National Geographic Unveils Top 25 Destinations for 2027, Featuring U.S. Cities and Regions
From national parks to vibrant urban centers, National Geographic's 2027 travel list highlights diverse destinations across the United States and globally.
National Geographic has released its highly anticipated list of the top 25 destinations to visit in 2027, featuring a range of locations from Norway's fjords to the ancient wonders of Egypt. The selection also includes several prominent U.S. cities and regions, highlighting their unique attractions for the coming year.
Among the U.S. destinations highlighted is Madison, Wisconsin, noted for its extensive network of bike-friendly trails and hiking paths. The city's Lake Monona waterfront will see new trails and greenery added as part of the Madison LakeWay Project in 2027. Puerto Rico is also recognized for its vibrant culture, archaeological sites, and the historic streets of Old San Juan. Its Flamenco Beach on Culebra is specifically mentioned for its pristine sands and world-class snorkeling opportunities.
Further inland, the Southern Ozarks, spanning Missouri and Arkansas, are recommended for their blend of natural beauty and artistic offerings. The Buffalo National River and Whitaker Point are cited as must-see natural attractions, while towns like Eureka Springs, Arkansas, are noted for their Victorian streets, Mountain View for folk music, and Bentonville for its art scene.
Baltimore, Maryland, makes the list with its revitalized waterfront, the Baltimore Peninsula neighborhood, whisky distilleries, and kayaking trails. The city is also recognized for having one of the world's best city centers. On the West Coast, California's Pacific Coast Highway is highlighted, with sections near Big Sur now reopened after closures due to mudslides. Destinations like Laguna Beach and Mendocino County are noted, along with iconic viewpoints such as Bixby Bridge and Castle Rock Viewpoint.
Catalina Island, one of California's Channel Islands, was selected as the reader's choice, celebrated for its Mediterranean-style town of Avalon, Hollywood glamour, and the historic Art Deco casino.
Internationally, the list includes Vestland in Norway, known for its fjords and glaciers, and Penang in Malaysia, with its colonial architecture and street art in George Town. Luxor, Egypt, is featured not only for its historical sites like Karnak and Luxor temples but also as a prime location to witness a total solar eclipse in 2027, coinciding with the launch of Egypt's first luxury tourist sleeper train.
Other international highlights include Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland, praised for its untouched charm and as the UK's first International Dark Sky Park, with a new observatory opening in 2027. Niigata, Japan, is recommended for skiers, with resorts like Echigo-Yuzawa and Naeba, and upcoming luxury developments. Chengdu, China, known for its hip-hop culture and laid-back attitude, is also recognized, particularly its Yulin neighborhood. Jaipur, India, the 'Pink City,' is noted for its rich history and architecture, including Amber Fort and the City Palace.
Further afield, the Caribbean island of Grenada, the 'Spice Isle,' is highlighted for its Spicemas carnival and wellness retreats. Salvador, Brazil, is set to be a focal point with its February 2027 Carnival and Festa de Iemanjá celebrations. In South America, Cape Froward in Chile, the southernmost point of the mainland, is opening as a new national park along Patagonia's Route of Parks. Santander, Spain, is presented as an alternative to more popular Spanish cities, with significant investment in tourism infrastructure.
France's Normandy region, particularly its capital Rouen, is noted for its historical charm and walkability. Halifax, Nova Scotia, is suggested for autumn travel, offering coastal landscapes. Armenia's Transcaucasian Trail provides an adventurous trekking experience through relatively untouched terrain. Melbourne, Australia, is recognized for its vibrant cultural scene and nightlife. Leipzig, Germany, is a destination for music lovers, with major festivals planned. Malawi, an often-overlooked African nation, is gaining attention for its wildlife reserves and Lake Malawi. Maya Ka'an in Mexico, rich in Indigenous culture and ecosystems, is becoming more accessible. Poland's Tricity region (Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia) offers a mix of history, spas, and modernist architecture. Finally, Kuélap in Peru, dubbed the 'Machu Picchu of the North,' is noted for its ancient citadel and increasing accessibility via cable car.