From majestic mountain spots to sleepy seaside towns to vibrant cities with stunning architecture, there is no shortage of gorgeous places to visit in America.
We Think These Are the Most Beautiful Cities in the US
If you want to behold some of the most amazing sites in the country, check out the 19 most beautiful cities in the US and what they have to offer visitors!
1. Boston, Massachusetts
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Boston is a bustling city that has confusing roads and a complex history. But many people adore this city simply for the architecture and beautiful ocean views when you head to the harbor.
You can walk along the Charles River and explore the elegant brownstones or relax in Boston Common, the park in the middle of the city.
And the various neighborhoods each have a unique vibe to offer tourists — from the narrow cobblestone streets of the North End, which many consider Little Italy, to the seaside vibes you’ll find in South Boston.
Walk down the idyllic streets of Back Bay lined with stunning brick homes built decades ago and still hold their antique charm.
It’s undeniable that the architecture in Boston is some of the most beautiful in America, but there are also ocean views and lovely nature to behold in this state capital.
Read Next: The Best Time to Go to Boston in 2024
2. Honolulu, Hawaii
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It would be difficult to list the most beautiful cities in the US and not include anywhere in Hawaii. Hawaii is a tropical island in the US, so there are many exotic plants and animals you can’t see anywhere else.
People from the continental US will feel like they’re visiting another country when they go to Hawaii. The flowers are large and bursting with color, and the ocean is a crystal clear blue with white sandy beaches you don’t see in other US states.
And watching a sunset or sunrise on the island is magical. Honolulu is the capital and one of the most popular and stunning cities on the chain of islands. But it’s hard to find an unattractive place in Hawaii.
Read Next: Where to Stay in Oahu
3. Telluride, Colorado
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Many people think of places like Denver, Vail, and Aspen when they think of Colorado. But Telluride, West of Denver, is an old Victorian mining town with all the charm of the olden days.
The buildings look antique and full of history, and they are! The city is nestled right in the Rocky Mountains, so you have massive mountain views all around you.
While the mountains and the changing leaves in the fall attract tourists to this gorgeous town, the quaint shops and lovely old buildings make for some of the best photo ops.
And even though it’s not the most popular tourist spot in Colorado, there is plenty to do, from the Historical Museum, where you can learn about the town’s history, to the nearby ski and golf resort in the mountains.
4. Savannah, Georgia
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Many Hollywood movies have been filmed in Georgia, specifically Savannah, due to the gorgeous trees and enchanting nature. There’s thick and colorful Spanish moss all over the city, along with mighty oak trees.
The architecture of the city is stunning, with dramatic Gothic facades and elaborate porches. When people think of the beauty of the south, they’re thinking about how majestic Savannah is. The town is the definition of classic Southern charm.
Some of the most famous pictures capture tall and wispy trees lining roads, creating a sort of archway or tunnel of green leaves.
Whether you explore the beautiful architecture of downtown Savannah or wander through the enchanting suburbs, it’s hard not to be in awe of how stunning the city is.
Read Next: Best Time to Visit Savannah, GA in 2024
5. Charleston, South Carolina
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Another city full of Southern charm and beautiful trees, Charleston, South Carolina, has a lot to offer visitors. There is dazzling architecture, specifically in the French Quarter and Battery districts.
The city has cobblestone streets with horse-drawn carriages driving around, transporting you back to another time when things were simpler. The antebellum houses, painted with pastel colors, make the city colorful yet elegant.
And the streets lined with palm trees make you feel like you’re on vacation. You can gaze at the Atlantic Ocean from the famous Charleston Harbor and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.
Every corner of Charleston has something new to discover and appreciate, making it one of the most beautiful cities in the US.
Best Time: Best Time to Visit Charleston, SC
6. San Francisco, California
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San Francisco is one of the most popular tourist spots in the US, thanks to its legendary Golden Gate Bridge, which is a fiery red. The lesser-known Bay Bridge and San Rafael Bridge are also stunning sites that many people don’t know about.
The city is full of rolling hills lined with distinct and unique buildings that line the busy streets. One building will look ancient and charming, and beside it will be a gorgeous modern building, creating a fascinating contrast throughout the city.
And if you’re lucky, you’ll see one of the famous red trolleys rolling down the street, and you can hop on to see more of the city.
You can walk down to Pier 39, a tourist hotspot, featuring plenty of restaurants and views of the ocean and bridges. You may even see a group of seals barking and lounging on the docks!
Read Next: Best Time to Visit San Francisco in 2024
7. Brant Point, Massachusetts
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Nantucket is a quaint island off the coast of Massachusetts, a few miles from the shores of Cape Cod. Many towns in Cape Cod are stunning and charming, but something about Nantucket is alluring to tourists.
