Asheville, North Carolina: America’s Wellness Retreat Boom
Asheville is taking center stage as the wellness capital of the East Coast in 2025. According to the Asheville Tourism Development Authority, visitor numbers jumped by an impressive 14% in 2024, with wellness and spa bookings leading the surge. The city’s Blue Ridge Parkway is undergoing a $16 million restoration, making scenic drives and hiking even more accessible. New boutique hotels, like the highly anticipated Ember & Ash, are redefining luxury with forest bathing and mineral spring therapies. Local restaurants are seeing a renaissance, as Asheville’s food scene was recently named one of the “Top 10 for Farm-to-Table Dining” by USA Today. Travelers are also flocking to the River Arts District, where more than 270 artists opened their studios to the public last year. In 2025, Asheville is set to host the first-ever U.S. Mountain Wellness Festival, drawing global attention to its rejuvenating atmosphere.
Santa Fe, New Mexico: Art, Cuisine, and Sustainable Adventure
Santa Fe’s blend of ancient culture and modern creativity is captivating visitors in record numbers. The Santa Fe Airport reported a 22% increase in passenger arrivals in early 2025, as more direct flights from major hubs have made the city accessible. The city’s Museum Hill unveiled its $25 million expansion, adding interactive art installations and indigenous history exhibits that have attracted national media coverage. Santa Fe’s culinary scene is also experiencing a boom, with three new restaurants earning James Beard nominations. The city’s commitment to sustainability is visible in its new e-bike share system and expanded urban hiking trails. Outdoor enthusiasts are booking guided adventures in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where trail permits have doubled since 2023. Santa Fe’s unique blend of old-world charm and forward-thinking initiatives is making it a must-visit for culturally minded travelers.
Boise, Idaho: America’s Fastest-Growing Adventure Capital
Boise has been named the fastest-growing adventure travel destination in the U.S. by the Adventure Travel Trade Association in 2025. The city’s population has grown by 4.5% since 2023, fueled by remote workers and outdoor lovers seeking a better quality of life. The Boise River Greenbelt, now expanded to 30 miles, offers kayaking, cycling, and wildlife spotting right in the heart of downtown. Bogus Basin’s ski and mountain bike resort saw a record-breaking 850,000 visitors last season. New direct flights from Chicago and Dallas have improved access, with Boise Airport reporting a 19% uptick in travelers year-over-year. Boise’s downtown has welcomed 15 new craft breweries and farm-to-table eateries, adding to its reputation as a food and drink hotspot. The city’s blend of urban amenities and wild spaces is drawing attention from travelers seeking both adventure and authenticity.
Chicago, Illinois: The Cultural Comeback
Chicago tourism is rebounding stronger than ever, with the city breaking its previous records by welcoming over 54 million visitors in 2024, according to Choose Chicago. The highly anticipated reopening of the Museum of Science and Industry’s $60 million “Future Worlds” wing is attracting international attention. Navy Pier, now fully pedestrianized, is hosting new festivals and the country’s largest rooftop garden, which opened to the public in March 2025. Chicago’s food scene is making headlines, with five new Michelin-starred restaurants joining the city’s culinary landscape this year. The city’s riverwalk expansion added another mile of waterfront parks and art installations, driving up local business revenues by 12%. Broadway in Chicago reported a 30% increase in ticket sales, thanks to exclusive premieres and touring shows. The city’s renewed focus on arts, green spaces, and food is making it a top urban destination for 2025.
Providence, Rhode Island: Small City, Big Buzz
Providence is experiencing a tourism renaissance, with 2025 hotel bookings up 18% from the previous year, as reported by the Rhode Island Hospitality Association. The city’s new $75 million waterfront park, unveiled in April 2025, has become an instant hit, drawing families and foodies to its riverside markets and live music events. Brown University’s expanded performing arts center is bringing world-class productions and high-profile speakers to the city. Providence’s restaurant scene is enjoying a spotlight moment, with three local chefs making Food & Wine’s “Best New Chefs” list. The city’s innovative WaterFire festival, held monthly, attracted 500,000 attendees in 2024—a record for the event. Creative murals and public art installations are popping up throughout the downtown area, turning Providence into a vibrant outdoor gallery. The city’s dynamic blend of history, culture, and waterfront fun is generating buzz far beyond New England.
Joshua Tree, California: Stargazing and Desert Design
Joshua Tree National Park is on track to surpass 4.2 million visitors in 2025, up 11% from last year, according to the National Park Service. The region’s unique mix of desert modernism and rugged landscapes is driving a new wave of design-focused tourism. Dozens of new boutique accommodations—like the minimalist SkyHouse cabins—are offering guests immersive stargazing experiences with on-site telescopes and astronomy guides. The Joshua Tree Music Festival, now in its 20th year, is drawing international crowds and was named a “Top 10 U.S. Music Festival” by Billboard in April 2025. Local artists and makers are fueling a creative boom, with the Joshua Tree Art Walk growing to over 100 participating studios and galleries. The area’s sustainable building initiatives, including off-grid cabins and solar-powered retreats, are setting new standards for eco-tourism. Joshua Tree’s blend of cosmic wonder and artistic innovation is making it one of the most talked-about destinations.
Savannah, Georgia: Historic Charm Meets Modern Luxury
Savannah’s enchanting historic district saw a record 17% increase in overnight visitors in the first quarter of 2025, according to Visit Savannah. The city’s new Plant Riverside District, a $375 million riverfront development, is attracting travelers with its luxury hotels, rooftop bars, and immersive art installations. Guided architectural tours are more popular than ever, as the city’s preservation efforts earned the American Planning Association’s “Great Places in America” award this year. Foodies are flocking to Savannah’s burgeoning dining scene, which saw three restaurants earn spots on TripAdvisor’s “Best of the South” list in 2025. The city’s spring and fall music festivals broke attendance records, drawing more than 200,000 visitors. Savannah’s new electric trolley system has made exploring its moss-draped squares and riverfront even easier. The seamless blend of antebellum history and modern indulgence is turning Savannah into a premier Southern getaway.
Seattle, Washington: Green City on the Rise
Seattle is setting the pace as America’s greenest city break, with eco-tourism bookings up 21% in 2025, according to Visit Seattle. The city’s waterfront transformation, a $728 million project completed in February, has created new parks, bike trails, and the dazzling Overlook Walk—an elevated pedestrian park with sweeping views of Elliott Bay. The Space Needle introduced a new immersive VR experience, attracting over 300,000 visitors in its first two months. Seattle’s Pike Place Market welcomed 2 million more visitors in 2024 than the previous year, thanks to its expanded artisan food halls and live entertainment. The city is leading in sustainable travel, with its electric ferry fleet—the largest in the U.S.—now offering scenic Puget Sound tours. Outdoor enthusiasts are discovering the city’s proximity to Olympic National Park, where trail permit demand has surged by 29%. Seattle’s progressive spirit, natural beauty, and tech-driven innovation are capturing the imagination of travelers nationwide.
