National Geographic Unveils 2026 Best of the World Travel List: Four U.S. Destinations Shine
National Geographic’s annual Best of the World travel list has just been released, highlighting must-visit destinations for adventurous travelers in 2026. Among the global selections, four distinct American locations have earned coveted spots on this prestigious list. From rugged landscapes that inspired a president to a historic highway celebrating a centennial milestone, these destinations offer unique experiences that capture the diverse beauty and cultural richness of the United States. The selected locations—North Dakota’s Badlands, Oklahoma’s Route 66, Hawaii’s Maui, and Pennsylvania’s Pittsburgh—each tell a compelling story of natural wonder, historical significance, cultural revival, or resilient recovery.
The Badlands of North Dakota claim their rightful place on the list, showcasing a dramatic landscape of sweeping hills, prairie grasses, deep canyons, and distinctive rock formations that house abundant native wildlife. This region holds special historical significance as the place where Theodore Roosevelt found solace and inspiration in 1883—experiences that would later shape his conservation ethos as president. The area’s appeal will be enhanced with the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt National Library on July 4, 2026. This impressive 93,000-square-foot facility, situated on a butte in the town of Medora, will feature interactive exhibits chronicling Roosevelt’s life and travels. Visitors will appreciate the thoughtful design that includes a walkable roof covered in native vegetation, connecting to a 1.3-mile trail that leads directly to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, creating a seamless blend of architectural innovation and natural beauty.
Oklahoma’s stretch of Route 66 earns recognition as it prepares to celebrate its centennial in 2026. The iconic “Mother Road” that once guided travelers from Chicago to Santa Monica is experiencing what National Geographic describes as an “Americana glow-up” across its 400-mile journey through Oklahoma. The state has invested more than $82 million over the past four years to revitalize this historic corridor, bringing new life to neon signage, motor courts, and beloved roadside attractions that epitomize American road trip nostalgia. Travelers exploring the Meadow Gold District along 11th Street will discover a vibrant mix of independent retailers, whimsical outdoor statues, art galleries, eclectic gift shops, record stores, and western vintage boutiques. The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton further enhances the experience with its 1950s-style diner atmosphere and exhibits that chronicle the highway’s storied past, making this centennial journey a perfect blend of history, culture, and Americana charm.
Maui, Hawaii, demonstrates remarkable resilience as it appears on the list following the devastating wildfires of 2023 that caused more than $5 billion in damage, claimed over 100 lives, and destroyed much of historic Lahaina. National Geographic highlights how many businesses have reopened, creating a unique opportunity for visitors to experience this beloved island with fewer crowds while directly supporting ongoing rebuilding efforts. The tourism industry, though still recovering, continues to evolve with impressive new offerings: the Grand Wailea hotel has unveiled Hawaii’s largest spa, while Wailea Beach Resort has refreshed its grounds to include an adults-only wellness sanctuary featuring an infinity pool. For conscientious travelers, “voluntourism” opportunities abound, with several hotels offering guests the chance to participate in beach cleanups and native plant restoration hikes. This recognition of Maui acknowledges both its enduring natural beauty and the spirit of recovery that makes a visit now particularly meaningful.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, rounds out the American selections with its surprisingly vibrant cultural scene and impressive array of museums. The city’s artistic credentials will receive a significant boost in 2026 when the prestigious Carnegie International exhibition returns to the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. This quadrennial contemporary art showcase draws global attention and will coincide with the completion of the Andy Warhol Museum’s $60 million expansion in the Pop District, which includes a new performing arts venue. Beyond these headline attractions, National Geographic points visitors toward the National Aviary, described as a “hugely underrated attraction,” where free-flight habitats house hundreds of fascinating bird species. What makes Pittsburgh particularly worthy of exploration is its rich tapestry of 90 distinct neighborhoods and ongoing redevelopment projects throughout the city, including dynamic downtown restaurant hubs and thoughtfully designed public park spaces that reflect the city’s renaissance.
National Geographic’s 2026 Best of the World list reminds us that extraordinary travel experiences often exist closer to home than we might imagine. These four American destinations—North Dakota’s Badlands, Oklahoma’s Route 66, Hawaii’s Maui, and Pennsylvania’s Pittsburgh—represent diverse facets of our national identity and offer compelling reasons to explore the United States more deeply. From natural wonders that shaped a president’s conservation legacy to a historic highway celebrating a century of American road culture; from an island demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of tragedy to a city reinventing itself through art and neighborhood revitalization—these destinations invite travelers to experience America’s continuing story. As these locations prepare to welcome visitors in 2026, they showcase the enduring allure of domestic travel and the rich experiences waiting just beyond our doorstep.
