10 USA Travel Destinations YOU Should Visit

Whether you're a first-time explorer or an experienced globetrotter, the United States has something spectacular for everyone. From dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventures to cultural treasures and architectural wonders, there’s a perfect destination tailored to every type of traveller. For our DIY enthusiasts, architects, designers, and professional tradesmen based in the UK – many of whom appreciate craftsmanship, design inspiration, and lifestyle experiences – these locations are more than vacation spots. They're sources of creativity, innovation, and unforgettable moments.

So grab your travel journal, charge up your camera, and get ready to plan your next American adventure. Here's our curated list of 10 USA travel destinations YOU should visit, whether to fuel your imagination, relax in style, or soak up some authentic American charm.

1. New York City, New York

The city that never sleeps is also the city that always inspires. New York City is an urban jungle that buzzes with creative energy and architectural brilliance — ideal for designers and professionals who thrive on innovation.

Home to iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Central Park, the High Line, and the Guggenheim Museum, New York is a marvel of design and engineering. Walking through Manhattan you’ll find endless inspiration, from the cast-iron facades in SoHo to the contemporary spaces of Hudson Yards.

DIY lovers will also enjoy browsing Chelsea Market for artisanal goods, and the city's various flea markets offer vintage materials and decor ideas galore. For those into interiors and renovation trends, a visit to the Decoration & Design Building in Midtown is a must.

NYC is also a sustainability leader — perfect for UK architects and designers interested in green building practices and urban regeneration.

2. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is the birthplace of the modern skyscraper and an urban mecca for architecture aficionados. Anyone passionate about structural design, historical architecture, or interior innovation will find this city endlessly fascinating.

The skyline along Lake Michigan showcases an eclectic mix of Art Deco, Beaux-Arts, and ultra-modern looks. The Riverwalk architecture tours reveal stories behind famous buildings like the Willis Tower and the Tribune Tower — ideal for professionals looking for inspiration from American architecture.

One of the city's top attractions for designers is the Art Institute of Chicago, where visitors can explore a collection that spans ancient to modern aesthetics, rich in decorative arts and design innovation.

Chicago's historic neighbourhoods like Wicker Park and Lincoln Square are full of curated lifestyle shops, industrial loft refurbishments, and coffee bars built into repurposed spaces — perfect references for DIY fans and decorators.

3. San Francisco, California

Known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, colourful Victorian houses, and tech-fueled future, San Francisco is where innovation meets timeless aesthetics. It's a hotspot for designers and professionals interested in urban planning, sustainable architecture, and creative culture.

The city is legendary among designers for its repurposed warehouse studios, hilly urban planning, and seaside views. Neighbourhoods like the Mission District and Hayes Valley offer deep dives into mural art, boutique design shops, and reclaimed furniture vendors.

Visitors can make pilgrimages to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Contemporary Jewish Museum for artistic influence and cutting-edge trends. And for those passionate about green living and structure functionality, San Francisco’s leadership in ecological architecture is well documented through buildings like the California Academy of Sciences — one of the world’s greenest museums.

It’s also a great city to network with other creatives and be part of the global design conversation.

4. New Orleans, Louisiana

If you have an appreciation for history, culture, and soulful design, New Orleans is a destination not to be missed. The city is a feast of French, Spanish, Creole, and Caribbean architectural influence.

Strolling through the French Quarter feels like walking through a living museum of ornamental railings, pastel facades, and intricate detailing. It's a haven for tradesmen and designers fascinated by handcraftsmanship, traditional materials, and local flair.

The city’s music, food, and art scenes pour into every building and street — ideal for those who want to see how atmosphere and architecture work in harmony. It’s an immersive, multi-sensory experience that offers pure inspiration for both personal projects and professional portfolios.

New Orleans also has a growing movement around heritage restoration and building conservation — particularly relevant for UK-based preservationists and interior artisans.

5. Austin, Texas

Austin has earned a global reputation as a lively, creative city with an unmatched blend of innovation, hipness, and Southern character. It’s where the old merges seamlessly with the new, giving plenty of aesthetic fuel for British designers and decorators alike.

The East Austin arts district is home to multiple design collectives, mural installations, salvage yards, and innovative co-working spaces. These reflect a spirit of reclaimed materials, upcycled beauty, and DIY-minded ethos that aligns with UK creative culture.

For those who prioritise functionality and form, many of Austin’s homes blend Texan ranch style with Scandinavian minimalism, offering inspiration for those working in the home renovation sector. Think wide open plans, polished concrete floors, and custom details.

