With 50 states to choose from, it’s almost impossible to narrow down a list of places to visit in the US to just a handful. At Plum Guide, however, we specialise in the “almost impossible” – whether it’s finding a luxury home with a pool on the edge of a desert or sourcing an apartment in the middle of Manhattan that feels as peaceful as any monastery. These, in our opinion, are the best places to visit in the US, and where to stay when you get there. Make sure to send us a postcard.
The bright lights of New York
The song doesn’t lie – New York, it’s a helluva town. From Broadway to Brooklyn, there are plenty of corners of the city to explore and the sheer variety and vitality of its offerings means it’s always top of our list for places to visit in the US. Stroll amongst the skyscrapers in the leafy High Line gardens in Chelsea, dress in your Met Gala-worthy finery for a trip to see the Van Goghs at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and sample the next big food trend at innovative market Smorgasburg.
View over Chelsea from the Highline, New York City
But where to stay when you’re here? If you’re baffled by the boroughs, never fear – Plum’s home critics have diligently searched for the best and most beautiful homes in the Big Apple. One of our favourites is this utterly charming apartment in the heart of the action, with cathedral views and mid-century modern furnishings providing respite from the bustling streets of Midtown Manhattan below.
The Tortoise Shell, Plum Guide home in New York
The wild deserts of California
California is one of our favourite places to visit in the US, and we’re not alone; millions of visitors flock to Los Angeles and San Francisco every year. But we’d always recommend taking a trip out of the big cities and discovering one of California’s beautiful natural landscapes. The state has nine National Parks, more than any other in the US, that range from the majestic Yosemite with its towering sequoias to the shoreline of Point Reyes. But one of the most distinctive and unique, in our opinion, is the Joshua Tree National Park. Rugged rock formations, clusters of cacti, and of course the eponymous Joshua trees make this desert landscape both alien and achingly beautiful. If you’re looking for somewhere to really retreat from modern life without sacrificing modern comforts we can’t speak highly enough of this Plum home, where you’ll find solitude, starry skies, and a saltwater pool.
Desert Skies, Plum Guide home in Yucca Valley, California
The mountain sophistication of Aspen
If you believe fine dining and fantastic culture are as important as fresh powder on the slopes, Aspen is the ski resort for you. Since the 1940s, it's been one of the top places to visit in the US for superb skiing and taking in the crisp mountain air, and if you keep an eagle eye on your fellow skiers you might recognise a few celebrities amongst them. There are plenty of things to do in Aspen, with hot spring spas, designer shopping and high-end art galleries making for a truly luxurious trip. After a day on the slopes there’s nothing better than good meal out at one of Aspen’s many restaurants; an authentically French crepe, cheese fondue or Swiss raclette at Crêperie du Village is never unwelcome, and Element 47 puts a gourmet spin on traditional American cuisine, with wagyu beef burgers and a wine cellar to die for. Of course, sometimes you’ll just want to take your aching muscles back home; in which case, we recommend stopping off at stylish shop and restaurant Meat & Cheese for (what else) all the makings of a gourmet charcuterie board to assemble at your cosy Plum home. Dive into the hot tub, get cosy in front of the fire, and plan the next day’s adventures on the mountain.
The Snow White House, Plum Guide home in Aspen
The old school glamour of Nashville
Nashville may be a pilgrimage for lovers of Elvis, Dolly, and Johnny Cash, but there’s more to Music City than the headline names. Look back with a trip to Hatch Show Print, which has printed artist's posters for over 140 years and propelled more than a few of them to nationwide fame, and look forwards with a show at the Grand Ole Opry where tomorrow’s biggest artists have been taking the stage for over a century. Of course, you don’t have to be a country fan to enjoy a trip to Nashville (or a stay in one of the luxurious Plum homes in the city). Art fans should head to the Frist Museum, where the lack of a permanent collection means there’s always something new to discover; cocktail connoisseurs will love the Honky Tonk Hurricane at warehouse bar Acme Feed & Seed; and there’s no better way to spend a mild afternoon than a walk through the botanical Cheekwood Gardens – keep an eye out for the twisting Chihuly glass sculptures that are scattered throughout the grounds.
Elder Peony, Plum Guide home in Nashville, Tennessee
And of course, one thing everyone should do in Nashville is eat. Tennessee is famous for soul food, and the best of it can be found here in unassuming diners and local favourites. If you’ve got a high spice tolerance, city legacy Prince’s serves up the original hot fried chicken; for a traditional “meat & 3” head to Arnold’s, the cafeteria-style restaurant that earned a James Beard award for its classic menu filled with belly-busters like chicken and dumplings, mac & cheese, and fried catfish. Vegans, don’t despair, there’s a place for you too - The Southern V is a black-owned business serving up 100% plant-based soul food in the heart of the city.
Street signs in Nashville, Tennessee
We’ve all been there – you’ve narrowed down the places to visit in the US to your dream destination, but now you’ve got the struggle of finding accommodation. At Plum, our home critics have done the hard work for you, and we can promise you they’re very discerning; only 3% of homes pass our tests, so when you book with us you know you’re getting the best.
