Everyone knows that the United States has breathtaking National parks. On the other hand, not everyone knows how many cities in the US are brimming with culture, entertainment, and mouthwatering food. This is my list of the top 10 cities in the USA to visit.
1. Honolulu, Hawaii
Dreamy sunsets, colorful rainbows, soft sand, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and a chill atmosphere. There is not a place in the world that can make you feel so at peace with yourself and the world around you.
Spend time on the beach soaking up the sun’s rays, take a surfing class, snorkel the bright blue waters, hike Diamond Head, visit the Bishop museum or Pearl Harbor, spend time at a luau, and explore the streets at night. These are some of the top things to do here. When you visit, please be supportive and respect the locals.
If you would like to read more about Oahu and Honolulu, please take a look at my guide down below.
What to do in Oahu? Perfect 3 Day Guide – Venture with a Ginger
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
Known for Mardi Gras, Jazz, Cajun cooking, the bayous, and voodoo, this city has it all. Take a tour of the city by hearing all of the infamous murders and haunted happenings, go bar hopping to hear different bands play, try all the Cajun/ Creole dishes in town, look for gators in the bayous, and check out a few cemeteries.
The tours I recommend are in the article below.
The Best Tours in Mysterious New Orleans – Venture with a Ginger
3. Boston, Massachusetts
One of the oldest cities in the United States, this city has class. Go in Autumn and relish in the brightly colored leaves. See humpback whales, May through October, in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
Make sure to take a walking tour to see all the historical sites and to walk through a part of American history. This includes seeing where the Boston massacre took place and strolling through the Boston Tea party museum.
4. San Diego, California
Go to sunset cliffs and watch the sun go down over the horizon, see the sea lions near La Jolla, peer at the different tide pools full of fascinating creatures, look in the hippie shops at Ocean Beach, walk through the Japanese botanical garden, and visit the San Diego Zoo. This only scratches the surface of all the fun that is to be had here.
5. San Francisco, California
Possibly the most romantic city in the United States there is much sightseeing to do here. You must check out the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, picnic in front of the grand Palace of Fine Arts, take a boat ride to Alcatraz, eat chocolate at Ghirardelli, and wander through Golden Gate Park.
Here is my guide on what to see in San Francisco.
A Guide on What to do in San Francisco – Venture with a Ginger
6. Seattle, Washington
Home of grunge, Starbucks, and Amazon this city has always been up and coming when it comes to groundbreaking ideas.
You must explore the coffee scene, see the fish throwing at Pike Place Market, go museum hopping, look at the views from the Space Needle, try glass blowing, and go underground to see the old Seattle.
It is also popular to go outside the big city and visit Olympic National Park and Mt Rainier.
7. Las Vegas, Nevada
A bunch of resorts set out in the middle of the desert; Vegas is an oasis for the luxurious. Most think about the crazy partying and blowing thousands of dollars on the slots. But Vegas offers so much more.
Fly a Stunt Plane, jump off the Strat, learn at the Mob Museum or get spooked at Zak Bagan’s haunted museum, ride down the canals, and dine at Blackout (a restaurant that is completely dark and heightens your senses while you eat.)
8. New York
The Big Apple. You may think Broadway, Statue of Liberty, maybe even Jimmy Fallon, either way they are all iconic. You must take the ferry to see Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. See the skyline by going up the Emperor State building. Catch a show such as The Lion King on Broadway. Shop for goods on China Street. Get your portrait drawn by a street artist. Pay your respects at the 9/11 memorial. Then my personal favorite: go to all the Home Alone sites such as The Plaza Hotel and the toy store that inspired Duncans Toy Chest.
Whatever you decide to do here, it will be something worth writing home about.
9. Anchorage, Alaska
This may come as a surprise to many. It’s not your typical big city and that is exactly why it is on my list. This city is surrounded by nature and has many animal residents that come and visit. It is known for its population of bears and moose.
Bike ride the coast on the Tommy Knowles Coast Trail. It stretches 11 miles and makes you feel like you are truly in the wilderness. Spot the Beluga whales coming up while you are at it. The season is May through September when they are following the salmon. See the beautiful Alaska Botanical Garden. Learn indigenous history in the Anchorage Museum and scavenger hunt for all the statues and street art that is around the city.
It is also a quick uber ride to Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary. If you are lucky, you will spot a moose here.
10. Orlando, Florida
The perfect family friendly destination. Home to two of the greatest theme parks that exist. The magical Disney World and the thrilling Universal Studios, you could plan your whole vacation just around these. But there is also Legoland, Wonderworks, The Crayola Experience, and multiple waterparks that you can spend hours on too. No matter what you do, it will be a trip filled with fun memories, especially if you have children.
Honorable Mentions:
1.Washington D.C.
This is a given when it comes to exploring museums and important US history sites such as the White House. I have personally not been here yet so that is why I did not include it on my list.
2. Portland, Maine
Quaint city on the Atlantic coast, it is fun to go sailing, lighthouse hopping, and seafood eating (particularly lobster.)
3. Memphis, Tennessee
Known as the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll, this city has Graceland, Sun Studio, and a plethora of museums that discuss the Civil Rights movement and the history of music.