Every January, The New York Times releases its 52 Places to Go, a curated list of top picks for global travel in the new year selected by an all-star roster of travel writers. This year’s list is a hot one and jam packed with iconic destinations, especially some great domestic choices that are ideal for RV travel! Check out the seven U.S. destinations recommended below. Exploration is endless, so pack up your tribe and hit the road in your recreational vehicle of choice! Before you go, be sure to stock up on RVbyLIFE’s RV care and maintenance products to keep your rig in tip-top shape!
Seven U.S. Destinations Recommended in The New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2020
#1 Washington, D.C.
Our nation’s capital leads the charge as the number one pick on the list to travel to in 2020. Monuments and museums abound, but maybe one of the lesser known facts about D.C. is that it has a hot dining scene, burgeoning with top-rate establishments, eclectic eateries and everything in between. Considering where to park your RV is important, so plan ahead and think of where you want to visit before you commit. Travel Tip: Union Station Parking Garage offers parking for any size RV with advanced reservation. Oversized vehicles with extended height can be accommodated as well. Email your arrival/departure dates, time and names on the permit to businfo@uspgllc.com to reserve a spot!
#6 Paso Robles, California
Move over, Napa! The Central Coast is hot when it comes to wine, especially for varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Chardonnay. Paso Robles in the heart of the Central Coast is conveniently situated about 3.5 hours from San Francisco and Los Angeles, and only 45 minutes from the Hearst Castle. Not only a great wine destination, Paso has something to offer for all ages, with its museums, art installations, olive oil tastings, natural hot springs, sightseeing, and so much more! Travel Tip: Numerous RV parks and campgrounds abound. Check out these three recommendations from Travel Paso, or search for one that suits your needs.
#13 Colorado Springs, Colorado
The Centennial state’s second largest city located just over an hour’s drive south of Denver, Colorado Springs draws a crowd, be it for Colorado College hockey games, great boutique shopping and dining, or for the grandiose Broadmoor resort. Kick up your cowboy (or girl!) boots and hit the town! Top sites include the Garden of the Gods, a public park with National Natural Landmark status featuring stunning rock formations and epic views of Pikes Peak, and the soon-to-open United States Olympic & Paralympic Digital Museum. Travel Tip: Designed by the same architects behind the renovations of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and The High Line in New York City, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the museum’s exhibits will honor those who have competed for Team U.S.A. Not sure where to park or camp? Visit Colorado Springs offers a handy list!
#19 Grand Isle, Louisiana
What could be the polar opposite of New Orleans now has a name – Grand Isle, Louisiana. Situated on a swath of land forming an eight-mile long barrier island shielding mainland Louisiana from the Gulf of Mexico, Grand Isle is a fishing and birding oasis drawing thousands of visitors a year, especially during the annual Migratory Bird Festival in mid-April. As with all barrier islands, their fragile ecosystem changes with the tide, and Grand Isle is slowly losing ground, literally. Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island with a rich history dating back to 1780, today approximately 1,500 locals call it home. They are not alone, however, as over 12,000 visitors come to the tiny island annually! RV travel to the isle is welcome so take the whole family out to explore what seems like the edge of the world. Travel Tip: Looking for a place to park? The Town of Grand Isle lists a number of RV parks to choose from!
#27 Austin, Texas
As the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin is more than a stopover on the festival circuit. With the iconic South by Southwest Festival in mid-March and Austin City Limits in early October drawing huge crowds, the food and art scenes are equally exploding. Worth a detour is the 70th annual Art City Austin at Republic Square happening in mid-April. RVing throughout the Lone Star State is a breeze as Texas is home to numerous campsites, and with the famed Texas Hill Country only about an hour outside of Austin, you can get your fix of city life then take the crew out to the hills! Travel Tip: Austin has the largest population of urban-dwelling bats in the world (1.5 million, to be exact) that live under Congress Avenue Bridge, hence its popular moniker, Bat City! Bat watching is a popular sight-seeing activity for many visitors.
#39 Richmond, Virginia
Richmond is having a renaissance, with its arts, culture, food, and shopping scene. A hipster revolution? Maybe, but Richmond offers a little something for everyone, from history buffs, to foodies, to fashionistas. Situated about an hour’s drive from Charlottesville and Williamsburg, and a two-hour drive from Virginia Beach, Richmond lies off of I-95, which conveniently connects Virginia’s capital with the entire eastern seaboard. Cruise down Monument Avenue, or stash your RV at one of the numerous area parks and Lyft or Uber it downtown. What’s more, the trendy area Scott’s Addition offers popular brunch eateries sprouting up everywhere (Travel Tip: try Lunch.Supper! for great fare) as well as a bevy of breweries, distilleries, bars, and more. There is literally something for everyone to see and do in this historic town.
#52 Glacier National Park and Whitefish, Montana
In the heart of Montana’s stretch of Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park boasts over 700 miles of trails and pristine high country wilderness as far as the eye can see. Located near West Glacier and about 39 minutes from Whitefish, getting to the park is your first task but once you’re there, the natural splendor will take your breath away. The 10th most visited national park, RVs up to a certain size are allowed, however some campsites have size restrictions, so best to do your homework beforehand. Numerous campsites outside of the park also exist. Travel Tip: Fish Creek, St. Mary, Apgar Group Sites, and Many Glacier are the only four campsites within the park that accept advance reservations, which can be made at www.recreation.gov. Check seasonal availability and vehicle length requirements before booking.
