Queens tops the list of Lonely Planet's best U.S. spots to visit in 2015. Travel the world simply by visiting this New York City borough, where nearly half of the population is foreign-born and more than 100 languages are spoken and delicious food is eaten. Then head to the beach --yes, the beach -- in the Rockaways. A longtime local hangout and summer surf spot, it's also getting known for a burgeoning food scene.
Lonely Planet's best U.S. spots for 2015 —
Queens tops the list of Lonely Planet's best U.S. spots to visit in 2015. Travel the world simply by visiting this New York City borough, where nearly half of the population is foreign-born and more than 100 languages are spoken and delicious food is eaten. Then head to the beach --yes, the beach -- in the Rockaways. A longtime local hangout and summer surf spot, it's also getting known for a burgeoning food scene.
Queens Tourism Council
2. A stunning natural wonder where the buffalo roam, western South Dakota has much to celebrate in 2015. It's the 50th anniversary of the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup and the 75th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally -- the largest in the world -- where 500,000 motorcycle enthusiasts meet annually.
2. Western South Dakota —
2. A stunning natural wonder where the buffalo roam, western South Dakota has much to celebrate in 2015. It's the 50th anniversary of the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup and the 75th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally -- the largest in the world -- where 500,000 motorcycle enthusiasts meet annually.
South Dakota Department of Touris
3. Marking the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in 2015, New Orleans is still a remarkable mix of cultures producing a unique culinary and musical culture. Enjoy Chef John Besh's take on the Big Easy, and head to Treme for a bite at Dooky Chase's Restaurant. Enjoy a Second Line or Mardi Gras parade in season, or simply walk St. Claude Avenue to enjoy whoever's playing that night. <br />
3. New Orleans, Louisiana —
3. Marking the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in 2015, New Orleans is still a remarkable mix of cultures producing a unique culinary and musical culture. Enjoy Chef John Besh's take on the Big Easy, and head to Treme for a bite at Dooky Chase's Restaurant. Enjoy a Second Line or Mardi Gras parade in season, or simply walk St. Claude Avenue to enjoy whoever's playing that night.
New Orleans CVB
4. The mighty Colorado River may be best known for cutting through the Arizona and the Grand Canyon, but it's worth the trip to Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park to see where it's born. In Utah, it can be spotted at Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. <br />
4. Colorado River region —
4. The mighty Colorado River may be best known for cutting through the Arizona and the Grand Canyon, but it's worth the trip to Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park to see where it's born. In Utah, it can be spotted at Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park.
Terry Kruse/Moment/Getty Images
5. The quintessential New England town of North Conway, which celebrates its 250th anniversary next year, is perfect for leaf peeping, rock climbing and winter sports. (Check out the rugged White Mountains.) Never learned to rock climb? Visit International Mountain Equipment for lessons and summer camps. <br />
5. North Conway, New Hampshire —
5. The quintessential New England town of North Conway, which celebrates its 250th anniversary next year, is perfect for leaf peeping, rock climbing and winter sports. (Check out the rugged White Mountains.) Never learned to rock climb? Visit International Mountain Equipment for lessons and summer camps.
Mount Valley Washington Chamber of Commerce
6. The midsized, Midwestern town of Indianapolis may surprise outsiders, but residents know it has one of the best children's museums in the country, the new International Orangutan Center at the local zoo and the new Dallara IndyCar Factory.
6. Indianapolis, Indiana —
6. The midsized, Midwestern town of Indianapolis may surprise outsiders, but residents know it has one of the best children's museums in the country, the new International Orangutan Center at the local zoo and the new Dallara IndyCar Factory.
Jason Lavengood/VisitIndy.com
7. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville, South Carolina, offers a downtown arts scene that includes museums and public art (including the "Mice on Main" sculptures). Enjoy the town's bicycle sharing program to explore local trails or strap on hiking boots to trek the nearby mountains.
7. Greenville, South Carolina —
7. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville, South Carolina, offers a downtown arts scene that includes museums and public art (including the "Mice on Main" sculptures). Enjoy the town's bicycle sharing program to explore local trails or strap on hiking boots to trek the nearby mountains.
VisitGreenvilleSC
8. Cross the Bay Bridge during your visit to San Francisco to see why Oakland is a known haven for adventurous food and fun art (Art Murmur anyone?) to Bay Area residents. Better yet, land at Oakland's sunny airport and stay on this side of the Bay. Bicyclists can also ride the newly opened Bay Bridge trail to enjoy the views on the new span of the Bay Bridge.
8. Oakland, California —
8. Cross the Bay Bridge during your visit to San Francisco to see why Oakland is a known haven for adventurous food and fun art (Art Murmur anyone?) to Bay Area residents. Better yet, land at Oakland's sunny airport and stay on this side of the Bay. Bicyclists can also ride the newly opened Bay Bridge trail to enjoy the views on the new span of the Bay Bridge.
Greg Linhares/City of Oakland
9. There is so much nature to explore from your base in Duluth, Minnesota -- hometown to more than 150 Olympians. There's Lake Superior for the water enthusiasts, snowy mountains for the winter sports fans and the 296-mile Superior Hiking Trail going from Duluth to Canada.
9. Duluth, Minnesota —
9. There is so much nature to explore from your base in Duluth, Minnesota -- hometown to more than 150 Olympians. There's Lake Superior for the water enthusiasts, snowy mountains for the winter sports fans and the 296-mile Superior Hiking Trail going from Duluth to Canada.
Jim Kruger/E+/Getty Images
10. California's Mount Shasta region is positively spiritual. Many Native Americans from the area see it as the center of creation. Naturalist John Muir was moved by his first sight of the snowy Mount Shasta volcano, saying famously that "all my blood turned to wine, and I have not been weary since." Climbing Mount Shasta's summit is only for experienced hikers but there are trails for every level.
10. Mount Shasta region, California —
10. California's Mount Shasta region is positively spiritual. Many Native Americans from the area see it as the center of creation. Naturalist John Muir was moved by his first sight of the snowy Mount Shasta volcano, saying famously that "all my blood turned to wine, and I have not been weary since." Climbing Mount Shasta's summit is only for experienced hikers but there are trails for every level.
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association