15 Best Cities to Visit in the USA in 2024
Are you planning to travel to the USA? Fine! We recommend that you make a trip plan to get as many emotions and impressions as possible in a limited period of time. The United States of America has a lot to offer. A huge and multifarious country is ready to receive guests at any time of the year. You will find many things to do here.
The USA is full of natural, cultural, and architectural sights. The seas and mountains, gourmet restaurants and nightclubs, innovative parks, and attractions are in America.
Holidays and festivals are often held in different cities of the country. Here you can see monuments, objects with stunning architecture, and magnificent natural landscapes. So, let’s start our virtual tour of the US cities.
#1. Seattle
Progressive and modern Seattle is located on the shores of the Pacific Bay. The city is named after the leader of the local Indians, whose statue is installed in the very center. Seattle is surrounded by forests, mountains, and ocean waters from different sides.
You can see the Rainier volcano in Seattle, on top of which there is always snow, amazing seascapes, and spectacular city buildings.
What to do in Seattle?
- Dine at the restaurant atop the 185-meter-high Space Needle, which completes a rotation in 47 minutes.
- Head to Pike Place Market for fresh seafood.
- Climb up the Sky View Observatory for great views of the city.
- See the exhibits of the Aviation Museum.
- Take a Seattle Harbor Cruise to the largest handmade island.
Seattle is known as the Emerald City. Many parks are located here. The Starbucks chain of coffee shops first appeared in Seattle. Also, this city is one of the largest seaports in the United States.
How to get there? Airplane to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Car or bus.
Where to stay? Four Seasons Hotel Seattle.
Main tourist attractions:
- The Museum of Flight
- Washington State Ferries
- Sky View Observatory
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Kerry Park
Top-rated city tour: 3-Hour Seattle City Tour.
#2. Chicago
Chicago, or the Windy City, is considered one of the largest cities in the United States. It rushes skyscrapers into the sky and is located on the river of the same name, which flows in the opposite direction. Chicago has the longest street, Western Avenue. The city lies on the shores of the beautiful Lake Michigan.
What is the best time of year to go to Chicago? Numerous parks bloom here in early spring. But still, autumn is considered the most captivating in this city. What to do in Chicago?
- See the city from Skydeck Chicago, a capsule-shaped observation deck.
- Take a photo in front of the Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park.
- Stroll through Lurie Garden, where the fabulous Crown Fountain shows take place.
- Take a ride on the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier.
Chicago is the birthplace of the famous Walt Disney. Al Capone gained popularity in this city. You can walk in the historical districts or in the botanical garden, visit museums and galleries, and go to the theater for unsurpassed comedy performances.
How to get there? Airplane to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Car or bus.
Where to stay? The Guesthouse Hotel.
Main tourist attractions:
- The Magnificent Mile
- Garfield Park Conservatory
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Wrigley Field
- Cloud Gate
- Museum of Science and Industry
Top-rated city tour: 90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour.
#3. Charleston
Charming Charleston has an interesting history and culture. The city architecture is represented by modern high-rise buildings and objects built in the Greek and Victorian styles. A large number of churches are located here.
The Gibbs Museum of Art was opened in 1905. In the French Quarter, you will see many art objects and beautifully decorated houses.
What are the must-dos in Charleston? Take a photo near the Oak of the Angels, which is over 1000 years old. Stroll down the Longitude Lane. Take in the breathtaking views at White Point Garden.
How to get there? Airplane to Charleston International Airport. Car or bus.
Where to stay? John Rutledge House Inn.
Main tourist attractions:
- Middleton Place
- Joe Riley Waterfront Park
- Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
- Fort Sumter National Monument
- South Carolina Aquarium
Top-rated city tour: 2-Hour Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour.
#4. San Francisco
Luxurious sandy beaches, fashionable restaurants, and a huge number of attractions – this is the sunny city of San Francisco. It would be strange not to visit this city during a trip to the USA. It is truly one of the most beautiful.
Someone calls this city crazy, intricate, and strange. Some consider it un-American.
