5 Destinations We Love
No matter where you travel, whether it be for the food, history, or culture, we believe that every city has something amazing to offer!
This is why the list of destination cities that you could be sent visit during your Surprise Trip is always growing! While we enjoy every city we send travelers to, there are a few stand-out cities that rise to the top.
Here are the five best destinations in the US!
Written by The Pack Up + Go Team
Windy City Vibes: Chicago, where Ferris Wheels touch the clouds + deep-dish pizza steals the show!
Chicago, IL
Reason #1 to love Chicago? The architecture. Enjoy a stunning architecture boat tour through the heart of the city or take a stroll along the 3.4-mile-long Riverwalk to explore the city’s history.
For the foodie traveler, we love the Fulton Market District, offering endless restaurant options, from pizza to Mediterranean tapas and more!
Entertainment options are also endless, especially in the summer when you can make a day of hitting the beach, walking along Lake Michigan in the 3-mile-long Lincoln Park, or hitting up the Lincoln Park Zoo. Live entertainment also reigns supreme in The Windy City, known for its live jazz music and the wide selection of comedy clubs. Chicago also boasts many famous museums like the Field Museum and The Art Institute of Chicago, which houses the country's largest collection of impressionist art. There are also plenty of public sculptures, including the famous “Bean” (AKA Cloud Gate) in Millennium Park, the lesser-known Picasso in Daley Plaza, and the Alexander Calder in the Federal Plaza.
Austin, TX
If you’re looking for sunny weather, fun activities, and nearby outdoor adventures, Austin is the place for you. Located in the heart of Texas, the state capital is known for its eclectic live music and art scenes. The city also boasts Lady Bird Lake weaves itself through the city, where you can rent a kayak with Rowing Dock and hit the water like a local. Prefer to stay on land? The surrounding 10-mile hike and bike trail offers some of the best views of the city skyline!
Austin is also a mecca for Instagrammable wall murals. Snap a pic at the famous ‘I Love You So Much’ mural located on Jo’s Coffee and spend the afternoon exploring the effortlessly cool South Congress neighborhood. On summer nights, you’ll find locals gathered near the Congress Avenue Bridge watching the largest bat colony in North America emerge as the sun sets!
Seattle, WA
A city that captures hearts with its irresistible charm + captivating landscapes. Nestled between the sparkling waters of Puget Sound and the majestic peaks of the Cascade Range, Seattle is a place that beckons adventurers, dreamers, and seekers of unique experiences.
The Emerald City is known for its connectedness to nature since it’s surrounded by water, mountains, evergreen forests, and thousands of acres of parkland! Washington State’s largest city is also home to a booming tech industry, including Microsoft and Amazon headquarters.
Food lovers rejoice because Seattle is a culinary paradise! The city boasts a vibrant food scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. Indulge in freshly caught seafood at the historic Pike Place Market, where you can savor the famous clam chowder or grab a deliciously decadent salmon sandwich. Explore the eclectic neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Ballard, home to a multitude of trendy cafes, innovative food trucks, and world-class restaurants that serve up a delightful fusion of flavors from around the globe.
For coffee lovers, Seattle knows how to make a cup of joe. We love Anchorhead Coffee for an A+ cup of coffee (bonus points for their slogan, “Be Good”), and The Original Starbucks + Starbucks Reserve Roastery to indulge your inner tourist.
Washington, DC
The US capital is a compact city that pulsates with an energy unlike any other! Nestled along the banks of the Potomac River, this captivating capital of the United States stands tall as a beacon of democracy, history, and cultural splendor. It is defined by its neoclassical monuments and buildings – including those that house the US Capitol, the White House, and the US Supreme Court. Washington DC also happens to be an amazing destination with attractions sure to keep you busy! From iconic landmarks to world-class museums, Washington, DC is undeniably amazing.
When visiting, definitely make time for the incredible Smithsonian museums, like the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Zoo (1 of 2 U.S. zoos you can see pandas). The best part? They're all free! There are also plenty of iconic monuments and street art around town, so there is no shortage of great photo ops.
Amazing restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and bars are also plentiful, including the iconic Ben’s Chili Bowl or Ambar for delicious Balkan cuisine (we highly recommend the Ambar Experience, which allows you to try a little bit of everything!).
Once you’re done eating, hop on a bike and take the opportunity for a bike tour to see our nation’s capital in a truly unique way.
Where Trails Lead, Adventure Follows!
Denver, CO
The Mile-High City is the capital of Colorado and offers city and nature in one swoop. It’s a sprawling metropolis dating to the Old West era, but also has the majesty of the nation's largest mountain range in full view. For nature lovers, Rocky Mountain National Park is only an hour and a half from downtown with plenty of other parks closer - including the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Denver is also known for great breweries, restaurants, and street art; many of which are concentrated in the River North (RiNo) Art District. No visit is complete without a guided food tour with our friends at Delicious Denver, which is a great way to experience amazing restaurants with an expert leading the way.
No matter where you visit in the US, don’t skip town without your best travel companion, the new United Quest℠ Card.
For a limited time, new cardmembers can earn up to 100,000 bonus miles¹ — 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening¹, plus 20,000 after spending $10,000 total in the first 6 months¹. The United Quest Card allows you to earn travel rewards on all purchases — including 3X on United purchases, 2X on all other travel, 2X on dining, and much more — so that you can always be earning toward your next getaway!
This post was made in partnership with the new United Quest Card.