The United States has its fair share of cities to visit. In fact, there are hundreds of them! That in itself is mind-boggling, especially when you’re trying to plan a trip to the most fun cities in the US to visit. It can be pretty tough to sort through the best cities that you’ll love, but one thing is for certain, there’s a whole heap of diverse, vibrant cities to explore, wander around and discover.
Now, that’s not to say that every one of the fun cities in the US will be you’re ‘cup of tea’ – but, I’m almost certain you’ll find a few you’ll love.
With that in mind, I wanted to share some of my favourites and most fun cities in the US to visit. Whether it’s for a weekend away, part of your road trip across America or a bigger trip.
Take a look at some of the most fun cities in the USA you should visit below. Have fun!
1.) San Fransisco
Home to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Fishermans Wharf (with stinky, but funny seals) and the hippie district around Haight Street, San Francisco is one of the most fun cities in the US to explore.
Once you’re here, hire a bike and cycle down to Sausalito for brunch or enjoy a takeout picnic from Tartine Bakery in Mission Park. Oh and head over to Alcatraz to brush up on the cities prison history, too.
You can easily spot the prison island from Fisherman’s Wharf and visit once you’ve bought your tickets. Just make sure to book in advance as the tours can fill up real fast.
Don’t forget to see the Painted Ladies (colourful houses), take in the views of the Golden Gate Bridge from Battery Spencer (you can see the Google Maps location here) and see the winding Lombard Street.
If you’re looking for one of the best brunches of the city, pop over to Sweet Maple on Sutter Street. Make sure to try their Millionaire’s Bacon, too!
Read more: Best things to do whilst in San Fransisco
2.) Nashville
Perched in northern Tennessee, Nashville is really one of the fun cities in the US to visit. It’s America’s beating musical heart and a place that’s filled with creativity, yummy southern food and plenty of history.
Once here, make sure to gorge at the Loveless Cafe (about 20-minutes from the city centre), see the Ryman Auditorium and find the full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon in the city itself.
Honestly, you’re going to be spoilt for choice. Just make sure to check out these tastiest restaurants and see some of the top things to do on your visit.
Read more on what to do in Nashville
3.) Los Angeles
Los Angeles took a bit of time for me to like, the city is pretty expansive and can be quite hard to navigate with the traffic (which we regularly got stuck in). That being said, what I would recommend is that you think of LA as a cluster of smaller towns. Focus your energy on particular areas you think you’ll like and explore those.
Once in the city, pay a visit to see the Hollywood Sign, visit the Getty Center and watch a game at the Dodger Stadium. It was so much fun when I went! Alternatively, there are other cool spots that make LA one of the fun cities in the US to explore. Of course, you can visit Disneyland (technically Anaheim) and Universal Studios and Santa Monica Pier.
All that exploring, will no doubt work up an appetite, so pop over to Genwa for one of the tastiest Korean grills in California (based in Beverley Hills or Mid Wilshire). You’ll love it.
Read more: The best free things to do in LA
4.) New Orleans
New Orleans was such a surprise to me! It was so much more than I expected and easily up there as one of the fun cities in the US to explore.
It has a totally unique charm, buzz and culture that seems so different from other US cities; it’s totally gorgeous.
Once here, head over to Preservation Hall to listen to some beautiful Jazz, see Oak Alley Plantation, explore Frenchmen Street and visit Hermann-Grima’s House.
If all that exploring gets you hungry, head right over to Mother’s that’s a proper greasy spoon type of place but totally famous in the city. Just make sure to go hungry (their Po’Boys are huge) and be prepared for a little wait around lunch. It does get busy.
Read more: What to see in New Orleans
5.) Juneau
Perched in Alaska, Juneau is nestled on the coast near Mt Roberts (a whopper, if you see it). Now, the thing that makes Juneau one of the fun cities in the US is its easy access to nature.
Once here, make sure to explore the Mendenhall Glacier, head out whale watching to see the humpbacks and head out on a hike overlooking the city on the Mount Roberts Trail.
After a day of adventuring, pop into Tracy’s King Crab Shack where you can fill your boots with the tastiest local crab. I swear, you’ll have to roll yourself out of here!
6.) Washington DC
Washington D.C is the capital of the United States with places like the White House, Congress and government being key features of the city. Now, don’t let that put you off, Washington really is one of the fun cities in the US to explore, especially their museum district and different neighbourhoods.
