With 50 states, over 300 million people, and thousands of attractions to explore, including mountains, beaches, deserts, and cities, the question remains: where should you visit in the United States of America? Whether you are looking for sun-soaked beaches like the ones offered in Florida, the vibrant nightlife in California, or hidden cultural gems like the ones in the Midwest, there is something for everyone. For all those seeking a special place filled with culture, food, and sports, the Midwest of the United States is the best place in the world.
Miami: Sunshine and Style Year-Round
If your dream holiday involves endless summer, pristine beaches, and world-class food, Miami in Florida, is a must-visit. The southern town was the mecca for culture in the 1970s and 1980s. It is also known for its Art Deco architecture, lively Cuban influence due to the enormous number of people who fled the island following the communist invasion, and unmatched energy. The city offers a mix of luxury, featuring some of the most expensive car dealerships in the world, such as Bugatti and McLaren, alongside laid-back coastal vibes reminiscent of the Keys that lead to Key West. Travellers in Miami will love wandering along South Beach, discovering unique urban street art in Wynwood, and tucking into delicious dining options in Brickell.
Los Angeles: The City of Stars
When it comes to people looking for the glamour of celebrities, the city of Los Angeles is the place to be. Home to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and some of the most iconic landmarks in entertainment, LA combines culture, sunshine, and luxury. As the capital of both entertainment and sports, LA combines luxury with its love of sports to boast some of the most successful franchises in the world, including the LA Lakers in the NBA and the two-time World Series winners in a row, the Dodgers, in MLB. Tourists can walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, hike up to the Griffith Observatory, or relax on the beaches of Santa Monica and Malibu.
Kansas City: America’s Hidden Gem
If you want to discover one of the most underrated destinations in the United States, Kansas City in Missouri offers a rich blend of history as it was one of the country’s capitals during the expansion into the west during the 1800’s. Its a place of diverse culture, filled with captivating music and art, and delicious food. Located on the border between Kansas and Missouri, Kansas City is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the Midwest, with a population of just over two million people.
Founded in 1830 as a river port on the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas rivers, the city has evolved into a cultural hub. It is known for Kansas City jazz, its historical connection to the Vaudevillian Orpheum circuit, and its beloved sports teams—the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) and Kansas City Royals (MLB).
Revitalising Downtown Kansas City
In the past 20 years, Kansas City seemed to have deteriorated due to its harsh winters, and it started showing its age, so it has undergone a massive $6 billion renovation aimed at improving downtown infrastructure and reviving local business activity. The goal was to attract new residents, conventions, and entertainment opportunities. One of the major highlights of this revitalisation is the Sprint Center, an 18,700-seat arena opened in 2007, built with the hope of attracting an NBA or NHL franchise.
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs Dynasty
During the 2010s, the Kansas City Chiefs were rarely considered true Super Bowl contenders. However, a career-altering injury to quarterback Alex Smith opened the door for a little-known rookie—Patrick Mahomes—to take centre stage. Alongside the fiancée of pop sensation Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Mahomes would soon transform the team into an NFL powerhouse.
After leaving the Philadelphia Eagles, head coach Andy Reid brought his leadership to Kansas City, igniting one of football’s greatest modern dynasties. In 2019, the Chiefs won Super Bowl LIV, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 31–20. They returned in 2020 but fell to Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31–9, but were successful once again in 2022 against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. Then, in 2024, they secured another title, edging out the 49ers 25–22 in overtime at Super Bowl LVIII.
Four Super Bowl appearances and three championships in five years cemented the Chiefs as one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history. Under coach Andy Reid’s guidance and Mahomes’ brilliance, which is getting dangerously close to Tom Brady’s legacy, Kansas City recorded a 15–2 season in 2024, proving their dominance yet again. This incredible run has made the Chiefs the pride of Missouri—and its betting apps in Missouri often provide exclusive promotions every game week.
The Art of Kansas City Barbecue
When it comes to barbecue, few places can compete with Kansas City’s smoky perfection. From tender ribs to slow-cooked brisket, barbecue here is a culinary art form. The process combines the patience of Southern pitmasters with bold Midwestern flavours.
While Carolina BBQ features tangy mustard-based sauces and Texas BBQ leans toward sweet, tomato-based marinades, Kansas City–style barbecue is known for its rich, smoky sweetness and wide variety of meats. The famous St. Louis-style ribs, trimmed to a uniform rectangular shape, have become a staple of Kansas City’s food culture—offering a perfect balance of flavour, tenderness, and tradition. This cut of meat will always be linked with the city; it is meticulously prepared, and it transforms the regular traditional spare rib into something more manageable, presentable, and palatable. But it is more than just a cut of meat. It is a symbol of innovation and resourcefulness, a testament to St. Louis’s ingenuity in turning a less desirable cut into a delicacy worldwide. This, plus the countless options of BBQ sauces, makes this place a must for all those BBQ lovers.
Final Thoughts
So, whether you’re a “swiftie” and just want to see Travis Kelce play his final seasons in the NFL, or you fancy tucking into some of the best ribs in the world, the American Midwest has something to offer every type of traveller. You could come for the captivating sport and the jazz that easily competes with that of Frenchman Street in New Orleans, but you’ll stay for the warm culture, local flavours, and alluring passion that leaves visitors with unforgettable memories of a true Midwestern adventure.
