Copyright Men's Journal
There’s no shortage of places to see and things to do in the United States. America boasts some of the most unique travel opportunities in the world. It’s not just popular tourist destinations either. There are plenty of off-the-beaten path spots that are worth a trip, depending on the type of experience you’re looking to have. Now that we’re in the final quarter of 2025, National Geographic has unveiled its latest list of the best places in the world to travel in 2026. Four American locations are among the more than two dozen spots recognized by the outlet. They are: The North Dakota Badlands Route 66 in Oklahoma Maui, Hawaii Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania For each destination, National Geographic’s “global community of explorers, photographers, and editors” provided one main reason why it would attract travelers. North Dakota Badlands First and foremost, National Geographic recommends checking out the the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, a planned museum located in Medora, North Dakota. Construction on the project began in summer 2023, and it’s expected to open up in 2026. The museum reportedly wants to “humanize, not lionize” the former president, who “for all his political and environmental leadership, held some deeply racist views.” Another Badlands landmark promoted in the piece is Three Affiliated Tribes National Park, what used to be a 2,100-acre property on the homelands of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara tribes. Route 66 The iconic highway, which has been immortalized in song, on television and in print, turns 100 next year. Over the last four years, National Geographic reports, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation has invested more than $82 million in the 400-mile stretch of “Mother Road” that passes through the state. Travel Route 66 and experience its variety of attractions, including art galleries, vintage food and drink establishments, classic road signs and more. Maui Maui was devastated by the 2023 wildfires, which caused billions of dollars of damage, resulted in more than 100 deaths and left countless other residents without shelter. Since then, the island has been rebuilding, and while some areas remain closed off, others have since reopened. “Visiting Maui right now is an act of kōkua—that is, support—but it’s more than just a feel-good choice,” National Geographic says. “With tourism still down from pre-fire levels, Maui in 2026 grants a rare glimpse of the island in a quieter mode.” Pittsburgh National Geographic shouts out several Pittsburgh institutions to check out, including the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, Andy Warhol Museum, National Aviary and Arts Landing, a new city park expected to open in time to host the 2026 NFL Draft. If you travel to the Steel City between April and September of next year, we would also recommend a trip to PNC Park, one of Major League Baseball’s crown jewels. The Pirates are never very good, but the ballpark and its surrounding views are gorgeous, and depending on when you go, you might see the team’s young ace Paul Skenes on the mound.