The entire island is beautiful, but Brant Point is one of the most iconic Nantucket destinations, thanks to its picturesque lighthouses and cozy beaches. This coastal neighborhood has a sleepy island vibe with small but charming homes right on the water.
While Nantucket is most popular in the summer when the sun is shining, the fog that sits over the island in fall and winter is also enchanting and not something you can see everywhere.
But no matter when you visit, the lush green plants that hug the divine homes that sit on the beach will take your breath away.
8. Cornwall, Connecticut
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If you want natural beauty, Cornwall, Connecticut, has picturesque woods and rivers to explore. The Mohawk Mountain State Park boasts a bustling wildlife sanctuary where you see colorful birds and other unique critters.
One of the most idyllic and visited locations is a covered bridge that screams classic New England.
In the fall, the West Cornwall Covered Bridge is surrounded by red, orange, and yellow leaves that are breathtaking, especially if you hail from a location where the leaves don’t change much.
People even plan marriage proposals in this spot because it’s immensely alluring and romantic. This town is in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, so you get mountain views, babbling brooks, and charming old buildings all in one place.
9. Seward, Alaska
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Alaska is known for its incredible nature and wildlife. Seward is a port city at the southern edge of the state, so it’s one of the easier places to visit from the continental US.
The town has whole houses hovering over the port on stilts, creating a majestic view of the land. The water in the port is a magical aqua color that you won’t see just anywhere. The town is known for being the start of the historic Iditarod trail, where a famous dog sled race begins.
There are massive glaciers and whales to see off the shore or while on a boat. If you love ocean views but don’t want a standard beach vacation in Florida, Seward is the place for you.
Read Next: Best Time to Visit Alaska
10. Rockport, Maine
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Rockport, Maine, is named for its rocky terrain right by the ocean. It’s 35 miles away from the state’s capital Augusta and has a small population, but plenty of tourists go here for an idyllic and peaceful vacation.
There are lush green rolling farms where you can see herds of cows and horses meander and graze. Visit the exquisite Children’s Chapel and outdoor church that boasts lovely architecture covered in charming ivy leaves.
Many people who visit Rockport roam around to see the stunning lighthouses sitting atop cliffs and piles of rocks to warn boats they’re nearing the shore.
From small boutiques and sailboat rides, there’s something for everyone to admire when they visit Rockport. And the lobster isn’t too shabby either!
11. New York City, New York
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While some may write off NYC as a dirty, crowded place, there’s plenty of beauty to enjoy. Central Park is one of the most lovely places in America, with distinct trees, massive fountains, and even old castles hidden in the hills.
So, even if the flashing lights and craziness of Times Square don’t appeal to you, there’s nature and architecture that will wow you. Visit the Belvedere Castle or the One World Observatory, where you can have a fantastic meal while gazing at the overwhelming skyline views of the city that never sleeps.
NYC is known for the many spectacular rooftops you can visit, whether it’s a restaurant or just a spot to take in the incredible views. And, of course, there’s immense beauty to be found in the famous museums like the Met, MOMA, or Guggenheim.
Read Next: Best Time to Visit NYC in 2024
12. New Orleans, Louisiana
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New Orleans has a unique architectural aesthetic thanks to its history of French and African cultures melding together. The city, known as ‘The Big Easy,’ has colorful buildings with intricate moldings and quaint balconies overlooking the streets.
New Orleans is like no other city, thanks to the fascinating combination of architectural styles and culture.
The city also has stunning views of the Mississippi River, where you can admire the natural beauty of the state after enjoying the bustling energy of the city. The city parks combine tropical palm trees with dramatic willow trees for an interesting natural landscape.
The lights and buildings along Bourbon Street are mesmerizing, and the energy of the locals is infectious. The city itself is gorgeous, but the vibrant people and nightlife make it one of the best places in the country to visit.
Read Next: Where to Stay in New Orleans in 2024
13. San Diego, California
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California, in general, is a beautiful state. But one of the most delightful spots to visit in San Diego boasts impeccable beaches and boats sailing around the harbor. If you love warm weather and ocean views, you’ll fall in love with San Diego.
The vast blue ocean can be seen from many spots in the city, so you can always smell the refreshing salty sea. Much of the shore is lined with large white rocks, which give way to soft sandy beaches that make for the perfect relaxing vacation.
Places like La Jolla Underwater Park or Balboa Park showcase the incredible wildlife and plants that reside in California. Everywhere you go in San Diego has green trees and beautiful buildings.
In addition to the natural beauty, San Diego also has art galleries and curated gardens you can explore to soak up every ounce of beauty the city has to offer.
Read Next: The Best Time to Visit San Diego, California
14. Newport, Rhode Island
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Rhode Island is often overlooked when discussing the most beautiful places in America. But this state, which is not an island, has cute beaches and beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.
