8 U.S. Cities You Must Visit in Your Lifetime

The United States is home to some of the world’s biggest and most iconic cities. Whether you’re looking to visit either coastline, the midwest, or the American south, rest assured that there’s a city waiting to be explored.

From large commercial and industrial centers to tropical coastal cities, here are eight U.S. metropolitan areas that are deserving of a spot on your bucket list!  

New York, New York

The largest metropolis in the United States by a significant margin, New York City is home to not only eight million people but also all types of monuments, landmarks, and attractions.

From seeing the Statue of Liberty or Empire State Building up close to shopping at Times Square or Rockefeller Center, it can be difficult to narrow down your options during a short stay. Make the most of your time by booking a New York City sightseeing tour and catching all of the city’s best highlights!

Chicago, Illinois

When visiting the “capital of the midwest,” there are plenty of attractions around Millennium Park alone. Take a picture in front of Cloud Gate (also known as “The Bean”), or cool off in the interactive Crown Fountain. After a stroll through the luxurious Lurie Garden, try the Windy City’s famous deep-dish pizza.

If you crave sports entertainment, the city of Chicago delivers it in spades. Visit the United Center, Wrigley Field, or Guaranteed Rate Field to catch a Chicago team in action!

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is a city filled with remnants of its rich history. For a small taste, walk the Freedom Trail—a two-and-a-half-mile route that leads to all types of 18th-century monuments and landmarks. While in town, you should also make a point to visit Quincy Market—a historic building that houses over 50 eateries and kiosks.

Of course, anyone familiar with “Beantown” knows that the city has some of the most passionate sports fans in the country. Join the roars of the local crowds by attending a Celtics, Patriots, Red Sox, or Bruins game!

New Orleans, Louisiana

Famous for its jazz music, Creole cuisine, and French and Spanish architecture, New Orleans and its vibrant culture are like none other. During your visit, be sure to check out the French Quarter—a historic neighborhood now known as the “crown jewel of New Orleans.”

If you’re not easily spooked, explore NOLA’s occultic roots at the Voodoo Museum or on a ghost tour. Finally, visit the Big Easy during Mardi Gras for some of the liveliest and most colorful festivities in the country!

Portland, Oregon

Portland is an eclectic city filled with colorful murals, lush gardens and parks, and a wide range of craft breweries. Dubbed America’s number one food truck city, Portland is also home to hundreds of delicious carts offering some of the best food from across the globe.

When you’re not sampling various cuisines, take a bike ride through the city, enjoy a walk through the Portland Japanese Gardens, or explore Powell’s City of Books—the largest independent bookstore in the world!

San Francisco, California

If you find yourself out on the west coast, be sure to visit “the Paris of the West,” San Francisco. Take a photo by the famous Golden Gate Bridge before exploring Golden Gate Park—an urban space filled with lush gardens, fountains, wildlife, and more.

Next, float out on the ferry to Alcatraz Island. At one point, this tiny island was home to the most secure prison in the United States. Today, it has been converted into a museum where you can walk the facility’s halls and learn more about its many infamous inmates!

Charleston, South Carolina

If you want to visit a city that delivers the perfect blend of urban living, tropical beaches, and top-notch hospitality, look no further than the port city of Charleston. Once a battleground during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, this paradisical area is now adorned with many mansions and cobblestone streets.

While in Charleston, be sure to walk Rainbow Row and The Battery—two streets lined with gorgeous homes built in the mid-18th-century. Naturally, they will lead you to Waterfront Park, where you’ll immediately spot the easily recognizable pineapple fountain!

Los Angeles, California

The second-largest city in the U.S., Los Angeles is the west coast’s counterpart to the east coast’s New York City. Experience the glamorous golden age of Hollywood with a stroll down the Walk of Fame, by posing with Mount Lee’s Hollywood sign, and by visiting Hollywood Museum.

Not to mention, Los Angeles boasts over 75 miles of shoreline stretching across 25 designated beach spots. Soak up the sun at Santa Monica, Malibu, Long Beach, or Venice Beach!

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