America is obviously filled with unmissable attractions, historic landmarks and some of the most exciting cities in the world. However, there's also a wealth of lesser-known destinations that deserve to come out into the spotlight.
Read on to see our pick of the most underrated city in every state...
Nicknamed Rocket City thanks to its involvement with US space missions, space technology has been developed here since the 1950s. Although the city has an incredible connection to Apollo missions and the Moon landing, there's more to this charming place than just the US Space and Rocket Center and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. After being treated to some spectacular Southern hospitality at the many barbecue places, head to Huntsville Botanical Garden or enjoy a gentle hike up the Monte Sano mountain.
Perched right on the edge of the Kenai Peninsula, overlooking the waters of Kachemak Bay, Homer has a lot going for it. Its 4.5-mile-long (7.2km) Homer Spit is a Coney Island-esque boardwalk with shops, trinket stores, gorgeous public beaches and even a historic ship graveyard. Homer's dining scene, which focuses on fresh seafood, shouldn't be missed either and there's a fruit winery with a tasting room for you to try the local tipples. Hugged by the bay on one side, the glacier on the other, Homer is a city break unlike any other.
Home to the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville is an outdoorsy, bike-friendly city with more than 50 parks and natural areas. The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is a 40-acre site with 12 themed gardens and the region’s only butterfly house. Soak up the culture on offer by exploring the city's eclectic craft breweries, restaurants, galleries, arts centers, and farmers’ market, or stop by Wilson Park – Fayetteville’s original city park that dates back to 1906.
Edging out of the shadow of Los Angeles and San Francisco, Sacramento's highlights include its emerging restaurant scene. There's so much locally produced, high-quality food on offer here, the city now sells itself as a farm-to-fork dining capital. Don't miss a meander around Victorian Old Sacramento with its quaint buildings and horse-drawn carriage rides.
A quintessential coastal New England city, New Haven is home to the Ivy League university Yale, and is both admired and overlooked for this reason. Come here to admire the historic faux-Gothic and Victorian architecture, dating back to 1701. The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, the Yale University Art Gallery, and the Yale Center for British Art are also top attractions. Feeling hungry? Wooster Square is a historic neighborhood known for its pizza and pastries.
Dominated by palm trees, New Smyrna Beach (or NSB, for short) is where charming Southern lifestyle mixes with cool surfer vibes. Just an hour away from Orlando International Airport, it’s impossible to come to New Smyrna and not see dolphins. Although several species live in the waters around Florida, bottlenose dolphins are the most common. There are several kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat tours that offer a chance to get up close to these beautiful animals.
Athens in northeast Georgia is laid-back, friendly, and filled with antebellum architecture. The University of Georgia has its main campus here and some of its buildings are among the oldest in the city – the North Campus in downtown is on the US National Register of Historic Places. Elsewhere in the city, there's a rich music scene and plenty of excellent restaurants. The Blue Ridge Mountains are close by too.
Champaign is an Illinois city with a town feel. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has a beautiful and vast campus to explore, housing the Neo-Romanesque Altgeld Hall, the Krannert Art Museum and Champaign County Historical Museum. The latter was constructed in 1857 and is the oldest documented commercial structure in the country. Head to the historic and ever-expanding downtown if you're looking for shops and restaurants but stop by the Art Theater and the Art Deco Champaign City Building for a photo opportunity.
The second largest city in Indiana, Fort Wayne is a superb family vacation destination. Fort Wayne Children's Zoo has more than 1,000 animals and offers little ones a chance to hand-feed various animals, like giraffes, while a decommissioned power plant has been turned into Science Central – a hands-on discovery center for science, math and technology. The beautiful Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is great for casual strolls or, if you fancy a longer trek, head to the nearby Fox Island County Park, which offers swimming and fishing as well as designated picnic and grill areas.
Iowa's oldest city, nicknamed the Masterpiece on the Mississippi due to its stunning riverfront scenery, has plenty of delights up its sleeve. The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium offers a chance to learn more about the storied river and its residents through interactive exhibits and a 4D cinema. Happen to be a fan of Game of Thrones? This is where the snowy Midwest winters inspired George R.R. Martin while he was an English and journalism professor at Clarke College back in the 1970s.
