2025 Dream Destinations: Best Places to Visit in the U.S.

Aug 22, 2024 Travel

Scenic view of a grand estate, captured by The Scout Guide from above.

As the end of the year approaches, our thoughts are taking a turn towards 2025 travel plans. If you’re also seeking vacation inspiration, we’ve tapped four Scouted luxury travel experts for the best places to visit in the continental US in 2025. Let these domestic destinations motivate you to take flight, or hit the open road, to your next adventure. To find a Scouted travel expert near you consult The Scout Guide Directory.

Western North Carolina

The Swag in Waynesville, North Caroline — *Photography courtesy of The Swag.*

“Western North Carolina, where the Great Smoky Mountains blend harmoniously with the Blue Ridge brings my mind to a happy place. Thanks to family tradition and a summer home, I’ve been going to Waynesville, North Carolina, longer than I have had teeth. It is an area that I know well, though most folks might be a little more familiar with its larger mountain city neighbor 25 miles to the east, Asheville. Just outside of Waynesville lies The Swag, a strikingly beautiful resort, offering all that is essential to mankind: nature, rivers, and healing mountain air. Perched almost a mile above sea level, at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Swag is a high-altitude retreat boasting breathtaking views of North Carolina’s highest peaks. Recently affiliated with Relais & Chateaux, this summer camp for grownups has well-earned this luxury moniker. Also very nearby as the crow flies is another R&C gem, Cataloochee Ranch. During your stay, experience ranch life (800 acres in all) in an elegant and picturesque setting. And as you would expect, both The Swag and Cataloochee offer the finest dining experiences in the area.” – Philip James, owner of Philip James Travel in New Orleans, Louisiana

Raton, new mexico

Ted Turner Luxury Ranch, Vermejo — *Photography courtesy of Ted Turner Reserve Vermejo.*

“I’m very excited to visit Ted Turner’s luxury ranch in northern New Mexico, Vermejo. Offering plentiful activities like fly fishing, hiking, and clay shooting, this is the perfect destination to get active in the great outdoors. A year round destination, be sure to check out their notable seasonally specific tours. Beautiful, private accommodations and all-inclusive gourmet meals are the cherry on top at this lovely rustic resort.” – Kendra Thornton, president and owner of Royal Travel in Winnetka, Illinois

cleveland, Ohio

“If you’re a foodie and enjoy learning about the history of the American immigration experience through food, then Cleveland is your destination. Immerse yourself in an art deco fantasy with a stay at downtown’s Hyatt Regency at The Arcade. Here you’re steps away from all the action East Fourth Street has to offer, as well as an easy walk to a Cleveland Cavs or Guardians game, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and many wonderful bars and restaurants. The city is divided by east and west based on Cuyahoga River. On the westside, The Westside Market is my favorite place in the city. A covered market with plentiful food stalls that rivals any you’d find in Europe. After the market, stroll through the charming neighborhood of Ohio City that’s dotted with galleries, cafes, and shops. Further west you’ll find the Gordon Square Arts District and Edgewater Park where you can admire the ocean-like waves of Lake Erie and the Gilded Age mansions along Lake Avenue. On the Eastside, be sure to stop at Presti’s Bakery in Little Italy. The Cleveland Museum of Art is worthy of a visit as it’s one of the top art museums in the world. Cleveland is known for its giant sandwiches and I recommend Melt Bar and Grilled or legendary Slyman’s for the best corned beef in the city.” – Sevin Gallo, Ph.D., owner of Sevin Travels in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Texas Hill Country

Y.O. Ranch Hotel in Kerrville, Texas — *Photography courtesy of Y.O. Ranch Hotel.*

“In 2025, I’ll be traveling to one of my favorite domestic locales, the Texas Hill Country. I’ll don my cowboy boots and settle in at the Y.O. Ranch Hotel in Kerrville, a property that pays tribute to the Old West. I prefer to go in cooler weather months so I can take advantage of one of their suites with a wood-burning fireplace. Any day in the Hill Country has to include wine, a lot of wine! Many of my friends have been surprised at the quality of wines I’ve brought home from this region. One of my favorite tastings is at Calais Winery in Hye, Texas. Built as a wine cave, it’s dug into the side of a hill. The modern building and patio are quite the contrast to Calais’s underground tasting room. Some of my other favorite wineries include Ab Astris, Augusta Vin, Hilmy Cellars, and Kuhlman Cellars. When you think of Texas cuisines Tex Mex or barbecue come to mind. Of course, you can find plenty, but the Hill Country is also home to terrific German food. I highly recommend the full Bavarian meal at Altstadt Brewery and the duck schnitzel at Otto’s in Fredericksburg. No visit to the Hill Country is complete without a stop at Luckenbach. Sit at a picnic table and enjoy great live music while sipping on an ice-cold Lone Star beer or a glass of Becker Wine. It’s a fantastic way to spend any day. Fredericksburg also boasts great shopping, there are so many incredible stores in the Main Street area alone.” – Kim Esté Campbell, co-owner and travel advisor of Besté Travel Design in Panama City Beach, Florida