30 Most Beautiful Cities In The U.S.

By Geraldine Orentas
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Samantha Allen Editor
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The United States is a beautiful nation, filled with cities and towns that have distinct and different characteristics. Each of them is uniquely beautiful in its own way. From America’s pastures and farmland to breathtaking waterfalls, majestic mountains and even deserts, these are some of the most beautiful cities in the US.

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1. Charleston, South Carolina

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Charleston is by far one of the most beautiful cities in the US. Pastel-painted houses line the cobblestone streets, while colossal oak trees with Spanish moss set the scene. One of the biggest allures of this city is that it’s very compact and easy to explore on foot. The French Quarter and Battery districts are all about Southern history and grand former plantations respectfully tell the story of the city’s slave-era past.

Can’t miss places in Charleston: Aiken-Rhett House Museum, Cathedral of Saint John the Baptists, The Charleston Harbor.

2. Savannah, Georgia

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Savannah’s cobblestone streets lined with haunted architecture takes you back to the early 1700s. The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) brings modernism and creativity to the city.

Can’t miss places in Savannah: Forsyth Park, First African Baptist Church, Historic District.

3. Seattle, Washington

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Seattle is known for its coffee culture and breathtaking nature. The Emerald City offers a full-on city with skyscrapers and must-see landmarks sandwiched between cascade mountains, lakes and the glory of the Pacific Northwest.

Can’t miss places in Seattle: Pike Place Market, The Seattle Center, Space Needle.

4. Anchorage, Alaska

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For adventure seekers, Anchorage is home to whale- and salmon-rich waters, moose grazing and the Alaska Railroad. Best known for its wildlife, nature trails and glaciers, the city is also the cultural soul of Alaska. The city is home to many artists and musicians, serving warm hospitality everywhere you go.

Can’t miss places in Anchorage: Chugach State Park, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Portage Glacier.

5. Chicago, Illinois

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Chicago is a skyscraper cityscape right next to Lake Michigan. The windy city is well-known for its Art Deco buildings that date back to the 1920s. The city life is clustered by Magnificent Mile, while the city boasts plenty of green life by Millenium Park and you can always feel in a different place when you stop by any of Chicago’s beaches.

Can’t miss places in Chicago: Millennium Park, Field Museum, Buckingham Fountain.

6. Honolulu, Hawaii

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While every island in Hawaii has its charm, Honolulu offers a beautiful coast, unique flora and fauna, all with bustling city life in the background. Picture a breathtaking beach with white sand and sleek high-rise hotels overlooking the coast; that’s Honolulu. Perfect for anyone looking for adventure, relaxing, or exploring new cities.

Can’t miss places in Honolulu: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Diamond Head, Iolani Palace.

7. Las Vegas, Nevada

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Las Vegas is much more than casinos and larger-than-life hotels. Las Vegas is considered the brightest spot on earth, with millions of lights. A few miles away from the famed Strip, you can see the Hoover Dam, the Red Rock Canyon, or any less-touristy activities around the city.

Can’t miss places in Las Vegas: The Vegas Strip, Fremont Street (Old Vegas), Foreign Cities.

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8. New York City, New York

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There’s no other city like New York City. A melting pot of cultures from all over the world, a stroll down any street in New York City is always a fascinating experience. From classic Art Deco buildings in The Bronx to futuristic and engineering-defiant buildings downtown, New York is home to some of the most beautiful spaces. Whether you’re relaxing by Central Park, learning about other cultures by SoHo, or exploring the financial district on Wall Street, there’s so much culture, history and things to see in the city.

Can’t miss places in New York City: The Statue of Liberty, Broadway, Central Park.

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9. Asheville, North Carolina

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Asheville is an outdoor haven surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city is known for its many hiking trails, waterfalls and parks. Asheville is also home to the largest home in the country – the Biltmore Estate, which currently operates as a resort. It’s also known for its craft beer scene and charming architecture.

Can’t miss places in Asheville: Biltmore Park, Black Mountain, River Arts District.

10. Boston, Massachusetts

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From historical facades to scenic views of the Charles River, Boston is a hotspot for cultural spots. Boston is known for its clam chowder and the Boston marathon. But it’s also a hub for historical places, as it was once the birthplace of the American Revolution.