As the largest city in Kansas, Wichita has plenty to offer its visitors, especially families with kids. Exploration Place features hands-on science exhibits, while the Old Cowtown Museum recreates what life would've been like in the 19th century, complete with buildings and costumed guides. The mammoth Field Station: Dinosaurs theme park in the Wichita suburb of Derby has 30 life-size animatronic dinosaurs roaming its grounds. Visitors can dig for fossils, walk the paths beside the life-like giants, and play a round of miniature dino-themed golf.
Often called the Horse Capital of the World, Kentucky's second city is known for horse farms and thoroughbred racetracks like Keeneland. To learn more about the area's connection to these beautiful animals, head to Lexington's Kentucky Horse Park – an equine theme park that features the International Museum of the Horse, the Hall of Champions and many equine breeds. But that's not the only thing Lexington is famous for. Kentucky's first food hall, The Barn, was opened here and the state's first female master distiller is also based in Lexington.
A few days in the state capital should be enough to realize New Orleans is not the only city worth visiting in Louisiana. Start by admiring the USA’s tallest state capitol building and a statue of the most charismatic, controversial politician in the state’s history, Huey Long. Meanwhile a tour at the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center takes you around the park's boardwalks to spot local wildlife. You can also find some fantastic restaurants and pop-ups in the city. Be sure to devour wholesome local food at Cocha in the Main Street Historic District.
Despite being the state capital of Maine, Augusta is a sleepy city with a slow pace of life. There are no skyscrapers and traffic build-ups here. Students at the University of Maine at Augusta campus have fully embraced this lifestyle – spot them boating on the Kennebec River or enjoying a book in Viles Arboretum. If you’re interested in history, take a stroll past some of the city’s architectural sites of interest: the domed 19th-century Maine State House, Old Fort West (a formidable 18th-century fort) and Blaine House, the governor’s state residence.
A foodie destination unlike any other, Frederick has been at the helm of the farm-to-table movement for more than a decade thanks to Bryan Voltaggio and his restaurant Volt, which has now been rebranded as Thatcher & Rye. This has in turn attracted lots of other restaurateurs, chefs, distillers and craft brewers. When you can eat no more, the city is surrounded by mountains, orchards, wineries and plenty of exciting attractions – you can hike a section of the Appalachian Trail, visit Maryland's largest brewery and tour a battlefield in a day.
Constantly named among the best cities to live, Worcester is affordable, has a vibrant culture scene, great food and drink spots and has recently undergone a rejuvenation project. With the nation's first-ever public park among the countless urban green spaces, Worcester is definitely worth keeping on your radar. The EcoTarium is an ecology and conservation museum dedicated to understanding and caring about the environment, while the Worcester Art Museum holds an impressive collection of Roman mosaics, impressionist paintings, and medieval armor.
Even though it's the second largest city in Michigan, Grand Rapids is still massively overlooked. Farm-to-table restaurants and craft breweries are plentiful in the city. For a healthy dose of culture, there are excellent options on offer – Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has a particularly great Japanese garden, Meyer May House is a must-visit for any Frank Lloyd Wright fans, and there are five excellent museums within walking distance of each other, like the Grand Rapids Children's Museum and the Grand Rapids Art Museum.
Minnesota's state capital is often overlooked in favor of neighboring Minneapolis, however, there's plenty to do in St Paul, especially in winter. The main street is turned into a winter wonderland with elaborate decorations, a European-style market sells everything from mulled wine to bratwursts, and The Grand Meander brings locals and visitors together to explore the streets via a classic trolley ride. Not to be missed, the St Paul Winter Carnival dates back to 1886 and is one of the oldest in the US.
The presence of the University of Montana means the city of Missoula has plenty to offer tourists on a city break. Home to several breweries, farmers’ markets and a variety of restaurants, you'll also find a number of prominent galleries, including the Montana Museum of Art and Culture and the Missoula Art Museum. Active types will love the range of activities on offer – you could enjoy fly-fishing, floating, and paddleboarding on the Clark Fork, Bitterroot, and Blackfoot rivers, or grab your skis and head for the Montana Snowbowl ski resort minutes from downtown.
