Published 28th Dec. 2024
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The wonderful thing about the USA is no two cities are the same. Each has its own distinctive personality, quirks and beat, and so choosing just five of the most beautiful cities in the USA was a tough ask. While Charleston is known for its southern charm and rich history, Portland, Oregon has hipster style and hangovers – home to many bustling breweries. Seattle features the iconic Space Needles tower, while Savannah is renowned for making seriously sweet iced tea. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but US cities lay it on so thick you’ll be hard-pressed to keep your phone’s photo storage in check. From skyline sunsets and city-wide art installations to colonial cobbled side streets and grand city halls, you’ll find beauty on every block on a US holiday. So, without further ado, read on for our roundup of five beautiful US cities…
Small and intimate, but with the offerings of a much larger city, it’s no surprise that South Carolina’s charming Charleston tops our list of the five most beautiful cities in the USA. Voted as the best city in America by Travel and Leisure readers for over a decade, Charleston is often praised for its rich history, hospitable locals and pastel-coloured houses dotted along the streets.
Everywhere you turn, you’ll spot couples relaxing on sun-bleached stoops, guests piling into fairytale churches and the sound of horse-drawn carriages quietly thrumming in the distance. The city’s Lowcountry is not to be overlooked either. Boasting live oaks thick with Spanish moss, secluded seafronts and majestic marshlands, it’s easy to see why author Nicholas Sparks chose to set his cult classic The Notebook here.
Image by dlewis33/Getty Images
Next up, stylish and scenic San Francisco. Famed for its cable cars, steep streets and characterful quarters, this fog-covered city is nothing if not photogenic. Whether you find yourself in the 210ft Coit Tower, atop the Twin Peaks, or below the Golden Gate Bridge on Baker Beach, you’re never too far from a picture-perfect view.
San Francisco shines all year round, too. Never too hot nor too cold, locals can be spotted picnicking in Alamo Square Park, ambling through the colourful counterculture streets of Haight-Ashbury and drinking artisan coffee beside contemporary Mission Street murals. And we can’t forget the architecture – from the Art Deco PacBell Building to the grand Palace of Fine Arts – there’s something for everyone.
Image by Faustine Poidevin
Easily the most attractive (and oldest) Texan city, splendid San Antonio is nothing like its younger cosmopolitan siblings. Founded in 1718 by Spanish missionaries, it’s home to the legendary Alamo, a symbol of Texan independence and La Villita (Little Town), the city’s original settlement. Now a National Arts District, La Villita’s colourful, cypress-lined waterways, worn humpbacked bridges and terracotta tile buildings are a testament to its history.
When it comes to contemporary culture, the city’s River Walk is the star of the show. Located below street level beside the city’s teal tributary, it boasts most of the city’s dining and entertainment options. Designed to avoid the hot rays of the southern sun, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the city’s mission architecture, ogle at young industrial landmarks and bask in the lone star state’s melting pot of culture.
Image by Chloé Simon
New England’s nautical Newport is next up on our list of beautiful US cities. One of the wealthiest regions in the country, New England is home to extravagant mansions perched atop craggy clifftops and glitzy yachts fighting for mooring space in Narragansett Bay. The belle of the ball, Rhode Island’s Newport, is best known as a playground for the rich. Its well-preserved colonial buildings and quaint cobblestone alleys – think Disney World’s Main Street – firmly place it as one of the most charming destinations in the country.
To truly appreciate Newport in all its nautical glory, amble along the city’s three-mile cliff walk for dramatic views over Easton’s and Gooseberry Beach or embrace the seaside spirit with afternoon boat rides and yacht lessons.
Image by Nicholas Olesen/Getty Images
Tucked away between the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges, spellbinding Seattle is a must-visit destination in the USA. For a taste of the great outdoors, follow the lush walking trails through Discovery Park, perched along the shores of Puget Sound, or enjoy a dose of culture at the Seattle Art Museum in the city centre.
The iconic Pike Place Market offers everything from refreshing seafood and sweet-scented flowers to hand-crafted clothes and ornate jewellery. According to one of our USA travel specialists, Dave, it was a chaotic trip to Seattle which kickstarted his love for the country. All cosy coffee shops, waterfront restaurants and thriving gardens, Seattle rounds off our list of the most beautiful cities in America.
Image by Philippe Gerber
Written by Naomi Pike | Header image by Faustine Poidevin
From New York to California and all the states in between, our team knows the USA's hotspots incredibly well. What we really excel at, though, is the under-the-radar regions, thanks to our in-depth experience and the hand-picked guides we work with on the ground. Whether you’re travelling as a family or à deux, road trips are the ultimate way to explore the USA, and we're brimming with suggestions to improve journeys, from scenic route options to photogenic stop-off points (all based on our own experiences, of course). And if that's not enough, you'll have our in-country Concierge team on hand at all times for extra help and advice.
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