Coolest Cities to Visit in the US
As a regional flight attendant for the last 15+ years, I’ve gotten to see some of the coolest cities to visit in the US. With a quick glance at a map I’m certain I’ve worked flights to cities in at least 46 of the 48 mainland states. (I definitely haven’t worked any flights to Delaware, and I don’t *think* I’ve worked any to Maryland…?) But I’m forever grateful for the many places my job has taken me.
“Overnighting”
Something I’m frequently asked as a flight attendant is if I get to spend any time in the places I fly to. And the answer is always yes and no. Sometimes I’m scheduled to spend the night in a city I work a flight to and other times I’m scheduled to pass through it. When I’m scheduled to pass through it I usually don’t even step off the plane in between deplaning the first batch of passengers and boarding up the second! But if I’m scheduled to spend the night somewhere (or “overnight” as we call it in the airline industry) it’s typically for 10-20 ish hours. If my overnight is closer to the short 10 hour mark, I probably won’t be doing much exploring. If my overnight is closer to the longer 20 hour mark, there’s a good chance I’ll be doing some exploring.
Overnight Explorations
After multiple repeat overnights over the years in various places throughout the county, I’ve been able to narrow down my list of what I consider the coolest cities to visit in the US. I tried to keep this list short(er), I PROMISE. I just couldn’t do it. The US has SO many cool places to see, both the obvious ones and lesser known gems. I’m not giving a detailed and thorough account of everything to see and do in each of these cities. But I AM giving you the “flight crew version” of what to see and do in these cities. And by that I mean I’m giving you a small snippet of what I’d personally do (and recommend to fellow crew members) on an overnight in these places. Which likely means it’s what I’d consider to be the BEST part of that place.
Here’s hoping these little teasers inspire you to check out some of the coolest cities to visit in the US that you might not have been to yet.
Atlanta, Georgia
There’s so many cool things to see in Atlanta. My go-to would probably be the Martin Luther King Jr historical sites: Birth home, burial site, and Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Birmingham, Alabama
Check out the Civil Rights related historical sites: 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, A.G. Gaston Motel, and Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
Boston, Massachusetts
SO MANY things to see and do in Boston! I’d probably walk the Freedom Trail, eat lobster rolls and clam chowder at the Union Oyster House, then head to Mike’s Pastry for canolis.
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington is such a charming and quaint city. And it’s *especially* beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color. Go for a stroll around Church Street Marketplace, a bike ride on Burlington Greenway, and enjoy the views of the bay from Waterfront Park.
Charleston, South Carolina
I can’t get enough of the dreamy architecture in Charleston. Stroll through the streets of downtown and make sure to swing by Charleston City Market and Rainbow Row. Check out Fort Sumter, the Old Slave Mart Museum and the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon for a dose of history. Head to Fleet Landing for lunch or dinner. There are no other options. ;]
Chicago, Illinois
I lived in Chicago for 13 years and I had two favorite things to do with people when they’d visit: 1. Head to North Ave Beach, rent a Divi Bike (the bike share in Chicago) and ride to the Planetarium and back. The path is right along the lakeshore and you’ll see gorgeous views of the city both on the way to the planetarium and back to North Ave Beach. 2. Go for an architectural boat tour that includes the river AND the lake. I did both of those things quite a few times over the years that I lived there and they NEVER got old. Milennium Park and the “bean” are also cool to see downtown.
Dallas, Texas
Head to Dealey Plaza to see the site where JFK was assassinated. The Sixth Floor Museum in the same plaza covers the life and death of JFK and the circumstances surrounding his assassination .
Eugene, Oregon
Track Town USA is SUCH a cool gem. The downtown area is very walkable, and the well known University of Oregon is close by. Be sure to check out the track at the univerisity which is known as a frequent location for professional track and field events including the Olympic trials. The famous 4 mile Pre’s Trail is a great place to go for a run.
Las Vegas, Nevada
I hesitated putting Las Vegas on this list. I don’t personally drink or gamble, so my go-to activities when I’m here aren’t the “partying” type. I’d opt to do things like go for a walk down the Strip, stop to see the Bellagio fountains and conservatory, visit the original “Welcome to Fabulous Vegas” sign, and maybe check out Meow Wolf (an interactive art museum), the Neon Museum, or a Cirque du Soleil show. CRAZY of me, I know. ;]
Los Angeles, California
SO many cool things to choose from in LA. I’d probably opt to head to the beach. Santa Monica and Venice to be exact. I’d start in Venice. Swing by Muscle Beach and then run/walk/bike ride to Santa Monica. Check out the pier, see the sign that marks the end of Route 66 and enjoy some sunshine and the evening sunset.
