The USA has many beautiful cities. Indeed, tourists fall in love with American cities for a number of different reasons as they all have distinctive qualities of their own. Here to help you plan your next visit, are the 26 most beautiful cities in the USA.
The 26 Most Beautiful Cities In The USA
1. Washington DC
First on the list, is the nation’s capital, Washington DC. Here in the heart of the country’s government, you will find a number of beautiful national monuments. Highlights here include the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the National World War II Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and the National Arboretum pillars. Many of the neighborhoods here feature attractive rows of brick houses. The best time to visit is between March and April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
2. Burlington, Vermont
Burlington is the largest city in the entire state. It is also a surprisingly lively city that stretches from lovely Lake Champlain to the verdant backcountry forests. In fact, the city often slots in as one of the best cities in the Northeast as well.
Burlington also often scores as being a great place for a romantic couples’ getaway. Tourists and locals alike praise its breweries and assorted eateries. Other highlights here include the Church Street Marketplace and wonderful Waterfront Park.
3. San Antonio, Texas
Regular readers may already know San Antonio is more than just the home of the world-famous Alamo and the Alamo Museum. This beautiful city offers arts and culture too. Once a Spanish colonial outpost, it features outstanding Spanish architecture, and the impressive San Antonio Missions too. Other striking worthwhile attractions include The Natural Bridge Caverns, historic King William Street, the popular San Antonio River Walk, the McNay Art Museum Courtyard, the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, and the San Antonio Museum of Art, filled with attractive Latin art.
4. San Diego, California
San Diego is a city that is not only beautiful but also rife with culture. It has a festive culture that is due to its Mexican roots. Here you can enjoy a little stroll through popular Balboa Park,
Go swimming, walk on the beach, or just soak up some sun at beautiful Pacific Beach. When you have enough Vitamin D, enjoy a cocktail at one of the bars then dine at one of the beach-proximate restaurants. Your best time to visit depends on your interests. San Diego holds culinary, film, music, visual arts, theater, and other seasonal festivals throughout the year.
5. Honolulu, Hawaii
Next on our list of most beautiful cities is the state capital, Honolulu. (In English, Honolulu roughly translates to “calm port” or “sheltered harbor.” Many travelers visit this most populous place on the isle of Oahu for its beautiful beaches which come complete with comparatively calm water, fine, warm sand, and stunning sunsets.
Waikiki Beach is considered one of the island’s best beaches. It spans a distance of five miles which makes it one of the city’s longest beaches too. The gentle waters here are a great place to learn how to scuba dive or surf as well.
6. Salt Lake City, Utah
If you’re into snow, the surprisingly beautiful city of Salt Lake City is perhaps best visited in the winter. For it is then that you can go skiing in the nearby majestic mountains. The valleys and the views make this city amazing. It’s reportedly one of the best places in the country for a winter vacation.
Don’t like the snow? It’s okay. There are pretty places to enjoy there all year long. Don’t miss the Red Butte Garden, Big Cottonwood Canyon, This Is The Place Heritage Park, and Ensign Peak Park either!
7. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is not only beautiful, but it is also significant in terms of culture and music history. Indeed, this city is the birthplace of jazz music. Walk down Bourbon Street and you will find any number of clubs, pretty public parks, and even streets alive with music.
The magnificent architecture here is a blend of African and French cultures. It is both colorful and unique. If you have never experienced Mardi Gras, you’re missing out on the world-famous, traditional excitement. You can appreciate the aesthetics and the excitement in one trip.
8. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is North Carolina’s most populous city and more importantly, has its own individualistic beauty. It’s located at the confluence of the Swannanoa and French Broad rivers on the edge of the stunning Great Smoky Mountains not far from the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you’re not into snow and winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding, you may want to visit another season. Regardless, highlights here include its well-known farm-to-table restaurants, interesting art galleries, impressive architecture, Biltmore Mansion, the Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina Arboretum, and craft breweries.
9. Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City is generally underrated when it comes to beautiful cities. Nevertheless, it has its own memorable sense of urban beauty. Also on our list of best weekend getaways, it features numerous architectural attractions and many museums.
Be sure to check out the Rookery Building, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Lincoln Park Zoo, the awesome Aquae, the Cloud Gate, a.k.a. “The Bean”, in Millennial Park, and all the assorted eateries and attractions at the Navy Pier. Feeling energetic? Go bicycling along Milwaukee Avenue!
