Top 10 Most Underrated Cities to Visit in the U.S.
I was lucky enough to grow up moving around the U.S., living on all corners of the country and even having done a cross-country road trip twice and discovering all of the hidden gems in the U.S. in between.
View of colorful street in New Orleans, Louisiana; January 2014
Having been able to explore more of the United States than the average American, as most have only been to 16 while I’ve been to 40 – I’ve been lucky enough to see just how diverse the country really is, touching everything from major cities to some of the most underrated places in the U.S.
With my in-depth experience with traveling all over the United States and living in all corners of the country, I’m going to share my bulletproof list of what I believe are the most underrated places to visit in the United States.
Top 10 Most Underrated Cities to Visit in the United States
1. New Orleans, Louisiana
This is probably the number one most underrated city in the United States.
New Orleans embodies such a special flavor that isn’t mimicked anywhere else in the country.
Street view of New Orleans, Louisiana; January 2014
From the European-like balconies, lively celebrations like Mardi Gras, beignets, and unique activities to do like going on dinner river cruises or attending authentic cooking classes – there’s no city in the states like New Orleans.
🎭🍹 Best Things to Do in New Orleans 🎷🥂
👩🍳 Take a Cooking Class
Learn how to make authentic Louisiana favorites like gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines while discovering the city's incredible Cajun and Creole food culture.
🎷 House of Blues
Catch a live concert at the iconic House of Blues. Whether you're into jazz, blues, rock, or country, it's one of the most fun nightlife experiences in New Orleans.
🚢 Dinner Cruise on the Mississippi
Take an evening dinner cruise along the Mississippi River while enjoying live jazz music, classic Southern food, and beautiful sunset views over New Orleans.
🍹 Bourbon Street
Experience the famous bars, live music, and energetic nightlife on Bourbon Street. It's a must-see, but keep your wits about you and be extra cautious if you're walking around late at night.
Best things to do in New Orleans overview cards: cooking class, house of blues concert, dinner river cruise on the swamp I forget the name of the body of water, bourbon street for bars but be careful at night
Best for Travelers Like This: If you love European cities like Paris and small villages in France (links), have a sweet tooth, adore music, and love alive cities with a distinct character– you’re going to love New Orleans.
Pro Tip: If you aren’t able to grab a spot at the famous Café du Monde, you can go to the nearby Morning Call café – we were plenty happy with the beignets there!
2. Boston, Massachusetts
Being so close to New York City, which remains one of the most visited I am still surprised by how many people, both Americans and international visitors, continuously skip over Boston.
View of Bunker Hill in Boston, Massachusetts; June 2012
Between the rich American history (think Battle of Bunker Hill and the Boston Tea Party), old red brick buildings, and the famous Fenway park – Boston has a little of something for everybody.
⚾🏛️ Best Things to Do in Boston 🍀🦞
🇺🇸 Bunker Hill Monument
Climb to the top of this iconic Revolutionary War monument for panoramic views of Boston and learn about one of the most important battles in American history.
⚾ Fenway Park
Catch a Boston Red Sox game or take a stadium tour at America's oldest Major League Baseball ballpark—an unforgettable experience even if you're not a huge baseball fan.
⛵ JFK Presidential Library
Explore the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum to learn about JFK's life, presidency, and legacy while enjoying beautiful views over Boston Harbor.
🚶 Freedom Trail
Follow Boston's famous Freedom Trail to discover many of the city's most important historic landmarks, museums, churches, and meeting houses all in one walk.
Best for Travelers Like This: If you’re a big fan of other places in New England (link here to new England guide), like city vibes without overwhelming crowds like in New York City (link here), and love long strolls through charming neighborhoods with a cup of coffee in hand – you’re guaranteed to take a liking to Boston.
Pro Tip: I really recommend taking the time to see both Bunker Hill and the Kennedy Center, as they demonstrate the best of Boston’s history and are really unique piece of U.S. history to see with your own eyes.
3. Charleston, South Carolina
My dad organized a family trip one Christmas to Charleston in South Carolina, and although I was at first a little skeptical as to why – I was eventually won over.
Street view of colorful houses in Charleston, South Carolina; December 2019
From the southern food, learning about the history behind Fort Sumter, and the Angel Oak tree – Charleston has a soft, less “in-your-face” southern charm than other cities in the south. Out of all the southern states I have been to, such as Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi – Charleston in South Carolina is my favorite.
