With huge events and huge anniversaries, 2026 is perhaps the best year yet to get out and explore these United States. With that in mind, Condé Nast Traveler has published its Best Places to Go in the U.S. list for 2026, with an emphasis on those destinations featuring one-of-a-kind experiences in the new year, such as the U.S. Semiquincentennial and the FIFA World Cup. Check out the full list for yourself here, but we’ve summarized a few of the the biggest group-friendly selections below.
Arkansas
For groups looking to get active on two wheels, the Natural State and its mountainous terrain are the perfect place for mountain biking. The state’s first mountain biking park served by a chairlift is set to open in the middle part of 2026. OZ Trails Bike Park will not only offer 20 miles of trails, but also a central gathering space with bars, restaurants, and public spaces. A second bike park is due to break ground this year as well. For those who prefer a bit more leisurely activity, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art features two new galleries in 114,000 square feet of space to explore.
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is already well-known for one of America’s most legendary outdoor attractions with its proximity to Niagara Falls, but that scene is quickly expanding. Wilkeson Pointe reopened this year as part of a $300 million waterfront restoration project, offering hiking trails, kayaking, and biking, with a public beach in the planning stages. Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Park will open a new pedestrian bridge in 2026, making it easier for groups to explore the waterfront. And football fans, take note: The Buffalo Bills’ new stadium is set to open in time for the 2026 season.
Catalina Island, California
Catalina is only a 60- or 90-minute ferry ride from the mainland of Southern California, but feels like a world away. And the island celebrates its 100th anniversary as a resort destination in 2026, making it the perfect time to visit. Discover Catalina’s unique history—in the last century it’s been everything from the home of Chicago Cubs spring training to a filming location, and the descendents of a herd of bison brought on for a 1924 film shoot still roam the island today. Cubs owner William Wrigley Jr. developed Catalina with the goal of making a “playground for all,” now ready for your group to enjoy.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is undergoing a large transformation in 2026, starting when you arrive at the newly opened terminal expansion at Portland International Airport. The Portland Art Museum recently opened a 100,000-square-foot expansion. And for the foodies, the long-awaited James Beard Public Market opens this summer and is expected to arrival Seattle’s famed Pike Place Market. And don’t miss the city’s new WNBA team, the Portland Fire, taking the court this May.
Sacramento, California
For those in the know, Sacramento is not only California’s literal capital but also its food capital. Sacramento is in the heart of the Golden State’s agricultural might, and groups can experience that bounty with an outstanding restaurant scene and some unique events. Dine on Sacramento’s iconic Tower Bridge as part of the city’s Farm-to-Fork Festival. Long tables seat more than 800 guests in a picturesque setting like no other. And this spring, Our Street Night Market brings the inspiration of Asian night markets to Northern California with street food, vendors, and music.
Main Image: Catalina Island, California; Credit: Adobe/Jean Bai
