It’s time for the cream to rise to the top. The United States is filled with thousands of memorable cities, but which towns are the best of the best? Recently, experienced travelers discussed with one goal: To reveal the ten U.S. cities that shine like diamonds and are worth visiting over and over!
1. Greenville, South Carolina
One of my favorite things to do is stumble upon a fantastic town that I didn’t know existed; that’s what happened with Greenville, South Carolina. After I moved to nearby Asheville, North Carolina, I curiously made the trip an hour south to Greenville and was promptly blown away! The city has undergone a massive revitalization recently, and every inch of the town is in pristine condition, with plenty of upscale bars and restaurants lining the streets. It even boasts the most impressive pedestrian bridge I’ve ever seen!
2. Burlington, Vermont
The greatest cities usually have one thing in common: They’re fantastic to visit in all seasons! While undeniably beautiful in the summer, Burlington (and its accompanying world-class ski culture) transforms into an ideal winter wonderland when the temperatures drop! “There’s plenty to do in Burlington, and it’s not too crowded,” reports one woman. “The city and the air is clean, and Lake Champlain is amazing. It’s been an annual vacation destination for my family since 2019.”
3. Encinitas, California
Located just an hour north of San Diego, Encinitas has small-town charm combined with a surfer’s paradise. There’s arguably no better use of your time in California than visiting Encinitas, as the small city’s contributions to the surfing community put it on the map in the 80s. When you add a vigorous bar and restaurant scene, you have a hidden gem of a city that all Californians visit as much as possible! Thankfully, tourists haven’t gotten the memo about Encinitas (yet).
4. Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Home to the University of North Carolina campus, Chapel Hill is a historic town with plenty of activities! Most college towns don’t attract a lot of non-students to the area, but Chapel Hill is the exception to that specific trend. It’s so much more than just the college scene, as Chapel Hill has transformed itself into a cultural and entertainment hub over the past few decades. It’s a must-visit, even if you’re a fan of rival school, Duke University.
5. Washington, D.C.
I returned from my first-ever trip to D.C. a few days ago, and I can confirm that everything this person says about the city is true! “Washington, D.C. is incredible if you like educational adventures,” reveals one man. “There is no larger concentration of available learning experiences in the U.S. than the museums and federal buildings. Plus, the subways and the city are clean, and the food is great.” I felt like I was on an adult field trip, but unlike the field trips in grade school, I had fun and learned a lot! It was a magical experience, and I enjoyed every second of being a tourist.
6. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston has a reputation for being classy, historic, and fun simultaneously, and after visiting for the first time last month, I can confidently report that all three things are true! I was amazed at how beautiful the town was; everything from the architecture to the food to the people was gorgeous, and seemingly everyone had a smile on their faces. Unfortunately, the city is expensive to live in, but nothing is stopping the average person from visiting and enjoying a weekend to remember!
7. Portland, Oregon
Don’t believe the doom and gloom on the internet concerning Portland, Oregon. No, the city hasn’t been taken over by extremists. No, the city hasn’t burnt to the ground. In reality, it’s a charming town blessed with fantastic year-round weather and some of the best breweries in the country! Beer nerds flock to Portland to taste some of the tastiest brews available (myself included). In many ways, Portland is a large, modern city with decidedly small-town comforts, like picture-perfect cobblestone streets in many adorable neighborhoods.
8. Chicago, Illinois
9. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh natives know what the rest of the United States is slowly discovering: This riverside city is incredible! Pittsburgh has shaken off its working-class roots in the last few decades to revitalize itself into a world-class tourist destination. The town is home to countless breathtaking photo opportunities, as Pittsburgh’s unique layout makes for some truly unforgettable pictures. Effortlessly combining culture, nightlife, and history, everyone should visit Pittsburgh at least once.
10. Savannah, Georgia
As someone who loves visiting New Orleans but is consistently turned off by the general dirtiness of the city, Savannah is a place that has always piqued my interest. “Savannah is like someone picked up a small piece of the New Orleans French Quarter, power-washed the vomit and urine off of it, and then put it down in Georgia,” explains one frequent visitor. Well, that’s one way to put it! Savannah is