The United States has a fantastic number of truly remarkable cities. From bustling metropolises to quaint little towns and stunning coastal destinations, there is something for everyone. There are, in fact, so many options that it’s difficult to make a choice. Our list of top U.S. cities for tourism should make your decision much easier. Enjoy!
New York City
This is the top tourist destination in the United States for many good reasons. From famous attractions to amazing food and widely diverse culture, The Big Apple really has it all.
Something every visitor to New York should do is embark on a boat trip from Manhattan to Staten Island. You will enjoy amazing views of the famous Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
Other popular options include the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Times Square, with its numerous tall billboards and many different characters wearing various costumes. If you have time, attending a Broadway show is an absolute must.
When the city’s hectic pace starts to get too much for you, escape to the quiet, peacefulness of Central Park. And finally, do not leave the city that never sleeps before you have tried one of its famous pizzas.
Las Vegas
This large metropolis in the Nevada desert is often called Sin City. It attracts many different kinds of travelers from across the globe. Whatever makes you excited, Las Vegas will most likely have it – from luxurious hotels to international-class entertainment – and of course, a virtually unlimited supply of casinos. Do not miss strolling down the famous (or sometimes notorious) Vegas Strip.
Las Vegas is also known for its culinary delights and offers a seemingly endless supply of eateries that feature world-renowned chefs.
If you would like to get away from the crowds, your best bet is to get out of the city and go sightseeing or hiking. A few excellent options include Spring Mountains National Recreational Area, Hoover Dam, and the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
New Orleans
The city that’s often referred to as the ‘Big Easy’ should be on every tourist’s bucket list. It overflows with personality, culture, and lots of thrilling attractions. For a unique experience, try to visit during the annual New Orleans Mardi Gras festival.
The Big Easy is also a paradise for music lovers. It is renowned for rock, blues, and jazz. Apart from the music, you will also have the opportunity to experience unforgettable foods such as beignets, gumbo, and much more.
During your trip, also make a point of visiting Bourbon Street in the city’s oldest area, the French Quarter. This bustling part of the city is literally brimming with famous bars.
San Francisco
San Francisco has the fourth biggest population in California and the sixteenth biggest in the United States. It’s a lovely metropolis known for its steep inclines, lingering fog, cool climate, and many famous landmarks. Must-visit places here include the old Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary and the Golden Gate Bridge. Also highly recommended are exploring San Francisco’s bustling Chinatown area and taking a cable car ride for fabulous views. San Francisco is also renowned for its large variety of culinary delights and its numerous trendy rooftop bars, restaurants, and cafes.
The city and its immediate surroundings are also regarded as an international center of arts and sciences. If you have time, visit well-known cultural highlights like the SF Jazz Center, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the California Academy of Sciences.
Seattle
Seattle’s numerous tourist attractions make it one of the country’s most popular destinations. Begin your day by sipping a cup of top-quality java coffee at one of the numerous chic cafes. Also, make a point of checking out the first Starbucks that opened in 1971.
Then visit one of the most famous (and oldest) farmers markets in the country: Pike Place Market. But your trip won’t be complete without visiting the Space Needle, perhaps Seattle’s best-known landmark. Just remember to take an umbrella. as this city is no stranger to rain!
Napa Valley in California
If you adore scenic views and everything related to wine, Napa Valley is a must-see destination. Over 4 million tourists visit this region with its more than 400 wineries every year. This lovely region boasts the ambiance of a small town combined with beautiful scenery and an unlimited supply of great wines. No wonder it has become such a major tourist attraction.
Not only do the many wineries offer unforgettable wine tastings, but you can also enjoy great food, and there are many shopping opportunities. A few of the most famous wineries include Sterling Vineyards, Chateau Montelena Winery, and Castello di Amorosa – but numerous others are well worth a visit.
Although the wine farms might keep you very busy, there are many other sites in this area that are also worth a visit. Examples include Old Faithful Geyser, Skyline Wilderness Park, and Calistoga’s Petrified Forest.
Portland
Many past visitors will tell you that once you’ve arrived in Portland, it’s tough to leave. This relaxed city offers stunning landscapes, many excellent dining options, and among the friendliest people in the US.
You will love the many restaurants, the chic cafes, and the lovely hiking trails. During your trip, try to visit Portland’s extensive Japanese Garden, one of the largest outside Japan. Portland is also quite famous for its breweries, and craft beer will undoubtedly make your stay even more memorable.
Honolulu – The capital of Hawaii
Honolulu is a city for those who love the great outdoors. Of course, the endless beaches will keep you busy for many hours. But there are also numerous other activities to enjoy, including snorkeling, surfing, and kayaking. And in the unlikely event that you ever get tired of sun, sand, and sea, why not go horseback riding?
You should also consider visiting the famous dormant volcano known as Diamond Head, the Pearl Harbor Historic Site, the lovely Hanauma Bay, and the Honolulu Zoo.
Washington D.C.
With nearly 2 million visitors in 2019, Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area is another busy spot for foreign tourists. The fact that it is the capital of the United States, of course, plays a major role in its popularity. But the city also has numerous memorials and historical monuments. Tourists typically love to visit government buildings such as the Senate, the White House, Capitol Hill, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial.
Sedona in Arizona
People who adore the great outdoors usually rave about Sedona in the Arizona desert. This area is perhaps better known as Red Rock Country and is surrounded by some of the oldest rocks on the planet.
Sedona also offers many other stunning landmarks, including Bell Rock, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, the Tlaquepaque shopping and arts village, and Oak Creek Canyon. You will most likely see some of the most stunning sunsets of your life here, and the night sky is even more breathtaking.
After a busy day’s sightseeing, you can relax at one of Sedona’s highly acclaimed wellness centers, spas, or upmarket resorts.
Chicago
Chicago is the 3rd biggest city in the United States. This busy metropolis offers everything, from outstanding food to numerous sporting events and top-quality museums. No visit to the Windy City will ever be complete, however, without first trying its Italian beef sandwiches, deep-dish pizzas, and hot dogs.
You will probably also adore taking in the beautiful scenery while embarking on a river cruise, visiting the large art collection at the city’s Art Institution, and checking out the renowned ‘Bean’ sculpture in Millennium Park. Also well worth checking out is the tallest building in the US, Willis Tower.
Before you leave, try to make time to attend a comedy show at Chicago’s Second City theater. This is where quite a few renowned comedians started their careers, including Mike Meyers and Tina Fey.