The year 2026 is shaping up to be a big one for travel. The United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary, the FIFA World Cup will take over stadiums across North America, and several new attractions will open across the region.
From mountain trails and coastal escapes to cities reinventing themselves, there’s something new to explore everywhere. Here’s a look at some of the best places to visit in North America and the Caribbean in 2026, as flagged by CNTraveler — a mix of history, nature, and fresh adventure.
1. Arkansas
Known as the Natural State, Arkansas is fast becoming a paradise for outdoor lovers. In 2026, it will take mountain biking to the next level with new lift-served bike parks and scenic hiking routes along the Mississippi River.
Highlights:
- The Trails at Mena Project will be the largest lift-served mountain bike park in the world, with over 100 miles of trails.
- OZ Trails Bike Park in Bella Vista will feature a high-speed chairlift and miles of downhill trails.
- The Delta Heritage Trail will expand to over 80 miles, offering paths for both cyclists and hikers.
- Indoors, don’t miss the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which recently added new galleries.
2. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is preparing for a big year. As one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it will also play a major part in America’s 250th birthday celebrations. It’s the perfect blend of old history and new energy.
Highlights:
- Sail Boston 2026, when tall ships from around the world fill the harbor.
- Exciting World Cup matches are bringing global fans to the city.
- Fresh dining spots like Comfort Kitchen and Row 34 showcase Boston’s diverse food scene.
- New hotels, like the Atlas Hotel in Allston, are helping shift the city’s center of activity.
3. Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is making a big comeback. Once an industrial city, it’s now full of creative energy, green parks, and renewed pride in its rich architecture.
Highlights:
- The opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Park links neighborhoods to the waterfront.
- A new Highmark Stadium for the Buffalo Bills, featuring a heated roof.
- The Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff visitor center add cultural depth.
- New public spaces make Buffalo’s waterfront a great place to walk, cycle, and relax.
4. Catalina Island, California
Just an hour off the coast of Los Angeles, Catalina Island has long been a favorite escape. In 2026, it will celebrate 100 years as a resort destination, offering a mix of glamour, nature, and nostalgia.
Highlights:
- The historic Catalina Casino still shines with its Art Deco charm.
- Hike the 38-mile Trans-Catalina Trail for ocean views and wild bison sightings.
- Snorkel or kayak through clear waters at Lover’s Cove Marine Reserve.
- Stay at Mt Ada, once William Wrigley Jr.’s mansion, now a stylish boutique hotel.
5. Deer Valley, Utah
Deer Valley is known for world-class skiing and luxury lodges. 2026 will mark a major transition — the last Sundance Film Festival in Utah and the largest ski expansion in North American history.
Highlights:
- The Expanded Excellence project will more than double the ski area to 4,300 acres.
- New lifts, hotels, and restaurants are part of the East Village expansion.
- The Grand Hyatt Deer Valley and Canopy by Hilton are ideal for luxury stays.
- Celebrate the end of an era with Sundance’s final festival in Park City.
6. East Coast, Barbados
Barbados has always been a Caribbean favorite, but its rugged east coast is now gaining attention for travelers who want nature and peace instead of crowds.
Highlights:
- New direct flights from Atlanta and Amsterdam make getting there easier.
- The East Resort, a new villa-style property, adds luxury to this wild coastline.
- Surf world-famous waves at Bathsheba’s Soup Bowl.
- Take the scenic Bath Beach to Bathsheba hike, tracing the island’s old coastal railway.
7. Guadalajara, Mexico
Known as the birthplace of mariachi and tequila, Guadalajara is ready to shine on the global stage in 2026 with a focus on art, culture, and female leadership.
Highlights:
- Host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches.
- The Guadalajara International Film Festival and Book Fair bring global attention.
- Visit Cerámica Suro to learn about local ceramic art from Juliana and José Suro.
- Dine at Xokol, where Chef Xrysw Ruelas celebrates traditional ingredients and women’s culinary heritage.
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8. Portland, Oregon
Portland has always been quirky, but now it’s transforming into a city of art, architecture, and food innovation. 2026 will bring several exciting new projects that highlight its creative side.
Highlights:
- The new Portland International Airport terminal was built with sustainable timber.
- The Portland Art Museum adds new galleries focused on Black artists.
- The long-awaited James Beard Public Market finally opens, showcasing local food producers.
- New sports energy with the Portland Fire, the city’s WNBA team.
9. Prince Edward County, Canada
Just a few hours from Toronto or Montreal, Prince Edward County (PEC) has become Canada’s rising wine region. It offers a peaceful countryside escape with excellent food and boutique stays.
Highlights:
- Boutique hotels like The Royal and Wander the Resort make PEC stylish yet laid-back.
- Family-run wineries like Closson Chase and Hinterland Wine Company produce top-notch wines.
- Farm-to-table restaurants such as Bocado and Darlings are drawing national attention.
- Outdoor lovers can go sailing or explore the lakeshore by bike.
10. Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Stretching along Mexico’s Pacific coast, Riviera Nayarit combines natural beauty with luxury. In 2026, it’s set to welcome new resorts and improved travel connections.
Highlights:
- A new airport terminal in Puerto Vallarta and improved highways cut travel time.
- High-end stays like Rosewood Mandarina and Ritz-Carlton Reserve Siari open their doors.
- Enjoy fine dining from chefs like Enrique Olvera at Carao and Daniela Soto-Innes at Rubra.
- The region’s long beaches and golden sunsets remain its biggest draw.
11. Route 66, USA (Bonus)
The famous Route 66—known as the Mother Road—turns 100 years old in 2026. The highway that once connected Chicago to Santa Monica is getting a major glow-up.
Highlights:
- Restored neon signs and diners light up cities like Albuquerque and Tulsa.
- Special celebrations across the route, including a classic car parade in Texas.
- Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in New Mexico for Indigenous history.
- A chance to experience old-school Americana mixed with modern storytelling.
Final Thoughts
The year 2026 will be full of travel milestones—from historic anniversaries to creative comebacks. Whether you’re chasing adventure in Arkansas, savoring seafood in Boston, or sipping wine in Prince Edward County, these destinations offer something special.
So pack your bags and get ready to celebrate history, culture, and the spirit of exploration—one stop at a time.
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