If you’re a basketball fan and love taking in new sights, sounds and cultures (and with NBA 2025 well underway), you’ve got months to get planning your travel diary and to start exploring some of America’s biggest basketball cities.
So, to help kickstart your itinerary, we’ve lined up a few NBA hotspots to tour while you enjoy a game or two along the way. Why not make 2025 the year you leave the couch behind and start enjoying some world-class basketball action from the courtside?
Here are our picks of US cities to explore while the NBA season really starts getting underway.
Los Angeles, California
This list really wouldn’t be complete without mentioning LA in one way or another, and as an NBA watcher, you’ve got a choice of home matches here played by the Clippers and the Lakers. And, if you go and watch the Lakers, there’s a good chance that you’ll get to see King James in action – a dream for lots of basketball fans.
LA is one of the best-known cities in the US for a reason – it’s the heart of Tinseltown. Go ahead and explore some Hollywood history, the walk of fame and more – but be prepared to dig deep, because things aren’t always so cheap out here!
If you want to check out some of the big games coming up for both the Lakers and the Clippers, Oddschecker has a great resource (www.oddschecker.com/us/basketball/nba) along with game odds.
Denver, Colorado
Denver is an amazing city to explore in its own right thanks to its majestic mountains and the fact that it’s home to the Nuggets and its spectacular Ball Arena. Once you’ve had your fill of the park walks and mountaineering around the outside of the city, get stuck into some basketball action with a stadium that has reportedly got some of the best views of the game.
Home to beer trails and winter sports fun outside of the stadium, Denver is a thriving city with lots to offer for non-NBA fans, but plenty more for those who want to get courtside.
New York City, New York
NYC is, again, another big US landmark that welcomes millions of people every year on sheer reputation alone. However, it’s also a genuine hotspot for some major basketball action due to the fact that it’s home to the iconic Madison Square Garden.
It’s here where fans will be able to get courtside to watch some NY Knicks games – and, when you’re not taking in some world-class shooting, you might want to stretch your legs and explore the likes of the Guggenheim Museum, Central Park, Coney Island and the Bronx Zoo.
Of course, with a city as big and bustling as NYC, it’s always important to stay safe if you’re traveling solo.
Phoenix, Arizona
Lastly, if you prefer your basketball days out to be warm rather than chilly, consider checking out the Footprint Arena in Phoenix, where you can check out some Suns games as the NBA calendar continues. The city is pretty warm all year round, meaning that it’s a world away from the chill factor up in Denver.
What’s more, compared to the likes of trips around NYC and LA, you’re likely to spend quite a bit less on travel and tourism here.
Naturally, there are lots more NBA cities to explore – these are just some of our favorites! Start building your travel timetable and see how many big stars you can spot while you’re at it!
By Amey MyersAmey, an intrepid traveler and avid blogger, roams the world, absorbing diverse cultures, flavors, and experiences. Her writing captures the essence of her adventures, inspiring others to explore. Amey's infectious passion for travel and storytelling epitomizes a life filled with exploration and adventure.