🌴🏡 Best Things to Do in Charleston 🌊🌺
🌳 Angel Oak Tree
Visit the breathtaking Angel Oak Tree, estimated to be over 400 years old. Its massive branches and canopy make it one of the most beautiful natural landmarks in the South.
🛍️ Charleston City Market
Wander through Charleston's historic City Market, where you'll find local vendors selling sweetgrass baskets, handmade gifts, artwork, and Southern souvenirs.
⚓ Fort Sumter
Take a boat to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired, and learn about one of the country's most important historic sites.
🌺 Marion Square
Stroll through Marion Square, one of downtown Charleston's prettiest green spaces, surrounded by historic buildings, local events, and plenty of charming cafés nearby.
Best for Travelers Like This: If you’re a big fan of classic southern food, cities on the smaller side, and a more laid-back atmosphere – you’ll get along well with the environment found in Charleston.
Pro Tip: Don’t be shy to chit chat with the locals, here. They have that classic southern hospitality, and will often share their favorite restaurants and bars with you!
4. Portland, Maine
Portland, Oregon gets a lot of hype – but what about the Maine version?
After years of watching the potato donut craze on YouTube, I finally went to Portland on a massive New England road trip with my dad – and I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest.
View of benches in quiet area of Portland, Maine; October 2016
As a city alongside the water, very walkable, and with lots of local restaurants, cafés, and bakeries to check out – Portland has a low-key, funky vibe that makes it far more attractive to me than other more “current” or “hip” cities in the U.S. like Austin, Texas or Phoenix, Arizona.
🦞🍁 Best Things to Do in Portland, Maine ⚓🌊
🦞 Waterfront Dining
Grab fresh lobster, chowder, or oysters while overlooking Portland's picturesque harbor. The Old Port waterfront is one of the city's best places to spend an afternoon.
🍁 Fort Allen Park
Wander through Fort Allen Park for beautiful harbor views. If you're visiting during the fall, it's one of the prettiest places in Portland to admire colorful New England foliage.
🥐 Local Bakeries
Don't miss local favorites like The Holy Donut and Two Fat Cats Bakery, both known for delicious pastries, coffee, and classic Maine treats.
🌊 Portland Head Light
Visit one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States. Portland Head Light offers dramatic rocky coastline views and is an absolute must-see while visiting Portland.
Best for Travelers Like This: If you love bakeries, seeing the water in urban settings, and approachable cities – Portland is going to be something out of a dream, for you.
Pro Tip: Try your best to organize your trip to Portland around the fall, as it’s truly beautiful and like something out of a cozy T.V. show – like Gilmore Girls!
5. Burlington, Vermont
Probably my other most underrated city in the U.S. of all time is Burlington in Vermont.
View of Church Street in Burlington, Vermont; October 2016
From the charming streets, chocolate shops, to cozy cafés – Burlington is the most picturesque city I have ever been to in the United States. It’s small and cute without being overwhelming or skimping out on lots of fun things to do.
🍁🚲 Best Things to Do in Burlington, Vermont 🍎🏞️
🛍️ Church Street Marketplace
Stroll down Burlington's famous pedestrian street, lined with local boutiques, restaurants, cafés, and plenty of live street performers.
🍎 Muddy Waters
Stop by Muddy Waters for a warm apple cider and enjoy one of Burlington's coziest cafés, especially during the fall months.
🍫 Lake Champlain Chocolates
Take a tour of the famous Lake Champlain Chocolates factory and learn how their handmade chocolates are made—plus enjoy plenty of delicious samples.
🌊 Waterfront Park
Explore Waterfront Park along beautiful Lake Champlain, where you'll find walking paths, bike trails, sunset views, and one of the best spots to relax in Burlington.
Best for Travelers Like This: If you’re a big fan of maple syrup, chocolate, cozy cafés, little shops, and cities covered in charm – you’ll be all about Vermont.
Pro Tip: If you get caught in the rain while in Burlington, be sure to go walk down Church Street – as the way that the light reflects off of the street is surely a sight to see.
6. Tampa, Florida
Perhaps I’m a bit biased as I was born in the Tampa Bay area, but I do think that this is a part of Florida and of the United States that is often overlooked.
City view of Tampa skyline and surrounding trees
With beautiful beaches like Clearwater and St. Pete nearby, Tampa is often overlooked by Miami – when it shouldn’t be.
