20 Best Mountain Bike Trails in the USA for 2026
April 03, 2025
20 Best Mountain Bike Trails in the USA for 2026 Best Mountain Bike Trails in the USA Plan your next cycling adventure with these exceptional mountain biking trails across the …
The 20 Best series is our collection of national roundups: each guide ranks 20 places or experiences across the USA around one theme, from candy shops and food trucks to haunted houses and renaissance fairs. Every entry is a real, visitable destination, so any single guide below can seed a themed road trip or add one memorable stop to a trip you already have planned.
Food and Drink Adventures
Eat your way across the country with the best food trucks, ice cream shops, and candy shops in the USA. Competitive appetites can take on the best food challenges, road-trippers can follow the best restaurant road trips, and night owls will find a barstool at the weirdest bars in America.
Quirky and Offbeat America
This is the heart of the series: the oddest museums, best roadside attractions, and weirdest competitions in the country, plus Bigfoot experiences for cryptid fans. Collectors and browsers get the best flea markets, bookstores, and yarn stores, while pop-culture travelers can tour famous movie filming locations, meet fellow fans at the best comic cons, or step into the past at renaissance fairs.
Chills and Thrills
For travelers who like a shiver, start with the scariest places in the USA, then book a fright night at the best haunted houses or a reflective wander through historic graveyards. Prefer adrenaline to atmosphere? The craziest trips in America cover volcano boarding, white water, and more.
Grown-Up Getaways
Several guides in the series are written for adults planning a bolder trip: adults-only adventures, erotic shows, clothing-optional resorts for couples, skinny dipping spots, and the storied historical brothels of the Old West, which today are museums and landmarks you can actually tour.
Outdoors and Culture
Active travelers can ride the best mountain bike trails, cast a line on the best fishing trips, or chase golden light on the best picture-taking trips in the country. For calmer weekends, there are trips made for introverts, couples weekend trips, small-town festivals, music festivals, and off-Broadway theater.
Smart Travel Picks
Round out the planning with low-cost vacation destinations, essential hotel tips, and our top USA travel tips. And before you book anywhere, the honest one: the worst vacation spots in the USA and the quieter alternatives worth choosing instead.
All 20 Best Guides
20 Best Bigfoot Experiences in the USA for 2026
April 03, 2025
20 Best Bigfoot Experiences in the USA for 2026 Best Bigfoot Experiences in the USA Dive into America's most fascinating Bigfoot experiences and immerse yourself in cryptid culture in 2026: …
20 Best Movie Film Locations in the USA for 2026
April 03, 2025
20 Best Movie Film Locations in the USA for 2026 Best Movie Film Locations in the USA Discover and explore America's most famous and picturesque film locations, perfect for movie …
20 Best Trips for Introverts in the USA for 2026
April 03, 2025
20 Best Trips for Introverts in the USA for 2026 Best Trips for Introverts in the USA Enjoy peaceful, rejuvenating escapes tailored for introverts across the USA in 2026: 1. …
20 Best Ice Cream Shops in the USA for 2026
April 03, 2025
20 Best Ice Cream Shops in the USA for 2026 Best Ice Cream Shops in the USA Satisfy your sweet tooth with these top-rated ice cream shops across America in …
20 Best Comic Cons in the USA for 2026
April 03, 2025
20 Best Comic Cons in the USA for 2026 Best Comic Cons in the USA Join fellow fans and experience America's most exciting comic conventions in 2026, packed with celebrity …
20 Best Weird Competitions in the USA for 2026
April 03, 2025
20 Best Weird Competitions in the USA for 2026 Best Weird Competitions in the USA Embrace America's quirky side and join or spectate at these delightfully strange competitions in 2026: …
20 Best Graveyards in the USA for 2026
April 01, 2025
20 Best Graveyards in the USA for 2026 Best Graveyards in the USA Visit these historic and picturesque graveyards across the USA for fascinating insights and peaceful surroundings in 2026: …
20 Best Weird Bars in the USA for 2026
