5 US Cities That Should Top Your Bucket List In 2020

Niagara Falls

I have to be honest, I love traveling internationally. I love experiencing different cultures, and learning about the history and traditions of other countries. However, the US is so diverse that it offers amazing opportunities to explore different too. Sometimes you just have to look a bit harder and get out of your comfort zone. Here are my top 5 US cities/places that should be on your list:

1. Niagara Falls - It's one of the seven natural wonders of the world and it is indeed amazing. Just 45 minutes from Buffalo, NY, it's an easy destination. Southwest flies to Buffalo so you can use points and your companion pass. Once you reach Niagara, you can experience the falls from the park above, on a boat, walking behind the falls and from Toronto. I highly recommend the view from the park and the Cave Of The Winds.  which starts with an interactive museum tour. 

Red Rock outside of Denver, CO



2. Denver, CO - I went to Denver for a girl's weekend. We chose Denver just because it was geographically desirable for everyone. But wow, the city offers amazing hiking with Red Rock just an hour away and dozens of farm to table restaurants for dining. I highly recommend taking the Seven Falls Hike from the Broadmoor Hotel. First, the hotel grounds are amazing to walk through and then the falls are so impressive. The hotel provides a FREE shuttle to the falls. Beware, there are a lot of steps! 

In New Orleans, you have to stop at Cafe Du Monde for beignets

3. New Orleans, LA - When you are in New Orleans, you could easily be in another country where the culture is a mix between France, Africa, and the US. It's an incredible feast for the eyes, ears, and mouth. The food, the music, the architecture, and beauty is like nothing else.  With a new airport, lots of hotels, and Southwest Airlines, it is highly affordable and easy to navigate. Some of my favorites are Cafe Du Monde, Pat O'Briens and the riding the streetcar down St. Charles Avenue. 

4. Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks - You don't have to go to Alaska to see amazing natural beauty. Try Glacier National Park in Montana and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.  Lots of hikes, glaciers, animals and more plus you can try Huckleberry jam. 

5. San Diego - I have to admit, I live here so I must think it's great, right? Whenever people come to visit and I show them around, I realize San Diego is really a great travel destination. From the usual sights of the SD Zoo, Balboa Park, the USS Midway, Torrey Pines State Park, and the Gaslamp to the more off the beaten path of Chicano Park, Borderfield State Park, yoga on the beach and Annie's Canyon Trail. 

Other notables that didn't make the top 5, but that I love include Charleston, SC, Portland, Oregon, Washington DC and Seattle, Washington. What will make your list this year? Tell us in the comments below. And if you decide to open a Southwest credit card, please consider using our referral link.  You will get 75,000 points and we will get 10,000 for referring you. Thank you for your support.