Washington DC Among Best Vacation Spots In US, New Rankings Say

WASHINGTON, DC — No matter the kind of vacation you want, Washington, D.C., has plenty to offer, according to a new set of rankings. The nation's capital scores high overall as one of the country's best summer vacation spots, based in part on its rich history.

Summer is here and that no doubt has families thinking about vacation. Whether you want a beach vacation, a camping adventure or something that isn’t too heavy on the wallet, this list has suggestions. Outside of the District, you can find great trips in the Smoky Mountains, on the beaches of Florida and Hawaii, or in the deserts of Arizona.

According to a new set of rankings released Tuesday by U.S. News and World Report, one of the top vacation destinations in the country is right here in Washington, D.C.

“Whether you’re seeking a remote getaway or a weekend trip, the destinations on our list are highly recommended by seasoned travelers and industry experts,” Gwen Shearman, travel editor at U.S. News, said in a press release. “From cities and beach towns to national parks, we’ve identified the top spots for every traveler."

Best Places To Visit In The USA:

• New York City
• Philadelphia
• Honolulu-Oahu Maui

• San Francisco
• Grand Canyon
• Sonoma
• Washington D.C
• New Orleans
• San Diego
• KauaiHawaii-The Big Island
• Breckenridge, Colorado
• Boston
• Miami
• Los Angeles
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Yosemite
• Seattle
• Asheville, North Carolina
• Park City, Utah
• Denver
• Savannah, Georgia
• Big Sur
• Yellowstone

Best Historic Places To Visit In The USA:

• New York City
• Philadelphia
• San Francisco
• New Orleans
• Washington D.C.
• Boston
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Yosemite
• Savannah, Georgia
• Yellowstone

Best Small Towns To Visit In The USA:

• Sonoma
• Breckenridge, Colorado
• Asheville, North Carolina
• Park City, Utah
• Lake Tahoe, California
• Monterey, California
• Steamboat Springs, Colorado
• Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• Juneau, Alaska
• Aspen, Colorado
• Miami Beach
• Sedona, Arizona
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Vail, Colorado
• St. Augustine, Florida

• Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
• Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
• Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
• Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
• Sequoia National Park, California
• Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
• Yosemite National Park, California
• Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
• Zion National Park, Utah

The experts at U.S. News analyzed more than 300 destinations to come up with the rankings, combining travelers’ opinions with expert and editor analysis.

What do you think of the rankings? Will you be traveling to any of these places soon? Let us know in the comments below!

Photo: Pedro Szekely/Flickr