America is so much more than NYC, Miami, San Francisco, or LA! The smaller and sometimes lesser known spots are often the ones that impress us the most. Here 10 great cities worth putting on your travel list during your stay in in the U.S.!
Austin, Texas
With its 200 live music venues and 2,000 bands and performing artists, Austin is considered the live music capital of the world.
You’ll be able to start enjoying the music right when you arrive. Check out the updates on live performances at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport!
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
In 1777, Lancaster was the United States capital for one day. This area is home to America’s oldest Amish settlement, where thousands still live a centuries-old “plain” lifestyle.
Head to the Lancaster Central Market, the nation’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market (since 1731!), and enjoy local produce and specialties!
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is known as the “City of Seven Hills”. It was the first and the only U.S. city to own its own railroad.
Take a stroll on the Roebling Suspension Bridge! It was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1867. Its design was used as the basis for the Brooklyn Bridge in NYC!
Taos, New Mexico
The local Taos Pueblo is the only Native American living community that is designated as both a National Historic Landmark and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Enjoy the view of the Rio Grande from the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, the second highest bridge on the U.S. Highway System!
Salem, Massachusetts
One of America’s spookiest cities. It’s famous for its 1692 witch trials, when several locals were executed for allegedly practicing witchcraft.
Be your own (free!) tour guide and see all of Salem’s museums and attractions by following the red line on the Salem Heritage Trail.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is surrounded by the biodiverse Blue Ridge Mountains, best enjoyed along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The city is known for its vibrant arts and music scene and historic architecture.
Don’t leave without exploring the Biltmore Estate. It was once the home of the grandson of industrialist and philanthropist Cornelius Vanderbilt.
Atlanta, Georgia
More than 55 Atlanta streets have the word “Peachtree” in their name. Don’t be surprised if you don’t see any peach trees 😉 They’re named after the Native American village of “Standing Pitch Tree”.
Get lost in the World of Coca-Cola Museum and try 100+ Coca-Cola beverages from around the world!
Portland, Oregon
The Rose City, as the locals call it, is famous for craft beer, fancy coffee, and awesome food carts.
If you want to capture the best views of the city skyline, visit the historic Pittock Mansion and enjoy the beauty of Portland from their observation deck!
Charleston, South Carolina
This Southern city was named after King Charles II of England. It’s famous for beautiful architecture, cobblestone streets, and hospitality.
You can’t leave Charleston without checking the Battery – a defensive seawall landmark with beautiful historic homes!
New Haven, Connecticut
A quick train ride from NYC, New Haven is home to to the Ivy League Yale University, founded in 1701.
Take a self-guided walking tour of the third oldest university in the U.S. and take in the beauty of its campus.