Travel guide publisher Lonely Planet has released its list of top 10 places to visit in the United States in 2016, featuring a diverse mix of cities, regions and states across the country. The list includes a mix of up-and-coming destinations and old travel favorites, each with new reasons to visit this year.
Praising this cosmopolitan city for its craft breweries and new locavore restaurants, Lonely Planet named Philadelphia as their top pick for 2016, stating that the city is “” with numerous events, from the Democratic National Convention to the 40th anniversary of Rocky on the calendar for 2016. “The city is experiencing a transformation to its urban core, yet retaining its deep American history and uniquely gritty flavor,” wrote the travel company in a statement. In November, .
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In second place on the list was , and in third was , the world’s first national park, established 144 years ago. The park’s biggest draw, the Old Faithful geyser, also just got a new boardwalk for visitors to explore the natural wonder. Following behind was Birmingham, Alabama, a town renown for its Civil Rights District
The breathtaking state of (fifth place) was recommended for its stunning wilderness. The guidebooks specifically recommends that travelers head to the newly renamed Denali mountain, America’s tallest peak, which can be viewed in style from the Denali Star train or by park bus tour.
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Other top destinations, listed in order, were Somerville, Massachusetts; northwest Arkansas; San Antonio, Texas; Southern New Mexico, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Earlier this year, the United States came in third place on Lonely Planet’s “” list of . The guidebook praised the country for its National Park Service, which is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year, and called the park service “” Also included in Lonely Planet’s “Best of Travel” lists were Nashville () and Hawaii ().
In 2015, included such places as Duluth, Minnesota, the Colorado River region and western South Dakota. Their top destination was Queens, New York.
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