A Guide to the Top 7 Cities You Should Travel to and Why
By Kacey M. Bradley
Lifestyle Blogger and Freelance Writer The Drifter Collective
Looking for a great place to explore on your next vacation? The United States is a big place, full of amazing cities to visit - no passport required! Check out these top locations and get inspired to plan your next trip.
1. Austin, Texas
Texas' capital city is a place that prides itself on being unique, so be sure to visit the Museum of the Weird. The city is known for its great independent restaurant and music scene, so you're sure to have a great evening out, whether you prefer vegan delights with smooth jazz or barbecued brisket with a side of country line dancing. Austin also has a booming “tiny house” business, and you can rent one for your stay on Airbnb to see if this radical lifestyle is right for you. If you come during South by Southwest, you'll get an eyeful of new tech and an earful of the best music around.
2. Boston, Massachusetts
Don't miss a chance to walk the Freedom Trail through downtown Boston to catch all the historic sights that inspired the Revolutionary War. When you end at the famous Boston Common, you can take a Duck Tour to see the city from the Charles River. Once you've finished that, check out Boston's newest skyscraper on your way to catch the Red Sox at Fenway Park, America's oldest ballpark. You can also do some high-end shopping, wining and dining in the famous Back Bay neighborhood to round out your trip.
3. Miami, Florida
A trip to Miami in the wintertime is just the thing to shake off the snow and ice of winter. Lots of people would be happy to park it on a blanket in South Beach for their whole vacation, but downtown Miami offers a cultural experience not to be missed, as Cuban-inspired music, dancing and food infuses the city with ethnic flair. Fan of architecture will also enjoy a walking tour of Miami's most famous Art Deco buildings.
4. Minneapolis, Minnesota
While you may never have considered a trip to the upper Midwest, you definitely should! Minneapolis, along with its sister city, Saint Paul, are the friendliest places you will find anywhere in the world. The famous “Minnesota nice” attitude makes Minneapolis the perfect place to camp out in a bed and breakfast for your trip: you'll get hearty food, friendly conversation and great local tips about what to see. Minneapolis has some of the best bike trails in the country, so be sure to test them out - a ride to scenic Minnehaha Park is a great choice. You can also take in the wide Mississippi River and the works on display at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
5. New York, New York
Start spreading the news: the Big Apple is one fantastic vacation destination! Iconic sights like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and Times Square should be high on your list of things to see, but don't forget to take time out to enjoy quieter moments. Try staying in a boutique hotel on the Upper West Side, where you can grab lunch from a local deli and picnic in Central Park, getting a taste of the local life in the City That Never Sleeps.
6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Cradle of Liberty is where the U.S. got its start, and downtown Philadelphia is packed with historical sights clustered within walking distance. Start at Independence Hall to see where the Declaration of Independence was signed, then move on to Benjamin Franklin's and Betsy Ross' houses. For a unique dining experience, try the traditional early-American menu at the City Tavern, where you can wine and dine like a Founding Father.
7. San Francisco, California
The City by the Bay is one of the most scenic cities in the country, combining history, modernity and water views into one hip place. Staying downtown near Market Street will put you near amazing restaurants and bars - try one of the many Irish pubs in mid-Market or a cocktail lounge in Chinatown for a great night out. Of course, no trip to San Francisco would be complete without a ride on a cable car, a stroll down Lombard Street and a trip to Golden Gate Park for view of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
No matter what your taste, you're sure to find something memorable to see and do in each of these great American cities. Which one will you visit next?