be rewarded immensely. Here are some of my favorite hikes: Wing Lake, Maple Pass, Yellow Aster Butte, Copper Glance Lake, and Sahale Glacier Camp.
8. Death Valley National Park, CA
Why you should visit in 2024: Many might say it’s dusty and desolate. And they’d be true. But Death Valley offers so much to each visitor that you’ll be incredibly surprised by the end of your trip.
9. Grand Teton National Park, WY
Why you should visit in 2024: The Tetons are something else. The entire range is magical. Then add a half dozen lakes, tons of wildlife and 10/10 hiking. It’s genuinely one of the top places to visit in 2024.
10. Santa Barbara, CA
Why you should visit in 2024: I lived in Santa Barbara for an entire year, and there are a vast amount of things to do. Hot springs, whale watching, hiking, beach walks, and sunsets. It’s the most idyllic city… that also costs a ridiculous amount to live in. Yet, it’s impressive, and you’ll surely love it!
11. Sedona, AZ
Why you should visit in 2024: Growing up in Phoenix, I’ve been able to explore Sedona a dozen or more times. While it’s definitely changed from the 2000s due to tourism travel, you can still find some less traveled areas or plan to hike during the weekdays. Overall, Red Rock Country is phenomenal, and you won’t be disappointed.
12. Banff National Park, AB
Why you should visit in 2024: Probably my favorite area of North America. Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies offer bountiful hiking, backpacking, camping, and exploration opportunities. The entire area is so picturesque you’ll be pinching yourself. If you’ve been on the fence, make Banff one of the places to visit in 2024.
13. Joffre Lakes, BC
Why you should visit in 2024: Another Canadian hotspot that requires a permit. However, the Joffre Lakes hike offers mindblowing beauty that few places can offer, considering how easy it is to access. If you want to backpack, a separate permit is required.
14. Lincoln City, OR
Why you should visit in 2024: A little town on the Oregon coast packs a punch when it comes to outdoor adventures. There are so many things to do in Lincoln City that it’ll fill up your long weekend with no problem.
15. Columbia River Gorge, OR
Why you should visit in 2024: The famous waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge will blow your mind! There’s a half dozen within a few miles of each other right off the road and even more after you hit the trails. There’s so much to be seen here, only about 40 minutes from Portland.
16. Grand Canyon, AZ
Why you should visit in 2024: The grandest canyon of them all. While living in Arizona, I had the chance to hike Rim to Rim, to the bottom, and down the Salt Trail. It’s a gem of a National Park and one you’ll absolutely love exploring. It’s easily one of the places to Visit in 2024.
17. Denali National Park, AK
Why you should visit in 2024: Probably Alaska’s most famous National Park thanks to its name, the tallest peak in North America. Denali might be the focal point, but there are many exciting things to do, like flightseeing, hiking, and spotting wildlife. This place is a gem; you should aim to spend two full days here.
18. Lake Clark National Park, AK
Why you should visit in 2024: A gem of the Alaskan National Parks that few people get to explore due to it only being accessible by boat or plane. We spent a day bear-watching, and oh my, it was terrific. We’re headed back in 2024, and it will be outstanding!
19. Wrangell St. Elias National Park, AK
Why you should visit in 2024: The largest National Park in the USA, Wrangell St. Elias, is accessible yet hardly touched by most visitors of Alaska. It’s 6 hours from Anchorage and requires 3-4 days to get in and see it. But once you’re there, it’s totally worth it and incredible.
20. Haleakala National Park, HI
Why you should visit in 2024: The tallest point on Maui. Not too often do you get to hang out at the beach and also have to wear a down jacket on top of a volcano in a single day. Yet, you do at Haleakala National Park. It’s beautiful, and the views will astound you. Make sure to add this to your Maui itinerary and places to visit in 2024.
21. Sawtooth Mountain Range, ID
Why you should visit in 2024: In 2020, I visited Idaho for the first time. We headed into the Sawtooths, and ever since, it has lived rent-free in my head. The area is rugged yet beautiful. It’s also comparatively empty versus other areas that see far greater tourism.
22. Katla Ice Cave, Iceland
Why you should visit in 2024: Visiting the Katla Ice Cave in Iceland was one of my favorite explorations this past year. It is less a cave and more a melting glacier. But it’s immensely cool, and you’ll love getting up close and person to the ice.
23. Zion National Park, UT
Why you should visit in 2024: What can I say about Zion National Park?! The canyon is fabulous, and few places showcase such dramatic rocks as Zion. If you want to hike Angels Landing, make sure to get a permit. But make sure to explore outside of the popular spots.
24. Arches National Park, UT
Why you should visit in 2024: I would suggest Arches as a place to visit in 2024 from April through June. This tends to be less crowded than during the crazy summer season. Or visit in the fall. Just stay away during the summer months unless you can do it during the week.
