Full List: National Geographic Names 5 US Destinations Among World's Best Places to Visit in 2027 - Details

National Geographic selected five destinations in the United States for its Best of the World travel list, highlighting places that offer scenic landscapes, outdoor adventures, local cuisine and unique cultural experiences.

The publication’s annual list features 25 destinations around the world that travelers should consider in the coming year. The five US locations are Madison, Wisconsin, the Pacific Coast Highway in California, the Southern Ozarks spanning Missouri and Arkansas, Baltimore, Maryland, and Catalina Island off the coast of California.

From lakeside trails and historic waterfronts to mountain bike trails and island landscapes, the destinations offer travelers a range of experiences.

1. Madison, Wisconsin: Lakeside trails, biking, and local food

Wisconsin’s capital city, Madison has been recognized for its outdoor attractions, dining scene and mix of college town culture and urban experiences.

Located between Lakes Mendota and Monona, the city offers green spaces, beaches, and extensive biking and hiking trails. National Geographic describes Madison, which has a population of about 290,000, as compact enough to explore on foot or by bike.

The city is said to have more than 200 miles of hiking and biking trails connecting neighborhoods, beaches, and about 300 parks. One popular route is the 13-mile Lake Monona Bike Loop, which passes Olbrich Botanical Gardens and the downtown waterfront.

The publication also highlighted the Dane County Farmers Market, which is held in Capitol Square on summer Saturdays. Recommended dishes include Fairchild, known for using local vegetables in its homemade ravioli, and Ahan, which serves Lao cuisine.

2. Pacific Coast Highway, California: Coastal Drives and Art Communities

The Pacific Coast Highway featured spectacular coastal scenery and the reopening of sections affected by the Big Sur mudslide that led to a three-year closure.

National Geographic also highlighted the arts-focused communities along the route. Laguna Beach, an arts colony in Southern California, will celebrate its centennial in 2027. Its downtown offers beach access, galleries, boutiques, outdoor performance spaces and restaurants.

Further north, Lompoc features more than 30 murals depicting its agricultural heritage and the wine region known as the Wine Ghetto.

The publication also recommended Harmony, a small town of 18 residents known for its locally owned businesses, including Harmony Valley Creamery. Further north, Mendocino County and Fort Bragg offer galleries and exhibitions, including those at Pacific Textile Arts.

3. Southern Ozarks: An outdoor adventure across Missouri and Arkansas

The Southern Ozarks, encompassing Missouri and Arkansas, were recognized for their bluffs, valleys, and ridges, along with opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Bella Vista near Bentonville, Arkansas offers mountain bike trails and the OZ Trails Bike Park, the state’s first chairlift-served mountain bike park, with access to 20 miles of trails.

Across the Missouri border, Dogwood Canyon State Park covers 10,000 acres of limestone cliffs and valleys. Visitors can hike and bike its trails and spot wildlife, including elk, bison, and pronghorn.

4. Baltimore, Maryland: American History and Waterfront Attractions

Baltimore has been recognized for its railroad heritage, historic markets, and waterfront attractions.

The city chartered the nation’s first commercial railroad in 1827. The National Museum of Railroad History and Innovation is expected to celebrate the railroad’s 200th anniversary in 2027 with a reported $38 million upgrade.

Other attractions include the Lexington Market, founded in 1782, the Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium, and the historic battleship USS Constellation.

National Geographic also highlighted the Baltimore Blueway and Fort McHenry kayaking trails that inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

5. Catalina Island, California: Trails, wildlife and coastal views

Accessible by boat from the California mainland, Catalina Island is the second California destination on the list.

The ferry ride from Long Beach takes about an hour. The island offers extensive coastal landscapes, ridges and wildlife, including bison and their native island foxes.

The 38.5-mile Trans-Catalina Trail offers opportunities to explore the island’s natural environment. Visitors can also walk the Garden to Sky Trail overlooking the ocean near the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden, which features rare island plant species.

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