15 Best Vacation Spots in the USA To Visit

Whether you're planning your next getaway or gathering inspiration for your bucket list, the United States is filled with an incredible variety of vacation destinations. From sun-soaked beaches to snow-capped mountain ranges, vibrant urban cities to serene lakeside towns, there's something for everyone. We've rounded up 15 of the best vacation spots in the USA that cater to every type of traveller—ideal for UK-based DIY enthusiasts, young professionals seeking a break from their designing work, and even architects and tradespeople looking for travel-fueled inspiration.

Grab your passport and explore these unforgettable American destinations that combine culture, adventure, and design inspiration.

1. New York City, New York

New York City, known as “The City That Never Sleeps,” is a global hub for art, architecture, fashion and food. It's a dream destination for those who love strolling through atmospheric neighbourhoods, finding design inspiration in iconic skyscrapers, or simply discovering world-class cuisine and entertainment.

Architecture lovers can explore landmarks like the Empire State Building, the sleek lines of the High Line park, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim Museum. For DIY home renovators, a walk through the city’s Soho or Williamsburg districts will reveal a blend of rustic charm and modern industrial design that can translate into your next home project.

Don't forget to catch a show on Broadway, sample diverse street food, or just enjoy a tranquil afternoon in Central Park. NYC is also a fantastic starting point for anyone aiming to explore DIY or artisanal trends in interior design and renovations.

2. San Francisco, California

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and rolling hills, San Francisco offers a unique blend of natural beauty and innovative city life. It’s particularly appealing to professionals interested in sustainable design, urban architecture, and cultural exploration.

The city’s iconic Victorian homes—painted ladies—offer decorative elements and classic colour schemes that inspire many home decor projects. Golden Gate Park, the cable cars, and the stretch of the Golden Gate Bridge showcase a master class in engineering and landscape integration.

San Francisco's design-forward local shops and interior studios are goldmines for anyone involved in interior styling or home upgrades. Pay a visit to the San Francisco Design Center or walk through the city’s many independent design boutiques for inspiration.

3. Aspen, Colorado

Looking for a luxurious winter retreat or a summertime hike through alpine beauty? Aspen is the answer. This picturesque town is more than just ski slopes—it’s a perfect fusion of rugged nature and elegant design, making it ideal for both outdoor lovers and designers in search of natural texture and tone.

Cabin-inspired interiors, cosy stone fireplaces, and rustic wood finishes define the architecture in Aspen. This town offers brilliant ideas for creating warm, inviting interiors back home, perfect for UK dwellings during colder months. DIY projects often benefit from Aspen-inspired material palettes—natural fibres, reclaimed wood, and soft textiles.

Outdoor activities include world-class skiing, cycling, and hiking, making Aspen a great place for a rejuvenating break away from the desk or site.

4. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a charming Southern city known for its cobblestone streets, pastel-coloured historic homes, and grand plantation architecture. It's ideal for anyone interested in traditional design elements or timeless aesthetics.

Architects and interior designers will find endless inspiration here—from stately porches and wrought iron detailing to the lush courtyard gardens protected by sandy facades. As you stroll through the historic district, you’ll see just how much thought and craftsmanship goes into each building’s structure.

For those in the DIY space, Charleston’s calm and sophisticated aesthetic translates beautifully into cottage-core or vintage interior design. You’ll find many boutique shops selling vintage fixtures, unique upholstery patterns, and hand-crafted home accessories.

5. Las Vegas, Nevada

Known for its lavish lifestyle and entertainment options, Las Vegas is more than just casinos and nightlife. It’s a goldmine for those who love the drama of over-the-top design—from opulent interiors to cutting-edge hospitality architecture.

Las Vegas shows how lighting, patterns, and texture can transform a space, making it an excellent source of inspiration for UK-based designers or tradesmen interested in bold aesthetics.

Need a break from the buzz of the strip? Red Rock Canyon offers an outdoor contrast and a breathtaking example of natural design, encouraging a harmonious blend between organic forms and man-made structures.

6. Miami, Florida

Think palm trees, Art Deco luxury, and colourful Latin influence: that’s Miami for you. As a cultural melting pot, Miami offers a unique blend of tropical vitality and architectural elegance.

It's particularly known for its vibrant colour combinations, mosaic tile work, and contemporary beachfront developments. This makes it a brilliant source of inspiration for modern homes that want to bring in a pop of colour or playful elements.

Design-focused travellers can’t miss the Miami Design District, filled with global interior brands, install-worthy exhibitions, and cutting-edge furniture shops. It’s a paradise for home improvement and self-build enthusiasts planning their next bold revamp.

