Travel is finally opening back up and I am so excited to start planning some vacations! This year I’m planning mostly domestic travel, so in this post, I’m sharing with you the 8 best cities to visit in the US right now.
There are so many great cities in the US to choose from, but for this round-up, I’m including the quintessential destinations that have everything you need for a fun getaway. That means unique cities full of culture and character, that also offer up a variety of activities, plus a great food scene.
So, are you ready to start planning your next US city getaway? If so, keep reading for all of my top travel tips.
The 8 Best Cities to Visit in the US Right Now
New York City, New York
Ok, I might be biased since NYC is my home, but I’m putting this city at the top of the list for a getaway because NYC – like much of the country – is having a bit of a rebirth post-Covid-19 and it’s so uplifting to see.
Restaurants are filling up again, boutique shops are reopening, and there’s a palpable buzz on the streets. Plus, hotels are still offering discounts and packages to lure tourists back, so it’s a great time to take advantage of lower rates.
Some of my favorite (less touristy) things to do in NYC include a sunset sail in NY Harbor, a stroll through Central Park, a bike ride on Governors Island, and an afternoon exploring the Highline. (Here’s a list of my favorite outdoor things to do in NYC.) I also recommend taking advantage of NYC’s many rooftop bars and restaurants. You can check out all of my recommendations here. And if you feel like venturing out to Brooklyn during your getaway, check out this post for all of my favorite Brooklyn spots.
Related: 5 Easy Weekend Trips from NYC
Austin, Texas
Can you really go wrong with a city that has amazing tacos, tons of live music, and some of the best BBQ in the country? I think not! Austin is a great destination for a getaway because there is so much to see and do.
The city offers a ton of outdoor activities you can do almost year-round. Try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking on the Colorado River. Rent bikes and cruise along the Ann and Roy Butler hike and bike trail and boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake for scenic views of Austin. Take a dip at Barton Springs or go hiking at McKinney Falls.
And after you’ve worked up an appetite, make sure to check out Franklin BBQ for some of the best BBQ in town. But don’t say I didn’t warn you – the food is so good that people start lining up at 6 am!
Charleston, South Carolina
I had to include Charleston on my list of the 8 best cities to visit in the US for a getaway. Why? Because the city is so charming.
Charleston is full of history, and its cobblestone streets and pastel-colored Antebellum houses are a feast for the eyes. A great way to learn more about the city’s history and food culture is with a walking tour. But also make sure to check out King Street for great shopping.
For cocktails head to The Belmont or the wine bar, Bin 152. And don’t forget about Charleston’s formidable food scene! Of course, there’s the famous restaurant, Husk, for southern comfort food. But make sure to leave room for delicious Italian at Melfi’s and oysters at Leon’s Oyster Shop. Herd Provisions is relatively new to the Charleston food scene but already making a name for itself.
Santa Barbara, California
If you’re looking for a gorgeous California coastal city with Spanish colonial heritage, head to Santa Barbara. This city, with a dramatic backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains, is picturesque no matter which way you turn.
Full of Mediterranean style, white-stucco buildings, and upscale boutiques and restaurants, Santa Barbara is the perfect city for a weekend getaway. Enjoy the local wines and seasonal fare, followed by a walk on the beach. And make sure to explore the Old Mission Santa Barbara, which houses Franciscan friars and the Mission Museum.
Miami, Florida
From gorgeous white sand beaches and Latin-inspired eateries to neighborhoods booming with art and culture, Miami has a bit of everything. If you’re more of a beach person, stay at one of the many art-deco-inspired hotels that line Miami Beach, and enjoy the chic restaurants and shops on Lincoln Road.
If you’re more of a city person, then I recommend staying in Brickell or Wynwood, where you’re primely positioned to take in all of the city’s art and culture, including the Pérez Museum, Frost Museum, and Wynwood Walls Art District. Make sure to check out my Miami Culture Guide for more suggestions.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is one of my favorite cities in the country, which is why it’s on my list for the 8 best cities to visit in the US for a getaway.
First, there’s the surrounding scenery. It’s nothing short of magnificent. Then, there’s the culture. Santa Fe is booming with artists, galleries, and impressive museums. (The Georgia O’Keefe Museum is a must-see.)
Oh, and did I mention the food? Oh my god, I could go on and on about the food. I love it so much, I wrote an entire post about the best places to eat in Santa Fe. And last but certainly not least, explore the great outdoors.
Take a picturesque hike at Tent Rocks National Monument or enjoy an afternoon in the outdoor hot tubs at the Japanese-inspired Ten Thousand Waves. (For more intel on the city, check out my list of all the things to do in Santa Fe.)
And if you want to do something totally wacky, fun, and off the beaten path, make sure to check out Meow Wolf for a truly unique (and bizarre!) experience.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is another city in the United States that is at the top of my list for a getaway. It has such a cool vibe and it’s surrounded by breathtaking scenery. From the microbreweries and coffee houses to the beautiful parks and bicycle paths, Portland has the perfect mix of things to do and see.
If you visit Portland, I highly recommend taking a walking food tour. It’s such a great way to get your bearings and learn more about the history and culture of the city. And if you have the time, I also recommend renting a car for the day to drive along the Colombia River Gorge, where you can stop at various points to hike and check out the waterfalls and scenery.
Nashville, Tennessee
The final city that’s on my list of the 8 best cities to visit in the US right now is Nashville. There are so many great things about this city, but by far, the number one reason to visit Nashville is the music.
Music is the soul of this city. From the Grand Ole Opry House and the Country Music Hall of Fame to the historic Ryman Auditorium and the city’s many Honky Tonks, the city is a haven for all music lovers.
But there’s more to this city than the tunes you’ll hear pouring out of every establishment. Nashville also has a booming food scene. Head to Wendell Smith’s for fried chicken, catfish, and pork chops. Café Roze is a great new addition to the city, offering up riffs on classics with Asian and Mediterranean elements. And don’t forget to visit Gertie’s, Nashville’s best whisky bar.
Which US Cities Are On Your Bucket List?
I hope you found this round-up of the 8 best cities to visit in the US right now helpful!
There are certainly other great cities in the United States that are also worth a visit. San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, New Orleans, and Portland, Maine are a few that come to mind.
But for getting back out on the road right now and booking a trip, I chose these 8 cities because they are all special in their own way and offer up a variety of activities and experiences. And of course, they all have one thing in common – great food!
Let me know what your travel plans are for the summer and if you’re planning to visit any of these cities. And wherever your travels take you, let’s remember how lucky we are to actually be traveling again. I know that it’s something I won’t be taking for granted anymore.
Bon voyage!
Related: New England Road Trips, 9 Amazing Destinations
Related: The Best Destinations for a Girls’ Weekend Getaway
No Comments