There are seaside hiking trails, surrounded by lush fields of ocean grass that look like an ocean itself. And in Newport, you can see the endangered birds that live on the beaches, which are adorable and often super small.
Take peaceful ferry rides around the islands off the coast of Rhode Island, and you’ll probably see large whales breaching the water and diving back down to the depths.
There are also several historic and lavish mansions, some of which have been turned into museums you can wander through. These mansions were the homes of some of the richest people in New England decades ago, and the architecture is incredible and luxurious.
15. Anchorage, Alaska
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Another stunning spot to check out in Alaska is Anchorage, the well-known city with plenty to offer tourists. There are awe-inspiring mountains near a curved coast, giving you a view of some of the most spectacular examples of nature.
Whether you go in the winter or the summer, gondola rides can take you up and down the mountain, basically through the clouds in the sky.
Earthquake Park is an exquisite spot to check out with ocean views and unique wildlife. People also adore Glen Alps Trail Road, so if you love a hike with divine views, you’ll want to explore this trail.
16. Las Vegas, Nevada
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People may not think of Las Vegas as ‘beautiful,’ but much of the city is historical and stunning. If the bright lights and busyness of the new strip don’t appeal to you, you can check out the old casinos and buildings along the old Las Vegas strip.
It’s hard not to be drawn to the drama of the Bellagio, with the elegant fountain show that takes place every hour for folks to enjoy.
If you’re looking for more natural beauty, it’s a short drive from the strip to Red Rock Canyon, where you can drive down a windy road that brings you through massive red rocks and vast plains where you can see for miles.
People who love the open spaces will love exploring what’s around Las Vegas. And people that love the bright lights of a city with fascinating and distinct architecture will love being in the city and roaming around the different areas.
Read Next: Where to Stay in Las Vegas in 2024
17. Naples, Florida
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Naples, Florida, has a tropical vibe, and it’s almost always sunny and warm. You can walk down idyllic long piers and hang your feet off the side over the crystal blue water that will make you feel like you’re in Bermuda.
The long Naples Pier is a staple in the city and a popular tourist attraction for a stellar ocean view. The town itself has a very high-end vibe with colorful shops, homes, and luxury stores.
One of the most exciting things to do in Naples is to lounge on the beach or on a boat and watch out for dolphins, which will pop out of the beautiful blue water and majestically swim across the horizon.
It’s hard to imagine a more magical vacation than watching dolphins leap into a soothing sunset.
Read Next: Is Naples, Florida Safe to Visit in 2024?
18. Santa Fe, New Mexico
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If you love turquoise, it doesn’t get better than Santa Fe! The vibrant and colorful city sits in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, surrounded by rolling green hills that give way to mountains.
The architecture style is very unique and noticeable, as the heat in the area caused builders to get innovative and use different materials than standard brick. It was founded as a Spanish colony, so it has a similar architectural style to Spanish homes, with colorful exteriors and flat roofs.
The crooked streets wind past famous landmarks like statues commemorating the city’s founders and history. Many people liken Santa Fe to Barcelona, so it’s like a European vacation right in the US.
19. Sedona, Arizona
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Sedona, Arizona, is one of the most beautiful cities in the US if you want to soak up some spectacular nature views. The city is surrounded by colorful rock buttes, steep canyons, and thick pine forests, making for a dazzling combination of natural elements.
It’s the perfect place to go on impressive hikes and take memorable photos that will wow your friends. And uptown Sedona features quaint shops with unique items that make excellent souvenirs.
Whether you’re looking for an exciting nature vacation or want to explore the quiet and lovely town of Sedona, this is one of the best spots in Arizona to check out.
From bird-watching and picturesque picnic spots to modern luxury shops and restaurants, it has everything you could want except the ocean!
Read Next: Where to Stay in Sedona in 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
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Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
What is the most popular tourist spot in the US?
It’s a tie between the Las Vegas new strip and Times Square in New York City.
What is the most beautiful state in the US?
Many consider California the most beautiful state because it has oceans, mountains, forests, deserts, and every kind of nature you could want.
What is the best beach town in the US?
People often consider Honolulu and other towns in Hawaii to be the best beach spots in the US.
What is the quietest town in America?
The quietest town in the US is Green Bank, West Virginia, located in the mountains with a tiny population and few attractions.
What is the most beautiful state capital in America?
Boston is often called the most beautiful state capital, thanks to its stunning architecture and ocean views.
Read Next: The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the US
So, What Is the Most Beautiful City in the US?
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The US has so many stunning vacation destinations that it’s hard to decide which is the most beautiful. But you won’t be disappointed with any of the cities mentioned here.
From overwhelming mountains and red rocks to picturesque little towns with ocean views, there is something beautiful to admire in every one of these towns. Happy travels!