10 Most Beautiful Cities in the United States I How Many Have You Visited?

This was not an easy article to write. It is tough to pick the most beautiful cities in the United States - there were so many candidates.

However, I have done my best but I am keen for feedback if I missed your favorite - the beauty of the internet is that posts can always be updated.

All of these cities have much to offer. However, in the interest of brevity and the theme of this post I have chosen to focus on some of their most beautiful attractions.

Photo byTerry GrangeronUnsplash

1. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Until I visited Philadelphia I had never registered that this is really where the United States of America happened.

The founding fathers met here, the declaration of independence was signed here, the first US Presidential Residence was here, the first American Flag was created here (more of that to come) - there are firsts everywhere in Philadelphia.

And with those firsts come photo opportunities! Not only does Philadelphia supply many did you know-interesting-quirky stories for a good Instagram caption, but it also serves up art, food, views and more to create a highly photogenic city.

The Mural Arts program has been running for over 30 years and over 15,000 residents and visitors see this outdoor art gallery via their fantastic tours each year. The works in the Mural Arts Program are stunning.

South Philadelphia is home to a different type of street art. Isaiah Zagar is a local award-winning mosaic artist who has works on over 200 public walls in Philadelphia. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Zagar started working on applying his art to public spaces in 1991.

Zagar thas a non-profit gallery/museum that is in his largest public artwork - Philadelphia's Magic Gardens - plus his artworks are thoughout the area.

The 57th floor of One Liberty or Philly from the Top has an observation deck that is open 365 days a year. This view is 360 degrees of the city and includes everything except, of course, the building itself.

Philadelphia spends a lot on art—or it has spent a lot on art through required expenditure levels by developers. This means that quirky sculptures, like a giant clothespin, to figures of national historical significance, appear on most corners.

Elfreth's Alley claims to be the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in America. Elfreth's Alley is extremely cute and photogenic with its red brick buildings and colorful doors.

Antique Row is on Pine Street between 13th and 10th is a range of extremely photogenic red brick buildings with walk up stairs and colourful doors - as well as some cute cafes for coffee stops in between shots.

The fantastic Reading Terminal Market is one of the top tourist attractions in Philadelphia for good reason. It is an essential stop on any visit to Philadelphia - head there when you are hungry.

2. Charleston, South Carolina

Lovely Charleston is the largest city in the state of South Carolina. The city is home to some beautiful architecture, a lovely waterfront park for strolling and it is close to beaches.

Waterfront Park runs along the Cooper River and is filled with beautiful gardens, stunning scenery and lovely fountains.

The city's architecture dates back to the early 1800s, pre Civil War. Mansions in the Battery are historic and beautiful buildings are scattered through the scenic downtown area.

But Charleston isn't just about its good looks. It has an outstanding restaurant scene and is famed for its seafood. Plus there are some fantastic outdoor bars for pre and post dinner drinks.

In 2016 Travel and Leisure ranked Charleston as the best place to live in the world. In 2019 the magazine also ranked Charleston as the best place to live in the USA for the 4th year in a row.

3. Savannah, Georgia

Like Charleston, Savannah is a historic city. Lovely Forsyth Park, in the historic district, dates back to the 1840s. Don't miss its famous fountain and a walk through the fragrant garden.

Cobblestones meet water on River Street, which runs alongside the Savannah River. For more water, head to Tybee Island, Savannah's beach. There are three miles of sandy beaches and some great places to enjoy local seafood.

A trolley tour is a great way to explore Savannah's historic past. Don't miss the iconic Cathedral Basilica of St John the Baptist, one of Savannah's most photographed landmarks.

If you're visiting Savannah in spring head to Bonaventure Cemetery to see the azaleas and explore the 100 acres of this Victoria cemetery.

4. San Diego, California

San Diego boasts near-perfect weather all year round, plus an amazing 70 miles of beautiful coastline. The city offers urban, coastal and inland neighborhoods.

The perfect place to begin admiring this beautiful US city is a drive along Highway 101 also known as the Pacific Coast Highway. This road takes drivers from San Diego all the way to Oceanside. (California is a great place to take an iconic road trip).

Highlights along the way include stopping for a hike in Torrey Pines State Reserve, Cardiff by the Sea and its market, the Meditation Gardens in Encinitas and the pier at North Oceanside.

When you're back in San Diego head over to the lovely Balboa Park and explore its 1200 acres. Explore the historic old town and do some market shopping.

The Flower Fields is just 30 minutes from San Diego, a great stop all year round but a must-see in the Spring. As is the old wooden Scripps Pier at La Jolla beach.

Of course, no trip to San Diego would be complete without a visit to its world famous zoo.

5. Annapolis Maryland

Annapolis is Maryland's capital and sits on Chesapeake Bay. It is known as the Sailing Capital of the USA and is the home of the US Naval Academy. Indeed, the Naval Academy Museum has a beautiful domed chapel.

If you're looking for some stunning boats, head down to Ego Alley, a narrow strip of waterway in the middle of the historic district and some of the most expensive real estate for boat storage.