10. Charleston, South Carolina
Charming Charleston follows on our list of the most beautiful cities. This historic city harkens back to 1670. Also the state’s largest city, it is known for its noteworthy architecture, various historic landmarks, and lovely, down-home charm.
Accented by architecture from the 1800s, it includes cozy cobblestone streets lined with street lanterns. See famous Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began. Other points of interest are pretty Rainbow Row, the Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, and Waterfront Park near Charleston Harbor. Enjoy a meal at the award-winning restaurant, FIG, and bed down at the worthy Wentworth Mansion.
11. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs, nestled before a magnificent mountain range, is yet another of the most beautiful cities in America. Veteran visitors praise this city for its hiking trails, mountain ranges, verdant valleys, and beautiful sunsets. Be sure to visit the well-known large, lush public park known as Garden of the Gods Park. Saddle up a horse or pile into a jeep and head out to explore the numerous rugged peaks, rolling hills, and grassy acres. Don’t miss Pike’s Peak, the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
12. San Francisco, California
San Francisco’s beauty encompasses a number of different unforgettable landmarks that are honestly appreciated by tourists and residents alike. Bask in the man-made splendor of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf and see sea lions.
Lunch at a restaurant on Pier 39, Tour the former prison, Alcatraz Island, and enjoy the views of the city. Shop in the famous old chocolate factory found in Ghirardelli Square on Van Ness Avenue. Take in the popular “Painted Ladies,” colorful Victorian townhouses amidst the towering city skyscrapers, and cruise Lombard Street too.
13. Key West, Florida
You can’t have a list of beautiful cities without sunny Key West. Situated on an island known for its Cuban culture, this beach town is accented by Cuban architecture, nightlife, and neighborhoods. It includes some of the state’s best beaches and beautiful sunsets.
Smathers Beach is exceptional for surfing and parasailing. If you have an interest in architecture but want to have fun as well then head for Duval Street. Not only is it fairly filled with examples of Cuban architecture, but it is also where you’ll find numerous bars and clubs. Be sure to stop in at The Green Parrot!
14. Hilo, Hawaii
All of Hawaii is beautiful so how could its cities not be? Hilo, however, is often ignored by many travel writers despite its beautiful parks, gorgeous gardens, and wondrous waterfalls. Located on the Big Island, one of Hilo’s beautiful waterfalls is named Rainbow Falls.
This memorable waterfall is 80 feet tall and is thus named because people frequently see little in the mist created by the waterfall. If you enjoy gorgeous greenery, be sure to pay a visit to lovely Liliʻuokalani Gardens. It’s a serene Japanese garden that comes complete with fish ponds, rock gardens, and even an attractive Japanese-style bench.
15. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is fairly famous for being the true birthplace of American democracy. Philly is fairly filled full of memorable museums, exceptional architecture, and historical sites. Indeed, the city is a marvelous melding of historic and modern buildings. There’s Independence Hall, Peddler’s Village, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts,
the Kimmel Centre, the Liberty Bell Center, South Street, the Longwood Gardens, with its lights and giant tree house, and Elfreth’s Alley, the officially “oldest continuously inhabited residential street” in the country. Sample a cheesesteak and soft pretzel at Reading Terminal Market too!
16. New York City, New York
Would you like to wake up in “the city that never sleeps”? New York City features a magnificent skyline, iconic tourist attractions, cultural diversity, assorted ethnic eateries, notorious nightclubs, and more. The architecture is awesome.
Highlights here include Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, the Guggenheim Museum, Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Times Square, Watkins Glen State Park, Sonnenberg Gardens, Rockefeller Center, and Mansion State Historic Park. Don’t forget the Empire State Building either! It offers visitors exceptionally beautiful views at sunset.
17. Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is well-known for its ruggedly beautiful coastline. This city features several beautiful beaches complete with warm sand, swaying palm trees, and stunning sunsets. Indeed, Butterfly Beach is particularly gorgeous.
It’s popular with the locals, travelers, and even some celebrities. Enjoy a cocktail, soak up some sun, and relax. Stroll the palm-tree-lined streets and take in the quaint boutique shops and Spanish-inspired architecture.
You’ll discover an amicable sense of community as you wander through the neighborhoods. Some travel bloggers say that Santa Barbara is one of the best cities to visit in the entire state and call it “one of the prettiest” cities on the coast.
18. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is nigh-famous for its beautiful Georgian-style architecture, popular art scene, and significant history. Walk down quaint cobblestone streets, ride in a horse-drawn carriage, and see the authentic antebellum architecture. Check out the beautiful dome-like Savannah City Hall, and enjoy the Savannah Art Walk. Explore the different art galleries around the city’s numerous historic attractions. Walk down River Street along the sparkling waterfront and visit Forsyth Park. See the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and the SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) too.
19. Seattle, Washington
Seattle offers excellent views of Puget Sound. It’s reportedly not only one of the country’s most beautiful cities but also one of the officially “most liked cities” too. If you’re a film buff, visit during the Seattle International Film Festival. If you’re a foodie, get here in time for Oktoberfest.
Seattle is famous for the birth of the Starbucks coffee franchise and the world-famous grunge rock band Nirvana. Check out Discovery Park, Pike Place Market, the Chihuly Garden, and Glass, Visit the Space Needle at sunset for the best views ever!
20. Sedona, Arizona
The city of Sedona is ruggedly beautiful. Its scarlet stones are a major draw to tourists. They take visitors back to the days of the ol’ wild west. If you enjoy the great outdoors or are big on hiking, Sedona should be on your bucket list. Here you can take a wine tour, go bicycling, kayaking, and stargazing on the rocks. Check out the rock art sites, the sacred vortexes, the Sedona Airport Overlook, the Sedona Heritage Museum, and Native American ruins as well.
21. Seward, Alaska
Don’t underestimate the beauty of the small city of Seward. It is stunning. It is perhaps best known for its charming small-town ambiance, beautiful scenery, and noteworthy fishing spots.
You’ll enjoy the sight of its great glaciers, rushing rivers, and snow-capped mighty mountains. Visit the Resurrection River which flows from the Kenai Mountains. Fishermen love to fish for salmon here! If you prefer larger water-dwellers, sign on for an Orca Quest Cruise. More adventurous travelers may want to try a little ice hiking as well.
22. Newport, Rhode Island
The port town of Newport is not only the state’s most beautiful city but it also slots in as one of the nation’s “prettiest seaside cities.” It offers visitors a marvelous view of the Atlantic Ocean. Travelers who have their sea legs will surely enjoy sailing here as well. While you’re there be sure to check out all the opulent Gilded Age mansions too. Other highlights here include Bowen’s Wharf, the White Horse Tavern, and the Audrain Auto Museum. Hike the Cliff Walk trail too!
23. Madison, Wisconsin
You might be surprised to hear that one of the things that makes Madison one of the most beautiful cities in the USA is not only its natural beauty but its fine examples of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture.
Madison is nestled between Mendota and Monona Lakes. It features attractive trails that are great for both hiking and biking. Locals and tourists alike love the great farmer markets found here too. Be sure to check out the Olbrich Botanical Gardens and visit Lake Kegonsa State Park too.
24. Morrison, Colorado
The pretty city of Morrison is perhaps most famous for the popular Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. This incredible music theater is thus named because it was actually constructed of red rocks. This is a great city for outdoor activities as well.
One popular stop here is Dinosaur Ridge, where you can explore places previously occupied by a number of different dinosaurs. Other places to see include Morrison Natural History Museum, the lovely Lair O’ the Bear Park, and the fun-filled Tiny Town.
25. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Coeur d’Alene is overflowing with natural beauty. You really must see the large and lovely Lake Coeur d’Alene. You will discover numerous hiking trails, such as the popular North Idaho Centennial Trail, and different campsites around the lake. Here you can engage in different watersports from swimming and kayaking to parasailing and jet skiing. Other highlights here include Harriman State ParkHarriman State Park, the impressive Coeur d’Alene Public Library, Devin Galleries, the Museum of North Idaho, the Coeur d’Alene Masonic Temple, and The Art Spirit Gallery.
26. Cleveland, Ohio
Last but not least is the perhaps surprising inclusion of Cleveland. Ah, but the truth is Cleveland rocks. After all, it is here you will find the famous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the museum dedicated to rock and roll music history. Looking for natural beauty? Check out adjacent Lake Erie. You should also see Edgewater Park, The Fountain of Eternal Life, The Arcade, Maltz Center for the Performing Arts, Cleveland Metroparks, Hope Memorial Bridge, the West Side Market, and even the historic Lakeview Cemetery.