April 01, 2025
20 Best Weird Bars in the USA for 2026 Best Weird Bars in the USA Experience America's most eccentric and entertaining bars, where quirky themes and unique atmospheres create unforgettable …
20 Best Yarn Stores in the USA for 2026
April 01, 2025
20 Best Yarn Stores in the USA for 2026 Best Yarn Stores in the USA Discover amazing yarn selections, inspiring workshops, and welcoming atmospheres at America's top yarn stores in …
20 Best Couples Weekend Trips in the USA for 2026
April 01, 2025
20 Best Couples Weekend Trips in the USA for 2026 Best Couples Weekend Trips in the USA Plan your perfect romantic weekend getaway with these top destinations for couples in …
20 Best Small Town Festivals in the USA for 2026
April 01, 2025
20 Best Small Town Festivals in the USA for 2026 Best Small Town Festivals in the USA Explore America's delightful small towns through their vibrant and charming festivals in 2026: …
20 Best Food Challenges in the USA for 2026
April 01, 2025
20 Best Food Challenges in the USA for 2026 Best Food Challenges in the USA Test your limits and appetite with America's most epic food challenges in 2026: 1. Big …
20 Best Adults-Only Adventures in the USA for 2026
April 01, 2025
20 Best Adults-Only Adventures in the USA for 2026 Best Adults-Only Adventures in the USA Experience thrilling escapades and unforgettable relaxation with America's best adults-only adventures in 2026: 1. Adults-Only …
20 Best Erotic Shows in the USA for 2026
April 01, 2025
20 Best Erotic Shows in the USA for 2026 Best Erotic Shows in the USA Experience the seductive energy and unforgettable performances at America's top erotic shows in 2026: 1. …
20 Best Off-Broadway Plays in the USA for 2026
April 01, 2025
20 Best Off-Broadway Plays in the USA for 2026 Best Off-Broadway Plays in the USA Explore these remarkable Off-Broadway plays set to captivate audiences across America in 2026: 1. The …
20 Best Historical Brothels in the USA 2026
April 01, 2025
Best Historical Brothels in the USA Step back in time and discover the storied past of America's most famous historical brothels, known for their colorful characters, influential madams, and deep …
20 Best Haunted Houses for Halloween USA 2026
March 29, 2025
20 Best Haunted Houses for Halloween in the USA 2026 Best Haunted Houses for Halloween in the USA Prepare for spine-chilling experiences at America's most terrifying haunted houses in 2026: …
20 Best Renaissance Fairs in the USA for 2026
March 28, 2025
20 Best Renaissance Fairs in the USA for 2026 Best Renaissance Fairs in the USA Step back in time and immerse yourself in the excitement and enchantment of America's finest …
20 Best Music Festivals in the USA for 2026
March 28, 2025
20 Best Music Festivals in the USA for 2026 Best Music Festivals in the USA Get ready to enjoy unforgettable live performances at America's most anticipated music festivals in 2026: …
20 Best Odd Museums in the USA for 2026
March 28, 2025
20 Best Odd Museums in the USA for 2026 Best Odd Museums in the USA Get ready to explore America's quirkiest and most unusual museums in 2026, guaranteed to amaze …
20 Best Candy Shops in the USA for 2026
March 28, 2025
20 Best Candy Shops in the USA for 2026 Best Candy Shops in the USA Indulge your sweet tooth at these top-ranked candy stores across America in 2026: 1. Dylan's …
20 Craziest Trips to Take in the USA for 2026
March 28, 2025
20 Craziest Trips to Take in the USA for 2026 Craziest Trips to Take in the USA Ready for adventure? Buckle up for America's most thrilling and out-of-the-box travel experiences …
20 Best Places to Skinny Dip in the USA for 2026
March 28, 2025
20 Best Places to Skinny Dip in the USA for 2026 Best Places to Skinny Dip in the USA Reconnect with nature and enjoy a liberating swim at these amazing …
20 Best Food Trucks to Visit in the USA 2026
March 28, 2025
20 Best Food Trucks to Visit in the USA 2026 Best Food Trucks to Visit in the USA Experience delicious street food and gourmet treats at these 20 standout food …
20 Best Bookstores in the USA for 2026
March 28, 2025
20 Best Bookstores in the USA for 2026 Best Bookstores in the USA Discover literary treasures and inviting atmospheres in America's finest bookstores in 2026: 1. Powell's City of Books, …
20 Best Flea Markets in the USA for 2026
