Are you looking for ideas for your next vacation? Want to go somewhere, but can’t decide exactly where?
Perhaps you should check out one of the Top 10 US Cities to Visit. Of course, whether or not a city is the best is a subjective opinion – but Conde Nast Traveler has taken a poll of its readers collective subjective opinions and come up with 10 American Cities that you’re most likely to enjoy visiting. With cities from across the country highlighted, there should be a great vacation destination for everyone.
Top 10 Best Places To Visit In The Us
San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge - Best US City to Visit
1. San Francisco, California
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of San Francisco, California is The Golden Gate Bridge. Residents rave about the culture and the year round mild weather that’s never too hot or too cold. Visitors to San Francisco can stay in some of the country’s most eco-friendly hotels and enjoy organic dining. UpTake’s own Cat Lincoln shares insider information on San Francisco via podcast.
Charleston, South Carolina
2. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina offers a slow paced, historic vacation opportunity. The city is filled with old buildings and homes closely monitored by an attentive Historical Society. The best way to see Charleston is by taking advantage of a carriage tour.
New York, New York
3. New York City, New York
It should come as no surprise that New York City makes the list of one of the best places to visit in the United States. While there may be arguments about living in The Big Apple, the city is jam packed with tourist attractions. Visitors from all over the world flock to experience everything from world class theater to the Statue of Liberty. The best of the best – in any industry – can be found in New York City.
Santa Fe, Nex Mexico
4. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Travelers looking for a genuine Southwest experience will be happy to see Santa Fe, New Mexico make the list of best American cities to visit. While Santa Fe isn’t known for an exciting night life, it offers an extraordinary amount of excellent restaurants. Santa Fe is a great place for photography enthusiasts to capture sights unseen in other parts of the country.
Chicago, Illinois
5. Chicago, Illinois
I love Chicago. I think the best time to visit Chicago is during the winter holidays when the city is decked out in white lights and holiday displays. Of course, during the summer months you can find a festival or free concert on any given weekend. Chicago offers almost as many entertainment options as New York City, at a (slightly) lower price.
Carmel, California
6. Carmel, California
Visitors to Carmel, California will find a relaxed community and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. From Point Lobos State Reserve you can watch migrating whales for just $10 per car (or free, if you walk in). Carmel is a great vacation destination for pet lovers, offering pet friendly beaches and shops.
Honolulu, Hawaii
7. Honolulu, Hawaii
Do we really have to make the case for including Honolulu, Hawaii on this list? Reason number one: It’s in Hawaii. As Hawaii native Stefani Pomponi Butler describes it, “Honolulu is much-maligned for being touristy and crowded, but if you love the energy of big cities combined with a tropical locale, this is the place for you.” It certainly has to be the prettiest metropolitan center on the list!
River Street in Savannah, Georgia
8. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, much like Charleston, offers a slow, Southern vibe to travelers. But Savannah does it with a gracious smile and a reputation for a heck of a party. No trip to Savannah, Georgia is complete without a stroll and lunch along River Street.
San Diego, CA
9. San Diego, California
There is an endless supply of things to do in San Diego. Whether you prefer amusement parks or museums, you’ll find something that tickles your fancy here. And chances are, the weather will be perfect for whatever you plan.
Sedona, Arizona
10. Sedona, Arizona
While listed as one of the top cities in the United States to visit, odds are that most of the photographs you come home with will be of Mother Nature in and around Sedona. A Sedona vacation is perfect for someone into horseback riding and off roading tours. It’s also a great place to visit if you’re traveling on a budget.
Choosing which of the Top US Cities is right for your vacation is about deciding what kind of travel experience you’re looking for. Are you looking to relax or enjoy the thrill of big city night life? Do you prefer a beach to a Broadway play?
Do you think there’s a great American city that the Conde readers missed? Share your suggestions in the comments!
Photo credit (in order of appearance): A Million to One, Smudge on Flickr, Ferguson Photography, Puroticorico on Flickr, KM Photography, the tahoe guy on Flickr, Cliff 1066 on FlickR, Britt Reints, WouteR on FlickR
- If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
- Share
- Prev/Next
18 Responses
Wow, of these ten places, three are our top destinations for vacations with our kids! (Okay, technically, we live in San Diego, but there is still plenty of fun things to do here, even for locals.) We’ve been to San Francisco and Sedona many times as a family and have as much fun riding the cable cars in SF or riding our mountain bikes along Sedona’s trails.
One of our best hikes ever was near Sedona, in the Oak Creek Canyon. Kids will love the many creek crossings you have to do in order to keep going. You’ll find walking sticks at either side of the creek to help you across and discover a group of flat rocks creekside, that’s tailor made for a lunch break.
Carmel, CA seems like a surprising one. I’ve never been there, but may now put it on my list (plus I’d LOVE to go to Savannah!)
Great list, for me New York is the place, and i love the picture taken from the Top of The Rock, awesome.
Thanks
Good information. I’ve been to all of them except Savannah and Santa Fe. I’ll get there one of these days. Thanks.
You haven’t lived until you’ve seen NYC!
I don’t know, bur San Fransisco is always cold, in the summer , fall , winter and spring!! What about Santa Barbara, California. Beautiful beaches, great food and wonderful, but classy nightlife. Decent shopping, too, that is if you can stay away from the beautiful scenery!
You guys have really made a great list of assorted cities. Each city has a different flavour and feel to it.. the pictures are mind blowing too.. I have addedd savanah, Carmel and Sedona to my list of cities to visit..
Thanks keep up the great work!
[...] spring, the entire bustling city of Charleston, South Carolina comes to a screeching halt for a 17-day period to pay homage to one of the most sacred fine arts [...]
Great list. I’d have included Boston, too, but I’m biased. Great choices overall though. Been to several, want to got to the rest some day soon. I like that you highlighted unique things about each city and why each is a great vacation choice. Plus, the opportunities for great photography, sight seeing and food abound. Makes me wanna travel right now! Woohoo!
I would love to include Seattle too in the list… what with such beautiful geographical location – bestowed with a humble skyline, mountain ranges, lush greenery, Pacific coast, demarcated seasons, wonderful blossoms, amazing wildlife and lovely islands strewn all over. Its nature at its uber best. It sure is a place to visit and enjoy!
I would defintly choose NY as my destination. Mainly because I have been in most of the other places in your article
[...] no denying that there’s no place like New York City during the [...]
i love this place, i have many story there
I’ve been in San Francisco and Carmel, California.
They are defintly beaufiful. Carmel is really charming ..
It worth visiting these places..
Carmel is a must for anyone visiting CA. Iv’e lived in LA my whole, short life of 35 years and barely visited Carmel for the 1st time in 2009. WOW! Beautiful beach, (must do the 17 mile drive- awesome). If Carmel seems too slow paced you can always wander off to, nearby Monterey. Another CA beauty is Santa Barbara, just as someone already mentioned. SB has something for everyone.
1. NYC
2. Washington DC
3. Chicago
4. Boston
5. San Francisco
6. Philadelphia
7. Las Vegas
8. New Orleans
9. Houston
10. Los Angeles
And what about Miami and las Vegas?
I just returend from a long weekend in Boston, spring time is the time to go! If you like history, beautiful gardens and wonderful people Boston is the place. Another advantage is that is probably the best walking city in the country.