Brand USA Unveils Exciting New U.S. Travel Experiences for 2025 and Previews Major 2026 Events and Openings

Written By: Paramita Sarkar

Paramita Sarkar

Story-telling has been one of my favourite passtimes and when it is about travel, every other activity seems to fall short. I started my journey as a freelancer close to two decades ago having worked with various online portals inclduding Sambhar Stories, Thirllophilia and so on. Down the years, life has rewarded me with experiences, only adding to my writing practice. Even though teaching has been my primary profession and passion, choosing the job of a travel journalist was not quite dilemmatic when selected by the esteemed editorial team of Travel And Tour World. Knowing and letting readers know about the quaint yet intriguing desintions across the globe through writing is something I always cherish and put in my best endeavour to.

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May 26, 2025 1:13 AM

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The United States continues to evolve as a vibrant destination for global travelers, unveiling a wealth of new experiences, infrastructure, cultural milestones, and entertainment offerings for 2025 and beyond. Brand USA, the public-private partnership charged by the U.S. government with promoting international tourism, invites visitors worldwide to discover what’s new and exciting across the country—from bustling cities to scenic national parks, historic landmarks, and emerging travel hubs.

Fred Dixon, President and CEO of Brand USA, emphasizes the ongoing spirit of discovery in U.S. travel:
“There are so many reasons to visit the USA and even more reasons to return. Whether it’s a new attraction, a reimagined destination, or a once-in-a-lifetime event, the joy of traveling here comes from constant new experiences.”

This dynamic landscape is supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) and the National Park Service, which provide vital data and stewardship ensuring tourism growth aligns with sustainability and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Access: New Gateways and Expanded Connectivity

In 2025, travelers can look forward to new and improved access points facilitating exploration of the U.S.:

• Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF) in Alabama celebrates its inaugural commercial flight in May 2025. Managed under the Alabama Department of Transportation’s aeronautics division, GUF connects travelers from six U.S. cities, providing a direct gateway to Alabama’s Gulf Coast beaches and enhancing regional economic development.
• Los Angeles LAX/Metro Transit Center will open in June 2025, improving transit connectivity at one of the country’s busiest airports. The station will link key light rail lines (K Line and C Line) with the forthcoming LAX automated people mover, expected to launch in early 2026. These infrastructure upgrades are part of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (Metro) ongoing effort to reduce traffic congestion and increase public transit access.
• Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service, launching summer 2025, introduces twice-daily rail travel between New Orleans and Mobile, Mississippi, with stops in historic Gulf Coast towns. Supported by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), this service expands sustainable, scenic rail options and connects travelers to cultural hubs along the Mississippi coast.
• Cruise and Expedition Growth: American Cruise Lines will debut 50+ day river cruises in 2026, coinciding with the United States’ 250th anniversary. Additionally, Holland America’s new “28-Day Glaciers & Volcanoes” itinerary will sail from Alaska to Hawaii, showcasing U.S. natural wonders and boosting maritime tourism overseen by the U.S. Coast Guard and Maritime Administration.

Culinary Innovation and Recognition Across the U.S.

The United States’ culinary scene continues to grow in diversity and acclaim:

• The MICHELIN Guide expands its coverage to the American South, including rural Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Carolinas, reflecting the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) initiatives supporting regional food economies and sustainable agriculture.
• New food markets such as Madison Public Market in Wisconsin and the James Beard Public Market in Portland, Oregon, set to fully open in 2026, offer locally sourced foods and promote small business development with support from state economic development agencies.
• Cure Bar in New Orleans was named the best bar in the U.S. by Food & Wine magazine in 2025, highlighting the city’s vibrant hospitality sector, which is a key focus of Louisiana’s Office of Tourism.

Major Sporting Events Amplify U.S. Global Appeal

Sporting events are significant drivers of tourism and economic activity, supported by agencies like the U.S. Travel Association and local tourism offices:

• The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will feature an expanded 32-team tournament across 12 U.S. cities, including Miami and New York, demonstrating the nation’s capacity to host international sports events in partnership with the U.S. Soccer Federation.
• MLB All-Star Game 2025 will take place in Cobb County, Georgia, transforming Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta into vibrant fan zones.
• The 2025 Ryder Cup will be held at Bethpage Black Course, New York, showcasing world-class golf and attracting international visitors.
• Super Bowl LX (60) will be hosted at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara in February 2026, supported by the NFL and local government agencies, reinforcing the San Francisco Bay Area’s reputation for premier sports tourism.
• The 2026 World Baseball Classic returns to the U.S., with games in Houston, Miami, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, enhancing the Caribbean-American travel corridor.

