National Geographic names 4 US spots amongst high journey locations worldwide

National Geographic has launched its annual Best of the World journey checklist, that includes must-visit locations all over the world.

The 2026 round-up known as out 4 areas within the United States — together with surroundings and websites in North Dakota, Oklahoma, Hawaii and Pennsylvania.

Below are the U.S. states that NatGeo recommends visiting within the subsequent yr.

Badlands, North Dakota

North Dakota’s Badlands is thought for its rugged panorama, together with sweeping hills, prairie grasses, canyons and rock formations, in addition to native wildlife.

National Geographic’s annual better of the yr journey checklist included locations in North Dakota, Oklahoma, Hawaii and Pennsylvania. (Robert Knopes/UCG/Universal Images Group by way of Getty Images; iStock; Mario Tama/Getty Images)

The space can be house to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and can welcome the Theodore Roosevelt National Library on July 4, 2026.

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Roosevelt “sought refuge” within the Badlands and hunted bison in 1883, which later formed the president’s character and ideas on conservation as wildlife disappeared, in accordance with NatGeo.

Next summer season, the brand new library, measuring 93,000 sq. ft, will likely be “perched high on a butte” within the city of Medora, the publication shared.

The Badlands is house to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and can welcome the Theodore Roosevelt National Library on July 4, 2026. (Bernard Friel/UCG/Universal Images Group by way of Getty Images)

The library will reportedly embody interactive displays on Roosevelt’s historical past and travels. The construction may even embody a walkable roof lined in native vegetation that will likely be part of a 1.3-mile path towards the nationwide park.

Route 66, Oklahoma

America’s well-known Route 66, spanning the nation from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, will have fun its a centesimal anniversary in 2026.

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NatGeo recommends taking the “Mother Road” by way of Oklahoma, which has been getting an “Americana glow-up.”

In the final 4 years, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation has invested greater than $82 million on the state’s 400-mile stretch of iconic roadway, together with “re-lit neon signs, revived motor courts and roadside attractions,” in accordance with the article.

America’s well-known Route 66, spanning the nation from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, will have fun its a centesimal anniversary in 2026. (iStock)

Taking the highway by way of the Meadow Gold District alongside eleventh Street will result in indie retail areas, “campy outdoor statues,” artwork galleries, “quirky” reward outlets, document shops and western classic boutiques.

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The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, positioned in Clinton, Oklahoma, contains a Nineteen Fifties-style diner and historic displays.

Maui, Hawaii

Hawaii is already America’s tranquil getaway, attracting vacationers with its blue waters and gorgeous seashores.

The devastating wildfires in Maui in 2023 induced greater than $5 billion in injury and claimed greater than 100 lives, particularly destroying the historic seaside city of Lahaina.

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Many companies within the space have since reopened, in accordance with NatGeo, encouraging guests to assist ongoing efforts to rebuild.

An individual golfs on the primary day of tourism resuming in west Maui, two months after a devastating wildfire, on Oct. 8, 2023, close to Lahaina, Hawaii. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

While tourism within the space remains to be down, there’s a distinctive alternative to discover the island with out giant crowds in a extra intimate setting.

National Geographic reported that the Grand Wailea lodge simply debuted Hawaii’s largest spa, and Wailea Beach Resort refreshed its grounds to incorporate an adults-only wellness sanctuary with an infinity pool.

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There are additionally “voluntourism” alternatives, the place company of some motels can take part in seaside cleanups and native-plant restoration hikes.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

National Geographic highlighted Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as a not-to-miss metropolis for its “thriving” cultural scene and museum selection.

Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History come really helpful, because the Carnegie International, which happens each 4 years, returns in 2026 with an anticipated up to date artwork exhibit.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, touts quite a lot of museums and anticipated updates. (Robert Knopes/UCG/Universal Images Group by way of Getty Images)

The Andy Warhol Museum within the Pop District has additionally undergone a $60 million growth, together with a brand new performing arts venue.

The identical space additionally homes the National Aviary, which NatGeo describes as a “hugely underrated attraction,” that includes free-flight habitats with a whole lot of birds.

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Pittsburgh has 90 neighborhoods and widespread redevelopment plans throughout the town, together with downtown restaurant hubs and metropolis park areas.

More of National Geographic’s 2026 Best of the World checklist may be discovered on its website.