Once here, make sure to explore Georgetown is full of cool eating spots like Clyde’s that’s pretty lively and even has some live bands in the evenings.
Don’t forget to explore the world-class museums in Washington DC, too. Make sure to pop in; United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Smithsonian, the National Gallery of Art, the Musem of African-American culture and the Renwick Gallery. You can literally spend weeks exploring all the museums!
Read more: What to do in Washington DC
7.) Seattle
Seattle is one of those west coast cities that I always love visiting.
Now, being a north-west coast city, the weather can be slightly unpredictable but don’t let that put a dampener on your trip, it’s easily one of the fun cities in the US to explore whatever the weather may throw!
Once here, make sure to pop over to Pike Place Market to grab some chowder (at Pike Place Chowder) and see the stunning Dale Chihuly Gardens that’s right next door to the Space Needle. Oh, and take the boat over to Bainbridge Island… It’s totally gorgeous.
For coffee, obviously Seattle is home to Starbucks, but if you fancy a smaller establishment, pop over to Elm Coffee Roasters, a quirky independent coffee house for one of the best brews.
Read more on what to do in Seattle
8.) Fort Lauderdale
Only around 45-minutes from Miami, Fort Lauderdale is a little quieter than it’s big brother but still one of the fun cities in the US to explore.
After all, it’s not the size of the city that makes it fun.
Once here, pop over to explore the history of Bonnet House, chillout on Las Olas Beach and take the water taxi through the city canals.
Afterwards, head over to Louie Bossi’s for some of the best Italian food we had in Fort Lauderdale. Just remember, it does get pretty busy here, so book your table in advance.
Read more: What to do in Fort Lauderdale
9.) San Antonio
San Antonio is a gorgeous Texan city that’s nestled in the southern-central area of this vast state.
Once here, make sure to check out the Alamo, with all its history and significance, wander across the River Walk (which we found is a great spot for lunch) and visit Mission San Jose.
After all, that history, pop over to Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling for a hearty brew and finish off your day at Pollos Asados Los Nortenos.
They serve up some of the best Mexican food in the city.
Read more: Best things to do in San Antonio
10.) Missoula
Missoula is a pretty small city in western Montana, but don’t let that fool you! It’s certainly one of the fun cities in the US to explore, especially if you’re a nature lover too. It’s the perfect city to use as a base whilst exploring the wider region and areas like Lolo and Flathead National Forest.
Best of all, Missoula is an all-season city, there are loads of skiing and winter sports to do in the winter but the so many trails and biking routes to explore in Summer. You’ll love it
Once here, make sure to explore Garnet Ghost Town, visit the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and dine at Plonk. They have the tastiest food and epic wine reserves.
11.) Memphis
Around a 2-3 hour drive from Nashville, Memphis is another one of Tennessee’s cities that are filled to the brim with stuff to do. Now, there are loads of things that make Memphis one of the most fun cities in the US to visit, with my favourite being the Peabody Rooftop Parties.
Usually hosted over the summer, head to the Peabody Hotel and watch the sunset with southern cocktails, live music and one of the coolest dance floors in the city. It’s so much fun.
After all that partying, head over to Graceland to explore the home of Elvis, gorge at the Beauty Shop Cafe and visit the Lorraine Hotel. Afterwards, pop over to Gus’s Fried Chicken; it’s so delicious.
Read more: Very best things to do in Memphis
12.) Honolulu
Mountainous backdrops, rolling waves and some pretty epic beaches make up the island of Oahu – with the capital city, Honolulu being one of the most fun cities in the US to spend some time.
Once here, visit Pearl Harbour, head to the Lyon Arboretum to explore the botanical gardens and head down to the local farmers market to enjoy lunch on the go. It also goes without saying that you should book a crafty surf lesson on Waikiki Beach.
Also, don’t forget to visit the Diamon Head State Monument, hike to Manoa Falls and gorge at South Shore Grill. They serve up the best fish tacos in all of Oahu!
13.) San Jose
Just shy of San Francisco, San Jose is one of the fun cities in the US that can often be overlooked due to its bigger neighbour.
Once here, make sure to hike around the Los Gatos Creek Trail, have a tipple at the J. Lohr Vineyards and explore the Willow Glen neighbourhood (which is petty quaint).
Once here, make sure to pop in the cute vintage shops and little antique stalls that line the street.
Also, if you’re hankering for a sweet treat, pop into Willow Glen Sweet Shoppe that’s like a Willy Wonka world of sugar.