You can move around the city using a cable car. If you love surfing, feel yourself very lucky. There is a 5-kilometer-long Ocean Beach where rolling ocean waves await their guests.
The Chinatown quarter attracts attention with bright lanterns, an abundance of dragons, and Chinese symbols. By the way, here you can have a tasty and inexpensive meal. Be sure to visit the interactive Exploratorium Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, and Alcatraz Island.
How to get there? Airplane to San Francisco International Airport. Car or bus.
Where to stay? White Swan Inn.
Main tourist attractions:
- Alcatraz Island
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
- Twin Peaks
- Walt Disney Family Museum
Top-rated city tour: San Francisco Love Tour.
#5. Boston
The capital of Massachusetts annually receives about 16 million tourists from around the world. The famous Harvard University, the oldest in the United States, is located in the Boston area of Cambridge.
In the Northern Quarter, you can visit the Museum of Witches. An amazing collection of realists and impressionists is exhibited at the Museum of Fine Arts. You will see fantastic paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and other artists here.
How to get there? Airplane to Boston Logan International Airport. Car or bus.
Where to stay? The Verb Hotel.
Main tourist attractions:
- John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library
- Museum of Science
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- Samuel Adams Brewery
- Fenway Park
Top-rated city tour: Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with Harbor Cruise Option.
#6. Los Angeles
The sunny City of Angels enchants and beckons. A metropolis located on the Pacific coast. Beach lovers will be delighted with Malibu with its turquoise warm water and endless sandy beaches.
You have to go to the Hollywood area and visit Universal Studios. If you have time, you can look for your idol’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Stars, which stretches for 18 blocks. If you are traveling with children, visit the aquarium or Zimmer children’s museum.
See the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Life-size sculptures surprise with realism. Take a photo with waxy Johnny Depp or Jennifer Lopez.
How to get there? Airplane to Los Angeles International Airport. Car or bus.
Where to stay? The Hoxton, Downtown LA.
Main tourist attractions:
- Griffith Observatory
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Walt Disney Concert Hall
- The Getty Center
Top-rated city tour: Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA.
#7. Las Vegas
Shining Las Vegas is best known for its casinos and vibrant nightlife. Hotels, casinos, and entertainment centers located mainly on the Strip are the main attractions of Sin City.
What to do in Las Vegas?
- Take a ride on the 168-meter high roller.
- Visit the Nuclear Testing Museum and the Nevada State Museum.
- Get to know the history of the city.
- Head to the US Death Valley National Park.
At the end of January, Las Vegas Market takes place in the city. The Great American Food Festival is organized here. Summers in the city are very long and hot, while winters are short and warm.
How to get there? Airplane to Harry Reid International Airport. Car or bus.
Where to stay? The Venetian Resort.
Main tourist attractions:
- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
- High Roller
- The Strip
- Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck
- Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
Top-rated city tour: Go City: Las Vegas All-Inclusive.
#8. Washington
The majestic capital of America attracts with its legendary monuments, high-rise buildings, and fantastic government buildings. Here are the monuments of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, which you must see.
Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Capitol, the White House, and the Library of Congress. Walk along the National Mall. The Smithsonian Castle will create an unforgettable experience. The Smithsonian Institution today is located within the walls of this Gothic building.
How to get there? Airplane to Dulles International Airport. Car or bus.
Where to stay? Hotel Hive.
Main tourist attractions:
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- U.S. Capitol
- National Gallery of Art
- National Air and Space Museum
- Lincoln Memorial
Top-rated city tour: Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour.
#9. Miami
A large metropolis is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Come here to sunbathe on the golden beach, swim in the warm ocean, go surfing, and go sailing.
The main attractions of Miami are the beaches:
- Miami Beach;
- Crandon Park Beach;
- South Beach;
- Matson Hammock;
- Haulover Beach.
Amazing coral reefs are in Miami. This is an excellent place for diving. Do you want a cultural program? Visit the architectural and landscape complex Villa Vizcaya. Check out the Coral Castle. See a unique collection of rare plants at Fairchild Botanical Gardens.
