National Geographic recently released its Best of the World 2026 list, spotlighting 25 top places to travel next year. Only four U.S. destinations made the cut, and two or three of them might genuinely surprise you.
We’ve explored one of them firsthand and loved every minute of it. The other three? They just earned a spot on our future travel list.
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North Dakota Badlands: History, Wildlife, and a Presidential Legacy
We loved our time in the North Dakota Badlands, especially the town of Medora. It feels like a throwback to the Old West — charming, quaint, and refreshingly free of the commercial sprawl you often find around iconic attractions. Medora has modern touches, but the frontier spirit still lingers.
Two experiences you won’t forget: the Medora Musical, a high-energy outdoor show with panoramic views, and the Pitchfork Steak Fondue, where ribeyes are skewered and sizzled over open flames. It’s theatrical, delicious, and pure Dakota charm.
We firmly believe Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of America’s most underrated parks. Scenic drives and hiking trails reveal sweeping vistas, bison herds, prairie dogs, and wild horses. If you’re planning a visit, check out our guide to the park. It’s packed with tips to make the most of your time there.
And 2026 is a particularly special year to go. The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is set to open on July 4, 2026, coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary. We previewed the plans during our visit to Medora, and they look fantastic. If you enjoy American history, conservation, or immersive storytelling, this new library belongs on your radar. We’ve shared a behind-the-scenes look at what to expect.
Maui, Hawaii: Rebuilding with Purpose and Beauty
After devastating wildfires in 2023, Maui is rebounding in spectacular fashion. Visiting in 2026 isn’t just a vacation. It’s an act of kōkua, or support. With tourism still below pre-fire levels, the island offers a quieter, more intimate experience.
Many beloved Lāhainā businesses have reopened, including Old Lāhainā Lū‘au and Maui Ku‘ia Estate Chocolate. Hotels are investing in guest experience: the Grand Wailea now boasts Hawaii’s largest spa, and Wailea Beach Resort features an adults-only wellness sanctuary with an infinity-edge pool.
Visitors can also give back through Mālama Hawai‘i, a voluntourism initiative offering beach cleanups and native-plant restoration hikes. It’s a chance to connect with the land and community in meaningful ways.
Route 66, Oklahoma: A Centennial Road Trip Revival
In time for its 100th anniversary, Route 66 is getting a glow-up. Oklahoma has invested $82 million into its 400-mile stretch of the historic highway, reviving neon signs, motor courts, and roadside attractions.
Tulsa calls itself the Capital of Route 66, and its Meadow Gold District is full of indie retail, quirky statues, and retro charm. Don’t miss Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios, a vinyl shop guarded by a cosmic cowboy, or Josey Records, where Rosie the Riveter looms large.
Further west, Pops in Arcadia offers more than 700 bottled sodas (yes, even beef teriyaki flavor), and the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton dives deep into mid-century Americana. A new exhibition launching in July will trace how the highway helped shape the nation.
If you’re planning a road trip, we’ve rounded up 50 amazing attractions along the entire historic route, including plenty of Oklahoma highlights, to help you map out your adventure.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Birding, Art, and Urban Renewal
Once defined by steel mills, Pittsburgh now thrives on culture, creativity, and green space. The Carnegie Museums offer Impressionist art and dinosaur fossils, while the Andy Warhol Museum is expanding into a new performing arts venue.
For bird lovers, the real gem is the National Aviary. This free-flight sanctuary lets you walk through tropical habitats while hundreds of birds soar around you. It’s immersive, underrated, and poised for expansion.
If you’re planning a birding-focused trip, Pittsburgh belongs on your list. We’ve also rounded up some of the best national parks for birding across the country, and this urban gem holds its own.
The city’s energy is scattered across 90 neighborhoods, from Squirrel Hill to the Strip District, but downtown is buzzing again. Market Square blends historic architecture with great restaurants, and the new Arts Landing park will host the NFL Draft in April.
For the best skyline view, ride the Duquesne Incline to Mount Washington and take it all in.
Planning Your 2026 Travels
Whether you’re drawn to the rugged solitude of the Badlands, the regenerative spirit of Maui, the nostalgic charm of Route 66, or the cultural vibrancy of Pittsburgh, these four destinations offer something rare: a chance to connect with place, history, and community in meaningful ways.
We’ve explored one of them firsthand and can’t wait to experience the others. If you’re building your 2026 travel list, this is a great place to start. Each location has its own story, and each one invites you to be part of it.
Featured image credit: Miles with McConkey