Read more: Best things to do in San Jose
14.) Boston
The East Coast city of Boston is one of the oldest and up there as one of the fun cities in the US to explore. We spent about 5 days exploring Boston and to be honest, we could have done with longer.
Once you arrive, make sure to take a stroll across the Freedom Trail and see the historical sites along the way. Afterwards, pop over to the quaint Back Bay neighbourhood for a spot of antique shopping and visit the Museum of Fine Arts for some culture.
If you’re feeling peckish, head over to Mike & Patty’s, they conjure up some of the best deep-filled sandwiches in the city!
Once here, make sure to try their ‘baller’ sandwich… it’s so good!
Read more on what to do in Boston, here
15.) New York City
NYC has to be one of the most fun cities in the US to visit! After all, a global city like the Big Apple has literally everything you could ever want (or find).
Once here, check out the views (at sunset) from the Top of the Rock, explore the secret spots in NYC (that are hidden all across the city) and gorge on New York’s best doughnuts!
Now, there are far too many things to mention in one post on all the fun things to do in NYC, but we’ve created a few posts that’ll hopefully get you on your way to explore some of the best parts of Manhattan and the surrounding districts.
16.) Dallas
Think Dallas, and you automatically think of beer, cowboys and cheerleaders (well, for me at least). But, Dallas has a whole heap more to offer than just these and it easily ranks as one of the most fun cities in the US to enjoy.
Once here, make sure to explore the Dallas Botanical Gardens, take a history class on J.F.K at the Sixth Floor Museum and for your culture fix, check out local art at the Valley House Gallery.
If you’re looking for something more yummy, pop into Lockhart Smokehouse (on West Davis) – it’s the kinda spot where you eat with your hands and leave with the fullest tummy!
Read more: Best things to do in Dallas
17.) Burlington
Burlington, in Vermont, is famously known for being home to a whole host of breweries. This alone makes it one of the most fun cities in the US to visit; provided you’re of legal age and love a good beer.
Not to worry if not, there’s so much more to Burlington than just beers. Once here, make sure to explore the Farmer’s Market, where you can gorge right from the stalls.
Oh, and don’t forget to explore North Flynn Park and gorge at the Penny Cluse Cafe (which has the most delicious braised beef tacos and Vermont Apple Cider).
Read more: Best places to visit in Vermont
18.) Miami
Look, Miami isn’t just about Spring Break partying or drinking until the wee hours. It’s there if you want it, but there are so many fun things to do in the city that don’t just involve the nightlife.
Once here, make sure to explore South Beach, Ocean Drive, the Vizcaya Museum and the colourful neighbourhood of Wynwood too.
That being said, if you’ve got some more time, pop over to the Little Havana neighbourhood for some of the best live music at the Ball & Chain.
Read more: Fun things to do in Miami
19.) Las Vegas
It’s funny, Las Vegas seems to be either loved or loathed. It’s one of those cities that can divide opinions quite easily. Yes, it can be tacky, larger than life and totally extra, but don’t let that put you off.
Take Las Vegas for what it is and I promise you’ll find it one of the fun cities in the US to experience.
Once here, make sure to explore the strip itself, ride the rollercoaster on the Stratosphere Tower and try your hand at the slots too.
That being said, Las Vegas doesn’t have to be just about gambling or the famous Las Vegas Strip. Head out of the city to explore the nearby Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam and Death Valley. Each of these areas is a few hours from the city itself and easy to visit.
We stayed at the Bellagio whilst here and totally loved it! They have an epic Dale Chihuly art piece in the lobby that you shouldn’t miss.
Read more: Best things to do in Las Vegas
20.) Portland
Portland, to me, feels really creative and is one of the more fun cities in the US to visit.
Once here, make sure to explore Washington Park, explore the Grotto and visit Pittock Mansion. If those don’t immediately take your fancy, pop out of the city to explore Share Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge.
Just remember to pack your hiking shoes.
Read more: Best things to do in Portland
21.) Pensacola
Pensacola might not immediately spring out as one of the fun cities in the US to explore, but don’t be fooled… you’ll have an epic time here.
Once you’ve arrived, make sure to spend some time on the beautiful white sandy beaches, see Santa Rosa Island and explore Fort Barrancas. Oh, and don’t forget to spot the massive beach ball that towers over the coastline.
The city and shoreline definitely worth a visit if you’re travelling between Florida and New Orleans (like we did) on your American road trip.
Read More: Best things to do in Pensacola, Florida
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