What most people don’t realize is that the Gulf of Mexico side of Florida actually has much nicer beaches than those on the Atlantic Ocean side, as it’s much calmer and less choppy.
Furthermore, Tampa is a far more family friendly city than Miami. While Miami has more to see and do from waterfront restaurants on South Beach to exploring Miami Beach – Tampa has a simpler way of life and is less “over the top” than its competing city of Miami.
🌴☀️ Best Things to Do in Tampa 🌊🐊
🥘 La Teresita
Skip Miami and head to La Teresita for some of the most authentic Cuban food in Florida. I'd know—three of my four grandparents were Cuban, and I grew up eating Cuban cuisine all the time. If you're curious, here's my favorite vegan arroz con pollo recipe.
🐠 Florida Aquarium
I came here all the time growing up, and it really is an exceptional aquarium. It's one of the best family-friendly attractions in Tampa, with everything from sharks and sea turtles to playful otters.
🎢 Busch Gardens
Spend a day riding world-class roller coasters, watching animal encounters, and exploring one of the best theme parks in Florida.
💦 Adventure Island
Cool off at Adventure Island, Tampa's popular water park, featuring lazy rivers, wave pools, water slides, and plenty of attractions for both kids and adults.
Best for Travelers Like This: Friends, couples, or families who don’t care for “in your face cities” but still want a starting point for a fun summer trip to Florida.
Pro Tip: A trip to Tampa during shoulder season is often to be more pleasant than in the middle of summer, as it’s bound to humidity like you couldn’t believe.
7. Washington D.C.
I lived in the Washington D.C. area on and off for 11 years, and every time I tell someone from abroad that I grew up there – I’m always saddened to hear that they haven’t visited it.
View of Jefferson Memorial at the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C. in the spring; April 2018
D.C. may be the capital of the country, but it often gets overlooked by New York and Los Angeles.
It has a rep for being too square and museum oriented, which I do get – the DMV is a very structured, career focused place. But on the flip side of things, In reality, there are so many fun things to do in Washington D.C. besides learning about the history of the United States – from the Air and Space Museum, riding scooters along the national mall, and more.
🌸🏛️ Best Things to Do in Washington, D.C. 🦅🚲
🌸 Tidal Basin
Visit the Tidal Basin during cherry blossom season to see one of the most beautiful spring displays in the United States while walking past iconic memorials.
🏘️ Georgetown
Wander through Georgetown's charming cobblestone streets, boutique shops, historic homes, waterfront paths, and some of the city's best restaurants.
🌊 The Wharf
Spend an afternoon exploring The Wharf, one of D.C.'s liveliest waterfront neighborhoods, with restaurants, outdoor patios, live music, and beautiful views over the Potomac River.
🛴 Ride Scooters on the National Mall
Instead of walking everywhere, rent an electric scooter and cruise around the National Mall. It's a much more fun way to see the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Capitol Building, and more.
Best for Travelers Like This: If you’re a mix of a homebody and someone who likes a good night out every once in a while, then D.C. is the perfect place for you. There’s a little nightlife, but it’s an overall much calmer city
Pro Tip: Try to plan your trip to D.C. in the early spring, as it’s before it’s too hot and humid to function – and odds are, you’ll get to see the cherry blossoms. This city was made for spring, and after years of living there – I can tell you that it’ll be far easier to sightsee than in the summer.
8. Chicago, Illinois
I know, you’re probably cringing at the fact that I’m putting Chicago, one of the largest cities on the U.S. on this list – but hear me out, because it really is still an incredibly overlooked and underrated city in the U.S.
View of Chicago such as Navy Pier and Willis Tower from Lake Michigan; June 2012
Chicago is kind of the best of both worlds. It has the city energy found in New York (of course, on a much smaller scale) with that classic Midwestern charm found in places like Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
From wandering the magnificent mile, to easy beach access alongside Lake Michigan in the summer, and classic deep-dish pizza – Chicago is a beautiful byproduct of what happens when you put warm hearted people and big city business together.
Whether it be museum exploring or going to a baseball game at Wrigly Field – Chicago was able to entertain my New Yorker window shopping loving mom, my photographer soul, and my brother’s thirst for sports and the beach: all in the same city.
🌆🍕 Best Things to Do in Chicago 🏙️🌭
☁️ Cloud Gate ("The Bean")
Snap a photo at Chicago's most famous landmark, better known as "The Bean." Its reflective surface creates one of the city's most iconic photo opportunities.