Reno in western Nevada is known as the biggest little city in the world. Put aside its bright downtown with big casinos, and it's a city of parks and pretty houses. There’s a river walk you can follow and the Truckee Whitewater Park is a must for adrenalin junkies. It’s also a cultural hub, home to the University of Nevada, the Nevada Museum of Art, and the Nevada Opera.
As beautiful as any other more popular destination in New England, Concord is New Hampshire's capital and has plenty of history to it. The gold-domed State House is the oldest continuously occupied statehouse in the country and houses the impressive Hall of Flags, which is home to 115 banners that date back to the Civil War. To experience the best of New Hampshire's nature, head out of the city to the Carter Hill Orchard. In operation since the 1700s, the orchard offers a seasonal pick-your-own service, so go foraging for blueberries and pick raspberries, peaches, or apples.
For decades Atlantic City didn't have the best reputation, however, the city has improved itself in recent years and is now a brilliant destination to visit. Atlantic City's historic Boardwalk has the slots, glitzy hotels, and party spots that Las Vegas is famous for, but dialed down a notch or two, with a breath of sea air in place of desert heat. If you're coming with kids, there are plenty of family attractions too – The Steel Pier is sure to be a favorite.
Made famous by the hit TV show Breaking Bad, Albuquerque is still overshadowed by Santa Fe even though it's filled with fascinating history. Founded in 1706 as a Spanish colony, the city's Old Town is distinctly different from its downtown and is a collection of traditional adobe buildings, museums, and churches. In fall 2017, Albuquerque unveiled its 50-mile (80km) activity loop that connects more than 400 miles (644km) of existing bike paths. The route creates a bicycle, running, and walking loop around the city with a view of the city neighborhoods, Sandia Mountains, and Rio Grande Valley.
The North Carolina city of Asheville is great for a city break: there's a lively arts scene filled with galleries, studios, and museums, significant architecture such as the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, and a thriving culinary and craft beer offering. But it's not all about urban life, especially when you consider its setting amid the impressive scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With over 800,000 acres of wilderness, mountain ecosystems, and waterfalls, escaping for an outdoor adventure is almost compulsory here.
As the state capital of Ohio, Columbus is an exciting city that has managed to stay relatively underrated. It has a very varied food scene, a thriving arts community, and stunning natural landscapes in close proximity. A recent restoration program on the riverfront has resulted in 145 acres of new parkland, a network of paths, and easy access to the river. Just outside the bustling city is the delightfully wild Hocking Hills region, with 10,000 acres of unbroken forest, craggy caves, vertiginous cliffs, picturesque waterfalls, and woodland trails.
Known for the stunning Art Deco buildings in its Deco District, Tulsa has been flying under the radar for quite some time. Landmarks include the Philcade and Philtower buildings that are a reminder of the city's importance to the oil industry of the 20th century, as well as the ornate Philbrook Museum of Art, once the home of a local oil magnate. The Gathering Place for Tulsa, finished in 2018, is an attraction that has transformed nearly 100 acres along the Arkansas River into a massive urban park complete with playgrounds, nature trails, skate parks, and gardens.
Trendy Portland might attract more tourists than Salem, but the latter is well worth visiting. It's a fantastic starting point to enjoy some of America’s finest wine, particularly on a road trip along the Willamette Highway. Salem itself has some pretty landmarks to admire, like the 19th-century Bush House, set in the centrally located Bush's Pasture Park. The annual Salem Film Festival, usually held in March, is a great time to visit, while the enchanting Three Pools in the Opal Creek Wilderness to the east of town are great for a dip.
A major city in Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh hasn't reached its full potential as a city break destination just yet. The city has spent time reinventing itself and is no longer just about the steel industry. The museum offering is especially appealing to families, with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens on offer. Pittsburgh is also great for sports lovers with the Pirates (MLB), Penguins (NHL), and Steelers (NFL) all based in the city. The city regularly hosts concerts, food festivals, and plenty of events for the whole family.
This affordable, architecturally charming city is only a few hours’ drive from New York and has an incredible food and drink scene. Residents of Providence see it as one of the East Coast’s best-kept secrets and hope to keep it that way. Buy some bread and a croissant at Seven Stars Bakery, stroll the most picturesque streets, and look out for art and music events by the local group AS220. The Rhode Island School of Design is a must-visit and is free on Sundays. Head to Gracie’s for fine dining with the best seasonal produce harvested from the restaurant's roof garden.