How to get there? Airplane to Miami International Airport. Car or bus.
Where to stay? Mr. C Miami Coconut Grove.
Main tourist attractions:
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
- Zoo Miami
- Dolphin Mall
- Bayside Marketplace
- Miami Design District
Top-rated city tour: Speedboat Sightseeing Tour of Miami.
#10. New York City
An excellent city with the tallest buildings and the most delicious pizza in the USA. You should definitely visit New York. Walk around Manhattan. Pay attention to how harmoniously combines ultra-modern architecture with objects built in a classic style.
The Statue of Liberty is located in New York. The American Museum of Natural History will reveal the secrets of science to you. And, of course, do not miss the opportunity to visit at least one of the Broadway shows.
How to get there? Airplane to John F. Kennedy International Airport. Car or bus.
Where to stay? The Standard, High Line.
Main tourist attractions:
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Empire State Building
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Manhattan Skyline
- Top of the Rock
Top-rated city tour: The Standard, High Line.
#11. Portland
A small but fascinating city surrounded by dormant volcanoes, divided into two parts by the Willamette River. Mill Ends is the smallest park in the world in Portland. You can visit the huge Powell’s City of Books bookstore. On the shelves are both new and used items.
Relax in the central Pioneer Courthouse Square. Get to know the masterpieces of art at the Art Museum. Take a ride on the Aerial Tram to enjoy beautiful urban scenery.
How to get there? Airplane to Portland International Airport. Car or bus.
Where to stay? Inn at Northrup Station.
Main tourist attractions:
- International Rose Test Garden
- Portland Japanese Garden
- Pittock Mansion
- Portland Art Museum
- Forest Park
Top-rated city tour: 2.5-Hour Dinner Cruise Through Downtown Portland.
#12. San Diego
This city best embodies the Californian style. Beaches, surfing, and great weather are like on a postcard. A large metropolis is ready to amuse every guest. You will find museums, parks, zoos, Michelin-starred restaurants, wineries, and more here.
How to get there? Airplane to San Diego International Airport. Car or bus.
Where to stay? Rancho Bernardo Inn.
Main tourist attractions:
- USS Midway Museum
- La Jolla Cove
- San Diego Zoo
- Balboa Park
- Torrey Pines Gliderport
Top-rated city tour: San Diego Harbor Cruise.
#13. New Orleans
You will hear jazz on the streets of New Orleans. The city is located on both banks of the Mississippi River. You should come to the French Carnival. You will see fantastically decorated streets, snow-white villas, and many flowers.
How to get there? Airplane to New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport. Car or bus.
Where to stay? The Pontchartrain Hotel.
Main tourist attractions:
- Garden District
- Frenchmen Street
- The National WWII Museum
- Jackson Square
- French Quarter
Top-rated city tour: New Orleans Airboat Ride.
#14. Santa Fe
This city is radically different from all the previous ones. It attracts not with skyscrapers and cutting-edge facilities, but with amazing natural landscapes. You can climb the mountain or take a fascinating walk through the dense forest. You will marvel at the colonial cathedrals, which combine Spanish and American styles in architecture.
How to get there? Airplane to Santa Fe Airport. Car or bus.
Where to stay? La Fonda On the Plaza.
Main tourist attractions:
- Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
- Santa Fe Plaza
- Santa Fe Opera House
- Meow Wolf Santa Fe
- Museum of International Folk Art
Top-rated city tour: Santa Fe History Guided Walking Tour.
#15. Nashville
Whiskey, blues, and country are what best characterizes this city. It is here that there are a large number of excellent bars and cafes. You should also visit the Historic RCA Studio B and numerous museums with a wide variety of expositions.
How to get there? Airplane to Nashville International Airport. Car or bus.
Where to stay? The Westin Nashville.
Main tourist attractions:
- Grand Ole Opry
- Ryman Auditorium
- Downtown Nashville
- Gaylord Opryland Resort Gardens
- Nashville Parthenon
Top-rated city tour: Nashville Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour.
