National Geographic names 4 U.S. spots among top travel destinations worldwide
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National Geographic has released its annual World’s Best travel list of must-visit destinations around the world.
The 2026 overview revealed four locations in the United States, including landscapes and areas in North Dakota, Oklahoma, Hawaii and Pennsylvania.
Below are the US states NatGeo recommends visiting next year.
National Geographic’s annual best travel list of the year included destinations in Pennsylvania, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Hawaii. (Robert Knopes/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images; iStock; Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Badlands, North Dakota
The Badlands of North Dakota are known for their rugged terrain, which includes sweeping hills, prairie grasses, canyons, and rock formations, as well as native wildlife.
THREE USA TRAVEL DESTINATIONS ON NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S ‘BEST IN THE WORLD 2025’ LIST
The area is also home to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and will be home to the Theodore Roosevelt National Library on July 4, 2026.
According to NatGeo, Roosevelt “took refuge” in the Wasteland in 1883 and hunted bison; this later shaped the president’s character and his thoughts on conservation as wildlife disappeared.
The Badlands is home to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and will welcome the Theodore Roosevelt National Library on July 4, 2026. (Photo: Bernard Friel/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The publication shared that next summer, the new 93,000-square-foot library will be located “on top of a hill” in the town of Medora.
The library will reportedly include interactive exhibits about Roosevelt’s history and travels. The structure will also feature a walkable roof covered with natural vegetation, which will be part of a 2.3-kilometer trail towards the national park.
Route 66, Oklahoma
America’s famous Route 66, which spans the country from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026.
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NatGeo recommends taking the “Mother Road” through Oklahoma, which has an “American flare.”
According to the article, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation has invested more than $82 million on the state’s 400 miles of iconic highway over the past four years; these include “re-lit neon signs, revitalized motor courts and roadside attractions.”
America’s famous Route 66, which spans the country from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026. (iStock)
The path through the Meadow Gold District along 11th Street will lead you to independent retail shops, “campy outdoor sculptures,” art galleries, “quirky” gift shops, record stores, and western vintage boutiques.
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Located in Clinton, Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum features a 1950s-style restaurant and historical exhibits.
Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii is America’s tranquil escape that attracts tourists with its blue waters and gorgeous beaches.
Devastating wildfires on Maui in 2023 caused more than $5 billion in damage and claimed more than 100 lives, particularly destroying the historic seaside town of Lahaina.
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Many businesses in the area have since reopened, according to NatGeo, encouraging visitors to support ongoing rebuilding efforts.
A person plays golf on the first day of tourism resuming in West Maui, two months after a devastating wildfire near Lahaina, Hawaii, on Oct. 8, 2023. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Although tourism is still low in the area, there is a unique opportunity to explore the island in a more intimate setting without large crowds.
National Geographic reports that the Grand Wailea hotel just opened Hawaii’s largest spa, and the Wailea Beach Resort renovated its grounds to include an adults-only wellness area with an infinity pool.
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There are also “volunteer tourism” opportunities where guests of some hotels can participate in beach clean-ups and native plant restoration walks.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
National Geographic highlighted Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as a city not to be missed for its “thriving” cultural scene and museum diversity.
Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History comes recommended as Carnegie International, held every four years, returns with an anticipated contemporary art exhibition in 2026.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, introduces various museums and expected updates. (Robert Knopes/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The Andy Warhol Museum in the Pop District also underwent a $60 million expansion, including a new performing arts venue.
The same area is also home to the National Aviary, which NatGeo describes as a “highly underrated attraction” with free-flight habitats for hundreds of birds.
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Pittsburgh has 90 neighborhoods and widespread redevelopment plans throughout the city, including downtown restaurant centers and city parks.
See more of National Geographic’s 2026 World’s Best list at: own website.