The capital of South Carolina has countless attractions to explore, the most popular being Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, home to more than 2,000 animals and beautiful botanical gardens. One of the best things about Columbia is that it never takes too much time to escape the city. The free-to-enter, 24-hour Congaree National Park is just 30 minutes from downtown Columbia and offers 25 miles (40km) of hiking trails and plenty of opportunities for birdwatching, canoeing, and kayaking. It's also worth paying a visit to Lake Murray, where you'll find scenic landscapes and gorgeous sunsets.
It's easy to fall for Sioux Falls' small-town charm even though it's the largest city in South Dakota. Falls Park is without a doubt the city's most loved attraction. Flowing through 123 acres of land, Big Sioux River is a chain of stunning waterfalls in the middle of the city. It's a great spot for catching romantic sunsets, having a picnic, or simply escaping the city. When visiting you shouldn't miss Sioux Falls' SculptureWalk – a collection of artworks that displays local artists' work throughout the year.
San Antonio is a treasure trove of Spanish colonial architecture. In fact, the city, which was colonized by the Spanish empire in the early 1700s, has the largest concentration of Spanish architecture in North America. Its most famous site is the Alamo, one of five missions that are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can explore these fascinating structures, comprised of a church and buildings where the priests and local Native Americans lived and worked, on the River Walk's eight-mile (13km) Mission Reach trail.
You could be forgiven for assuming the USA’s smallest state capital would have very little to offer. Fewer than 10,000 people actually live in Montpelier and it certainly has a small-town feel, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to food, history, and Vermont’s lifeblood – maple syrup. Montpelier is the perfect spot for foodies and craft beer fans looking for a quiet, cultured getaway. Many graduates of the town’s New England Culinary Institute have launched their own restaurants nearby, with wide-ranging cuisine on offer.
A new wave of younger residents in recent years means this riverside city has transformed itself into something of a hipster hub. Scott’s Addition, an old industrial area, is now a popular nightlife spot, with microbreweries like Vasen Brewing. The downtown district has unique brunch spots and street art, while the short Canal Walk offers an insight into the area’s trading and maritime history. Richmond’s biggest selling point is the James River, which has helped make it an adventure lover’s paradise. There are stretches of rapids for everyone to enjoy, from families to experienced kayakers.
While Seattle usually hogs the limelight in the Pacific Northwest, relaxed Olympia has lots going for it too, thanks to an impressive music scene with several gigs a day. A tour of the Washington State Capitol building and grounds is a great place to learn about the state's history too. Come for one the many festivals and events throughout the year, like the Olympia Brew Fest or Music in the Park. Be sure to hike, bike, climb, or go cross-country skiing in Mount Rainier, look for dolphins at Puget Sound, and sip a craft beer at the Three Magnets Brewing Company.
The capital of West Virginia is Charleston, a university town surrounded by dense forest beneath the Appalachian Mountains. It’s home to the University of Charleston and apart from its gorgeous green natural surroundings, including the Elk and Kanawha Rivers, there are a number of man-made sites to marvel at. The gold-domed State Capitol makes for an impressive central landmark and downtown, Capitol Market, an indoor market in a former freight station, is a must-visit.
This small, liberal, and friendly city with a big student population is a charming place to visit. It's an easy city to get around thanks to its network of cycle routes. Plus, there are lots of things to see and do that won't set you back a cent, like the free Madison Museum of Contemporary Art or exploring the city's pretty parks in fall. The huge Dane County Farmers’ Market on Saturdays is a must-visit for food lovers, as are the city’s many superb restaurants like L’Etoile and Forequarter. Madison also sits near three lakes – Mendota, Monona, and Waubesa – which are a treat for sailing, fishing, and hiking enthusiasts.
Although Cheyenne is the state capital, it gets overshadowed by the glitz and glamor of Jackson and the ultimate cowboy town of Cody. Cheyenne has a lot going for it, from exciting eateries to the imposing Wyoming State Capitol building and the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. One of the best things to visit in the city is the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. The new expansion, unveiled in 2017, includes a multi-story conservancy that's now home to thousands of tropical plants.