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis might be my favorite city in Tennessee. Hang out on Beale Street to enjoy some good music and vibes. Next catch the Peabody Duck Parade before stopping by Rendevous for the BEST brisket in the world. The Civil Rights Museum and Stax Records are also super interesting to see.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is one of the coolest cities to visit in the US and it’s such a hidden gem. Honestly, Wisconsin as a whole is such a hidden gem! I’d spend the majority of my time by the lakeshore. Go for a run, walk, or bike ride along the path and enjoy beautiful views of the water and city. Swing by the Milwaukee Art Museum, or at least admire its unique architecture from the outside. Take a stroll along the Riverwalk on your way to the Milwaukee Public Market for lunch or dinner.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is a cool city that (according to my personal observations and no scientific data whatsoever) has become more and more popular over the years. Stroll down Broadway to see the beating heart of the city. You’ll have no problem finding live music to enjoy and good places to eat. I’d recommend Hattie B’s Hot Chicken for some famous hot chicken or Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint (which is off Broadway) for BBQ. The Ryman Auditorium and Country Music Hall of Fame are close by if those interest you.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Wander all around the French Quarter in New Orleans. You’ll find gorgeous architecture, street performers of all kinds, and experience the palpable beat of the city. Make sure your wanderings take you down Bourbon Street and over to Jackson Square. Grab lunch at Acme Oyster House and beignets for dessert at Café Du Monde.
New York City, New York
With as much as there is to see and do in New York City, I don’t think I have a specific go-to when I’m here. If I HAD to suggest something, I’d probably say to hang out around Times Square. Enjoy a slice or two of Joe’s Pizza and catch a Broadway show using my trick to score cheap Broadway tickets. These would be my recommendations for the top 5 places to see on your first time in New York City.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
There’s tons of cool colonial history to see here. First stop would be Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Then to the Old City neighborhood to check out the historical homes on Elfreth’s Alley (which is a National Historical Landmark). Betsy Ross’s home is on a different street in the same neighborhood, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art is where you’ll find the famous “Rocky Steps” and statue.
Portland, Maine
Check out the Portland Head Light, enjoy a walk around the Old Port and eat a lobster roll – they’re life changing. I say the cold (Maine style) lobsters rolls < hot (Connecticut style) lobster rolls. But when in Maine, enjoy them in the Maine style? Maybe get one of each and decide for yourself which is better. ;]
Portland, Oregon
Stop by Voo Doo Doughnut and grab a treat to eat at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Enjoy the views along the water and make sure to check out the Portland Oregon White Stag sign. Get lost between the endless book shelves at the world famous Powell’s City of Books, and spend some time strolling around Washingon Park. When you’re hungry, find some good eats at one of the MANY food trucks around the city.
Richmond, Virginia
There’s tons of cool historical sights to see in Richmond. St. John’s Church where Patrick Henry gave his “Give me Liberty of Give me Death” speech, the White House of the Confederacy, and the John Marshall House. You can also take free tours of the capitol building (which was designed by Thomas Jefferson).
Sacramento, California
Hang out in Old Town. The area is preserved to look like you’ve gone back in time to the days of the wild, wild west! You’ll find plenty of shops, museums, historical sites and restaurants to choose from.
San Antonio, Texas
Check out the Alamo and the area around it (Alamo Plaza). Enjoy a stroll on the the River Walk and find some good Tex-Mex to eat.
San Diego, California
San Diego is a great place to spend as much time as possible outside. I enjoy running along the waterfront path that passes right by the USS Midway Museum (which is a great place to check out). Balboa Park has beautiful gardens to wander, and Coronado Island is always a great place to spend some time.
San Francisco, California
I usually end up hanging out around Fisherman’s Warf when I’m in San Francisco. It’s touristy, I know, but it has great views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, the sea lions, and delicious bread bowls to eat. It’s also fun to see the cable cars, Lombard Street, and Painted Ladies in San Francisco.
Santa Barbara, California
Take a walk on Stearns Wharf and enjoy the quintessential views of Santa Barbara from there. State Street is the main road in the downtown area where you’ll find interesting shops and places to eat. Check out the Old Mission Santa Barbara for a dose of history.
Savannah, Georgia
This might be my favorite of the coolest cities to visit in the US. It’s definitely one of the dreamiest, most magical places in the world! Get lost taking in the stunning architecture along the Spanish moss-filled tree lined streets in the city center. Stop by Forsyth Park, Bonaventure Cemetery, and Wormsloe Historic Site.
Seattle, Washington
There’s SO much to enjoy in Seattle! I know it’s touristy; but, my go to is always Pike Place Market. Walk around the shops, find some good food, and enjoy the views of ferry boats out on the water.
Spokane, Washington
Be outside! #1 recommendation! Stay in the Riverfront Park area and you’ll be golden. Walk or run along the river (or stick to Centennial Trail), check out Spokane Falls, and go for a slide down the Radio Flyer wagon.
Washington DC
So much to choose from in Washington DC. My go-to would probably be hanging out in the National Mall. Check out some monuments, visit some Smithsonians (The Museum of American History is my personal favorite), and run or walk the path that connects the US Captiol and Lincoln Memorial (about 4.5 miles round trip). If it’s cherry blossom season (late March to early April), then the #1 priority is to check out the blooms along the Tidal Basin.
And that’s my list of the coolest cities to visit in the US! I hope this has inspired you to visit some places you hadn’t considered and given you some ideas of what to do when you’re there. The US has tons of both well and lesser known places to see. And I hope everyone loves them just as much as I do when they visit.. :]
Safe travels, friends!
CE