Can’t miss places in Boston: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston Public Library, Acorn Street.

11. Madison, Wisconsin

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Madison has been touted as the healthiest, happiest and most cycle-friendly city in the USA. The city is known for having a vibrant cultural hub and being the home to several James Beard award winners. The small town boasts lakeside trails for a relaxing afternoon and a bustling downtown area home to craft beer weekend and the Isthmus Beer & Cheese Festival.

Can’t miss places in Madison: Wisconsin State Capitol, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, State Street & Downtown Madison.

12. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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The birthplace of American democracy is lovingly called Philly. The city is home to some of the most historic buildings in the country. Well-preserved historic landmarks with vibrant and modern art make Philadelphia popular among locals and tourists. Whether you visit for its famous cheesesteaks, historical landmarks, or scenic riverfronts, it’s no wonder Philadelphia is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Us.

Can’t miss places in Philadelphia: Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, Philadelphia Museum of Art.

13. Nashville, Tennessee

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The Music City has a big city feel but a warm small town culture. However, Nashville is home to its music and seeing great artists like Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow and Jack White. There are so many other reasons to visit this charming city. Whether exploring a museum or listening to classic country songs at a local honky-tonk, Nashville has something for everyone.

Can’t miss places in Nashville: Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Downtown Nashville, Historic RCA Studio B.

14. Salt Lake City, Utah

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Grand Mormon architecture takes center stage in Salt Lake City. Impressive religious buildings contrast with the city’s modern towers and statues. The city is also the gateway to five of the country’s most unique national parks. With red-walled canyons and towering spires, Salt Lake City is like no other place you’ve seen before.

Can’t miss places in Salt Lake City: Big Cottonwood Canyon, Red Butte Garden, Utah State Capitol.

15. Portland, Maine

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As the largest city in Maine, Portland is known for its award-winning food, brewery culture and beautiful waterfront scenery. The city still offers that quaint New England feel but with a modernized atmosphere and bustling social life, making it attractive to visitors.

Can’t miss places in Portland: Peaks Island, Casco Bay, Portland Freedom Trail.

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16. Naples, Florida

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Naples is by the southern Gulf Coast of Florida. The beach town celebrates its cultural heritage through Italian-style architecture and historic sites. Naples is mainly known for its pristine white sand beaches, clear waters, oceanfront resorts and mouthwatering food. But within an hour of Naples, you also have access to millions of acres of federal and state parks, preserves and wildlife refuges that make this town unique.

Can’t miss places in Naples: Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Lowdermilk Beach Park, The Naples Botanical Gardens.

17. San Francisco, California

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The city’s staggering skyline, the cluster of modern high-rises with colorful Victorian-era houses and the trolley crossing the city by the middle make this a must-visit town. The Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz become the perfect backdrop for a bustling town with beauty everywhere you look.

Can’t miss places in San Francisco: Castro District, Fisherman’s Wharf, Haight Ashbury.

18. Santa Fe, New Mexico

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Founded as a Spanish Colony, Santa Fe, New Mexico, is one of the most historic cities in the country. Set by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the city has breathtaking views from every corner. Famously known for its arts scene, perhaps the most noticeable aspect of Santa Fe is its unique architectural style, with buildings matching the Pueblo Revival style. The entire city is reserved for colors like brown or white, giving it a distinct look no other city can replicate.

Can’t miss places in Santa Fe: Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Santa Fe Botanical Garden, El Rancho de las Golondrinas.

19. Newport, Rhode Island

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A breathtaking seaside city is known for Gilded Age mansions everywhere you look. Featured in Downton Abbey, Newport is a world-famous sailing hub and former celebrity residents like the Kennedys. You can also take ferry rides off the coast for whale watching.

Can’t miss places in Newport: Norman Bird Sanctuary, Marble House, Castle Hill Lighthouse.

20. Telluride, Colorado

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Telluride is a popular destination among ski-lovers, but once the snow melts away, the city is known for its vibrant wildflowers and rolling meadows. Here you can find the tallest free-falling falls in the state. Don’t miss a gondola trip over the San Sophia Ridge for stunning canyon views and Telluride views.

