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Best North American Retreats For Your 2025 Getaway

ByJenny Sullivan

Planning your next big trip but drowning in options? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there – scrolling through endless travel blogs, nodding along to lists that somehow always include the same destinations.

But fear not, because a shiny new report has dropped, highlighting the absolute must-see spots across North America for 2025. And yes, it’s as fresh as that overpriced organic avocado you had last week.

From spectacular natural landscapes to vibrant urban escapes, this list has got something for every kind of traveler – whether you’re chasing adventure or just looking for an excuse to post mysterious “wanderlust” captions. Oh, and don’t be surprised if you suddenly feel the urge to pack your bags halfway through this.

Got opinions or favorite spots of your own you want to share? Drop us a comment after you read through the list.

And if you want to find out what other locations around the world are on the “Best in Travel 2025,” hit up Lonely Planet for the rest of the list.

Mount Hood And Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

A breathtaking view of the Columbia River Gorge at sunset, showcasing lush green hills, farmland, and a winding river with distant mountains silhouetted against a golden sky.
© Shutterstock

Located in the Pacific Northwest, Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge are here to remind you that nature still does it best when it comes to jaw-dropping beauty.

For one thing, the Gorge boasts the title of the largest national scenic area in the United States. Pretty impressive, right?

And Mount Hood? It’s basically the rock star of Oregon, with year-round skiing and snowboarding opportunities to keep adrenaline junkies happy.

What to do here?

  • Go chasing waterfalls… and not just a couple. The Gorge is home to 90 jaw-dropping cascades, including the iconic Multnomah Falls.
  • Hike the trails. From easy routes like Rowena Crest to the tougher ones on Mount Hood – there’s no shortage of paths to make you question your fitness level.
  • Sample the wine. Yes, this place has a growing reputation as a wine country. Nothing beats sipping on a glass of local Pinot Noir while surrounded by all that natural beauty.

Edmonton, Canada

A picturesque view of Edmonton’s skyline, with the Walterdale Bridge stretching across the North Saskatchewan River, modern high-rises, and lush greenery in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky.
© Shutterstock

Sure, Edmonton might be overshadowed by its outrageously famous neighbor, the Canadian Rockies, but that just makes it a hidden gem waiting to surprise you.

And surprise you it will, because Edmonton is a playground for culture lovers – home to the largest shopping mall in North America and a thriving arts scene that’ll make your head spin faster than a Tim Hortons drive-thru line in the morning.

What to do here?

  • Explore the Old Strathcona district, where trendy shops, live music venues, and some really good eats all collide in what can only be described as the city’s cool hangout zone.
  • Check out Fort Edmonton Park. Time travel is real when you’re walking through Alberta’s largest living history museum.
  • Head to Elk Island National Park. Only 45 minutes away, this is your chance to walk among bison without needing to file any “look but don’t touch” disclaimers.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

A panoramic view of Pittsburgh's downtown skyline at dusk, featuring the city's signature skyscrapers, bridges, and the meeting point of three rivers with golden reflections on the water.
© Shutterstock

Once the steel capital of the world, Pittsburgh has shed its industrial roots faster than you can say “reinvention.” Now, it shines as a vibrant hub for art, science, and… honestly, some of the best sandwiches you’ll ever get your hands on.

With more bridges than Venice (yes, that’s a fact), Pittsburgh has all the charm without the gondola parking drama.

What to do here?

  • Visit the Andy Warhol Museum. Considering he’s from here, it kind of feels like a mandatory stop. Plus, where else can you see an entire museum dedicated to a guy who made soup cans iconic?
  • Take a photo op on the Duquesne Incline. This old-school cable car takes you up Mount Washington and offers a panoramic city view that might just make you forgive all your past cardio regrets.
  • Explore the Strip District. This food and shopping haven is where you’ll find everything from quirky gifts to kielbasa so good it could bring a tear to your eye.

Lowcountry, South Carolina & Georgia

A scenic dirt road lined with towering live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, creating a tunnel-like canopy over the entrance to the historic Wormsloe plantation in Savannah, Georgia.
© Traveling In Focus

Life moves slower in the Lowcountry, and honestly, it’s for the better. Between the Spanish moss-draped trees, historic charm, and some of the best food you’ll eat all year, this stretch of coastal bliss knows how to show visitors a good time.

It’s basically a soul-soothing escape wrapped in fried green tomatoes and fresh seafood.

What to do here?

  • Visit the beaches. Hilton Head Island and Tybee Island offer stretches of sand perfect for kicking back or attempting a paddleboard adventure… if you’re feeling bold.
  • Stroll through Savannah, Georgia’s Historic District. Those 22 squares filled with cobblestone streets and preserved architecture? They’ll make you want to extend your stay.
  • Get your seafood fix in Charleston, South Carolina. Shrimp and grits might be standard fare, but between the upscale eateries and tucked-away diners, there’s something for every palate.

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Jenny Sullivan, co-owner of Found By Accident, is the ultimate photography expert and National Park traveler who makes “chasing sunsets” sound like a competitive sport. With a camera in one hand and a trail map in the other, Jenny finds beauty in every corner (except maybe her packed suitcase, which is always a disaster).

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