5 US destinations named to Best of World travel list for 2027 by National Geographic
National Geographic has named five US destinations among the 25 places on its Best of the World list for 2027. The selections highlight outdoor activities, local food and arts, giving travellers options beyond the country’s better-known city breaks.
The article describes Madison, Wisconsin, for its lakes, trails and food; California’s Pacific Coast Highway, where scenic sections have reopened after a three-year closure; and the southern Ozarks across Missouri and Arkansas, known for its landscapes and outdoor pursuits. Madison has more than 200 miles of trails and bikeways, while Bella Vista, Arkansas, has a new mountain bike park with 20 miles of trails. The article says the full US selection includes five destinations, but provides details for only these three.
In short
- Five US destinations feature on National Geographic’s 2027 travel list.
- The choices span lakeside city breaks, California’s coast and the Ozarks.
- Madison has more than 200 miles of trails and bikeways.
Explained simply
National Geographic’s Best of the World is an annual list of places it recommends for travellers to consider. Destinations can include cities, regions and routes, with attention to their landscapes, activities, food and culture.
The US places described include Madison, Wisconsin, known for its lakes, trails and food; parts of California’s Pacific Coast Highway, a coastal driving route; and the southern Ozarks, a region spanning Missouri and Arkansas. These places offer different ways to explore the country, from cycling and mountain biking to coastal travel and outdoor activities.