Experts at National Geographic, the global media organization leader in storytelling across science, exploration, and breathtaking photography, have chosen five destinations in the Americas as must-visit spots for 2025—including two in the United States.
Each year, an army of explorers, photographers, and editors carefully selects a group of destinations that stand out for their cultural richness, natural beauty, and conservation efforts.
Without further ado, here are the places to book your tickets to in 2025.
Boise, Idaho – (U.S.)
Boise, Idaho’s capital and largest city, offers travelers a combination of adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes, making it a must-visit in 2025.
Its warm community features beautiful art galleries, riverside parks, and unique local shops and breweries, creating a perfect getaway for those looking to engage in authentic Idaho experiences.
According to National Geographic, you must visit Boise next year due to the much-anticipated return of Jaialdi, one of the largest celebrations of Basque culture in the world.
Originally from Spain’s Basque Country, Basques arrived in this part of America at the end of the 19th century. In this festival, visitors will have the opportunity to take part in street parties and traditional competitions like wood chopping and wagon lifting.
Los Angeles, California (U.S.)
National Geographic invites you to rediscover Los Angeles in 2025, thanks to its lesser-known charms, including historic neighborhoods with hidden art galleries, rooftop gardens boasting stunning skyline views, and cozy jazz bars.
This time around, the magazine spotlights Destination Crenshaw, the most important and largest Black art program across the United States, featuring works along a 1.3-mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard.
Other must-visit art spaces include Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the new David Geffen Galleries.
Other Must-Visit Destinations in the American Continent
Guadalajara, Mexico
The capital of Jalisco allows travelers to explore a world of authentic Mexican experiences, where charming markets, colorful murals, and real mariachis sing their songs at traditional bars and restaurants as customers celebrate with shots of tequila.
Don’t miss Jalisco’s International Mariachi and Charrería Festival, held during August and September, featuring over 500 mariachi bands performing at the iconic Teatro Degollado and in multiple public squares across the city.
Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua, in Central America, knows how to enchant its visitors with its mix of colonial elegance and vibrant local life set against stunning volcano backdrops.
Come and stroll down its cobblestone streets to take in its colorful facades, hidden courtyards, and lively markets filled with handmade textiles and crafts.
Right after savoring an authentic Guatemalan coffee, consider hiking Acatenango, a 13,045-foot volcano, for a unique view of its fiery neighbor, the Fire Volcano.
As you climb, you’ll pass through beautiful coffee plantations nestled within a misty cloud forest—a memory to cherish for a lifetime.
Barbados (Caribbean)
This island in the Caribbean invites travelers to enjoy its relaxed island life and authentic Bajan culture. Beyond its well-known pristine beaches, visitors can experience its lively calypso music and explore local food markets offering sea-to-table delicatessens.
However, these are not the reasons why National Geographic wants you to visit this island in 2025.
Next year, the new Barbados Heritage District will be open to visitors. Designed by David Adjaye, known for creating significant memorial structures in the United States, this center is meant to honor the memory of hundreds of enslaved people who died in this territory.