It’s also a fantastic city for woodworking and metal fabrication enthusiasts, with local maker spaces open to tourists looking to roll up their sleeves and create.

6. Seattle, Washington

Set between water and mountains, Seattle is a Pacific Northwest jewel brimming with natural beauty and smart design. Perfect for eco-conscious architects and outdoor-loving DIYers from the UK, this city balances form, function, and environmental respect.

Seattle is a leader in sustainable design. Projects like the Bullitt Center, considered the greenest commercial building in the world, can serve as an architectural field trip for UK professionals embracing low-carbon construction standards.

Its neighbourhoods — from Ballard to Capitol Hill — show how clever use of wood, steel, and glass can work in harmony with modern comfort. Local shops often feature furniture made from reclaimed timber, and markets are packed with independent artisans producing functional art.

Beyond architecture, Seattle hires some of the world’s top thinkers in product, experience, and interior design — a hotbed of ideas that’s worth soaking in.

7. Savannah, Georgia

Stepping into Savannah is like entering an 18th-century dream. Tree-lined avenues, historic mansions, and cobbled squares define this Southern gem, making it ideal for home designers and historic home lovers from the UK.

Savannah’s commitment to preserving its storied past has made it a case study in conservation. It’s an authentic place to explore building methods from the colonial and antebellum eras, offering fresh takes on how to incorporate tradition into modern projects.

For professional tradespeople, walking through restored heritage properties gives insight into period-perfect fixtures, joinery, ironwork, and flooring. For decorators, Savannah is full of antique markets and vintage finds that could inspire your next UK refurbishment job.

It’s also a popular spot for destination weddings and boutique hotels, pushing creative boundaries with Southern chic aesthetics.

8. Denver, Colorado

For design-minded travellers who also enjoy adventure, Denver is a balanced gem with abundant outdoor activities and a thriving design culture. Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, it's a hub for modern mountain living.

Homes and public spaces in Denver often reflect sustainable building principles combined with hearty natural materials like timber, stone, and metal – ideal for architects and renovators aiming for rustic-modern looks.

The RiNo (River North) Art District is a brilliant place to explore murals, creative studios, repurposed factories, and artisan stores. It’s where local craftsmanship meets industrial revival — a trend highly relevant for UK refurbishment projects.

With access to trails, national parks, and ski resorts just outside the city, Denver also appeals to those who merge lifestyle with design aspirations.

9. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston charms with its pastel townhouses, wrought-iron balconies, and wide piazzas. It’s one of America’s most picturesque cities and is ideal for lovers of heritage architecture and elegant, time-tested décor styles.

From the Georgian churches to the Victorian shopfronts, Charleston is layered with influence. British tradesmen and designers will particularly appreciate how colonial design pathways overlap with UK building traditions — making Charleston a mirror into stylistic history.

Boutique hotels and rooftop bars in Charleston are design labours of love, featuring exposed beams, antique seating, and handwoven detailing. It’s a rich palette for UK creatives aiming to merge authenticity with luxury interiors.

You'll also find locally made products like wrought iron stair rails, pottery, and home textiles to bring home as inspiration or inventory.

10. Los Angeles, California

LA is bold, experimental, and unapologetically stylish. Spanning Hollywood glamour to minimalist beach culture, the city is a dream for interior designers and lifestyle entrepreneurs looking to explore different facets of American design influence.

In areas like Silver Lake and Venice Beach, homes and studios are centres for cutting-edge design. Think polished concrete, timber cladding, open-air floorplans, and dramatic lighting — ideal for UK professionals seeking modern West Coast styles to bring back to Britain.

Design enthusiasts can tour The Getty Center and The Broad for modern and classical inspiration, while shopping in design-forward districts like Melrose and La Brea will introduce you to next-level furniture and decor.

There's no shortage of inspiration in LA, from mid-century mansions in the hills to surf shacks along the Pacific. If creativity is your fuel, LA is your playground.

Ready to Be Inspired?

From East to West and North to South, the USA offers a treasure trove of cultural richness, architectural mastery, and creative innovation. Whether you're sketching up your next layout, fuelling a home redecoration project, or just need a lifestyle reset, exploring these American cities can plant new seeds of inspiration.

So start planning, pack smart, and don’t forget your notebook. These 10 USA travel destinations are waiting to revitalize your imagination — and maybe even your next big idea.