Looking for your next smaller trip on a budget and want to add a fun new city to your list of places you’ve traveled to? This post is all about the most underrated US Cities to Visit while you can! Whether you’re going on your first solo trip, traveling with friends, or exploring new places this list surely will not disappoint! If you’ve been to these cities before, comment what your favorite part was!
US Cities to Visit
1. Nashville, TN
Nashville is a great city to visit and TONS of people have gone in the past year to the point where Nashville has seen over a billion dollars in tourist revenue. This city is the place to be and for sure worth visiting at least once. It is a lively city full of fun experiences and things to do. Live music, shows, concerts, bars, restaurants, delicious southern food, and just overall a unique and fun place to be! Reasons why it is TOP of my list to check out. Click HERE for a complete list of things to do in Nashville!
2. Denver, CO
I am so extremely bias when it comes to Denver because it is HOME, but it is a must see on your list of US cities to visit. I lovvveeee it because you have the city and downtown area while also having the option to see an INCREDIBLE Mountain View. But be prepared… unless you were born and raised here you will for sure feel like a fish out of water here. It’s not so bad in Denver but in the mountains just eat and drink plenty of water and you’ll be fine! I want to tell you it’s not that bad but I’ve never experienced this or what it is like. Friends of mine said they did have a bit of difficulty with the altitude but wouldn’t trade the experience for the world! Downtown is a lot of fun, and there are great hiking destinations within an hour from downtown. Denver is home to the historic Union Station, be sure to visit it while you are there.
3. Kansas City, MO
One of the US cities to visit if driving through this area of the country is Kansas City. I have driven by this quite a few times on my drives moving to different cities for internships and for college semesters. This is a really unique city to stop by and check out! Known for it’s jazz history and delicious BBQ sauce and steaks, this is a unique little stop you can’t miss on your road trips across the country! For more things to do in Kansas City, click HERE.
4. Boston, MA
Boston is on my bucket list of places to visit and I can’t wait to go. Certainly one of the most historic US cities to visit. SOOO what I am telling you is purely advice from friends I have who live here! I can tell you if you are a fan of Dunkin’ you won’t be disappointed here. Boston is filled with SO much history. However, if you’re from the UK, this city may not look like your cup of tea to visit. (A joke but not… a conversation was had and we laughed.) Anyways… go see Boston. Do it. It’s cool. Worth at least one visit. Maybe this one isn’t as underrated but it is so a place you have to visit. For more ideas on what to do in Boston, click HERE.
5. Fort Myers, FL
I SWEAR Fort Myers is one of many GREAT US cities to visit… but we just got slammed with a near Category 5 hurricane so it does NOT fit on the list of places I’d recommend visiting in the next year or two… but it is still a fun place to visit when things are back to normal. Near Fort Myers is (and hopefully will return) Sanibel Island, Marco Island, Naples, and so many great beaches. An affordable alternative relative to many extremely touristy FL vacation spots. Fort Myers is one of many places I’ve been able to call home over the past 5 years! SWFL in general is just a great place to be :). For more ideas on what to do in Fort Myers, click HERE.
6. Charleston, SC
Charleston is another one of the best us cities to visit that is climbing up in rankings for tourism in recent years, and is a must visit especially for the beaches! It is an alternative to visiting the beach if you don’t want to visit Florida for it. Such a beautiful beach area complete with small town shops and so many fun things to do! A must see at least once! Click HERE for more of a list of things to do in Charleston!
7. Cincinnati, OH/Newport, KY
I get asked ALL THE TIME: “Cincinnati? Where’s that?” I’m hoping that somehow their football teams recent successes have at least put them on the MAP. Cincinnati is actually one of the most fun US cities to visit if you do it right. There are fun things to do and to get the most out of your trip you should visit when they have events (which is pretty often). Cincinnati/Newport are literally all in the same area to hang out, but the bridge is what separates the two and is honestly the highlight of the city. Going there at nighttime to see the bridge and grab drinks with friends is one of the BEST things to do! You can also see a Reds game if you’re a baseball fan, see the Bengals play at Paul Brown, or visit OTR and check out Findlay Market and the shops downtown! SO many fun things to do here. Worth a visit if you’re not far away!
8. Parker, CO
If you’re in Denver and want to get the small mountain town experience without driving 2 hours to get it, this is the place to go! Mainstreet Parker has all of the local shops and coffee you’ll want to try. Fika coffee house is one of the BEST coffee places ever! There are several local clothing shops, boutiques, gift shops, and more to see in Parker. You also will get the view of the Rocky Mountains from here while you enjoy Mainstreet! Worth a visit while in Colorado.
9. Seattle, WA
Seattle is SO cool to visit and certainly is one of those underrated places. Seattle has the iconic space needle, but is also home to many ports for the US, and the first Starbucks store, as well as the Pike Place market and some amazing seafood. This is a city you can’t not go to at least once. One of the most memorable trips I’ve been on so far! Would certainly go again. Not far from here is Portland where there are also many other things to do and see. For more, click HERE.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post about the 9 most underrated US cities to visit, and hope it has inspired your next travel adventure!