Can’t miss places in Telluride: Bridal Veil Falls, Telluride Mountain Village Gondola, Black Bear Pass.

21. Sedona, Arizona

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Today, wellness enthusiasts and adventure seekers flock to Sedona for the endless experiences it has to offer. Sedona has a unique crimson skyline with red-rock canyons framing the background anywhere you look. Sedona is considered a spiritual mecca and has drawn many healers and spiritual guides, making it the ultimate city for spiritual and personal enrichment.

Can’t miss places in Sedona: Cathedral Rock Trail, Bell Rock, Devil’s Bridge.

22. Washington, D.C.

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Washington DC is so much more than a political epicenter. Some of the country’s most incredible museums, monuments and houses are here—experience Washington DC by the end of March to see the cherry blossoms in their peak bloom. The city is also a booming culinary scene with legendary restaurants and street food vendors that are a match for any foodie.

Can’t miss places in Washington: National Mall, Rock Creek Park, Library of Congress.

23. Carmel-By-The-Sea, California

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This small city blends California’s relaxed spirit with Europe’s charm. Carmel-by-the-Sea is home to traditional English cottages, small French bistros and cobble streets right next to the ocean’s waves. The small city is known for its unique traits, including the 41 courtyards and passageways throughout the village.

Can’t miss places in Carmel-by-the-Sea: Carmel River State Beach, Garrapata State Park, The Clinton Walter House.

24. San Antonio, Texas

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San Antonio is a beautiful city for sightseeing. Spanish architecture, one of the country’s oldest cities, transforms San Antonio, Texas, into a historic, charming city to visit. The city is home to the Alamo, commemorating the 1863 battles of Texas independence from Mexico and plenty of ancient landmarks worth visiting.

Can’t miss places in San Antonio: The Alamo, Natural Bridge Caverns, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail.

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25. Taos, New Mexico

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The high desert and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Taos merge to provide the perfect backdrop to New Mexico’s artistic hub. The city is known for its mud-brick building and also happens to be listed as a sacred Native American site, believed to be over a thousand years old. Taos is also home to a world-class ski resort and one of the most iconic churches in the country.

Can’t miss places in Taos: The Rio Grande Gorge, Taos Pueblo, San Francisco de Asis Mission Church.

26. New Orleans, Louisiana

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If you’re looking for a city of contrasts, you must stop by New Orleans. World-renowned for its music, cuisine and Mardi Gras, New Orleans is a city for celebrations. But, the historic part of the city, The French Quarter, is home to French and Spanish Creole architecture that serve as the perfect background for the rising town only a few blocks away.

Can’t miss places in New Orleans: National WWII Museum, The Music Box Village, Longue Vue House and Gardens.

27. San Diego, California

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Known for having the best weather across the US, San Diego is always at a 70-degree temperature with low humidity and sunny skies. This city is also known for its beautiful beaches, sunny climate and laid-back atmosphere.

Can’t miss places in San Diego: Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Balboa Park.

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28. Annapolis, Maryland

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Right by the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis is a small city with Colonial houses and harbor-front dining. For many, Annapolis is home to the United States Naval Academy. But the city is also home to some of the country’s best museums and historic sites. And, the town is small enough to be walkable and enjoyable as a weekend getaway.

Can’t miss places in Annapolis: United States Naval Academy, Maryland State House, William Paca House & Garden.

29. St. Augustine, Florida

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St. Augustine is the oldest city in the US, founded in 1565, and it’s by far one of the most beautiful places in the country, thanks to its unique location and 16th-century Spanish architecture. The city is brimming with history, beautiful beaches and a playful Florida attitude, making it a must-visit place.

Can’t miss places in St. Augustine: Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Flagler College, Colonial Quarter.

30. Medora, North Dakota

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Known as North Dakota’s Wild West town, Medora is famous for its beautiful location. The city serves as the southern gateway to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Medora is perhaps most famous for the Medora Musical, which tells the story of Theodore Roosevelt’s famous charge during the battle of San Juan Hill.

Can’t miss places in Medora: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, Badlands Overlook.

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