March 28, 2025
20 Best Flea Markets in the USA for 2026 Best Flea Markets in the USA Hunt for treasures, antiques, and vintage collectibles at these outstanding flea markets in the USA …
20 Best Clothing-Optional Resorts for Couples USA 2026
March 28, 2025
20 Best Clothing-Optional Resorts for Couples in the USA 2026 Best Clothing-Optional Resorts for Couples Explore the freedom and relaxation of these exceptional clothing-optional resorts designed specifically for couples seeking …
10 Sexiest Places in the USA for Eye Candy in 2026
March 27, 2025
10 Sexiest Places in the USA for Eye Candy in 2026 Sexiest Places in the USA for Eye Candy For those seeking lively atmospheres, stunning scenery , and vibrant crowds, …
20 Low-Cost Vacation Destinations in the USA 2026
March 27, 2025
20 Low-Cost Vacation Destinations in the USA for 2026 Low-Cost Vacation Destinations in the USA Explore America affordably with these 20 fantastic budget-friendly vacation spots for 2026: 1. Great Smoky …
10 Essential Hotel Tips for USA Travel in 2026
March 27, 2025
10 Essential Hotel Tips for Traveling in the USA in 2026 Essential Hotel Tips for Traveling in the USA Maximize comfort, convenience, and savings with these top hotel tips for …
Top 10 Travel Tips for Exploring the USA in 2026
March 27, 2025
Top 10 Travel Tips for Exploring the USA in 2026 10 Travel Tips for Exploring the USA Make your 2026 USA travel experience stress-free and rewarding with these practical tips: …
20 Worst Vacation Spots in the USA for 2026
March 27, 2025
20 Worst Vacation Spots in the USA for 2026 and Why You Should Skip Them Worst Vacation Spots in the USA While many destinations in the USA promise unforgettable experiences, …
20 Best Restaurant Road Trips in the USA 2026
March 27, 2025
20 Best Restaurant Road Trips in the USA 2026 Indulge your taste buds on these unforgettable culinary road trips across America in 2026: 1. Southern BBQ Trail, Texas to North …
20 Best Picture-Taking Trips in the USA 2026
March 27, 2025
20 Best Picture-Taking Trips in the USA 2026 Best Picture-Taking Trips in the USA Ready your camera for an unforgettable photographic journey across these breathtaking American destinations in 2026: 1. …
20 Best Fishing Trips in the USA for 2026
March 27, 2025
20 Best Fishing Trips in the USA for 2026 Best Fishing Trips in the USA Grab your gear and set your sights on these top 20 fishing destinations for 2026: …
20 Best Roadside Attractions in the USA 2026
March 27, 2025
20 Best Roadside Attractions in the USA 2026 Best Roadside Attractions in the USA Turn your road trip into an unforgettable adventure with these 20 extraordinary roadside attractions across America …
20 Scariest Places to Visit in the USA 2026
March 27, 2025
20 Scariest Places to Visit in the USA Scariest Places to Visit Looking for spine-chilling experiences? Here are the 20 most terrifying destinations across America that promise ghostly sightings, paranormal …
Frequently Asked Questions About the 20 Best Series
What is the 20 Best series?
Each guide in the series ranks 20 destinations or experiences across the USA around a single theme, with real locations you can visit. The series covers food, quirky attractions, outdoor adventures, nightlife, and practical travel advice.
How are the picks chosen?
Picks favor places with a genuine claim to the theme: history, reputation, uniqueness, or standout visitor experiences. Every entry names a real, visitable location, and guides note when details like hours or prices should be confirmed on an official site.
Can I use these guides to plan a road trip?
Yes. Many readers pick one theme and connect several entries in a region into a route. The restaurant road trips and roadside attractions guides are built exactly that way, and any other list works the same with a map open.
Are the adult-themed guides appropriate for family planning?
A few guides, such as erotic shows and clothing-optional resorts, are written for adult travelers and say so plainly. The rest of the series, from candy shops to renaissance fairs, is family-friendly.
Planning your next U.S. getaway? Explore more destination guides, road trips, and travel tips at Vacation Getaways US. Have a question or a spot we should cover? Email us at [email protected].