New Attractions and Cultural Experiences Enrich U.S. Destinations

Brand USA showcases a range of new attractions:

• Disneyland Resort celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2025, a milestone supported by the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), emphasizing the park’s role in regional tourism.
• The Utah Film Trail invites visitors to explore iconic filming locations with physical markers supported by Utah’s Office of Tourism, promoting heritage tourism.
• Adirondack Rail Trail in New York opens as a scenic 34-mile path for walking and biking, developed in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
• Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe opens in May 2025, expanding Florida’s theme park offerings with immersive experiences, supported by the state’s tourism marketing programs.
• The upcoming Atlantic Park in Virginia Beach, a partnership involving native Pharrell Williams, blends entertainment, retail, and hospitality, with backing from the Virginia Tourism Corporation.
• The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, will offer historic driving experiences, celebrating America’s iconic highway under the stewardship of the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department.
• MegaZip in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, America’s longest zipline, highlights adventure tourism in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park region.

New Hotels and Luxury Accommodations

Several new hotel openings in 2025-2026 will enhance visitor experiences:

• The Printing House in Nashville revives a historic building with LEED certification, promoting sustainable tourism in Tennessee.
• The Waldorf Astoria New York reopens after restoration, blending heritage and luxury in Manhattan.
• Hotel del Coronado in San Diego completes its restoration phase, a project supported by California’s Office of Historic Preservation.
• Populus Seattle aims to be a carbon-positive hotel, aligning with Washington state’s sustainability goals.
• Other notable hotel projects include Denver’s Curtis Hotel renovation, Paso Robles’ Ava Hotel, and the One&Only Moonlight Basin Montana resort.

Celebrating Milestones: Anniversaries and Heritage in 2025

• Dollywood marks its 40th anniversary season, supported by Tennessee’s tourism promotion efforts.
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park celebrates 50 years, with the National Park Service coordinating special programming.
• Historic hotels such as Ashland Springs Hotel in Oregon and Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara celebrate centennials.
• Lexington, Kentucky, marks 250 years with a full slate of public cultural events.
• San Luis Obispo County commemorates 100 years since the opening of the world’s first motel.
• Lava Beds National Monument in California celebrates a century of conservation.

Wellness and Spa Innovations

Wellness tourism grows with new offerings like:

• Exhale at Thompson Central Park in New York City provides holistic spa and fitness services.
• Heritage Hotels & Resorts launches “The Heritage Retreat” across New Mexico’s spas.
• San Diego’s Spa at La Valencia Hotel is set for a mid-2025 opening with restorative treatments.

Arts, Culture, and Museums

Key cultural institutions debut or reopen:

• The Getty Villa Museum in Los Angeles reopens after renovations.
• Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center opens in San Diego.
• Miami Beach enhances its EXP Miami Beach Tours App with immersive cultural experiences.
• Columbus, Ohio introduces Prototype: The Experimental Museum.
• The Dataland Museum of AI Arts opens in Los Angeles.
• The Frick NYC completes a $220 million renovation.
• Rothko Pavilion enhances the Portland Art Museum experience.

Looking Forward to 2026: Landmark Celebrations and Events

• America 250, the official U.S. Semiquincentennial, will host nationwide celebrations highlighting history and culture.
• The historic Route 66 celebrates 100 years with road trip events.
• FIFA World Cup 2026 will span nearly a dozen U.S. cities, boosting international tourism and showcasing soccer’s growing popularity in America.
• The Vanderpump Hotel opens on the Las Vegas Strip, introducing new hospitality concepts.
• OCVibe in Orange County, California, debuts as a major entertainment district around the Honda Center.
• The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opens in North Dakota, offering immersive educational experiences.
• Columbus, Ohio marks the 150th anniversary of North Market with a major expansion.
• Michigan’s National Cherry Festival celebrates 100 years with large-scale public festivities.

Conclusion

As the United States welcomes travelers in 2025 and beyond, Brand USA’s extensive array of new airports, attractions, culinary destinations, cultural experiences, and sporting events offers something for every type of visitor. Supported by federal and state tourism agencies, infrastructure projects, and heritage programs, these developments ensure that the U.S. remains a leading global destination with a constantly evolving landscape of discovery.

Travelers can explore these opportunities while enjoying the rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty that make America uniquely inviting.