10 U.S. Cities You Must Visit (in our humble opinion)
Did you know that there are more than 3.5 million square miles of land to explore in the United States?! To cross the country by car would take 45 straight hours of driving, and still, you’d only see a small percentage of the land spanning sea to shining sea. It would take you three months of traveling to visit all 48 continental states. It’s safe to say the United States is a big place, with lots to see and do!
If you don’t have that kind of time or stamina, no worries, we are sharing our 10 must-visit cities for planning your next adventure and opening yourself up to new and unexpected experiences.
San Diego, California
Beaches and Sunshine!
San Diego is a beautiful coastal city in Southern California, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and year-round sunshine. With its diverse neighborhoods, world-class attractions, and delicious cuisine, San Diego is a great destination for travelers of all ages. From the iconic Balboa Park to the historic Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Chicago, Illinois
Architecture and Entertainment!
Chicago is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture, making it a great destination for travelers. From the iconic skyline to the world-class museums, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Chicago. You’ll find diverse and eclectic neighborhoods, delicious food, and endless entertainment options (including amazing theater!) Chicago is a must-visit city for any traveler.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Art and Food!
Santa Fe is a hidden gem in the American Southwest. It’s a city full of culture, art, and history you won’t find anywhere else. With its unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences, Santa Fe offers a unique experience for travelers looking for an eclectic slice of America. Santa Fe is also home to stunning mountains and desserts, as well as its delicious green chili cuisine. Santa Fe is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and memorable vacation, and perfect for road trippers!
Denver, Colorado
Sunshine and Adventure!
Denver is a wild and fun city with plenty of attractions for travelers, including the Denver Art Museum, Denver Zoo, MeowWolf, and the Denver Botanic Gardens. The area is known for its sunny weather and outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and skiing in the nearby Rocky Mountains. Denver is also home to a thriving culinary scene, with a variety of restaurants, micro breweries, and distilleries to explore. If you’re a sports nut, or want to catch a game of baseball, American Football, ice hockey, soccer, or basketball, they have 5 professional sports clubs!
Austin, Texas
Music and Food!
Austin has become one of our favorite places to visit in Texas, with a thriving music scene, cool art, and tons of culture and activities. You can enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, trail running and swimming in natural springs easily during your visit. Austin is known as the Live Music Capitol of the World, so you can catch many awesome music festivals and local shows throughout the year. From its delicious food to its lively nightlife, Austin has something for everyone to enjoy.
Portland, Oregon
Shopping, Outdoors, and Coffee!
Ah, the allure and magic of the PNW (Pacific NorthWest). If you’re wanting to explore this area of the United States, Portland is the perfect place to start. Portland, Oregon is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and food lovers, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking. The city is also home to a great food and drink scene, with a variety of restaurants, breweries, and distilleries to explore. We recommend Portland for exploring parks, museums, vintage and thrift shopping, coffee drinking and live music.
Missoula, Montana
Adventure and Views!
You may be surprised to see Montana on this list, as the huge state doesn’t always have tons of visitors. Yet it’s a beautiful and unforgettable GEM in the USA, and perfect for outdoor activities and stunning landscapes. Missoula is specifically a vibrant city with plenty of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and unique restaurants. The city is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, and situated on a river making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Missoula is home to the University of Montana, offering visitors a variety of cultural and educational experiences.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Culture and Parties!
What’s not to love in New Orleans? New Orleans is a stunning city full of unique architecture, history, culture, music, and delicious food. From the French Quarter to the Garden District, there are plenty of attractions to explore. Infamous for it’s Mardi Gras celebration, fun and debauchery on Bourbon Street, strolls through historical districts and party boat cruises, there’s something for everyone. But you can party any time of the year in New Orleans! All you need is your backpack and a good attitude, and the good times will find you.
New York City, New York
The mothership is calling you home
New York City is famous for a reason. It’s beloved by many, and lives up to the hype. It’s an exciting destination for travelers, offering a wide variety of attractions, activities, and experiences. From iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty to world-class museums and restaurants, one-of-a-kind parks, there is something for everyone in the Big Apple. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or an action-packed adventure, New York City is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. Bonus: NYC has some of the best public transit and is an easily walkable city in the USA.
Miami, Florida
Beaches and Nightlife!
Miami is unforgettable for it’s combo of stunning beaches and a lively nightlife. From the Art Deco architecture of South Beach to the colorful murals of Wynwood, there is something for everyone to explore in Miami. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting, party-centric night out, Miami is a dream destination for any traveler.
From coast to coast, border to border, there’s something to see, to do and to experience in each state. Don’t wait, make your plans now. And remember, American hostels are a great place to stay for an elevated travel experience. And each of the 10 cities are home to some of the best US hostels.
Go travel!