🏙️ Willis Tower
Head up the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) for incredible panoramic views over Chicago. If you're brave enough, step out onto the famous glass Skydeck ledge!
🍕 Giordano's
Try Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza at Giordano's. The line can be long, but it's absolutely worth the wait for one of the city's most iconic meals.
🛍️ The Magnificent Mile
Stroll along the Magnificent Mile for luxury shopping, beautiful architecture, and a unique blend of historic buildings and modern skyscrapers.
Best for Travelers Like This: If you like cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, but feel that they miss the “oomph” of New York – you’re really going to like Chicago.
Pro Tip: Although it’s a popular tourist site, I would avoid Navy Pier – it isn’t as amusing once you grow up (making it better for families with young kids), although – the fireworks for the fourth of July from there are incredible.
9. Salt Lake City, Utah
In my two cross country road trips, Salt Lake City was one of those cities in the U.S. was often overlooked – and I couldn’t ever figure out a good reason why.
View of Salt Lake City and snowy mountains in the distance
Even though I was a young child when I visited Salt Lake City, it still left an impression on me. I remember gazing out the window, enthralled by the snow-capped mountains in the distance – even in the middle of summer.
With mountains surrounding almost the city’s entire perimeter, a huge saline lake nearby, and quick access to world-class outdoor recreation – Salt Lake City isn’t only aesthetically pleasing in a picture-perfect postcard way, but it offers it all without the crowds or prices of places like Denver or Seattle.
⛰️🎿 Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City 🏔️🎬
🎬 High School Musical Set
Visit East High School, where both High School Musical and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series were filmed. It's a must for Disney fans!
🌊 Great Salt Lake
Explore Utah's most famous natural landmark. Walk along the shoreline, take in the unique scenery, and experience one of the saltiest lakes in the world.
⛪ Temple Square
Wander through Temple Square to admire its beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and impressive architecture in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City.
🎿 Ski or Go Hiking
Salt Lake City is famous for its outdoor adventures. In winter, hit world-class ski resorts like Snowbird, Alta, or Brighton. In warmer months, explore scenic hikes like Donut Falls, Lake Blanche, or Bell Canyon Reservoir.
Best for Travelers Like This: If you love places like Switzerland but wish there was just a little bit more city, you’ll be bound to have a soft spot for Salt Lake City.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to spot the Capital Building, as it’s reminiscent of Washington D.C’s architecture and really adds character to the city. Also, renting a car when in Salt Lake City is well worth it – as you’ll be nearby some of Utah’s best National Parks like Zion and Bryce.
10. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
I am always seeing Pittsburgh get a bunch of hype, but Philly is always left out of the picture.
View of Philly skyline; December 2013
Similar to D.C. in a way, Philly is a city on a smaller square that doesn’t skimp on the charm or number of things to do. Yes, Pittsburgh has the bigger colleges and cable cars – but Philly has a cute “leveled up” student town vibe.
Plus, I love whenever I take the train from D.C. to New York to see Philly’s incredibly unique skyline – which has such shiny, intricate details that make it immediately recognizable.
🦅🥨 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia 🏛️🎨
🥩 Philly Cheesesteak
You can't visit Philadelphia without trying a classic Philly cheesesteak. Whether you choose Pat's, Geno's, or a local favorite, it's a must-have experience.
🥊 Rocky Steps
Run up the famous Rocky Steps just like in the movies before taking a photo with the iconic Rocky statue at the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
🗽 Liberty Bell
See one of America's most recognizable historic landmarks and learn about its role in the country's fight for independence.
🎨 Philadelphia Museum of Art
Beyond the famous steps, the Philadelphia Museum of Art houses an incredible collection of artwork spanning centuries and is one of the city's top cultural attractions.
Best for Travelers Like This: If you love cities and U.S history but don’t want to be overwhelmed like you would in other cities along the East Coast like Boston, Washington D.C., or New York – Philly is the perfect in between.
Pro Tip: Many people forget that Philadelphia, while also deeply tied to American history and its beginnings such as with Liberty Bell – is actually home to many art museums like the Barnes Art Museum. Make sure to add this to your list if you’re a fan of fine art!
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Having traveled all over the country from a young age, I’ve been exploring the U.S. my whole life – having been to most of the major cities and also in the middle of nowhere on road trips.
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Last updated: June 29, 2026