The lovely Maryland State House was built in 1772 and is the oldest state house oldest state house still in use in the USA. The Treaty of Paris was signed here to end the Revolutionary War and this is where George Washington resigned from his post as commander of the Continental Army.

William Paca House and Gardens have lovely manicured grounds as well as the historic house. Then visit the colourful houses of Annapolis' Historic District.

A boat tour of Chesapeake Bay is the perfect way to finish a visit to this beautiful US city.

6. Honolulu Hawaii

Hawaii's capital consists of Waikiki, Downtown and Pearl Harbour. Waikiki and its famous beach take up nearly half a square mile. That beautiful beach is surrounded by a pretty dense build up of shops and restaurants.

For amazing views brave the hike up to the top of Diamond Head in the east of Waikiki. The trail is less than a mile long but steep. At the top is a lighthouse and some amazing vistas.

Head away from the crowds to Hanauma Bay. This natural bay is in the crater of an old volcano. Visitor numbers are limited each day so make sure you book ahead.

If that sounds like an easy morning then you might want to consider taking on the 1050 steps of the Koko Crater Railway Trail. The path was once an actual railroad that carried military supplies and personnel.

If that sounds like more than you're up for then check out the Koko Crater Botanical Garden - this requires no climbing!

Finally, take a dip in a waterfall at the Lyon Arboretum. This 194-acre garden is in a rain forest and has a large range of plants. Once you've explored the arboretum, follow the path from the entrance to 150 foot Manoa Falls and jump in.

7. San Francisco California

With an ocean, rolling hills, and the stunning landmark that is the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in the United States and a personal favorite - I think I have visited at least 5 times.

The last time I visited, I stayed at the gorgeous Inn at the Presidio. This is a fantastic boutique hotel and a great place to explore the Presidio's greenery.

There are multiple ways to experience the Golden Gate Bridge. My personal favourite is to hire a bike and cycle over it to Sausalito for lunch but you can also walk or of course drive over it.

For a prison, Alcatraz Island is actually very scenic as is the ferry trip to reach the island. Fisherman's Wharf is a major tourist attraction but it can be quite scenic particularly when the seals are acting up.

San Francisco's cable cars are extremely cute and well worth a journey. Take one to the Ferry Building for one of the most unique dining experiences in San Francisco.

The Twin Peaks are one of the best places to watch the sunset over San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. These two hills are over 900 feet high but that doesn't make them the highest of San Francisco's 43 hills.

8. St Petersburg Florida

If you're seeking sun then St Petersburg Florida is the beautiful US city for you - it is very well known for its constant sunshine. St Petersburg is between Tampa Bay and Boca Ciega Bay and is connected by a two-mile-long causeway to Clearwater.

The Dali Museum in St Petersburg is a fantastic building on the outside plus contains more than 2,000 of Dali's work inside.

Fort de Soto Park takes in five different keys and has many trails, a beach for swimming, hiking, biking and camping (if you're into that kind of thing). Sand Key Park also has a great beach and is particularly brilliant for bird watching.

Clearwater Beach is famous for being one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. There are literally miles of beautiful white sands plus a promenade and pier.

And for colourful and tropical fauna head to the Sunken Gardens.

9. San Antonio, Texas

Cute little San Antonio has far more charm than Dallas and Houston in my opinion. I actually lived there for a year when I was a teenager - which was quite some time ago.

The heart of San Antonio Texas is the beautiful riverwalk. It is literally as promised - a lovely stone walkway along the San Antonio River that has some great restaurants. Go for a stroll or hop on a riverboat or better do both.

San Antonio's most historic site is The Alamo. I happened to live in San Antonio when I was in Year 7 and it was mandatory to take Texas History so I learned a lot about the Alamo.

The 1836 Battle of the Alamo is one of the most famous battles in US History. The Mexican Army, which came with 3,000 troops, killed all of the small group of defenders. The "Remember the Alamo" war cry is still famous in Texas today.

The San Antonio Missions were named a UNESCO Historic Site in 2015. There are five missions, and biking between them is a great day out. The distance is about a 16-mile return trip.

The Pearl District is where to go for the latest food trends, including its farmers market. For something different, head to the Japanese Tea Garden.

10. Portland, Oregon

Portland is where hipster culture started but Oregon's largest city is also very pretty. As the city straddles the Willamette River there are many scenic opportunities.

Washington Park is home to the International Rose Test Garden, museums, the Hoyt Arboretum, and the zoo. A second rose garden, the Portland Japanese Garden, is on the grounds of an old zoo.

Portland also has a Chinese garden. Lan Su Chinese Garden only opened in 2000 but covers 40,000 square feet in central Portland. Check out the tea house and the special events calendar.

Forest Park is located west of the city and covers more than 5,000 acres. It has more than 80 miles of hiking and walking trails.

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden contains waterfalls, ponds, azaleas, magnolias, Japanese dogwood and of course Rhododendrons. It is at its most spectacular in the Spring.

The Portland Art Museum is the oldest museum in the Pacific Northwest and home to more than 50,000 items in a beautiful building.

One of the most popular day trips from Portland is to visit the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The Columbia River marks the border between Oregon and Washington State.