7. Seattle, Washington

Surrounded by water, mountains, and forests, Seattle is the perfect blend of serene nature and gritty urbanism. The city appeals strongly to minimalists and modernists, with its sleek architecture and indie design movement.

Explore neighbourhoods like Capitol Hill and Ballard, where reclaimed materials and sustainable design practices prevail. Every corner of this city provides real-world examples of how architecture can mitigate climate, space restrictions, and community needs.

For tradesmen and professionals looking for innovation, Seattle is also known for its green building initiatives and eco-architecture, offering valuable lessons that can inspire work back in the UK.

8. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a sensory overload—in the best way. Known for its jazz music, French Quarter, and historic influence, it's a dream for creatives and designers.

The architecture here is a blend of French, Spanish, Creole, and Caribbean impact, offering unique decorative elements like shuttered windows, intricate ironwork, and colourful facades that can be adapted to residential charm or even commercial projects.

Visit during Mardi Gras or take a cemetery tour to experience the full flair of design rooted in tradition. And for DIY enthusiasts, antiques markets and salvage stores in New Orleans are brimming with hard-to-find design pieces worth shipping back.

9. Nashville, Tennessee

More than just the capital of country music, Nashville is a creative hub that combines modern urban growth with rustic Southern appeal. For home decorators and interior stylists, it offers a balance between open-living concepts and vintage Americana finishes.

A walk through East Nashville or 12 South reveals timber-clad homes, weather-worn exteriors, and barn-style interiors that inspire a more grounded approach to home renovations and products with history.

To cap it off, it’s also a great spot for artisanship and handmade craft—visit Hatch Show Print for bold typographic designs or antique shops for character-filled fixtures.

10. Honolulu, Hawaii

If your idea of a vacation is sandy toes and sustainable building, then Honolulu is your dream. This island paradise offers more than unbeatable scenery—it showcases how culture and climate drive architecture and design.

Wooden structures, wide balconies, and natural ventilation dominate the vernacular, giving UK-based clients ideas on how indoors and outdoors can blend harmoniously—even in colder climates, this principle still applies with clever wall openings or flexible areas.

Honolulu’s respect for native materials and low-impact living should resonate with eco-conscious designers and builders looking to incorporate biophilic design and subtle tropical influence into their projects.

11. Chicago, Illinois

As the birthplace of the skyscraper and the crucible of modern American architecture, Chicago is a magnificent destination for visually-driven professionals. The city’s Art Deco buildings, riverside walkways, and industrial-chic districts offer abundant examples of working design principles in action.

Explore the city's skyline on an architectural boat tour or walk through its modern museums like the Chicago Architecture Center. For DIY designers, the city’s warehouse-style furniture shops and metalwork boutiques offer exciting conceptual cues.

12. Sedona, Arizona

Known for its red rock landscapes and spiritual retreats, Sedona is a sanctuary of texture, colour, and form. Ideal for those who find beauty in natural materials and need a break from the urban pace.

Its adobe homes, earthy color palettes, and fluid integration with surrounding nature are perfect case studies for architects or home designers working on sustainable builds or extensions.

Sedona’s calm energy makes it both a restful destination and a place of exciting artistic exploration.

13. Savannah, Georgia

Dripping with southern charm, Savannah offers a gentler pace and a stunning visual contrast to more modern cities. Filled with tree-lined avenues, 19th-century mansions, and Gothic churches, it's an aesthetic paradise.

Designers and decorators will love the high-ceilinged buildings, crown moulding, and iron balconies that are as functional as they are decorative.

Professional tradesmen may find inspiration from the craftsmanship evident in these historic homes—from joinery to masonry and metalwork.

14. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philly is often overlooked, but it’s a cultural heavyweight and architectural gem—perfect for any vacationer who likes a side of history and structure with their sightseeing.

Home to cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and plenty of American heritage, it's a quiet favourite for interior stylists looking for authenticity and classical inspiration.

The city’s thriving arts district and vibrant neighbourhood markets also make it a key spot for discovering handmade goods and timeless crafts.

15. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Straddling both California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a four-season wonderland suited to design enthusiasts who crave altitude and serenity.

From rustic cabins to modern mountain lodges, the regional architecture is perfect for exploring how space, landscape, and sustainability can work in tandem.

Relax lakeside in the summer or hit the slopes come winter—whatever your style, Lake Tahoe offers refreshing perspectives, both mentally and creatively.

Ready to Head Stateside?

The USA offers an extraordinary range of vacation spots—each with its own cultural, natural, and architectural charm. Whether you're sourcing design ideas, relaxing after months on site, or simply feeding your inner explorer, these 15 destinations are guaranteed to enrich your creativity and elevate your future projects.

So as you map out your next adventure, think beyond the tourist traps and immerse yourself in the colours, structures, and moods of America’s most inspiring destinations.