From the dazzling skyline of New York to the captivating Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, most beautiful cities in USA are as alluring as they are diverse. Whether you're craving top museums, delicious restaurants or unique bars, these 10 USA cities have it all.
From Old World charm to modern-day glitz, these USA destinations are sure to live up to their country's unofficial anthem: America the Beautiful.
1. San Francisco
San Francisco is a city by the sea, which means you'll find stunning views and a one-of-a-kind vibe. The energy of a bustling business district is balanced by the artsy, creative side of this city. People in suits mingle with free spirits and everyone seems to be out enjoying the city together.
The Golden Gate Bridge is a symbol of the beauty of the city, but there are many other things to see in the Bay Area that make it a unique destination. Check out the world-class museums in San Francisco or stroll through the historic and quaint downtown neighborhoods for an authentic experience of this city.
Another Californian city that makes the list of most beautiful cities in USA is Los Angeles, which is a hotspot for entertainment and culture. From the glitz of Hollywood to the trendy restaurants and bars that line the streets, the city has it all.
New England's Newport is another gorgeous coastal city that made the cut on our list. The stately mansions that line the clifftops and glitzy yachts fighting for mooring space are just some of the many things that make this a must-visit destination.
Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington also make the cut because of their natural beauty and their thriving city cultures. The city of Portland is known for its plethora of breweries, while the city of Seattle boasts a towering Space Needle.
Honolulu, Hawaii also makes the list of most beautiful cities in the United States because it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. People flock here to step foot on the famous Waikiki Beach and marvel at the Diamond Head crater looming over the coastline. The air is perfumed with plumeria flowers and the scent of fresh tropical fruit, and the culture here is truly unique.
Tourists consider renting a car one of the best ways to enjoy all that USA has to offer. Renting an economy class car in San Francisco will cost about 17 euros per day, in Orlando - about 18 euros per day.
2. Seattle
Known for its coffee culture and beautiful nature, Seattle has many fun activities to offer. The pine-scented city is home to big employers such as Amazon and Microsoft and attracts young professionals from around the world. Its plethora of parks and trails provides plenty of outdoor leisure opportunities, and the city has a good variety of restaurants featuring fresh ingredients and forward-thinking chefs.
The iconic Space Needle is a must-visit landmark, and the observation deck offers some stunning views of the city. Visit Pike Place Market, where you can browse for collectables, delicious food and souvenirs. You can also ride a ferry to Bainbridge Island for a relaxing day away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Seattle is a grunge music capital, thanks to bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is a great place to learn about this musical genre and its history.
If you're a movie buff, then you must see the Academy Museum. It displays an impressive collection of cinematic treasures such as the Rosebud sledge from Citizen Kane and the actual jaw of a shark from Jaws.
The Museum of Flight is another must-see attraction. It celebrates Boeing's birthplace and features an array of historical aircrafts, inspiring exhibitions, a JetSim state-of-the-art full motion simulator and much more.
Boston is the oldest large city in America and it has a lot to offer its visitors. You can take a walk along the Freedom Trail and visit the city's most famous landmarks, including the USS Constitution and the King's Chapel. It's a perfect city for history lovers and is well-known for its educational institutions, such as Harvard and MIT.
3. Honolulu
From the cosmopolitan vibe of New York to the lush landscapes that surround Honolulu, these beautiful cities in USA are proof that America is a vastly hugely mind-bogglingly big country with a truly diverse culture. From skyline sunsets and city-wide art instillations to quaint colonial cobbled side streets and grand town halls, these 10 cities lay it on so thick you’ll be hard pressed to stay within your phone’s photo storage limit.
The capital of Hawaii, Honolulu is a one-of-a-kind destination. From the soaring heights of the iconic Space Needle to the glistening beaches of Waikiki, there is something for everyone in this tropical paradise. Stroll along the beachside promenade, shop at upscale boutiques and designer stores at Ala Moana Shopping Center or take a tour of
If you love to shop, this is the place for you. From the artisan crafts to name brand clothing, you can find just about anything you are looking for in this beautiful city. Then after you have finished shopping, head to the top of Diamond Head for a stunning view and to see the statue of King Kamehameha.
It might not have the roots of Europe or the ecstatic energy of Asia, but San Francisco still has a magnetic pull that makes it one of the most beautiful cities in USA. Whether you’re strolling down the steep streets of Haight-Ashbury or sipping artisan coffee beside contemporary Mission Street murals, this dazzling city always shines bright.
4. New Orleans
Whether you’re a museum hopper drawn to a city's rich history, an urban trend-seeker looking to check out next-gen coffee and record shops, or a first-class traveler in search of luxury lodging and cool adventures, there’s a US destination that will satisfy your needs. From flamingo-pink lakes to emerald green mountains, discover the USA’s most beautiful cities from the comfort of your sofa.
While heavy-hitters like New York and Los Angeles lay it on with their picture-perfect neighborhoods, top museums, and cutting edge style, there are plenty of lesser-known cities that also deliver beauty in spades. Charleston slays it with its Instagram-friendly pastel houses and comforting Lowcountry cuisine, while Baltimore’s eye-catching Colonial homes, harbor-front dining, and historic taverns are a draw for history buffs.
Salt Lake City, on the other hand, has an enviable location that makes for a truly gorgeous city. From here you can easily take day trips to the Bonneville Salt Flats, Park City (skiing), Bear Lake near Idaho, and more.
Atlanta also delivers beauty, with its unique culture and arts, and a skyline that’s one to behold. Besides its architecture, the city is known for being a birthplace of blues music and you can catch live performances at venues such as House of Blues Chicago or Rosa’s Lounge. In addition, the city is home to a number of botanical gardens and you can also admire the famous “Bean” sculpture in Millennium Park. It’s no wonder that this southern city made it to the list of most beautiful cities in USA. The city is a must visit for people who love to enjoy a relaxing and peaceful holiday. The city is filled with many luxurious and stunning resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals for its visitors which make the place more appealing.
5. Charleston
Voted one of America’s best cities by Travel and Leisure readers nine times in a row, Charleston, South Carolina, is the quintessential Southern destination. With its sweeping views of the harbor, pastel-colored antebellum houses, and historic church steeples, this city oozes charm. Walk along King Street to browse antique shops and high-end boutiques; stop by Middleton Place for stories of enslaved Africans and the plantation owners who hired them; or learn about Charleston’s role in United States history at Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War rang out.
This Southern city is also a top foodie hot spot, and you can sample its renowned Lowcountry cuisine at restaurants like Gillie’s Seafood, Nana’s Seafood & Soul Uptown, and 167 Raw. Getting a seat at these popular eateries during peak season can be difficult, so book reservations well in advance or join a culinary tour to enjoy a meal with a local.
Other gorgeous cities in the USA include Tucson, where you can admire the city’s mission architecture and ogle young industrial landmarks; Madison, Wisconsin, which has 11.6 parks per 10,000 residents and sits on two stunning lakes; and San Diego, where you can admire the ocean views while tucking into seafood or taking in a live music show. To avoid the summer heat and crowds of tourists, visit these beautiful US cities in fall or spring.